Modular food guard apparatus and systems and methods of use thereof

Abstract

A method of converting a modular food guard from a first configuration to a second configuration. The method includes the steps of disengaging a securing means from a vertical mounting member of a food guard apparatus; removing a first bracket member from the vertical mounting member; and removably securing a second bracket member to the vertical mounting member with the securing means, wherein the first and second bracket members have different constructions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to copending U.S. provisional application entitled, “Modular Sneeze Guard,” having Ser. No. 60 / 318,899, filed Sep. 13, 2001, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention is generally related to food service stations and, more particularly, is related to modular food guards that include moveable and interchangeable brackets. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Generally, a food guard is used to protect food that is to be served from a food service station. The food guard protects the food from contamination from the breath of customers that are requesting or self-serving food from a fast food bar, cafeteria food bar, or other similar food bar. Generally, a food service station includes a food service line or counter that includes some or all of the following: hot or cold food pans, soup wells, chafing dishes, and a breath protection device or sneeze guard. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The modular design allows for flexible and adjustable food guard configurations that can be easily modified by operators, reducing the need for multiple units and third-party services, while maintaining effective protection against airborne contamination.

Problems solved by technology

Existing permanent food guard designs frequently have gaps between the food shields and support structure that do not meet the noted health standards.

Therefore, existing food guards are not expandable or adaptable such that they can accommodate changes to the lay out of the food service station, i.e., the addition of additional food items and serving trays.

Moreover, the existing custom designed food guards do not lend themselves to timely repairs by the owner because the individual pieces are not interchangeable.

A disadvantage to this arrangement is that different types of food guards are required for different serving circumstances, thereby increasing costs considerably.

Moreover, although food guards exist that have adjustable shields, adjusting the positions of those shields is typically a cumbersome process that may require more than one operator.

Thus, a heretofore-unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

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