Patent Publication Number: US-2003221913-A1

Title: Dining unit

Description:
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/381,613 which was filed on May 17, 2002 and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] The present invention is related to dining units for holding, displaying, or serving food products.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003] Dining units are commonly used by food vendors for selling prepared food products. A dining unit typically comprises one or more cases or modules having trays or shelves for holding, displaying, or serving the food products. The cases or modules are often arranged in a linear pattern, i.e., in a straight line or at right angles. This type of arrangement can require relatively large amounts of floor space, and can thus present disadvantages in applications where the amount of available floor space is limited. Moreover, arranging the cases in a linear pattern may not provide potential customers with an optimal view of the food products within the cases.  
       [0004] Lighting, signage, and displays can be critical to the success of a food-vending operation. Most dining units, however, do not include provisions for incorporating such features so as to create an overall environment conducive to marketing and selling food products. Also, dining units are often used in temporary, i.e., short-term, applications such as conventions, trade shows, etc. Reconfiguring a dining unit for a particular application can require adding or eliminating cases or modules to serve a particular food product, or to satisfy a specific anticipated sales volume. Many dining units, however, cannot easily be reconfigured in this manner.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005] A preferred embodiment of a dining unit comprises a first and a second case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving food products. The first and second cases each comprise at least one of a tray and a shelf. The dining unit also comprises a third case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving others of the food products. The third case has a substantially wedge-shaped planform. The third case comprises a shelf and is positioned between the first and second cases.  
       [0006] A preferred embodiment of a modular assembly comprises a first and a second elongated module for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving food products. The first and second elongated modules each comprise at least one of a tray and a shelf. The modular assembly also comprises a corner module for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving others of the food products. The corner module comprises a shelf, and a first and a second side panel each adjoining the shelf The second side panel is angled in relation to the first side panel by an acute angle, an end of the first elongated module abuts the first side panel, and an end of the second elongated module abuts the second side panel so that the first and second modules extend in substantially nonparallel directions.  
       [0007] Another preferred embodiment of a dining unit comprises a first case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving food products. The first case comprises at least one of a tray and a shelf. The dining unit also comprises a second and a third case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving others of the food products. The second and third cases each have a substantially wedge-shaped planform, and the first case is positioned between the second and third cases.  
       [0008] Another preferred embodiment of a modular assembly comprises an elongated module for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving food products. The elongated module comprises at least one of a tray and a shelf. The modular assembly also comprises a first and a second corner module for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving others of the food products. The first and second corner modules each comprise a shelf, and a first and a second side panel each adjoining the shelf. The second side panel is angled in relation to the first side panel by an acute angle. The first side panel of the first corner module abuts a first end of the elongated module, and the second side panel of the second corner module abuts a second end of the elongated module.  
       [0009] A preferred embodiment of a kit for a dining unit comprises a first case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving food products. The first case comprises at least one of a tray and a shelf. The kit also comprises a second and a third case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving others of the food products. The second and third cases each have a substantially wedge-shaped planform. The kit also comprises a truss system comprising a first support pole for mounting on the second case, a second support pole for mounting on the third case, and a truss for being mechanically coupled to the first and second support poles.  
       [0010] A preferred embodiment of a kit for a modular assembly comprises an elongated module for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving food products. The elongated module comprises at least one of a tray and a shelf. The kit also comprises a first and a second corner module for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving others of the food products. The first and second corner modules each comprise a shelf, and a first and a second side panel each adjoining the shelf. The second side panel is angled in relation to the first side panel by an acute angle. The kit also comprises a truss system comprising a first support pole for mounting on one of the corner modules, a second support pole for mounting on the other modules, and a truss for being mechanically coupled to the first and second support poles.  
       [0011] A preferred method is provided for assembling a dining unit comprising a first case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving food products, the first case comprising at least one of a tray and a shelf, a second and a third case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving others of the food products and each having a substantially wedge-shaped planform, and a truss system comprising a first support pole for mounting on the second case, a second support pole for mounting on the third case, and a truss for being mechanically coupled to the first and second support poles. The preferred method comprises positioning the first case between the second and third cases, mounting the first support pole on the second case, mounting the second support pole on the third case, and mechanically coupling the truss to the first and second support poles. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0012] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a prsently-preferred embodiment, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show an embodiment that is presently preferred. The invention is not limited, however, to the specific instrumentalities disclosed in the drawings. In the drawings:  
     [0013]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a presently-preferred dining unit;  
     [0014]FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the dining unit shown in FIG. 1;  
     [0015]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the dining unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;  
     [0016]FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the dining unit shown in FIG. 3;  
     [0017]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the dining unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;  
     [0018]FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the dining unit shown in FIG. 5; and  
     [0019]FIG. 7 is a magnified view of the area designated “A” in FIG. 2, showing the dining unit in a partially disassembled state. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0020] A preferred embodiment of a dining unit  10  is depicted in FIGS.  1 - 7 . The dining unit  10  preferably comprises two cases in the form of a beverage and tray module  12  and a cold food and sandwich module  14 . The dining unit  10  also comprises three additional cases in the form of a first corner module  16 , a second corner module  18 , and a third corner module  20 . Preferably, the first corner module  16  is fixedly coupled to an end of the beverage and tray module  12 , and the second corner module  18  is fixedly coupled to an opposing end of the beverage and tray module  12 .  
     [0021] Preferably, the second corner module  18  is also fixedly coupled to an end of the cold food and sandwich module  14 , and the third corner module  20  is fixedly coupled to an opposing end of the food and sandwich module  14 . Further details concerning the interrelationship between the beverage and tray module  12 , the cold food and sandwich module  14 , and the first, second, and third corner modules  16 ,  18 ,  20  are presented below.  
     [0022] The beverage and tray module  12  can comprise a hot food cart  22  for displaying and serving hot foods. The beverage and tray module  12  can also comprise a beverage cart  24  for storing and displaying cold beverages.  
     [0023] The beverage and tray module  12  has a front  12   a  and a back  12   b  (see FIG. 1). The beverage and tray module  12  is configured so that beverages and foodstuffs can be displayed and served to individuals facing the front  12   a  of the beverage and tray module  12 , by service personnel located on the opposite side thereof. The beverage and tray module  12  can have an overall length of approximately ten feet.  
     [0024] The cold food and sandwich module  14  can comprise a refrigerated cart  26  for storing and displaying cold foods. The cold food and sandwich module  14  can also comprise a cold food cart  28  for storing and displaying foodstuffs used for sandwich making.  
     [0025] The cold food and sandwich module  14  has a front  14   a  and a back  14   b . The cold food and sandwich module  14  is configured so that beverages and foodstuffs can be displayed and served to individuals facing the front  14   a  of the cold food and sandwich module  14 , by service personnel located on the opposite side thereof. The cold food and sandwich module  14  can have an overall length of approximately ten feet.  
     [0026] Further details relating to the beverage and tray module  12  and the cold food and sandwich module  14  are not necessary to an understating of the invention, and therefore are not presented herein.  
     [0027] The first corner module  16  preferably comprises a first side panel  16   a , a second side panel  16   b , and an adjoining rear panel  16   c  (see FIG. 1). The first corner module  16  also preferably comprises a top panel  16   d  and a bottom panel  16   e  that adjoin the side panels  16   a ,  16   b  and the rear panel  16   c  (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Preferably, the corner module  16  further includes a shelf panel  16   f  positioned within the corner module  16 , between the top panel  16   d  and a bottom panel  16   e . The top panel  16   d , bottom panel  16   e , and shelf panel  16   f  can be used to display food products that do not require warming or refrigeration. (Alternative embodiments of the first corner module  16  can be equipped with heating or refrigeration equipment so that the top panel  16   d , bottom panel  16   e , and shelf panel  16   f  can display food products that require warming or refrigeration.)  
     [0028] The top panel  16   d  has a forward edge  16   g , the bottom panel has  16   e  a forward edge  16   h , and the shelf panel  16   f  has a forward edge  16   i . Each of the forward edges  16   g ,  16   h ,  16   i  preferably has a curvilinear shape when viewed from above, i.e., from the perspective of FIG. 1. It should be noted that the forward edges  16   g ,  16   h ,  16   i  are curved for ornamental purposes; other shapes may be used in alternative embodiments.  
     [0029] The first and second side panels  16   a ,  16   b  each extend between the rear panel  16   c  and the forward edges  16   g ,  16   h ,  16   i . The first and second side panels  16   a ,  16   b  diverge as the first and second side panels  16   a ,  16   b  extend forward from the rear panel  16   c . The first and second side panels  16   a ,  16   b  preferably diverge at an acute angle such as approximately 45 degrees (this angle is denoted by the symbol “α” in FIG. 1). In other words, the second side panel  16   b  is preferably angled by approximately 45 degrees in relation to the first side panel  16   a . This feature gives the first corner module  16  a substantially wedge-shaped (or pie-shaped) appearance when viewed from above (see FIG. 1). In other words, the first corner module  16  preferably has a substantially wedge-shaped planform.  
     [0030] Preferably, the side panels  16   a ,  16   b  each have an access opening formed therein proximate the rear panel  16   c . A respective access door  16   j  is coupled to each of the side panels  16   a ,  16   b  (see FIG. 1), preferably by hinges (not shown). The access doors  16   j  cover the respective access openings. The access doors  16   j  each translate between a closed position, and an open position that facilitate access to the inside of the first corner module.  
     [0031] Lights  19  may be secured to a bottom surface of the top panel  16   d  and bottom surface of the shelf panel  16   f  to illuminate the foodstuffs displayed within the corner module  16  (see FIG. 2).  
     [0032] The second and third corner modules  18 ,  20  are substantially identical to the first corner module  16 . The above-noted details relating to the configuration of the first corner module  16  therefore apply equally to the second and third corner modules  18 ,  20 . (Corresponding components in the first, second, and third corner modules  16 ,  18 ,  20  are denoted in the figures by alphanumeric references symbols having identical alphabetical portions.)  
     [0033] A first side panel  18   a  of the second corner module  18  preferably abuts a second end  12   d  of the beverage and tray module  12 . A second side panel  18   b  of the second corner module  18  likewise preferably abuts a first end  14   c  of the cold food and sandwich module  14 .  
     [0034] The angled orientation of the side panels  18   a ,  18   b  causes the beverage and tray module  12  to be angled in relation to the cold food and sandwich module  14 . More particularly, the beverage and tray module  12 , the second corner module  18 , and the cold food and sandwich module  14  have a substantially v-shaped configuration when coupled as noted (see FIG. 1).  
     [0035] The first side panel  16   a  of the first corner module  16  preferably abuts a first end  12   c  of the beverage and tray module  12 . A first side panel  20   a  of the third corner module  20  likewise preferably abuts a second end  14   d  of the cold food and sandwich module  14 .  
     [0036] The first corner module  16  faces outwardly when coupled to the beverage and tray module  12 . In other words, the first corner module  16  is positioned so that the rear panel  16   c  is located proximate the back  12   b  of the beverage and tray module  12 . Hence, foodstuffs displayed on the top panel  16   d , bottom panel  16   e , and shelf panel  16   f  are accessible to individuals facing the front  12   a  of the beverage and tray module  12 .  
     [0037] The third corner module  20  likewise faces outwardly when coupled to the cold food and sandwich module  14 . In other words, the third corner module  20  is positioned so that a rear panel  20   c  thereof is located proximate the back  14   b  of the cold food and sandwich module  14 . Hence, foodstuffs displayed on a top panel  20   d , a bottom panel  20   e , and a shelf panel  20   f  of the third corner module  20  are accessible to individuals facing the front  14   a  of the cold food and sandwich module  14 .  
     [0038] The dining unit  10  further comprises a truss system (see FIG. 2). The truss system comprises a first support pole  38 , a second support pole  40 , and a third support pole  42 . The first, second, and third support poles  38 ,  40 ,  42  are preferably formed from aluminum. It should be noted that the first, second, and third support poles  38 ,  40 ,  42  are formed with a substantially circular cross section for ornamental purposes; other cross-sectional configurations can be used in alternative embodiments.  
     [0039] The first support pole  38  is fixedly coupled the top panel  16   d  of the first corner module  16 . More particularly, an end  38   a  of the first support pole  38  is positioned in a bore in the top panel  16   d  of the first corner module  16 . The end  38   a  is secured in the bore by conventional means such as fasteners.  
     [0040] An end  40   a  of the second support pole  40  is positioned in a bore formed in a top panel  18   d  of the second corner module  18 , and is secured in the bore by conventional means such as fasteners. An end  42   a  of the third support pole  42  is positioned in a bore formed in the top panel  20   d  of the third corner module  20 , and is secured in the bore by conventional means such as fasteners.  
     [0041] The truss system also comprises a first truss  44  and a second truss  46  (see FIG. 2). The first truss  44  preferably has a length approximately equal to that of the beverage and tray module  12 . The second truss  46  preferably has a length approximately equal to that of the cold food and sandwich module  14 . The first and second trusses  44 ,  46  are preferably formed from aluminum. It should be noted that the specific configuration of the trusses  44 ,  46  depicted in the figures is chosen for ornamental purposes; other structural configurations that provide suitable load-bearing capacity can be used in alternative embodiments.  
     [0042] An end of the first truss  44  is fixedly coupled to a second end  38   b  of the first support pole  38 . An opposing end of the first truss  44  is fixedly coupled to a second end  40   b  of the second support pole  40 . The first truss  44  is thus suspended above the beverage and tray module  12  from the first and second support poles  38 ,  40 .  
     [0043] Moreover, the first truss  44  and the first and second support poles  38 ,  40  secure the beverage and tray module  12  between the first and second corner modules  16 ,  18 . In other words, the noted arrangement of the first truss  44  and the first and second support poles  38 ,  40  secures the first corner module  16  in position in relation to the second corner module  18 , and thus inhibits movement of the beverage and tray module  12  which, as noted above, is positioned between the first and second corner modules  16 ,  18 .  
     [0044] The ends of the first truss  44  are preferably coupled to the second ends  38   b ,  40   b  of the first and second support poles  38 ,  40  using the bracket mechanism  51  depicted in FIG. 7. The bracket mechanism  51  comprises pocket members  53  fixedly coupled to respective ends of the truss  44 , and brackets  55  fixedly coupled to the second ends  38   b ,  40   b  of the first and second support poles  38 ,  40  (for clarity, only the second end  40   b  of the pole  40  is depicted in FIG. 7). The brackets  55  are substantially V-shaped, as depicted in FIG. 7. Each pocket member  53  is adapted to fit over an end of a corresponding bracket  55  when the first truss  44  is lowered onto the first and second support poles  38 ,  40 . The bracket  55  engages the corresponding pocket member  53 , and thereby prevents further downward movement of the first truss  44 .  
     [0045] An end of the second truss  46  is fixedly coupled to a second end  40   b  of the second support pole  40 . An opposing end of the second truss  46  is fixedly coupled to a second end  42   b  of the third support pole  42 . The second truss  46  is thus suspended above the cold food and sandwich module  14  from the second and third support poles  40 ,  42 . The ends of the second truss  46  are fixedly coupled to the second ends  40   b ,  42   b  of the second and third support poles  40 ,  42  using the above-described bracket mechanism  51  (see FIG. 7).  
     [0046] Moreover, the second truss  46  and the second and third support poles  40 ,  42  secure the cold food and sandwich module  14  between the second and third corner modules  18 ,  20 . In other words, the noted arrangement of the second truss  46  and the second and third support poles  40 ,  42  secures the second corner module  18  in position in relation to the third corner module  20 , and thus inhibits movement of the cold food and sandwich module  14  which, as noted above, is positioned between the second and third corner modules  18 ,  20 .  
     [0047] Conventional track lights  58  can be suspended from the first and second trusses  44 , 46 . The track lights  58  are preferably mounted on swivel means that permit the track lights  58  to be aimed at selected locations throughout the dining unit  10 . Additional track lights  58  can be mounted on the first, second, and third support poles  38 ,  42 ,  44 .  
     [0048] The first, second, and third support poles  38 ,  40 ,  42  can each have a light fixture integrated into the respective second ends  38   b ,  40   b ,  42   b  thereof. These light fixtures each accommodate a spot light  45  that shines upwardly (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Moreover, conventional heat lamps (not shown) can be suspended from the first truss  44  to warm food located in the hot food cart  22  of the beverage and tray module  12 .  
     [0049] Signage can be displayed at various locations on the dining unit  10 . For example, an elongated sign  60  can be mounted on each of the first and second trusses  42 ,  46  (see FIG. 2). The signs  60  can display, for example, writing or a graphical display (not shown) that identifies the general type of food served at a particular dining unit  10 .  
     [0050] Moreover, signs  62  can be secured to the first, second, and third support pole  38 ,  40 ,  42 , as shown in FIG. 2. The signs  62  can display, for example, the menu and food prices (not shown) at a particular dining unit  10 .  
     [0051] The dining unit  10  also comprises a backdrop  64  (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The backdrop  64  includes a frame  66 , and a display  68  attached to the frame  66 . The display  68  can depict, for example, an oversized rendition of one or more of the food items served at a particular dining unit  10  (not shown), thereby drawing the attention of potential customers.  
     [0052] The backdrop  68  is not physically connected to the other components of the dining unit  10 , and is preferably located behind the beverage and tray module  12  and the cold food and sandwich module  14 . More particularly, the backdrop  68  is preferably positioned so that a working space for the service personnel is defined between the backdrop  68 , and the beverage and tray module  12  and cold food and sandwich module  14 .  
     [0053] The dining unit  10  is believed to create an overall environment conducive to displaying and serving food products. In particular, the beverage and tray module  12 , the cold food and sandwich module  14 , and the corner modules  16 ,  18 ,  20  are integrated so as to form a continuous series of casings and shelves from which a variety of hot and cold foodstuffs and beverages can be viewed on a simultaneous basis by potential customers. Food and beverages of the customers&#39; choice can then be served easily and expeditiously from the beverage and tray module  12 , the cold food and sandwich module  14 , and the corner modules  16 ,  18 ,  20 .  
     [0054] The lights  58  can provide a source of illumination for the dining unit  10  and its immediate vicinity. The lights  58  are integrated with the temporary dining unit  10  by way of the first and second trusses  44 ,  46  and the first, second, and third support poles  38 ,  42 ,  44 .  
     [0055] The first and second trusses  44 ,  46  and the first, second, and third support poles  38 ,  42 ,  44  also provide a means for integrating signage into the dining unit  10 . The backdrop  64  can permit an eye-catching display to be integrated into the dining unit  10 . These features can facilitate the display of information such as menus and prices, as well as advertising to attract potential customers. Moreover, the signage and displays can be placed in predetermined areas that optimize the beneficial effects while minimizing the intrusiveness thereof.  
     [0056] The dining unit  10  can thus serve as an integrated, self-contained system that can be used on a stand-alone basis to create an overall environment for marketing and selling food and beverages. The dining unit  10 , it is believed, can be quickly and easily assembled at a particular location without the need for specially trained personnel, and with minimal tooling.  
     [0057] Moreover, the wedge-shaped configuration of the first, second, and third  16 ,  18 ,  20  gives the beverage and tray module  12  and the cold food and sandwich module  14  a substantially v-shaped configuration, as previously noted. The relatively compact v-shaped configuration allows the dining unit  10  to be placed in relatively small (narrow) areas that could not accommodate the tray module  12  and the cold food and sandwich module  14  when arranged in a straight-line configuration.  
     [0058] Moreover, the v-shaped configuration of the beverage and tray module  12  and the cold food and sandwich module  14  can permit potential customers standing in front of the dining unit  10  to view the contents of the beverage and tray module  12  and the cold food and sandwich module  14  on a substantially simultaneous basis.  
     [0059] It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of the parts, within the principles of the invention.  
     [0060] For example, specific details relating to the beverage and tray module  12  and the cold sandwich module  14  are presented for exemplary purposes only. Virtually any type of case or module adapted to display, serve, store, heat, or cool foodstuffs or beverages can be used in place of the beverage and tray module  12  and the cold food and sandwich module  14 , including cases and modules having a length less than or greater than ten feet. Cashier carts and merchandiser carts can also be used in place of the beverage and tray module  12  and the cold food and sandwich module  14 .  
     [0061] Moreover, alternative embodiments of the dining unit  10  can be configured with virtually any number of cases or modules. Hence, variants of the dining unit  10  can be optimally configured for a particular application or installation site. For example, FIGS. 3 and 4 depict a dining unit  10   a  comprising the beverage and tray module  12  and the first and second corner modules  16 ,  18 , but not the cold food and sandwich module  14 . (Corresponding components of the dining units  10 ,  10   a  are denoted by identical reference symbols in FIGS.  1 - 4 .)  
     [0062]FIGS. 5 and 6 depict a dining unit  10   b . The dining unit  10   b  comprises all of the components as the dining unit  10 . (Components common to the dining units  10 ,  10   a  are denoted by identical reference numerals in FIGS. 1, 2,  5 , and  6 .) The dining unit  10   b  further comprises a hot food and grill cart  70  fixedly coupled to the third corner module  20 , and a fourth corner module  72  fixedly coupled to an end of the hot food and grill cart  70 .