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US 12,628,980 B2Granted
Heat lamp
AssigneeSpring (U.S.A.) Corporation
InventorLauren Hood
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A heat lamp is provided that minimizes visual obstructions between an individual and a food service line, while more evenly distributing heat across food. The heat energy penetrates into the food and does not merely heat the surface. Different heating capabilities can be provided by locating the lamp head at different positions over a large adjustable height range. Additional lighting elements provide illumination to heated surfaces to improve visual appeal. Each heat lamp on a service line may be connected to an adjacent heat lamp through built-in power receptacles. The surfaces of the heat lamp are sealed and/or made of easily cleaned substances and have features compliant to one or more industry standards. The heat lamp may be easily transportable and may be resistant to damage.
Claims19
A heat lamp comprising:
- a portable base comprising an opening in a top surface of the portable base, wherein the opening receives a first end of a segmented support arm beneath the top surface of the portable base;
- and
- an elongated lamp head coupled to a second end of the segmented support arm, the elongated lamp head having a rectangular cross section and comprising:
- an opening at a distal end of the elongated lamp head;
- an exposed cavity in a lower face of the elongated lamp head, wherein the exposed cavity is opposite a solid top surface of the elongated lamp head;
- a heat element linearly aligned with the exposed cavity in the lower face of the elongated lamp head and located in the exposed cavity, wherein the exposed cavity is physically separate from the opening at the distal end of the elongated lamp head;
- and
- at least one illumination element located within the opening at the distal end of the elongated lamp head, wherein a first width of the elongated lamp head is substantially the same as a second width of the segmented support arm, and wherein the opening at the distal end of the elongated lamp head passes through the elongated lamp head from a top surface of the elongated lamp head to a bottom surface of the elongated lamp head;
- and
- wherein the segmented support arm is foldable to form a triangular storage position, wherein a first segment of the segmented support arm forms a handle separating the elongated lamp head from a second segment of the segmented support arm.
7 more elements
A heat lamp comprising:
- a portable base comprising a first opening in a top surface of the portable base and wherein the portable base comprises a single component;
- a first segmented support arm rotatably coupled to the portable base via a first end of the first segmented support arm being inserted into the first opening of the portable base, wherein the first end of the first segmented support arm inserted into the first opening in the portable base is surrounded by the portable base;
- and
- a first elongated lamp head coupled to a second end of the first segmented support arm, the first elongated lamp head comprising:
- a solid top surface comprising an opening at a distal end of the first elongated lamp head;
- a rectangular cross-section, wherein a first width of the first elongated lamp head is substantially the same as a second width of the first segmented support arm;
- a bottom surface parallel to the solid top surface and comprising an open cavity exposed through the bottom surface opposite the solid top surface;
- a heat element linearly aligned with the first elongated lamp head within the open cavity via the opening of the bottom surface, wherein the open cavity is physically separate from the opening at the distal end of the first elongated lamp head;
- and
- at least one illumination element located within the opening at the distal end of the first elongated lamp head, wherein the opening at the distal end of the first elongated lamp head passes through the solid top surface of the first elongated lamp head and the bottom surface of the first elongated lamp head;
- and
- wherein a first section of the first segmented support arm, when configured in a storage configuration, forms a triangular shape with the first elongated lamp head and a second section of the first segmented support arm.
9 more elements
An elongated lamp head comprising:
- a pivoting member that rotatably attaches the elongated lamp head to a support arm, wherein the support arm elevates the elongated lamp head above an object to be heated, wherein a first width of the elongated lamp head is substantially the same as a second width of the support arm;
- a solid top surface comprising an opening at a distal end of the elongated lamp head;
- a bottom surface opposite the solid top surface comprising an open cavity comprising an opening within the bottom surface, wherein the open cavity is separate from the opening at the distal end of the elongated lamp head;
- a heat element linearly aligned with the elongated lamp head within the opening of the bottom surface;
- a thermal sensor used to maintain a surface temperature of at least the solid top surface of the elongated lamp head below a threshold temperature;
- and
- at least one illumination element located within an opening at the distal end of the elongated lamp head, wherein the opening at the distal end of the elongated lamp head extends from the solid top surface of the elongated lamp head to the bottom surface of the elongated lamp head;
- and
- wherein a first section of the support arm forms a carrying handle when positioned in a triangular storage configuration separating the elongated lamp head from a second section of the support arm.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.