Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a system for retrofit of an LED light kit to a food shield system are disclosed. Certain embodiments are configured such that an existing food shield system may be retrofitted with an LED light strip without having to deconstruct the food shield system. Depending on embodiment, the solution allows for the LED light kit to be mounted to a panel surface or along the edge of a panel. Advantageously, a power supply wire may be received into the system in such a way that it is secured and unable to be inadvertently disconnected from the LED light strip. It is a further advantage of certain embodiments of the solution that they may be installed without creating any undesirable gap or crevice that would harbor pathogens or be difficult to clean.

Abstract: A bracket system that allows a drop shield to be added to a prior art main viewing panel of a food guard. For instance, an existing food guard system can be modified to include a drop shield without having to make a permanent modification, or replacement, in order to close off “reach in” access to food stored beneath the food guard system. The system also reduces or eliminates any gap beneath the main viewing panel of the food guard and the upper edge of the drop shield.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a system for retrofit of an LED light kit to a food shield system are disclosed. Certain embodiments are configured such that an existing food shield system may be retrofitted with an LED light strip without having to deconstruct the food shield system. Depending on embodiment, the solution allows for the LED light kit to be mounted to a panel surface or along the edge of a panel. Advantageously, a power supply wire may be received into the system in such a way that it is secured and unable to be inadvertently disconnected from the LED light strip. It is a further advantage of certain embodiments of the solution that they may be installed without creating any undesirable gap or crevice that would harbor pathogens or be difficult to clean.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a modular food shield system are disclosed and described within the context of exemplary food shield configurations. Certain embodiments may include cut-to-length support posts. Further, certain embodiments may include versatile brackets that can be positioned, and repositioned, along the length of support post without requiring that the support post be slotted, tapped, drilled or otherwise customized to secure the bracket in position. Brackets used in certain embodiments may further be configured to make use of one or more “double duty” set screws that can simultaneously secure the bracket to a support post while providing a structure for mating with one or more ancillary components in the food shield system such as, but not limited to, an internally threaded barrel spacer, a cut-to-length support post, a main viewing panel or side panel, a finishing cap component, a viewing panel adjustment mechanism, etc.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a modular food shield system are disclosed and described within the context of exemplary food shield configurations. Certain embodiments may include cut-to-length support posts. Further, certain embodiments may include versatile brackets that can be positioned, and repositioned, along the length of support post without requiring that the support post be slotted, tapped, drilled or otherwise customized to secure the bracket in position. Brackets used in certain embodiments may further be configured to make use of one or more “double duty” set screws that can simultaneously secure the bracket to a support post while providing a structure for mating with one or more ancillary components in the food shield system such as, but not limited to, an internally threaded barrel spacer, a cut-to-length support post, a main viewing panel or side panel, a finishing cap component, a viewing panel adjustment mechanism, etc.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a modular food shield system are disclosed and described within the context of exemplary food shield configurations. Certain embodiments may include cut-to-length support posts. Further, certain embodiments may include versatile brackets that can be positioned, and repositioned, along the length of support post without requiring that the support post be slotted, tapped, drilled or otherwise customized to secure the bracket in position. Brackets used in certain embodiments may further be configured to make use of one or more “double duty” set screws that can simultaneously secure the bracket to a support post while providing a structure for mating with one or more ancillary components in the food shield system such as, but not limited to, an internally threaded barrel spacer, a cut-to-length support post, a main viewing panel or side panel, a finishing cap component, a viewing panel adjustment mechanism, etc.

Abstract: Various embodiments, aspects and features of the present invention encompass a wine glass stem spacer configured to be coupled to, and decoupled from, a stemmed glass. An exemplary wine glass stem spacer is in the general form of a foam or soft rubber cylinder having a height that is substantially equivalent to the depth of a typical cup holder cavity. A stem receiving cavity may be bored through the spacer along a vertical axis and a vertical stem insertion slit may be cut from the outer surface of the spacer to the stem receiving cavity, thereby providing for coupling of the spacer around the stem of a wine glass. Advantageously, when an embodiment of the spacer is coupled to the stem of a certain wine glass, the wine glass may be protected from tilting when placed in a cup holder cavity.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a modular food shield system are disclosed and described within the context of exemplary food shield configurations. Certain embodiments may include cut-to-length support posts. Further, certain embodiments may include versatile brackets that can be positioned, and repositioned, along the length of support post without requiring that the support post be slotted, tapped, drilled or otherwise customized to secure the bracket in position. Brackets used in certain embodiments may further be configured to make use of one or more “double duty” set screws that can simultaneously secure the bracket to a support post while providing a structure for mating with one or more ancillary components in the food shield system such as, but not limited to, an internally threaded barrel spacer, a cut-to-length support post, a main viewing panel or side panel, a finishing cap component, a viewing panel adjustment mechanism, etc.

Abstract: Various embodiments, aspects and features of the present invention encompass a wine glass stem spacer configured to be coupled to, and decoupled from, a stemmed glass. An exemplary wine glass stem spacer is in the general form of a foam or soft rubber cylinder having a height that is substantially equivalent to the depth of a typical cup holder cavity. A stem receiving cavity may be bored through the spacer along a vertical axis and a vertical stem insertion slit may be cut from the outer surface of the spacer to the stem receiving cavity, thereby providing for coupling of the spacer around the stem of a wine glass. Advantageously, when an embodiment of the spacer is coupled to the stem of a certain wine glass, the wine glass may be protected from tilting when placed in a cup holder cavity.

Abstract: A convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels, as well as features and aspects thereof, provides for the alignment of the leading edge of a side panel with the leading edge of a main viewing panel regardless of whether the convertible food guard system is in a cafeteria mode or a buffet mode. Exemplary embodiments of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels comprise, generally, positionable or translatable side panel components. More particularly, exemplary embodiments employ sliding adjustable side panel systems that may be comprised of a single side panel component or a plurality of side panel components. Advantageously, the use of adjustable side panels with a convertible food guard system enables the side panels to align with the leading edge of the main viewing panel when the system is in a buffet mode and retract out of the consumer's way when the system is in a cafeteria mode.

Abstract: A system and method for a frameless food guard are disclosed. Unlike the prior art, embodiments of a frameless food guard do not comprise a support structure for support of the food guard panel components. Advantageously, one or more of the food guard panel components in a frameless food guard not only restrict access to food residing behind the food guard assembly but also operate to carry all or part of the load of the overall system. As a result, a support structure is not required, thereby minimizing the amount of surface that is not easily accessed for cleaning.

Abstract: A convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels, as well as features and aspects thereof, provides for the alignment of the leading edge of a side panel with the leading edge of a main viewing panel regardless of whether the convertible food guard system is in a cafeteria mode or a buffet mode. Exemplary embodiments of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels comprise, generally, positionable or translatable side panel components. More particularly, exemplary embodiments employ sliding adjustable side panel systems that may be comprised of a single side panel component or a plurality of side panel components. Advantageously, the use of adjustable side panels with a convertible food guard system enables the side panels to align with the leading edge of the main viewing panel when the system is in a buffet mode and retract out of the consumer's way when the system is in a cafeteria mode.

Abstract: A structural support for supporting a food guard shield includes first and second spaced apart sheet-like arms and at least one spacer positioned between the sheet-like arms. The first and second sheet-like arms can be securely connected to each other or to the at least one spacer to form a substantially rigid structure for supporting the food guard shield. The support can have a variety of shapes, including shapes resembling alphanumeric character and logos.

Abstract: The food protector apparatus of the invention attaches directly to the food pan such that the food protector shield is at the proper location with respect to the food pan. Because the food protector apparatus is attached to the food pan, proper installation of the food pan ensures that all of the corresponding standards and health code requirements are met. Thus, it is virtually impossible for the food protector to be installed in a countertop in a way that fails to meet those standards and requirements.