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WO2003063666A1 - Heating and cooling device - Google Patents

Heating and cooling device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003063666A1
WO2003063666A1 PCT/AU2003/000109 AU0300109W WO03063666A1 WO 2003063666 A1 WO2003063666 A1 WO 2003063666A1 AU 0300109 W AU0300109 W AU 0300109W WO 03063666 A1 WO03063666 A1 WO 03063666A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cabinet
container
opening
panel
panels
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2003/000109
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Lionel Clyve Thomas
Original Assignee
Lionel Clyve Thomas
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 Lionel Clyve Thomas filed Critical Lionel Clyve Thomas
Priority to GB0417959A priority Critical patent/GB2406165B/en
Priority to AU2003205423A priority patent/AU2003205423B2/en
Publication of WO2003063666A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003063666A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
    • A47F3/001—Devices for lighting, humidifying, heating, ventilation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
    • A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
    • A47F3/0439—Cases or cabinets of the open type
    • A47F3/0469—Details, e.g. night covers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J41/00—Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
    • B65D81/3825—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container with one or more containers located inside the external container
    • B65D81/3827—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container with one or more containers located inside the external container the external tray being formed of foam material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
    • B65D81/3825—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container with one or more containers located inside the external container
    • B65D81/3832—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container with one or more containers located inside the external container the external tray being provided with liquid material between double walls
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/06—Walls
    • F25D23/062—Walls defining a cabinet
    • F25D23/063—Walls defining a cabinet formed by an assembly of panels

Definitions

  • Th present invention relates to a device for heating and cooling perishable foo L More particularly, the present invention relates to mpro men s made to the device disclosed in Australian patent 708765, the full specification of which
  • Australian patent 70876! discloses a modular refrigeration and food storage system comprising a set of panels that can be assembled togethe for storing perishable food.
  • the body of the specifi tion describes two preferred embodiments wherein the panels are assembled Into either a horizontal cabinet or a vertical cabinet.
  • the present invention is capable of applying to either embodiment, it is particularly suited to the horizontal cabine .
  • top panel 18 includes multiple slots indicated by reference numeral 18b which receive plastic food containers 18a (see figure 1).
  • a disadvantage with the arrangement shown in figure 1 is that when the food container is placed in the slot 18b, the thickness of the op panel, and in particular the insulating material of the top panel effectively prevents the side walls of the container from being heated or coole .
  • a heating or cooling device for storing perishable food, the d ⁇ iric ⁇ including an upwardly facing panel having a layer of Insulation and an opening therein through which a contain ir for food can be positioned, wherein the opening in laid panel is adapted so that said container can be supported in the opening substantially below the layer of insulation and thereby exposing the wails of the containerJ
  • a set of panels that can be assembled to form a device for storing perishable food, the device including an upwardly facing panel having a layer of insulation and an opening therein through which a container for food can !*• positioned, wherein the opening in said panel is adapted so that the container can be supported in the opening substantially below the layer of insulation and thereb exposing the walls of the container.
  • a device ma ⁇ h of a set of disassemble panels including an upwardly facing panel having a layer of insulation and an opening therein through which a container for food can be positioned, wherein the opening in aaid panel is adapted so that the container can be supported in the opening substantially below the layer of insulation and thereby exposing the walls of the containe .
  • a.y be configured or assembled to form a cabinet.
  • a modular system of stac able and interlactable thermall insulated panels which can be assembled into cabinets for hot or cold perishable foods, one cabinet including a wheelable vertical storage cabinet, the other cabinet including a horizontal wheelable servary trolley, the storage cabinet and the servery trolley both being detachably joinable to a respective separable wh «elable refrigeration or heating unit, the modular systea including an upwardly facing panel having a layer of insulation and an opening therein through which a container for food can be positioned, wherein the opening in said panel is adapted so that the container can be supported in the opening substantially below the layer of in ⁇ uljation and thereby exposing the walls of the container.
  • a set :>£ panels that can be assembled to form a cabinet for stori ag perishable food, wherein one or more of the panels inclules an interconnecting means for interconnecting the cabitet with another cabinet.
  • a modular l ste of stackable and interlactable thermally which can be assembled into cabinets for hot or cold perishable foods, one cabinet including a wheelable vertical storage cabinet, the other cabiiet including a horizontal wheelable servery troll »y, the storage cabinet and the serv ⁇ ry trolley both be:Lng detachably jolnable to a respective separable whoelable refrigeration unit, wherein one or more of the pan ⁇ j. ⁇ includes an interconnecting means for interconnecti g the cabinet with another cabine .
  • the interconnecting means may include means for interconnecting a plurality of panels of the cabinet to another c ;
  • the interconnecting panel is constructed to prevent gas from one cabinet being in fluid communication with gas in another cabinet.
  • the interconnecting pane When the interconnecting pane] functions In this manner, one cabinet can be used for 1,eating food while the other cabinet can be used for cooling food.
  • the interconnecting panel it is also preferred that the interconnecting panel be thermally insulated.
  • the interconnecting panel deludes an aperture to allow the gases in one cabinet to circulate with the gases in another cabinet.
  • Xt is also preferred tnat the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention include an upwardly facing panel having a layer of in ⁇ ulitlon and an opening therein through which a contain ⁇ r for food can be positioned, wherein the opening in laid panel is adapted so that said container can be supported in the opening substantially below the layer of insulation and thereby exposing the walls of the container.
  • tho opening in the upwardly facing panel for receiving a fctod container includes a flange projecting into the op ei g, the lange being con igured to engage a co-operatin$r flange of the container, the flange of the opening bding recessed below an upper surface of the top pane ] so that the walls of the container project b ⁇ lcuf' h ⁇ layer of insulation.
  • the opening of the upwardly facing panel reduces in
  • the invention includes a bottom panel, wherein the bottom panel has a plurality of ribs on which food items can b « supported.
  • the ribs provide two advantages; the first advantage being that any spilt liquid can drain to the trough between the ribs and thus prevent the food from sitting in the liquid; and the second advantage being that the ribs assist in removing and cleaning spilt liquid from the bottom panel.
  • thfc invention includes a panel having a glass window to enablf the contents of the cabinet to be readily seen. It is evn more preferred that the glass window include at least one slidablo glass panel to allow access into the cabinet.
  • an electrical heating unit can be attached to the cabinet for heating ood stored therein, the heating unit includel ⁇ a thermostat for controlling the temperature of the cabinet
  • the invention includes a panel having an opening therein so thit a conduit can pass through said panel and allows materials to be pumped into or from the cabinet.
  • the set of panels / when assembled, can be mounted on a base frame having pneumatic wheels,
  • the base frame also includes a series of retractable ramps for loading and unloading the base ame from a transport vehicle.
  • th device also includes a cover that can be placed over the abinet.
  • the cover is preferably made from a flexible material for shading the device from direct sunlight.
  • thfa device include an LPG burner that can be positioned insido the cabinet for heating. It is even more that the ⁇ burner include two burning outlets for burning LPO.
  • Figure 1 is a side viewi of a top panel according to Australian patent 70876 ⁇
  • Figure 1A is a side viek of a portion of a top panel according to the first po fourth aspects of the present inven ion;
  • figure 2 is an end viewl of an interconnecting panel according to the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention.
  • figure 2A is a ont view of the interconnecting panel shown in figure 2f f i g ure 3 is an end view of an alternative interconnecting panel according to the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention
  • Figure 3A is a front vd
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of a bottom panel of the present invention.
  • figure 4 ⁇ Is a side view of the embodiment shown in figure 4;
  • figure 5 is a ont vie
  • figure 6 is a f ont view of a beating unit control panel according to the ⁇ resen
  • Figure 7 is a front view of an end panel according to the present invention.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of a base ame according to the present invention*
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of a cover according to the present invention.
  • Figure 9A is a perspeotive view of an alternative cover according to the presenb invention.
  • FIG 10 is a per ⁇ pectllve view of an alternative heating unit.
  • a pre erred embodiment o. the present invention includes a set of disassemble panels that form a cabinet generally described in Australian patent 708765.
  • Figure 1 illustrates tU
  • the top panel 11 includes upper 12 and lower 13 surfaces made of stainless steel with a polyurethane or polystyrene thermal insulation core 14-
  • the thickness of the top paael 11 is such that when the containers 16 are place 1 in an opening in the panel 11 the side walls of the container are shielded by the insulating material, thereby csausi ig food in the containers 16 to be heated or cooled inefficiently
  • the top panel 11 of the preferred embodiment includes an opening tha: is constructed so that the size of the opening reduces progressively, in a step wise manner, from the upper iiurface 12 to the lower surface 13 of the top panel 11.
  • Tie lower surface 11 includes a flange 15 that projects into the opening and restricts the opening to a size sufficient for a container 16 having a co-operating flange.
  • the flange of the container is in the form of an upper lip 17 and engages the lowe.: flange 15 of the opening so that the walls of the container are substantially or fully exposed to the air inside the cabinet, thereby increasing the efficiency at which food in the container can be heated or cooled.
  • Figure IB illustrates > top view of the opening in the top panel 14 and shows the step construction 18 reducing the size of the opening arcjund the perimeter of the opening.
  • a preferred embodiment also includes an interconnecting panel Id for interconnesting one cabinet with another cabinet.
  • the interconnecting panel em be positioned between adjacent ends of two cabinets a ⁇ pairs of interlocking latches enables an interconnect: Lng panel to be fastened to the cabinets.
  • the interlocking latches on each interconnecting panel include a small aiisociated notched-plate 20 which interengage with the lairger hand lever and locking-loop components of the side panels of the cabinet * Full details of the interlocking latches are provided in Australian patent 708765.
  • FIGS 2, 2A, 3 and 3A illustrate two alternative interconnecting panels.
  • the interconnecting panel includes a central cut out 21 so that gas in one cabinet is inizid communication with gas in an adjoining cabinet .
  • FIGS. 3 and 3A illustrate an alternative embodiment of the interconnecting pan ⁇ 1 without a central cut ou .
  • the Interconnecting panel contains a core of insu ating material for insulating a refrigerated cabinet frdm a heated cabinet to which it can be interlocked.
  • FIGS. 4 and 4A illustrate the construction of a preferred bottom panel 22.
  • the bottom panel 22 is a preferred bottom panel 22.
  • the bottom panel 22 is a preferred bottom panel 22.
  • the 22 includes a series of longitudinal parallel ribs 23 on which items of food in tine cabinet can be seated.
  • the ribs 23 allow spilt liquid to drain to troughs between the ribs 23 preventing food in the cabinet from sitting in spilt liquid.
  • the ribs also assist in cleaning spilt materials in the cabinet
  • the glass panels allow items inside the cabinet to be displayed and provide ready access into the cabine ⁇
  • xt is also possible that tne slidable glass panel construction illustrated. in Figure 5 can also be installed in one or more end panels of the cabinet.
  • Figure 6 illustrates the control panel 29 of a fan forced heating unit.
  • the control panel includes: a thermostat dial 27 for selecting the temperature at which the cabinet is to be maintained; a :.5 amp mains electrical power inlet 28 (similar to that used for connecting caravans to mains power); a green light 3d to indicate that the heater is receiving power; and a -f-ed light 31 to indicate that the heater element is on.
  • the heating unit may be provided by an P ⁇ burner.
  • Figure 10 illuittrates a suitable PO burner having two burner outle :• 32. It is intended that the burner outlets may be p.ac ⁇ directly under stainless steel containers 16 or insertit placed in the openings of the top panel 11 to function as a dry Bain-Marie.
  • the LPG burner may be placed beneath a tray of water so that the cabinet may be operated as a wet Bain-Marie.
  • Figure 7 illustrates ai utility panel 33 that can be substituted with the fur- forced heating unit at the end of a cabinet.
  • the utility panel includes a aeries of holes 34 to allow hosing or piping to extend into the cabinet for dispensing material from the cabinet.
  • a flexible hose extending through the panel 33 can be connected to barrels of beverage, such as a kegg of beer, or other chemicals or medical supplies.
  • Figure 8 illustrates a base frame 35 on which the panels can be mounted.
  • Rotate fc>ly mounted to the base are 4 pneumatic tyres 36 of suitable width for supporting the device over soft or pospibly wet terrain.
  • the base frame Mounted to the under s ⁇ e of the base frame are two sleeves 37 for receiving forks of a fork lift truck that enable the base frame 3 ⁇ to be lifted or maneuvered.
  • the two steel ramps 38 of suitable construction may also be used to loa and unload the base frame 35 from a transport vehicle.
  • Figures 9 and !A illustrate two covers 39, 40 that can be positioned over a set of panels assembled into a cabinet.
  • the cover 31 illustrated in figure 9 is smaller than the cover llustrated in Figure 9A and is intended to be placed over a cabinet without a cooling or heating unit attached thereto.
  • A is intended to cover a set of panels assembled into al cabinet and a heating or cooling unit attached at one end of the cabinet.
  • the cover] 40 includes several cut outs 41 to allow for ventilation.
  • the covers are made fro ⁇ i any suitable material for shielding the cabinets from the direct sunlight and ambient weather conditions.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
  • Table Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

A heating or cooling device (1) for storing perishable food characterised by the device comprising an housing forming an enclosed space, including an upwardly facing panel (12) having a layer of insultation (14) and an opening therein through which a container of food (16) can be positioned within the housing, wherein the container (16) when supported in the opening the majority of the container is positioned below the layer of insultation (14) and thereby exposed to the temperature conditions within the housing.

Description

HEATING AND COOLTNft pgvtqs
Th present invention relates to a device for heating and cooling perishable foo L More particularly, the present invention relates to mpro men s made to the device disclosed in Australian patent 708765, the full specification of which |β hereby incorporated into this specification.
Australian patent 70876! discloses a modular refrigeration and food storage system comprising a set of panels that can be assembled togethe for storing perishable food. The body of the specifi tion describes two preferred embodiments wherein the panels are assembled Into either a horizontal cabinet or a vertical cabinet. Although the present invention is capable of applying to either embodiment, it is particularly suited to the horizontal cabine .
The text on page 6 of tble speci ication of Australian patent 708765 describes that the top panel 18 includes multiple slots indicated by reference numeral 18b which receive plastic food containers 18a (see figure 1). A disadvantage with the arrangement shown in figure 1 is that when the food container is placed in the slot 18b, the thickness of the op panel, and in particular the insulating material of the top panel effectively prevents the side walls of the container from being heated or coole .
further disadvantage with the device disclosed in Australian patent 708765 is that in the event of a refrigeration unit 28 on heating unit falling, the food stored in the cabinet vill be spoiled unless the unit can be repaired in a r<alatdjvely short period of time.
Accordingly, it is an o ject of the present invention to alleviate one or more df the disadvantages described above.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a heating or cooling device for storing perishable food, the dβiricβ including an upwardly facing panel having a layer of Insulation and an opening therein through which a contain ir for food can be positioned, wherein the opening in laid panel is adapted so that said container can be supported in the opening substantially below the layer of insulation and thereby exposing the wails of the containerJ
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a set of panels that can be assembled to form a device for storing perishable food, the device including an upwardly facing panel having a layer of insulation and an opening therein through which a container for food can !*• positioned, wherein the opening in said panel is adapted so that the container can be supported in the opening substantially below the layer of insulation and thereb exposing the walls of the container.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a device ma<h of a set of disassemble panels, the device including an upwardly facing panel having a layer of insulation and an opening therein through which a container for food can be positioned, wherein the opening in aaid panel is adapted so that the container can be supported in the opening substantially below the layer of insulation and thereby exposing the walls of the containe .
It iβ preferred that tfcle device and the set of panels referred to in respect of the irst to third aspects of the present invention m|a.y be configured or assembled to form a cabinet.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular system of stac able and interlactable thermall insulated panels which can be assembled into cabinets for hot or cold perishable foods, one cabinet including a wheelable vertical storage cabinet, the other cabinet including a horizontal wheelable servary trolley, the storage cabinet and the servery trolley both being detachably joinable to a respective separable wh«elable refrigeration or heating unit, the modular systea including an upwardly facing panel having a layer of insulation and an opening therein through which a container for food can be positioned, wherein the opening in said panel is adapted so that the container can be supported in the opening substantially below the layer of inβuljation and thereby exposing the walls of the container.
According to a fifth aspbct of the present invention, there is provided a set :>£ panels that can be assembled to form a cabinet for stori ag perishable food, wherein one or more of the panels inclules an interconnecting means for interconnecting the cabitet with another cabinet. According to a sixth aipect of the present invention there is provided a modular l ste of stackable and interlactable thermally ; -insulated panels which can be assembled into cabinets for hot or cold perishable foods, one cabinet including a wheelable vertical storage cabinet, the other cabiiet including a horizontal wheelable servery troll »y, the storage cabinet and the servβry trolley both be:Lng detachably jolnable to a respective separable whoelable refrigeration unit, wherein one or more of the panβj.β includes an interconnecting means for interconnecti g the cabinet with another cabine .
Although it is possible that the interconnecting means may include means for interconnecting a plurality of panels of the cabinet to another c ;|abinet, it is preferred that the interconnecting means be in the form of a single interconnecting panel thit can be positioned at one end of the cabinet and can be connected to another cabinet.
The primary advantage in interconnecting two cabinets in this manner is that a pe:;son can more easily serve or supervise people self se;rvicing themselves from two cabinets connected together
According to one preferred embodiment, the interconnecting panel is constructed to prevent gas from one cabinet being in fluid communication with gas in another cabinet. When the interconnecting pane] functions In this manner, one cabinet can be used for 1,eating food while the other cabinet can be used for cooling food. Accordingly, it is also preferred that the interconnecting panel be thermally insulated. According to another preferred embodiment, the interconnecting panel deludes an aperture to allow the gases in one cabinet to circulate with the gases in another cabinet. The advantage with this preferred embodiment is that in the event of a heating or cooling unit of one cabinet fad ling, the heating or cooling unit of the other cabinet eon be used to heat or cool the food in both cabinets, thereby preventing the food from being spoiled.
Xt is also preferred tnat the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention include an upwardly facing panel having a layer of inαulitlon and an opening therein through which a contain ιr for food can be positioned, wherein the opening in laid panel is adapted so that said container can be supported in the opening substantially below the layer of insulation and thereby exposing the walls of the container.
The following preferred features may be incorporated with any one of the first to sixth aspects of the invention mentioned above.
It is preferred that tho opening in the upwardly facing panel for receiving a fctod container includes a flange projecting into the op ei g, the lange being con igured to engage a co-operatin$r flange of the container, the flange of the opening bding recessed below an upper surface of the top pane] so that the walls of the container project bβlcuf' hβ layer of insulation.
It is even more preferred that the opening of the upwardly facing panel reduces in|sisee from top to bottom and that said flange projects ilnto the opening at the bottom region of the opening so that| an upper lip of the container engages said flange.
It is preferred that the invention includes a bottom panel, wherein the bottom panel has a plurality of ribs on which food items can b« supported. The ribs provide two advantages; the first advantage being that any spilt liquid can drain to the trough between the ribs and thus prevent the food from sitting in the liquid; and the second advantage being that the ribs assist in removing and cleaning spilt liquid from the bottom panel.
it is preferred that thfc invention includes a panel having a glass window to enablf the contents of the cabinet to be readily seen. It is evn more preferred that the glass window include at least one slidablo glass panel to allow access into the cabinet.
It is preferred that an electrical heating unit can be attached to the cabinet for heating ood stored therein, the heating unit includelβ a thermostat for controlling the temperature of the cabinet
It is preferred that the invention includes a panel having an opening therein so thit a conduit can pass through said panel and allows materials to be pumped into or from the cabinet.
It is preferred that the set of panels/ when assembled, can be mounted on a base frame having pneumatic wheels, The base frame also includes a series of retractable ramps for loading and unloading the base ame from a transport vehicle.
It is preferred that th device also includes a cover that can be placed over the abinet. The cover is preferably made from a flexible material for shading the device from direct sunlight.
It is pre erred that thfa device include an LPG burner that can be positioned insido the cabinet for heating. It is even more that the β burner include two burning outlets for burning LPO.
Preferred embodiments ofe the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which*
Figure 1 is a side viewi of a top panel according to Australian patent 70876βι
Figure 1A is a side viek of a portion of a top panel according to the first po fourth aspects of the present inven ion;
figure IB is a top viewl of the embodiment shown in Figure
1AJ
figure 2 is an end viewl of an interconnecting panel according to the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention;
figure 2A is a ont view of the interconnecting panel shown in figure 2f figure 3 is an end view of an alternative interconnecting panel according to the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention;
Figure 3A is a front vd|,ew of the interconnecting panel shown in figure 3;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a bottom panel of the present invention;
figure 4λ Is a side view of the embodiment shown in figure 4;
figure 5 is a ont vie|w of a side panel according to the present invention;
figure 6 is a f ont view of a beating unit control panel according to the ρresen|t invention;
Figure 7 is a front view of an end panel according to the present invention;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a base ame according to the present invention*
Figure 9 is a perspective view of a cover according to the present invention;
Figure 9A is a perspeotive view of an alternative cover according to the presenb invention; and
figure 10 is a perβpectllve view of an alternative heating unit. Although not illustrated in the attached Figures, a pre erred embodiment o. the present invention includes a set of disassemble panels that form a cabinet generally described in Australian patent 708765.
Figure 1 illustrates tU|e top panel 11 of the horizontal cabinet disclosed in Australian patent 70676S. The top panel 11 includes upper 12 and lower 13 surfaces made of stainless steel with a polyurethane or polystyrene thermal insulation core 14- As can be seen in Figure 1A, the thickness of the top paael 11 is such that when the containers 16 are place 1 in an opening in the panel 11 the side walls of the container are shielded by the insulating material, thereby csausi ig food in the containers 16 to be heated or cooled inefficiently
In contrast, the top panel 11 of the preferred embodiment includes an opening tha: is constructed so that the size of the opening reduces progressively, in a step wise manner, from the upper iiurface 12 to the lower surface 13 of the top panel 11. Tie lower surface 11 includes a flange 15 that projects into the opening and restricts the opening to a size sufficient for a container 16 having a co-operating flange. Ait can best be seen in Figure 1A, the flange of the container is in the form of an upper lip 17 and engages the lowe.: flange 15 of the opening so that the walls of the container are substantially or fully exposed to the air inside the cabinet, thereby increasing the efficiency at which food in the container can be heated or cooled. Figure IB illustrates > top view of the opening in the top panel 14 and shows the step construction 18 reducing the size of the opening arcjund the perimeter of the opening.
A preferred embodiment also includes an interconnecting panel Id for interconnesting one cabinet with another cabinet. Although not Lllustrated in the drawings, the interconnecting panel em be positioned between adjacent ends of two cabinets a ϊ pairs of interlocking latches enables an interconnect: Lng panel to be fastened to the cabinets. The interlocking latches on each interconnecting panel include a small aiisociated notched-plate 20 which interengage with the lairger hand lever and locking-loop components of the side panels of the cabinet* Full details of the interlocking latches are provided in Australian patent 708765.
figures 2, 2A, 3 and 3A illustrate two alternative interconnecting panels. With reference to figures 2 and 2A, the interconnecting panel includes a central cut out 21 so that gas in one cabinet is in luid communication with gas in an adjoining cabinet .
figures 3 and 3A illustrate an alternative embodiment of the interconnecting pan< 1 without a central cut ou . According to this embodiment, the Interconnecting panel contains a core of insu ating material for insulating a refrigerated cabinet frdm a heated cabinet to which it can be interlocked.
figures 4 and 4A illustrate the construction of a preferred bottom panel 22. In particular, the bottom panel
22 includes a series of longitudinal parallel ribs 23 on which items of food in tine cabinet can be seated. The ribs 23 allow spilt liquid to drain to troughs between the ribs 23 preventing food in the cabinet from sitting in spilt liquid. The ribs also assist in cleaning spilt materials in the cabinet
With reference to Figuπ 5, one or more of the side panels 24 of the cabinet incl es three glass panels 25 slidably mounted on a double tracjk 26. The glass panels allow items inside the cabinet to be displayed and provide ready access into the cabine <
xt is also possible that tne slidable glass panel construction illustrated. in Figure 5 can also be installed in one or more end panels of the cabinet.
Figure 6 illustrates the control panel 29 of a fan forced heating unit. The control panel includes: a thermostat dial 27 for selecting the temperature at which the cabinet is to be maintained; a :.5 amp mains electrical power inlet 28 (similar to that used for connecting caravans to mains power); a green light 3d to indicate that the heater is receiving power; and a -f-ed light 31 to indicate that the heater element is on.
Alternatively, the heating unit may be provided by an Pβ burner. Figure 10 illuittrates a suitable PO burner having two burner outle :• 32. It is intended that the burner outlets may be p.acβ directly under stainless steel containers 16 or insertit placed in the openings of the top panel 11 to function as a dry Bain-Marie. n another arrangement, the LPG burner may be placed beneath a tray of water so that the cabinet may be operated as a wet Bain-Marie.
Figure 7 illustrates ai utility panel 33 that can be substituted with the fur- forced heating unit at the end of a cabinet. The utility panel includes a aeries of holes 34 to allow hosing or piping to extend into the cabinet for dispensing material from the cabinet. For example, a flexible hose extending through the panel 33 can be connected to barrels of beverage, such as a kegg of beer, or other chemicals or medical supplies.
Figure 8 illustrates a base frame 35 on which the panels can be mounted. Rotate fc>ly mounted to the base are 4 pneumatic tyres 36 of suitable width for supporting the device over soft or pospibly wet terrain.
Mounted to the under s αe of the base frame are two sleeves 37 for receiving forks of a fork lift truck that enable the base frame 3 ϊ to be lifted or maneuvered. In addition, the two steel ramps 38 of suitable construction may also be used to loa and unload the base frame 35 from a transport vehicle.
Figure imgf000013_0001
finally, Figures 9 and !A illustrate two covers 39, 40 that can be positioned over a set of panels assembled into a cabinet. The cover 31 illustrated in figure 9 is smaller than the cover llustrated in Figure 9A and is intended to be placed over a cabinet without a cooling or heating unit attached thereto. In contrast, the cover 40 illustrated in Figure S|A is intended to cover a set of panels assembled into al cabinet and a heating or cooling unit attached at one end of the cabinet. As can be seen in Figure 9A, the cover] 40 includes several cut outs 41 to allow for ventilation.
The covers are made froφi any suitable material for shielding the cabinets from the direct sunlight and ambient weather conditions.
ϊt will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many mod:.fications may be made to the preferred embodiments esc ibe above without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A Heating and Cooling device for storing perishable food characterized by, the device including an upwardly facing panel having a layer of insulation and an opening therein through which a container for food can be positioned, wherein the opening in said panel is adapted so that said container can be supported in the opening substantially below the layer of insulation and thereby exposing the walls of the container.
2. S econd Aspect of the present Invention, characterized by, providing a set of panels that can be assembled to form a device for storing perishable food, the device including an upwardly facing panel having a Layer of insulation and an opening therein through which a container for food can be positioned, wherein the opening in said panel is adapted so that the container can be supported in the opening substantially below the layer of insulation and thereby exposing the walls of the container.
3. Third aspect of the present invention, characterized by, There is provided a device made of a set of disassemble panels, the device including an upwardly facing panel having a layer of insulation and an opening therein through which a container for food can be positioned, wherein the opening in said panel is adapted so that the container can be supported in the opening substantially below the layer of insulation and thereby exposing the walls of the container.
It is preferred that the device and the set of panels referred to in respects of the first to third aspects of the present invention may be configured or assembleifto form a cabinet.
4. Fourth aspect of the present invention, characterized by, There is provided a modular system of stackable and interlactable thermally-insulated panels which can be assembled into cabinets for hot or cold perishable foods, one cabinet including a wheelable vertical storage cabinet, the other cabinet including a horizontal wheelable servery trolley, The storage cabinet and the servery trolley both being detachably joinable to a respective separable wheelable refrigeration or heating unit, the modular system including an upwardly facing panel having a layer of insulation and an opening therein through which a container for food can be positioned, wherein the opening in said panel is adapted so that the container can be supported in the opening substantially below the layer of insulation and thereby exposing the walls of the container.
5. Fifth aspect of the present invention, characterized by, Their is provided a set of panels that can be assembled to form a cabinet for storing perishable food, wherein one or more of the panels includes an interconnecting means for interconnecting the cabinet with another cabinet.
6. Sixth aspect of the present invention, characterized by, There is provided a modular system of stackable and interlactable thermally-insulated panels which can be assembled into cabinets for hot or cold, perishable foods, one cabinet including a wheelable vertical storage cabinet, the other cabinet including a horizontal wheelable servery trolley, the storage cabinet and the servery trolley both being detachably joinable to a respective separable wheelable refrigeration and heating unit, wherein one or more of the panels includes and interconnecting means for interconnecting the cabinet with another cabinet .
Although it is possible that the interconnecting means may include means for interconnecting a plurality of panels of the cabinet to another cabinet, it is preferred that the interconnecting means be in a form of a single interconnecting panel that can be positioned at one end of the cabinet and can be connected to another cabinet. The primary advantage in interconnecting two cabinets in this manner is that a person can more easily serve or supervise people self serving themselves from two cabinets connected together.
PCT/AU2003/000109 2002-02-01 2003-02-03 Heating and cooling device WO2003063666A1 (en)

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US5247807A (en) * 1992-07-21 1993-09-28 Fiberglass International, Inc. Salad bar with replaceable modular refrigerated condiments container
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US3505830A (en) * 1969-03-11 1970-04-14 Gus A Koerner Box refrigerated by vehicle air conditioning
EP0161178A1 (en) * 1984-04-17 1985-11-13 Michel Hervieu Food service trolleys combined with heating and cooling units
US4655052A (en) * 1986-02-24 1987-04-07 Garcia Luciano F Portable cooler
US4892138A (en) * 1989-01-30 1990-01-09 Bibik Jr Frank F Beverage temperature controlling assembly for a vehicle
US5174640A (en) * 1990-01-31 1992-12-29 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Thermal insulation box
US6112899A (en) * 1999-04-19 2000-09-05 Zeringue; Florence S. Lunch box system

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AUPS025202A0 (en) 2002-02-21
GB2406165A (en) 2005-03-23
GB0417959D0 (en) 2004-09-15

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