Device for controlling the temperature of food intended for consumption

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1-1d) for controlling the temperature of food intended for consumption, the device comprising a trough-shaped presentation region (20-20d) for receiving food intended for consumption or for receiving dishes, and also comprising a receiving device (10-10c) for a temperature control means (11-11c), said receiving device being arranged below the trough-shaped presentation region (20-20d). The trough-shaped presentation region (20-20d) and the receiving device (10-10d) are expediently produced from a single sheet-metal blank (2-2c) by deformation of the sheet-metal blank (2-2c), wherein the trough-shaped presentation region (20-20d) is produced by deep-drawing of the one single sheet-metal blank (2-2c), and the receiving device (10-10c) is also produced by bending or deep-drawing of the one single sheet-metal blank (2-2c).

Description

[0001] Description:

[0002] “Device for tempering food intended for consumption”

[0003] The invention relates to a device for tempering food intended for consumption, which device comprises a tub-shaped presentation area for receiving food or tableware intended for consumption and a receiving device for a tempering agent arranged below the tub-shaped presentation area.

[0004] Each of the publications JP S59 128093 U, JP S58 188587 U, and JP S60 60674 U describes that an outer container and an inner container are placed inside each other to form a temperature control device, forming a space for accommodating a coolant, and are joined together by folding and pressing a common peripheral edge. None of the aforementioned publications discloses the formation of the temperature control device from a single formed sheet metal blank.

[0005] Also known from the prior art are serving devices or serving platters that feature a presentation area in which food to be served, such as cheese or sausage, is placed. Below the presentation area is a compartment for a cold pack, which can be used to cool the food to be served. If food intended for consumption needs to be kept warm, the use of a heat pack instead of a cold pack is known.

[0006] In addition, devices for warming dishes such as a plate are known from the prior art.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of creating a device of the type mentioned at the outset which is particularly simple to manufacture.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of creating a device of the aforementioned type that enables the attractive presentation of foodstuffs, especially those that require temperature control. It is irrelevant whether these foods are placed directly in the presentation area or on dishes, such as a plate, that are intended to be placed in the presentation area. The invention is also based on the object of creating a device of the aforementioned type that enables easier introduction of a temperature control agent into the device.

[0009] The invention is further based on the object of creating a device in which a change of the tempering medium is possible without moving the presentation area.

[0010] Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of creating a device of the type mentioned above, by means of which the temperature control medium can be pressed against the underside of the presentation area, so that a more efficient temperature transfer is possible.

[0011] The invention is also based on the object of creating a device of the type mentioned above that is particularly flat. Such a device can also be advantageously stored in standard household refrigerators or freezers.

[0012] The invention is also based on the object of creating a device which is particularly easy to operate, in particular with one hand.

[0013] Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of designing a device which is particularly handy compared to cooling or heating plates known from the prior art.

[0014] The invention is also based on the object of designing a device of the type mentioned at the outset which can be cleaned particularly economically and in a space-saving manner in commercially available dishwashers.

[0015] According to the invention, the first two objects are achieved in that the trough-shaped presentation area and the receiving device are produced from a single sheet metal blank by forming the sheet metal blank, whereby both the trough-shaped presentation area are produced by deep-drawing the single sheet metal blank and the receiving device are produced by bending or deep-drawing the single sheet metal blank. Deep-drawing creates a trough-shaped presentation area whose walls delimit the presentation area.

[0016] It is conceivable that a pattern could be introduced into the tray-shaped presentation area using a deep-drawing tool. A pattern could, for example, be ridged, giving the presentation area a larger surface area than a smooth surface, allowing for better temperature control of the food presented and ready to eat. At the same time, this prevents food from sticking and simplifies removal, as it can be grasped underneath with utensils.

[0017] It is conceivable that an enlarged surface is formed by grooves arranged next to one another.

[0018] Bending with a rotating tool is a particularly simple and cost-effective manufacturing method for forming a sheet metal blank.

[0019] If the receiving device is manufactured by deep drawing, a receiving device with a surrounding side wall can be created.

[0020] Because the receiving device and the tray-shaped presentation area are made from a single sheet metal blank, a one-piece device is created.

[0021] The sheet metal blank can be punched from a metal sheet. Preferably, the sheet metal blank is made of a corrosion-resistant steel, in particular stainless steel.

[0022] A tempering agent is suitable for cooling, keeping food cool, heating, or keeping it warm for consumption. It can be a block-like cooling or heating agent, such as a reusable cold or heat pack or an ice block. It is conceivable that the tempering agent comprises a gel pad or is designed as a gel pad. The gel pad contains a substance that can store and release cold or heat.

[0023] The tray-shaped display area is a storage area for food intended for consumption, which can be cooled, kept cool, heated, or kept warm by the temperature control medium. The temperature control medium tempers the food from the underside of the tray-shaped display area, i.e., from the side of the tray-shaped display area facing the temperature control medium. Furthermore, the tray-shaped display area can be designed to hold tableware such as plates or bowls, whereby the tableware is to be tempered and can itself hold food that needs to be tempered.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the deep-drawn, trough-shaped display area has a receiving area protruding from the trough-shaped display area, which is configured to engage with the underside of tableware that can be placed in the display area. Tableware such as a plate can advantageously be placed wobble-free in the display area and preferably rests against the display area with its entire surface. This advantageously enables stable holding of tableware while simultaneously maintaining optimal temperature control.

[0025] It is conceivable that the deep-drawn area is designed in such a way that tableware such as a plate or a bowl with a top side can be inserted into it flush.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the receiving device for the temperature control medium is produced by bending opposite side sections of the single sheet metal blank, or the receiving device for the temperature control medium is produced by deep drawing a side section surrounding a central region of the single sheet metal blank and by bending.

[0027] Advantageously, a symmetrical device is created.

[0028] In particular, the opposite side sections can be of equal size.

[0029] By deep drawing the side section surrounding a central region of a single sheet metal blank and bending it, a receiving device with a surrounding side wall can be produced, on the surrounding side wall of which receiving rails are integrally formed.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the opposite side sections of the single sheet metal blank are each bent twice to form side walls and receiving rails for the tempering medium, or the circumferential side section is deep-drawn and bent once.

[0031] A first bend of, for example, 90 degrees creates side walls of the receiving device for the temperature control medium, while a second bend of a side section of the bent side section of, for example, 90 degrees creates receiving rails for the temperature control medium. The receiving device is designed in particular in the manner of a drawer, which can be open on two sides, for example. To close openings, a device according to the invention can, for example, comprise decorative elements covering the openings.

[0032] The tempering means can be applied to an upper side of the support rails, while an underside of the support rails is provided for application to a surface such as a table on which a device according to the invention can stand.

[0033] It goes without saying that angles other than 90 degrees are conceivable depending on the optical design. The bending angle is preferably between 60 and 90 degrees relative to the starting position, i.e., the sheet metal blank.

[0034] By deep drawing the circumferential side section and a single bending process, a circumferential side wall is created, onto which the mounting rails are integrally formed.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, the opposite side sections of the single sheet metal blank each have a projection which is bent by forming into a stop for the tempering medium.

[0036] Advantageously, the tempering agent can be easily positioned in the holder, which is designed as a drawer open on one side. This allows for uniform tempering of the food being presented.

[0037] Conveniently, each of the opposite side sections or the circumferential side section has a plurality of passages which extend in a thickness direction of the sheet metal blank and which are designed to receive connecting sections of feet of the device on which the device can stand when used as intended.

[0038] The passages can be made into the sheet metal blank by punching.

[0039] Due to the feet, which are preferably made of rubber, a device according to the invention can also be placed on a sensitive surface such as a real wood table.

[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, the receiving device has a return means to which a temperature control agent can be applied in such a way that the temperature control agent rests at least partially against an underside of the trough-shaped presentation area. The underside of the presentation area is the side facing the receiving device for the temperature control agent.

[0041] When using a return medium, the tempering medium can be in contact with the underside partially or completely.

[0042] The return mechanism ensures direct contact between the temperature control medium and the tray-shaped display area. To achieve this, the temperature control medium could be pressed against the underside of the tray-shaped display area by the return mechanism, enabling optimal temperature control.

[0043] By using the restoring means, tempering media of varying thicknesses can also be used with a single device according to the invention. Gaps between the tempering media and the underside of the trough-shaped presentation area, which would lead to reduced tempering performance, are advantageously prevented.

[0044] The return means expediently projects from the receiving rails towards the underside of the tray-shaped presentation area and is preferably formed integrally therewith.

[0045] The return mechanism is located only on the upper side of the support rail. Advantageously, the underside of the support rail can also be used as a support surface.

[0046] In a further embodiment of the invention, the return means comprises in particular elongated sheet metal sections which protrude from the receiving rails and which are in particular integrally formed thereon.

[0047] The sheet metal sections can be formed by cutting out three of four sheet metal section edges from opposite side sections of the single sheet metal blank and bending them towards an underside of the trough-shaped presentation area in the manner of a bending spring.

[0048] If the sheet metal sections are elongated, cutting them out is particularly easy.

[0049] It goes without saying that the ends of the sheet metal sections can be bent so that they run parallel to the underside of the trough-shaped presentation area. This advantageously increases the contact surface against which the temperature control medium can rest.

[0050] In one embodiment of the invention, the particularly elongated sheet metal sections protrude from the receiving rails in an insertion direction in which the temperature control medium can be inserted into the receiving device. Advantageously, the temperature control medium can be inserted particularly easily in the receiving direction.

[0051] In a further embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a cover hood which can be pivotally connected to the trough-shaped presentation area and which can be moved from a closed position to an open position.

[0052] It is advantageous to create a temperature control room for food intended for consumption.

[0053] In particular, the hood can be made of a transparent plastic or have areas that are transparent.

[0054] The cover hood expediently comprises a connecting section which has two guide strips between which a partially convex guide element extends.

[0055] The guide rails prevent lateral movement of the cover when pivoting from the closed to the open position, while the convex guide element can guide the pivoting movement itself.

[0056] In one embodiment of the invention, a side wall section of a side wall in the open position simultaneously engages behind a cover edge and a bulge of a convex guide element.

[0057] The design advantageously achieves a stationary, stable arrangement of the cover in the open position. In particular, the side wall section in the open position can abut against a stop formed in a transition area between the edge of the cover and the bulge of the convex guide element.

[0058] In a further embodiment of the invention, a bottom side of the tub-shaped presentation area, side walls and receiving rails of the receiving device delimit a receiving space for the temperature control medium.

[0059] The receiving device is located directly below the trough-shaped presentation area, i.e. between a base on which a device according to the invention can be placed and the trough-shaped presentation area.

[0060] The arrangement of the tray-shaped display area and the receiving device is formed as a single piece. "Single piece" means that there are no joints or breaks where the receiving device is connected to the tray-shaped display area. The receiving device and the tray-shaped display area thus form a single assembly.

[0061] Advantageously, a particularly easy-to-manufacture and compact device is created.

[0062] The invention further relates to a device for tempering food intended for consumption, comprising a trough-shaped presentation area for dishes and a receiving device for a tempering agent arranged below the trough-shaped presentation area. The device is characterized in that a trough-shaped presentation area produced by deep drawing has a receiving area protruding from the trough-shaped presentation area, which is designed to engage with the underside of dishes that can be placed in the presentation area.

[0063] Advantageously, a device is provided in which dishes can be placed without wobbling in a tray-shaped presentation area. This allows a device according to the invention to be used for tempering dishes, with or without food.

[0064] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings relating to the exemplary embodiments. They show:

[0065] Fig. 1 a, b An embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0066] Fig. 2a, b a further embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0067] Fig. 3a, b a third embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0068] Fig. 4a, b a particular embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0069] Fig. 5a-c an embodiment of a device according to the invention with a cover hood.

[0070] A device 1 for cooling food intended for consumption, shown schematically in Fig. 1 a in a side view in an insertion direction, is produced by forming a sheet metal blank 2, shown schematically in plan view in Fig. 1 b.

[0071] The sheet metal blank 2 has a central region 3 and two opposite side sections 4, each comprising a first, inner side section region 5 and a second, outer side section region 6. The second side section region 6 also has a projection 7 that projects in a longitudinal direction 8 of the sheet metal blank 2. The side section regions 5 are bent around a forming edge 12 by 90 degrees relative to the central region 3 to form side walls 9 of a device 10 for receiving a cold pack 11 shown in dashed lines in Fig. 1a, while the side section regions 6 are bent around a forming edge 14 by 90 degrees relative to the side section region 5 to form receiving rails 13 of the receiving device 10.

[0072] The projections 7 are each bent by 90 degrees relative to the side section areas 6 around a forming edge 15 to form a stop 16 for the cold accumulator 11.

[0073] In a cooling position shown in Fig. 1 a, the cold accumulator 11 rests against an upper side 17 of the receiving rails 13 and the two stops 16.

[0074] The longitudinal direction 8 is also the insertion direction in which the cold pack 11 can be inserted into the receiving device 10.

[0075] In addition, two passages 18 extending in a thickness direction are punched into the side section regions 6 of the sheet metal blank 2, which passages are provided for receiving connecting elements of feet 19, not shown in Fig. 1.

[0076] A tub-shaped presentation area 20 for presenting foodstuffs to be tempered and intended for consumption is formed by deep-drawing the central area 3 of the sheet metal blank 2 along a circumferential forming edge 21, wherein the foodstuffs can be placed on a tub base 22.

[0077] A bottom side of the tub-shaped presentation area 20, the side walls 9 and the receiving rails 13 of the receiving device 10 delimit a receiving space for the cold accumulator 11.

[0078] Reference is now made to Fig. 2, where identical or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference number as in Fig. 1 and the letter a is added to the relevant reference number.

[0079] A device 1a shown in a side view in Fig. 2a is produced by forming a sheet metal blank 2a shown in plan view in Fig. 2b and differs from the device shown in Fig. 1 in that a receiving device 10a has a return means 23 which comprises four elongated sheet metal sections 24, two of which each extend with a directional component in an insertion direction 8a and a directional component perpendicular thereto from one of a total of two receiving rails 13a.

[0080] Each of the elongated sheet metal sections 24 forms a bending spring in the manner of a cantilevered bending spring.

[0081] To produce each of the spiral springs, a total of three cuts are made along cutting edges 25 in a side section region 6a of a sheet metal blank 2a to form the elongated sheet metal sections 24, and each of the elongated sheet metal sections 24 is bent around a forming edge 26 to form the spiral spring.

[0082] A region 27 of each elongated sheet section 24 facing away from a clamping is parallel to an underside of a trough-shaped presentation region 20a.

[0083] Reference is now made to Fig. 3, where identical or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference number as in Figs. 1 and 2 and the letter b is added to the relevant reference number.

[0084] A device 1b shown in a side view in Fig. 3a is produced by forming a sheet metal blank 2b shown in plan view in Fig. 3b and differs from the devices shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in that each side section region 5b has a deep-drawn region 28. The deep-drawn region 28 is formed by deep-drawing in such a way that mutually facing guide rails 29 are formed from opposite side walls 9b of the device, which guide rails are designed to engage a cold accumulator 11b.

[0085] A device 1b according to this exemplary embodiment can provide additional guidance for the cold pack. Furthermore, the guide rails 29 reduce the size of the receiving space for the cold pack, so that such a device 1b can be used with a smaller cold pack 11b compared to a device 1 shown in Fig. 1, while maintaining the same size of a tray area 20b. Reference is now made to Fig. 4, where identical or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference number as in Figs. 1 to 3, and the letter c is added to the relevant reference number.

[0086] A device 1c shown in a side view in Fig. 4a is produced by forming a sheet metal blank 2c shown in plan view in Fig. 4b and differs from the device shown in Fig. 1 in that the sheet metal blank 2c comprises a central region 3c and a circumferential side section 30 with outer side section regions 6c on two opposite longitudinal sides 31, wherein the side section regions 6c are provided to form receiving rails 13c for a cold accumulator 11c. On the two opposite longitudinal sides 31, inner side section regions 5c are formed, which are provided to form side wall parts 32 of a circumferential side wall 33.

[0087] Cutouts 36, 37 are made in two opposite side section regions 34 of the circumferential side section 30 on a transverse side 35, wherein the cutout 36 is an insertion opening for the cold pack 11c and the cutout 37 is an opening through which a user of the device 1c can reach in order to push the cold pack 11c out through the insertion opening for its removal.

[0088] By means of the circumferential side section 30, a device 1c with a circumferential side wall 33 can be produced by deep drawing around a circumferential forming edge 38, wherein the circumferential side wall 33 is only partially interrupted by the punched-out portions 36, 37.

[0089] Reference is now made to Fig. 5, where identical or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference number as in Figs. 1 to 4 and the letter d is added to the relevant reference number.

[0090] A device 1d, shown in detail in Fig. 5a to 5c in a partially sectioned perspective view, differs from those shown in Fig. 1 to 4 in that the device 1d has a cover 39 which is pivotally connected to an edge region 40 of a trough-shaped presentation area 20d. For the pivotable connection, two identical connecting sections 41 of the cover 39, which are integrally formed on the cover 39, each penetrate through a connecting opening 42, wherein the respective connecting opening 42 is located in the region of a forming edge 12b, 38d. The connecting opening 42 is created by punching out and forming a sheet metal blank (not shown in Fig. 5).

[0091] The connecting section 41 has two guide strips 43, by means of which a movement from a closed position shown in Fig. 5a via an intermediate position shown in Fig. 5b into an open position of the cover 39 shown in Fig. 5c is guided, and by means of which a lateral tilting of the cover 39 is prevented.

[0092] The connecting section 41 has, between the two guide rails 43, a guide element 44 which is partially convex in cross-section and has a double-sided contact area 45.

[0093] In the closed position of the cover 39, a first side 46 of the double-sided contact area 45 rests against an inner side 47 of a side wall section 48 of a side wall 9d, 33d, while a second side 49 of the double-sided contact area 45 rests against an underside 50 of the edge area 40 of the trough-shaped presentation area 20d in an open position.

[0094] In the open position, the side wall section 48 engages behind a cover edge 51 and at the same time a bulge 52 of the partially convex guide element 44 and rests against an end stop 49.

[0095] Due to the simultaneous engagement of the cover edge 51 and the bulge 52, the cover 39 is arranged in a fixed position in the open position and cannot slip out of the connecting openings 42.

[0096] It is understood that all combinations of the features shown in Figures 1 to 5 are conceivable. For example, a device 1a shown in Figure 3 or 4 may have a cover 39 according to Figure 5.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Device (1-1d) for tempering food intended for consumption, which device comprises a trough-shaped presentation area (20-20d) for receiving food or tableware intended for consumption and a receiving device (10-10c) for a tempering agent (11-11c) arranged below the trough-shaped presentation area (20-20d), characterized in that the trough-shaped presentation area (20-20d) and the receiving device (10-10d) are produced from a single sheet metal blank (2-2c) by forming the sheet metal blank (2-2c), wherein both the trough-shaped presentation area (20-20d) is produced by deep drawing the single sheet metal blank (2-2c) and the receiving device (10-10c) is produced by bending or deep drawing the single sheet metal blank (2-2c).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the trough-shaped presentation area (20-20d) produced by deep drawing has a receiving area projecting from the trough-shaped presentation area (20-20b) which is designed to engage with an underside of dishes which can be placed in the presentation area.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving device (10-10b) for the tempering means (11-11b) is produced by bending of opposite side sections (4-4b) of the single sheet metal blank (2-2b), or that the receiving device (10c) for the tempering means (11c) is produced by deep drawing of a side section (30) surrounding a central region (3c) of the single sheet metal blank (2c) and by bending.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the opposite side sections (4-4b) of the single sheet metal blank (2-2b) for forming side walls (9-9b) and receiving rails (13-13b) for the tempering medium (11 -1 b) are each bent twice, or that the circumferential side section (30) is deep-drawn and bent once.

5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the opposite side sections (4-4b) of the single sheet metal blank (2-2b) each have a projection (7-7b) which is bent by deformation into a stop for the tempering means (11-11b).

6. Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that each of the opposite side sections (4-4b) or the circumferential side section (30) has a plurality of passages (18-18c) which extend in a thickness direction of the sheet metal blank (2-2c) and which are designed to receive connecting sections of feet (19-19c) of the device, on which the device can stand when used as intended.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the receiving device (10a) has a return means (23) to which a tempering means (11a) can be applied in such a way that the tempering means (11a) bears at least partially against an underside of the trough-shaped presentation area (20a).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the return means (23) projects from the receiving rails (13a) in the direction of the underside of the trough-shaped presentation area (20a) and is preferably formed integrally with the receiving rails (13a).

9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that that the return means (23) comprises in particular elongated sheet metal sections (24) which protrude from the receiving rails (13a) and which are in particular formed integrally thereon.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the particularly elongated sheet metal sections (24) protrude from the receiving rails (13a) in an insertion direction (8-8c) in which the tempering means (11-11c) can be inserted into the receiving device.

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the device (1-1d) comprises a cover (39) which is pivotally connectable to the trough-shaped presentation area (20-20d) and which is movable from a closed position to an open position.

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the cover (39) comprises a connecting section (41) which has two guide strips (43) between which a partially convex guide element (44) extends.

13. Device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a side wall section (48) of a side wall (9-9d; 33; 33d) in the open position simultaneously engages behind a cover edge (51) and a bulge (52) of a convex guide element (44).

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that an underside of the trough-shaped presentation area (20-20d), side walls (9-9b) and receiving rails (13-13b) of the receiving device (10-10c) delimit a receiving space for the temperature control medium (11-11c).

15. Device (1-1d) for tempering food intended for consumption, which comprises a trough-shaped presentation area (20-20d) for receiving dishes and a receiving device (10-10c) for a tempering agent (11-11c) arranged below the trough-shaped presentation area (20-20d), characterized in that a trough-shaped presentation area (20-20d) produced by deep drawing has a receiving area protruding from the trough-shaped presentation area (20-20b) and is designed to engage with an underside of dishes that can be placed in the presentation area.

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