Abstract: A reconfigurable multiple-piece end panel and mounting system for a food shield and a food shield system and methods. In some embodiments, the food shield system includes a support stand, a customer-facing panel supported by the support stand, and an end panel having a rear portion and a physically separate front portion that is independently removable from the end panel without the use of tools. The end panel mounting system provides for the front portion of the end panel to be selectively mounted to the support stand in a forward configuration where the front portion fully covers the adjacent outside edge of the customer-facing panel, or mounted in a reversed configuration where the front portion does not fully cover the adjacent outside edge of the customer-facing panel.

Abstract: A modular heated display system with at least one heated display unit and at least one frame extension. The heated display unit will typically include a heating element supported by a frame. When the heated display unit is set upon a supporting surface, the heating element is raised some distance above the supporting surface by the frame. One or more frame extensions may be removably coupled to the frame opposite the heating element. Any coupled frame extension serves to elevate the heating element to a different height above the supporting surface. In some implementations, the heated display unit will include a light source within the frame, generally position underneath the heating element. Control electronics may be provided to cause the light source to project light downward, onto the supporting surface below the frame when the heating element is active or at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A food shield having a panel defining a slot through the panel and a panel support structure. The panel support structure includes a panel clamp. A portion of the panel clamp may extend through the slot, and the slot provides for the panel to be moved relative to the panel clamp, along the length of the slot, from a first position to a second position. Thus, the panel clamp provides for the position of the panel relative to the panel clamp to be selectively adjusted, clamped into place, and released for movement along the length of the slot.

Abstract: Food service equipment may include a hygienic shield system. The hygienic shield system may include a frame that is coupled to a serving surface of the food service equipment. At least one clear or transparent panel may be coupled to the frame. The food service equipment may include a media device or system that is integrated within or on the food service equipment. The media device may be configured to playback one of audio and video of a media file. The food service equipment may include a controller configured to select the one of audio and video of the media file for playback by the media device.

Abstract: An extended span food shield system including a central beam having at least one hooking surface. The central beam is supported at opposing ends by two support legs. The food shield system further includes at least one clip having at least one hook element and a panel bonded to the clip such that the panel and clip assembly are supported by the central beam when the hook element is engaged with the central beam at the hooking surface. The clip may include a leg extending away from the hook element. Therefore, the leg rests against the central beam when the hook element of the clip is engaged with the central beam at the hooking surface. Thus, the panel and clip assembly may be securely supported by the central beam and held in place by gravitationally applied torque alone.

Abstract: A food shield panel support bracket or food shield system having a stand, the food shield panel support bracket and a food shield. The food shield panel support bracket includes a ball joint positioned between an attachment to the stand an attachment to the food shield panel. The ball joint includes at least one hemispherical surface providing for the adjustment of the angular orientation of any attached food shield panel relative to the stand. Methods of adjusting the position or orientation of a food shield panel are also disclosed.

Abstract: A food shield having a panel defining a slot through the panel and a panel support structure. The panel support structure includes a panel clamp. A portion of the panel clamp may extend through the slot, and the slot provides for the panel to be moved relative to the panel clamp, along the length of the slot, from a first position to a second position. Thus, the panel clamp provides for the position of the panel relative to the panel clamp to be selectively adjusted, clamped into place, and released for movement along the length of the slot.

Abstract: Food service equipment may include a hygienic shield system. The hygienic shield system may include a frame that is coupled to a serving surface of the food service equipment. At least one clear or transparent panel may be coupled to the frame. The food service equipment may include a media device or system that is integrated within or on the food service equipment. The media device may be configured to playback one of audio and video of a media file. The food service equipment may include a controller configured to select the one of audio and video of the media file for playback by the media device.

Abstract: Food service equipment may include a hygienic shield system. The hygienic shield system may include a frame that is coupled to a serving surface of the food service equipment. At least one clear or transparent panel may be coupled to the frame. The food service equipment may include a media device or system that is integrated within or on the food service equipment. The media device may be configured to playback one of audio and video of a media file. The food service equipment may include a controller configured to select the one of audio and video of the media file for playback by the media device.

Abstract: A rotation and detent mechanism includes a body defining a cavity and having a travel limiter with two fixed faces protruding into the cavity. A detent plate nests and rotates within the cavity and has two limiting surfaces between which the travel limiter of the body is disposed. One of the limiting surfaces engages a respective one of the travel limiting faces of the body at each extreme of angular rotation of the detent plate. The detent plate includes recesses for engaging one or more spring loaded ball plungers mounted in the body. Each ball plunger engages a recess in the detent plate at certain angular detent positions of the detent plate within the body. The mechanism further includes an axle on which the detent plate rotates, and a coil spring that engages the detent plate, resisting rotation of the detent plate in one rotational direction.

Abstract: A rotation and detent mechanism includes a body defining a cavity and having a travel limiter with two fixed faces protruding into the cavity. A detent plate nests and rotates within the cavity and has two limiting surfaces between which the travel limiter of the body is disposed. One of the limiting surfaces engages a respective one of the travel limiting faces of the body at each extreme of angular rotation of the detent plate. The detent plate includes recesses for engaging one or more spring loaded ball plungers mounted in the body. Each ball plunger engages a recess in the detent plate at certain angular detent positions of the detent plate within the body. The mechanism further includes an axle on which the detent plate rotates, and a coil spring that engages the detent plate, resisting rotation of the detent plate in one rotational direction.

Abstract: Food service equipment may include a hygienic shield system. The hygienic shield system may include a frame that is coupled to a serving surface of the food service equipment. At least one clear or transparent panel may be coupled to the frame. The food service equipment may include a media device or system that is integrated within or on the food service equipment. The media device may be configured to playback one of audio and video of a media file. The food service equipment may include a controller configured to select the one of audio and video of the media file for playback by the media device.

Abstract: A food shield includes a panel mounting mechanism that enables extensive adjustability of the food shield. When the mounting mechanism is clamped to a post, a panel coupled to the mounting mechanism can be adjusted angularly about an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the post, and the panel can also be translated in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation. The mounting mechanism may include a clamp that includes a main portion and a swing portion that can swing away from the main portion to enable the clamp to be coupled to a post from a side of the post. Detent mechanisms may be provided for the angular adjustment and the translational adjustment. The mounting mechanism may also include a locking mechanism that when engaged fixes the panel in a certain angular position.