Refrigerated food preparation table and hinge bracket for holding lid partially or fully open

A refrigerated food preparation table that includes a food item storage pan with a lid that is allowed to fully close and is held in a partially open position and in a fully open position and hinge brackets or apparatuses for holding a lid in a partially opened position and a fully opened position that include a slot, a surface, and an indentation that each engage pins on the lid. In various embodiments, the slot receives one such pin, the surface guides another pin on the lid as the lid is opened from a fully closed position to the partially opened position, the indentation receives the second pin when the lid is in the partially opened position, and the slot contains the first pin and the second pin when the lid is fully open. The food preparation table can be used to prepare pizza, for example.

RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application does not claim priority to any other patent application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of this invention relate to refrigerated food preparation tables that have a food item storage pan having a hinged lid thereon and to apparatuses for holding a lid in a partially open position and in a fully open position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Refrigerated food preparation tables have been used to store food items and prepare food products, for example, for service to customers. The refrigeration has preserved the food items until use and storage pans have been used to store multiple food items for ready access for production of the food products. Pivoted covers have been used to cover the food items. U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,924 concerns an example of a refrigerator unit for food products, for example, for storing and serving salads and sandwiches. In the prior art, refrigerated food preparation table covers were movable from a closed position to an open position that afforded at least some access to the food items, but various needs, potential areas for benefit, or opportunities for improvement exist for refrigerated food preparation tables that provide better access or improved protection of the food items, for example, during food product preparation, when restocking the food items, or both.

Further, apparatuses have previously been contemplated that detent a hinged lid in fully open, partially open, and closed positions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,362,118 concerns an example of a hatch cover for barges with a hinge detenting mechanism that uses various pins and a spring. Various needs, potential areas for benefit, or opportunities for improvement exist, however, for improved or alternative apparatuses for holding a lid in partially open and fully open positions. Room for improvement exists over the prior art in various areas that may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art having studied this document.

SUMMARY OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides, among other things, various appliances, such as (e.g., refrigerated) food preparation tables that include a food item storage pan that has a lid. Further, in a number of embodiments, the lid is allowed to fully close over the food item storage pan and the lid is held in a partially open position and in a fully open position (e.g., connected with multiple hinges). Further, this invention also provides, among other things, various apparatuses for holding a lid in a partially opened position and a fully opened position. In a number of embodiments, such an apparatus includes a slot, a surface, an indentation, or a combination thereof, for instance, that act on or engage pins on the lid. In various embodiments, the slot receives one such pin, the surface guides another pin on the lid, for example, as the lid is opened from a fully closed position to the partially opened position, the indentation receives the second pin when the lid is in the partially opened position, the slot contains the first pin and the second pin when the lid is in the fully opened position, or a combination thereof.

Various embodiments provide, for example, as an object or benefit, that they partially or fully address or satisfy one or more of the needs, potential areas for benefit, or opportunities for improvement described herein, or known in the art, as examples. For instance, certain embodiments provide various (e.g., refrigerated) food preparation tables that provide better access or improved protection of the food items, for example, during food preparation, when restocking the food items, or both. Further, particular embodiments provide various improved or alternative apparatuses for holding a lid in partially open and fully open positions.

Specific embodiments of the invention include, for example, various (e.g., refrigerated) food preparation tables that include a food item storage pan that includes a lid and multiple hinges connecting the lid to the remainder of the refrigerated food preparation table. In various embodiments, the multiple hinges allow the lid to fully close over the food item storage pan, the hinges hold the lid in a partially open position, and the hinges hold the lid in a fully open position. Further, in some such embodiments, the lid includes a first pin and a second pin, and the multiple hinges include a slot, a first surface, an indentation, or a combination thereof, for instance, that act on or engage the first pin and the second pin. For example, in some embodiments, the slot receives the first pin, the first surface guides the second pin as the lid is opened from the fully closed position to the partially opened position, or both. Further, in some embodiments, the indentation receives the second pin when the lid is in the partially opened position. Still further, in some embodiments, the slot contains the first pin and the second pin when the lid is in the fully opened position. Even further, in particular embodiments, the first pin is parallel to the second pin.

A number of embodiments include a first (e.g., flat) plate, for example, that includes the slot, the first surface, the indentation, or a combination thereof. Further, various embodiments include a second (e.g., flat) plate, for instance, perpendicular to the first (e.g., flat) plate. In some embodiments, the second plate is connected to the first plate. In some embodiments, for example, the second (e.g., flat) plate attaches (e.g., one of the multiple hinges) to the remainder of the refrigerated food preparation table. Still further, a number of embodiments include a second surface (e.g., on the first plate). For instance, in some embodiments, the second surface guides the second pin, for example, as the lid is opened from the partially open position to the fully opened position. Even further, in some embodiments, the second surface is between the indentation and the slot. Further still, in various embodiments, the slot includes a top portion and a bottom portion. Even further still, in some such embodiments, the top portion slopes in a substantially opposite direction from the bottom portion. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the top portion is at a (e.g., substantially) right angle to the bottom portion. In some embodiments, for example, the (e.g., substantially) right angle is substantially midway between a top and a bottom of the slot. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the indentation includes a first convex surface, a second convex surface, a concave surface, or a combination thereof. For example, in particular embodiments, the concave surface is between the first convex surface and the second convex surface.

Other specific embodiments include various apparatuses for holding a lid in a partially opened position and a fully opened position. In some embodiments, for example, the apparatus includes, for example, a slot, a first surface, an indentation, or a combination thereof, for instance, that engage various pins on the lid. In some embodiments, for example, the slot receives a first pin on the lid, the first surface guides a second pin on the lid as the lid is opened from a fully closed position to the partially opened position, the indentation receives the second pin when the lid is in the partially opened position, or a combination thereof. Further, in a number of embodiments, the slot contains the first pin and the second pin when the lid is in the fully opened position.

Various such embodiments include other features described above and vice versa. For example, in some embodiments, the apparatus includes a first (e.g., flat) plate that includes the slot, the first surface, and the indentation. Further, some embodiments, include a second (e.g., flat) plate, for example, perpendicular to, connected to, or both, the first (e.g., flat) plate. Moreover, in some embodiments, the second (e.g., flat) plate is for, or includes multiple holes for, attaching the apparatus to a mounting surface that supports the lid. Still further, in some embodiments, a second surface (e.g., on the first plate) guides the second pin on the lid, for example, as the lid is opened from the partially open position to the fully opened position, and in particular embodiments, the first surface is curved, the second surface is curved, the second surface is between the indentation and the slot, or a combination thereof.

In various embodiments, the slot includes a top, a bottom, and a (e.g., right or substantially right) angle. Further, in a number of such embodiments, the (e.g., right or substantially right) angle is (e.g., substantially midway or midway) between the top and the bottom. Still further, in some embodiments, the slot includes a top portion and a bottom portion. In some such embodiments, for example, the top portion slopes in a substantially opposite direction from the bottom portion. Even further, in some embodiments, the top portion is at a (e.g., right or substantially right) angle to the bottom portion. Even further, in some embodiments, the indentation includes a first convex surface, a second convex surface, and a concave surface, for example, between the first convex surface and the second convex surface. In addition, various other embodiments of the invention are also described herein, and various benefits of certain embodiments may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

The drawings provided herewith illustrate, among other things, examples of certain aspects of particular embodiments. Other embodiments, however, may differ. Various embodiments may include aspects shown in the drawings, known in the art, or a combination thereof, as examples. Further, as used herein, the word “or”, except where indicated otherwise, does not imply that the alternatives listed are mutually exclusive. Even further, where alternatives are listed herein, it should be understood that in some embodiments, fewer alternatives may be available, or in particular embodiments, just one alternative may be available, as examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS

This patent application describes, among other things, examples of certain embodiments, and certain aspects thereof. Other embodiments may differ from the particular examples described in detail herein. Various embodiments are or concern appliances, such as (e.g., refrigerated) food preparation tables, for instance, that include a food item storage pan that has a lid. Further, in a number of embodiments, the lid is allowed to fully close over the food item storage pan and the lid is held in a partially open position and in a fully open position (e.g., by one or more of multiple hinges). Further, various embodiments are or concern apparatuses for holding a lid in a partially opened position and a fully opened position. In a number of embodiments, such an apparatus includes a slot, a surface, an indentation, or a combination thereof, for instance, that act on pins on the lid. In various embodiments, the slot receives one such pin, the surface guides another pin on the lid, for instance, as the lid is opened from the fully closed position to the partially opened position, the indentation receives the second pin when the lid is in the partially opened position, the slot contains the first pin and the second pin when the lid is in the fully opened position, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 1illustrates refrigerated food preparation table10that includes food item storage pan11that includes lid12and multiple (i.e., two shown) hinges13and14connecting (i.e., pivotably connecting) lid12to remainder15of the refrigerated food preparation table10. In the embodiment depicted, remainder15includes all of refrigerated food preparation table10except for lid12and multiple hinges13and14. In the embodiment shown, the multiple hinges13and14allow lid12to fully close over food item storage pan11and the hinges (i.e., one or both of hinges13and14) hold lid12in a partially open position (as shown), and the hinges (i.e., one or both of hinges13and14) hold lid12in a fully open position (e.g., vertical). In the embodiment shown, lid12is moved manually by a chef, cook, or a food preparation technician, as examples.

In some embodiments, refrigerated food preparation table10is a pizza preparation table, for example, and food item storage pan11stores pizza toppings such as cheese, peperoni, sausage, ham, bell peppers, onions, black olives, pinapple, and the like for preparing pizzas. In some embodiments, lid12is closed to preserve the food items between orders of the food products (e.g., pizza), is positioned in the partially opened position when making the food products (e.g., pizza) and is positioned in the fully opened position (e.g., vertical) when restocking the food items (e.g., pizza toppings) in food item storage pan11. In a number of embodiments, in the partially open positon, lid12protects the food items better than when lid12is in the fully open position.

In various embodiments, a refrigerated food preparation table (e.g.,10) further includes one or more (e.g., refrigerated) drawers, cupboards, or both, for instance, for storing food (e.g., pizza dough, pizza toppings, pizza sauce, or a combination thereof). In a number of embodiments, the table (e.g.,10) is mounted on wheels (e.g., casters). Further, in various embodiments, a refrigerated food preparation table (e.g.,10) further includes a (e.g., forced air, capillary tube, 240 V) refrigeration system or unit, for instance, for cooling the food items. Further, in a number of embodiments, a refrigerated food preparation table (e.g.,10) further includes a table area that can include, in various embodiments, a cutting board. In some embodiments (e.g., as shown), the cutting board covers the table area (i.e., not including food item storage pan11). Further, in some embodiments, the cutting board, food item storage pan (e.g.,11), lid (e.g.,12), or a combination thereof, are removable for washing. In some embodiments, the table (e.g.,10) is metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or both. Isem the table cutting board, or both, are plastic. For example, in some embodiments, the cutting board is polyethylene (e.g., white). Still further, in some embodiments, the refrigerated areas of the table are insulated (e.g., with polyurethane insulation).

FIG. 2illustrates hinge, hinge bracket, or apparatus20for holding a lid (e.g.,12shown inFIG. 1) in a partially opened position (e.g., as shown inFIG. 1) and a fully opened position (e.g., vertical). Apparatus20is an example of an apparatus for holding a lid (e.g.,12) in a partially opened position and a fully opened position. In the embodiment depicted, the lid (e.g.,12) or hinge (e.g.,13or14) includes first pin21and second pin22each shown in three alternate locations inFIG. 2. In the embodiment shown, apparatus20(e.g., at least one of multiple hinges or a hinge bracket) includes slot23, first surface201, and indentation24, that together act on first pin21and second pin22in this embodiment. In the embodiment shown, slot23receives first pin21, and first (e.g., curved, for example, convex) surface201guides second pin22as the lid (e.g.,12) is opened from the fully closed position to the partially opened position. As used herein, a surface is “curved” if at least part of the surface is curved and the total curvature of the surface exceeds a 10 degree angle.

Apparatus20is an example of one of, or part of one of, hinges13and14shown inFIG. 1. In certain embodiments, each of hinges13and14of refrigerated food preparation table10includes one of apparatus20and first pin21and second pin22. In other embodiments, however, one of hinges13and14of refrigerated food preparation table10includes one apparatus20and first pin21and second pin22and the other of hinges13and14is a different type of hinge, for example, a conventional hinge, for instance, with a single pin. Still other embodiments have one or more intermediate hinges, and in some embodiments, such intermediate hinge(s) include an apparatus20. Further, some embodiments (e.g., of food preparation tables) include multiple lids and, in particular embodiments, more than one of the multiple lids include one, two, or more of apparatus20, for example. Even further, in the embodiment illustrated, apparatus20allows lid12to be removed, for example, for cleaning. Moreover, as used herein, a hinge “connecting” a lid (e.g., to a remainder of a table), does not preclude that the lid can be lifted off, for example, by sliding first pin21out of slot23.

Referring toFIG. 2, in the embodiment shown, first pin21and second pin22are in locations211and221(respectively) when the lid (e.g.,12) is in the fully closed position, first pin21and second pin22are in locations212and222(respectively) when the lid (e.g.,12) is in the partially open position (e.g., as shown inFIG. 1), and first pin21and second pin22are in locations213and223(respectively) when the lid (e.g.,12) is in the fully open position. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated, indentation24receives second pin22when the lid (e.g.,12) is in the partially opened position. Further, in this particular embodiment, slot23contains first pin21and second pin22when the lid (e.g.,12) is in the fully opened position (e.g., vertical). Further still, in this particular embodiment, slot23contains first pin21when the lid (e.g.,12) is in any of the fully closed position, the partially open position (e.g., as shown inFIG. 1), and the fully opened position (e.g., vertical). Even further, in the embodiment depicted, first pin21is parallel to second pin22. As used herein, “parallel” means parallel to within 10 degrees, unless indicated otherwise. In different embodiments, however pins21and22are parallel to within 5, 15, 20, 25, or 30 degrees, as other examples. In the embodiment depicted, first pin21and second pin22are right circular cylinders, for example, and their centerlines are parallel (i.e., to within 10 degrees).

In the embodiment illustrated, hinge, hinge bracket, or apparatus20includes first (e.g., flat) plate31, shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, for example, that includes (e.g., as shown inFIG. 2) slot23, first (e.g., curved or convex) surface201, and (e.g., concave) indentation24. Further, in the embodiment illustrated, slot23, first (e.g., convex) surface201, and (e.g., concave) indentation24are formed or cut into first (e.g., flat) plate31. Further still, apparatus20includes, in the embodiment shown, second (e.g., flat) plate32, which is shown, perpendicular to first (e.g., flat) plate31. In the embodiment shown, second plate32is connected to first plate31, for instance, via a bend or weld. As used herein, a plate is considered to be flat if the plate is flat to within the thickness of the plate. In some embodiments, one or more of the plates described herein is flat according to this criteria. In other embodiments, a plate described herein is flat to within 1/10, ¼, ½, ¾, 1.5 times, 2 times, or 3 times the thickness of the plate, as other examples. Further, as used herein, two plates are considered to be “connected” if the plates are integral but are separated by bend of more than 25 degrees. In other embodiments, plates can be connected (i.e., as used herein) in anther way, for example, with a weld. Still further, as used herein, “perpendicular”, unless indicated otherwise, means to within 10 degrees. Even further, where two plates are described herein as being perpendicular (i.e., to within 10 degrees), in other embodiments, such plates are perpendicular to within 5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, or 50 degrees, as other examples.

In some embodiments, the second (e.g., flat) plate (e.g.,32) attaches (e.g., one of the multiple hinges, for instance, apparatus20) to the remainder (e.g.,15shown inFIG. 1) of the refrigerated food preparation table (e.g.,10). Moreover, in the embodiment shown, second (e.g., flat) plate32is for attaching apparatus20to a mounting surface that supports the lid (e.g.,12). The top of pan11shown inFIG. 1is an example of such a mounting surface. Further, the top of remainder15of table10shown inFIG. 1is another example of such a mounting surface. Further, in the embodiment illustrated, plate32includes multiple holes (e.g., two holes)34and35shown inFIG. 3for attaching apparatus20to the mounting surface, for instance, top of pan11, or remainder15, of table10, that supports the lid (e.g.,12), for example, with fasteners such as screws, rivets, or bolts, as examples.

Further, in the embodiment illustrated, hinge bracket or apparatus20further includes third (e.g., flat) plate33, shown inFIG. 3, that is, in this particular embodiment, essentially the same as plate31, and first and second pins21and22extend through plates33and31. In some embodiments, plate33includes, among other things described herein, duplicates of slot23, first surface201, and indentation24, for example. In the embodiment shown, plates31,32, and33are formed by cutting and bending one piece of flat sheet metal into the three plates of apparatus20. Other embodiments differ. In some embodiments, for example, plate33is omitted, plate31is attached to plate32by welding, or both.

Still further, the embodiment of apparatus20shown inFIG. 2includes second (e.g., curved, for example, convex) surface202on first plate31. In this particular embodiment, second surface202guides second pin22as the lid (e.g.,12) is opened from the partially open position (e.g., shown for lid12inFIG. 1) to the fully opened position (e.g., where pins21and22are at locations213and223respectively shown inFIG. 2). Even further, in the embodiment depicted, second surface202is between indentation24and slot23. Further still, in other embodiments, first (e.g., curved) surface201, second (e.g., curved) surface202, or both, are concave, as other examples. Moreover, in still other embodiments, where first surface201, second surface202, or both, are shown herein, in other embodiments, a straight or flat surface is provided, as still other examples.

Further still, in the embodiment illustrated, slot23includes top portion25and bottom portion26. As shown, top portion25slopes in a substantially opposite direction from bottom portion26. As used herein, two features slope in substantially opposite directions if one feature slopes to the left from vertical and the other features slopes to the right from vertical. Even further, as used herein, indications of direction such as “vertical”, “top”, and “bottom”, refer to directions when the product is in use. In a number of embodiments, the direction of gravity (e.g., acting on lid12) is relevant to the functioning of the apparatus or table when in use. Moreover, in the embodiment illustrated, top portion25slopes in the opposite direction from bottom portion26. As used herein, two features slope the opposite direction (without opposite being preceded by “substantially”) if one feature slopes to the left from vertical and the other features slopes to the right from vertical and an angle between the slopes of the two features is between 45 and 135 degrees.

Even further, in the embodiment shown, top portion25is at a substantially right angle29to bottom portion26. As used herein, “substantially”, when referring to right angles, means to within 15 degrees of a perfect right angle, and is measured from whichever side (e.g., left side or right side as shown) of the portion (e.g.,25or26) is closer to a right angle. Even further still, in the embodiment shown, top portion25is at a right angle29to bottom portion26. As used herein, “right angle”, when not preceded by the word “substantially”, means to within 10 degrees of a perfect right angle, and is measured from whichever side of the portion (e.g.,25or26) is closer to a right angle. In other words, in the embodiment shown, angle29is both a substantially right angle and a right angle. Other embodiments, however, may differ.

Moreover, in the embodiment depicted, (e.g., substantially) right angle29is substantially midway between top27and bottom28of slot23. As used herein “substantially midway between” two locations means between ⅓ and ⅔s of the distance between the two locations from either location. In some embodiments, an (e.g., substantially) right angle is “midway between” a top and a bottom of a slot, such as slot23. As used herein “midway between” two locations, without being preceded by “substantially” means between 40 percent and 60 percent of the distance between the two locations from either location. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, indentation24, shown inFIG. 2, includes first convex surface241, second convex surface242, and concave surface243. In the embodiment illustrated, concave surface243is between first convex surface241and second convex surface242. Various surfaces described herein, (e.g.,201,201,241,242, and243) re formed into an edge of first (e.g., flat) plate31, in the embodiment shown. Other embodiments, however. may differ.