Device for controlling the temperature of food intended for consumption

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1-1c) for controlling the temperature of food intended for consumption, the device comprising: a tub-shaped presentation region (2-2c) for receiving food intended for consumption or for receiving tableware; and a receiving device (3-3b), arranged below the tub-shaped presentation region (2-2c), for a temperature-control means (4-4b). Advantageously, the receiving device (3-3b) comprises wall sections (5-5c; 6-6c) which are arranged on opposite sides of the temperature-control device and which delimit a space (7-7b) for accommodating the temperature-control means (4-4b), wherein an outer side (8-8b) of the wall sections (5-5c; 6-6c) faces an underlying surface (9-9b) on which the temperature-control device can be placed during intended use.

Description

[0001]

[0002] Description:

[0003] "Device for tempering food intended for consumption"

[0004] The invention relates to a device for tempering food intended for consumption, comprising a trough-shaped presentation area for receiving food intended for consumption or dishes and a receiving device for a tempering agent arranged below the trough-shaped presentation area.

[0005] Temperature control devices are known from FR 2 759 277 A1 , EP 2 967 253 B1 and CH 374 812 A.

[0006] FR 2 759 277 A1 describes an electric plate warming device with a base that forms a receptacle with a flat tray 8 for a plate 2. The device includes a permanently integrated electric heating element 3. The base consists of two interlocking elements 5, 6 made of stamped light metal sheet.

[0007] EP 2 967 253 B1 discloses actively heated or cooled tableware such as plates, cups and travel mugs with integrated heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660, energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 and wireless energy receivers. The devices are predominantly made of ceramic materials and contain permanently installed electronic components for temperature control.

[0008] From CH 374 812 A, a device for keeping food warm is known, comprising a plate-shaped, heat-insulating support part 2 and an interchangeable, heat-storing part 3 made of light metal. A plate 10 can be placed on a ring 9 of the support part 2 arranged in a groove 5.

[0009] Serving devices or serving platters are also known from the prior art, which have a presentation area in which food items to be served, such as cheese or sausage, can be 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 is to be kept warm, the use of a heat pack instead of a cold pack is known.

[0010] Furthermore, devices for heating dishes such as plates are known from the prior art.

[0011] Page 1 / 12 The invention is based on the objective of creating a device of the type mentioned above which is particularly simple in design.

[0012] Furthermore, the invention aims to create a device of the aforementioned type that enables an attractive presentation of foodstuffs, particularly those that require temperature control. It is irrelevant whether these are placed directly in the presentation area or on dishes, such as a plate, that are intended for placement in the presentation area.

[0013] The invention also aims to create a device of the type mentioned above that allows for a simpler introduction of a temperature control agent into the device.

[0014] The invention further aims to create a device in which it is possible to change the temperature control medium without moving the presentation area.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of creating a device of the type mentioned above by which the tempering agent can be pressed against the underside of the presentation area, so that more efficient temperature transfer is possible.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention aims to create a device of the type mentioned above that is particularly flat. Advantageously, such a device can also be stored in standard household refrigerators or freezers.

[0017] The invention also aims to create a device that is particularly easy to use, especially with one hand.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of designing a device that is particularly handy compared to cooling or heating plates known from the prior art.

[0019] The invention also aims to provide a device of the type mentioned above that can be cleaned particularly economically and in a space-saving manner in standard dishwashers. According to the invention, the first two objectives are achieved by providing the receiving device with wall sections on opposite sides of the temperature control device, which define a space for receiving the temperature control medium, with one outer side of the wall sections facing a surface on which the temperature control device can be placed during normal use.

[0020] The opposing wall sections can be curved or, in particular, L-shaped. It is understood that the opposing wall sections can be identical or different from each other.

[0021] The wall sections can be designed as mounting rails for the temperature control medium. According to the invention, the inner surfaces of the wall sections can form a rail-like receiving element, while the outer surfaces can rest against a substrate on which a temperature control device according to the invention is placed. Direct contact is just as conceivable as direct contact using feet such as rubber buffers.

[0022] The receiving device, which is bounded by the wall sections, can be partially open on an underside, i.e., a side facing a substrate on which a temperature control device according to the invention can be placed.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the receiving device, which is bounded by the wall sections, is closed on one underside, i.e., on the side facing a substrate on which a temperature control device according to the invention can be placed. Advantageously, this creates a particularly well-insulated space in which a coolant can be arranged, thus effectively preventing undesirable temperature loss towards the substrate.

[0024] A temperature control device is suitable for cooling, keeping cool, heating, or keeping warm food intended for consumption and can be a block-like cooling or heating element, such as a reusable cold or heat pack, or an ice block. It is also conceivable that the temperature control device comprises or is designed as a gel pack. Within the gel pack is a substance that can store cold or heat and release it as needed. The tray-shaped presentation area is a storage area for food intended for consumption, which can be cooled, kept cool, heated, or kept warm by the temperature control device. Temperature control of the food by the temperature control device occurs from the underside of the tray-shaped presentation area, that is, from the side of the tray-shaped presentation area facing the temperature control device.

[0025] Furthermore, the trough-shaped presentation area can be designed to hold dishes such as plates or bowls, whereby the dishes are to be kept at room temperature and can themselves hold food that needs to be kept at room temperature.

[0026] The receiving device can be designed in the form of a slide-in compartment, which is open, for example, on at least one or two sides, preferably opposite each other. To close openings, a device according to the invention can, for example, comprise cover elements that cover the openings and can be detachably connected to a device according to the invention, and which can be designed as decorative elements. A plug connection can be provided for this purpose.

[0027] The trough-shaped presentation area can be patterned, for example, in the form of a surface texture. This pattern could be a ribbed texture, which increases the surface area compared to a smooth surface, thus allowing for better temperature control of the presented food intended for consumption. At the same time, it prevents food from sticking and simplifies removal, as it can be easily gripped with serving utensils.

[0028] It is conceivable that an enlarged surface area is formed by grooves arranged next to each other.

[0029] Advantageously, the temperature control device is designed as a single piece and manufactured from a plastic by injection molding.

[0030] The inventor recognized that a temperature control device that is particularly easy to manufacture can be created by using a one-piece design.

[0031] If the temperature control device is injection-molded from plastic, then no further assembly steps are advantageously required, in which individual parts have to be assembled to manufacture the device. Instead, simple deburring is sufficient. After that, it is ready for use. The receiving device is expediently designed as a slide-in compartment into which the temperature control medium can preferably be inserted from one side.

[0032] Insertion into the receiving device, which is designed like a slide-in tray, can be horizontal or with a predominantly horizontal movement component. Advantageously, this creates an easy-to-use temperature control device. By inserting the temperature control medium from one side, the device can continue to be used even when the medium is being changed.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, the trough-shaped presentation area has a receiving area projecting from the trough-shaped presentation area, which is designed to engage with an underside of dishes that can be placed in the presentation area.

[0034] The engagement with the underside preferably creates a clamping connection. Advantageously, dishes such as plates can be placed securely in the presentation area and preferably lie flat against it. This allows for stable holding of the dishes while simultaneously maintaining optimal temperature. It is conceivable that the trough-shaped presentation area could be designed so that dishes such as plates or bowls can be inserted flush with their undersides.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, the wall sections that define the space for receiving the tempering agent have a projection at one end of the tempering device, which is opposite an introduction opening through which the tempering agent can be introduced into the receiving device, which forms a stop for a tempering agent introduced into the receiving device, and preferably forms a further wall section that defines the space for receiving the tempering agent.

[0036] Advantageously, the tempering agent has a fixed end position within the holding unit. This ensures high user-friendliness and ease of handling. Furthermore, the tempering agent can be easily positioned within the holding unit, which is designed, for example, as a drawer open on one side. This also allows for uniform temperature control of the food being presented.

[0037] The stop also limits the space available for holding the temperature control fluid. It prevents the fluid from falling out of the temperature control device on the side opposite a slot opening. Furthermore, it advantageously ensures a fixed position of the temperature control fluid within the device, thus enabling repeatable and optimal temperature control.

[0038] Advantageously, the wall sections that define the space for receiving the temperature control medium and that face a substrate on which the temperature control device can be placed in a position of use of the temperature control device have several passages that extend in a thickness direction of the wall section and that are designed to receive connecting sections of feet of the temperature control device on which it can stand when used as intended.

[0039] The feet, which can be made of rubber, advantageously create a particularly good temperature control device that is secured against slipping.

[0040] Thanks 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 solid wood table. Damage to the table is not a concern.

[0041] Furthermore, damaged feet can be easily replaced.

[0042] In one embodiment of the invention, the receiving device has a restoring means to which the tempering agent can be applied in such a way that the tempering agent is at least partially in contact with an underside of the trough-shaped presentation area.

[0043] The underside of the presentation area is the side that faces the tempering agent when used as intended.

[0044] When using a restoring agent, the tempering agent can be partially or fully in contact with the underside.

[0045] The retaining element ensures direct contact between the tempering agent and the trough-shaped presentation area. This is achieved by pressing the tempering agent against the underside of the trough-shaped presentation area, thus enabling optimal temperature control.

[0046] Furthermore, by using the restoring agent, temperature control media of different thicknesses can be used with a single device according to the invention.

[0047] Furthermore, the formation of gaps between the tempering agent and the underside of the trough-shaped presentation area, which would lead to reduced tempering performance, is advantageously prevented. The restoring element expediently projects from the wall section towards the underside of the trough-shaped presentation area and is preferably integrally molded onto it.

[0048] The retaining element can only be arranged on the inner sides of curved or, in particular, L-shaped wall sections. Advantageously, an outer side of the wall section, facing the substrate, can still be used as a support surface.

[0049] In one embodiment of the invention, the device has a preferably pivotable closing flap through which an insertion opening, through which the temperature control agent can be introduced into the room, can be closed.

[0050] Advantageously, this prevents the temperature control fluid from unintentionally slipping out. Furthermore, the receiving chamber is protected from contamination. This is particularly advantageous in commercial use of a temperature control device according to the invention.

[0051] If the locking flap is pivotably attached to the device, one-handed operation is possible.

[0052] The closure flap can also be detachably connected to a device according to the invention. Advantageously, it allows for the flexible use of several devices according to the invention.

[0053] In a further embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a cover which can be pivotably connected to the trough-shaped presentation area and which can be moved from a closed position to an open position.

[0054] It is advantageous to create a temperature-controlled room of defined size for food intended for consumption.

[0055] In particular, the hood may be made of a transparent plastic or may have areas that are transparent.

[0056] Advantageously, the cover includes a connecting section that has two guide rails between which a partially convex guide element extends.

[0057] The guide rails prevent lateral movement of the cover when pivoting from the closed position to the open position, while the convex guide element can guide the pivoting movement itself. In one embodiment of the invention, the side wall section, in the open position, simultaneously engages a cover edge and a bulge of a convex guide element.

[0058] Advantageously, the design achieves a fixed, stable arrangement of the cover in the open position. In particular, the side wall section can rest against a stop in the open position, which is formed in a transition area from the edge of the cover to the bulge of the convex guide element.

[0059] A cover according to the invention for use with a device according to the invention is characterized in that the cover comprises a connecting section which has two guide rails, between which a partially convex guide element extends.

[0060] The guide rails prevent lateral movement of the cover when swiveling from a closed position to an open position, while the convex guide element can guide a swiveling movement as such.

[0061] In one embodiment of a cover according to the invention, the cover comprises a connecting section which has two guide rails between which the partially convex guide element extends.

[0062] Advantageously, the cover is pivotably connected to a trough-shaped presentation area of ​​a device according to the invention, and can be moved from a closed position to an open position, wherein a side wall section of the device in the open position simultaneously engages a cover edge and a bulge of the convex guide element.

[0063] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings relating to these embodiments. The drawings show:

[0064] Fig. 1 An embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0065] Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0066] Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a device according to the invention,

[0067] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention with a cover. A device 1 for cooling food intended for consumption, shown schematically in a side view in Fig. 1a in an insertion direction and in a top view in Fig. 1b, is formed in one piece and manufactured from plastic by injection molding in a multi-part injection mold.

[0068] The device 1 comprises a trough-shaped presentation area 2 and a receiving device 3 adjoining it below, designed in this embodiment as a slide-in compartment, which is designed to receive a block-shaped cold pack 4 shown in dashed lines.

[0069] The receiving device 3 has two opposing, essentially vertical wall sections 5, 6, which laterally define a receiving space 7 for the cold pack 4, which in this embodiment rests fully against the underside of the trough-shaped presentation area 2. The two wall sections 5, 6 are also each L-shaped in cross-section, with one outer surface 8 of the wall sections 5, 6 facing a base 9 on which the device 1 can be placed during normal use. The L-shaped cross-section of the wall sections 5, 6 forms skids 10 on which the device can stand on the base 9.

[0070] At the end of the receiving device 3 opposite a lateral insertion opening 11, through which the cold pack 4 can be inserted horizontally, there are two stops 12 against which the cold pack 4 can rest in an inserted position. Each stop 12 is formed by a wall section 13 projecting from the support skids 10 in a direction away from the base 9.

[0071] A receiving area 14 projects from the trough-shaped presentation area 2. This receiving area is designed to engage with dishes (not shown in Fig. 1b) that can be placed in the presentation area 2. This allows the dishes to be held securely without wobbling. Furthermore, almost full-surface contact between the device 1 and the dishes is achieved. This advantageously ensures particularly efficient temperature control. Reference is now made to Fig. 2, where identical or equivalent parts are designated with the same reference number as in Fig. 1, and the letter 'a' is appended to each reference number.

[0072] A device 1 a shown in a side view in Fig. 2a differs from the device shown in Fig. 1 a, b in that wall sections 5a, 6a, which define a receiving space 7a and which face a base 9a on which the device 1 a can be placed, have several passages not marked with a reference numeral, which extend in a thickness direction of each of the wall sections, and which are each provided for receiving connecting sections 15 of feet 16 on which the device 1 a can stand when used as intended.

[0073] Reference is now made to Fig. 3, where identical or equivalent parts are designated with the same reference number as in Figs. 1 and 2, and the letter b is added to the respective reference number.

[0074] A device 1b shown in a side view in Fig. 3 differs from the device shown in Fig. 1a in that a receiving device 3b comprises a restoring means 17 which projects from an inner side 18 opposite an outer side 8b of side wall sections 5b, 6b in the direction of a cold pack 4b.

[0075] The restoring element can, for example, be designed in the form of a leaf spring.

[0076] Reference is now made to Fig. 4, where identical or equivalent parts are designated with the same reference number as in Figs. 1 to 3, and the letter c is added to the respective reference number.

[0077] A device 1c, shown in partial view in Figures 4a to 4c, differs from those shown in Figures 1 to 3 in that the device 1c has a cover 19, shown in partial view, which is pivotably connected to an edge region 20 of a trough-shaped presentation area 2c. For the pivotable connection, two identical connecting sections 21 of the cover 19, which are integrally formed with the cover 19, extend through connecting openings 22, each of which is located in an edge region 23 of the trough-shaped presentation area 2c. The connecting opening 22 can be produced, for example, by cutting it out or by selecting a suitable injection mold.

[0078] Each connecting section 21 has two guide rails 24, by which a movement from a closed position shown in Fig. 4a via an intermediate position shown in Fig. 4b to an open position of the cover 19 shown in Fig. 4c is guided, and by which a lateral tilting or lateral displacement of the cover 19 is prevented.

[0079] The connecting section 21 has a guide element 25 with a double-sided contact area 26 between the two guide rails 24, which is convex in cross-section in some areas.

[0080] In the closed position of the cover 19, a first side 27 of the double-sided application area 26 rests against an inside 28 of a side wall section 5c, while a second side 29 of the double-sided application area 26 rests against an underside 30 of the edge area 23 of the trough-shaped presentation area 2c in an open position.

[0081] In the open position, the side wall section 5c engages behind a cover hood edge 31 and simultaneously a bulge 32 of the partially convex guide element 25 and rests against an end stop 33, which in this embodiment is formed by the cover hood edge 31.

[0082] Due to the simultaneous engagement of the cover hood edge 31 and the bulge 32, the cover hood 19 is fixedly arranged in the open position and cannot slip out of the connecting openings 22.

[0083] Although not shown in any of the figures, it is conceivable that the receiving device (3-3b) bounded by the wall sections (5-5c; 6-6c) is closed on one underside, i.e., on a side facing a base (9-9b) on which a temperature control device (1-1c) according to the invention can be placed. It is also conceivable that a temperature control device (1-1c) shown in Figures 1 to 4 has a closing flap, not shown in any of the figures, through which an insertion opening (11-11b) can be closed. The closing flap is preferably pivotable and detachably connected to the temperature control device (1-1c).

[0084] It is understood that all combinations of the features shown in Figures 1 to 4 are conceivable. For example, a device 1 shown in Figure 1 or 2 may have a cover 19 as shown in Figure 4. It is also understood that a device according to the invention need not have a receiving area 14 as shown in Figure 1b for engaging with dishes.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Device (1-1c) for tempering food intended for consumption, comprising a trough-shaped presentation area (2-2c) for receiving food intended for consumption or dishes and a receiving device (3-3b) for a tempering agent (4-4b) arranged below the trough-shaped presentation area (2-2c), characterized in that the receiving device (3-3b) has wall sections (5-5c; 6-6c) on opposite sides of the tempering device, which define a space (7-7b) for receiving the tempering agent (4-4b), wherein an outer surface (8-8b) of the wall sections (5-5c; 6-6c) faces a base (9-9b) on which the tempering device can be placed during intended use.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature control device (1-1c) is formed in one piece and is made of a plastic by injection molding.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving device (3-3b) is designed in the form of a slide-in compartment into which the temperature control medium (4-4b) can preferably be inserted from one side.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the trough-shaped presentation area (2-2c) has a receiving area (14-14b) projecting from the trough-shaped presentation area (2-2c), which is designed to engage with an underside of dishes that can be placed in the presentation area (2-2c).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the wall sections (5-5c; 6-6c) which define the space (7-7b) for receiving the temperature control medium (4-4b) are located at one end of the temperature control device, which is connected to a The insertion opening (1 1 -1 b), through which the tempering agent can be introduced into the receiving device, is turned away, has a projection which forms a stop (12-12b) for a tempering agent introduced into the receiving device, and preferably forms a further wall section (13-13b) which limits the space (7-7b) for receiving the tempering agent (11 -11 c).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the wall sections (5-5c; 6-6c) which define the space (7-7b) for receiving the temperature control medium (4-4b), and which face a base (9-9b) on which the temperature control device can be placed, in a position of use of the temperature control device, have several passages which extend in a thickness direction of the wall section (5-5c; 6-6c), and which are provided for receiving connecting sections of feet (16-16c) of the temperature control device on which it can stand during intended use.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the receiving device (3-3b) has a restoring means (17) to which a tempering agent (4-4b) can be applied in such a way that the tempering agent is at least partially in contact with an underside of the trough-shaped presentation area (2-2c).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the restoring means (17) projects from the wall section (5-5c; 6-6c) in the direction of the underside of the trough-shaped presentation area (2-2c), and is preferably integrally formed thereon.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the device (1-1c) has a preferably pivotable closing flap through which an insertion opening (11-11b), through which the tempering agent (4-4b) can be introduced into the space (7-7b) for receiving the tempering agent (4-4b), can be closed.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the device (1-1c) comprises a cover (19) which can be pivotably connected to the trough-shaped presentation area (2-2c) and which can be moved from a closed position to an open position.

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the cover (19) comprises a connecting section (21) which has two guide rails (24) between which a partially convex guide element (25) extends.

12. Device according to claim 10 or 1 1 , characterized in that the side wall section (5-5c; 6-6c) in the open position simultaneously engages a cover hood edge (31 ) and a bulge (32) of a convex guide element (25).

13. Cover (19) for use with a device (1-1c) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cover (19) comprises a connecting section (21) having two guide rails (24) between which a partially convex guide element (25) extends.

14. Cover according to claim 13, characterized in that the cover (19) comprises a connecting section (21) having two guide rails (24) between which the partially convex guide element (25) extends.

15. Cover according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that that the cover is pivotably connectable to a trough-shaped presentation area (2-2c) of a device (1-1c) according to one of claims 1 to 9, and is movable from a closed position to an open position, wherein a side wall section (5-5c; 6-6c) of the device (1-1c) in the open position simultaneously engages a cover edge (31) and a bulge (32) of the convex guide element (25).

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