초록 ▼

A meal delivery system for conveniently preparing, storing, transporting, rethermalizing and serving large volumes of food at multiple sites includes a new food serving pan equipped with an integral heating element and a first electrical connector, and a portable frame for receiving and supporting t

A meal delivery system for conveniently preparing, storing, transporting, rethermalizing and serving large volumes of food at multiple sites includes a new food serving pan equipped with an integral heating element and a first electrical connector, and a portable frame for receiving and supporting the food serving pan, and includes an electrical power supply means and at least one second electrical connector adapted to mate with the first electrical connector for providing electrical power to the heating element and heating the food serving pan when it is placed on the portable frame. The meal delivery system includes a heat control means comprising a removeable lid with first and second indicators for the food serving pan and a sensor means in the frame for detecting the first and second indicators and selectively controlling application of the electrical power delivered to the food serving pan for controlling the level of heat applied to foods within the food pan. A first preferred embodiment includes a mobile food service cart having a plurality of interior stations for receiving a corresponding number of food pans within the food service cart, each station including one second electrical connector for mating with the first electrical connector of the food pan. A second preferred embodiment includes a chafing dish serving frame adapted to support a single food serving pan on a serving surface and includes one second electrical connector for mating with the first electrical connector.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A meal delivery system for heating and storing of food contained within a serving pan, comprising:a pan having walls and a bottom together defining an open food containment area for receipt of food therein, said pan further including integral therewith a first electrical

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A meal delivery system for heating and storing of food contained within a serving pan, comprising:a pan having walls and a bottom together defining an open food containment area for receipt of food therein, said pan further including integral therewith a first electrical connector disposed on one of said walls and a plurality of heating elements disposed in said bottom for heating of food within said containment area through conduction, each said heating element including its own temperature regulator; anda portable frame adapted to receive said pan for support thereof, said frame having a second electrical connector adapted to mate with said first electrical connector when said pan is received within said frame for providing electrical power to said plurality of heating elements.