Collapsible food guard, display and server

The present invention is directed to a collapsible food guard for displaying and serving food comprising a resilient transparent cover assembly for a substantially planar base. The cover assembly is substantially semi-cylindrical of a predetermined radius and has closed opposing ends. The cover assembly is reversibly pivotably attached to a base and has downward facing edges to seal the cover to the base when the cover is pivoted in the down (closed) position. The semi-cylindrical portion of the cover assembly is a resilient transparent shield that reversibly detachable from the arched surfaces of the closed opposing ends (side walls) and is sufficiently resilient such that when detached form the arched surfaces of the opposing side walls, it assumes the substantially planar shape in which it was initially molded. This resiliency allows the collapsible food guard to collapse into planar elements (side walls, shield and optional base) requiring minimal storage space and providing easy cleaning.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of food service and display. More particularly, the present invention is a device for displaying foods under a clear protective canopy that allows for easy viewing, protection against insects and wind burn and provides for easy cleaning. Because the device of the present invention is collapsible to a flattened or substantially planar form, it is storable in a minimal space. The present invention is useful because it provides a reusable, readily storable, and readily cleanable device for protecting foods from environmental factors and preserving freshness in an outdoor or indoor setting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Serving food outdoors is a great American tradition. However, containers of open food are often an invitation to annoying insects which light upon the food and render it unappetizing to unsanitary. Also, the wind can dry out many foods, particularly breads and cakes, rendering them hard or unappetizing. At picnics, tables are decked with covered food containers which are suddenly uncovered to allow guests access to the food within a short window. Typically, the covers are solid (e.g., foil) or opaque plastic or heavy glass. The former two do not allow sight of the food until removed. The latter cover, while allowing sight of the food, is heavy, often the size of the serving container, and must be moved to a location other than the serving table for lack of room to set it down while accessing the food. Otherwise, one needs a cooperative guest to hold the cover while one accesses the food underneath. When the covers are removed, it is often a battle between the guests and the insects as to who gets the food. This causes the foods to be recovered and one has to peak under the many covers to rediscover that dish from which one seeks seconds. At large commercially catered events, the problem becomes even more exaggerated. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that displays food under a clear sanitary cover, that allows one to single handedly tilt the cover to gain access to the food, and to retilt the cover down to reprotect the food while offering visual access and decision making to the next guest. In this way, all the guests do not have to eat as soon as the food is opened and can access food and desserts at their palates desire.

A second problem at such gatherings is cleaning and storing all of the food containers. Food covers for plates and desserts add another dimension to the storage needs of the homeowner. On a commercial scale, the storage needs for such covers, which largely occupy open space, becomes immense. Accordingly, it is another object of the present invention to provide a food guard that is readily collapsible to a substantially planar (space saving) shape during non-use. This planar shape also facilitates cleaning, particularly in a mechanical washer. A further object is that the space saving (substantially planar) shape must readily reassemble into its curved (space encompassing) shape when needed for duty. A further object is that assembly must be simple and not require tools to affect completion.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,560, entitled “Protective and Warming Bonnet for Food,” issued to Gerster, et al., on Aug. 6, 1996. The '560 patent teaches a collapsible food cover that is a “folding bellows . . . made of pleated paper, in the manner of a Chinese lanterns.” U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,441, entitled “Disposable Stackable Splatter shield and Frame Thereof,” issued to Schoeppe on Dec. 27, 1983, discloses a collapsible splatter shield that is a pleated metal foil. However, neither of these devices has any permanency, neither is cleanable, and neither allows one to visualize what is underneath when in an operative position.

Des. Pat. 259,690, entitled “Dish with Hinged Cover,” issued to Buchsteiner nee Fetzer on Jun. 30, 1981. The '690 patent discloses a non-collapsible fixed shape dish with a transparent hinged cover. While the '690 patent allows one to see the food under the cover, the device is an assembled unit that is not collapsible and thus occupies substantial space when stored en mass. Thus, there is an unsolved need for a space saving device that allows one to visualize and access food on a congested table, and that after use is readily collapsible to facilitate storage in a minimal amount of space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a collapsible food cover, display and server (hereinafter “collapsible food guard”) having multiple embodiments. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a collapsible food guard for displaying and serving food comprising a resilient transparent cover assembly for covering a substantially planar base. The cover assembly is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape, having a predetermined radius and having closed opposing ends (side walls). The cover assembly is reversibly pivotably attached to the base by way of a hinge member. The cover assembly also has downward facing edges to seal the cover to the base when the cover is pivoted in the down (closed) position. When the cover assembly is pivoted in the upward (open) position, the cover assembly exposes the base and any contents thereon. The cover assembly has a hinge member for slideably engaging and disengaging from the planar base, such as after use. The semi-cylindrical portion of the cover assembly is a resilient transparent shield that reversibly detachable from the arched surface of the closed opposing ends and is sufficiently resilient such that when detached form the arched surfaces of the opposing ends, it assumes the substantially planar shape in which it was initially molded. This resiliency allows the food cover to collapse into planar elements (side walls, resilient shield and optional base) requiring minimal storage space.

It is within the scope of the above described embodiment that the collapsible food guard have a resilient transparent cover that is a clear resilient plastic such as but not limited to polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate or polyvinyl chloride, more preferably, a polycarbonate. It is also within the scope of the above described embodiment that the substantially planar base is wood, plastic (e.g., melamine), glass, ceramic, stone, or a stone composite. Such bases are discussed in more detail herein. A preferred base is wood, plastic, or ceramic, preferably a wooden cutting board, a service tray, a service platter or a perimeter frame for the base. The perimeter frame (which looks like a wooden picture frame) acts as a base and support for the shield assembly and allows the user to place her favorite platter under the shield assembly. It is also within the scope of this embodiment that the cover is reversibly pivotably attached to the base by a male hinge member that slideably inserts into a hinge slot on the upper planar surface of the base, such as shown inFIG. 1orFIG. 3. Preferably, the hinge slot has a circular cross-section comprising from 182° of arc to 350° of arc, more preferably, from 188° of arc to about 245° of arc. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the hinge be a live hinge. When the hinge is a live hinge, the hinge slot may have any cross sectional shape because the correspondingly shaped male hinge member does not need to rotate in the hinge slot. However, the live hinge may also be used in combination with a hinge slot that has a substantially circular cross-section

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a collapsible food guard for displaying and serving food comprising a stationary base member and a pivotable shield assembly; the stationary base member comprising a substantially planar upper surface having a linear hinge slot therein sized and shaped for slideably receiving a male hinge member, the pivotable shield assembly being semi-cylindrical in shape and having opposing closed ends, the pivotal shield assembly comprising a resilient transparent shield, a first opposing sidewall and a second opposing sidewall, the resilient transparent shield being substantially rectangular in shape having a frontal edge, a distal edge and two opposing lateral edges, the distal edge being attached to a male hinge member that is sized and shaped for slideably entering the linear hinge slot on the stationary base member to form a pivotable hinge, each of the opposing sidewalls having an arcuate upper surface for reversibly engaging a respective opposing lateral edge of the resilient transparent shield and having a planar lower surface for pivotably engaging the planar surface of the base member, the opposing lateral edges of the resilient transparent shield having substantially the same length as the arcuate upper surface such that when the resilient transparent shield is bent to engage and conform to the arcuate surface, the opposing side walls and shield forming a pivotable semi-cylindrical dome having planar base, the planar base forming a seal with the planar upper surface of the stationary base member when the pivotable shield assembly pivots downward, thereby displaying any item thereunder, the shield assembly providing access to any contents under the shield assembly when the shield assembly pivots upward.

In yet another embodiment, a resilient transparent shield assembly comprising a resilient transparent shield and opposing side walls having slideable hinge assemblies70and80is a stand alone invention in itself. This latter invention is usable with the consumer's existing base member, albeit a cutting board, a tray or a platter, and does not require a proprietary base member as part of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The collapsible food guard of the present invention has multiple embodiments.FIG. 1discloses a collapsible food guard10of the present invention in the assembled and closed (display) position and comprises a stationary base member1, and a pivotable shield assembly thereover comprising a resilient transparent shield5and two opposing walls8A and8B. The base member is has a substantially planar upper surface2and is made from any material suitable for presenting, serving, cutting or storing food. Suitable materials for the base member1are materials that are machinable or moldable to a flat surface, and include wood (e.g., plank, or a laminate cutting board), plastics (e.g., melamine), stone (e.g., marble, granite, onyx), glass, a composite (e.g., CORIAN®), a ceramic or laminates (e.g., FORMICA®). (e.g., a cutting board), glass, plastic, or stone (such as granite or marble). When plastic is used, the plastic is food grade, nonporous for easy cleaning and may be transparent, translucent or opaque and optionally colored. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the base member be in the form of a tray or platter. The resilient transparent shield5is typically made from a substantially rectangular sheet of clear resilient plastic that can be bent repeatedly to form a gently curved surface (see5inFIG. 1) by applying minimal hand pressure and that will return to a flat surface (see5inFIG. 6) when the applied pressure is removed. The resilient transparent film must be thick enough to be resilient when bent as inFIG. 1yet not so thick as to crack upon repeated bending. Preferred plastics for the resilient transparent shield5are polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). All these plastics are commercially available. A more preferred plastic is polycarbonate. Suitable polycarbonates are sold under the trademarks LEXAN® or LUCITE®. Suitable thicknesses for the resilient transparent shield range from 0.0156 to 0.0626 inches. The collapsible food guard10has two opposing side walls8A and8B that have matching arched (arcuate) surfaces18A and18B, respectively. InFIG. 1, the resilient transparent shield5is bent to engage arched surfaces18A and18B and conform to their length and curvature. To retain the resilient transparent shield5in its curved conformation, the opposing lateral edges14A and14B of resilient transparent shield5each have 1-4 mortises (slots)6for receiving corresponding tenons7projecting from each of arched surfaces18A and18B of corresponding side walls8A and8B, respectively. Preferably, there are 2-3 mortise and tenon joints along each arched surface. More preferably, there are 3 mortise and tenon joints along each arched surface18A and18B, such as the three shown inFIG. 1. Because the lateral edges14A and14B of the resilient transparent shield are substantially the same length as the length of arched surfaces18A and18B, when the resilient transparent shield is fixed to the arched surfaces18A and18B, the bottom of sidewalls8A and8B, the frontal edge12of shield5and the distal edge11of shield5form a plane that is suited for seating upon the planar upper surface2of the stationary base member1. The opposing side walls8A and8B of food guard10are made of any material described herein, including wood, stone, glass or plastic. In one embodiment, the opposing side walls8A and8B are made of the same material as the stationary base member1. In another more preferred embodiment, the opposing side walls8A and8B are made of the same material as the resilient transparent shield5. Thus, depending upon their construction material, the opposing side walls are transparent, translucent or opaque. Optionally, the opposing side walls8A and8B are vented by incorporating an opposing screen (not shown) on or into each of the side walls. The opposing screens allow condensation to dissipate when hot food is stored under the shield assembly and prevent the resilient transparent shield5from losing its transparency due to condensation building up on the shield's5inside surface. The opposing side walls are support walls and thus are generally thicker than the resilient transparent shield. The side walls have a thickness that ranges from ⅛ inch to ¾ inches depending upon the material selected. When the walls are thin, they are optionally flared along their peripheral edges to a “T” shape to give the walls greater strength against bending and a wider arched surface for supporting and engaging the resilient transparent shield.

InFIG. 1, the base member1has a substantially planar upper surface2for engaging the plane formed by the bottom edges of the pivotable shield assembly (combined resilient transparent shield5and opposing side walls8A and8B) when the latter is in the closed (food display) position as shown inFIG. 1. This coplanar arrangement creates an effective seal between the shield assembly and the base member1for keeping bugs and the outside environment away from the food stored therein. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the closed shield assembly does not extend over any of the edges of the stationary base member as shown inFIG. 1. To obtain the maximum protected area for any size of stationary base member, it is also within the scope of this invention that frontal edge12and/or side walls8A and8B extend just beyond the upper surface2of stationary base member1(not shown). The upper surface2of base member1has a hinge slot3running substantially parallel along the base member's1posterior edge, the slot3being sized and shaped for slideably engaging major hinge13member (not shown) that allows the pivotable shield assembly (5+8A+8B) to pivot as a unit as shown inFIG. 2. Optionally, the base member1has a notch4adjacent its frontal edge for engaging an optional peg or latch9when the pivotable shield assembly (5+8A+8B) is in the closed position as shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of the collapsible food guard10ofFIG. 1in the open (serving) position20, allowing access to any food (not shown) contained therein. When the collapsible food guard is in the open position20, frontal edge12of resilient transparent shield5will exhibit a natural bow, as shown, due to the resilient nature of the shield5. Optionally, the frontal edge12of the resilient transparent shield incorporates a peg or latch9that will engage the stationary base member1to affect a reversible closure of the pivotal shield assembly. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, stationary base member1preferably has notch4for receiving optional latch (or peg)9when the pivotable shield assembly (5+8A+8B) of the collapsible food guard20is returned from the open position as shown inFIG. 2to the closed position as shown inFIG. 1. The optional latch9may be shaped and sized to frictionally engage notch4along one or more of its sides. Latch (or peg)9may also be tapered at its attack end (the end distal to frontal edge12) to facilitate entry into notch4before frictional engagement occurs higher up the shaft. However, to take advantage of the natural outward bowing of frontal edge12, latch9preferably has a lateral rib (or protrusion) that engages a lateral groove (or dimple) on the internal front face of notch4. This optional combination secures the pivotable shield assembly in the closed position. The latch9is unsecured simply by exerting thumb pressure above latch9to displace it backward, thereby countering the outward bow and disengaging the rib (or protrusion) from the lateral groove (or dimple) inside notch4. Optionally, a thumb-sized area on the surface of the resilient transparent shield along its frontal edge12immediately above latch9is frosted or contains ribbing or indicia to indicate that it is the point for lifting. Other securing mechanisms that take advantage of the natural resilient pressure on the frontal edge12of shield5may also be optionally used, e.g., a ball on the end of a peg9that engages a dimple in notch4. When present, the peg or latch9is preferably made of the same material as the resilient transparent shield5. More preferably, the peg or latch9is coextruded with the resilient transparent shield5so that they are a single unitary piece.

FIG. 3is a close up view of the hinge region of the open collapsible food guard20ofFIG. 2. InFIG. 3, the hinge slot3on upper surface2of base member1is shown as having a preferred circular cross-section. In this embodiment, hinge slot3has a cross-section defined by a circular arc that is greater than 182° of arc but less than about 350° of arc, more preferably, from 188° of arc to about 245° of arc.

Hinge slot3is sized and shaped for slideably receiving a male hinge member13. When the male hinge member13has a circular in cross-section, as shown inFIG. 3, and when the circular hinge slot3encompasses about 240° of circular arc as shown, then the male hinge member13can rotatably pivot about the 120° of open arc above the hinge slot3. This embodiment produces little stress upon the male hinge member13or its connection along distal edge11to the resilient transparent shield5. In this embodiment, male hinge member13and the resilient transparent shield5are preferably coextruded at the same time as a single unitary piece of plastic.

Because the resilient transparent shield5is resilient, it is also within the scope of this invention that the hinge connecting the resilient transparent shield5to the stationary base member1be a live hinge. A live hinge is created by simply reducing the size of the arc that is open above hinge slot3such that the male hinge member13is unable to rotate in hinge slot3and all pivoting of the shield assembly is by flexion of the resilient transparent shield5adjacent the male hinge member13. When the hinge is a live hinge and the male hinge member is not required to rotate (or pivot) in the hinge slot3, both the male hinge member13and the corresponding female hinge slot3may take on any shape, e.g., triangular, square, rectangular, inverted-T shape, without affecting the functionality of the collapsible food guard10of the invention. The male hinge member13is affixed to the distal edge11of the flexible transparent shield5by any technique that is well known in the art (e.g., gluing, ultra-sonic welding, riveting). Alternatively, the live hinge can be a separate element composed of a flexible polymer, having along its length a male hinge member13sized and shaped for sliding into the female hinge slot3and having along its opposing length a member for engaging the distal edge11of at the resilient transparent shield5, such as by a slot, a glued seam, an ultrasonic weld, or a mechanical fastener, such as a plurality of rivets. However, the preferred method for connecting the male hinge member13(regardless of its shape) to the distal edge11of the resilient transparent shield5is by coextrusion of both as a single unitary piece.

FIG. 4is a close-up view of the details of two types of mortise and tenon joints for reversibly retaining the lateral edges of the resilient transparent shield5in an arched position against the arched surfaces (18A and18B) of side walls8A and8B, respectively. Because of the inherent resiliency in the arched sheet of plastic that comprises the resilient transparent shield5, the arched shield5has a tendency to try to straighten out and pop off the tenons7protruding from the arched surface8A (and8B not shown). To overcome this tendency, the tenons are provided with a protrusion17, such as a tapered nub or rib, along their lateral surface16that resists the mortise (slot)6in the resilient transparent shield from moving off the tenon without the further application of an external force greater than that exerted by the resiliency of the arched resilient transparent shield5. Each of the nubs or ribs would extend outward from the width of the tenon by 0.4-8%, typically by 0.5-4%, more typically, by 0.5-3%. Alternatively, the lower edge of tenon7has a tenon notch19that retains the resilient transparent shield in the arched position. This notch exploits the natural tendency of the resilient transparent shield5, when arched, to pull up and forward (i.e., to try to straighten), thereby engaging the notch. The holding effect of the notch19is released simply by pulling the shield5first downward to disengage the notches, and then forward to disengage the mortises (slots)6from their corresponding tenons7.

FIG. 5is a solitary view of stationary base member1as shown in each ofFIGS. 1-3with optional notch4and arcuate hinge slot3. Optional notch4may be any shape suited to accommodate receipt of latch or peg9. For ease of cleaning, notch4is optionally a through-hole extending through the entire thickness of stationary base member1. When notch4has a rectangular opening, as shown inFIG. 5, it would accommodate receipt of a correspondingly rectangular shaped latch9on the frontal edge12of transparent shield5when the pivotable shield assembly (5+8A+8B) is pivoted to the down position as shown inFIG. 1. As discussed above, the optional latch (or peg)9may frictionally engage one or more sides or walls of the notch4. In one embodiment, the attack end of the latch or peg is tapered to facilitate entry into notch4. Optionally, the proximal wall of the notch4has a lateral groove (or dimple) for receiving a correspondingly shaped and positioned rib (or nub) protruding from latch9. Typically, the hinge slot3is cut into stationary base member1using an appropriately shaped cutting tool such as a router blade corresponding in shape to the cross-sectional shape of the hinge slot that is desired. However, when the stationary base member1is plastic, the hinge slot3may be molded directly into the plastic. As discussed above, the stationary base member is made of any material that is suitable for contact with food. Typical suitable materials include wood (e.g., a plank or a laminated cutting board), plastics, stone (e.g., marble, granite, onyx), glass, composites (e.g., CORIAN®) or laminates (e.g., FORMICA®).

FIG. 6is a view of the disassembled upper element of the collapsible food guard ofFIGS. 1-4in a collapsed substantially planar form, ready for assembly or for storage. InFIG. 6, the resilient transparent shield5is shown in its natural flat form with optional latch9along frontal edge12and male hinge member13adjacent distal edge11. Opposing side walls8A and8B are attached to opposing lateral edges14A and14B of resilient transparent shield5via opposing hinges21A and21B, respectively. While any hinge would be suitable for this function; preferably, the opposing hinges21A and21B are a live hinge as shown inFIG. 6. In the embodiment ofFIG. 6, the resilient transparent shield5and lateral side walls8A and8B are coextruded as a single piece. Preferably, the opposing live hinges21A and21B are formed upon extrusion by simply reducing the thickness of the resilient transparent shield5at its point of attachment to side walls8A and8B respectively (i.e., along the hinge lines21A and21B), thereby forming a relatively weaker area between shield5and walls8A and8B, where bending would preferentially occur upon application of pivotal pressure. More preferably, resilient transparent shield5, opposing side walls8A and8B, male hinge member13A and latch or peg9are all coextruded as a single substantially planar piece as shown inFIG. 6. The natural resiliency in the plastic would cause the combined elements to assume the relaxed (collapsed) form shown inFIG. 6when no mortise6and tenon7connections are made.

Less typically, opposing hinges21A and21B are formed after coextrusion along lateral edges14A and14B of the coextruded form (5+8A+8B) by mechanically making a first bend between side wall8A and shield5along edge14A to create a preferential line of weakness that becomes hinge21A. Likewise, a second bend is made between sidewall8B and shield5along edge14B to create a preferential line of weakness that becomes hinge21B.

FIG. 7is an exploded view of another embodiment of a collapsible food guard of the present invention. InFIG. 7, the resilient transparent shield38has opposing lateral edges34A and34B that arch over and conform to the length and shape of arched surfaces36A and36B of opposing side walls53A and53B, respectively. The combination of the resilient transparent shield and the opposing side walls (the shield assembly) form a substantially semi-cylindrical canopy that substantially covers the planar upper surface49of a stationary base member45. The stationary base member is made from any of the materials described herein. It is also within the scope of the invention that the base member45be a cutting board or be substituted with a service tray, service platter or perimeter frame. The resilient transparent shield38and the opposing sidewalls are made from the materials already described herein for the other embodiments. Unlike the other embodiments described herein, the embodiment ofFIG. 7has an optional anterior edge bar42and a posterior edge bar41. The optional edge bars41and42stiffen the respective edges of the transparent resilient shield38and keep the anterior edge33and posterior edge32of the shield from excessive bowing. This allows one to use a thinner resilient transparent film as shield38. The edge bars are made of the same or different material as the resilient transparent membrane. Preferably, the edge bars are made of the same material as the sidewalls. Suitable materials for the edge bars41and42include wood, metal or plastic. Suitable plastics include polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, various methyacrylates and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the edge bars41and42are made of the same material as the resilient transparent shield38. More preferably, when the edge bars41and42are made of the same material as the resilient transparent shield38, the edge bars41and42and the resilient transparent shield are extruded or injection molded as a single unitary piece. Even more preferably, the resilient transparent shield38, the side walls53A and53B, and the edge bars41and42are coextruded as a single unitary piece. The edge bars41and42also accommodate additional types of closures, and connections. Specifically, a magnet44emitting a magnetic field and a magnetically attractive catch plate43are suitable for use in combination as a latching mechanism for the closed shield assembly. InFIG. 7, separate magnetically attractive catch plates43are attached to opposing underside ends of anterior edge bar42. When the resilient transparent shield is in the closed position (seeFIG. 15), the magnetically attractive catch plates43engage two magnets44positioned below them on the substantially planar upper surface49of base member45. The magnetic force between the magnets44and magnetically attractive catch plates provide a positive latching force for reversibly retaining the shield assembly in the closed position. AlthoughFIG. 7displays the magnets44on the base member45and the magnetically attractive plate43on the edge bar42, it is also within the scope of the present invention that their relative positions be reversed. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the latching mechanism for the shield assembly comprises a single magnet44and single magnetically attractive catch plate43that are substantially centrally juxta-positioned along opposing faces of anterior edge bar42and the upper surface49of the base member45. The magnet44is any permanent magnet, typically an iron magnet. The magnetically attractive catch plate43is typically a metallic plate comprising iron or an iron alloy. However, for increased holding power, the magnetically attractive catch plate43is optionally another permanent magnet with its N and S poles positioned to be opposite those of magnet44so as to be mutually attractive. When the edge bar42is made of iron, a separate magnetically attractive catch plate43is not needed since the iron edge bar42itself would also function as a magnetically attractive catch plate. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the magnetic latch(s) ofFIG. 7are replaced with a mechanical latch such as the mortise and pin latch ofFIG. 1.

InFIG. 7, the anterior lateral corner of the resilient transparent shield as defined by anterior edge33and lateral edge34A is affixed to its opposing sidewall53A by a living hinge52. Likewise, the anterior lateral corner of the resilient transparent shield as defined by anterior edge33and lateral edge34B is affixed to its opposing sidewall53B by a living hinge52. Preferably, these live hinge attachments are permanent such that the combination of the shield38, opposing sidewalls53A and53B and the pair of hinges52are a single unitary piece. The live hinges52are permanently attached to the shield38and the opposing side wall by gluing, ultrasonic welding, or by the initial injection molding. More preferably, the combination of the shield38, opposing sidewalls53A and53B and the pair of hinges52are formed at the same time by injection molding as a single unitary piece. Even more preferably, the combination of the shield38, edge bars41and42, opposing sidewalls53A and53B and the pair of live hinges52are formed at the same time by injection molding as a single unitary piece. Because the resilient transparent shield38is molded as a flat piece, it naturally assumes its substantially planar shape when not curved over the arched surfaces36A and36B of the opposing side walls53A and53B. Moreover, when not assembled, the opposing side walls53A and53B naturally fold along live hinges52to also form a planar shape that stacks over the planar transparent resilient shield38. SeeFIG. 9. This planar shape facilitates storage in a minimum of space. Alternatively, the live hinge52could be a conventional pinned hinge (not shown). The collapsed shield assembly is converted into the assembled shield assembly by unfolding each of the opposing side walls along hinge52by 90° relative to the resilient transparent shield38and folding the lateral edges36A and36B of the resilient transparent shield38along the respective arched surfaces36A and36B of opposing sidewalls53A and53B until each of the corners along the posterior edge32of the resilient transparent shield engage a reversible latch at the bottom posterior end of arched surfaces36A and36B respectively. InFIG. 7, the reversible latch is shown as an anchor pin65protruding out of each of opposing lateral walls53A and53B. The anchor pin is sized and shaped for reversibly engaging first pin holes63along opposing posterior corners of shield38and second pin holes69along posterior edge bar41. In one embodiment, the pins65frictionally engage the sides of pin holes69to reversibly retain the resilient transparent shield in a tensioned and arched configuration over arched surfaces36A and36B of opposing sidewalls53A and53B, respectively. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 7, the anchor pins65extend beyond the second pin holes69and engage an edge clip63which provides the required resistance to reversibly hold shield38in the arched (and tensioned) position.

InFIG. 7, the assembled shield assembly is pivotably mounted to the stationary base member45by a pivoting mechanical hinge assembly separately attached to each of the opposing side walls53A and53B. The mechanical hinge typically has two hinge members and a hinge pin about which the hinge pivots. In the embodiment ofFIG. 7, one of the hinge members48is stationary as it is bound to the stationary base member45, and the pivotable hinge member47is pivotably mounted via hinge pin50to the outside surface of its respective sidewall. Stationary hinge members48reversibly mount into opposing hinge slots46in base member45, thereby allowing the assembled and mounted shield assembly to pivotably open and close over the planar upper surface49of base member45, exposing or covering its contents, respectively. Because the first hinge member is reversibly attached to the base member45, the assembled shield assembly can be readily removed from the base member45and readily disassembled from arched to planar form as shown inFIG. 9. The pivotable hinge member47is attached to the outside face of its opposing side wall by any means known in the art, including screws, adhesive, ultrasonic welding and integral construction. Thus, it is within the scope of the present invention that the pivotable hinge member47and the opposing sidewall53A or53B to which it is attached be coextruded as a single unitary piece.

FIG. 8is an close-up view of one opposing hinge assembly40suitable for use in pivotably opening and closing the shield assembly ofFIG. 7relative to the stationary and substantially planar base member45. The hinge assembly comprises stationary hinge member48pivotably connected to pivotable hinge member47by hinge pin50. The inside faces of stationary hinge member48and pivotable hinge member47have two series of nubs or teeth60that in various degrees of pivot engage one another to form a position brake where the increased resistance from the interacting nubs provides reversible stops that hold the hinge in a partially open (venting) position or in a fully open position. SeeFIG. 8. The resistance created by the engaging nubs60is sufficient to hold the shield assembly in partially open position (FIG. 16) or the fully open position (FIG. 14) but is readily overcome by application of hand pressure. InFIG. 8, stationary hinge member48has a lower portion that is an anchor key51that is sized and shaped for securely sliding into slot46on the upper surface49of base member45and anchoring the stationary member48of the hinge assembly40when it is pivotably connected to the pivotable shield assembly. The depth that the anchor key51sinks into slot46is controlled preferably by a pair of protruding stop rests58. The stop rests allow one to see that the anchors are fully pressed into the slots and assure that both hinges are at the same depth and properly aligned. Preferably, stationary hinge member48has a lock and release latch61with lip57(for engaging a corresponding notch in slot46) and a pressure release tab59(for disengaging lip57from the notch (not shown) in slot46). In this embodiment, stationary hinge member48has a T-shaped footprint and slot46is correspondingly T-shaped as shown inFIG. 7to accommodate the footprint. As already discussed herein, it is also within the scope of this invention that the pivotable hinge member47be of unitary construction with its respective wall member; preferably, the opposing wall member (53A or53B) and its corresponding pivotable hinge member47be injection molded at the same time as a single unitary piece of plastic.

FIG. 9is a view of the collapsible food guard ofFIG. 7in the disassembled and collapsed mode with the resilient transparent shield38assuming its substantially planar and relaxed position. In the collapsed mode, both the base45and the shield assembly62are substantially planar and storable in a minimum of space.

FIG. 10is a view of an optional restraint for restraining the resilient transparent shield in a tensioned and arched position against the arched surface of an opposing sidewall. InFIG. 10, the restraint is a twistable shield mount latch55. The twistable shield mount latch has a stationary segment and a twistable (or rotatable) segment. The stationary segment is affixed near the bottom posterior end of arched surface36A of opposing side wall53A and extends outward from the arched surface36A a distance equal to at least the combined thickness of the shield38and the posterior edge bar41. The twistable portion begins at distance from the arched surface that is at least the combined thickness of the shield38and the edge bar41which it reversibly restrains. Although the twistable portion of latch55is shown inFIG. 10as a rectangular block, other oblong rotatable restraining devices, such as a butterfly or wing nut, may alternatively be screwed into the stationary portion of latch55. In use, a relevant portion of the shield38and the posterior edge bar41each have a hole or slot sized and shaped for sliding over the latch55when twisted in the open position. Once the shield38and edge bar41have slid over the latch and against the arched surface36A of the wall53A, the twistable oblong portion of latch55is rotated so that its wider dimension engages the outside surface of the posterior edge bar41and restrains it and the shield in the arched position as shown. Although the restraint ofFIG. 10is shown for one opposing side wall53A, it is equally applicable to the other opposing side wall53B for restraining the opposing edge of the resilient transparent shield38against arched surface36B. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the stationary segment of the twistable shield mount latch55be integrally attached to its respective opposing wall; preferably, the side wall and the stationary portion of latch55is injection molded at the same time as a single piece of plastic.

FIG. 11is a view of another optional restraint device for restraining the resilient transparent shield in a tensioned and arched position against the arched surface of an opposing sidewall. The restraint inFIG. 11is a detailed view of one embodiment of the restraint depicted in use in the collapsible food guard ofFIG. 7. InFIG. 11, an anchor pin65projects out adjacent the posterior end arched surface36A. The length of anchor pin65depends upon its function. In use, transparent shield38and posterior edge bar41have first pin hole63and second pin hole69, respectively. When anchor pin65restrains shield38by passing through first pin hole63and frictionally engaging the sides of second pin hole69, then the anchor pin may but need not be longer than the combined thicknesses of the shield38and the posterior edge bar41. However, if the anchor pin65does not frictionally engage the inside surface of the second pin hole69sufficiently to restrain the shield38in the arched position, then the anchor pin65needs to have a length that is sufficiently longer than the combined thicknesses of the shield38and posterior edge bar41so as to engage a retaining clip. Typically, this additional length is within the range of ⅛ inch to ½ inch. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 7 and 11, the anchor pin65sticks out sufficiently beyond the edge of posterior edge bar41so that a retaining clip63with a circular aperture64frictionally engages anchor pin65, thereby restraining shield38against arched surface36A in a reversible manner. Alternatively, anchor pin65is slotted for receiving a U-shaped retaining clip wherein the inside gap in the U-shaped clip is the diameter of the notch (not shown). When the shield38and the posterior edge bar41are slid over the notched anchor pin, the notch projects beyond the edge bar41and the U-shaped clip is slid into the notch and the shield38and posterior edge bar41are restrained against arched surface36A in a reversible manner. Although the restraint ofFIG. 11is shown for one opposing side wall53A, it is equally applicable to the other opposing side wall53B for restraining the opposing edge of the resilient transparent shield38against arched surface36B. It is within the scope of the present invention that the anchor pin be integrally attached to its respective opposing wall, such as by screwing, adhesives or ultrasonic welding. Preferably, the side wall and the corresponding anchor pin65are injection molded at the same time as a single piece of plastic. Moreover, any parts that are described herein as being injection molded with a side wall are capable of being injection molded in combination with all other parts so described as a single unitary piece.

FIG. 12is a view of yet another optional restraint device for restraining the resilient transparent shield in a tensioned and arched position against the arched surface of an opposing sidewall. InFIG. 12, the opposing ends of posterior edge bar41each have a key block68projecting therefrom sized and positioned for frictionally engaging a key slot67in the lower posterior end of arched surface36A of side wall53A. The friction in the slot should be sufficient to overcome the resilient tension in the shield38produced by its arching but not so high as to prevent its easy removal when storage is needed. Typically, no more than 10 lbs of force should be required.

FIG. 13is a view of the semi-assembled embodiment ofFIG. 10wherein the resilient transparent shield38is in its natural flat position before being flexed to an arched position so as to engage the arched surfaces36A and36B of the opposing side walls53A and53B, respectively, and their respective twistable shield mount latches55which engage opposing latch slots56to form a collapsible food guard in the closed position such as shown inFIG. 15.

FIG. 14is a view of the collapsible food guard ofFIG. 7in the fully open position. This figure also depicts when a second group of brake nubs or teeth60of the hinge assembly40catch or engage one another and provide sufficient resistance to hold the weight of the pivotable shield assembly in a substantially fully open position.

FIG. 15is a view of the collapsible food guard ofFIG. 7in the closed position.

FIG. 16is a view of the collapsible food guard ofFIG. 7with the hinge ofFIG. 8in the partially open position. This figure depicts when a first group of brake nubs or teeth60of the hinge assembly40catch or engage one another and provide sufficient resistance to hold the weight of the pivotable shield assembly in the partially open position.

Although the opposing side walls ofFIGS. 7-16do not show any vents, it is also within the scope of this invention that the opposing side walls optionally include opposing vents so as to minimize condensation caused by storing hot foods underneath. As discussed herein, such vents are either a series of slits in the side wall of screens. Preferably, the vents are screens. The screens are either inserted in windows after molding or are premolded into the walls. More preferably, the screens, when present, are premolded into the side walls during the injection molding process.

FIG. 17is an exploded view of an opposing pair of alternative hinges for slideably and reversibly attaching the pivotable shield assembly to the stationary base member. InFIG. 17, right side hinge70and left side hinge80are mirror images of one another. Right side hinge70is an assembly comprising pivotable hinge member71, stationary hinge member76and pin90for pivotably interconnecting hinge members71and76. Pivotable hinge member71has hinge side face74, which faces the opposing hinge member76, and wall side face72(not shown) which is affixed to the outside face of the right opposing sidewall (not shown), such as sidewall8A inFIG. 1in lieu of live hinge13, or to sidewall53A inFIG. 7in lieu of pivotable hinge member47. Optionally, hinge side face74has raised ribs or teeth75that interact with raised (or depressed) ribs or teeth75on the hinge side surface (not shown) of stationary hinge member76. The corresponding teeth or ribs can be seen on the hinge side surface84of the mirror image stationary hinge member86. When the opposing teeth or ribs75engage one another, they create a temporary stopping point for the hinge assembly that is overcome by applying additional force. In one embodiment, the opposing teeth75are positioned to engage each other when the pivotable shield assembly is in the fully open position. In another embodiment, the opposing teeth75are positioned to engage each other when the pivotable shield assembly is in the partially open position. In yet another embodiment, the opposing teeth75are positioned to engage each other both when the pivotable shield assembly is in the partially open position and when it is in the fully open position. The pivotable hinge member71and the stationary hinge member76are held in a pivotable relationship to one another by pin90when it engages both pin hole74in stationary hinge member76and pin hole73in pivotable hinge member71. InFIG. 17pin90has a cylindrical shaft91, which allows for pivoting. To retain pin90in an operative position in both pin holes, either pin hole73or pin hole77has a diameter sufficiently small to frictionally engage cylindrical shaft91when it is inserted in the pin hole. Preferably, the pin hole on the pivotable hinge member frictionally engages the shaft91of pin90and reversibly retains it in position, whereas the diameter of pin hole77on the opposing hinge member76is sufficiently large so that the shaft91rotates freely in the pin hole77. The stationary hinge member76has a U-shaped clip78horizontally positioned below its outside face79. The U-shaped clip78has its respective side arms gapped for slideably receiving and frictionally engaging the corresponding upper and lower surfaces of a stationary base member (not shown). Although the gap in the U-shaped clip may be any size to slideably accommodate the thickness of the stationary base member, typically, the gap between the opposing arms of the U-shaped clip78is between ¼ inch and 1 inch. More typically, the gap is within the range of ⅜ inch to ¾ inch.

The left side hinge assembly80is just a mirror image of right side hinge assembly70. The left side hinge assembly80comprises pivotable hinge member81, stationary hinge member86and hinge pin90. As shown inFIG. 17, when pivotable hinge member81is symmetrical, it is identical to hinge member71. However, it is within the scope of this invention that the pivotable hinge members not be symmetrical, such as the pivotable hinge member47ofFIG. 7. Pivotable hinge member81has side wall engaging surface82, pin hole83and teeth or ribs85as described for hinge member71. Stationary hinge member86has hinge engaging surface84with ribs or teeth85around pin hole87and U-shaped clip88for slideably receiving and frictionally engaging the corresponding upper and lower surfaces of a stationary base member (not shown). When pin holes87and83are aligned and hinge pin90is inserted in both pin holes, left side hinge assembly80is formed. The diameters of the pin holes87and83are as discussed for their mirror image members73and77. Right side hinge assembly70and left side hinge assembly80are typically matched so that their teeth75and85, respectively, engage at the same position or positions. Thus, in one embodiment, the opposing teeth75on the right (85on the left) are positioned to engage on each respective side when the pivotable shield assembly is in the fully open position. In another embodiment, the opposing teeth75on the right (85on the left) are positioned to engage on each respective side when the pivotable shield assembly is in the partially open position. In yet another embodiment, both sets of opposing teeth (75and85) are positioned to engage on their respective sides both when the pivotable shield assembly is in the partially open position and when it is in the fully open position.

Pivotable hinge members71and81are affixed to their respective sidewalls by any of the methods described herein for affixing the other pivotable hinge members. Such methods for attachment are well known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the pivotable hinge members71and81are integrally attached to the side walls by being injection molded simultaneously with the side walls as a single unitary piece. When a pair of pivotable hinge members70and80are used to reversibly affix a shield assembly to a stationary base member, the stationary base member can be any base member as already described herein (including a platter or tray) and does not require a proprietary base member having hinge slot3, as inFIG. 1, or having a pair of opposing hinge slots46as inFIG. 7. Thus, in another embodiment, a resilient transparent shield assembly comprising a resilient transparent shield and opposing side walls having slideable hinge assemblies70and80is a stand alone invention in itself. This latter invention is usable with the consumer's existing base member, albeit a cutting board, a tray or a platter. Preferably, this resilient transparent shield assembly is a one piece device wherein the shield and side walls are assembleable and collapsible as described herein.

It is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. The features in one embodiment are useful in any of the embodiments. It is intended that the invention include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.