Food heater

Abstract

A food heater is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the food heater may be pivoted between a first position (e.g., a cooking position) and a second position (e.g., a cleaning position) using a lift system. In some embodiments, the food heater may include a roller that is supported by an integrated support structure of the drip tray when in a first position. In some embodiments, the roller extends toward the user, and when in the second position, the roller may be removed in a direction toward the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to devices for rotating and heating food items such as hot dogs, sausages, bratwursts, and the like. Background Art

[0002] Conventional devices for heating hot dogs typically include a tubular roller for supporting the hot dog. Such devices may also include an electric heating element located within the roller for heating the hot dog, and a drive system for rotating the roller and turning the hot dog. The hot dog is rotated and heated due to contact with the roller. When the hot dog is heated, the roller may be covered with juices that naturally cook out of the hot dog. However, one disadvantage of conventional hot dog heating devices is that cleaning them (e.g., removing the juices from the roller) can be difficult and time-consuming. For example, many traditional hot dog heating devices require disassembly of the device for cleaning and may require a relatively large amount of space to facilitate disassembly. However, many hot dog heating devices are located on crowded countertops (e.g., in convenience stores, concession stands, etc.) where space for disassembly is limited. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a food heater including: a base; a drive unit mounted to the base, wherein the drive unit is pivotable between a first position relative to the base and a second position relative to the base; a plurality of rollers rotatably coupled to the drive unit, wherein each of the rollers extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axes of the rollers are parallel to each other, wherein the drive unit is configured to rotate the rollers about the corresponding longitudinal axes when the rollers are in the first position, and wherein the rollers are configured to be manually removable from the drive unit when the rollers are in the second position; and a control panel mounted to the drive unit and positioned to face a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Description of the Drawings

[0004] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, the emphasis is on clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 1A and Figure 1B are perspective views of a food heater system configured according to an embodiment of the present technology, the food heater system including food heaters in a first position and a second position, respectively.

[0006] Figure 1C is a perspective view of a food heater system configured according to an embodiment of the present technology including Figure 1A and Figure 1B in a first position.

[0007] Figure 2A and Figure 2B are respectively the perspective views of the food heater configured according to the embodiments of the present technology at the first position and the second position Figures 1A - 1C of the food heater

[0008] Figure 3 is configured according to the embodiments of the present technology Figures 1A - 2B of the enlarged perspective rear view of the drive unit of the food heater

[0009] Figure 4 is configured according to the embodiments of the present technology Figures 1A - 2B of the enlarged perspective front view of a part of the drive unit of the food heater

[0010] Figure 5A and 5B are of the enlarged perspective rear views of the drip tray of the food heater according to the embodiments of the present technology, where the food heater is respectively at the first position and the second position Figures 1A - 2B of the food heater

[0011] Figure 6A is configured according to the embodiments of the present technology Figures 1A - 2B of the bottom view of the lifting system of the food heater

[0012] Figure 6B and Figure 6C are respectively the enlarged bottom view and side view of a part of the lifting system of the food heater in the stowed position according to the embodiments of the present technology Figure 6A of the lifting system

[0013] Figure 6D and Figure 6E are respectively the enlarged bottom view and side view of a part of the lifting system of the food heater in the lifted position according to the embodiments of the present technology Figure 6B and Figure 6C of the lifting system

[0014] Figure 7A and 7B are the perspective views of the food heater in the first position according to another embodiment of the present technology

[0015] Figure 7C is of the food heater in the second position according to the embodiments of the present technology Figure 7A and Figure 7B of the food heater

[0016] Figure 7D is configured according to the embodiments of the present technology Figures 7A - 7C of the enlarged perspective front view of a part of the food heater

[0017] Figure 8Is a bottom view of a food heater having an induction wire according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0018] Figure 9 Is according to an embodiment of the present technology Figure 8 front view of the food heater. Detailed Description

[0019] The present technology generally relates to devices for rotating and heating food such as hot dogs, sausages, bratwursts, and / or the like. In some embodiments, for example, a food heater can pivot between a first position (e.g., a cooking position) and a second position (e.g., a cleaning position) using a lifting system. In some embodiments, the food heater can include a roller that is at least partially supported by a support structure including a drip tray when in the first position. In some embodiments, the roller extends towards the user, and when in the second position, the roller can be removed in the direction towards the user.

[0020] In the following description and Figures 1A - 9 certain details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the present technology. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, operations, and / or systems typically associated with food heaters, motors, drive systems, lifting systems, etc. are not shown or described in detail in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the present technology. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present technology can be practiced without one or more of the details set forth herein or using other structures, methods, components, etc.

[0021] The terms used below will be interpreted in their broadest reasonable manner, even though it is used in conjunction with the detailed description of certain examples of the embodiments of the present technology. In fact, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any term that is intended to be interpreted in a limiting manner will be defined explicitly and specifically in this detailed description section.

[0022] The drawings depict embodiments of the present technology and are not intended to limit its scope. The dimensions of the various depicted elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and these various elements can be arbitrarily enlarged to improve readability. When component details are not necessary for a complete understanding of how to make and use the present utility model, these component details can be abstracted in the drawings to exclude details such as the position of the components and certain precise connections between these components. Many of the details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the drawings are merely illustrative of specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments may have other details, dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the spirit or scope of the present utility model. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that additional embodiments of the present utility model can be practiced without several of the details described below.

[0023] In the drawings, like reference numerals identify identical or at least substantially similar elements. For the purpose of facilitating discussion of any particular element, one or more of the most significant digits of any reference numeral refer to the figure in which the element was first introduced. For example, reference is first made to Figure 1A and Figure 1B for the introduction and discussion of element 1 10.

[0024] Figure 1A and Figure 1B are perspective views of a food heater system 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology. The food heater system 100 includes a food heater 110 in a first position and a second position, respectively. In the food heater system 100, the food heater 110 can be placed on top of a counter 190 in a food supply environment (e.g., convenience store, concession stand). In some embodiments, the counter 190 includes a rear wall 195 or is positioned adjacent to the rear wall 195 and has a width W and a depth D, as Figure 1B shown. The food heater 110 includes a base 120, a drive unit 130 rotatably coupled to the base 120, a plurality of heaters 140 (e.g., heating elements) fixedly coupled to the drive unit 130, a plurality of rollers 150 rotatably coupled to or mounted on corresponding ones of the heaters 140, a drip tray 160 (e.g., drip pan) located between the base 120 and the rollers 150, a lifting system 170 located below the base 120, and a control panel 180 coupled to the drive unit 130. The heaters 140 are obscured by the rollers 150 in Figure 1A and 1B

[0025] The base 120 has a rear portion 121b configured to face, for example, the wall 195 and a user-facing portion 121a (e.g., front) opposite the rear portion 121b. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 130 is mounted to the rear portion 121b and the user can access the rollers 150 at the user-facing portion 121a. The food heater 110 may include a splash guard 112 removably coupled to the drive unit 130. In Figure 1B the splash guard 112 is removed from the food heater 110. In some embodiments, the food heater 110 may include some features that are at least substantially similar or identical in structure and function to any food heater described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 812,334, filed on March 8, 2020, entitled "FOOD HEATERS, SUCH AS FOR USE IN HEATING HOT DOGS", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. ​

[0026] Reference Figure 1A When the food heater 110 is in the first position, the roller 150 (and the heater 140 extending therein) can extend substantially parallel to the base 120 and can be used to roll and / or cook food products 105 (e.g., hot dogs, sausages, bratwursts). Power is supplied to the plurality of heaters 140, which supply heat to the roller 150 and the food product 105. Power is also supplied to the drive unit 130, which causes the roller 150 to rotate about the corresponding heater in the heater 140. Near the rear portion 121b, the heater 140 and the roller 150 are coupled to and supported by the drive unit 130. Near the user-facing portion 121a, the heater 140 and the roller 150 are supported by the drip tray 160. More specifically, the heater 140 and the roller 150 can be supported by the support structure 162 of the drip tray 160 ( Figure 5A and 5B ) described in detail below near the user-facing portion 121a. The food heater can also include a front shield 122 removably coupled to or near the user-facing portion 121a. In Figure 1B ), the front shield 122 is removed from the food heater 110. Figure 1B The control panel 180 can include one or more user-actuable controls for controlling the heat provided by the heater 140, the rotation rate of the roller 150, etc., and / or one or more displays, indicator lights, etc. for providing information to the user of the food heater 110 about the cooking process and / or operating status of the food heater 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the control panel 180 is mounted to the drive unit 130 to face the user-facing portion 121a of the base 120.

[0027] Reference

[0028] and Figure 1A To pivot the food heater 110 from the first position to the second position, the front shield 122 can be removed from the base 120 (the front shield 122 is removed in Figure 1B ) to provide access to the handle 171 (e.g., cam handle) of the lifting system 170. The handle 171 can be coupled to the user-facing portion 121a of the base 120. As described in detail below with reference to Figure 1B Figures 6A - 6E , actuating (e.g., pulling) the handle 171 can actuate the lifting system 170 to pivot the drive unit 130 from the first position ( Figure 1A ) to the second position ( Figure 1B ), and vice versa. In some embodiments, the splash guard 112 can be removably coupled to the drive unit 130 and can be removed from the drive unit 130, as shown in Figure 1B to facilitate access to the roller 150.​

[0029] Reference Figure 1B , when the food heater 110 is in the second position, the plurality of heaters 140 and the plurality of rollers 150 extend at a non-parallel angle (e.g., an acute angle) relative to the base 120 and are no longer supported by the support structure 162 of the drip tray 160. The roller 150 can be removed from above the heater 140 (e.g., for cleaning, replacement) by pulling and / or pushing the heater 140 in a direction away from the drive unit 130.

[0030] Figure 1C is a perspective view of the food heater system 100 in the first position according to another embodiment of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, the width W of the counter 190 is greater than Figure 1B the width W shown in, and the counter 190 is also positioned adjacent to the side wall 196. Reference Figures 1A - 1C , the food heater 110 is positioned on the counter 190 such that the roller 150 extends away from the rear wall 195 (e.g., perpendicular to the rear wall 195) and / or parallel to the side wall 196, and the control panel 180 faces away from the rear wall 195. Similarly, the handle 171 ( Figure 1B ) is positioned away from the rear wall 195 to facilitate access by a user of the food heater 110. This configuration allows the roller 150 to be removed in a direction away from the rear wall 195 and in a direction away from the side wall 196 in the second position ( Figure 1B ). In some aspects of the present technology, even when other obstacles (e.g., a cash register, other food heaters, product displayers) are located on the counter 190 to the left and / or right of the food heater 110, e.g., Figure 1C the side wall 196 shown in, Figure 1C the pizza heater 192 shown in, Figure 1C the condiment dispenser 194 shown in, etc., it is still possible to remove the roller 150. That is, the roller 150 can be removed without being blocked by the side wall 196, the pizza heater 192, the condiment dispenser 194, and / or other components adjacent to the food heater 110. In contrast, some conventional food heaters have rollers that extend left and right relative to the user (e.g., parallel to the rear wall 195), making the rollers difficult to access. Therefore, orienting the rollers 150 such that they extend between the rear portion 121b and the user-facing portion 121a of the base 120 allows the rollers 150 to be removed in a less obstructed direction.

[0031] In addition, generally, the depth D of the counter 190 is fixed, but additional space can be obtained along the width W of the counter 190, e.g., by removing the pizza heater 192, the condiment dispenser 194, and / or any other components located near the food heater 110 along the width W of the counter 190, such as Figure 1CAs shown. Thus, to increase the food heating capacity of the food heater 110 (e.g., to allow the food heater 110 to heat more food products 105 simultaneously), additional heaters 140 and rollers 150 can be added to increase the width of the food heater 110. The additional heaters 140 and rollers 150 can be the same as those shown in Figures 1A - 1C and have, for example, the same length. Conversely, if the food heater 110 is oriented such that the heaters 140 and rollers 150 extend parallel to the wall 195, the heaters 140 and rollers 150 will need to be lengthened to increase the food heating capacity of the food heater 110. Thus, orienting the heaters 140 and rollers 150 as shown in Figures 1A - 1C can make the food heater 110 larger without increasing the length of the heaters 140 and rollers 150. In some aspects of the present technology, this can enable the rollers 150 to be easily removed from above the heaters 140 because they do not require a large amount of open space to be removed as their length is relatively small. Conversely, if oriented parallel to the wall 195, the longer rollers 150 required to increase the food heating capacity of the food heater 110 will require a significant amount of space to be removed from above the correspondingly longer heaters 140 - in an environment where space may be limited (e.g., along the width W of the counter 190).

[0032] Figure 2A and Figure 2B are perspective views of the food heater 110 of Figure 1A and Figure 1B in a first position and a second position, respectively, according to embodiments of the present technology. Referring to Figure 2A , each of the heaters 140 and rollers 150 extends along a longitudinal axis 245. The longitudinal axes 245 can be parallel to each other, and the heaters 140 and rollers 150 can extend concentrically (e.g., can be concentrically aligned) along corresponding longitudinal axes among the longitudinal axes 245. The control panel 180 is coupled to the drive unit 130 and is positioned to face a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 245. The drive unit 130 supports the heaters 140 and rollers 150 near the rear portion 121b, and the drip tray 160 supports the heaters 140 and rollers 150 near the user - facing portion 121a. The front shroud 122 can be removed to access the handle 171 for pivoting the food heater 110 from the first position to the second position. The drive unit 130 can pivot relative to the base 120 about the pivot hinge 226.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2B, the drive unit 130, the heater 140, and the roller 150 pivot away from the base 120 at the second position such that the longitudinal axis 245 is positioned at an angle (e.g., a non - parallel angle) with respect to the base 120. The control panel 180 remains positioned facing a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 245. The food heater 110 may also include a plurality of end caps 252 corresponding to the respective rollers in the sealing roller 150. When the food heater 110 is in the first position ( Figure 2A ), the support structure 162 of the drip tray 160 may contact the end caps 252 when supporting the heater 140 and the roller 150. When the food heater 110 is in the second position, the heater 140, the roller 150, and the end caps 252 pivot away from the support structure 162 such that the support structure 162 does not contact the end caps 252. In the second position, the roller 150 may be removed from above the heater 140 for cleaning, repair, maintenance, and / or similar operations. When the roller 150 is removed, the end caps 252 may or may not be removed from the roller 150. The roller 150 can be manually removed from above the corresponding heater in the heater 140 without using tools.

[0034] In some embodiments, the food heater 110 may also include a bracket 224 that is coupled to the base 120 near the rear portion 121b. The bracket 224 can be used to position the drip tray 160 on top of the base 120. The bracket 224 may also have a Z - shaped cross - section and extend over a portion of the drip tray 160, and prevent the drip tray 160 from moving vertically when the support structure 162 contacts the end caps 252 when supporting the heater 140 and the roller 150 in the first position ( Figure 2A ). The bracket 224 can also relieve stress on the welded joints of the heater 140. In some embodiments, the bracket 224 may be omitted.

[0035] Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective rear view of the drive unit 130 of the Figures 1A - 2B food heater 110 according to an embodiment of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 130 includes a housing 331, and a heater bracket 342 is fixedly coupled to the housing 331. For clarity, the rear panel of the housing 331 is removed in Figure 3 . The heater 140 is fixedly coupled to the heater bracket 342 such that when the drive unit 130 pivots from the first position to the second position, the heater 140 also pivots accordingly. The drive unit 130 may also include a fan 339 that cools various components within the housing 331. The control panel 180 (and its components) may be coupled to the housing 331. Each of the heater 140, the fan 339, and / or the control panel 180 may receive power from a power cord 332 during operation.

[0036] The power cord 332 can also supply power to a motor 333 (e.g., an electric motor) fixedly coupled to the housing 331. The motor 333 can rotate a first drive gear 334 coupled to the motor 333. The first drive gear 334 can be coupled to a second drive gear 335 via a drive chain (not shown), and the second drive gear 335 can be fixedly coupled to a reel 336 (e.g., a worm gear). The operation of the motor 333 can be controlled to rotate the reel 336 at a desired rate. In other embodiments, the drive unit 130 can have other suitable components and / or arrangements for rotating the reel 336. For example, the motor 333 can be located at other positions inside or outside the drive unit 330, the motor 333 can be directly coupled to the reel 336, etc.

[0037] Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective front view of a drive unit 130 according to an embodiment of the present technology. The drive unit 130 also includes a drive member 437 fixedly coupled to (e.g., wound around) the reel 336 and a plurality of sprockets 438 coupled to the rollers 150. The drive member 437 engages (i.e., meshes) with the teeth of the sprockets 438 in a worm drive gear arrangement. The sprockets 438 are coupled to corresponding ones of the rollers 150 such that rotation of the drive member 437 (e.g., via Figure 3 the operation of the motor 333 shown in) causes the rollers 150 positioned above the corresponding heaters in the heater 140 to rotate. In the embodiment shown, the rollers 150 and the sprockets 438 have substantially the same size such that each roller 150 rotates at substantially the same rate. In this way, the rollers 150 can rotate a food product 105 (e.g., a hot dog) placed in the gap between an adjacent pair of rollers 150 at a substantially constant rate without applying different stresses on the food product. In some embodiments, rotation of the drive member 437 pulls the sprockets 438 towards the drive unit 130. In some embodiments, the housing 331 includes a deflector that extends below the sprockets 438 and directs any grease or juice towards a drip tray 160 (not shown), thereby preventing dripping behind the food heater 110. This deflector is described in detail below with reference to Figures 7A - 7C In other embodiments, the housing 331 does not include a deflector and includes an opening below the sprockets 438 for improved cleanability.

[0038] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are enlarged perspective rear views of a drip tray 160 of a food heater 110 according to embodiments of the present technology in a first position and a second position, respectively. As Figure 5AAs shown, when in the first position, the plurality of heaters 140 and the plurality of rollers 150 are supported by the support structure 162 of the drip tray 160 at the user-facing portion 121a near the base 120. More specifically, the support structure 162 may include a plurality of grooves 564 that support the corresponding heaters and rollers among the heaters 140 and the rollers 150 in the first position. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 564 only contacts the end cap 252 coupled to the roller 150. In other embodiments, the groove 564 additionally or alternatively contacts other components to support the heaters 140 and the rollers 150. For example, the groove 564 may directly contact and support the roller 150. In some embodiments, the support structure 162 is integrated with the drip tray 160. For example, the support structure 162 may include a part of the drip tray 160 and / or the support structure 162 and the drip tray 160 may include a single integral structure.

[0039] As Figure 5B shown, when in the second position, the drive unit 130 pivots about the pivot hinge 226 relative to the base 120. The heaters 140 and the rollers 150 are no longer supported by the groove 564 at the user-facing portion 121a near the base 120, but are mainly supported by the drive unit 130. In some embodiments, the number of rollers 150 and the number of grooves 564 on the support structure 162 are greater than five. The drip tray 160 may further include a plurality of notches 566 located below the respective rollers among the rollers 150, and the plurality of notches 566 may collect liquids (e.g., juice, grease) dropped from food products during and after cooking. In other embodiments, the notches 566 may be positioned between the respective pairs of rollers 150. In other embodiments, the drip tray 160 does not include the notches 566, or the notches 566 may have a different arrangement.

[0040] In some aspects of the present technology, the support structure 162 advantageously forms an integral part of the drip tray 160, thereby reducing the number of separate components. The engagement of the roller 150 with the support structure 162 within the groove 564 also helps prevent the drip tray 160 from shifting position during operation (e.g., cooking). In addition, the drip tray 160 may be made of a heat-resistant material, allowing the support structure 162 to contact the end cap 252, the heater 140, and / or the roller 150 without being damaged. When in the second position, the drip tray 160 may also be removed for cleaning and / or replacement. In some embodiments, the drip tray 160 is fixedly coupled to the base 120.

[0041] Figure 6A is a bottom view of the lifting system 170 of the food heater 110 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 6B and Figure 6CRespectively are an enlarged bottom view and a side view of a lifting system 170 according to an embodiment of the present technology, and the lifting system 170 is in a resting position corresponding to a first position of the food heater 110. Figure 6D and Figure 6E Respectively are an enlarged bottom view and a side view of a lifting system 170 according to an embodiment of the present technology, and the lifting system 170 is in a lifting position corresponding to a second position of the food heater 110.

[0042] Referring together to Figures 6A - 6E , the lifting system 170 can be positioned below the base 120 and assist the user in switching the food heater 110 between the first position and the second position. For example, the user can actuate (e.g., pull and / or push) the handle 171 (e.g., actuate the latch) at a position near the user-facing portion 121a to actuate the lifting system 170 to pivot the drive unit 130 from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position. When the lifting system 170 is in the resting position ( Figure 6B and Figure 6C ), the food heater 110 is in the first position, and when the lifting system is in the lifting position ( Figure 6A , Figure 6D , Figure 6E ), the food heater 110 is in the second position. In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting system 170 further includes a lifting shaft 672 coupled to the handle 171, a lifting bracket 675 coupled to the drive unit 130, a link 673 coupled between the lifting shaft 672 and the lifting bracket 675, and a biasing assembly 677 coupled to the base 120 and the lifting shaft 672.

[0043] The lifting shaft 672 is pivotally coupled to the handle 171 about a pivot point 671 ( Figure 6B and Figure 6D ). In some embodiments, the handle 171 is not coupled to the base 120 but only contacts the base 120, and the pivot point 671 serves as the only connection point between the handle 171 and the food heater 110.

[0044] The biasing assembly 677 includes a lifting collar 678a fixedly coupled to the lifting shaft 672, a support structure 678c fixedly coupled to the base 120, and a spring member 678b coupled between the lifting collar 678a and the support structure 678c and positioned (e.g., coiled) around the lifting shaft 672. As described in detail below with reference to Figure 6C and Figure 6E , the biasing assembly 677 can bias the lifting system 170 toward the lifting position, such that the force required to pivot the food heater 110 from the first position to the second position is reduced.

[0045] Referring to Figure 6B andFigure 6C which shows the lifting system 170 in the stowed position and the food heater 110 in the first position. The front shield 122 can be arranged to be close to the user-facing portion 121a of the base 120. The front shield 122 can cover the handle 171 to obscure the handle 171 from view and / or prevent the handle 171 from being accidentally actuated during operation (e.g., when the food heater 110 is in the first position and used for cooking food).

[0046] The lifting shaft 672 is pivotally coupled to the first end 674a of the link 673, and the lifting bracket 675 is pivotally coupled to the second end 674b of the link 673. The pivot point 671 is at a first distance D1 from the side portion 681 of the handle 171 ( Figure 6B ), such that the lifting shaft 672, the link 673, and the lifting bracket 675 are in the stowed position, and the drive unit 130 (coupled to the lifting bracket 675) is in the first position. The side portion 681 can contact the base 120. The first distance D1 can be predetermined based on the shape and size of the handle 171. The lifting shaft 672 is positioned relative to the base 120 such that the lift collar 678a fixedly coupled to the lifting shaft 672 presses the spring member 678b against the support structure 678c fixedly coupled to the base 120. The compressed spring member 678b exerts a force against the lift collar 678a and thus also against the lifting shaft 672 toward the user-facing portion 121a, such that the biasing assembly 677 biases the lifting system 170 toward the lifting position.

[0047] Reference Figures 6D - 6E which shows the lifting system 170 in the lifted position and the food heater 110 in the second position. The front shield 122 can be removed from the base 120 to allow the user to access the handle 171. In some embodiments, when the handle 171 is actuated (e.g., pulled), the side portion 681 no longer contacts the base 120, but rather the end portion 682 of the handle 171 contacts the base 120. The pivot point 671 remains aligned with the lifting shaft 672, but moves away from the base 120 to a second distance D2 ( Figure 6D ). The second distance D2 can be predetermined based on the shape and size of the handle 171. As a result, the lifting shaft 672 and the lift collar 678a are pulled toward the user-facing portion 121a by a third distance D3 ( Figure 6E ). The third distance D3 is the difference between the first distance D1 and the second distance D2. The spring member 678b that biases the lifting system 170 toward the lifting position reduces the force required to actuate the handle 171. When the lifting system 170 is in the lifted position, as shown, the spring member 678b can remain compressed (to a lesser extent) or become uncompressed.

[0048] When the lifting shaft 672 is pulled towards the user-facing portion 121a, the first end portion 674a of the link 673 is also pulled towards the user-facing portion 121a. The link 673 further pulls the lifting bracket 675 towards the user-facing portion 121a. However, since the drive unit 130 rotates about the pivot hinge 226 (as shown, for example Figures 2A - 2B in) and the lifting bracket 675 is fixedly coupled to the drive unit 130, the second end portion 674b of the link 673 moves upward. The lifting bracket 675 may include one or more protrusions 676 that may contact the rear portion 121b of the base 120 and prevent the drive unit 130 from rotating relative to the base 120 about the pivot hinge 226 beyond a predetermined maximum angle. In other embodiments, the geometry of the lifting system 170 is sufficient to prevent the drive unit 130 from rotating beyond a predetermined maximum angle, and thus, the protrusions 676 may be omitted.

[0049] When the food heater 110 is ready to be moved back to the first position (e.g., after cleaning and / or replacing the roller 150), the user may actuate the handle 171 in the opposite manner to drive the lifting system 170 back to the stowed position. For example, when the handle 171 is rotated from the lifted position ( Figure 6D ) to the stowed position ( Figure 6B ), the lifting shaft 672 and the lifting collar 678a are pushed towards the rear portion 121b such that the spring member 678b becomes compressed or more compressed against the support structure 678c. Since the heater 140, the roller 150, and the drive unit 130 are lifted in the second position, their weight may exert a torque on the lifting bracket 675, reducing the force required for the user to actuate the handle 171 to drive the lifting system 170 back to the stowed position.

[0050] In some embodiments, the spring member 678b is under tension rather than compression such that the biasing assembly 677 biases the lifting system 170 towards the stowed position, thereby reducing the amount of force required to move the lifting system 170 from the raised position to the stowed position.

[0051] Figure 7A and Figure 7B are perspective views of a food heater 710 in a first position (e.g., a cooking position and an operating position) according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 7C is a perspective view of a food heater 710 in a second position (e.g., a lifted position, a cleaning position, a maintenance position) according to an embodiment of the present technology. Referring to Figures 7A - 7C , the food heater 710 may include the same as those referred to above with reference to Figures 1A - 6EThe corresponding features of the food heater 110 described in detail are at least substantially similar or identical in structure and function to some features, and can be operated in a manner substantially similar or identical to that of the food heater 110. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. For example, the food heater 710 includes a base 120, a drive unit 130 rotatably coupled to the base 120, a heater 140 fixedly coupled to the drive unit 130, a roller 150 mounted over a corresponding heater in the heater 140, a splash guard 112, a control panel 180, etc.

[0052] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B , in the illustrated embodiment, the splash guard 112 is rotatably coupled to the drive unit 130 such that the splash guard 112 can pivot upward from a first position ( Figure 7A ) to a second raised position ( Figure 7B ) to provide access to the control panel 180, the roller 150, and / or other components of the food heater 710. More specifically, the splash guard 112 may include a first side 712a and a second side 712b, and the first side 712a and the second side 712b include grooves 713 configured to receive corresponding pins / projections 731 of the drive unit 130. The splash guard 112 can rotate about the pin 731 between the first position and the second position, and the grooves 713 can guide the rotation of the splash guard 112. In some embodiments, the first side 712a and the second side 712b of the splash guard 112 may bend outward (i.e., away from the drive unit 130) to separate the splash guard 112 from the drive unit 130.

[0053] Reference Figures 7A - 7C , the food heater 710 further includes a drive unit guard 732 coupled to the drive unit 130. The guard 732 is positioned to inhibit or even prevent food placed on the roller 150 from contacting the sprocket 438 ( Figure 4 ), the drive member 437 ( Figure 4 ) and / or other components of the drive unit 130. In some embodiments, the guard 732 includes a plurality of cuts shaped to extend around the roller 150 such that the guard 732 substantially extends around the roller 150 without contacting the roller 150. That is, the guard 732 may have a wavy lower edge that follows the shape of the roller 150.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the food heater 710 further includes a drip tray 760 (e.g., a drip pan) located on and / or coupled to the base 120. In some embodiments, the drip tray 760 is relative to that referred to above Figure 5A and 5BThe detailed drip tray 160 extends further towards the rear portion 121b and further laterally (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the roller 150). Thus, the drip tray 760 can cover a relatively large portion of the base 120. Figure 7B The food heater 710 with the drip tray 760 removed is shown.

[0055] Reference Figure 7C , removing the front shield 122 from the food heater 710 allows the user to access the roller support structure 762. The roller support structure 762 can include a plurality of grooves 764 that support the respective rollers 150 when the food heater is in the first position ( Figure 7A and 7B ), similar to the grooves 564 described in detail above with reference to Figure 5A and Figure 5B . However, in the illustrated embodiment, the roller support structure 762 is not integral with the drip tray 760 but is a separate component removably coupled to the base 120 and / or the drip tray 760. For example, in some embodiments, the food heater 710 includes (i) a first bracket 724a coupled to the first side of the base 120 and having a first slot 722a, and (ii) a second bracket 724b coupled to the second side of the base 120 opposite the first side and the first bracket 724a and having a second slot 722b. By inserting the roller support structure 762 into the first slot 722a and the second slot 722b, the roller support structure 762 can be removably coupled to the brackets 724a, 724b. In some embodiments, the roller support structure 764 can include / define a third slot 766a and a fourth slot 766b that can cooperate and engage with the first slot 722a and the second slot 722b to fix the roller support structure 762 to the brackets 724a, 724b. The roller support structure 762 can additionally or alternatively be removably coupled to the drip tray 760. In the illustrated embodiment, the roller support structure 762 is positioned above the distal portion of the drip tray 760 such that the drip tray 760 can capture any juice that accumulates on the roller support structure 762 and falls from the roller support structure 762. More specifically, the drip tray 760 can include a lip portion 768, and the roller support structure 762 can be removably positioned on / above the lip portion 768. In some embodiments, the lip portion 768 includes an upwardly extending protrusion, and the roller support structure 762 includes a hole for receiving the protrusion. The drip tray 760 and the roller support structure 762 can be removed from the base 120 together or independently.

[0056] Figure 7D is constructed according to an embodiment of the present technology Figures 7A - 7C760. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 730 includes / defines a recess 732 having a recessed wall 733 to which the roller 150 and the sprocket 438 are mounted. In some aspects of the present technology, the recess 732 provides an opening below the sprocket 438 and the roller 150, which facilitates easier cleaning of the food heater 710 because, for example, any juices, grease, and / or cooking byproducts can freely drip from the sprocket 438 and the roller 150 directly into the drip tray 760. In some embodiments, the drive unit 730 also includes a deflector 734 coupled thereto or formed integrally therewith for deflecting juices, grease, and / or cooking byproducts away from the rear of the drive unit 730 and toward / into the drip tray 760.

[0057] Figure 8 810 is a bottom view of a food heater 810 having an induction heating source according to an embodiment of the present technology. The food heater 810 may include the same Figures 1A - 7D The corresponding features of the food heater 110 and / or food heater 710 described in detail are at least substantially similar in structure and function or some features that are identical in structure and function, and can operate in a substantially similar or identical manner as the food heater 110 and / or food heater 710. Therefore, the same parts are represented by the same reference numerals. For example, the food heater 810 includes a base 120 and a roller 150 rotatably mounted on the base 120.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the induction heating source of the food heater 810 includes an alternating current (AC) power supply 820 connected to an induction line 830. The AC power supply 820 and the induction line 830 can be positioned inside, below, or above the base 120. The induction line 830 can be arranged so that a single strand extends along each roller 150 (e.g., below each roller 150), as shown. Therefore, the current flowing through the induction line 830 flows only in one direction below each roller 150. In some embodiments, the induction line 830 may include a plurality of strands extending below each roller 150 so that the current flows through the strands below each roller 150 in the same direction. In some aspects of the present technology, this layout is superior to an embodiment with a plurality of strands extending along each roller 150 and wiring current in opposite directions, because the electromagnetic fields generated by the current flowing in adjacent strands may cancel each other and reduce the efficiency of induction heating. In the illustrated embodiment, the AC power supply 820 is positioned near the rear portion 121b. In other embodiments, the AC power source 820 may be positioned elsewhere (eg, near the user-facing portion 121a, near a side of the base 120).

[0059] The AC power supply 820 can supply power to the induction coil 830 so that the current flowing in the induction wire 830 inductively heats the roller 150. In some embodiments, the roller 150 is made of a ferromagnetic material or other material suitable for induction heating (e.g., stainless steel). In some embodiments, the food heater 810 includes a non-magnetic insulating plate 840 made of, for example, glass. In the illustrated embodiment, the food heater 810 may omit the heater (e.g., heater 140) located within each roller 150 because the roller 150 is inductively heated by the induction coil 830. In other embodiments, the food heater 810 may include a heater located within each roller to serve as an alternative or additional heating mechanism to induction heating.

[0060] Figure 9 is a front view of the food heater 810 according to an embodiment of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, the AC power supply 820, the induction wire 830, and the non-magnetic insulating plate 840 are positioned within the base 120 such that a single strand extends beneath each roller 150, as Figure 8 shown. Although in the illustrated embodiment the AC power supply 820 is located beneath the portion of the induction wire 830 that provides induction heating to the roller 150, the AC power supply 820 can be positioned relative to the induction wire 830 in any position. In the illustrated embodiment, the food heater 810 does not include a heater located within each roller 150.

[0061] The distance between the induction wire 830 and the roller 150 can be optimized for induction heating. For example, if each of the rollers 150 has a diameter of 1 inch, the distance between the bottom of each of the rollers 150 and the induction wire 830 can be approximately 0.39 inches. The non-magnetic insulating plate 840 can have a thickness of approximately 0.25 inches. In other embodiments, other dimensions can be used. The distance between each roller 150 and the equivalent distance between each strand of the induction wire 830 extending along each roller 150 can also be optimized for induction heating (e.g., to optimally position the roller 150 within the electromagnetic field generated by the induction wire 830).

[0062] The following examples illustrate several embodiments of the present technology:

[0063] 1. A food heater, comprising:

[0064] A base;

[0065] A drive unit mounted to the base, wherein the drive unit is pivotable between a first position relative to the base and a second position relative to the base;

[0066] A plurality of rollers rotatably coupled to the drive unit, wherein each of the rollers extends along a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes of the rollers being parallel to each other, wherein the drive unit is configured to rotate the rollers about the corresponding longitudinal axes when the rollers are in the first position, and wherein the rollers are configured to be manually removable from the drive unit when the rollers are in the second position; and

[0067] A control panel mounted to the drive unit and positioned to face in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0068] 2. The food warmer according to Example 1, further comprising an actuating latch operably coupled to the drive unit, wherein the actuating latch is configured to be actuated to pivot the drive unit between a first position and a second position, and wherein the control panel is positioned to face the actuating latch.

[0069] 3. The food warmer according to Examples 1-2, further comprising a drip tray configured to support the plurality of heaters and the plurality of rollers in the first position, wherein the control panel faces the drip tray.

[0070] 4. The food warmer according to Examples 1-3, wherein the base is configured to be positioned on a countertop and has a user-facing portion and a rear portion opposite the user-facing portion, wherein the drive unit is mounted to the rear portion of the base, wherein the rollers are accessible by a user at the user-facing portion, and wherein the longitudinal axes of the rollers extend from the drive unit at the rear portion toward the user-facing portion.

[0071] 5. The food warmer according to Examples 1-4, further comprising a plurality of sprockets configured to be coupled to corresponding ones of the rollers, wherein the drive unit includes a motor operably connected to a worm drive member, wherein the worm drive member is configured to engage the sprockets, and wherein the motor is configured to drive the worm drive member to rotate the sprockets, thereby rotating the rollers about the longitudinal axes.

[0072] 6. The food warmer according to Example 5, wherein rotation of the worm drive member is configured to pull the sprockets toward the drive unit, and wherein (a) the rollers each have substantially the same size as each other, and (b) the sprockets each have substantially the same size as each other, such that each of the rollers rotates at substantially the same rate.

[0073] 7. The food heater according to Examples 1-6 further includes an induction wire coupled to the base and an alternating current power supply coupled to the induction wire, wherein the alternating current power supply is configured to supply an alternating current to the induction wire such that the induction wire generates an electromagnetic field for inductively heating the roller, and wherein the alternating current flows in a single direction under each of the rollers.

[0074] 8. The food heater according to Examples 1-7 further includes a plurality of heating elements mounted to the drive unit, wherein each of the heating elements extends inside a corresponding one of the rollers, and wherein the rollers are concentrically aligned with corresponding longitudinal axes among the longitudinal axes.

[0075] 9. A food heater, comprising:

[0076] A base;

[0077] A drive unit mounted to the base, wherein the drive unit is pivotable between a first position relative to the base and a second position relative to the base;

[0078] A plurality of rollers coupled to the drive unit, wherein each of the rollers extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axes of the rollers are parallel to each other, wherein the drive unit is configured to rotate the rollers about the longitudinal axes when the rollers are in the first position, and wherein the rollers are configured to be manually removed from the drive unit when the rollers are in the second position;

[0079] A drip tray configured to be positioned between the base and the plurality of rollers; and

[0080] A support structure positioned above the drip tray and configured to support the rollers in the first position.

[0081] 10. The food heater according to Example 9, wherein the support structure includes a plurality of grooves configured to support a corresponding one of the rollers in the first position.

[0082] 11. The food heater according to Examples 9-10, wherein the support structure is configured to rotatably support a distal portion of the roller.

[0083] 12. The food heater according to Examples 9-11 further includes a plurality of end caps configured to seal a corresponding one of the rollers, wherein the support structure is configured to contact the end caps when the heater and the rollers are supported in the first position.

[0084] 13. The food heater according to Example 9-12, wherein the drip tray and the support structure form an integral structure.

[0085] 14. The food heater according to Example 9-13, further comprising an induction wire connected to the base and an AC power supply connected to the induction wire, wherein the AC power supply is configured to supply an alternating current to the induction wire such that the induction wire generates an electromagnetic field for inductively heating the roller, and wherein the alternating current flows in a single direction under each of the rollers.

[0086] 15. The food heater according to Example 9-14, further comprising a plurality of heating elements mounted to the drive unit, wherein each of the heating elements extends inside a corresponding one of the rollers.

[0087] 16. A food heater, comprising:

[0088] A base;

[0089] A drive unit mounted to the base, wherein the drive unit is pivotable between a first position relative to the base and a second position relative to the base;

[0090] A plurality of rollers rotatably coupled to the drive unit, wherein each of the rollers extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axes of the rollers are parallel to each other, wherein the drive unit is configured to rotate the rollers about the longitudinal axis when the rollers are in the first position, and wherein the rollers are configured to be manually removed from the drive unit when the rollers are in the second position; and

[0091] A lifting system mounted to the base, wherein the lifting system is configured to be actuated to move the drive unit between the first position and the second position, and wherein the lifting system comprises:

[0092] A handle pivotable between a rest position and a lifting position; and

[0093] A lifting bracket operatively coupled between the drive unit and the handle,

[0094] wherein when the handle is in the rest position, the drive unit is in the first position, and wherein actuating the handle pivots the lifting bracket such that when the handle is in the lifting position, the drive unit is in the second position.

[0095] 17. The food heater according to Example 16, wherein the lifting system further comprises:

[0096] A connecting rod, the connecting rod including a first end pivotally coupled to the lifting bracket and a second end opposite the first end;

[0097] A lifting shaft pivotally coupled between the handle and the second end of the connecting rod;

[0098] A lifting collar fixedly coupled to the lifting shaft;

[0099] A support structure coupled to the base and configured to support the lifting shaft between the connecting rod and the lifting collar; and

[0100] A spring member positioned about the lifting shaft and configured to be compressed between the lifting collar and the support structure, wherein the spring member biases the handle toward the lifting position.

[0101] 18. The food warmer according to examples 16 - 17, further comprising a front cover removably coupled to the base near the handle, wherein the front cover is configured to be removed when the handle is in the resting position.

[0102] 19. The food warmer according to examples 16 - 18, further comprising an induction wire coupled to the base and an alternating current power supply coupled to the induction wire, wherein the alternating current power supply is configured to supply an alternating current to the induction wire such that the induction wire generates an electromagnetic field for inductively heating the roller, and wherein the alternating current flows in a single direction under each of the rollers.

[0103] 20. The food warmer according to example 16, 18 or 19, wherein the lifting system further comprises:

[0104] A lifting shaft pivotally coupled between the handle and the lifting bracket;

[0105] A support structure coupled to the base; and

[0106] A spring member positioned about the lifting shaft and including a first end coupled to the lifting shaft and a second end coupled to the support structure, wherein the spring member is configured to be compressed and bias the handle toward the lifting position.

[0107] In general, the detailed description of embodiments of the present technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present utility model to the precise forms disclosed above. While specific embodiments and examples of the present technology have been described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications within the scope of the present technology are possible, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art. The teachings of the present technology provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the systems described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any patents, applications, and other references, including any patents, applications, and other references that may be listed in the accompanying application documents, are incorporated herein by reference. If necessary, aspects of the present technology can be modified to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references above to provide additional embodiments of the present technology.

[0108] Based on the above detailed description, these and other changes can be made to the present technology. While the above description has described in detail certain embodiments of the present technology and described the expected best mode, the present technology can be practiced in many ways regardless of how detailed the above is in the text. The details of the present technology can vary significantly in terms of its implementation details while still being covered by the present technology disclosed herein. As mentioned above, the specific terms used when describing certain features or aspects of the present technology should not be construed as implying that the term is redefined herein to be limited to any specific property, feature, or aspect of the present technology associated with that term. In general, the terms used in the appended claims should not be construed as limiting the present technology to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above detailed description section specifically defines such terms. Therefore, the actual scope of the present utility model includes not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the present technology.

Claims

1. A food heater, characterized in that: include: Pedestal; a drive unit mounted to the base, wherein the drive unit is pivotable between a first position relative to the base and a second position relative to the base; a plurality of rollers rotatably coupled to the drive unit, wherein individual ones of the rollers extend along a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axes of the rollers are parallel to each other, wherein the drive unit is configured to rotate the rollers about corresponding longitudinal axes when the rollers are in the first position, and wherein the rollers are configured to be manually removable from the drive unit when the rollers are in the second position; and A control panel is mounted to the drive unit and positioned to face in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

2. The food heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is an actuation latch operably coupled to the drive unit, wherein the actuation latch is configured to be actuated to pivot the drive unit between the first position and the second position, and wherein the control panel is positioned facing the actuation latch.

3. The food heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a drip plate configured to support the plurality of heaters and the plurality of rollers in the first position, wherein the control panel faces the drip plate.

4. The food heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base is configured to be positioned on a counter and has a user-facing portion and a rear portion opposite the user-facing portion, wherein the drive unit is mounted to the rear portion of the base, wherein the roller is accessible to a user at the user-facing portion, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the roller extends from the drive unit at the rear portion toward the user-facing portion.

5. The food heater according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included are a plurality of sprockets configured to be coupled to corresponding ones of the rollers, wherein the drive unit includes a motor operably coupled to a worm drive member, wherein the worm drive member is configured to engage the sprockets, and wherein the motor is configured to drive the worm drive member to rotate the sprockets, thereby rotating the rollers about the longitudinal axis.

6. The food heater according to claim 5, characterized in that Rotation of the worm drive member is configured to pull the sprockets toward the drive unit, and wherein (a) the rollers are each substantially the same size as one another, and (b) the sprockets are each substantially the same size as one another, such that each of the rollers rotates at substantially the same rate.

7. The food heater according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included are induction wires coupled to the base and an AC power source coupled to the induction wires, wherein the AC power source is configured to supply an AC current to the induction wires so that the induction wires generate an electromagnetic field for inductively heating the rollers, and wherein the AC current flows in a single direction under each of the rollers.

8. The food heater according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included are a plurality of heating elements mounted to the drive unit, wherein individual ones of the heating elements extend inside corresponding ones of the rollers, and wherein the rollers are concentrically aligned with corresponding ones of the longitudinal axes.

9. A food heater, characterized in that: include: Pedestal; a drive unit mounted to the base, wherein the drive unit is pivotable between a first position relative to the base and a second position relative to the base; a plurality of rollers coupled to the drive unit, wherein individual ones of the rollers extend along a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axes of the rollers are parallel to one another, wherein the drive unit is configured to rotate the rollers about the longitudinal axis when the rollers are in the first position, and wherein the rollers are configured to be manually removed from the drive unit when the rollers are in the second position; a drip plate configured to be positioned between the base and the plurality of rollers; and A support structure is positioned above the drip tray and is configured to support the roller in the first position.

10. The food heater according to claim 9, characterized in that The support structure includes a plurality of grooves configured to support corresponding ones of the rollers in the first position.

11. The food heater according to claim 9, characterized in that The support structure is configured to rotatably support a distal end portion of the roller.

12. The food heater according to claim 9, characterized in that Also included is a plurality of end caps configured to seal corresponding ones of the rollers, wherein the support structure is configured to contact the end caps when supporting the heater and the rollers in the first position.

13. The food heater according to claim 9, characterized in that The drip tray and the support structure form an integral structure.

14. The food heater according to claim 9, characterized in that Also included are induction wires coupled to the base and an AC power source coupled to the induction wires, wherein the AC power source is configured to supply an AC current to the induction wires so that the induction wires generate an electromagnetic field for inductively heating the rollers, and wherein the AC current flows in a single direction under each of the rollers.

15. The food heater according to claim 9, characterized in that Also included is a plurality of heating elements mounted to the drive unit, wherein individual ones of the heating elements extend inside a corresponding one of the rollers.

16. A food heater, characterized in that: include: Pedestal; a drive unit mounted to the base, wherein the drive unit is pivotable between a first position relative to the base and a second position relative to the base; a plurality of rollers rotatably coupled to the drive unit, wherein individual ones of the rollers extend along a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axes of the rollers are parallel to one another, wherein the drive unit is configured to rotate the rollers about the longitudinal axis when the rollers are in the first position, and wherein the rollers are configured to be manually removed from the drive unit when the rollers are in the second position; and a lift system mounted to the base, wherein the lift system is configured to be actuated to move the drive unit between the first position and the second position, and wherein the lift system comprises: a handle pivotable between a rest position and a raised position; and a lifting bracket operably coupled between the drive unit and the handle, wherein the drive unit is in the first position when the handle is in the rest position, and wherein actuating the handle pivots the lift bracket such that the drive unit is in the second position when the handle is in the lift position.

17. The food heater according to claim 16, characterized in that The lifting system also includes: a connecting rod including a first end pivotably coupled to the lifting bracket and a second end opposite the first end; a lifting shaft pivotably coupled between the handle and the second end of the connecting rod; a lifting collar fixedly coupled to the lifting shaft; a support structure coupled to the base and configured to support the lift shaft between the connecting rod and the lift collar; and A spring member is positioned about the lift shaft and is configured to be compressed between the lift collar and the support structure, wherein the spring member biases the handle toward the lifted position.

18. The food heater according to claim 16, characterized in that Also included is a front cover removably coupled to the base proximate the handle, wherein the front cover is configured to be removed when the handle is in the rest position.

19. The food heater according to claim 16, characterized in that Also included are induction wires coupled to the base and an AC power source coupled to the induction wires, wherein the AC power source is configured to supply an AC current to the induction wires so that the induction wires generate an electromagnetic field for inductively heating the rollers, and wherein the AC current flows in a single direction under each of the rollers.

20. The food heater of claim 16, wherein: The lifting system also includes: a lift shaft pivotally coupled between the handle and the lift bracket; a support structure coupled to the base; and A spring member is positioned about the lift shaft and includes a first end coupled to the lift shaft and a second end coupled to the support structure, wherein the spring member is configured to be compressed and bias the handle toward the lifted position.

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