MXPA00012139A - Meal delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

A meal delivery system (20) for conveniently preparing, storing, transporting, rethermalizing and serving large volumes of food at multiple sites includes a new food serving pan (22) equipped with an integral heating element and a first electrical connector, and a portable frame for receiving and supporting the food serving pan, and includes an electrical power supply means and at least one second electrical connector adapted to mate with the first electrical connector for providing electrical power to the heating element and heating the food serving pan when it is placed on the portable frame (26). The meal delivery system includes a heat control means comprising a removable lid with first and second indicators for the food serving pan and a sensor means in the frame for detecting the first and second indicators and selectively controlling application of the electrical power delivered to the food serving pan for controlling the level of heat applied to the food within the food pan. A first preferred embodiment includes a mobile food service cart having a plurality of interior stations for receiving a corresponding number of food pans within the food service cart, each station including one second electrical connector for mating with the first electrical connector of the food pan. A second preferred embodiment includes a chafing dish serving frame adapted to support a single food serving pan on a serving surface and includes one second electrical connector for mating with the first electrical connector.

Description

FOOD SUPPLY SYSTEM Field of the Invention The present invention relates to food administration systems and more particularly, refers to an improved food delivery system for preparing, storing, transporting, reheating, and serving large volumes of foods in multiple locations.

Antecedents of the Invention. The administration of food service is an industry that grows rapidly with high demands for efficiency, consistent quality and consumer satisfaction. These points are particularly important in areas of food service management, in which foods are prepared and served in large quantities, and in which foods are prepared in one location and must be supplied elsewhere in which Food is served, such as the health care industry and the food service industry. In order to heat multiple foods that will be supplied at a predetermined location and at a particular time in a particular time, the food must be prepared, transported to the destination, unloaded and served. All this must be achieved within a pre-assigned time, while maintaining the food, at the desired temperature.

Normally, large-volume foods, such as for a banquet or for a large meal-service event, are prepared in standard-sized service pans, kept hot for several minutes until a couple of hours before the event, time in which are put in pans or displayed and served hot. Hot cabinets or to keep heated vertically spaced apart movable shelves are known to store food before being served, and to be used as food delivery and recovery units. A disadvantage of this type of cabinets, is that the foods that are in it can only be maintained at the desired temperature for a short time. Therefore, if the transportation time is too long or the time to serve the food is delayed, it may be that the food is not heated properly when served. Another disadvantage is that although these cars are electrically energized, most operators do not trust them and therefore add hot water to the car to supplement the heating effort. Cabinets are known for storage, supply and maintenance with the heat of the food, which include heating components. Examples of these types of cabinets are shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,404,935, 5,628,241, 5,520,102 and 5,403,997. However, another disadvantage of this type of cabinets, is that the components of the car are heated but the pan of the food, by itself, is not heated directly. Also, these carts often require that food be transferred from the standard size food pan to another container. In addition, the heated cabinet can heat the food inadequately by applying high levels of heat in the food, which requires low levels of heat or fails to heat the food sufficiently, applying low levels of heat to foods that require high levels of heat. hot. Therefore, certain foods can be undesirably resected under high heat levels, and other foods may not be heated sufficiently with low levels of heat. In addition, because the food pan is not heated by itself directly, the food must be removed from the heated environment, and placed on a service surface, such as a buffet table, to be served, and can be cooled quickly. Although heaters can help keep foods warm while they are being served, such lamps or heaters may not be readily available or it may not be convenient to use them in some places that often do not keep food sufficiently warm and evenly heated.

Summary of the Invention. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a food supply system for preparing, storing, transporting, reheating and conveniently serving large volumes of food, while satisfying the demand for increased efficiency, consistent quality and customer satisfaction. It is another object to provide a new pan or container for the food service that has the dimensions of the standard-sized food service pan, such as that used by hotels, banquet facilities, food service companies, in which the food can be prepared initially, frozen and stored until it is ready to be served, that at a certain moment the food can be reheated in it and distributed from the same food pan. It is another object, to provide a mobile food service cart which transports a number of new food service pans to sustain, freeze, transport, and heat large volumes of food in a simple and safe manner, all in the same car and without requiring the food to be moved from one pan to another, or without requiring the use of a separate oven to reheat the food. It is another object, to provide an independent plate service structure, which carries one of the new food service pans and can be connected in up to two additional service pans and structures to place the food pan on a surface, such as a table of banquets or a buffet table, and conveniently serve food and directly from the food pan, while continuing to apply heat directly to the pan for food. In summary, the above objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention, through a food supply system which comprises a new casserole or food serving container having the dimensions of a standard size foodservice pan, such as the one used by hotels, banquet facilities and food servers. The new food pan is equipped with an integral heating element and an electrical connector to match a similar electrical connector in a portable structure. The portable structure of the present invention is adapted to receive and support the food service pan and includes a source of electrical power connected to the electrical connector to energize the heating element of the food service pan, when the pan is placed in the structure and electrical connectors of the structure that is in the service pan, they are connected to each other. The new food serving pan can be made of any suitable material, such as by way of example, of stainless steel, with the electric heating element fixed therein. It is also contemplated that the new food pan can be molded at high temperature, with high impact plastic, with the electric heating element sealed inside the food pan. This method seals the heating element inside the food pan, away from water and contaminants for a reliable and exceptionally safe heating medium. The heating element of the new food serving pan comprises at least one surface heater and associated temperature regulator therein, such as an integrated thermostat, to eliminate overheating. In the preferred embodiment, the heating element comprises three separate surface heaters and spaced with fixed thermostats in the lower part of the pan for serving food. The electrical connector of the food pan includes adequate electrical wiring that extends to each surface heater to connect the surface heaters to the power source when adjusting the electrical connectors of the pan to serve food and the structure . The present invention, also includes a means of heat control to select the level of heat applied to the food, inside the new casserole container to serve food. In the preferred embodiment, the heat control means comprises a removable lid which is adjusted to the food pan and includes a first and second indicators, and a means of perception in the structure, which controls the level of heat applied to the pan. the food inside the pan, detecting the first and second indicators and selectively controlling whether the application of lower highest electric power is supplied to the pan for serving food. In the preferred embodiment, the first indicator is associated with a "Higher" electric power application to provide a relatively higher heat level, and the second indicator is associated with a "Lower" heat application to provide a relatively high heat level. lower. The first and second preferred indicators are magnets integrated in opposite ends of the cover, which compensate for a long part of it. The magnets are detected by one of two detection apparatuses, such as, for example, switches, placed inside the structure to detect the proximity of one of the magnets when the pan for serving food is received by the structure to activate so selective a central processor placed within the structure, which controls whether a higher or lower electrical power is supplied to the pan for serving food, depending on which detection apparatus detects the proximity of a magnet. The compensating magnets found in the removable lid of the food pan are uniquely designed to indicate different levels of heating, only by reversing the orientation of the lid in the pan for serving food. Therefore, by selectively placing the lid on the pan to serve food, it is possible to control the level of heat energy applied in the food inside the pan to serve food. In one embodiment of the present invention, the portable structure is a mobile food service cart having multiple doors or support stations of the pan for serving food, in which a corresponding number of new casseroles or containers for serving food are transported. . The food service cart has a compact and lightweight design that saves space to provide a car that is easy to handle durable and reliable. The carriage includes a carriage body comprising an upper part having a flat surface, opposite side walls, front and rear walls and a base defining an interior. The preferred embodiment includes rollers adhered to the base. The front wall of the carriage body comprises a front door that can be opened to load and unload food pans inside and from the cart, and the rear wall comprises a rear door that can be opened to load and unload food pans. inside and from the car. In the preferred embodiment, the side walls and doors have a modular panel design for easy and inexpensive service and repair, and are comprised of fully insulated replaceable panels constructed of an extremely high impact resistant material, which provides a virtually exterior dents-proof Shock absorbers that leave no marks, preferably surround both the structure of the upper part and the structure of the base of the food service cart. In addition, the preferred food service cart includes lowered door handles or hinges, which allow the doors to swing 270 ° and remain in the open position with magnets, and includes heavy-duty steel impeller structures to move the trolley, and a wide traction wheel to add stability when the car is turned. In the preferred mode, the impellers incorporate a "total safety" brake, which ensures the rotation of both the wheel and the impeller simultaneously with a simple downward movement of the brake pedal. The wheels are soft rubber without marking, and are designed specifically to rotate easily on rough terrain as well as on carpets. Inside, the mobile food service carriage of the present invention includes a means or component for supplying electric power to connect the carriage to a source of electrical energy, such as an electrical outlet and multiple electrical connectors. An electrical connector is provided adjacent to each door or pan support station to fit, respectively, with the electrical connector of each food pan that is therein. When the electrical connectors of the serving pans are adjusted with the electrical connectors of the stations inside the car, the car provides electrical energy to each casserole to serve food to reheat the food, during the preparation of the service. Each door or station includes a station module that has a pan reception area for serving food and an electrical connector to be placed adjacent to the reception area.

Each module of the station includes opposing bases to fit with the side walls of the pan for serving food. The stations are placed horizontally in the interior of the car in a vertical alignment with each other, and spaced to accommodate the pan to serve food transported by each station. Before being placed in the food cart stations, each serving pan is fitted with the lid which includes magnets integrated at opposite ends of the cap compensation to one long side thereof. The upper surface of the lid includes indicia or visible marks on each end of the lid, indicating an energy placement, either upper or lower. The cart also includes two tongue switches, or other similar sensing devices placed within each door or pan support station at opposite ends of the station, to detect the proximity of one of the magnets in the lid in the pan to Serve food that is in it. Said lid is placed in each pan to serve food, so that the magnets are placed along the right or left side of the pan, so that only one of the tongue switches will detect the proximity of a magnet. In the preferred embodiment, the reed switches adjacent to each station are connected to a central processor within the carriage which selectively controls whether higher or lower power is supplied to the associated service pan, depending on which switch of tongue perceives the proximity of a magnet. In the preferred embodiment, the mobile food serving cart includes an interior wall that divides the interior into two compartments. The front compartment includes multiple stations with electrical connectors to receive the pan for serving food as described above. The rear compartment includes multiple shelves for storing cold foods. The shelves for cold food are accessible through the back door of the car and are adapted to carry medium-sized casseroles containing cold foods. In the modality of the mobile food service cart of the present invention, it may additionally include a spring station of the cooling cart for cooling foods that will be served cold, and maintaining the food at the desired temperature. The dock station of the cooling carriage is adapted to be connected to the rear wall of the food service carriage, once the carriage has been loaded and the carriage doors have been closed. In use, the food service cart is pushed against the docking station until the carriage door structure is compressed against an adjustment gasket located in the dock station of the cooling carriage, and the carriage Cooling is connected to the food service cart.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the portable structure is an independent dish service structure adapted to support a single new food pan on a buffet table, bar or other service surface to conveniently serve food directly from the food. pan for food, while continuing to apply heat directly to the pan for food. The service structure, basically comprises a pan that has protection rails to prevent the food pan from moving accidentally during the service of food, and an electrical connector to adjust with the electrical connector that is in the pan to food, to provide electric power to the food pan and to energize the heating element.

In the preferred embodiment, the service structure includes a flat base, a front rail, protection rails on the opposite side and a rear rail. The preferred front protection rail, includes a rounded or curved upper edge, which is positioned adjacently at one end of the pan, which does not include the electrical connector, and a lower end that extends below the flat base and which is aligned with the end of the table, or bar, on which the service structure is placed. The rear rail includes the electrical connector positioned to be adjusted with the electrical connector of the pan for serving food, and an electrical cable for connecting the electrical connector in the service structure to a source of electrical energy, such as an electrical outlet. A maximum of three service structures can be connected to a single power source, with two of the service structures connected to a third service structure which includes the electrical cable to connect the three service structures to the power source. Once it is properly connected, the service structure detects the presence of the pan and applies a low-level energy source to maintain food temperatures. Using the present invention, the food can be prepared initially and loaded into the new pan for serving food, and subsequently cooled "in machine" to keep it ready for service, and in that time the pots are loaded into the cart mobile food service. In food service cart, it can be easily moved to any location, such as a banquet or other food service event. The foods will be served hot, they are reheated through heating means that are inside the car. The lids are placed in the service pans to activate the desired energy setting. The orientation of the adjusted lid on each food service pan determines for each individual station whether heat will be applied and will be maintained at a higher level or at a lower level at that station. The food that will be served cold, is loaded in the car through the back door and is cooled and / or maintained at the desired temperature. When hot foods are ready to be served, each serving pan can be removed from the food service cart, and placed in the service structure that continues to energize the heating element, and applies heat to the individual food service pan e a low level of energy. The additional details, features and disadvantages of the present invention can be understood from the modalities of examples described in the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mobile food service cart for receiving and supporting numerous new pots for serving food, and illustrates a new pan for serving food covered by a lid that is received in the service cart foods, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a new casserole for serving food that has the dimensions of a large-sized casserole and includes a first electrical connector, and a lid which adjusts in the to serve food and controls in energy level of heat applied to food. Figure 3 is an expanded inverted view of the new food serving pan, showing three surface heaters connected to the first electrical connector and to the raised portions in the bottom of the pan that stores the surface heaters. Figure 4 is a top view of the lid showing the position of the integrated magnets and the High and Low indexes that are on top of the lid. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the mobile food service cart showing one of the modules of the station that will be cast in the cart, to receive and support the pans for serving food. Figure 6 is an inverted perspective view of the station module, showing a second electrical connector which adjusts with the first electrical connector of the pan to serve food when the pans for serving food are received by the stations of the car. foods. Figure 6A is a perspective view of the body of the station showing two cavities to cover the tongue switches. Figure 6B is an enlarged perspective view of one of the tongue switches. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a mobile food service cart, receiving a pan for serving food with the lid placed in it, in a Top position, and the mobile cart for serving food including a rear compartment for receiving a plurality of medium-sized pans of cold foods.

Figure 7A is a perspective view of the mobile food serving cart that includes a food cart dock station that will be connected to the back wall of the mobile food serving cart. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the service structure and the new service pan, being oriented to be placed on and in connection with the service structure according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the new pan serving food on the service structure. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the three series service structures connected in series in one phase with the insulated lid removed from one of the pans to serve the food.

Detailed Description of the Invention. Turning now to the drawings, a food supply system according to the present invention is illustrated with the numeral 20, and basically includes a new pan or food container 22 and a portable structure adapted to receive and support the new casserole for serving food 22, to prepare, store, transport, reheat and conveniently serve large quantities of food, all in the same pot to serve food 22. Figures 1, and 5 to 7, illustrate the first preferred embodiment in the which can be received and supported a plurality of new pans or containers for serving food 22, through a portable structure essentially in the form of a mobile cart to serve food 26. Figures from 8 to 10, illustrate the second mode preferred in which a single pan or container to serve food 22, is received and supported by a portable structure essentially in the form of a service structure 28. Referring now to Figures 2 through 8 specifically, the new food serving casserole 22 of the preferred embodiments has a form substantially rectangular and includes a bottom 30, opposite side walls 32, 34, end walls 36, 38 and an open top 40. As shown in Figures 2 through 4, each opposite side wall 32, 34 of the food serving casserole 22, has an outwardly projecting ring-shaped upper portion 42, which extends outward from the side walls 32, 34. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the new casserole for serving food 22 includes an electrical connector 44 on the end wall 36, which is adapted to fit with a second electrical connector 45 in the portable structure. The new food serving pan 22 is equipped with an integral heating element which includes at least one surface heater 46 that incorporates a temperature regulator, such as an integrated thermostat 48. As illustrated in Figure 3, the heating element of the preferred embodiment comprises three separate and spaced surface heaters 46, which are placed inside an inner surface layer 50 which is plugged into an outer surface layer 52 in the lower part 30 of the pan for serving food 22. The first electrical connector 44, includes appropriate electrical wiring, such as cable or power cord 54 which extends between the layers 50, 52 from the first electrical connector 44 to each surface heater 46 and the associated thermostat 48 to connect the heaters to a means of electric power supply. The outer layer 52 includes at least one raised portion 56 that covers the surface heater 46 and its associated thermostat 48, and includes an opening 58 in the end wall 36, which carries and gives access to the first electrical connector 44 placed therein. of it (see Figure 3). The outer layer 52 also includes additional raised portions or legs 60 to support the lower portion 30, so that the serving food pan 22 is level when placed on a flat surface. In the preferred embodiment, the food serving pan 22 is made of a suitable material, such as, for example, stainless steel which includes the electric heating element sealed within the lower part 30 of the service pan 22. This method seals the surface heaters 46 and associated thermostats 48 within the pan for serving food 22, away from water and contaminants, for an exceptionally safe and reliable heating medium.The new food serving casserole 22 of the present invention also includes a heat control means which includes a removable insulated cover or lid 62, having opposite sides 64, 66, opposite ends 68, 70 and a top surface 76. The removable lid 62 covers the open top portion 40 of the food serving casserole 22, and is designed to fit without slack in the serving casserole 22. The lid 62 includes a first indicator 72 at one end 68 of the lid. near a long part 64 of the lid, and a second indicator 74 at the opposite end 70 of the lid along the same long side 64, such as the first indicator 72. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first and second indicators 72, 74 are integrated magnets. As illustrated in Figure 4, the first indicator 72 is associated with a higher application of electric power to provide a relatively higher heat level, and the second indicator 74 is associated with a lower application of electric power to provide a level of relatively lower heat. As shown, the top surface of the lid 62 includes a visible indicia or mark Hl at the end 70 on the opposite side of the indicator 72, and a visible sign or mark of LOW at the end 68 opposite the indicator 74, so that the desired energy setting is in front of the operator when the food serving pan 22 is placed in the structure. Therefore, the mark Hl is at the end 70 opposite the first indicator 72, and the mark LOW is at the other end 68 opposite the second indicator 74.

The heat control means of the present invention also includes a means of perception in the portable structure which determines the level of heat applied in the food that is inside the pan for serving food 22, detecting the first and second indicator 72. , 74 of the lid 62, and selectively controlling whether an upper or lower electric power application is being supplied to the pan for serving food 22. In the preferred embodiments, the sensing means includes two detection apparatuses 78, 80, such as tongue switches, connected to a central processor which selectively controls whether upper or lower electric power is being supplied to the pan for serving food 22. The detection apparatuses 78, 80 are placed inside the structure, so that a detection apparatus is adjacent to one end of the pan for serving food 22 and detects the proximity of a or of the indicators 72, 74 when the food pan is placed in the structure depending on the placement of the lid 62 on the food serving pan 22. A detection apparatus 78 is located near a side wall 32 of the pan. serving pan 22, for activating the central processor for supplying electrical power superior to the pan for serving food 22, and the other detection apparatus 80 is located near the opposite side wall 34 of the casserole for serving food, for activating the central processor for supplying electrical energy lower than the food serving casserole 22. In use, when the lid 62 is placed in the food serving casserole 22 for placing the first indicator 72 at the end of the food serving pan including the first electrical connector, so that the first indicator is adjacent to one of the detection devices when the pan pa As serving food is placed in the structure, the detection apparatus which is adjacent to the first indicator is adapted to activate the central processor to supply electrical energy superior to the heating element of the food serving pan 22. If the lid 62 it is oriented again in the pan for serving food 22, to place the second indicator 74 at the end of the pan for serving food including the first electrical connector, the second indicator 74 is adjacent to the other detection apparatus which is adapted to activate the central processor to supply electrical energy lower than the heating element of the food serving pan 22. Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 7, the mobile food serving cart 26 of the first embodiment is designed to receive and support a plurality of new pans for serving food 22 to transport, heat and hold large volumes of food, all in the same car. The food serving carriage 26, comprises a carriage body 84 that includes an upper portion 86 having a flat upper surface, opposed side walls 88, 90, front and rear walls 92, 94 and a base 98 defining an interior 96. In the preferred embodiment, the rollers 99 are adhered to the base 98. In the upper portion 86 and the base 98 preferred, they are constructed of high caliber stainless steel and provide an upper working part of stainless steel and a base structure with a similar resistance to a truck, which allows several food service carts to be transported on the train. The front wall 92 of the carriage body comprises an openable front door 100, for loading and unloading the food service pans 22 within and from the carriage 26, and the rear wall 94 comprises a rear door that can be opening 102 for loading and unloading pans for serving food 22 therein, and from carriage 26. In preferred embodiment, carriage 26 is designed to carry nine pans for serving food 22. Side walls 88, 90 and doors 100 , 102 are insulated replaceable panels, constructed of an extremely high impact resistant material which provides a virtually dents-proof exterior. The preferred embodiment also includes an interior wall 97 within the interior 96 of the carriage, which divides the interior into a front compartment accessible through the front door 100, and a rear compartment accessible through the rear door 102. The wall interior 97, includes a post 99 supporting said inner wall 97. The rear compartment includes multiple shelves for holding food pans, preferably pans for medium-sized foods containing cold foods. As shown in Figure 1, a plurality of pans supporting doors or stations 104 for receiving and supporting a corresponding number of pans for serving food 22 are included in interior 96 of food cart 26. Stations 104, they are arranged horizontally in a vertical alignment spaced with one another a predetermined distance to accommodate the serving pans 22 which is carried by each station 104. A second electrical connector 45 is provided adjacent to each door or station 104 to adjust, respectively, with the first electrical connector 44 of each serving pan 22 conveyed therein. As best seen in Figures 5 and 6, each door or station 104 includes a module of station 106 having opposite sides 108, an upper surface 109, a front end 110, and a rear end 112 that includes a rear wall 114. The station body 106 is mounted on the interior 96 of the carriage 26 and includes an area for receiving the pan for serving food and an electrical connector that receives a portion of the body of the station 106. Each module of the station 106 , includes opposite sides or bases in the form of C 116, which extend downwards from the station module 106, to fit with the side walls of the food serving pan 22. Each base 116, forms an elongated channel 118 which receives the portion of the upper ring 42 of the pan for serving food 22 and guides the pan for serving food within each station 104 of the carriage 26. The rear wall 114, extends transversely between the bases 116 and supports a second electrical connector 45. As illustrated in Figure 6, the rear wall 114 of the module of the station 106 includes an extinguished part 115 that covers the electrical connector that receives the part which is a cutout section 120. In the preferred embodiment, the cutout section 120 is an opening in rectangular shape with a hole 122 in which the second electrical connector 45 of each station 104 is positioned to fit with the first connector electrical 44. The extended part 115 of the rear wall also includes at least another hole 124 for mounting the module of the station 106 to the post 99 on the interior 96 of the carriage with fasteners, such as screws. In module of station 106, it also includes two cavities or slots 126 for covering detection apparatuses 78, 80 which are illustrated in Figure 6B. As best seen in Figures 5 and 6A, the cavities 126 are located in the upper surface 109 which is located near the rear end 112 of the module of the station 106, in a spaced apart position. The detection apparatuses 78, 80 are connected to a central processor 82 which selectively controls whether upper or lower electric power is supplied to each pan for serving food 22. As shown in Figure 1, a cord is provided. 81 for connecting the carriage 26 to a supply of electrical power through an outlet. As shown in Figure 6A, the upper surface 109 of the module of the station 106, forms a shelf for the serving pan 22 carried on the upper part of the station to provide additional support for the serving pan 22 , and includes three elongated waves or recessed portions 128, for receiving the raised portion 56 and the portion 60 of the lower door 30 of the serving pan 22, when the module of the station 106 is received by the carriage 26. As shown in Figure 3, the preferred embodiment includes three surface heaters 46 under three raised portions 56 aligned in the lower part 30 of the food serving pan 22, and two legs 60 placed on each side and at each end of the pan. casing for serving food so that one of the recessed parts 128 fits into the raised portions 56, and two of the recessed parts 128 fit into the legs 60. In use, for example, an I come to serve food, who serves food prepares and loads cooked food necessary for the event, in a number of new pans to serve food 22 before the event. The foods that are inside the loaded serving pans 22, are then cooled and sent to a cooling storage until a little before the event. As illustrated in Figure 7, when the serving food is ready to reheat the food, the lid is placed in the serving pan 22 so that the highest or lowest energy setting for reheating is in front of the operator when the serving pans 22 are loaded through the open front door 100 which is inside the carriage 26. The serving pans 22, must be loaded at each station 104 with the end 36 including the first electrical connector 44 , facing the carriage 26 so that the first electrical connector 44 is adjusted with the second electrical connector 45 of each station 104, when the serving pan 22 is in station 104. Therefore, the operator selects for each pan to serve individual foods 22, if the foods that are in it will be heated in a higher electrical power setting or in an electr energy setting ica lower, depending on the orientation of the cover 62. The front and rear doors 100, 102 include hinges that allow the doors to oscillate 270 °, and maintained in an open position by means of magnets 130 located on the side walls 88, 90 of the carriage 26, while the carriage is loaded, in Figure 7, the rear door 102 is shown in the open position, while cold foods that are carried in medium-sized casseroles are loaded into the car 26. After the upper or lower reheating settings are checked again, the front and rear doors 100, 102 are closed and the pans for serving food They were loaded through the front end of the car, they are reheated to provide and keep food hot at the desired temperature. In a variation of the first embodiment shown in Figure 7A, a spring station of the cooling carriage 132 and the rear wall 94 of the carriage 26 is provided, is connected to the spring station of the cooling carriage to cool foods that will be served. cool and keep them at the desired temperature. Referring now to Figures 8 through 10, the second preferred embodiment is directed to a plate service structure 28 adapted to receive and support a single pan serving food 22, to serve the food directly from the serving pan while continuing to maintain the food at the desired temperature. As shown in Figures 8 through 10, service structure 28 is designed to be used with the new food serving casserole 22 and lid 62, at a low energy setting. The service structure 28 includes a base 134, a front rail 136, a rear rail 138 and side rails 140. As shown in Figure 8, the front rail 136 comprises a front wall 142 extending vertically from the base 134 and includes a curved or rounded top part 144 and an end of the bottom 146 which extends below the base 134. When the service structure 28 is placed in a counter 148 or other service surface, the end of the bottom 146 extends downwardly to engage the end of the counter 148, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10. The rear rail 138 is a substantially rectangular block having opposite ends 150 and includes a cutting section 152. In the preferred embodiment, the cutout section 152 is an opening substantially rectangular in shape to accommodate the second electrical connector 45 in a position to fit the first electrical connector 44, when the pan The food rack 22 is placed in the service structure 28. The rear rail 138 includes an electrical cord 156 for connecting the service structure 28 to an electrical power supply through an electrical supply outlet. In use, after overheating in the carriage 26, the service structure 28 is placed in a counter or table for buffet or other surface, and the loaded serving food pan 22 is removed from the carriage 26 and placed in the service structure 28 , so that the first electrical connector 44 is adjusted with the second electrical connector 45. A lower power supply setting is automatically selected to maintain the pan for serving food 22 at a desired temperature. The insulated lid 62 is removed and the food is served directly from the pan to serve food 22. As shown in Figure 10, a maximum of three structures can be connected to serve 28 each of the others, in series and connected in a single outlet of electric power supply. Therefore, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the present invention is susceptible to wide utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention, other than those described therein, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof., without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to its preferred embodiment, it will be understood that this description is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made solely for the purpose of providing a complete description of the present invention. The foregoing description is not intended or is not constructed to limit the present description, or to otherwise exclude any other modalities, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims (39)

R E I V I N D I C A I N N E S Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following CLAIMS is claimed as property:

1. - A food supply system for heating, storing, transporting and serving food contained within a serving casserole, wherein said method comprises: a casserole that includes as an integral part thereof, a first electrical connector and an element of heating connected to it, to heat the food inside said pan through driving. a food serving carriage adapted to serve said casserole to support it during storage and transportation, said food serving carriage including a second electrical connector adapted to fit said electrical connector when said casserole is received therein, providing electrical energy to said element. of heating to heat the contents contained within said pan; and a service platform adapted to receive said pan to support it during the service of the foods contained in said pan, said service platform including a third electrical connector adapted to adjust said first electrical connector, when said tray is received therein for providing electric power to said heating element for continuous heating of the food contained in said pan.

2. - A food supply system for heating and storing food contained within a pan for serving food, wherein said method comprises: a pan having walls and a lower part together defining an open food content area for receiving food inside it, said casserole additionally including as an integral part thereof a first electrical connector placed in one of said walls and a plurality of heating elements placed in said lower part to heat the food inside said area through conduction, each of said heating elements including its own temperature regulator; and a portable structure adapted to receive said pan to support it, said structure having a second electrical connector adapted to fit with said first electrical connector when said pan is received inside said structure to provide electrical energy to said plurality of heating elements.

3. - The food supply system as described in claim 48, further characterized in that said portable structure comprises a carriage for serving food.

4. - The food supply system as described in Claim 48, further characterized in that said portable structure comprises a service platform.

5. - The food supply system as described in Claim 48, further characterized in that each of said heating elements comprises a surface heater.

6. - The food supply system as described in Claim 48, further characterized in that each of said temperature regulators comprises a thermostat.

7. - The food supply system as described in claim 48, further characterized in that said plurality of heating elements are connected in series in electrical form to said first electrical connector.

8. - The food supply system as described in Claim 48, further characterized in that said casserole includes four legs protruding from said lower part to support said casserole in an elevated position above a supporting surface.

9. - The food supply system as described in Claim 48, further characterized in that said casserole comprises an inner pan-shaped member nested within a pan-shaped outer member, said plurality of heating elements being positioned between said casings. inner and outer members.

10. - The food supply system as described in Claim 48, further characterized in that said inner member is sealed to said outer member for the total closure of said plurality of heating elements within said pan.

11. - A method for heating, storing, transporting and serving food contained within a service casserole, comprising the steps of: storing and transporting food inside a casserole dish supported inside a food service cart, while food is heated inside the pan, including the pan as an integral part of it a first electrical connector and a heating element to heat the food inside the pan through conduction, including the food serving carriage a second electrical connector fitted with the first electrical connector when the pan is received therein, to provide electric power to the heating element; transfer the pan from the cart to serve food in a service platform; and serving the food of the pan supported on the service platform located on a support surface while the food is heated, including the service platform a third electrical connector fitted with the first electrical connector when the pan is supported therein, to provide electric power to the heating element.

12. - A food supply system for heating, storing and transporting food contained within a pan for serving food, comprising: a pan that includes as an integral part thereof a first electrical connector and a heating element connected thereto, to heat the food inside said casserole through driving; a cap adapted to fit over said casserole, in a covering relationship thereon, only in two different orientations, said lid including an indicator located therein so that said indicator is positioned relative to said casserole in a first location , when said lid is in a first of said two orientations, and so that said indicator is placed relative to said casserole in a second different location, when said lid is in a second of said two orientations, and a serving cart food adapted to receive said pan to support it during storage and transportation, said food cart including said second electrical connector adapted to fit said first electrical connector when said pan is received therein, to provide electric power to said heating element to heat the food contained within said hunt wave, and further including a sensor placed therein, so that said sensor only detects said indicator when it is in said first location.

13. - The food supply system as described in claim 12, further characterized in that said lid includes indicia indicating the level of heating of said casserole for each of said two different orientations of said lid relative to said casserole.

14. - The food supply system as described in claim 12 further characterized in that it additionally includes a processor placed on said food serving cart, which controls the level of heating as a function of the detection through said sensor, said indicator in said first location.

15. - A food supply system for heating, storing and transporting the contents contained within a pan for serving food, comprising: a casserole that includes, as an integral part thereof, a first electrical connector and a heating element connected thereto to heat the food inside said pan through driving; a cover adapted to fit over said pan in a covering relationship thereon in two different orientations, said lid including a first and second indicators located therein so that each indicator is positioned relative to said pan at a first location , when said lid is in a first of the two different orientations, and so that each indicator is placed relative to said casserole in a second different location when said lid is in a second of two different orientations; and a food serving carriage adapted to receive said pan to support it during storage and transportation, said food serving carriage including a second electrical connector adapted to fit said first electrical connector, when said pan is received therein to provide electrical power said heating element for heating the food inside said pan additionally including two sensors placed therein so that the first of said sensors detects said first indicator only when it is in said first location, and said second sensor detects said second indicator only when it is in said second location.

16. - The food delivery system as described in claim 15, further characterized in that each of said indicators comprises a magnet and each of said sensors comprises a reed switch.

17. - The food supply system as described in claim 15, further characterized in that it further includes a processor placed on said food serving cart, which controls the level of heating through said heating element as a function of the which, said two sensors detect a respective indicator.

18. - The food delivery system as described in claim 15, further characterized in that said step includes indicia indicating the level of heating of said pan for each of said two different orientations of said lid.

19. - A method to heat in one of two different levels of heating, the foods contained within a service pan during the storage and transportation of the same, in a car to serve food, including the tray as an integral part of it a first electrical connector and a heating element connected thereto, wherein the method comprises the steps of: covering the pan with a lid in one of two different orientations, the lid including an indicator located therein, so that the indicator is positioned Relatively to the pan in a first location when the lid is in a first of two different orientations, and the indicator is positioned relative to the pan in a second different location, when the lid is in a second of two different locations; placing the pan inside a cart to serve food in a tray support location, including the food serving cart, a second electrical connector adapted to fit with the first electrical connector, when the pan is received therein to provide electrical power to the heating element of the pan; detect with a sensor placed in the food service car the presence of the indicator in the first of two different locations when the pan is received inside the cart to serve food; and supplying a first electric current through the first and second electrical connectors for the heating element, for heating the food if the indicator is detected in the first of the two different locations, and supplying a second and different electric current through the first and second electrical connectors to the heating element to heat the food, if the indicator is not detected in the first of the two different locations.

20. - A method to heat in one of the two different heating levels the food contained in a pan to serve, during the storage and transportation of the same in a car to serve food, including the pan as an integral part of it a first electrical connector and a heating element connected thereto, wherein the method comprises the steps of: covering the pan with a lid in one of two different orientations, the lid including a first and second indicators located therein, so that each Indicator is placed relative to the pan in a first location when the lid is in a first of two different orientations, and each indicator is placed relative to the pan in a second different location, when the lid is in a second of the two different locations; placing the pan inside a food serving cart at a pan support location, including the food serving cart, a second electrical connector adapted to fit with the first electrical connector when the pan is received therein to provide electrical power to the pan. heating element of the pan; detect with a sensor placed in the food service car the presence of the first indicator only in the first of the two different respective locations; detect with a sensor placed in the food service cart the presence of the second indicator only in the second of the two different respective locations; and supplying a first electric current through the first and second electrical connectors for the heating element to heat the food at a first heating level, if the first indicator is detected in the first of the two different respective locations, and supplying a second and different electric current through the first and second electrical connectors to the heating element to heat the food at a second heating level if the indicator is detected in the second of the two different respective locations.

21. - The method as described in Claim 20, further characterized in that the lid is rectangular, the first indicator is located on the lid at one end thereof, the second indicator is located on the lid at the opposite end, and each indicator is compensated from a longitudinal axis of the lid on the same side of it.

22. - The method as described in claim 20, further characterized in that the first and second indicators each comprise a magnet.

23. - The method as described in Claim 20, further characterized in that each sensor comprises a reed switch.

24. - The method as described in claim 20, further characterized in that the lid includes indexes therein, which identify the level of heating in which the food will be heated, when the lid is placed in an orientation in the pan.

25. - A food supply system for heating, storing and transporting food contained within a service pan, wherein the method comprises: a pan that includes as an integral part thereof a first electrical connector and a heating element connected thereto , to heat the food inside said casserole through driving; and a food serving cart that includes a carriage structure and a module of the molded station mounted thereon, having an inverted C-shaped cross section adapted to slidably receive said pan therein, to support it during the storage and transportation, said module of the station including a second electrical connector adhered thereto and adapted to fit with said first electrical connector when said pan is received therein, to provide electric power to said heating element to heat the contained foods inside said pan.

26. - The food supply system as described in claim 25, further characterized in that said module of the station is removably mounted on said carriage body.

27. - The food supply system as described in Claim 25, further characterized in that it additionally includes screws for mounting said module of the station in said carriage structure.

28. - The food supply system as described in claim 25, further characterized in that said module of the station includes U-shaped sides that fit slidably in a ring of said pan to support it.

29. - The food supply system as described in claim 25, further characterized in that said module of the station further includes a rear wall to which said second electrical connector is mounted.

30. - The food supply system as described in Claim 29, further characterized in that said rear wall further includes an opening through which a fastener for the mounting of said module of the station in said carriage structure extends. .

31. - The food supply system as described in Claim 25, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a plurality of pans and a plurality of corresponding station modules, mounted on said carts for serving food in a vertical stacking configuration.

32. - The food supply system as described in claim 31, further characterized in that a lower part of said pan that is received inside a first module of the station, includes a protruding part to low, and a second module of the station that is mounted immediately below said first module of the station includes an upper surface defining a shelf that fits and supports said lower part of said pan.

33. - The food supply system as described in claim 32, further characterized in that said upper surface of said second module of the station, includes a step through which said protruding part is received below said pot.

34. - A food supply system for heating, storing and serving food, which comprises: a pan for serving food that includes as an integral part thereof a first electrical connector and a heating element connected thereto, to heat the contained food inside said pan through driving; and a first service platform adapted to receive said pan therein to support it on a service surface during the service of the food from inside said casserole, said service platform including a second electrical connector adhered thereto and adapted to adjust with said first electrical connector when said pan is supported on said platform to provide electric power to said heating element to heat the food.

35. - The food supply system as described in Claim 34, further characterized in that said rear rail comprises a substantially rectangular block having a section cut to accommodate said second electrical connector that is mounted thereon.

26. - The food supply system as described in claim 34, further characterized in that said service platform is connected to a power source that additionally comprises two additional service platforms electrically connected in series with said first service platform.

37. - The food supply system as described in claim 34, further characterized in that said service platform comprises a base, a front rail, a rear rail and said rails defining a reception area for said pan, including said rear rail said second electrical connector mounted thereon.

38. - The food supply system as described in claim 35, further characterized in that the service platform additionally includes a front cover extending down from said front rail, said front cover including a lower edge extending toward under said base to a point to fit said lateral end of the service surface.

39. A casserole for serving food for use in a food supply system for heating and storing food, the system including a portable structure adapted to receive the casserole to support it, wherein said casserole comprises: walls and a lower part together which define a single food content area with an open end; a first electrical connector, placed in one of said walls; and a plurality of heating elements arranged in a nested manner with said lower part of the pan to heat the food within said content area through conduction, each of said heating elements including its own temperature regulator, wherein said The first electrical connector is adapted to fit with a second electrical connector placed in the portable structure to provide electrical power to said plurality of heating foods. SUMMARY A food supply system (20) to prepare, store, transport, reheat and conveniently serve large volumes of food at multiple sites, which includes a new food serving pan (22) equipped with an integral heating element and a first electrical connector, and a portable structure for receiving and supporting the pan for serving food, including an electrical power supply means and at least one second electrical connector adapted to fit with the first electrical connector to provide electrical power to the element of heating and heating the pan to serve food when it is placed in the portable structure (26). The food supply system includes a heat control means comprising a removable lid with a first and second indicators for the pan for serving food, and means of perception in the structure to detect the first and second indicators and to selectively control the application of the electric energy supplied to the pan to serve food, to control the level of heat applied to the food inside the food pan. . A first preferred embodiment includes a mobile food serving carriage having a plurality of interior stations for receiving a corresponding number of food pans within the food serving cart, each station including a second electrical connector for adjusting with the first food electrical connector. the pan of food. A second preferred embodiment includes a dish service structure adapted to support a pan for serving food on a service surface, and includes a second electrical connector for fitting with the first electrical connector.