Food holding cabinet

Abstract

Food preparation equipment, components thereof, and associated methods. The food preparation equipment includes a housing having a cavity sized and shaped to hold trays of food. The housing has tray supports arranged to support the trays of food in the cavity. A door is arranged to provide access to the cavity. A heating system heats the cavity. The heating system includes a plurality of individually controlled electrical resistance heaters arranged along a bottom, a left side, and / or a right side of the cavity. An air exhaust system exhausts air from the cavity. A control system controls the heating system and the air exhaust system.

Description

FOOD HOLDING CABINETCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 764,180, filed February 27, 2025, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to food preparation apparatus, and more particularly to a food holding cabinet.BACKGROUND

[0003] Food holding cabinets (e.g., food holding ovens) are used in the fast food service industry, for example, to hold pre-cooked food (e.g., fried chicken) at a desired temperature for a period of holding time during which the quality of the food remains suitable for serving. If the food is not consumed within this time, it is generally discarded.SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, a food holding cabinet comprises a housing having a cavity sized and shaped to hold trays of food. The housing has tray supports arranged to support the trays of food in the cavity. A door is arranged to provide access to the cavity. A heating system is configured to heat the cavity. The heating system includes a plurality of individually controlled electrical resistance heaters arranged along a bottom, a left side, and / or a right side of the cavity. An air exhaust system is configured to exhaust air from the cavity. A control system is configured to control the heating system and the air exhaust system.

[0005] In another aspect, a food holding cabinet comprises a housing having a cavity sized and shaped to hold food. The cavity has a door opening sized and shaped to permit food to be inserted into and removed from the cavity. The housing has an inner surface bounding the cavity. The inner surface has an uneven edge margin. A door is configured to move between open and closed positions to provide access to the cavity via the door opening. A gasket assembly includes a gasket and a gasket mount. The gasket mount is connected to the housing. The gasket mount is engaged with and conforms to the uneven edge margin of the inner surface. The gasket is connected to the gasket mount. The gasket is arranged to1CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1engage the door to form at least a partial seal with the door when the door is in the closed position. A cavity conditioning system is configured to control an environmental condition of the cavity.

[0006] In another aspect, a method of heating a cavity of a food holding cabinet comprises heating a first zone of the cavity with a first electrical resistance heater to a first temperature; and heating a second zone of the cavity, simultaneously with the heating of the first zone, with a second electrical resistance heater to a second temperature, the second temperature being different than the first temperature.

[0007] In another aspect, a method of generating airflow in a cavity of food holding cabinet comprises inducing airflow in the cavity by creating a temperature differential between a first side of the cavity and a second side of the cavity, the second side of the cavity being opposite the first side of the cavity.

[0008] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. l is a front perspective of a food holding cabinet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective of the food holding cabinet;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a front perspective of the food holding cabinet with doors removed;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a right side perspective of the food holding cabinet with components removed to show interior details;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a left side perspective of the food holding cabinet with components removed to show interior details;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective of the food holding cabinet with components removed to show interior details;

[0015] FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of a door opening of the food holding cabinet;

[0016] FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of the door in a closed position;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective of a gasket mount of the food holding cabinet;

[0018] FIG. 10 is similar to Fig. 7, with the gaskets and gasket mounts removed;

[0019] FIG. 11 is a transverse cross-section of the food holding cabinet;

[0020] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-section of the food holding cabinet;2CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1

[0021] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-section of the food holding cabinet with components removed to show interior details;

[0022] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a side inner wall and a removable side duct segment;

[0023] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a control system of the food holding cabinet;

[0024] FIG. 16 is a transverse cross-section of a food holding cabinet according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0025] FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-section of the food holding cabinet of Fig. 16.

[0026] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Referring to Figs. 1-3, an embodiment of a food holding cabinet (food preparation apparatus or equipment) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is generally indicated at 100. The food holding cabinet 100 comprises a housing 102 having a holding cavity or chamber 104 for holding pre-cooked food (i.e., food that has already been cooked) at desired temperature and humidity conditions prior to serving the food. The cavity 104 is configured to hold one or more containers (e.g., food pans or trays) of food on supports spaced at different elevations in the cavity. It will be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented in other types of food preparation apparatus (e.g., ovens) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] The housing 102 includes an outer box or housing comprising an exterior top wall 106A, an exterior bottom wall 106B, opposite exterior first and second (e.g., left and right) side walls 106C, 106D, an exterior front wall 106E, and an exterior back or rear wall 106F. The exterior walls 106A-F may be made of sheet metal. The housing 102 includes an inner box or housing including an inner (or interior) top wall 108 A, an inner bottom wall 108B, and opposite inner first and second (e.g., left and right) side walls 108C, 108D. The inner box (e.g., inner walls 108A-D) extends between the front and back exterior walls 106E, 106F. The inner box (e.g. inner surfaces or faces of the inner walls 108A-D) bounds the cavity 104. The inner walls 108A-D may be made of sheet metal. The outer housing surrounds the inner housing. The housing 102 includes one or more air gaps between the inner and outer housings. Each inner wall 108A-D is spaced apart from its corresponding exterior wall 106A-D, to form air gaps (broadly, one or more air gaps) therebetween to3CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1insulate the cavity 104. The housing 102 houses various components of the cabinet. For example, the space between the exterior top wall 106 A and the inner top wall 108 A forms an upper compartment inside the housing 102 for housing various components of the cabinet, as will be described.

[0029] Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the housing 102 includes front and back (e.g., first and second) support frames 110. The exterior and inner walls 106A-F, 108A-D are connected (e.g., mounted) to the support frames 110. Each support frame 110 is generally a box frame that surrounds the inner box. Each support frame includes two vertical columns or supports 110A extending between the top and bottom exterior walls 106A-B, between a corresponding exterior and inner side wall 106C-D, 108C-D. Each support frame 110 includes horizontal beams or supports HOB extending between the vertical columns 110A, between the exterior and interior top walls 106A, 108 A or the exterior and inner bottom walls 106B, 108B. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner walls 108A-D are mounted to the inner surfaces of the support frames 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 includes two support frames 110, one adjacent (e.g., at) the front of the housing and one adjacent (e.g., at) the back of the housing. The support frames 110 are inside the exterior walls 106A-F. The support frames 110 provide structural rigidity and support. The support frames 110 also help support and transfer the load of any item or device (e.g., another food holding cabinet 110) stacked on top of the food holding cabinet from the top to the bottom. Casters (as shown) or feet (not shown) are disposed at the bottom end of each vertical support 110A for engaging and supporting the food holding cabinet 100 on a support surface (e.g., floor). The supports 110A-B may be made of tubular metal (e.g., steel), although other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] Access to the food holding cavity 104 is provided by a front door and / or a rear door 112 at the front and rear of the housing 102 for loading / unloading food. The cavity 104 is defined by inner walls 108A-D inside the housing, a front wall formed by the front door 112, and a rear wall formed by the rear door. The doors 112 are hinged to permit opening / closing. The exterior front and back walls 106A-B each form a door opening 114 (e.g., front and rear ends of the cavity 104), opened and closed by the respective door 112. A handle with a suitable door-latching mechanism is provided on each door. The front and rear doors provide a "pass through" arrangement that allows food to be loaded and / or unloaded from both the front and the rear of the cabinet 100. In other embodiments, the cabinet includes only one of the front or rear doors. In the illustrated embodiment, each door 112 includes two (broadly, a plurality of) sub-doors 112 A, 112B enabling access to respective 4CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1upper and lower (first and second) sections, zones, or regions of the food holding cavity 104, without opening the entire door. The illustrated sub-doors 112A-B rotate upward from their respective closed positions. The sub-doors 112A-B are part of the door 112 and both rotate or pivot with the door 112 as the door 112 moves between its open and closed positions. The sub-doors 112A-B are independently operable from one another and can each move (e.g., pivot / rotate) between its respective open and closed positions independent of the other subdoor.

[0031] Referring to Figs. 7-10, each door opening 114 is bounded by a gasket assembly 116. The gasket assembly 116 defines the perimeter of the door opening 114. The gasket assembly 116 forms at least a partial seal with the respective door 112, and desirably an completed perimeter seal with the respective door. The gasket assembly 116 is arranged to form a seal with the inner walls 108A-D. This eliminates the need for additional sealant (e.g., silicone) at the interface between the gasket assembly and inner walls, such as to prevent the egress of contaminants (e.g., oil, other debris) between the gasket assembly and inner walls.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the gasket assembly 116 includes a gasket 118 (e.g., silicone or rubber gasket) and a gasket mount 120. The gasket 118 is arranged to engage the respective door 112 to form at least a partial seal with the door. The gasket 118 extends around the perimeter of the door opening 114 and, desirably, forms a complete seal around the perimeter of the door 12. The gasket 118 is connected (e.g., mounted) to and supported by the gasket mount 120. The gasket mount 120 is connected to the inner box. The gasket 118 and / or gasket mount 120 may be one-piece or multiple pieces. In the illustrated embodiment, the gasket 118 and gasket mount 120 are multiple pieces. The gasket assembly 116 includes a plurality (e.g., four) gasket sub-assemblies, each comprising a gasket segment 118A and a gasket mount segment 120A extending along one edge margin (e.g., top, bottom, left side, or right side) of the door opening (and also inner box). Each gasket segment 118A and gasket mount segment 120A are generally identical.

[0033] Each gasket mount segment 120 A conforms to the construed on / shape of the respective inner wall 108A-D (the inner surface or face thereof) to form the seal with the respective inner wall. As shown in Fig. 10, flaps or flanges 122 along each edge margin (e.g., top, bottom, left side, and right side) connected to the front / rear exterior walls 106E-F extend into the cavity and form part of the inner walls 108A-D. In the illustrated embodiment, these flaps 122 are part of the sheet metal forming the front / rear exterior walls 106E-F and bend into the cavity 104 and alongside the sheet metal forming most of the inner 5CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1walls 108A-D. Thus, the inner face or surface of each inner wall 108A-D is uneven or stepped at the front / rear of the cavity 104. More specifically, the inner surface of each inner wall 108A-D is uneven or stepped (e.g., not flat, not planar) at the front / rear edge margins of the respective inner wall (see Fig. 8). The gasket mount segment 120A takes advantage of this stepped (non-planar) or uneven inner surface to form the seal between the gasket mount 120 and the respective inner wall 108A-D. The gasket mount segment 120 A conforms to the uneven or non-planar shape or configuration of the inner surface. In particular, the gasket mount segment 120 A conforms to the stepped configuration.

[0034] The gasket mount segment 120 A has a base or base wall 124 with a base surface 124 A that engages (e.g., lies flat against) the portion of the inner surface formed by the flap 122. The gasket mount segment 120A has a step or protrusion 126 extending outward (e.g., away from the cavity) from the base 124. The step 126 mates with the stepped edge margin of the inner surface. The step 126 includes a forward / rearward (depending on if the gasket assembly 116 is at the front or rear end of the cavity 104) facing surface 126 A that engages (e.g., lies flat against) the edge (e.g., edge surface) of the flap 122 and an outer surface 126B that engages (e.g., lies flat against) the portion of the inner surface formed by the sheet metal forming most of the inner walls 108A-D. The interface formed between the forward / rearward facing surface 126A of the step 126 and the edge of the flap 122 is oriented generally perpendicular to the interface formed between the base surface 124 A and the flap and the interface formed between the outer surface 126B of the step 126 and the portion of the inner surface formed by the sheet metal forming most of the inner walls 108A-D. In other words, the gasket mount segment 120 A forms a face-to-face interface with non-planar portions (with two of the portions being generally parallel to one another) of the inner surface of the respective inner wall 108A-D. This configurations results in the interface between the gasket mount segment 120 A (broadly, gasket mount 120) and the inner surface of the respective inner wall 108A-D forming a tortuous path between the gasket mount and the inner surface. For example, in the illustrated embodiment (see Fig. 8), any travel path between the gasket mount segment 120 A and the inner surface that extends through the interface requires at least two 90-degree turns (e.g., one 90-degree turn at the transition between surfaces 126A and 126B, and another 90-degree turn at the transition between the surfaces 126A and 124A). This configuration forms a seal between the gasket mount segment 120A and the inner wall 108A-D to inhibit the egress of debris (e.g., oil) therebetween. The gasket mount segment 120A also includes a channel that receives a connector (e.g., arrow barb) of the gasket segment 118A to connect the gasket segment 118A 6CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1to the gasket mount segment 120 A. The gasket segment 118A includes a bulb (broadly, resiliently deformable sealing portion) that engages the respective door 112 to form the at least partial seal. The gasket mount segment 120A is secured to the respective inner wall 108A-D with one or more fasteners.

[0035] It is understood this description applies to each gasket sub-assembly extending along the top, bottom, left side, and right side of each door opening 114 (e.g., the front and rear of each inner wall 108A-D). Other configurations of the gasket assembly 116 can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] Referring to Figs. 4-6, the cabinet 100 has a cavity conditioning system for controlling the temperature and / or relative humidity (RH) (broadly, one or more environmental conditions) of the cavity 104. By way of example, conditions in the cavity may be set for holding fried foods, such as bone-in and / or boneless fried chicken, although other types of foods can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity conditioning system includes a heating system and a humid air exhaust system. In other embodiments, the cavity conditioning system can include a refrigeration or cooling system instead of or in addition to the heating system.

[0037] The heating system for controlling the temperature of the cavity comprises a plurality of electrical resistance heaters 128. The electrical resistance heaters 128 are disposed outside the cavity 104 and are arranged to indirectly heat the cavity 104. This prevents the electrical resistance heaters 128 from coming into contact with debris (e.g., oil) from the food being held in the cavity 104, eliminating the need to clean the debris from the electrical resistance heaters. The electrical resistance heaters 128 are arranged on the exterior of the inner box. Specifically, the electrical resistance heaters 128 are mounted to the exterior surfaces or faces of the inner bottom, left side, and right side walls 108B-D. Each electrical resistance heater 128 heats its corresponding bottom, left side, or right side wall 108B-D via conductive heat transfer. This, in turn, heats the cavity 104. No electrical resistance heaters 128 are in direct thermal contact with the air in the cavity or with any air that may be directed into the cavity (via a fan / blower used in conventional forced air heating systems). The electrical resistance heaters 128 heat the bottom, left side, and / or right side inner walls 108B-D, which in turn heat the air in the cavity 104. There are no electrical resistance heaters mounted to (in direct thermal contact with) the top inner wall 108 A. In one embodiment, each electrical resistance heater is a foil heater with an electrical resistance heating element, although other types of electrical resistance heaters (e.g., silicone blanket heater) can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.7CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1

[0038] The plurality of electrical resistance heaters 128 includes a first sub-set of electrical resistance heaters 128A mounted on the right side inner wall 108D (Fig. 4), a second sub-set of electrical resistance heaters 128B mounted on left side inner wall 108C (Fig. 5), and a third sub-set of electrical resistance heaters 128C mounted on the bottom inner wall 108B. Each sub-set includes four electrical resistance heaters 128, although more or fewer can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Each sub-set of electrical resistance heaters 128A-C is spaced over the respective inner wall 108B-D. The electrical resistance heaters 128 are arranged in a zoned-heating manner to be able to create zones or areas within the cavity 104 of different heating regimes and / or different temperatures. For example, the four electrical resistance heaters 128A-B of the first and second sub-sets are arranged front-top, front-bottom, rear-top, and rear-bottom on the respective right and left side inner walls 108C-D. The four electrical resistance heaters 128C of the third sub-set are arranged front-left, front-right, rear-left, and rear-right on the bottom inner wall 108B. This arrangement allows potentially eight different heated zones in the cavity 104 (e.g., front-bottom-left, front-bottom-right, front-top-left, front-top-right, rear-bottom-left, rear-bottom-right, rear-top-left, and rear-top-right). Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0039] The heating system may include one or more temperature sensors 130. The temperatures sensors 130 may be a part of (e.g., integral with) the electrical resistance heaters 128 or separate therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, each electrical resistance heater 128 includes a temperature sensor 130. The electrical resistance heaters 128 have connections for receiving power from an electric power source.

[0040] The heating system does not include or omits a forced-air heating system (e.g., a fan or blower). The heating system does not include a fan or blower to move air across a heating element (e.g., electrical-resistance heating element). The heating system does not include any ductwork or passages for recirculating heated air in the cavity. Each inner wall 108A-D does not have any passages (e.g., air passages). In particular, each inner wall 108A-D does not include any passages for guiding or delivering air (e.g., heated air) toward or to the cavity 104 (such as air moved by a blower). The inner walls 108A-D of the present disclosure are formed by a plurality (broadly, one or more) pieces of sheet metal lying flat or in face-to-face engagement with one another. The heating system does not have any outlets (e.g., air outlets) for delivering air (e.g., heated air) to the cavity 104. For example, the heating system does not have any outlets for directing air against and / or across the front and / or rear doors 112. The heating system does not include any heating elements inside the 8CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1cavity 104. The cabinet 100 does not include a fan or blower for circulating the air in the cavity. The lack of these features reduces the cost of the cabinet 100 (easier to manufacture, less parts, less assembly time, etc.), making it a more economical option compared to conventional cabinets with one or more of these features. However, such features can be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] Referring to Figs. 11-14, the humid air exhaust system or de-humidification system is configured to remove water vapor from the air of the cavity 104. A relative humidity (RH) sensor 132 is provided for sensing the relative humidity of the air of the cavity 104. In one embodiment, the RH sensor 132 is positioned in the upper portion of the cavity 104 (e.g., mounted to the top inner wall 108 A). However, it will be understood that the RH sensor can be mounted in other ways and / or other locations.

[0042] The de-humidification system comprises a vent and a blower or fan 150 for venting (exhausting) high-humidity air from the cavity 104 to atmosphere surrounding the cabinet 100. The vent comprises right and left side vent or humidity evacuation ducts 152 and an upper vent or humidity evacuation connecting duct 154 connecting the side vent ducts in communication with the blower 150. The vent also includes an exhaust outlet 157 downstream from the blower where the air is vented to atmosphere through a perforated plate 156 at the rear of the cabinet. The vent includes an outlet vent duct 158 for guiding the air from the blower to the outlet. Each duct is a passageway through which the air flows. When energized, the blower 150 creates a flow of air to exhaust air from the cavity through the left and right side vent ducts 152, the vent connecting duct 154, the outlet vent duct 158, and the outlet 157. The right and left vent ducts have inlets comprising arrays of perforations, spaced apart over the elevation of the cavity 104. The left and right side vent ducts 152 are positioned about midway along the length of the cavity 104 between the front and rear. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] The food holding cabinet 100 includes ductwork defining (at least partially defining) the ducts (e.g., side vent ducts 152, upper connecting duct 154, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the upper connecting duct 154 is formed or bounded by the top inner wall 108A (e.g., exterior surface thereof) and an upper connecting duct segment or body 155. The outlet vent duct 158 is formed or bounded by an outlet vent duct segment or body 159. Each side vent duct 152 is formed or bounded by a removable side duct segment or body 153. The right side vent duct 152 is formed or bounded by the right side inner wall 108D (e.g., the inner surface thereof) and the right side removable side duct segment 153. The left side vent duct 152 is formed or bounded by the left side inner wall 108C (e.g., inner surface thereof)9CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1and the left side removable side duct segment 153. The removable side duct segments 153 may be removed from the inner box (e.g., inner side walls 108C-D) (broadly, housing 102) by hand, the exposed surfaces can be cleaned, and then the removable side duct segments 153 can be replaced or reinserted in the housing. Each removable side duct segment 153 includes an inner surface with bounds (e.g., faces) the cavity 104 and an opposite surface which faces away from the cavity (e.g., faces the inner surface of the respective inner side wall 108C-D) and forms a boundary of the respective side vent duct 152. The inner surface of each inner side wall 108C-D bounding the side vent ducts 152 is planar. This makes cleaning each inner side wall 108C-D easier. Desirably, inner surface of each inner side wall 108C-D is planar over more than 50% of the inner surface’s area, more desirably over more than 75%, or more desirably over more than 90%. Desirably, the inner surface of each inner side wall 108C-D is planar except for the steps along the front and rear edge margins of the inner surface that facilitate the formation of a seal with the gasket mount segment 120 A. Desirably, the portion of the inner surface of each inner side wall 108C-D that borders or bounds the cavity 104 (and the side vent duct 152) is planar (recall that the steps are covered by the gasket mounts segments 120A, and therefore do not border the cavity). In other words, desirably, the portion of the inner surface of each inner side wall 108C-D not covered by the gasket mount segments 120A is planar. Desirably, these descriptions regarding the planamess of the inner surfaces of the inner side walls 108C-D also apply to the inner surfaces of the top and bottom inner walls 108A-B. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, each removable side duct segment 153 has a generally U-shape, with opposite outwardly extending mounting flanges 153 A. To removably connected the side duct segment 153 to its corresponding inner side wall 108C-D, each mounting flange 153 A includes one or more keyhole shaped openings 153B (broadly, connectors or female connector) configured to receive (broadly, mate with) a corresponding stud 153C (broadly, connector or male connector) attached to the inner side wall. Each stud 153C includes a shaft and a head. Each keyhole shaped opening 153B includes a first or large diameter section sized and shaped to permit the head of the stud 153C to pass therethrough, and a second or small diameter section (connected to the large diameter section) sized and shaped to receive the shaft of the stud 153C but not permit the head of the stud to pass there-through. The top inner wall 108A includes an opening 153D (e.g., duct opening) for each removable side duct segment 153. The opening 153D is sized and shaped to receive the upper end or portion of the removable side duct segment 153. Each removable side duct 10CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1segment 153 extends through its corresponding opening 153D and into the upper connecting duct 154 when mounted to the inner box. This fluidly connects (e.g., directly fluidly connects) the side vent ducts 152 to the upper connecting duct 154. The upper end of the side duct segment 153 may include one or more guides 153E to guide insertion of the upper end of the side duct segment into the opening 153D. In the illustrated embodiment, each guide comprises a tapered tip. Each guide is an extension of one of the side walls of the side duct segment 153. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] To remove a side duct segment 153 from its corresponding inner side wall 108C-D, the side duct segment 153 is moved vertically upward to align the heads of the studs 153C with their corresponding large diameter section of the keyhole opening 153B. After, the side duct segment 153 is moved or pivoted inwardly to move the studs 153C out of the keyhole openings 153B. The side duct segment 153 is then moved downward to withdraw the upper end of the side duct segment from the upper connecting duct 154 and opening 153D. The side duct segment 153 can now be removed from the cavity 104, such as for cleaning. This process is generally reversed to install or mount the side duct segment 153. The upper end of the side duct segment 153 is inserted vertically upward into the opening 153D and upper connecting duct 154. The side duct segment 153 is then positioned to align the heads of the studs 153C with the large diameter sections of the keyhole openings 153B. After, the side duct segment 153 is moved toward its corresponding inner side wall 108C-D, thereby inserting the studs 153C through the keyhole openings 153B. The side duct segment 153 is then moved vertically downward, until the shafts of the studs 153C engage the edges of the keyhole openings 153 A bounding the small diameter sections of the keyhole openings.

[0046] In one embodiment, gasket assemblies 116 do not form a complete air-tight seal with the doors 112, such that make-up air from the environment outside the cabinet 100 is drawn into the cavity 104 (through the doors and gasket assemblies) as the humid air in the cavity is vented by the de-humidification system (e.g., blower 150). In other embodiments, the cabinet 100 may include one or more separate inlets for allowing make-up air to flow into the cavity 104 when the de-humidification system is venting the cavity 104.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the cabinet 100 omits a humidification system for humidifying (e.g., raising the humidity of) the circulating air in the cavity. Such a system is not needed if the cabinet is used to hold fried foods, which release moisture into their environment. However, a humidification system can be provided without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.11CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1

[0048] The food holding cabinet 100 incudes food container racks or supports in the cavity 104, supported by the inner side walls 108C-D for supporting the containers of food in a column / stack in the cavity. The racks are removable for easier cleaning. In the illustrated embodiment, rack supports or holders mounted to the inner side walls 108C-D (adjacent the bottom inner wall 108B) support the bottom of the food container racks and keepers with an opening mounted to the inner side walls (and extending through the side vent duct segment 153) receives a post or stud of one of the food container racks to prevent the racks from tipping over (see Fig. 12). To remove a food container rack, the rack is lifted vertically upward (off the corresponding rack holders), the bottom of the rack is moved (e.g., pivoted) inward, after the rack is moved vertically downward to withdraw the post from the opening of the keeper. The food container rack is now free to be removed from the cavity 104. This process is generally reversed to reinstall the food container racks.

[0049] The food holding cabinet 100 may also include one or more removable partitions that fit inside the cavity 104 and divide the cavity into two or more separate cavity compartments or sections. Such partitions may be supported by the racks. The temperature and humidity in these different cavity compartments can be different. In one embodiment, a partition could be installed to separate the upper region of the food holding cavity 104 from the lower region. In this embodiment, the partition would extend horizontally between the front and rear doors 112. Opening the upper sub-door 112A of the door 112 permits access to the upper region of the food holding cavity 104, above the partition (without opening the entire door). Likewise, opening the lower sub-door 112B of the door 112 permits access to the lower region of the food holding cavity 104, below the partition (without opening the entire door). Thus, the separately-controlled heated zones above and below the partition can be separately accessed. The inlets of the humidity evacuation ducts 152 above and below the partition would suitable evacuate humidity from the upper and lower regions of the food holding cavity 104, as needed.

[0050] As shown schematically in Fig. 15, the cabinet includes an electronic cabinet control system 200. The control system includes a cabinet controller or holding unit controller 202 (e.g., microprocessor or central processing unit), a non-transitory tangible storage medium or memory 204 (e.g., including forms of storage such as software and / or firmware), and a user interface including a user input 206 and a display 208. The control system includes interconnection electronics (e.g., including electrical, fiber optic lines, and / or wireless communication devices) that operatively connect the various components of the control system with each other and with other components of the cabinet. For example, the 12CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1controller 202 can receive signals and user input signals via the interconnection electronics. It will be appreciated that the interconnection electronics can include other components, such as A / D converters and / or filters through which signals such as the scale signal passes to the controller. A printed circuit board assembly (Fig. 4) in the cabinet housing can be configured to include the controller 202 and the storage medium 204. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The controller 202 is configured to read and execute instructions stored in the storage medium 204, and is responsive to the user input, for controlling operation of the cabinet. A user can enter and / or modify instructions stored on the storage medium via the user input. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface comprises a touch screen, described in further detail below. Other types of user interfaces can be used without departing from the present disclosure. The user interface provides command signals via the interconnection electronics to the controller. The command signals can include changes to data stored in the tangible storage medium. The controller responds to the command signals and provides control signals corresponding thereto via the interconnection electronics to the electrical resistance heaters 128 and / or blower 150. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the controller and / or the tangible storage medium can be part of another device such as a smart phone or tablet operatively connectable to the cabinet (e.g., wirelessly) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface comprises a touch screen, including both the user input 206 and display 208. The display includes a liquid crystal display screen, and the user input can include a touch-sensitive panel on the display screen. Other types of user interfaces can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the display and user input can be separate from one another.Temperature and humidity settings may be selected by the user via the user interface. The controller 202 then operates the electrical resistance heaters 128 and / or de-humidification system to create, maintain, and, when necessary, rapidly regenerate temperature and RH conditions corresponding to the target settings.

[0052] The controller 202 may be programmed (e.g., the storage medium stores instructions) to maintain temperature and relative humidity (“RH”) conditions in the cavity 104 at optimal values selected to maximize holding times for particular foods. Moreover, the cabinet 100 may be programmed to initiate rapid temperature restoration and maintenance of temperature conditions in the cavity 104. The controller and associated components are housed in the upper compartment. The controller 202 may be programmed to initiate rapid 13CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1temperature restoration when the measured temperature of the air of the cavity 104 rises above or falls below a target temperature, such as immediately following a door opening / closing event during which a door of the cabinet is opened, food is loaded into the cavity or unloaded from the first cavity, and the door is closed. Alternatively, the controller 202 may be programmed to execute time-based methods to maintain and rapidly restore target temperature and RH conditions in the cavity 104. In this way, the temperature and RH in the cavity are maintained at optimal values selected to maximize holding times for particular foods. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] The controller 202 may be programmed in various ways to carry out rapid restoration and maintenance of temperature and RH conditions in the cavity 104. In one example, de-humidification and temperature are controlled according to closed-loop methods (using the temperature and / or humidity sensors 130, 132). In one example, the dehumidification system (e.g., blower 150) is controlled according to a recipe (e.g., food holding recipe) being carried out by the food holding cabinet 100. For example, the blower 150 may be operated by the controller 202 for certain periods of times during the recipe, and may be operated to provide different amounts of air flow (via controlling the duty cycle) during the recipe. Other methods and / or combinations of the described methods may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The de-humidification system may also be operated by the controller 202 to cool or reduce the air temperature within the cavity 104, by replacing the hotter air in the cavity with cooler air from the environment surrounding the cabinet 100.

[0054] Each electrical resistance heater 128 can be individually controlled and operated by the controller 202, independent of the other electrical resistance heaters. This allows each electrical resistance heater 128 to be operated or controlled to a unique set-point temperature, allowing the cabinet 100 to provide zoned heating — e.g., areas within the cavity 104 as different temperatures (such as for different types of food). In one method of operation, a first zone of the cavity 104 is heated with a first set of (broadly, one or more) electrical resistance heaters 128 to a first temperature. Simultaneously, a second zone of the cavity is heated with a second or different set of (broadly, one or more) electrical resistance heaters 128 to a second temperature, which is different from the first temperature. This allows at least two different zones within the cavity 104 to have different temperatures at the same time.14CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1

[0055] The electrical resistance heaters 128 can also be individually controlled to ensure a uniform temperature of the bottom, left side, and / or right side inner walls 108B-D to promote even heating within the cavity 104. For example, because heat rises, the upper electrical resistance heaters 128A-B on the left and right inner side walls 108C-D may be operated at a lower set-point temperature (provide less heat) than the lower electrical resistance heaters on the same walls.

[0056] The electrical resistance heaters 128 can also be individually controlled in a manner to promote airflow within the cavity 104 to reduce the temperature stratification (from top to bottom) that may naturally occur due to natural convection (e.g., heat rises) within the cavity. The control system 200 (e.g., controller 202) may operate the heating system (e.g. electrical resistance heaters 128) in a way to induce circulation or airflow (e.g., downward airflow) of the air in the cavity 104. Airflow can be induced in the cavity 104 by creating a temperature differential between one side (e.g., left or right side) of the cavity and the opposite side (e.g., the other of the left or right side) of the cavity. The first side of the cavity 104 can be heated with a first set of (broadly, one or more) electrical resistance heaters 128 to a first temperature, and the second side of the cavity can be heated with a second set of (broadly, one or more) electrical resistance heaters to a second temperature. The first and second temperatures are different to create the temperature differential. The electrical resistance heaters 128 on different inner walls 108B-D (and / or even on the same inner wall) can be operated at different set-point temperatures (provide different levels of heat) to induce the airflow.

[0057] For example, in one embodiment, the electrical resistance heaters 128A on the right side inner wall 108D are operated at a higher set-point temperature than the set-point temperature of the electrical resistance heaters 128B on the left side inner wall 108C. In this embodiment, the air in the cavity 104 is heated by and rises along the hotter right side inner wall 108D and falls down and is cooled by the cooler left side inner wall 108C. This generates airflow which promotes temperature uniformity in the cavity 104 by reducing the temperature stratification (e.g., the air temperature in the cavity being higher towards the top and cooler towards the bottom). In one embodiment, the temperature differential is about 80°F (or greater) between the inner side walls 108C-D. For example, the electrical resistance heaters 128 A on the right side inner wall 108D may be operated to about a 280°F set-point temperature and the electrical resistance heaters 128B on the left side inner wall 108C may be operated to about a 200°F set-point temperature. Other set-points may be used. For example, the electrical resistance heaters 128 on the cooler inner wall may be off (e.g., provide no 15CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1heat). It is understood the electrical resistance heaters 128A-B can be operated such that the left side inner wall 108C is hotter than the right side inner wall 108D. When inducing airflow, the electrical resistance heaters 128C on the bottom inner wall 108B may or may not be active. In one embodiment, the electrical resistance heaters 128C on the bottom inner wall 108B may generally only activate to replace heat loss when one of the doors 112 is opened and / or when the de-humidification system is venting air, to maintain or return (e.g., rapidly return) the air temperature in the cavity 104 to the desired set-point (holding temperature). The bottom heaters 128C can also be selectively operated to heat an optional tray of water on the bottom wall to create water vapor in the food cavity if the sensed humidity is lower than desired. Other ways of operating the heating system may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] Referring to Figs. 16 and 17, another embodiment of a food holding cabinet according to the present disclosure is generally indicated at reference numeral 300. The food holding cabinet 300 of Figs. 16 and 17 is generally analogous to the food holding cabinet 100 of Figs. 1-15 and, thus, for ease of comprehension, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used, identical reference numerals are employed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, the above descriptions regarding the food holding cabinet 100 of Figs. 1-15 also apply to the food holding cabinet 300 of Figs. 16 and 17.

[0059] In this embodiment, the food holding cabinet 300 includes an air recirculation system for circulating the air in the cavity 104, to further reduce temperature stratification. In this embodiment, the configuration of de-humidification system has changed from the dehumidification system of Figs. 1-15, and components of the de-humidification system of Figs. 1-15 are used for or repurposed to be part of the air recirculation system. In this embodiment, the blower 150 is repositioned below and / or in the outlet vent duct 158. The upper vent connecting duct 154 is not in fluid communication with the outlet vent duct 158 (via the blower). The de-humidification system includes an inlet at (e.g. in) the top inner wall 108 A in fluid communication with the blower 150. As shown in Fig. 17, when energized, the blower 150 (e.g., exhaust blower) creates a flow of air to exhaust air from the cavity 104 through the inlet, the outlet vent duct 158, and the exhaust outlet 157. Other configurations of the de-humidification system can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] In this embodiment, the right and left side vent ducts 152 (e.g., right and left side recirculation ducts) and the upper vent connecting duct 154 (e.g., upper recirculation connecting duct) are part of the air recirculation system. The air recirculation system16CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1includes a blower or fan 151 (e.g., recirculation blower or fan), which may be generally positioned in the upper vent connecting duct 154 (broadly, in the upper compartment). The air recirculation system includes an inlet (e.g., recirculation inlet) at (e.g. in) the top inner wall 108 A in fluid communication with the recirculation blower 151. The recirculation blower 151 draws air from the cavity 104 and blows air in opposite directions in the upper vent connecting duct 154 towards (e.g., into) the right and left side vent ducts 152. The recirculation blower 151 may be positioned generally in the middle of the upper vent connecting duct 154. The right and left vent ducts 152 have outlets comprising arrays of perforations, spaced apart over the elevation of the cavity 104, that direct the air back into the cavity. In other embodiments, the outlets may only be positioned over a portion of the elevation. For example, the outlets may be disposed at the bottom of the right and left vent ducts 152. When energized, the recirculation blower 151 creates a flow of air to recirculate the air in the cavity 104 by moving the air from the cavity through the inlet, the upper vent connecting duct 154, the right and left side vent ducts 152, and the outlets back into the cavity. Other configurations of the air recirculation system can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the recirculation system does not include a heating element for directly heating the air moved by the recirculation blower 151. The recirculation blower 151 does not blow air over a heating element.

[0061] In view of the above, it will be appreciated that the tangible storage medium stores instructions executable by the controller to perform the actions described above.

[0062] For purposes of illustration, programs and other executable program components, such as the operating system, are illustrated herein as discrete blocks. It is recognized, however, that such programs and components reside at various times in different storage components of a computing device, and are executed by one or more data processors of the device.

[0063] Embodiments of the aspects of the invention may be described in the general context of data and / or processor-executable instructions, such as program modules, stored one or more tangible, non-transitory storage media and executed by one or more processors or other devices. Generally, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Aspects of the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program17CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1modules may be located in both local and remote storage media including memory storage devices.

[0064] In operation, processors, computers and / or servers may execute the processorexecutable instructions (e.g., software, firmware, and / or hardware) such as those illustrated herein to implement aspects of the invention.

[0065] Embodiments of the aspects of the invention may be implemented with processor-executable instructions. The processor-executable instructions may be organized into one or more processor-executable components or modules on a tangible processor readable storage medium. Aspects of the invention may be implemented with any number and organization of such components or modules. For example, aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific processor-executable instructions or the specific components or modules illustrated in the figures and described herein. Other embodiments of the aspects of the invention may include different processor-executable instructions or components having more or less functionality than illustrated and described herein.

[0066] The order of execution or performance of the operations in embodiments of the aspects of the invention illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments of the aspects of the invention may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the invention.

[0067] When introducing elements of aspects of the invention or the embodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0068] In view of the above, it will be seen that several advantages of the aspects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0069] Not all of the depicted components illustrated or described may be required. In addition, some implementations and embodiments may include additional components. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as set forth herein. Additional, different or fewer components may be provided and components may be combined. Alternatively or in addition, a component may be implemented by several components.18CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1

[0070] The above description illustrates the aspects of the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description enables one skilled in the art to make and use the aspects of the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the aspects of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the aspects of the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the aspects of the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The aspects of the invention are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0071] It will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims. It is contemplated that various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of aspects of the invention. In the preceding specification, various embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the aspects of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.19CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A food holding cabinet comprising:a housing having a cavity sized and shaped to hold trays of food, the housing having tray supports arranged to support the trays of food in the cavity;a door arranged to provide access to the cavity;a heating system configured to heat the cavity, the heating system including a plurality of individually controlled electrical resistance heaters arranged along a bottom, a left side, and / or a right side of the cavity;an air exhaust system configured to exhaust air from the cavity; anda control system configured to control the heating system and the air exhaust system.

2. The food holding cabinet of claim 1, wherein the heating system is disposed entirely outside the cavity.

3. The food holding cabinet of claim 1 or 2, wherein each electrical resistance heater of the plurality of electrical resistance heaters is disposed entirely outside of the cavity.

4. The food holding cabinet of claim 3, wherein the housing includes a bottom wall bounding the bottom of the cavity, a left side wall bounding the left side of the cavity, and a right side wall bounding the right side of the cavity, each electrical resistance heater being arranged to heat the bottom wall, left side wall, and / or right side wall via conductive heat transfer.

5. The food holding cabinet of claim 4, wherein the bottom wall, left side wall, and right side wall each have an interior face facing the cavity and an opposite exterior face, wherein each electrical resistance heater is mounted on the exterior face of the bottom wall, left side wall, and / or right side wall.

6. The food holding cabinet of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the housing has an inner housing bounding the cavity, the plurality of electrical resistance heaters mounted to the exterior of the inner housing.

7. The food holding cabinet of claim 6, wherein the housing has an outer housing surrounding the inner housing.20CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.

18. The food holding cabinet of claim 7, wherein the housing includes one or more air gaps between the inner and outer housing.

9. The food holding cabinet of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the control system is configured to operate the heating system to induce circulation of air within the cavity.

10. The food holding cabinet of claim 9, wherein the control system is configured to operate the electrical resistance heaters associated with the left and right sides of the cavity at a temperature differential.

11. The food holding cabinet of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the heating system is free of a heating element arranged to directly heat air in the cavity and / or to directly heat air that will flow into the cavity.

12. The food holding cabinet of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the cabinet is free of a blower for circulating air in the cavity.

13. A food holding cabinet comprising:a housing having a cavity sized and shaped to hold food, the cavity having a door opening sized and shaped to permit food to be inserted into and removed from the cavity, the housing having an inner surface bounding the cavity, the inner surface having an uneven edge margin;a door configured to move between open and closed positions to provide access to the cavity via the door opening;a gasket assembly including a gasket and a gasket mount, the gasket mount being connected to the housing, the gasket mount being engaged with and conforming to the uneven edge margin of the inner surface, the gasket being connected to the gasket mount, the gasket being arranged to engage the door to form at least a partial seal with the door when the door is in the closed position; anda cavity conditioning system configured to control an environmental condition of the cavity.21CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.

114. The food holding cabinet of claim 13, wherein the uneven edge margin of the inner surface is stepped, and wherein the gasket mount includes a step mated with the stepped edge margin of the inner surface.

15. The food holding cabinet of claim 13 or 14, wherein the interface between the gasket mount and the inner surface forms a tortuous path between the gasket mount and the inner surface.

16. The food holding cabinet of any one of claims 13-15, wherein the food holding cabinet is free of a sealant arranged to seal the interface between the gasket mount and the inner surface of the housing.

17. The food holding cabinet of any one of claims 13-16, wherein the cavity conditioning system is configured to control a temperature and / or relative humidity of the cavity.

18. A method of heating a cavity of a food holding cabinet, the method comprising:heating a first zone of the cavity with a first electrical resistance heater to a first temperature; andheating a second zone of the cavity, simultaneously with the heating of the first zone, with a second electrical resistance heater to a second temperature, the second temperature being different than the first temperature.

19. A method of generating airflow in a cavity of food holding cabinet, the method comprising:inducing airflow in the cavity by creating a temperature differential between a first side of the cavity and a second side of the cavity, the second side of the cavity being opposite the first side of the cavity.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said creating the temperature differential includes:heating the first side of the cavity with a first electrical resistance heater to a first temperature; and22CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1heating the second side of the cavity with a second electrical resistance heater to a second temperature, the second temperature being different from the first temperature.23CORE / 3510829.048101 / 238910982.1

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