Adjustable food shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food shields do not adequately meet health code requirements, provide sufficient adjustability, and enhance the aesthetic presentation of buffet-style food, particularly in self-serviced settings where patrons handle food directly.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable food shield system featuring semi-transparent or transparent shield panels supported by adjustable bracket assemblies with collar and lever mechanisms for position and angular adjustments, allowing for secure, customizable, and aesthetically pleasing protection of food displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed food shields are used, then installation is simple, but adaptability to different food service configurations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable bracket assemblies with multiple components (collars, pins, slots) that allow the shield panels to be dynamically repositioned along the support structures. The brackets enable vertical adjustment of panel height and angular adjustment of panel orientation, transforming a static fixed shield into a dynamic adjustable system that adapts to different food service configurations while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable bracket assemblies serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the shield panels, enable vertical position adjustment, allow angular orientation changes, and facilitate easy installation and removal. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components into a single integrated bracket system, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable bracket assemblies are added, then adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: collars that slide on support structures, pins that lock positions, slots that guide movement, and tightening elements that secure panels. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function simply, while the combination of segments provides comprehensive adjustability. The modular segmented design makes the complex functionality manageable and maintainable
3Illumination intensity
If semi-transparent panels are used, then aesthetic value is improved, but food protection effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shield panels feature varying degrees of transparency across different regions. The semi-transparent portions allow light transmission for aesthetic presentation and visibility of food items, while the opaque portions provide enhanced protection and privacy where needed. This local variation in transparency quality optimizes both aesthetic value and protective function in different areas of the same panel
Data Source
AI summary
A food shield has shield panels that are location adjustable and angularly adjustable in respect of support posts coupled to a buffet table or cart. For vertical or location adjustment of a shield panel in relation to a post, a bracket assembly includes outer and inner collar portions, a grip element positioned between the outer and inner collar portions, and a tightening element that tightens the connection of the assembled collar against support posts. A lever is set to lock the outer and inner collar portions to one another, and pulled to release the collar portions. For angular adjustment, each bracket assembly includes an indexing base, a rotatable arm assembly with an indexing hub, and a removable or retractable coupling element. The bracket assembly further has clamps that engage the shield panel at or near each of the front and rear panel edges.