WO2017055906A1 - Device for the prolonged maintenance of the temperature of food - Google Patents

Device for the prolonged maintenance of the temperature of food Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017055906A1
WO2017055906A1 PCT/IB2016/001402 IB2016001402W WO2017055906A1 WO 2017055906 A1 WO2017055906 A1 WO 2017055906A1 IB 2016001402 W IB2016001402 W IB 2016001402W WO 2017055906 A1 WO2017055906 A1 WO 2017055906A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
internal compartment
food
bottom wall
fluid substance
height
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2016/001402
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Fernanda Bianchi
Original Assignee
Fernanda Bianchi
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fernanda Bianchi filed Critical Fernanda Bianchi
Publication of WO2017055906A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017055906A1/en

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G19/00Table service
    • A47G19/02Plates, dishes or the like
    • A47G19/027Plates, dishes or the like with means for keeping food cool or hot
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47JKITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J36/00Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels
    • A47J36/24Warming devices
    • A47J36/2494Warming devices using heat storage elements or materials, e.g. lava stones
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47JKITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J41/00Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars
    • A47J41/0055Constructional details of the elements forming the thermal insulation
    • A47J41/0072Double walled vessels comprising a single insulating layer between inner and outer walls
    • A47J41/0077Double walled vessels comprising a single insulating layer between inner and outer walls made of two vessels inserted in each other

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a device for holding food at temperature for a prolonged time.
  • this invention relates to a device for holding food at an ideal temperature for a prolonged time, for example, but not only, when they are exposed on a buffet.
  • a first known solution is that of providing a container underneath the service trays filled with ice.
  • a second known solution provides for the use of tiles filled with a thermal gel. As in the first solution, the tiles filled with thermal gel are placed beneath the service trays, and keep them cool or warm for a longer time.
  • a third solution is that of using very hot or very cold water in a container placed beneath the service trays. The temperature of both cold dishes and hot dishes can be maintained through this solution.
  • the object of this invention is to provide a device which makes it possible to hold food which is not at ambient temperature at temperature for long periods or to keep fresh produce fresh, which comprises fewer elements than known solutions.
  • Another object is to provide a device through which the heating or cooling of all food can be prolonged and which at the same time is simple to install and clear away.
  • the device for the prolonged maintenance of the temperature of food comprises an internal compartment into which a fluid substance of the type, for example, of a thermal gel, can be inserted. Thanks to this device food can be held at temperature with the help of a single element (in the examples above, the tray) instead of two elements (the tray and the container beneath) in known solutions.
  • the device for the maintenance of the temperature of food comprises a body forming at least one bottom wall bounded by at least one outer edge, provided with an internal compartment capable of housing/containing a fluid substance. More advantageously the device comprises at least one first element projecting within the aforesaid space, suitable for interfering with the fluid substance.
  • Figure 1 is a side view in partial cross-section of the device according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a detail of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the device
  • Figure 4 is a side view of a manner of using the device in question
  • Figure 5 is a view in cross-section of a variant of the device according to the invention.
  • Figure 6 is an exploded side view of a further variant of the device in question.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of another variant of the device.
  • Figures 8 and 9 respectively are a plan view and a side view of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention.
  • a device 1 for the prolonged maintenance of the temperature of food comprising a body 2 forming at least one bottom wall 3 and bounded by at least one outer wall 4 is illustrated.
  • Device 1 comprises an internal compartment 5 located within body 2, internal compartment 5 being suitable for containing a fluid substance S ( Figures 1 , 2 and 4).
  • thermal substance in internal compartment 5.
  • thermal substance S may for example be a cooling gel, or a eutectic product.
  • device 1 is a tray.
  • body 2 is made of rigid material, for example a plastics material such as ABS, which can be placed in contact with food products.
  • internal compartment 5 which has a height H1 (measured between the upper and lower internal surfaces of internal compartment 5), extends along body 2 so as to substantially reach outer edge 4, as may be seen for example in Figure 1 .
  • body 2 should not have a solid zone. But it is obviously possible to provide that internal compartment 5 be made in only one or more portions of body 2, as will be seen below.
  • device 1 for holding food at temperature comprises at least a first projecting element 6 provided within internal compartment 5 and suitable for interfering with fluid substance S ( Figures 1 , 2 and 3).
  • first projecting element 6 By interfering with fluid substance S projecting element 6 is able to limit its movement within internal compartment 5. This makes it possible for fluid substance S to be kept better distributed within internal compartment 5, even when device 1 is moved.
  • device 1 comprises a plurality of first projecting elements 6 located within internal compartment 5 in such a way as to subdivide it into a plurality of sectors 50. Fluid substance S is therefore subdivided into sectors 50, and is therefore better distributed within internal compartment 5.
  • sectors 50 be regularly distributed within internal compartment 5. It is also pointed out that the larger the number of sectors 50, the more uniform will be the distribution of fluid substance S.
  • first projecting elements 6 are of a height H2 substantially equal to height H1 of internal compartment 5. In this way sectors 50 created by first elements 6 are substantially sealed off, impeding or at least limiting the emptying of sectors 50 when device 1 is moved.
  • Even more preferably device 1 also comprises at least one second projecting element 7, preferably a plurality of second projecting elements 7, of height H3 shorter than height H2 of first projecting elements 6.
  • second projecting elements 7 permits greater interference with fluid substance S, resulting in increased stability of fluid substance S within internal compartment 5.
  • second elements 7 are of a height H3 which is less than half the height H2 of first projecting elements 6 (H3 ⁇ 50% H2).
  • first and second projecting elements 6, 7 project perpendicularly from an internal surface in internal compartment 5 ( Figures 1 , 2 and 3), but it is possible to provide that these should be inclined with respect to the perpendicular to such surfaces.
  • device 1 is preferably a tray.
  • body 2 in addition to bottom wall 3, body 2 also comprises at least one side wall 8 extending from bottom wall 3 in an inclined direction with respect to said bottom wall 3, and at least one outer portion 9 extending transversely from side wall 8.
  • outer edge 4 of body 2 coincides with the outer edge of outer portion 9 ( Figures 1 and 2).
  • outer portion 9, which can act as a perimeter wall, is of such a thickness that internal compartment 5 can also extend within it.
  • body 2 of device 1 comprises an upper half-body 2A and a lower half-body 2B connected together, and at least one spacing element to create internal compartment 5 (Figure 3).
  • This spacing element is thus of a height equal to height H1 of internal compartment 5.
  • first projecting elements 6 act as spacing element, given that these have a height H2 substantially equal to height H1 of the internal compartment.
  • upper half-body 2A comprises its own bottom wall 3A, its own outer wall 4A, its own side wall 8A and its own outer portion 9A
  • lower half-body 2B comprises its own lower wall 3B, its own outer edge 4B, its own side wall 8B and its own outer portion 9B.
  • First and second projecting elements 6, 7 project from the upper surface of bottom wall 3B of lower half-body 2B. However it may be provided that these projecting elements 6, 7 project from the lower surface of bottom wall 3A of upper half-body 2A, or project from one or other without prejudicing the result obtained.
  • connection between upper half-body 2A and lower half-body 2B is provided through nesting and adhesive bonding.
  • outer dimension of half-body 2B (measured between the outer surfaces of outer edges 4B) is substantially equal to the internal dimension of outer edge 4A of upper half- body 2A (measured between the internal surfaces of outer edges 4A), so that lower half-body 2B will nest in upper half-body 2A.
  • the two half-bodies 2A, 2B are preferably made of plastics material of the ABS type, by moulding, and are therefore two single pieces.
  • outer portion 9 comprises at least one contact portion 10 the upper surface of which is flat, and preferably substantially parallel to bottom wall 3.
  • contact portion 10 extends along all of outer portion 9. In this way a second upside-down device 1 ' can be supported on first device 1 ( Figure 4). In this way contact portions 10, 10' are in mutual contact.
  • body 2 comprises at least one through hole 1 1 enabling fluid substance S to flow into internal compartment 5 (Figure 5).
  • sealed sectors 50 are present (with first projecting elements 6 of height H2 equal to height H1 of internal compartment 5) it is possible to provide a series of openings (not shown) in first projecting elements 6 arranged in such a way as to create a route for filling sectors 50, a route along which fluid substance S can flow, progressively filling sectors 50.
  • the through holes may be made in outer portion 9B of lower half-body 2B, in order to be less visible.
  • Figure 6 illustrates the possibility of providing interchangeable cover elements 12, that is covers capable for example of covering at least outer portion 9 of device 1 .
  • cover element 12 comprises at least one outer member 12A of such shape and dimensions as to at least partly cover outer portion 9 of device 1 .
  • Cover 12 illustrated by way of example also comprises a bottom member 12B and a side member 12C extending therefrom, preferably as one piece. Outer member 12A extends transversely to side member 12C, which in turn extends transversely to bottom member 12B.
  • These three elements preferably provided as a single piece, are of shape and dimensions such as to cover both outer portion 9 and lower wall 3 and side wall 8.
  • Cover elements 12 may display graphic images, for example ones suitable for traditional festivals such as Christmas or Easter, or again best wishes, and therefore act as a personalising element, or may also be transparent or coloured with a single colour. Cover elements 12 may be made of disposable material, in such a way that device 1 is always kept hygienically clean without having to wash it after every use.
  • a food support element 13 located on bottom wall 3 which at least partly covers the latter.
  • This possibility provided in particular in the case of food which is kept cold or fresh, makes it possible to avoid the food coming into contact with the condensation forming on the walls of device 1 as a result of heat exchange with the outside environment.
  • Preferably supporting element 13 comprises at least one grid supporting portion 13A provided with spacer feet 13B intended to keep grid supporting portion 13A at a distance from the upper surface of bottom wall 3.
  • device 1 preferably comprises at least one support member on the lower surface of bottom wall 3.
  • the support member is of one piece with body 2 and is of the same material, and has a shape such as to limit slipping of device 1 .
  • a luminous support element supported on bottom wall 3, so that the food located in device 1 can be illuminated. In this way the food displayed can be made more attractive, or also made perfectly visible even under low light conditions.
  • the light emitted by the luminous supporting element may be of a constant or variable colour depending upon requirements.
  • device 1 is preferably a tray.
  • a tray of circular shape, it should be pointed out that this may be of any shape (including square or rectangular, as may be seen in Figure 7) and of any size.
  • device 1 is a container for a portion of food for small children, or also a suitable dish for serving sushi.
  • Device 1 functions as follows.
  • device 1 After a predetermined residence time in the environment at a very hot or very cold temperature, device 1 is removed from that environment and the envisaged food is set out on bottom wall 3. It is preferable that device 1 should be withdrawn from the environment at a very hot or very cold temperature immediately before the food is set out.
  • FIGS 8 and 9 illustrate a second embodiment of the device for the prolonged maintenance of the temperature of food. Elements in common with the preceding embodiment will not be described again, and will be indicated using the same numbers, to which however 100 will be added.
  • Device 101 illustrated as a substantially rectangular shape, but which may have any shape, provides for at least one containment compartment 120 made in bottom wall 103.
  • containment compartment 120 has smaller dimensions than the dimensions of bottom wall 103, in that it is intended to contain a predetermined dose of condiment or food accompanying the food laid out on bottom wall 103, which constitutes the main dish.
  • device 101 illustrated in the figures has lateral dimensions of approximately 26.5 cm x 16.2 cm, while each containment compartment 120 has lateral dimensions of approximately 3 cm x 5.5 cm.
  • Outer portion 109 is of a height of substantially 1 cm and a width of substantially 2 cm, as has contact portion 1 10, which covers the entire upper surface of outer portion 109.
  • Side wall 108 has a height of approximately 2 cm.
  • this second embodiment is particularly suitable for serving a dish of sushi or the like, containment compartment 120 having the function of containing wasabi, ginger or soya sauce.
  • Advantageously device 101 comprises a plurality of containment compartments 120, for example four as in the example illustrated.
  • containment compartments 120 are always of one piece with the rest of body 102 and made of the same material.
  • Advantageously device 101 also comprises support members 130 having the same shape and dimensions as containment compartments 120. In this way devices 101 can be stacked by inserting supporting members 130 in containment compartments 120, giving rise to smaller dimensions and greater stability for the stack of devices 101 . In this case it is useful for a disposable cover member to be provided, for reasons of health and cleanliness.
  • supporting members 130 illustrated are of a height of approximately 2 cm. It is emphasised that the abovementioned dimensions relate to device 101 illustrated purely by way of example, and that this invention relates to devices of any shape and size.
  • support members 130 be of one piece with the rest of body 102 and of the same material, so that device 101 is of a single piece.

Abstract

The device for the prolonged maintenance of the temperature of food comprises a body (2) forming at least one bottom wall (3) bounded by at least one outer edge (4) and comprising an internal compartment (5) suitable for containing a fluid substance (S).

Description

DEVICE FOR THE PROLONGED MAINTENANCE OF THE TEMPERATURE OF FOOD
This invention relates to a device for holding food at temperature for a prolonged time.
More particularly this invention relates to a device for holding food at an ideal temperature for a prolonged time, for example, but not only, when they are exposed on a buffet.
It is increasingly widespread practice to serve food by presenting it in an attractive way to those who have to consume it. For example food is carefully arranged on plates or trays that are then left on a shelf where they are available to consumers. In this way the food is easily accessible to consumers.
A problem arises when the exposed food is not at ambient temperature, but cooled or heated, or again is fresh food in an ambient temperature which has to be kept in a refrigerated environment (for example cuts of meat or seafood). Given the shape of the plates on which the food is displayed, it is practically left in the open air, and therefore warms up or cools in a short time. Under these conditions it is difficult to display food properly and in such a way that it can remain at the desired temperature.
A first known solution is that of providing a container underneath the service trays filled with ice.
A second known solution provides for the use of tiles filled with a thermal gel. As in the first solution, the tiles filled with thermal gel are placed beneath the service trays, and keep them cool or warm for a longer time.
A third solution is that of using very hot or very cold water in a container placed beneath the service trays. The temperature of both cold dishes and hot dishes can be maintained through this solution.
Finally another known solution provides for the provision of a heater beneath the service trays, the heater being operated by gas, electricity or a burning gel.
One disadvantage of known solutions is that of providing a container beneath each tray which has to be kept at a specific temperature.
The object of this invention is to provide a device which makes it possible to hold food which is not at ambient temperature at temperature for long periods or to keep fresh produce fresh, which comprises fewer elements than known solutions.
In this context another object is to provide a device through which the heating or cooling of all food can be prolonged and which at the same time is simple to install and clear away.
This and other objects are accomplished through a device for the prolonged maintenance of the temperature of food in accordance with the technical teaching in the appended claims.
According to this invention the device for the prolonged maintenance of the temperature of food comprises an internal compartment into which a fluid substance of the type, for example, of a thermal gel, can be inserted. Thanks to this device food can be held at temperature with the help of a single element (in the examples above, the tray) instead of two elements (the tray and the container beneath) in known solutions.
The device for the maintenance of the temperature of food comprises a body forming at least one bottom wall bounded by at least one outer edge, provided with an internal compartment capable of housing/containing a fluid substance. More advantageously the device comprises at least one first element projecting within the aforesaid space, suitable for interfering with the fluid substance.
Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the device for the display of food, illustrated by way of example and therefore not in any way limiting, in the appended drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a side view in partial cross-section of the device according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a detail of Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the device;
Figure 4 is a side view of a manner of using the device in question;
Figure 5 is a view in cross-section of a variant of the device according to the invention;
Figure 6 is an exploded side view of a further variant of the device in question;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of another variant of the device; and
Figures 8 and 9 respectively are a plan view and a side view of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention.
With reference to the figures mentioned, a device 1 for the prolonged maintenance of the temperature of food comprising a body 2 forming at least one bottom wall 3 and bounded by at least one outer wall 4 is illustrated. Device 1 comprises an internal compartment 5 located within body 2, internal compartment 5 being suitable for containing a fluid substance S (Figures 1 , 2 and 4).
In order to achieve the abovementioned objects device 1 appropriately contains a thermal fluid substance in internal compartment 5. In the context of this application by thermal substance is meant a substance which stores heat or cold and then releases it gradually over time. Thermal fluid substance S may for example be a cooling gel, or a eutectic product.
According to the preferred embodiment of device 1 illustrated in the drawings as an example, device 1 is a tray. For this purpose body 2 is made of rigid material, for example a plastics material such as ABS, which can be placed in contact with food products.
Preferably internal compartment 5, which has a height H1 (measured between the upper and lower internal surfaces of internal compartment 5), extends along body 2 so as to substantially reach outer edge 4, as may be seen for example in Figure 1 .
In other words it is preferable that body 2 should not have a solid zone. But it is obviously possible to provide that internal compartment 5 be made in only one or more portions of body 2, as will be seen below.
According to a particularly preferred aspect of the invention, device 1 for holding food at temperature comprises at least a first projecting element 6 provided within internal compartment 5 and suitable for interfering with fluid substance S (Figures 1 , 2 and 3). By interfering with fluid substance S projecting element 6 is able to limit its movement within internal compartment 5. This makes it possible for fluid substance S to be kept better distributed within internal compartment 5, even when device 1 is moved.
Even more preferably device 1 comprises a plurality of first projecting elements 6 located within internal compartment 5 in such a way as to subdivide it into a plurality of sectors 50. Fluid substance S is therefore subdivided into sectors 50, and is therefore better distributed within internal compartment 5.
It is obviously preferable that sectors 50 be regularly distributed within internal compartment 5. It is also pointed out that the larger the number of sectors 50, the more uniform will be the distribution of fluid substance S.
In the example illustrated in the figures first projecting elements 6 are of a height H2 substantially equal to height H1 of internal compartment 5. In this way sectors 50 created by first elements 6 are substantially sealed off, impeding or at least limiting the emptying of sectors 50 when device 1 is moved.
Even more preferably device 1 also comprises at least one second projecting element 7, preferably a plurality of second projecting elements 7, of height H3 shorter than height H2 of first projecting elements 6. The presence of second projecting elements 7 permits greater interference with fluid substance S, resulting in increased stability of fluid substance S within internal compartment 5.
For example second elements 7 are of a height H3 which is less than half the height H2 of first projecting elements 6 (H3 < 50% H2).
In the example illustrated first and second projecting elements 6, 7 project perpendicularly from an internal surface in internal compartment 5 (Figures 1 , 2 and 3), but it is possible to provide that these should be inclined with respect to the perpendicular to such surfaces.
As stated previously, device 1 is preferably a tray. In this sense, in addition to bottom wall 3, body 2 also comprises at least one side wall 8 extending from bottom wall 3 in an inclined direction with respect to said bottom wall 3, and at least one outer portion 9 extending transversely from side wall 8.
In this case outer edge 4 of body 2 coincides with the outer edge of outer portion 9 (Figures 1 and 2).
It is desirable that outer portion 9, which can act as a perimeter wall, is of such a thickness that internal compartment 5 can also extend within it.
It is particularly advantageous to provide that body 2 of device 1 comprises an upper half-body 2A and a lower half-body 2B connected together, and at least one spacing element to create internal compartment 5 (Figure 3). This spacing element is thus of a height equal to height H1 of internal compartment 5. In the example illustrated first projecting elements 6 act as spacing element, given that these have a height H2 substantially equal to height H1 of the internal compartment.
As may be seen in the figures (in particular in Figure 3) upper half-body 2A comprises its own bottom wall 3A, its own outer wall 4A, its own side wall 8A and its own outer portion 9A, while lower half-body 2B comprises its own lower wall 3B, its own outer edge 4B, its own side wall 8B and its own outer portion 9B.
First and second projecting elements 6, 7 project from the upper surface of bottom wall 3B of lower half-body 2B. However it may be provided that these projecting elements 6, 7 project from the lower surface of bottom wall 3A of upper half-body 2A, or project from one or other without prejudicing the result obtained.
Preferably the connection between upper half-body 2A and lower half-body 2B is provided through nesting and adhesive bonding. For example the outer dimension of half-body 2B (measured between the outer surfaces of outer edges 4B) is substantially equal to the internal dimension of outer edge 4A of upper half- body 2A (measured between the internal surfaces of outer edges 4A), so that lower half-body 2B will nest in upper half-body 2A.
The two half-bodies 2A, 2B are preferably made of plastics material of the ABS type, by moulding, and are therefore two single pieces.
According to one advantageous aspect of the invention, outer portion 9 comprises at least one contact portion 10 the upper surface of which is flat, and preferably substantially parallel to bottom wall 3.
Even more advantageously contact portion 10 extends along all of outer portion 9. In this way a second upside-down device 1 ' can be supported on first device 1 (Figure 4). In this way contact portions 10, 10' are in mutual contact.
Bearing in mind the fact that internal compartment 5 extends as far as the inside of outer portion 9, when fluid substance S is cooled condensation forms on the outside of body 2 and therefore also on contact portion 10. Placing a first and second device 1 , 1 ' together, contact portions 10, 10' come into mutual contact and, because condensation is present, by pressing on bottom walls 3, 3' the two devices 1 , 1 ' can be sealed together. This configuration allows even better preservation of cold food, for example ice cream, through creating an insulated environment surrounded by the two cooled devices 1 , 1 '. According to another advantageous aspect, body 2 comprises at least one through hole 1 1 enabling fluid substance S to flow into internal compartment 5 (Figure 5).
Thanks to this through hole 1 1 it is possible to fill internal compartment 5 with fluid substance S from the outside of body 2 without having to open it. In this way, for example, an internal compartment 5 of a body 2 made of a single piece, instead of two half-bodies 2A, 2B as in the solution illustrated, can be filled.
If sealed sectors 50 are present (with first projecting elements 6 of height H2 equal to height H1 of internal compartment 5) it is possible to provide a series of openings (not shown) in first projecting elements 6 arranged in such a way as to create a route for filling sectors 50, a route along which fluid substance S can flow, progressively filling sectors 50.
To improve filling with fluid substance S from outside body 2 it is possible to provide a second through hole (not illustrated in the figures) in body 2 to allow air to escape while filling is in progress.
As illustrated in Figure 5, the through holes may be made in outer portion 9B of lower half-body 2B, in order to be less visible.
Figure 6 illustrates the possibility of providing interchangeable cover elements 12, that is covers capable for example of covering at least outer portion 9 of device 1 . With this object, cover element 12 comprises at least one outer member 12A of such shape and dimensions as to at least partly cover outer portion 9 of device 1 .
These cover elements 12 may be readily fitted and removed so that the aesthetic appearance of tray 1 can easily be changed. Cover 12 illustrated by way of example also comprises a bottom member 12B and a side member 12C extending therefrom, preferably as one piece. Outer member 12A extends transversely to side member 12C, which in turn extends transversely to bottom member 12B. These three elements, preferably provided as a single piece, are of shape and dimensions such as to cover both outer portion 9 and lower wall 3 and side wall 8.
Cover elements 12 may display graphic images, for example ones suitable for traditional festivals such as Christmas or Easter, or again best wishes, and therefore act as a personalising element, or may also be transparent or coloured with a single colour. Cover elements 12 may be made of disposable material, in such a way that device 1 is always kept hygienically clean without having to wash it after every use.
According to another advantageous aspect of the device according to the invention it is possible to provide a food support element 13 (Figure 5) located on bottom wall 3 which at least partly covers the latter. This possibility, provided in particular in the case of food which is kept cold or fresh, makes it possible to avoid the food coming into contact with the condensation forming on the walls of device 1 as a result of heat exchange with the outside environment.
Preferably supporting element 13 comprises at least one grid supporting portion 13A provided with spacer feet 13B intended to keep grid supporting portion 13A at a distance from the upper surface of bottom wall 3.
Finally device 1 preferably comprises at least one support member on the lower surface of bottom wall 3.
Advantageously the support member is of one piece with body 2 and is of the same material, and has a shape such as to limit slipping of device 1 .
Obviously it is preferable to provide a plurality of support members regularly distributed around the centre of bottom wall 3 of device 1 .
It is also possible to provide a luminous support element, supported on bottom wall 3, so that the food located in device 1 can be illuminated. In this way the food displayed can be made more attractive, or also made perfectly visible even under low light conditions. The light emitted by the luminous supporting element may be of a constant or variable colour depending upon requirements.
As said previously, device 1 is preferably a tray. Although the example illustrated shows a tray of circular shape, it should be pointed out that this may be of any shape (including square or rectangular, as may be seen in Figure 7) and of any size.
It should also be said that the embodiment described above is only one of many possibilities for implementing the invention. It is in fact possible to provide that device 1 is a container for a portion of food for small children, or also a suitable dish for serving sushi.
Device 1 functions as follows.
First of all device 1 , into internal compartment 5 of which fluid substance S has already been inserted, is placed in an environment at a very hot temperature (an oven) or very cold temperature (a freezer).
After a predetermined residence time in the environment at a very hot or very cold temperature, device 1 is removed from that environment and the envisaged food is set out on bottom wall 3. It is preferable that device 1 should be withdrawn from the environment at a very hot or very cold temperature immediately before the food is set out.
In the situation where it is necessary to allow a waiting time before placing the food at the disposal of the public, it is possible to provide a second device 1 ' above first device 1 , with corresponding outer portions 9, 9' (in particular contact portions 10, 10') in mutual contact, as illustrated in Figure 4. When the food is made available to the public, device 1 in which it is placed can be uncovered and positioned where intended.
Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a second embodiment of the device for the prolonged maintenance of the temperature of food. Elements in common with the preceding embodiment will not be described again, and will be indicated using the same numbers, to which however 100 will be added.
Device 101 , illustrated as a substantially rectangular shape, but which may have any shape, provides for at least one containment compartment 120 made in bottom wall 103. Obviously containment compartment 120 has smaller dimensions than the dimensions of bottom wall 103, in that it is intended to contain a predetermined dose of condiment or food accompanying the food laid out on bottom wall 103, which constitutes the main dish.
For example, device 101 illustrated in the figures has lateral dimensions of approximately 26.5 cm x 16.2 cm, while each containment compartment 120 has lateral dimensions of approximately 3 cm x 5.5 cm. Outer portion 109 is of a height of substantially 1 cm and a width of substantially 2 cm, as has contact portion 1 10, which covers the entire upper surface of outer portion 109. Side wall 108 has a height of approximately 2 cm.
Typically this second embodiment is particularly suitable for serving a dish of sushi or the like, containment compartment 120 having the function of containing wasabi, ginger or soya sauce.
Advantageously device 101 comprises a plurality of containment compartments 120, for example four as in the example illustrated.
It is pointed out that containment compartments 120 are always of one piece with the rest of body 102 and made of the same material.
Advantageously device 101 also comprises support members 130 having the same shape and dimensions as containment compartments 120. In this way devices 101 can be stacked by inserting supporting members 130 in containment compartments 120, giving rise to smaller dimensions and greater stability for the stack of devices 101 . In this case it is useful for a disposable cover member to be provided, for reasons of health and cleanliness.
Indicatively, supporting members 130 illustrated are of a height of approximately 2 cm. It is emphasised that the abovementioned dimensions relate to device 101 illustrated purely by way of example, and that this invention relates to devices of any shape and size.
Similarly to what was said in relation to the containment spaces, it is preferable that support members 130 be of one piece with the rest of body 102 and of the same material, so that device 101 is of a single piece.

Claims

1 . Device for the prolonged maintenance of temperature of food, comprising a body (2, 102) forming at least one bottom wall (3, 103), and bounded by at least one outer edge (4, 104), characterised in that it comprises an internal compartment (5) within said body (2, 102), suitable for containing a fluid substance
(5) .
2. Device according to claim 1 , comprising at least a first projecting element
(6) within the internal compartment (5) suitable for interfering with the fluid substance (S).
3. Device according to claim 2, comprising a plurality of first projecting elements (6) within the internal compartment (5), said first projecting elements (6) being arranged in such a way as to subdivide the said internal compartment (5) into a plurality of sectors (50).
4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first projecting elements (6) are of a height (H2) substantially identical to the height (H1 ) of the internal compartment (5).
5. Device according to claims 2, 3 or 4, comprising at least one second projecting element (7) within the internal compartment (5), said second projecting element (7) having a height (H3) which is shorter than the height (H2) of the first projecting element (6).
6. Device according to claim 5, comprising a plurality of second projecting elements (7).
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (2) comprises an upper half-body (2A) and a lower half-body (2B) which can be coupled together, and at least one spacer element to create the internal compartment (5).
8. Device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the body (2, 102) also comprises at least one side wall (8, 108) extending from the bottom wall (3, 103) in an inclined direction with respect to the same bottom wall (3, 103), and at least one outer portion (9, 109) extending transversely from said side wall (8, 108).
9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the outer portion (9, 109) comprises at least one contact portion (10, 1 10) the upper surface of which is flat.
10. Device according to claim 9, wherein the contact portion (10, 1 10) extends along the entire outer portion (9, 109).
1 1 . Device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the body (2, 102) comprises at least one through hole (1 1 ) enabling the fluid substance to flow into the internal compartment (5).
12. Device according to claim 1 1 , wherein the body (2, 102) comprises a second through hole to allow air to escape while the internal compartment (5) is being filled with the fluid substance (S).
13. Device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1 , 101 ) is a tray.
14. Device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, comprising at least one support member (130) on the lower surface of the bottom wall (3, 103).
PCT/IB2016/001402 2015-10-02 2016-09-30 Device for the prolonged maintenance of the temperature of food WO2017055906A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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IT202015000057557 2015-10-02
ITUB20156485 2015-10-02

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4880951A (en) * 1988-06-03 1989-11-14 General Housewares Corporation Food preparation kit for use in cooking food in microwave oven or in thermal oven
US5125391A (en) * 1991-10-10 1992-06-30 Servolift Eastern Corporation Heat-retaining food service container
US20050218146A1 (en) * 2004-04-05 2005-10-06 Thissen Rafael K Food and beverage storage and serving vessel comprising an integral phase change material
CN201349844Y (en) * 2009-01-19 2009-11-25 王正一 Cooling plate

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4880951A (en) * 1988-06-03 1989-11-14 General Housewares Corporation Food preparation kit for use in cooking food in microwave oven or in thermal oven
US5125391A (en) * 1991-10-10 1992-06-30 Servolift Eastern Corporation Heat-retaining food service container
US20050218146A1 (en) * 2004-04-05 2005-10-06 Thissen Rafael K Food and beverage storage and serving vessel comprising an integral phase change material
CN201349844Y (en) * 2009-01-19 2009-11-25 王正一 Cooling plate

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