Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to a system and method for a table top food warming system for applying steam to various sized portions of food for cooking of the food, as well as injecting steam into the food itself to increase its internal temperature. A preselected amount of water is transported via a pump to a preheated steam chamber. Upon contact with the preheated steam chamber, the water is vaporized and exits as steam through holes in a portion plate holding the food serving.

Description:
[0001]    The present invention generally relates to a system and method for a table top food warming system for applying steam to various sized portions of food for cooking of the food, as well as injecting steam into the food itself to increase its internal temperature. The food warming system may be a stand alone unit or a mini-steamer assembly disposed on a weight measurement device, such as, a load cell or other scale device.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Foods warmed using steam may be warmed more quickly and are generally more pleasing in appearance and taste than food cooked in other environments. However, known steam warming devices and methods are not without problems. For example, some steamers require a prolonged setup and preheating operation when not used, or when used intermittently. This setup or priming time results in a slow food preparation time. Slow food preparation is especially critical in fastfood restaurants.  
           [0003]    Other steamers do not provide a water supply that allows for prolonged operation of the steamer. Frequent refilling of the steamer with water results in an unacceptable down time of the food preparation operation. In addition, other steamers do not provide for easy and remote operation of the steamer so that the operator can avoid contact with the steam during the warming operation.  
           [0004]    Another significant drawback of known steamers is that the amount of steam released in contact with the food cannot be controlled. Some steamers warm the food using an unlimited supply of water, and the steaming may only be halted by turning off the steamer. This can result in overcooking of the food.  
           [0005]    The present invention also provides many additional advantages which shall become apparent as described below.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The present invention generally relates to a system and method for a table top food warming system which includes modules which work together to provide a method of applying steam to various sized portions of food for cooking of the food. The food warming system may also inject steam into the food itself to increase its internal temperature. The food warming system may be a stand alone unit or a mini-steamer assembly disposed on a weight measurement device, such as, a load cell or other scale device.  
           [0007]    The present invention provides a system for heating food including a steaming module for converting a liquid to a vapor. The steaming module may include a heat source positioned beneath a cavity and a pump module for transporting liquid to the cavity from a reservoir. In addition, the steaming module may include a portion plate having holes positioned above a steaming module. Liquid transported to the cavity is vaporized upon contact with the heat source, and the vapor exits through the holes of the food plate to thereby warm the food.  
           [0008]    The present invention may also use a steaming module for warming food which includes a steamer head in fluid communication with a liquid cavity. The steam module may also include a portion plate that is removably attached to the steaming module. The portion plate may have holes and can be insulated from the steamer head by an insulating ring positioned on the steamer head. The steaming module may include a heating element for heating the steamer head to a preselected temperature. The steaming module may also include an inlet port for admitting a liquid into the liquid cavity in contact with the steamer head; where the liquid is vaporized and the vapor exits through the portion plate holes.  
           [0009]    The present invention provides a method for providing heated vapor to warm food. The method includes the steps of providing a portion plate positioned above a heating element. Preheating the heating element above the boiling point of the liquid. Compressing an inlet tube to transport the liquid within the tube into contact with the heating element. Converting the liquid into vapor and directing the vapor through the holes of the portion plate, whereby food, placed on the portion plate, is warmed  
           [0010]    The present invention may also provide a method for providing heated moisture to food by providing a steamer head in liquid communication with a storage area for holding a liquid. The method may include preheating the steamer head to a boiling point above the boiling point of the liquid. Transporting a preselected amount of liquid to the storage area. Vaporizing the liquid in the storage area and directing the vapor toward a food plate that is thermally insulated from the steamer head. The food, when placed on the food plate, is then contacted and warmed by the vapor.  
           [0011]    The steamer according to the present invention is designed to warm individual food or product servings to a “piping hot” serving temperature in just seconds, increasing customer satisfaction. The food product can go from the preparation stage to the mini steamer and right to the customer.  
           [0012]    The unique food warmer system according to the present invention also provides the following advantages and features:  
           [0013]    Modular tabletop design allows the mini-steamer location to be more adaptable to the existing counter constraints. Reservoir and pump module can be located beneath the counter to conserve counter space.  
           [0014]    A remote operating switch also assists locating the steamers operating control to meet the needs of each location.  
           [0015]    Standard 3-prong cord powered unit and low power requirements allow for easy installation and operation of the mini-steamer off of a standard 115 V, 20 amp electric circuit.  
           [0016]    Integral re-settable circuit breaker protects the mini-steamer&#39;s pump system.  
           [0017]    Equipped with easily visible “Heater ON” and “Ready” lights.  
           [0018]    Pre-measured steam production helps to insure a consistent product.  
           [0019]    Standby heat feature insures the mini-steamer is always ready for use.  
           [0020]    All stainless steel construction and dishwasher safe removable cooking head allow for easy cleaning.  
           [0021]    Reservoir fed design can be used with distilled water in areas of poor water quality to minimize equipment maintenance.  
           [0022]    Conserves water, for example, one gallon of water is enough to warm over 1200 three oz. servings of meat.  
           [0023]    These and other advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, drawings, and claims. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]    The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the food warming system according to the present invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water reservoir of FIG. 1;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the pump module of FIG. 1;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the pump module of FIG. 1;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the remote steam switch of FIG. 1;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the steaming module unit of FIG. 1;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 7 is an exploded front view of the disassembled steaming module of FIG. 1;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the steaming module of FIG. 1 with the steamer head plate removed;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 9( a ) is a top planar view of the portion plate of FIG. 1;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 9( b ) is a bottom planar view of the portion plate of FIG. 1;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 10 is an exploded view and top view of the steaming module according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 10( a ) is a top planar view of the portion plate of the steaming module of FIG. 10;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 10( b ) is a side view of the portion plate of FIG. 10 a;    
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 10( c ) is a top planar view of the steaming module of FIG. 10( d );  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 10( d ) is a side view of the steaming module according to FIG. 10;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 10( e ) is a bottom view of the steaming module of FIG. 10( d );  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line  11 - 11  of the portion plate of FIG. 10( a ) of the steaming module of FIG. 10;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line  12 - 12  of the steaming module of FIG. 10( c ) of the steaming module of FIG. 10;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 13 is a top planar view of a load cell used in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the load cell of FIG. 13. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0045]    Referring now to FIG. 1 food warming system  10  of the present invention, may include a water reservoir  12 , a pump module  14  and a steaming module  16 . In addition, the warming system  10  may also include an operating switch  18 .  
         [0046]    The reservoir  12  may include a container  20  capable of holding water or another liquid as shown in FIG. 2. The reservoir  12  may be made of any suitable material, e.g. metal or plastic. The reservoir  12  may include a cover  22  which may be placed on the container  20  during operation of the warming system  10 . The cover  22  may be removed for cleaning of the reservoir  12 . The reservoir  12  includes a fill port  24  shaped to receive a water transport tube  26 . The fill port  24  may be positioned through or on the cover  22 , or on or through the container  20 . The tube  26  is used to transport a liquid, e.g. water, from the water reservoir  12  to the pump module  14 . The tube  26  may pass through the fill port  24 , or through some other portion of the reservoir  12 . The tube  26  may extend into the container  20 , or an additional tube (not shown) may be connected from the port  24  into the container. In addition, the water reservoir  12  may include handles  28  for aiding in the lifting of the reservoir  12 .  
         [0047]    The pump module  14  may include a housing  30  that encloses a pump  32  as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The pump  32  may include a pump housing  33 . The pump module  14  is in contact with, or connected to, the tube  26  or tubes  26 . The tube  26  transport liquid from the water reservoir  12  to the steaming module  16 , via the pump module  14 . The pump  32  may be any suitable pump, preferably a peristaltic pump. The tube  26  is a single tube, if a peristaltic pump is used, or two separate tubes, if a different type of pump is used. The pump  32 , when operated, moves water or liquid from the reservoir  12  to the steaming module  16 .  
         [0048]    The pump module  14  may include a timing device (not shown), such as an adjustable timer, that controls the amount of water sent to the steaming module  16  for each warming cycle. For example, the timing device can activate the pump  32  for a certain time period which causes a preselected amount of water to be transported to the steaming module  16 . The preselected amount of water is based on the length of time the pump  32  operates, as controlled by the timing device. Controlling the amount of water being sent to the steaming module  16  prevents the steaming module  16  from being “flooded” by a too-rapid operation.  
         [0049]    The pump module  14  preferably includes a peristaltic pump. A peristaltic pump is used because the pump squeezes the tubing to move the water, but the pump components do not come in contact with the water, and thus do not require cleaning. Other types of pumps could be used for this function, but they will require additional cleaning. In another embodiment of the invention, the pump may be mounted on or within the reservoir  10 .  
         [0050]    The pump module  14  includes an ON/OFF switch  36 . The ON-OFF switch  36  may be positioned on the exterior of the pump module  14  as shown in FIG. 3. The pump module  14  may also include a pump reset switch  37 . The ON-OFF switch  36  may also be mounted in other locations, such as in the exterior of the pump module  14  or the exterior of the steaming module  16 .  
         [0051]    The operating switch  18  or heat switch of the present invention, may include a housing  38  and an activation button  40  or switch as shown in FIG. 5. The button  40  is used to start the pump  32 . FIG. 5 shows the operating switch  18  as a remote operating switch that includes a connection  42  to the pump module  14 . The operating switch  18  may also be placed in other locations proximate the warming system  10 , such as mounted on the exterior of the pump module  14 , mounted on the exterior of the steaming module  16 , or positioned in a remote location.  
         [0052]    The steaming module of the present invention is shown assembled in FIG. 6, disassembled in FIG. 7, and with the steam plate  46  removed in FIG. 8. The steaming module  16  includes an enclosure  44  or housing. The steaming module  16  also includes a steam plate  46  or portion plate. The steam plate  46  may be any suitable material, such as stainless steel. The steaming module  16  may include a terminal block (not shown) for electrical connections. The steaming module  16  may include a HEAT ON light  48  or indicator light and/or a READY light  50  or indicator light.  
         [0053]    The HEAT ON light  48  may illuminate whenever the ON-OFF switch  36  is in the ON position. The HEAT ON light  48  may be located on the exterior of the front of the steaming module  16  as shown in FIG. 6. The HEAT ON light  48  may also be mounted other locations, such as in the exterior of the pump module  14  or the exterior of the steaming module  16 .  
         [0054]    The READY light  50  may illuminate whenever the ON-OFF switch  36  is in the ON position. The READY light  50  may be located on the exterior of the steaming module as shown in FIG. 6. The READY light  50  may also be mounted other locations, such as in the exterior of the pump module  14  or the exterior of the steaming module  16 .  
         [0055]    The steaming module  16  includes a means for applying heat to the liquid transported to the steaming module  16 . The means may be any suitable means such as a heating element  52  or a steamer head. The means may be any suitable material, such as, aluminum. For example, the heating element  52  may be an aluminum block. The steaming module  16  raises the temperature of liquid received from the reservoir  12  above the liquid boiling point, in order to convert the liquid to vapor. For example, if the liquid is water, the liquid will be brought in contact with the preheated heating element  52  in order to elevate the water temperature above the boiling point and convert the water to steam. The heating element  52  is heated above the boiling point of water so that when the water contacts the preheated element, the water rapidly converts to steam, or flashes steam.  
         [0056]    The steaming module  16  may include an inlet connection (not shown) for the tube  26 , and may include a shutdown device (not shown) to shut off the heating element  52  source if the temperature exceeds a pre-set value.  
         [0057]    The steam plate  46  or portion plate may be removably attached to the steaming module  16 . The steam plate  46  is separated from the exterior of the steaming module  16  by a ring  54  of thermal insulating material to reduce heat transfer to the enclosure. The ring  54  may be any suitable thermal insulating material, preferably teflon, or may be nylon, zytel, etc. The steam plate  46  and ring  54  may be retained on the enclosure by use of mechanical fasteners (not shown). The heating element  52  may include an upper circular wall that includes a seated pocket  53  along the top of the wall, shaped to receive the ring  54 . The ring  54  may be slipped into a pocket  53  on the heating element  52  or steamer head. The ring  54  forms a seal between the steam plate  46  and the heating element  52  to retain most of the gas from the transport (injection shot) of the liquid into the steam chamber  56 .  
         [0058]    The steaming module  16  includes a steam chamber  56  formed within the boundary of the heating element  52 , including the space within the upper wall  55  of the heating element  52 , and the base of the portion plate  46 . The steam chamber  56  collects and retain the preselected amount of liquid delivered by the pump  32 . The liquid is removed from the reservoir  12  and transported to the steam chamber  56 . The steam plate  46  may be removably attached to the steaming module  16  in order to form a seal with the heating element  52  and the ring  54 , to prevent the steam from leaking out of the steam chamber  56  underneath the portion plate  46 .  
         [0059]    The steam plate  46  or portion plate of the present invention include holes  58  or openings as shown in FIGS.  9 ( a ) and  9 ( b ). The holes  58  allow the steam to exit the steam chamber  56 . The holes  58  may be patterned in any suitable matter. The steam plate  46  can include a means of keeping the food portion from lying flat on the plate  46 , to allow the steam access to a larger amount of food surface, thus improving heat transfer and reducing cycle time. The means may be any suitable means, such as fins  60 . For example, the steam plate  46  may include six small fins  60  on the top plate surface to support the food or product serving and increase the contact area between the food or product serving and the steam. The steam plate  46  may also include a diverter plate  62  attached to the bottom of the steam plate  46 . The diverter plate  62  prevents water from contacting the food product on the fins  60 . For example, the steam will exit the steam chamber first through the diverter plate holes  64 , and then through the steam plate holes  58 .  
         [0060]    Different types of food and/or different portion sizes can be accommodated by adjusting the timing device  34  of the pump module  14 . Since the timing device  34  may be adjusted to control the amount of water dispensed by the pump  32 , and the delay between operations, there may be some cases where it may also be necessary to utilize an alternate steam plate with a different number and/or size of openings.  
         [0061]    The steaming module  16  may normally be placed on a table or countertop in the food preparation area. The pump module  14  and water reservoir  12  may also be placed on the same surface, or in another proximate location, such as on a shelf underneath the work surface. The warming system  10  requires a suitable electrical supply of 115 volts and a 20-amp circuit, although other volt/ampere configurations may be used.  
         [0062]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the steaming module  70  may be mounted to a counter top  72  as shown in FIG. 10. The steaming module  70  may include a notch  74  shaped to contact the counter top  72 . The notch  72  is formed between the steaming module housing  76  and the steamer head  78  or heating element.  
         [0063]    The steaming module  70  may be mounted to the countertop by positioning the base of the steamer head  78  into the hole in the counter top  72 . The housing  76  is then placed under the counter top  72  and removably attached to the steamer head  78  using any suitable means, such as bolts  78 . The steamer head  78  includes bolt holes (not shown) shaped to receive bolts  78  passing from the bottom of the housing  76 . The bolts  78  are tightened to the base of the housing  76 . An outer rim  82  of the steamer head  78  supports the steaming module  70  on the counter top  72 . After mounting, the steam plate  84  may then be removably attached to the steamer module  70 . In addition, the water transport tube  86  may enter the steaming module  70  from the base of the steaming module  70 .  
         [0064]    Operation of the warming system  10  of the present invention may be understood by referring once again to FIGS.  1 - 9 . The food warmer system  10  according to the present invention may be operated by initially filling the water reservoir  12  with a liquid, for example water. The power cord (not shown) is then connected to the appropriate circuit, and the ON-OFF switch  36  of the pump module  14  may be pressed to the ON position. Turning on the system  10 , will activate the HEAT ON indicator light  48 . The READY indicator light  50  will light, when the heating element  52  is warmed up to operating temperature.  
         [0065]    When the HEAT ON indicator light  48  goes out, the steaming module  16  is at operating temperature. At this point it is necessary to press and hold down the operating switch button  40  until the pump  32  has filled the water transport tube  26  with water. The tube  26  may be considered filled, when steam is observed exiting from the openings  58  in the portion plate  46 . At this point the warming system  10  is ready for use.  
         [0066]    To use the system  10 , a quantity of food may be placed on the portion plate  10  and the operating switch button  46  may be pressed. Pressing the button  46  activates the timing device  34  which operates the pump  32  for a specified time period. The pump  32  will deliver a set quantity of water through the tube  26  into the steaming module  16 . The READY light  50  will go out and the steam will be applied to the food portion through the openings  58  in the portion plate  46 . When the READY light  50  comes on, the steaming module  16  has completed a steam cycle, and the food portion can be removed.  
         [0067]    The operation of the steaming module  10  may be explained with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. The steaming module  70  may include a passage  88  shaped to receive a water transport tube  86 . The passage  88  may penetrate the steamer head  78 . The steaming module  70  may also include a temperature sensor  92  that monitors the temperature of the steamer head  78 .  
         [0068]    The steamer head  78  includes a steam chamber  94 . When the portion plate  84  is removably attached to the steamer head  78 , the steam chamber  94  may become sealed so that liquid does not contact the food. The portion plate  84  may also include at least one fin  96  that includes a leg portion  98  for positioning within the steam chamber. The leg portion  98  helps to seat the portion plate  84  above the steamer head  78 .  
         [0069]    In operation, the steamer head  78  is preheated to a temperature which will rapidly convert the liquid in the steam chamber  94  to a vapor. The temperature sensor  92  will monitor the steamer head temperature and activate the READY light when the steamer head  78  reaches the preheated temperature suitable for converting the liquid to vapor. The operator will then press the operating system button to activate the pump. The operation of the pump transports a preselected amount of liquid through the tube  86 , and the liquid exits the tube  86  into the steam chamber  94 . The liquid will then be rapidly vaporized upon contact with the preheated steamer head  78 , and the vapor will exit the steam chamber  102  through the holes  90  in the portion plate  84 . Any liquid not vaporized will be diverted by the diverter plate  96  away from the food on the portion plate  84 .  
         [0070]    When using the warming system  10 , according to the present invention, the food or product serving to be warmed, may be placed onto the portion plate  46  as shown in FIGS.  1 - 9 . For example, the food product may be any food product, such as sliced meat, vegetables, or buns. The operating system button  40  is then pressed to actuate the steam cycle and warm the food or product serving. Approximately six seconds should pass to allow for the complete exhaust of the steam, before removing the food or product serving from the steamer. When the READY light  50  illuminates, the steaming module  16  is ready for the next serving of food or product serving to be warmed.  
         [0071]    The present invention may also incorporate any conventional weight or load measuring device, such as, load cells, mechanical scales and electrical scales shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The load cell  110  may be donut shaped and positioned outside of the steamer head of the steaming module. The steamer head may support the load cell  110  and the portion plate when placed on the steamer head. The load cell may include loading points  112 . Preferably, the load cell is electrically connected to a digital LED for the purpose of displaying the weight of the food or product serving disposed on the portion plate. The use of a load cell allows the food to be portioned controlled prior to heating.  
         [0072]    While we have shown and described several embodiments in accordance with our invention, it is to be clearly understood that the same are susceptible to numerous changes apparent to one skilled in the art. Therefore, we do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described but intend to show all changes and modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims.