CA2172308A1 - Collapsible and portable chafing dish - Google Patents

Abstract

A rugged, flatly folding, portable chafing dish assembly is comprised of a cover, food pan, water pan, collapsible stand and heat source. The collapsible stand is rectangular and is comprised of four rigid plates forming the sides of the rectangular stand which are rotatably coupled together by means of a flatly folding piano hinge. The hinge is integrally formed with the sides and can be disassembled for cleaning. The two lateral sides of the stand are identical and interchangeable, as are the two end sides. The rectangular stand is provided with apertures through the lateral and end sides, both for air access to create a heat draft for the burner source when placed within the stand, as well as access to the burners when the chafing dish assembly is assembled. A rigid rectangular tray extends the length of the stand and connects to the end sides along an access aperture edge thereby rendering the otherwise collapsible rectangular stand rigid. Additional rigidity of the chafing dish assembly is realized when the water pan and food pan are disposed in the stand in as nested fashion.

Description

-~' 2 1 72308 AN IMPROVED COLLAPSIBLE AND PORTABL~ C~IAFING DISH

Background of the Invention 1. Fiel~ of ~lle ~nvenfion S The invention relates to the field of catering a~aral~ls, and in particular, to a portable, collapsible chafing dish.

2 Descnp~ion of fJle PnorArt Food catering services typically serve the ~rcpared foods from a buffet line 10 from a plurality of f~h~fing dishes or trays which ~re typically co~ ised of a stand for holding a double-boiler pan and for positioning a heat source under the double-boiler pan. The double-boiler pan is partially filled with water and a serving dish is nested ~,vithin it. The serving rnay also be provided with a cover. In this manner, heat from the heat source, typically a candle or a fuel can, such as ...~....ractured 15 under the trademark, STERNO, is used to transfer heat to the water in the double-boiler pan from whence it is transferred through vapor convection to the serving pan and the food therein.
The ch~fing dishes are expensive to manufacture, and even when robustly made, generally have a limited life due to repeated or rough handling. This is 20 particularly the case in the application of mobile catering where the f h~fing dishes must be transferred from a storage space in the catering kitchen, to the catering truclc, transported to the catering site and then set up Oll the buffet table at the catering site. After the catering service is rendered, the process is reversed.

- 21 72308 Patent Repeated ro~gh handling in this t~e of environment ev~ntually results in dam. geto the ch~fing dish.
In the case where the chafing dish has been made portable by having collapsible design so that storage of multiple chafing dishes within the limited space of the catering truck is facilitated, the design which permits portability generally co"~prolllises its structural rigidity and robustness. Therefore, portable and collapsible ch~fin~ dishes have even a more limited life time in catering applications than the more bulky and noncollapsible rigid ch~fing dishes.
Several types of collapsible ch~fing dishes or cooking implements have been devised. L~e, "Cooking Utensil, " U.S. Patent 4,106,486 (1978) shows a cooking utensil comprising a bottom pan 10, and inner pah 30 which fits into bottom pan 10.
A space is provided between the walls of inner pan 30 and the opposing walls of bottom pan 10. A cover 12 for bottom pan 10 and inner pan 30 is also provided.
Inner pan 30 includes a perforated bottom 31, perforated opposing side walls 32 and 33 and perforated opposing end walls 35 and 36. Handles 39 and 40 are attached to side walls 35 and 36 respectively. End walls 35 and 36 are hinged at the lower corners to the side walls by pivot pins 38. The open configuration of pan 30 is illustrated in Figure 4. Lee shows a nested set of pans with covers that included at least one foldable side on one of the pans.
Martin, "CollapsibleBakin~gPan,nU.S. Patent 3,828,966 (1974) shows a baking pan 10 in Figure 1 which is comprised of base 11 and four sides 12-15 each of which are hinged by hinges 16 to base 11. The hinges include fold out support 17shown in side view in Figure 4 and in prospective view in Figure 3. Each support 17 includes a laterally extending number 18 having a hinged upstanding member 19 which hold sides 12-15 in place when the sides are in a closed position. The baking pan is formed from light weight material such as aluminum While relevant for 2 ~ 7 2 3 0 8 KaPfate~ t showing a hinged pan, Martin does not suggesl a nested pan within a foldable hinged ch~fing body.
Kratz, "Baking Pan, " IJ.S. Patent 1,714,379," (1929), shows a baking pan having a bottom 1 each side of which is provided with a cylindrical roll 2, side walls 5 4 and end walls S. Each side has a lower end provided with a U-shaped extension 6 which is adapted to be received wi~hin roll 2 so that each side wall 4 and end wall 5 is hinged to bottom 1. The ends of side walls 4 and rolled about a reinforcing wire 8, seen in Figure 2, while ends of end walls 5 are shaped to provide a cylindrical rolled extension 9 which receive the rolled ends of side walls 4.
While Kratz is relevant for showing a collapsible rectangular unit, Kratz fails to suggest a combination with a ~h~fing pan and rhoreoVer would have to be materially modified to elimin~te the bottom side 1.
IJ~..;tZI~ "Bah'ng Pa~t, N U.S. Patent 1,261,566 (1918) shows a baking pan having a bottom 6 with an up-standing side and end flanges 7 and 8 respectively,side walls 10 and end walls 13. Each wall has a lower end which is hinged to therespective side. In addition, and hinged flange and latch 20 are pivotally connected to a flange 15, seen in Figure 1 of each end wall 13. Latch 20 is received by a loop 23 in each side wall 12. Lewitzly is relevant for showing the construction of a collapsible pan although not in an overall combination in chafing pan.
What is needed, therefore, is a chafing dish which can be compactly stored and transported, but which is of such a design that it is neither bulky or prone to damage by ordinary rough handling. A portable collapsible chafing dish which folds flatly or compactly to facilitate storage in limited space of multiple units of the ch~fing dish is needed.

2 1 7 2 3 0 8 KaufmaJl Brief Summary orthe Invention The invention is a chafing dish assembly compris;ng a lid, a food pan coverable by the lid, a water pan into which the food pan nests, and a collapsible stand into which the water pan nests. The collapsible stand is comprised of fourS sides forrning a rectangular structure. Each adjacent side is coupled together by element of a flatly folding hinge. A structural element is provided for temporarily rendering the collapsible stand rigid. In the preferred embodiment, this element is a tray for holding and positioning the burners. As a result, a rugged. easily stored.
collapsible ~ h~fing dish assembly is provided.
The hinge between each of the sides of the stand is integrally formed with each side. The stand has two opposing lateral sides and two opposing end sides.
The lateral sides are provided with a plurality of apertures defined therethrough to promote air draft.
The element for rendering the stand rigid comprises a rectangular tray 15 temporarily attachable along ends of the tray with opposing sides of the ~h~fing assembly. Each of the end sides are provided with a rectangular aperture. The rectangular tray has an end flange at each end of the rectangular tray which endflange is arranged and configured to slip-fit over an edge of the rectangular aperture defined in each the end side. A heat source is disposable within the stand to provide 20 heat to the water pan. The tray provides support for the heat source to position the heat source appropriately with respect to the water pan and to maintain the heatsource in a position spaced above bottom of the stand. .Apertures are defined in the end sides provide physical access to the heat source within the stand.
The lateral and end sides are interchangeable and identical. This facilitates 25 easy repair and replacement. The sides comprise a wind-sheltered enclosure into Patent 2 1 7 2 3 0 8 K~3f24aD

which the heat source is placed. ln the preferred embodiment the sides fold tlatly to a thickness of no more than one-half inch.
The invention may be better visualized by now turning to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cll~fing dish assembly using the collapsible stand of the invention.
Figure 2 is a side plan view of the collapsible stand used in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a plan elevational end view of the collapsible stand used in Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of one hinged corner of the collapsible stand used in Figures 1-3 shown in enlarged scale in an assembled configuraticn.
Figure S is a perspective view of one hinged corner of the collapsible stand lS used in Figures 1-3 shown in enlarged scale in an unassembled configuration.
Figure 6 is a perspectivè view of the collapsible stand of Figures 1-5 shown in a collapsed or flatly folded configuration.
Figure 7 is an end perspective view in enlarged scale of the burner tray used in the collapsible stand of the invention.
These and additional embodiments of the invention may now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein an illustrated embodiment is described.

. ~ ~
Patent 2 1 7 2 ~ Kaufman -Detailed Description oî the Prererred Embodiments A rugged, fJatly folding, portable chafing dish assembly is comprised of a cover, food pan, water pan, collapsible stand and heat source. The collapsible stand is rectang~lar and is comprised of four rigid plates forming the sides of the 5 rectangular stand which are rotatably coupled together by means of a flatly folding piano hinge. The hinge is integrally formed with the sides and can be disassembled for cle~ning The two lateral sides of the stand are identical and interchangeable, as are the two end sides. The rectangular stand is provided with apertures through the lateral and end sides, both for air access to create a heat drah for the burner source 10 when placed within the stand, as well as access to the burners when the chafing dish assembly is assembled. A rigid rectangular tray extends the length of the stand and connects to the end sides along an access aperture edge thereby rendering the otherwise collapsible rectangular stand rigid. Additional rigidity of the chafing dish assembly is realized when the water pan and food pan are disposed in the stand in as 15 nested fashion.
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the chafing dish assembly, generally denoted by reference numeral 10. Chafing dish assembly 10 is comprisedof a cover 12, food pan 14, water pan 16, collapsible stand 18 and heat source 20.
Each of the elements comprising chafing dish assembly 10 is preferably made of 20 metal. Commonly used materials include stainless steel and aluminum. In some applications, plated metals, such as silver, brass, gold or copper, may be employed for decorative effect.
As shown in Figure 1, water pan 16 slips on top of and is held by collapsible stand 18 in a manner similar to conventional chafing dish assemblies. When the 25 curved lips of water pan 16 are placed on and extend over the upper edges of collapsible stand 18 some additional rigidity is provided to collapsible stand 18 in its '' 2 1 7 23 08 KaPfatea t expanded configuration by pan 16. The main structural reinforcement ~f stand 18 is provided, however, by means of tray 30 described below. Preferably, stand 18 is rigidly m~int~ined in its expanded configuration before water pan 16 is placed upon it.
Heat source 20 is placed within collapsible stand 18 in the manner described in greater detail below to provide heat to water which is placed in water pan 16which then acts as a double-boiler. Food pan 14 then nests into water pan 16 and is supported by the top edges of water pan 16 in a conventional manner. The depth of food pan 14 is less than the depth of water pan 16, thereby providing a space for the heated water reservoir and steam be~ween food pan 14 and water pan 16. Cover 12 is placed on and completely covers food pan 14 to further retain heat and water within the food as well as to keep foreign matter out. To the extent thus far described, the elements of ch~fing ~csembly 10 are conventional with the exception of collapsible stand 18.
Collapsible stand 18 is unique to the invention, and as sho~vn in Figure 1, is comprised of four hinged rigid sides, namely ends 22 and lateral sides 24, whichcollectively form a rect~n~ r stand into which water pan 16 nests. Lateral sides 24 are provided with a plurality of openings 26, which are shown in the embodiment of Figure 1 as circular apertures. It is to be understood that the number and shape of openings 26 may be varied according to decorative and arbitrary design choices.
The basic function of openings 26 are not only to lighten collapsible stand 18, but also to provide adequate air draft for heat sources 20.
Ends 22 in the illustrated embodlment are each provided with large rectangular apertures 28, which also provide air to heat source 20, provide physical access to the interior collapsible stand 18 and hence to heat source 20, as well as serve to lighten collapsible stand 18.

2 1 7 2 3 0 8 KaPf teann A burner tray 30 extending the len~th of collapsible stand 18 is disposed into collapsible stand 18 and is provided at each end with a capturing lip 32 which rests on and extends over the lower edge of end aperture 28 as best depicted in Figure 7.
Burner tray 30 is a rigid rectangular tray in which one or more heat sources 20 may 5 be placed. In addition to providing support and positioning for the burners, tray 30 is the structural element of collapsible stand 18 which renders it rigid. With tray 30 removed, collapsible stand 18 is free to fold completely flatly as permitted by hinges 34 at each of the wall connections. Because of the freely rotatable hinge connection, collapsible stand 18 thus folds out loosely and does not assume a rigid 10 rectangular shape until tray 30 is placed into it and cormected by overh~ngin~
flanges 32 to the lower edges of apertures 28. Once tray 30 is thus positioned, collapsible stand 18 assumes a surprisingly rigid configuration. Thereafter burner 20 i5 disposed on tray 30 and then water pan 16 on stand 18.
It is e~ressly contemplated that end apertures 28 may be modified in both 15 size and shape according to the application at hand. For example, apertures 28 may be replaced by horizontal slots only large enough to accommodate end flanges 32 of tray 30 to fix collapsible stand 18 in rigid form, and also to provide a bearing surface for heat sources 20 above the surface on which collapsible stand 18 may be placed.
In the illustrated embodiment, heat sources 20 are STERNO-type fuel cans, 20 namely, openable tins or cans filled with a burnable jelly, each included in a cup holder with adjustable lids, as is conventional. Any type of heat source may be employed in addition to a STERNO can without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.
Tray 30 may also be modified to accommodate heat source 20, for example, 25 by providing a series of conforming indentations in tray 30 into which SIERNO cup holders of heat source 20 may be placed and retained.

Patent 2 1 7 2 3 0 ~ KN3f2m4-aD

Figure 2 illustrates a side plan view of collapsible stand 18, while Figure 3 isa plan end view of collapsible stand 18. In the illustrated embodiment, lateral side 24 is comprised of 1/8-inch aluminum plate, and has a length of approximately 20.5 inches. The height of lateral side 24 and ends 22 is approximately 9 inches.
S Apertures 26 are approximately 2 inches in diameter and provided on 3-inch centers. In the view of Figure 2, the centerline of aperture 26 is approximate 3inches from the bottom of lateral side 24. End aperture 28 as shown in Figure 3, is approximately 6 inches in length and 4 1/4 inches in height. Bottom edge 36 is a~ro~;...~tely 1 3/4 inches from bottom edge 38 of end 22.
As best shown in the perspective views of Figures 4 and 5, the hinge, generally denoted by reference numeral 34, is comprised of a first plurality of sleeves 42 which are integrally formed from lateral side 24. A second plurality of sleeves 44 are similarly integrally formed in end 22. ~leeves 42 and 44 are configured to interleave with each other to form a conventional colurnnar sleeve15 structure, such as depicted in Figure 4, through which hinge pin 46 is disposed as shown in Figure 4.
Thus, it may now be appreciated that collapsible stand 18 is fabricated from only two separate pieces, each lateral side 24 being identical and interchangeable, and each end 22 being identical and interchangeable. Therefore, only two parts 20 need be maintained in inventory to provide for a full repair or replacement kit for stand 18.
Furthermore, with tray 30 removed, collapsible stand 18 folds flatly to a thickness of no more than 1/2 inch. Chafing dish assembly 10, and in particular collapsible stand 18, can be completely disassembled by removing hinge pins 46 to 25 permit thorough cleaning. Further, unlike open frame supports for conventional ch~fin~ dishes, collapsible stand 18 provides a substantial enclosure for heat sources - Patent 2 1 7 2 3 0 8 KN3f2m4-aD

20 so that ch~fing dish assembly 10 can be used in outdoor locations where natural winds and drafts might otherwise substantially interfere with the heating capability of the STERNO pots, or even extinguish them.
It should also be evident by the foregoing description that ch~fing dish assembly is light in weight, but extremely strong. There are no pop rivets, spot welds or screws or other fasteners which are prone to corrode or physically fail used In the construction of ch~fing dish assembly 10. There are no legs secured to a top frame strap piece as is conventional in most rh~fing dishes, which require fLlctures or connection which may be compromised. Conventional ~h~fing dishes do not stack, or even if foldable, cannot stack or lay flatly within a 1/2 inch. Further, conventional ch~fing dishes cannot be disassernbled for easy cle~nin~ Prior art chafing dish assemblies typically lose their rigidity after about 15 to 20 times of usage and are relatively heavy, averaging at least 5 1/2 pounds for the standardchafer frame, whereas collapsible stand 18 of the invention, when fabricated of ahlminllm plate as disdosed, weighs substantially less.
Because of the sheltered and ovenlike containment provided by collapsible stand 18 for heat sources 20, chafing dish assembly 10 of the invention requires less fuel than conventional chafers and traps the useful heat more efficiently into water pan 16.
Because of the interchangeability of the parts, if in any event any portion of collapsible stand 18 becomes damaged, the entire collapsible stand 18 need not be disposed of, but only the damaged side replaced and reassembled with its mating elements to comprise a fully restored and functional frame.
Because of the strength and simplicity of collapsible stand 18, maintenance of chafing dish assembly 10 is minim~l, even when subject to repeated rough handling.

-~ ~ 2 1 72308 Patent Kaufman 1~324-D

Many alterations and modifications may be m~de by those having or-1inary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that il should not be taken as lirniting the S invention as defined by the following claims. The following claims are, therefore, to be read to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent elements for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, 10 what is conceptionally equivalent, and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A chafing dish assembly comprising:
a lid;
a food pan coverable by said lid;
a water pan into which said food pan nests;

a collapsible stand into which said water pan nests, said collapsible stand being comprised of four sides forming a rectangular structure, each adjacent side being coupled together by means of a flatly folding hinge; and means for temporarily rendering said collapsible stand rigid, whereby a rugged, easily stored, collapsible chafing dish assembly is provided.

2. The chafing dish assembly of Claim 1 wherein said hinge between each of said sides of said stand is integrally formed with each side.

3. The chafing dish assembly of Claim 1 wherein said stand has two opposing lateral sides and two opposing end sides, said lateral sides being provided with a plurality of apertures defined therethrough to promote air draft.

4. The chafing dish assembly of Claim 1 wherein said means for rendering said stand rigid comprises a rectangular tray temporarily attachable along ends of said tray with opposing sides of said chafing assembly.

5. The chafing dish assembly of Claim 3 wherein said means for rendering said stand rigid comprises a rectangular tray temporarily attachable along ends of said tray with opposing sides of said chafing assembly.

6. The chafing dish of Claim 5 wherein each of said end sides are provided with a rectangular aperture, said rectangular tray having an end flange at each end of said rectangular tray arranged and configured to slip-fit over an edge of said rectangular aperture defined in each said end side.

7. The chafing dish assembly of Claim 1 further comprising a heat source disposable within said stand to provide heat to said water pan.

8. The chafing dish assembly of Claim 7 wherein said means for rendering said stand rigid comprises a rectangular tray temporarily attachable along ends of said tray with opposing sides of said chafing assembly and whereinsaid tray provides support for said heat source to position said heat source appropriately with respect to said water pan and to maintain said heat source in a position spaced above bottom of said stand.

9. The chafing dish assembly of Claim 5 further comprising a heat source disposable within said stand to provide heat to said water pan wherein said apertures defined in said end sides provide physical access to said heat source within said stand.

10. The chafing dish assembly of Claim 3 wherein said lateral sides are interchangeable and identical and wherein said end sides are interchangeable and identical.

11. An improvement in a chafing dish assembly comprising a stand, water pan disposed and carried by said stand, a food pan disposed in and carried by said water pan and a heat source, said improvement comprising:

a plurality of rigid sides comprising said stand, said sides being rotatably coupled together at their edges and collapsible and means for temporarily rendering said stand rigid.

12. The improvement of Claim 11 wherein each of said sides are rotatably coupled together by means of a flatly folding hinge.

13. The improvement of Claim 11 wherein said means for rendering said stand rigid comprises a rigid plate temporarily coupled to opposing ones of said sides and extending between them.

14. The improvement of Claim 13 wherein said rigid plate is disposed between opposing sides of said stand to function as a support tray for said heat source, appropriately positioning said heat source beneath said water pan.

15. The improvement of Claim 11 wherein said sides comprise a wind-sheltered enclosure into which said heat source is placed.

16. The improvement of Claim 11 wherein said sides comprise two identical and interchangeable lateral sides and two identical and interchangeable end sides.

17. The improvement of Claim 11 wherein at least one of said sides is provided with at least one aperture for facilitating air access and draft for said heat source within said stand.

18. The improvement of Claim 11 wherein said sides fold flatly to a thickness of no more than one-half inch.

19. The improvement of Claim 16 wherein said means for rendering said stand rigid extends between said end sides of said stand and comprises a rigid tray which connects with said end sides along the length of anadjacent end of said tray.

20. The improvement of Claim 19 wherein each said end sides is provided with an aperture to permit access to said heat source within said standwhen said chafing dish assembly is assembled and wherein said tray is temporarily connected to said end sides along an edge of said aperture defined in each said end side.