US20050211109A1

US20050211109A1 - Food container

Info

Publication number: US20050211109A1
Application number: US11/045,508
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Majchrzak; Allan Witt; David Rolston
Original assignee: Hatco Corp
Current assignee: Hatco Corp
Priority date: 2004-01-23
Filing date: 2005-01-28
Publication date: 2005-09-29
Also published as: DE602005019977D1; US20050173397A1; WO2005073094A2; US7220946B2; ATE460869T1; PL1711090T3; WO2005073094A3; EP1711090A2; EP1711090B1

Abstract

A food container is shown having a plurality of openings used to move food into and/or out of the container. Each of the openings has an air curtain positioned across the opening. The air curtains form barriers between the interior of the container and the exterior environment. The food container may be capable of humidifying and/or heating food positioned therein.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/763,726, filed on Jan. 23, 2004, entitled “Food Container,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter described herein relates generally to the field of containers. In particular, the subject matter described herein relates to food containers. The food containers may be used for storing food, holding food at temperature, cooling food, humidifying food, rethermalizing food, warming food, and/or cooking food.
A wide variety and configuration of food containers are used to house and display food in places such as convenience stores, restaurants, etc. Depending on the type of food, these containers may be heated, cooled, and/or humidified to prevent the food from becoming cold and/or hard, thus making the food more appealing to consumers. For example, the containers may be used to house and display donuts, pastries, hot dogs, etc. In other applications, the containers may be used to refrigerate and/or freeze food to prevent it from melting, spoiling, etc. In still other applications, the containers may be used to hold food at elevated temperature or to cook food.
Typically, a solid barrier such as a door is used to isolate the interior of the container from the exterior environment. The door prevents the transfer of heat and/or humidity between the interior of the container and the exterior environment. The door is usually hinged on one side so that it can be opened and closed to provide access to the interior of the container. Unfortunately continually opening and closing the door may result in a loss of productivity and efficiency on the part of the persons using the containers. Users often desire to quickly remove items from the containers. For example, in a fast food setting, a food preparer may want to be able to quickly access food components (e.g., hot dog buns, hot dogs) to prepare the finished food product (e.g., a hot dog in the bun with desired toppings). In other situations, the container may be provided with an opening that does not include a barrier between the exterior environment and the interior of the container. This arrangement results in a loss of efficiency due to excess heating, cooling, and/or humidifying. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved food container for housing items such as food.
It should be understood that the claims define the scope of the subject matter for which protection is sought, regardless of whether any of the aforementioned disadvantages are overcome by the subject matter covered by the claims. Also, the terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as would be recognized by those of skill in the art, except, to the extent a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or except if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phase “as used herein shall mean” or similar language. Accordingly, the claims are not tied to any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features other than those explicitly recited in the claims.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a container according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the container from FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the container from FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the container from FIG. 2 along line 4-4.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front view of the container from FIG. 3 along line 5-5.
FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the container from FIG. 1 with the outside covers removed.
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the container from FIG. 6 with additional covers removed.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a container according to another embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a container according to another embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a to perspective view of a container according to another embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a to perspective view of a container according to another embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a front view of a container according to another embodiment where portions of the interior of the container are shown in outline.
FIG. 13 is a side view of a container according to another embodiment where portions of the interior of the container are shown in outline.

DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 show a top perspective, front perspective, and side elevation views, respectively, of a container 50 according to one embodiment. Container 50 comprises an interior chamber 52, which is configured to house items such as food in a controlled environment. Container 50 shown in FIGS. 1-9 is shaped similarly to a box with an opening 54 on one side for moving food between the interior and the exterior of container 50. In other embodiments, container 50 may be any of a number of suitable shapes and configurations. For example, container 50 may be substantially cylindrical, etc. Also, container 50 may be configured to be portable (e.g., moved by hand, rolled on castors, etc.) or fixed in a stationary position using a suitable fastening mechanism (e.g., welding, bolted, glued, etc.). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, container 50 is configured to be placed on top of a countertop or table. In another embodiment, opening 54 may be located on a top side of container 50. In still another embodiment, container 50 may comprise two, three, or more openings 54 for moving food between the interior and the exterior of container 50. In yet another embodiment, container 50 may comprise transparent sides (e.g., glass, plastic, etc.) so that the food is visible.
In one embodiment, container 50 comprises a control system, which is used to maintain the physical characteristics (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) of the air in chamber 52 substantially constant. The control system is typically configured to control both temperature and humidity of the air in chamber 52. However, in other embodiments, the control system may be configured to control only one of the temperature and humidity of the air in chamber 52 or may be configured to control additional properties of the air in chamber 52 such as the air's speed. In general, the control system includes any of the components, structure, and matter that is used to control the temperature and humidity of the air in container 50. In one embodiment, the control system comprises at least a thermometer and/or a hygrometer. In another embodiment, the control system comprises a thermostat and/or a humidistat which are used to control the temperature and/or humidity, respectively, of the air in chamber 52. In still another embodiment, the control system may use feedback control to control the temperature and/or humidity of the air in chamber 52.
Control panel 60 may be used to provide input (e.g., set levels for temperature, humidity, water temperature, etc.) to the control system. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, control panel 60 comprises buttons 62 and display 64. Buttons 62 may be used to input the desired temperature and/or humidity level. Display 64 is configured to show the user the set and/or actual temperature and/or humidity levels. In addition, container 50 also comprises a power on/off switch 66 and a power cord 68. In other embodiments, control panel 60 may comprise other input devices and/or displays. For example, control panel 60 may comprise rotary dials instead of buttons 62. Also, control panel 60 may be distributed on container 50. For example, display 64 may be located on one side of container 50 and buttons 62 may be located on another side of container 50. In yet another embodiment, container 50 may be supplied with a computer interface for interfacing with a computerized control system or a computerized information source.
As mentioned previously, container 50 defines at least one opening 54 through which food may be moved between the interior and the exterior of container 50. Opening 54 may be any suitable size and shape. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, opening 54 is quadrilateral and substantially planar. Opening 54 may be positioned in a substantially vertical plane, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, or may be positioned in a number of other planes (e.g., a substantially horizontal plane for a container where opening 54 is on a top side or a plane at any degree of inclination between a horizontal plane and a vertical plane).
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, trays 56 are used to support food (e.g., pastries, brownies, hot dogs, etc.). Trays 56 are of a sufficient size to pass through opening 54 and be received by rails 70 in chamber 52. In other embodiments, food may be moved between the interior and the exterior of container 50 in a variety of other suitable ways (e.g., individual food items placed in container 50 without using trays 56, etc.).
Container 50 uses an air curtain 58 to form a barrier between interior chamber 52 of container 50 and the exterior environment. A user can easily reach through, or otherwise pierce, air curtain 58 to move food between the interior and the exterior of container 50. Thus, air curtain 58 provides an effective barrier between chamber 52 and the exterior environment yet eliminates the need for the user to open a door while moving food into and out of container 50. Air curtain 58 may also provide an effective barrier against insects and other foreign matter that may otherwise enter chamber 52. Also, a portion of the air from air curtain 58 may be used to humidify, cool, and/or heat the interior of container 50.
Referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional side view of container 50 along line 4-4 in FIG. 2 is shown. Container 50 comprises at least one fan 74 and a duct system 76 which are configured to circulate air stream 72 through container 50. In general, fans 74 are electrically operated and are configured to provide a constant air flow rate. In another embodiment, fans 74 may be adjustable to provide varying controlled (actively or passively) air flow rates. Fans 74 are provided with outside ventilation using louvers 90, which allow air to enter a ventilation space 92. Air that enters louvers 90 may be used to prevent fans 74 from overheating. Ambient air that enters louvers 90 is kept separate from air stream 72. In another embodiment, air stream 72 may comprise ambient air that is continually being combined with circulated air. In another embodiment, air stream 72 may comprise only ambient air that is brought in through a vent then expelled back into the ambient environment after it has been used to create air curtain 58.
In FIG. 4, the general flow of an air stream 72 is shown. As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, fans 74 blow air into a baffle box 78. Baffle box 78 is a substantially enclosed box comprising a baffle 80 through which air stream 72 is forced to pass. Before passing through baffle 80, air stream 72 may be heated using heating element 82. In other embodiments, heating element 82 may be located in any suitable position in duct system 76. After being heated, air stream 72 passes through baffle 80. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, baffle 80 comprises a perforated, substantially planar, plate. Typically, the perforations in baffle 80 are also substantially uniform. As air stream 72 passes through the perforations in baffle 80, the velocity of air stream 72 increases briefly before slowing down on the other side of baffle 80. Also, baffle 80 provides a pressure drop.
After passing through baffle 80, air stream 72 passes over water source 84 to humidify air stream 72. Once air stream 72 exits baffle 80 the velocity of air stream 72 decreases substantially. The decrease in velocity of air stream 72 and/or the pressure drop across baffle 80 allows air stream 72 to pick up water from water source 84 better than if baffle 80 was not present. Water source 84 comprises a heating element 85 which can be used to heat the water and provide a controlled amount of water vapor to be picked up by air stream 72. In one embodiment, the temperature of the water in the water source 84 may be controlled by the control system to regulate the humidity in air stream 72 and/or chamber 52. Water source 84 is filled using water input 86. Water placed in water input 86 passes through water tube 88 to water source 84. In another embodiment, water source 84 may be coupled to a continuous water supply that refills water source 84 when it gets low (e.g., a float with a valve that turns on when the water level of water source 84 is low). In other embodiments, container 50 may be configured without a water source 84 or any system for humidifying air stream 72. This may be desirable in connection with foods that do not need to be humidified.
After passing over water source 84, air stream 72 travels through duct 96, which is a part of duct system 76. As air stream 72 enters duct 96, the velocity of air stream 72 increases due to the smaller area through which air stream 72 now passes. Air stream 72 exits duct 96 through nozzles 94, which are positioned adjacent opening 54 in a downward direction. As air stream 72 passes downward over opening 54, air curtain 58 is created. Air from air curtain 58 returns back to fans 74 through a plurality of air returns 98 in duct system 76. At least one of air returns 98 is positioned adjacent to opening 54 opposite nozzles 94. Air returns 98 positioned opposite nozzles 94 receive a portion of air stream 72 that exits nozzles 94. This portion typically includes most of air stream 72. At least one of air returns 98 is positioned on a first side 100 of chamber 52. Generally, first side 100 is positioned opposite opening 54. Food placed in trays 56 is positioned substantially between air returns 98 positioned on first side 100 and opening 54. A portion of air stream 72 passes over and/or around the food before entering air returns 98 positioned on first side 100. Thus, the water content of the food, temperature and/or humidity of the air in chamber 52 may be controlled using air from air stream 72. In one embodiment, the air from air stream 72 is used to maintain the temperature and/or humidity of chamber 52 substantially constant without the use of additional temperature and/or humidity control systems.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, first side 100 is perforated according to a substantially uniform pattern to provide a plurality of distributed air returns 98. In one embodiment, the size of the perforations is between approximately 3 millimeters and approximately 10 millimeters or, desirably, between approximately 5 millimeters and approximately 8 millimeters. In still another embodiment, first side 100 is configured to include a higher density of air returns 98 and/or all of air returns 98 near trays 56. This allows the portion of air stream 72 that passes through the air returns on first side 100 to be nearer to the food, thus enhancing the heat transfer and/or humidification of the food. In other embodiments, first side 100 may comprise a single air return 98 located in any suitable position. After air stream 72 passes through air returns 98, air stream 72 travels through duct system 76 back to fans 74 to begin the cycle again.
Referring to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional front view of container 50 along line 5-5 in FIG. 3 is shown. Duct system 76 comprises two separate ducts 102 and 104 through which air is returned from chamber 52 to fans 74. Also, each fan 74 has separate outlet ducts 106 and 108. In other embodiments, duct system 76 may comprise a single duct to circulate air stream 72 through container 50. In still other embodiments, duct system 76 may comprise a filter to capture any particles that may dislodge from the food as it is passed through air curtain 58.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a top perspective view of container 50 with the outside covers removed is shown. FIGS. 6 and 7 provide a top perspective view of fans 74, baffle box 78, baffles 80, ducts 96, and wiring enclosure 110. Wiring enclosure 110 houses electrical wires that provide power to heating elements 82 as well as other electrical devices. FIG. 7 shows container 50 with one of baffle boxes 78 removed. Underneath baffle boxes 78 are covers 112, which cover water source 84. Covers 112 help to isolate water source 84 from heating elements 82. Air stream 72 exits fan outlet ducts 106 and 108, travels through baffle boxes 78 and into ducts 96.
Referring to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional side view of container 50 is shown according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, fan 74, baffle 80, and water source 84 are located at the bottom of container 50. Fan 74 is configured to circulate air through container 50 in a manner similar to the previous embodiments. However, in this embodiment, the air in air curtain 58 flows upward from nozzles 94 to air returns 98.
In FIG. 9, a cross-sectional side view of container 50 is shown according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, a top side 114 of container 50 comprises opening 54. Accordingly, air curtain 58 is substantially horizontal and provides a barrier between chamber 52 and the exterior environment. The majority of the air from air curtain 58 is received by one or more air returns 98 positioned adjacent to opening 54 and opposite nozzles 94 while the remainder is received by air returns 98 positioned in a bottom side 116 of container 50. This embodiment may also include any other features described or discussed in relation to other previous embodiments.
FIGS. 10-14 show another embodiment of container 50. In many ways, container 50 shown in FIGS. 10-14 is similar to the earlier embodiments. However, in this embodiment, container 50 comprises opening 54 and another opening 55 positioned opposite opening 54. Openings 54, 55 allow the user to pass food into chamber 52 from either side of container 50. This may be desirable in situations where container 50 is positioned on a counter so that the food preparer can access it from one side and the food consumer can access it from the other side. The food preparer can easily replenish the stock of food in container 50 from one side while the food consumer simultaneously accesses the other side.
Air curtains 58, 59 are formed over each of openings 54, 55 using air streams 72, 73, respectively. Air curtains 58, 59 form a barrier between chamber 52 and the exterior of the container 50. Container 50 includes baffle boxes 78, 79, each of which has a fan 74. Each one of baffle boxes 78, 79 also includes baffle 80 which is positioned above water source 84. Baffle boxes 78, 79 also include heating elements 82, 83, respectively. In this embodiment, baffle boxes 78, 79 are separate so that air is unable to travel between baffle boxes 78, 79. However, in another embodiment, baffle boxes 78, 79 may be combined into one baffle box having ducts 96, 97 and nozzles 94 on both ends to form air curtains 58, 59. Also, as shown in FIGS. 10-14, water source 84 is a single continuous reservoir and is configured similarly to water source 84 in earlier embodiments. In another embodiment, separate water sources may be provided for each baffle box 78, 79. Baffle boxes 78, 79 may be configured similarly to previous embodiments in that baffle 80 may be positioned above water source 84 so that air from the fans 74 passes through baffle 80 and becomes humidified.
Container 50 also includes duct system 76. Duct system 76 is used to circulate air streams 72, 73 throughout container 50 and to form air curtains 58, 59. Container 50 also includes a first side wall 200 and a second side wall 202, both of which are also part of the duct system 76. Duct system 76 includes ducts 96, 97 and corresponding nozzles 94 which are used to direct air streams 72, 73 across openings 54, 55 to form air curtains 58, 59. Air streams 72, 73 are received by duct openings 206, 208 positioned at the bottom of openings 54, 55, respectively. Air stream 72 travels underneath the bottom of chamber 52, upward through first side wall 200 and back to baffle box 78. Air stream 74 travels underneath the bottom of chamber 52, upward through second side wall 202 to baffle box 79. In one embodiment, the bottom of chamber 52 may include a duct that is split in two diagonally in the same general direction as baffle boxes 78, 79 are split apart so that air received by duct opening 206 is not mixed with air received by duct opening 208. In another embodiment, the duct underneath the bottom of chamber 52 may allow the mixture of air received by duct openings 206, 208.
In one embodiment, duct system 76 may include duct openings or holes 204 in first side wall 200 and corresponding duct openings or holes (not shown) in second side wall 202. Air from air curtains 58, 59 may form a secondary air flow that travels past the food positioned in chamber 52 to the duct openings 204. By controlling the amount of heat and water in air streams 72, 73, the food or other item positioned in container 50 may be maintained at a desired temperature and moisture level. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-14, the secondary air received by first side wall 200 travels to baffle box 78 to be used in air curtain 58 while the secondary air received by second side wall 02 travels to baffle box 79 to be used in air curtain 59. In another embodiment, baffle boxes 78, 79 may be divided perpendicularly to side walls 200, 202 so that secondary air received by first side wall 200 may travel to both baffle boxes 78, 79. Numerous other embodiments may also be used.
Illustrative Embodiments
One embodiment relates to a food container which comprises at least one opening through which food is moved and a humidity source in fluid contact with an air stream providing humidity to the air stream. The air stream is directed across the opening to form a barrier between the interior of the container and the exterior environment.
Another embodiment relates to a food container which defines at least one opening through which food is moved. An air curtain system provides a humidified air curtain over the opening.
Another embodiment relates to a container comprising a heating element disposed in the container, at least one opening through which food is moved between the interior and exterior of the container, and at least one duct configured to direct an air stream across the opening to form a barrier between the interior of the container and the exterior environment. The heating element is used to at least one of cook food, rethermalize food, and maintain food at a temperature.
Another embodiment relates to a container comprising at least one opening through which items are moved between the interior and the exterior of the container, a support surface in the container for supporting the items, and an air curtain system providing an air curtain over the opening. A portion of the air stream flowing over and around the items.
Another embodiment relates to a container comprising at least one opening through which items are moved between the interior and the exterior of the container and a duct system configured to direct an air stream across the opening, the duct system comprising a plurality of air returns. At least one of the air returns is positioned adjacent to the opening and receives at least a portion of air stream. The portion of the air stream forming a barrier between the interior of the container and the exterior environment. The items are configured to be positioned substantially between at least another one of the air returns and the opening. The another one of the air returns being configured to receive another portion of the air stream.
Another embodiment relates to a container comprising at least one opening through which items are moved out of the container, an air curtain provided over the opening to form a barrier between an interior environment of the container and an exterior environment, and a first side positioned substantially opposite the opening. The first side comprising at least one air return which is configured to receive a portion of the air from the air curtain.
Another embodiment relates to a container comprising at least one opening through which items are moved between the interior and exterior of the container and an air curtain provided over the opening to form a barrier between the interior of the container and the exterior environment. The air in the air curtain is used to maintain the temperature and the humidity of the interior of the container at substantially controlled levels.
Another embodiment relates to a container configured to house food comprising at least one fan configured to output an air stream and a baffle configured to receive the air stream from the fan. The air stream from the baffle passes over a water source to humidify the air stream. The humidified air stream is circulated in the container to maintain the water content of the food at or above a set level.
The construction and arrangement of the elements described herein are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those of ordinary skill who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the methods and systems described herein. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the methods and systems described herein.

Claims

1. A food container comprising:

an opening which is used to move food into and/or out of the container; and

an air stream which moves parallel to the opening and forms a barrier between an interior of the container and an exterior environment;

wherein the air stream is humidified.

2. The food container of claim 1 wherein the air stream is used to humidify the interior of the container.

3. The food container of claim 1 wherein the air stream is used to provide heat to the interior of the container.

4. The food container of claim 1 comprising a control system which is used to control the humidity of the air stream.

5. The food container of claim 1 comprising a water source which is used to humidify the air stream.

6. The food container of claim 5 wherein the humidity of the air stream is controlled by controlling the temperature of the water in the water source.

7. The food container of claim 1 comprising

a duct system used to direct the air stream parallel to the opening;

a heating element used to heat the air stream;

a fan which is used to circulate the air stream through the container; and

a water source which is used to provide humidity to the air stream.

8. A food container comprising:

an opening which is use to move food into and/or out of the container;

a baffle positioned adjacent to a water source, the baffle being used to alter the movement of the air stream as the air stream passes over the water source.

9. The food container of claim 8 wherein the baffle comprises a perforated plate.

10. The food container of claim 8 wherein at least a portion of the air stream passes through the baffle.

11. The food container of claim 10 wherein all of the air stream passes through the baffle.

12. The food container of claim 8 wherein the interior of the container is heated.

13. The food container of claim 12 wherein the air stream is used to provide heat to the interior of the container.

14. The food container of claim 8 wherein the air stream is used to humidify the interior of the container.

15. The food container of claim 8 comprising

a duct system used to direct the air stream parallel to the opening;

a heating element used to heat the air stream; and

a fan which is used to circulate the air stream through the container.

16. A food container comprising:

a fan used to output an air stream;

a perforated plate positioned to receive the air stream from the fan; and

a water source;

wherein the air stream from the plate passes over the water source to humidify the air stream; and

wherein the air stream is used to humidify an interior of the container.

17. The food container of claim 16 wherein the air stream passes through the perforated plate.

18. The food container of claim 16 wherein the interior of the container is heated.

19. The food container of claim 16 wherein the air stream is used to provide heat to the interior of the container.

20. The food container of claim 16 wherein the container is portable.

21. The food container of claim 16 comprising

a duct system used to direct the air stream across an opening to form a barrier between the interior of the container and an exterior environment; and

a heating element used to heat the air stream.

22. A food container comprising:

an opening which is used to move food into and/or out of the container;

an air stream which moves parallel to the opening and forms a barrier between an interior chamber of the container and an exterior environment; and

a water source positioned above the interior chamber;

wherein the water source is used to humidify the interior chamber of the container.

23. The food container of claim 22 wherein the air stream is used to humidify the interior chamber of the container.

24. The food container of claim 22 wherein the air stream is used to provide heat to the interior chamber of the container.

25. The food container of claim 22 comprising a control system which is used to control the humidity of the interior chamber of the container.

26. The food container of claim 25 wherein the humidity of the interior chamber is controlled by controlling the temperature of the water in the water source.

27. The food container of claim 22 comprising

a duct system used to direct the air stream parallel to the opening;

a heating element used to heat the air stream;

a fan which is used to circulate the air stream through the container.

28. A food container comprising:

a first opening used to move food into and/or out of an interior chamber the container;

a second opening used to move food into and/or out of the interior chamber of the container;

a first air stream and a second air stream which move parallel to the first opening and the second opening, respectively, to form barriers between the interior chamber of the container and an exterior environment;

a water source; and

a baffle positioned adjacent to the water source, the baffle being used to humidify at least one of the first air stream or the second air stream.

29. The food container of claim 28 wherein the air stream is used to humidify the interior chamber of the container.

30. The food container of claim 28 comprising a heating element used to provide heat to the interior chamber of the container.

31. The food container of claim 28 comprising a control system which is used to control the humidity of the interior chamber of the container.

32. The food container of claim 28 wherein the first opening is positioned opposite the second opening.

33. The food container of claim 28 wherein the water source is positioned above the interior chamber.

34. A food container comprising:

a first opening used to move food into and/or out of an interior chamber of the container;

a first air stream and a second air stream which move parallel to the first opening and the second opening, respectively, to form barriers between the interior chamber of the container and an exterior environment; and

a duct system including a plurality of duct openings, the duct openings being positioned in the container so that secondary air moves between the duct openings and at least one of the first air stream or the second air stream while passing adjacent to the food.

35. The food container of claim 34 wherein the air stream is used to humidify the interior chamber of the container.

36. The food container of claim 34 comprising a heating element used to provide heat to the interior chamber of the container.

37. The food container of claim 34 comprising a first side wall in the interior chamber of the container which includes at least a portion of the duct openings.

38. The food container of claim 37 comprising a second side wall positioned opposite the first side wall, the second side wall also including at least a portion of the duct openings.

39. The food container of claim 34 wherein the first opening is positioned opposite the second opening.

40. The food container of claim 34 wherein the water source is positioned above the interior chamber.

41. The food container of claim 34 wherein the secondary air moves from at least one of the first air stream or the second air stream to the duct openings.