Abstract:
A food air barrier device is provided. The food air barrier device can include a base that supports food items. An intake duct is provided that from or within the base. The intake duct includes an opening and defines a flow path through which air flows. A fan is positioned adjacent to the opening for drawing air into the intake duct. Air flows through the intake duct and into at least one air duct. The at least one air duct receives air from the intake duct. Air flows at a sufficient velocity to exit the air duct and form an air barrier. The air barrier surrounds the base, such that food items within the base are enveloped by the air barrier. Insects and debris are prevented from passing through the air barrier, thus protecting the food items from unwanted articles.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/346,552, filed on May 20, 2010, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to food protection, and more particularly to an air barrier device for keeping unwanted articles away from food. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Articles, such as insects, debris, and the like, may come into contact with food items while the food items are displayed indoors or outdoors, such as at barbeques, picnics, catered events, etc. Conventional methods of keeping unwanted articles from contaminating displayed food include covering the food items with cellophane, aluminum foil, etc. However, it is inconvenient and costly to repeatedly uncover and re-cover displayed food items in order to keep away the unwanted articles. Moreover, insects may come into contact with the food items even while the food is briefly uncovered. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The following presents a simplified summary of an example embodiment of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the embodiments. Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the embodiments nor delineate the scope of the embodiments. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts of the embodiments in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0005]    In accordance with one aspect, an air barrier device is provided and includes: an intake duct including an opening; a fan positioned in fluid communication with the intake duct; and at least one air duct positioned downstream from the fan and in fluid communication with the intake duct, wherein the at least one air duct is configured to receive air from the intake duct; wherein air is configured to exit the intake duct at a velocity to form an air barrier, and wherein the velocity of the air barrier is sufficient to mitigate insects and debris from penetrating the air barrier. 
         [0006]    In accordance with another aspect, an air barrier device is provided. The air barrier device includes: an intake duct including an opening; at least one fan positioned adjacent to the opening in the intake duct, the at least one fan configured to draw air into the intake duct; and a diffusion structure attached to the intake duct, the diffusion structure including at least one air duct in fluid communication with the intake duct; wherein the diffusion structure is configured such that air from the at least one air duct can exit at a sufficient velocity to form an air barrier. 
         [0007]    In accordance with another aspect an air barrier device is provided. The air barrier device includes: a base configured to support food items; an intake duct extending from the base, the intake duct including an opening; and a diffusion structure attached to the intake duct, the diffusion structure including at least one air duct in fluid communication with the intake duct; wherein air is configured to exit the intake duct at a velocity to form an air barrier, further wherein the air barrier is configured to substantially surround the base. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an example food air barrier device; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a second example food air barrier device; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates a bottom plan view of the second example food air barrier device; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front elevation view of a third example food air barrier device; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top plan view of the third example food air barrier device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present invention are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present embodiments. For example, one or more aspects of the present embodiments can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present embodiments. 
         [0015]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , an example air barrier device  10  is shown. The air barrier device  10  may include a base  12 , an intake duct  14 , and a diffusion structure  16 . Food items  18  can be placed on the base  12 . The air barrier device  10  can produce an air barrier  20  substantially surrounding the base  12 . The air barrier  20  can substantially surround the base  12  and/or the food items  18 , such that the air barrier  20  forms a wall or barrier of air. Air flow deters flies from crossing the air stream and entering higher velocity air. Specifically, insects have insufficient wing power to control flight in high air flow. Moreover, insects cannot detect the width of air streams, and can only detect an increased air velocity. Therefore, when insects approach displayed food items, they will encounter the air barriers, but are unable to fly through them. As such, the insects are forced to turn away, thus protecting the food. Accordingly, the air barrier  20  operates to mitigate insects, debris, and the like from crossing the barrier to reach the food items  18 . 
         [0016]    The base  12  is shown as a substantially planar surface on which items, such as food items  18 , can be placed. The base  12  can include a variety of different sizes, and is not limited to the size or shape in the shown example. For instance, the base  12  could be circular with a larger diameter, or could be square, rectangular, or the like. In a further example, the air barrier device  10  may not include the base  12 , such that the food items can rest directly on a surface, such as a plate, or the like. As will be described in more detail below, the base  12  can include an opening formed therein to cooperate with the intake duct  14 . 
         [0017]    In the present example, the intake duct  14  is shown as being positioned near a center of the air barrier device  10 . However it is to be appreciated that the intake duct  14  can be positioned at a variety of locations as desired and/or depending upon the configuration of the air barrier device  10 . For instance, the intake duct  14  could be positioned offset from the center. The intake duct  14  has a first end and a second end, such that the first end is coupled to the diffusion structure  16  and the second end is coupled to the base  12 . The intake duct  14  can extend in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the diffusion structure  16  and the base  12 . The intake duct  14  may have a hollow center, thereby allowing air to pass through the base  12 , into the intake duct  14 , and to the diffusion structure  16 . The intake duct  14  may include an opening  13  positioned adjacent to the base  12 . Accordingly, the intake duct is in fluid communication with the base via opening  13  and with the diffusion structure  16 . In a further example, the intake duct  14  may include one or more additional openings positioned along the length of the intake duct  14 , such that air is not limited to entering the intake duct  14  through the base  12 . In such an example, air can enter the intake duct  14  at a variety of locations along the length of the intake duct  14 . It is to be understood that the air barrier device  10  is not limited to a single intake duct  14 , as shown in the example, and in further examples, the air barrier device  10  may include a plurality of diffusion structures attached to the base  12 . Some or all of the plurality of diffusion structures may have openings, holes, or the like to allow for the passage of air from the environment and into the diffusion structures. 
         [0018]    One or more fans  15  can cooperate with the intake duct  14 . For instance, in the shown example, a fan is positioned within the hollow center of the intake duct  14  adjacent to and in close proximity to the opening  13 .  FIG. 1  merely shows a cutout portion of the intake duct  14  to illustrate an example of the fan positioning. The one or more fans  15  may be positioned at a variety of locations within and/or near the intake duct  14 , and are not limited to what is shown in  FIG. 1 . In one example, the one or more fans  15  can be positioned at an end of the intake duct  14  near the base  12 . Similarly, in other examples, the one or more fans  15  could be positioned nearly anywhere along the length of the intake duct  14 . The one or more fans  15  can include a fan blade that rotates to draw air into the intake duct  14 . It is to be understood that the air barrier device  10  can include a number of different structures that function to draw air into the intake duct  14 , and is not limited to the one or more fans  15  described herein. Similarly, the one or more fans  15  may include multiple fans, such as a fan positioned near the opening  13  of the intake duct  14 , and another fan or fans positioned downstream from the fan along the intake duct  14 . As such, some fans may function to draw air into the intake duct  14  while other fans may function to propel air either through and/or out of the intake duct  14 . 
         [0019]    The diffusion structure  16  can be attached to an end of the intake duct at a position opposite from the base  12 . In  FIG. 1 , the diffusion structure  16  is shown to be a slightly curved structure having a top surface and a bottom surface. It is to be understood that the diffusion structure  16  can include a number of varying sizes and shapes. For instance, the diffusion structure  16  could include one or more flat, planar surfaces, similar to the base  12 . Similarly, the diffusion structure  16  could be square, circular, rectangular, or the like. In further examples, the air barrier device  10  may even include multiple diffusion structures  16  that can be attached, such as in a side-to-side configuration. 
         [0020]    The diffusion structure  16  may include one or more air ducts  22  formed within. The one or more air ducts  22  can be in fluid communication with the intake duct  14  and may extend from the intake duct  14  at one end (e.g., inlet end) towards an edge of the diffusion structure  16  at an opposite end (e.g., exit end). The air ducts  22  can be open near the edge of the diffusion structure  16  to allow air to flow through and exit the diffusion structure  16 . The one or more air ducts  22  can include a hollow pipe, tube, cylinder, conduit, or the like that defines a flow path for air to travel. Thus, air can enter the intake duct  14  under the influence of the one or more fans  15 , pass through the intake duct  14  to the one or more air ducts  22  in the diffusion structure  16 , and can exit the one or more air ducts  22  near the edge of the diffusion structure  16 . The one or more fans can be rotated at a sufficient speed to force the air through the one or more air ducts  22 . In a further example, some or all of the air ducts  22  could each include one or more fans. As such, the one or more fans can propel air through the air ducts  22  towards the exit end, such that the air can exit the exit end at a certain velocity. The air ducts  22  can further include flow directing devices (not shown), such as nozzles, or the like, such that the air exiting the air ducts  22  can be controlled to flow in a certain direction. 
         [0021]    The one or more air ducts  22  are shown to have an exit portion situated near an outer perimeter edge of the diffusion structure  16 . In further examples, the one or more air ducts  22  could include exit portions positioned at varying locations along the diffusion structure  16 . For instance, some of the air ducts  22  could have exit portions at the edge of the diffusion structure  16 . Remaining air ducts  22  can have exit portions position positioned a certain distance from a center of the diffusion structure  16 , such that the remaining air ducts  22  have exit portions positioned somewhere between the edge and center of the diffusion structure  16 . In such an example, two air barriers can be formed. It is to be understood that exits of the air ducts  22  can be arranged such that any number of air barriers can be formed, and the different configurations are not limited to the examples shown and described herein. 
         [0022]    The operation of the air barrier device  10  in  FIG. 1  can now be described. Food items  18  can be placed on the base  12 . Air can be drawn into the intake duct  14  through the opening  13  under the influence of the one or more fans  15 . The air within the intake duct  14  can be directed upwards along the intake duct  14  towards the diffusion structure  16 . The air can exit the intake duct  14  and enter the one or more air ducts  22  within the diffusion structure  16 . The one or more air ducts  22  can define a flow path from the intake duct  14  to an exit end of the one or more air ducts  22 . Air can flow through the one or more air ducts  22  and exit the ducts, thus forming an air barrier  20 . Air exiting the one or more air ducts  22  in the diffusion structure  16  is designed to travel at a minimum velocity such that the air can form an air barrier  20  surrounding the food items  18 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the air barrier  20  can extend from the diffusion structure  16  at a top portion to the base  12  at a bottom portion. It is understood that the air barrier  20  may form a variety of shapes and configurations, depending on factors such as the amount of food to be protected, the diameter of the base  12 , the width of the diffusion structure  16 , etc. The flow directing devices can be adjusted, such as by rotating and/or pivoting the flow directing devices, such that the shape of the air barrier  20  can be altered. For instance, in the shown example, the air exiting the diffusion structure  16  forms an air barrier  20  that is substantially conical. However, the air barrier  20  may also be substantially vertical, substantially horizontal, or may form a wider cone. A user can reach through the air barrier  20  to access the food items  18  while insects, debris, or the like are prevented from passing through the air barrier  20  to the food items  18 . 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a second example of the air barrier device  110  is shown. In this example, the air barrier device  110  can include a base  112 , an intake duct  114 , and a diffusion structure  116 . As with the example shown in  FIG. 1 , food items  118  can be placed on the base  112  within an air barrier  120 . The air barrier device  110  can provide the air barrier  120  that substantially surrounds the base  112 . As such, the air barrier  120  can cover the food items  118  and keep insects, debris, etc. away from the items. 
         [0024]    As with the previous example, the base  112  is shown as a substantially planar surface on which items, such as food items  118 , can be placed. The base  112  can include a variety of different sizes, and is not limited to the size or shape in the shown example. For instance, the base  112  is shown to be substantially rectangular, but could also be square, circular, etc. In further examples, the air barrier device  110  may not include the base. Instead, the air barrier device  110  may be a freestanding structure with food items placed underneath. 
         [0025]    The air barrier device  110  can include one or more support structures  117 . The one or more support structures  117  can extend between the base  112  at one end and the diffusion structure  116  at an opposite end. In the shown example, there are two support structures, however more or fewer support structures  117  are contemplated. The one or more support structures  117  are shown to extend substantially perpendicularly with respect to the base  112  and the diffusion structure  116 . However, it is to be understood that other angles and orientations are contemplated. The one or more support structures  117  can each be attached to the base  112  at one end and to the diffusion structure  116  at an opposing end. As such, the one or more support structures  117  can support the diffusion structure  116  with respect to the base  112 . The one or more support structures  117  are shown to be rectangular structures, however, various shapes and sizes are envisioned. For instance, the one or more support structures  117  could be triangularly shaped, or could be shaped as a pole, tube, or the like. The one or more support structures  117  are spaced apart from each other to define a gap therebetween. The gap between the support structures  117  can take on a number of different widths and, as such, the spacing between the support structures  117  in the shown example is not intended to be limiting. 
         [0026]    The air barrier device  110  can further include the intake duct  114 . The intake duct  114  can define a flow path for the passage of air from an exterior location, such as the environment, to the interior of the intake duct  114 . The intake duct  114  is shown to extend substantially perpendicularly with respect to the base  112  and the diffusion structure  116 . The intake duct  114  may extend partially or completely between the base  112  and the diffusion structure  116 . The intake duct  114  is shown to extend about halfway down from the diffusion structure  116 , such that a gap exists between a bottom surface of the intake duct  114  and the base  112 . It is to be understood, however, that the intake duct  114  could extend a longer distance to be in closer proximity to the base  112 , or the like. For instance, the intake duct  114  can extend to be in contact with the base  112 , such that the base  112  can include openings, holes, slots, or the like through which air can be drawn. The intake duct  114  can be supported on opposing sides by the support structures  117 , such that the intake duct  114  is positioned within the gap between the support structures  117 . Specifically, the intake duct  114  can be attached to the support structures  117 , such as by an adhesive, screw, snap fit means, or the like, and/or could be formed integrally with one or both of the support structures  117 . The intake duct  114  is shown to extend substantially perpendicularly with respect to the support structures  117 , however, other angles are contemplated. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a bottom view of the air barrier device  110  is shown without the base  112 . Air can be drawn into the intake duct  114 . The intake duct  114  can include one or more openings  119  at a bottom surface. Air can enter the one or more openings  119  and pass through the intake duct  114 . The one or more openings  119  are not limited to the location in the shown example, and can be positioned at a variety of locations throughout the intake duct  114 . For instance, in addition or in the alternative, the one or more openings  119  can be positioned on side walls of the intake duct  114 , or the like. 
         [0028]    The intake duct  114  may include one or more fans  115  positioned within the intake duct  114 . The one or more fans  115  can rotate to draw air into the intake duct  114 . In the shown example of  FIG. 3 , there are three fans, however more or fewer fans are contemplated. As shown, the fans can be positioned in a parallel and planar configuration, such that the fans can extend side-by-side in a row. As with the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the one or more fans  115  can be positioned at a variety of locations within the intake duct  114 . In the shown example, the one or more fans  115  are positioned near the one or more openings  119 , however, it is to be understood that the one or more fans could be positioned closer to the diffusion structure  116 . As with the example shown in  FIG. 1 , multiple fans may be oriented in series in the intake duct  114 . As such, some fans may function to draw air into the intake duct  114  while other fans may function to propel air either through and/or out of the intake duct  114 . 
         [0029]    As shown, the intake duct  114  can be attached to the diffusion structure  116  at a position opposite from the base  112 . The diffusion structure  116  can function similarly or identically to the diffusion structure  16  shown and described with respect to  FIG. 1 . As with the previous diffusion structure  16 , the diffusion structure  116  in  FIG. 2  can be parallel to the base  112 . As with the previous example, the diffusion structure  116  may include one or more air ducts  122  in fluid communication with the intake duct  114 . The air ducts  122  may extend from the intake duct  114  at one end (i.e., inlet end) towards an edge of the diffusion structure  116  at an opposite end (i.e., exit end). The air ducts  122  can define an opening at an exit end near the edge of the diffusion structure  116  to allow air to flow through and exit the diffusion structure  116 . The air ducts  122  are shown to be positioned at an edge of the diffusion structure  116 , however, it is to be understood that the air ducts  122  could be positioned at a variety of locations, such as a bottom surface of the diffusion structure  116 , or the like. The air ducts  122  can include a hollow pipe, tube, cylinder, conduit, or the like that defines a flow path for air to travel. In one example, some or all of the air ducts  122  could each include one or more fans. As such, the one or more fans can propel air through the air ducts  122  towards the exit end, such that the air can exit the exit end at a certain velocity. The air ducts  122  can further include flow directing devices (not shown), such as nozzles, such that the air exiting the air ducts  122  can be directed in a certain direction. 
         [0030]    The operation of the air barrier device  110  in  FIGS. 2 and 3  can now be described. Food items  118  can be placed on the base  112 . Air can enter the intake duct  114  under the influence of the one or more fans  115 . The one or more fans  115  are rotated at a sufficient speed to force the air through the intake duct  114  to the air ducts  122 . The air can pass through the intake duct  114  to the air ducts  122  in the diffusion structure  116 . The air can then exit the air ducts  122  near the edge of the diffusion structure  116 . Air exiting the air ducts  122  in the diffusion structure  116  is designed to travel at a minimum velocity such that the air can form an air barrier surrounding the food items  118 . The air barrier  120  may extend from the diffusion structure  116  to the base  112 . It is understood that the air barrier may form a variety of shapes and configurations, depending on factors such as the amount of food to be protected, the diameter of the base  112 , the width of the diffusion structure  116 , etc. The flow directing devices can be adjusted, such as by rotating and/or pivoting the flow directing devices, such that the shape of the air barrier  120  can be altered. For instance, the air exiting the diffusion structure  116  can form a substantially conical air barrier. However, the air barrier  120  may also be substantially vertical, substantially horizontal, or may form a wider cone. A user can reach through the air barrier to access the food items  118  while insects, debris, or the like are prevented from passing through the air barrier. 
         [0031]    It is to be understood that the example shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3  can include some or all of the features from the example shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . As such, the air barrier device  110  shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3  can include features described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . Similarly, alternate examples, sizes, shapes, configurations, and the like shown and described with respect to  FIG. 1  can similarly be incorporated into the air barrier device  110  shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a third example of an air barrier device  30  is shown. In this example, the air barrier device  30  may be formed as part of a serving dish. It is to be understood, however, that any type of food surface is contemplated, including, but not limited to, a plate, bowl, serving tray, chafing dish, etc. The air barrier device  30  can form an air barrier  36  that substantially surrounds food items  38 . 
         [0033]    The air barrier device  30  can include a base  31 . The base  31  can hold and/or store food items  38 . The base  31  can include a serving dish, as shown, or nearly any other type of food surface. The base  31  can define an interior portion into which the food items  38  can be placed. The interior portion can include a bowl shaped recess, or could be a substantially flat surface. While shown as a substantially rectangular structure, the base  31  can include a variety of different shapes and sizes, and is not limited to the structure shown and described herein. 
         [0034]    The air barrier device  30  may further include an opening  32 . The opening  32  is shown to be positioned underneath the air barrier device  30 , however other locations are contemplated. For instance, the opening  32  could be positioned at a variety of locations along the bottom surface of the air barrier device  30 . Similarly, the opening  32  could be positioned on a side wall of the air barrier device  30 . One or a plurality of openings could be included with the air barrier device  30 , such that the structure and location of the opening  32  is not limited to the shown example. 
         [0035]    The air barrier device  30  may include one or more fans  15 . The one or more fans  15  may be positioned near or adjacent to the opening  32 . The one or more fans  15  can be similar to and/or identical to the fans shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 . The one or more fans  15  can include a blade portion that rotates to draw air into the opening  32 . It is to be understood that any number of air moving devices are contemplated, and the examples shown and described herein are not limited to the structure of the one or more fans  15 . For instance, the one or more fans  15  are shown to be positioned adjacent to the opening  32 , however, the one or more fans  15  could be positioned downstream from such a location. 
         [0036]    The air barrier device  30  can include an intake duct  37  that defines a flow path from the opening  32  through which air can flow. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the one or more fans  15  can be positioned within the intake duct  37 . As such, air can flow from the opening  32  and along the intake duct  37 . The intake duct  37  can be positioned within the structure of the air barrier device  30 , such that the intake duct  37  is not visible to a user. The intake duct  37  can define a substantially hollow passageway through which air can travel. 
         [0037]    The air barrier device  30  may further include one or more air ducts  34 . The one or more air ducts  34  can be in fluid communication with the intake duct  37 , such that air can flow from the opening  32 , along the intake duct  37 , and to the one or more air ducts  34 . The one or more air ducts  34  can be positioned along a diffusion structure  39 , such as an edge, of the air barrier device  30 . The one or more air ducts  34  can extend partially or completely along each edge of the air barrier device  30 . For instance, in the shown example, the one or more air ducts  34  extend between opposing corners of the air barrier device  30 , but do not extend completely to the corners. As shown, the one or more air ducts  34  substantially surround an outer perimeter of the base  31 . In a further example, the one or more air ducts  34  can extend completely to the corners, such that the one or more air ducts  34  extend substantially completely around the edge of the air barrier device  30 . 
         [0038]    Air drawn into the opening  32  can pass through the air ducts  34  to form a pyramid shaped air barrier  36  covering the food items  38 . The one or more fans  15  are rotated at a sufficient speed to force air through the air ducts  34  to form the air barrier  36 . While the air barrier  36  is shown to be a pyramid shape, it is to be understood that the shape can be customized. For instance, instead of a pyramid shape, the air ducts  34  can eject air at a substantially horizontal angle, such that a flat air barrier  36  is formed over the air barrier device  30 . Similarly, other pyramid shapes can be formed depending on the trajectory of the air exiting the air ducts  34 . As with the examples described above, the air barrier device  30  may be powered by either batteries or household power. 
         [0039]    The air barrier device  30  may be placed on a support structure  40  allowing for a steady stream of air underneath the air barrier device  30  to be drawn into the opening  32 . The support structure  40  in  FIG. 4  is only generally shown, and any number of structures can be provided that act to raise the air barrier device  30  above the ground. In an alternate example, if the opening  32  is positioned on side walls of the air barrier device  30 , the support structure  40  may not be needed since air flow underneath the air barrier device  30  would no longer be necessary. 
         [0040]    With regard to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the operation of the air barrier device  30  may now be described. Air can be selectively and/or continuously drawn into the opening  32  from underneath the serving dish. As described above, the opening  32  may alternatively be on the sides of the serving dish instead of underneath. Air may pass from the opening  32  and through the one or more air ducts  34  that surround the air barrier device  30 . The air ducts  34  may be positioned to form an air barrier  36  of a pyramid shape, but may form any number of shapes. As with the air barrier devices described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 , the velocity of the air and width of the air barrier  36  surrounding the air barrier device  30  may vary based on the size of the openings in the air barrier device  30 , desired shape of the air barrier, velocity of the air, etc. 
         [0041]    It is to be understood that the example shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 4 and 5  can include some or all of the features from the example shown and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 . As such, the air barrier device  30  shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 4 and 5  can include features described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 . Similarly, alternate examples, sizes, shapes, configurations, and the like shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 1-3  can similarly be incorporated into the air barrier device  30  shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
         [0042]    The examples shown and described herein employ a low to moderate air flow, which is sufficient to deter insects and debris but is not high enough to affect the temperature of the food items enclosed by the air barrier. Further, not only does the air barrier act as a deterrent, but it can also serve to actively blow away any debris that comes sufficiently close to the food items. 
         [0043]    The invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Examples embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations.