US 4,225,204 A · Cupboard for storing prepared meals, with cold-storage and reheating by microwaves

Abstract

The invention relates to a cupboard for storing and bringing prepared meals to a suitable temperature, said cupboard being divided into a storage compartment or space and a compartment or chamber for bringing to suitable temperature. The meals are carried on trays superposed in the storage space. Individual metallic flaps comprising at least one mobile portion are provided at the level of each tray in order to separate or place the storage space and chamber in communication and transporting mechanisms are provided for transferring the dishes contained in inner compartments of the trays towards the chamber for bringing to suitable temperature and for returning them into the compartments where they were located after a sequence of bringing to suitable temperature in the chamber intended for this purpose. The invention finds particular application in the distribution of meals in collective catering.

Claims17

Dependent claims

In a cupboard for storing and bringing to suitable temperature prepared meals carried on superposed trays each comprising an inner compartment opening out on a side-wall of the tray, said cupboard comprising

(a) a space for storing said trays;
(b) a chamber for bringing the dishes contained in the inner compartments of said trays to suitable temperature;
(c) individual metallic flaps comprising at least one movable portion provided at the level of each tray for selectively separating and placing said storage space and chamber in communication;
and
(d) transporting means for transferring the dishes contained in the inner compartments of the trays towards the chamber for bringing them to suitable temperature and for returning them into the compartments where they were located, after a sequence of bringing to suitable temperature effected in the chamber intended for this purpose.

2 more elements

In a cupboard for storing and bringing to suitable temperature prepared meals carried on superposed trays each comprising an inner compartment opening out on a side wall of the tray, said cupboard comprising

(a) a space for storing said trays;
(b) a chamber for bringing the dishes contained in the inner compartments of said trays to suitable temperature, said space and chamber being separated by a separation wall provided with openings opposite each tray position;
(c) individual metallic flaps comprising at least one movable portion provided at the level of each tray to obstruct said openings and thus selectively separate and place said space and said chamber in communication;
(d) a spring placed in front of each movable portion of an individual flap and on which a said tray may abut to exert a resilient thrust force on the movable portion of said flap when a tray is pushed in, with a view to reheating the dish contained in its inner compartment by a source of heat in said chamber;
and
(e) means for lifting those flaps which are subjected to the action of said springs.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Cupboard for storing prepared meals, with cold-storage and reheating by microwaves

Life of this patent

Cupboard for storing prepared meals, with cold-storage and reheating by microwaves

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17