Cooled Serving Dish Patents (Class 62/457.6)
  • Patent number: 11285079
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a medicinal carrier device includes: one or more sections of thermal insulation positioned to form an internal space with an adjacent first side region and an adjacent second side region; a first panel including a first phase change material positioned within the first side region of the internal space, the first side region of a size and shape to firmly contain an integral number of portable cold packs in thermal contact with the first panel; and a second panel including a second phase change material positioned within the second side region of the internal space, the second side region of a size and shape to firmly contain an integral number of portable cold packs in thermal contact with the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Tokitae, LLC
    Inventors: Fong-Li Chou, Brian L. Pal, Matthew W. Peters, Nels R. Peterson, David J. Yager
  • Patent number: 10321736
    Abstract: A shoe includes an upper and a sole secured to the upper. The sole includes transversely extending tread members and transversely extending grooves. The width of a tread member in a midfoot region is greater than the width of a tread member in a heel region and greater than the width of a tread member in a metatarsal region. The width of a groove in a ball region is greater than a width of a groove in a toe region and greater than the width of a groove in the metatarsal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: COLE HAAN LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Mokos
  • Patent number: 8955353
    Abstract: A device for storing food and displaying food for service includes a base with a side wall extending upwardly from the base and a puck assembly removably disposed therein. The puck assembly has a generally flat plate surface on one side and a functional surface with a plurality of food receptacles formed thereon on the opposite side, a sealed cavity disposed between the plate surface and the functional surface, and a cooling substance disposed in the sealed cavity. A food tray is disposed proximate the puck assembly, and a lid shaped to alternatively fit on the top surface of the wall of the base and to fit on the external surface of the bottom of the base such that the base can nest in the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: E. Mark Harris, Frances M. Coursey, Jill Zmrhal
  • Patent number: 8857210
    Abstract: A food chilling system for keeping food items and beverages cold features a flexible circular base for wrapping a serving container. The circular base features a plurality of chilling components containing a freezable liquid or gel in a sealed cavity. The circular base features a plurality of spacing components alternatingly located between the chilling components. The circular base features a plurality of flexible handles pivotally located on a base outside periphery. The circular base features a plurality of rings pivotally located on a base sidewall. An elastic cord having a first hook and a second hook is designed to alternately pass through or engage the plurality of rings. The system features a pliable outer shell, having a cinchable opening designed to encompass the base and the cord after the base has been secured to the container via the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Deborah Dyke
  • Patent number: 8720223
    Abstract: A food storage system including a secondary bowl that is adapted to be positioned at least partially on and/or in a main lid. The secondary bowl is adapted to be detachable from the main lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Cool Gear International LLC
    Inventors: Donna Roth, Henry Roth
  • Patent number: 8695373
    Abstract: A temperature maintenance system for use with nested containers includes a segmented wall liner assembly and removable cover. The segmented wall liner assembly includes a plurality of segments formed in an array, with each of the segments connected to at least one of the other of the segments, and which extend radially outward from a central point. Each of the segments has a plurality of sections, and each of the sections has a central compartment which contains phase change material. The segmented wall liner assembly is capable of changing from a substantially flat, open position, to an angular position when removably disposed in-between the nested containers, and the nested containers have substantially concave surfaces, whereby the segments conform to the substantially concave surfaces when the segmented wall liner assembly is in the angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Claire Jean Patton
  • Patent number: 8640487
    Abstract: A refreezable container for storage of perishable and/or temperature-sensitive items is described herein. A bottom surface, contiguous with one or more side surfaces is provided, each surface having an interior cavity at least partially filled with refreezable material, usable to retain contents within the container at a temperature less than ambient temperature. The bottom surface includes a lower groove therein. The side surfaces include a lip adapted for secure engagement for an upper object, which can include a top cover having a complementary groove, or the lower groove of an adjacent refreezable container, allowing multiple containers, with or without top covers, to be nested for storage or transport, and allowing multiple covered containers, or top covers independent of containers, to be stacked and nested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Adan Francisco Chapa
  • Patent number: 8540108
    Abstract: A bowl holder for a bowl adapted for serving a hot meal includes a top structure configured for a removable placement of the bowl into the bowl holder, a bottom plate, and sidewalls disposed between the top structure and the bottom plate near perimeters thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: CJ America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jin Won Kim
  • Patent number: 8464658
    Abstract: A container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base with a core removably mounted in the base. The core includes a temperature controlling substance used to cool the contents of the container over a prolonged period of time. The core is removable from the base for placement in a freezer or other cold environment and then replaced to provide cooling to the material in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Lanter
  • Patent number: 8308127
    Abstract: A faux ice tray system featuring a plurality of faux ice trays that interlock via interlock bars. The system can be placed in a refrigerated display in lieu of traditional ice or in a display cooled with another type of mechanism or with traditional ice. The trays are reversible wherein the top surface and the bottom surface can be used for containing faux ice. Some systems may feature an indentation for a bowl. Removable lids may provide an air-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Ryan M. Harris
  • Patent number: 8205468
    Abstract: A thermodynamic container for regulating the temperature of a liquid. An exemplary embodiment may include an inner layer of a thermal buffering material and an outer layer of insulation. The thermal buffering layer may include a phase change material and/or a non-phase change material. Some exemplary embodiments may include lid, which may include insulation, a thermal buffering layer, and/or a drinking port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: ThermoBuffer LLC
    Inventors: Orin L. Hemminger, Megan L. Cavanaugh, Brian E. Henslee
  • Patent number: 8186178
    Abstract: In order to provide a container for the cooling and/or cold storage of foods and/or beverages which comprises at least one storage tank for a multi-phase flowable cooling medium wherein the cooling effect is still as uniform as possible over the entire height of the storage tank even when the multi-phase flowable cooling medium has been stored in the storage tank for a long period of time, it is proposed that the storage tank be divided into a plurality of storage tank segments which are separated from each other by partition walls which extend horizontally or are inclined to the vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: BLANCO CS GmbH + Co KG
    Inventor: Ralf Böss
  • Patent number: 8127565
    Abstract: A refrigerating device for helping to keep food cool during an event such as a dinner party or picnic comprising a base having a compressor and cooling coil, a removable serving bowl which can be inserted into the base, and a first half-dome cover component and second half-dome cover component for covering the removable serving bowl when it is in the base. The cover components can be opened and closed to allow access to the food inside the serving bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Debra J. Lange, Daniel Lange
  • Patent number: 8065888
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining low temperature of a food item includes a first bowl member, a second bowl member, and a lid member. The first bowl member includes a first body portion, a first open top end portion, and a first closed bottom end portion. The first bowl member is capable of receiving a cooling material therewithin. Further, the second bowl member includes a second body portion, a second open top end portion, and a second closed bottom end portion. The second bowl member is capable of receiving the food item therewithin. The second bowl member is configured to be removably received within the first bowl member. The second bowl member includes at least one handle member for facilitating lifting and carrying of the second bowl member. The lid member covers the food item received in the second bowl member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Bonnie Rogers
  • Patent number: 8011205
    Abstract: A food storage system including a secondary bowl that is adapted to be positioned at least partially on and/or in a main lid. The secondary bowl is adapted to be detachable from the main lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cool Gear International, LLC
    Inventors: Donna Roth, Henry Roth
  • Patent number: 7748223
    Abstract: A constant temperature liquid bath using a thermo-module in which even if an article whose temperature is to be controlled exists in the bath, the temperature of the liquid is efficiently adjusted to a constant value. The liquid bath includes an outer bath storing the liquid, an inner bath disposed in the outer bath through a gap, and including holes in its sidewall through which the liquid flows into the inner bath from the outer bath and an opening at a central portion of its bottom, and an agitator that causes the liquid to flow upward from the opening of the bottom of the inner bath between sidewalls of the inner and outer baths by a rotor blade disposed on a central portion of a bottom between the outer bath and the inner bath. The thermo-module is mounted on an outer surface of the sidewall of the outer bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Minoura
  • Publication number: 20100147014
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling utensil, which is a proof of freezing-crack and distortion. More particularly, an internal cavity of the utensil is fully filled the water to freeze in the freezer for cooling the serving food, such as a law fish, fruit, cold noodle or beer to feel fresh and tasty. For using the cooling bowl, the cooling cavity is filled the water or coolant for freezing. The cooling bowl is using for serving food. The cooling cavity is formed between the upper part and the lower part. The lower part is used a base to support the upper part. The upper part has same shape and size of the lower part for placing over the lower part. The elastic plate having flexibility and elastically restoring force is attached to the lower part, the upper part for assembling. Further, the cooling bowl having a cooling cavity is filled the water or coolant and freeze to use serving food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Yong-Keun Kim
  • Publication number: 20100058797
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining low temperature of a food item includes a first bowl member, a second bowl member, and a lid member. The first bowl member includes a first body portion, a first open top end portion, and a first closed bottom end portion. The first bowl member is capable of receiving a cooling material therewithin. Further, the second bowl member includes a second body portion, a second open top end portion, and a second closed bottom end portion. The second bowl member is capable of receiving the food item therewithin. The second bowl member is configured to be removably received within the first bowl member. The second bowl member includes at least one handle member for facilitating lifting and carrying of the second bowl member. The lid member covers the food item received in the second bowl member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Bonnie Rogers
  • Publication number: 20090282860
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a food tray designed to keep food cold while being served. More specifically, but without limitation, the invention is directed toward a raised buffet food tray with a refrigeration compartment capable of receiving at least one cooling pack and accessible without lifting or removing the food tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jamelle Shaw
  • Publication number: 20090178434
    Abstract: A portable food serving system for keeping food cold or for cooling hot food and keeping it cool that does not require a power source includes a generally rectangular inner pan and outer pan. Each of the pans has a bottom wall. The outer pan also has four sidewalls with a drain plug on one of them and rails at the bottom to form feet. The inner pan fits within the outer pan and the bottom wall of the inner pan is raised above the bottom wall of the outer pan. The inner pan has a plurality of compartments located therein with spaces formed between the compartments. A plurality of baffles extend upwardly from the bottom wall of the outer pan and extend into the spaces between the compartments. The system also includes a plurality of clips for releasably locking the inner pan with the outer pan. Ice and a cooling liquid may be placed in the spaces between the compartments and between the bottom walls of the pans. A cover fits over the pans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: George C. DeMirjian
  • Publication number: 20080289359
    Abstract: A food serving tray including a base which includes a substantially flat serving area, wherein the serving area is bounded by a raised perimeter arranged about the serving area, a cooling chamber located directly below the serving area, wherein the cooling chamber is operatively arranged for holding water to be frozen into ice for cooling an item placed on the serving area, a cover operatively arranged to engage over the raised perimeter about the base, and a fill hole for filling the cooling chamber with water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald J. Godowski, Carmen R. Fasula
  • Publication number: 20080216507
    Abstract: An apparatus for at least one of retaining pre-selected food products and serving such pre-selected food products as desired includes a bottom member formed from a predetermined material having a predetermined hardness which is at least sufficient to provided a stiffness to the bottom member to prevent bending thereof. A first cavity is formed in the bottom member having a predetermined depth. A cooling gel member is disposed within the first cavity. Such cooling gel member includes a second cavity formed therein having a second predetermined depth. A plate member is disposed within such second cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Kevin H. Tremblay
  • Patent number: 7380412
    Abstract: Multiple food storage systems are disclosed herein. One food storage system includes a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned in the first food receiving cavity and defines a second food receiving cavity. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein. A separate food storage system includes a main lid configured for use with a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned at least partially on and/or in the main lid. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventors: Donna Roth, Henry Roth
  • Publication number: 20080087037
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for chilling food is provided. The apparatus includes first, second and third containers which are nestable and stackable. The second and third containers fit within a chamber defined in the first container. The second container is designed for holding ice and the third container is designed for separately holding food. The apparatus is configured so that as the ice in the second container melts, the volume of a subchamber defined between the second and third containers decreases to maintain the remaining ice in contact with an undersurface of the third container holding the food. The food is therefore more effectively and consistently chilled than in prior art designs. In one embodiment, the second container is buoyant. The second container will therefore float on the surface of ice water drained from the second container to the bottom of the first container. The apparatus may be configured to receive multiple food containers and/or multiple ice containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Antonio M. Rapaz
  • Patent number: 7288745
    Abstract: A pan including a shelf dividing the interior thereof into a lower chilling element and an upper portion disposed in heat relationship with the lower portion and a lid for covering the top of the container and having a serving surface for display of food thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Frank Colonna
  • Patent number: 7225633
    Abstract: A rotary food server for storing food in a chilled condition includes a dish rotatably mounted on a stationary base and having central and peripheral pockets for removably receiving food storage trays having removable lids. Coolant housings containing a chilled-retaining substance are refrigerator prior to use and then placed beneath and at the sides of the trays to chill food stored in the trays. In an alternative embodiment, a lower housing rotatably mounted on a stationary base has a cavity therein filled with a cooling medium such as a mixture of ice and water. Mounting of an upper housing on the lower housing causes cavities formed in the upper housing to displace the cooling medium to the sides as well as the bottoms thereof to chill food stored within the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Original Ideas Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. DeMars
  • Patent number: 7131289
    Abstract: A container is disclosed which can include a container base having a cavity therein, a thermal source disposable in the cavity of the base, an insert being insertable within the cavity of the base such that the insert is in close proximity to the thermal source, and a cover. The cover and the insert can define a sealable compartment for the storage of food items. In other embodiments, the cover can be engageable directly with the base to define a storage compartment. The thermal source can act as either or both a heater and a cooler to help maintain the food items stored in the container at a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Kara Lenee Harl, Anand Ramanujam, Timothy E. Kozikoski
  • Patent number: 7051730
    Abstract: A heat exchanging device is detachably mounted on a container or a cover. The cover is mounted on the container, thereby forming a closed space between the cover and the container. The heat exchanging device containing a temperature regulating medium is mounted in the closed space between the cover and the container. Thus, the heat exchanging device can be replaced easily and conveniently when being inoperative without having to move the food, thereby facilitating the user using the heat exchanging device, and thereby achieving the sanitary purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Amos Lin
  • Patent number: 7051550
    Abstract: A thermal energy storage container which includes a first panel having a container attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The container attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary lid attachment element. The thermal energy storage container includes a container compartment adapted to store a thermal energy storage material. A thermal energy storage lid which includes a lid attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The lid attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary container attachment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: Henry Roth, Donna Roth
  • Patent number: 6948334
    Abstract: A food serving container for keeping food articles chilled while being served. The food serving container includes an exterior bowl member designed for being positioned on a support surface. A cooling member is selectively positioned against an interior surface of the exterior bowl member. The cooling member is designed for being frozen. An interior bowl member is selectively coupled to the exterior bowl member whereby the cooling member is positioned between the interior bowl member and the external bowl member when the cooling member is positioned against the exterior bowl member and the interior bowl member is coupled to the exterior bowl member. The interior bowl member is substantially concave whereby the interior bowl member is designed for receiving the food articles. The cooling member is designed for cooling the food articles in the interior bowl member to inhibit spoiling of the food articles positioned in the interior bowl member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Jean Challenger
  • Patent number: 6938436
    Abstract: A thermal energy storage container which includes a first panel having a container attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The container attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary lid attachment element. The thermal energy storage container includes a container compartment adapted to store a thermal energy storage material. A thermal energy storage lid which includes a lid attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The lid attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary container attachment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventors: Henry Roth, Donna Roth
  • Patent number: 6923017
    Abstract: A container comprises a first container portion and a second container portion joined to the first container portion to define a sealed cavity therebetween. A coolant is disposed within the sealed cavity. The container further comprises a pressure relief apparatus operable to limit pressure in the sealed cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Angela M. Johnson, Lewis D. Lee, Peter Schroepfer
  • Patent number: 6832492
    Abstract: A cooler for chilling food is particularly suited for outdoor buffet service and has an ice tray and a base that raises the ice tray off the ground. The ice tray is formed from insulated walls defining an interior compartment and includes a bottom wall and a side wall extending around the outer periphery of the bottom wall. The bottom wall has an upper surface that slopes away from the side wall to a drain that extends through the bottom wall. The cooler can be drained without tilting the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventors: Anna Kunkel, Branden L. Kunkel
  • Patent number: 6789393
    Abstract: A container comprises a sealed cavity defined by first and second walls of the container and a coolant disposed within the cavity wherein the coolant is capable of assuming first and second phases. A portion of the first wall is joined to the second wall wherein the portion includes an off-center opening. The portion is rupturable to limit pressure in the sealed cavity. The container further comprises a container rim and a lid having both an outer channel and a tab. The outer channel receives the container rim. The outer channel defines a first width. The tab has a second width substantially equal to the first width. When the coolant in the cavity is in the first phase there is a first interference fit of the channel with the container rim. When the coolant is in the second phase, there is a second interference fit, different than the first interference fit, between the container rim and the outer channel of the lid. A method of manufacture of such a container and lid is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Joseph Perushek, Kristopher W. Gerulski, Donald E. McCumber, Angela M. Johnson, Lewis D. Lee, Peter Schroepfer
  • Patent number: 6761041
    Abstract: A thermal energy storage container which includes a first panel having a container attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The container attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary lid attachment element. The thermal energy storage container includes a container compartment adapted to store a thermal energy storage material. A thermal energy storage lid which includes a lid attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The lid attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary container attachment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventors: Henry Roth, Donna Roth
  • Patent number: 6705109
    Abstract: A hot or cold food dispensing modular assembly comprising a turn table which supports a plurality of containers for holding food accompaniments such as toppings, fixings and the like for easy dispensing and for food needing refrigeration, such as ice cream or heat retention such as chili over a longer period of time during party celebrations and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Robert A. DeMars
  • Patent number: 6668579
    Abstract: A doubled wall container is disclosed having a fill cap that allows a user to alternately add or remove a liquid from an interior volume formed between the walls of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: MPDI
    Inventors: Michael Colby Bigwood, Mark D. Morrison
  • Publication number: 20030230110
    Abstract: A portable cooling tray for cooling food materials. The cooling tray having a top surface defining a well into which one or more ice packs can be set. This well recessed so that that upper surface of the ice packs are level with the top surface of the cooling tray thereby forming a planar surface onto which the food materials or containers of food materials can be rested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Sjur H. Linberg, Joanne E. Linberg
  • Publication number: 20030226372
    Abstract: A doubled wall container is disclosed having a fill cap that allows a user to alternately add or remove a liquid from an interior volume formed between the walls of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: MPDI
    Inventors: Michael Colby Bigwood, Mark D. Morrison
  • Patent number: 6651445
    Abstract: A food chiller includes a container into which cool air is moved over the cold sink of a Peltier effect thermoelectric device and directly into the container. Return air from the container exits the bottom of the container directly into the fan for recirculation. Elimination of a long air duct system simplifies the construction and reduces heat loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Delta T, LLC
    Inventors: George A. Clark, Chris W. Cicenas, Joshua A. Broehl
  • Patent number: 6647741
    Abstract: A cooling system, for cooling the contents of a utensil, utilizing a removable, reusable, refillable, freezable toroidal-shaped cooling insert and a toroidal-shaped insulator. The cooling insert and insulator stack in a nested manner within the utensil to provide improved insulating and longer cooling of the utensil contents. Furthermore, a secured bottom holder removably holds the cooling insert and insulator within the utensil. The cooling system includes the use of a temperature sensor and display which provides a visual indicator when the contents have reached a temperature indicating the contents are no longer being properly cooled. Such utensils may include, for example, dog dishes, bait containers and food containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventors: John B. Pechous, Mark A. Yeary
  • Patent number: 6629431
    Abstract: A cooler for cooling individual beverage containers and the liquid therein using ice has a pedestal fastened to a coaster base. The pedestal has a truncated bell shape and is wider at its top than at its bottom The top portion of the pedestal contains a tub. A dome shaped lid is attached to the top portion of the pedestal. When the lid is closed, the lid covers the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Display Industries, LLC.
    Inventor: James D. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20030150239
    Abstract: A container comprises a sealed cavity defined by first and second walls of the container and a coolant disposed within the cavity wherein the coolant is capable of assuming first and second phases. A portion of the first wall is joined to the second wall wherein the portion includes an off-center opening. The portion is rupturable to limit pressure in the sealed cavity. The container further comprises a container rim and a lid having both an outer channel and a tab. The outer channel receives the container rim. The outer channel defines a first width. The tab has a second width substantially equal to the first width. When the coolant in the cavity is in the first phase there is a first interference fit of the channel with the container rim. When the coolant is in the second phase, there is a second interference fit, different than the first interference fit, between the container rim and the outer channel of the lid. A method of manufacture of such a container and lid is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Joseph Perushek, Kristopher W. Gerulski, Donald E. McCumber, Angela M. Johnson, Lewis D. Lee, Peter Schroepfer
  • Publication number: 20030150238
    Abstract: A container comprises a first container portion and a second container portion joined to the first container portion to define a sealed cavity therebetween. A coolant is disposed within the sealed cavity. The container further comprises a pressure relief apparatus operable to limit pressure in the sealed cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Angela M. Johnson, Lewis D. Lee, Peter Schroepfer
  • Patent number: 6581795
    Abstract: A container for holding foods comprises a base member (1); a cover member (3) which is connected to the base member (1) by releasable locking engagement; a first recessed carrying handle (20) provided on a lower side of the base member (1); and a second recessed carrying handle (11) provided on an upper side of the cover member (3). To achieve a substantially flat support surface for both the base member (1) and the cover member (3), the first and second carrying handles (20, 11) are integrated with and recessed into the contour of the base member (1) and of the cover member (3), respectively, such that each of the base member (1) and the cover member (3) have substantially flat surface portions so that the container will rest stably on a flat support surface such as a table in both the upright and inverted positions of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Leifheit AG
    Inventors: Rolf Günter Schülein, Frank Bruchschmidt
  • Patent number: 6557368
    Abstract: A food dispensing modular assembly comprising a turn table which supports a plurality of containers for holding food accompaniments such as toppings, fixings and the like for easy dispensing and for food needing refrigeration, such as ice cream over a longer period of time during party celebrations and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Robert A. DeMars
  • Publication number: 20030079492
    Abstract: A cooling system, for cooling the contents of a utensil, utilizing a removable, reusable, refillable, freezable toroidal-shaped cooling insert and a toroidal-shaped insulator. The cooling insert and insulator stack in a nested manner within the utensil to provide improved insulating and longer cooling of the utensil contents. Furthermore, a secured bottom holder removably holds the cooling insert and insulator within the utensil. The cooling system includes the use of a temperature sensor and display which provides a visual indicator when the contents have reached a temperature indicating the contents are no longer being properly cooled. Such utensils may include, for example, dog dishes, bait containers and food containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: John B. Pechous, Mark A. Yeary
  • Patent number: 6513344
    Abstract: A combination includes a tray providing a flat upwardly facing surface and a plurality of raised edges forming compartments on the flat surface. The tray is made, in part, of a material adapted for phase changing thermal absorption such as, so called, blue-ice. A plurality of food containers each have a flat bottom surface adapted for intimate contact with the flat surface of the tray. The containers also provide a peripheral bottom edge adapted for snap engagement with the raised edges of the tray for holding the containers on the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Raymond Lyle Pollock
  • Patent number: 6442962
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is directed toward a portable salad bar having a flexible base. Further, one or more inflatable chambers are connected to the base, and the inflatable chambers extend around the base to form a reservoir having a flexible bottom surface defined by the base. The inflatable chambers can then be deflated and the portable salad bar can be folded for facilitating transportation and storage. Another aspect of the present invention is directed toward a portable salad bar having a flexible base with a non-inflatable generally planar surface. One or more inflatable chambers are connected to the base, wherein the inflatable chambers extend upwardly and have an inner wall and an outer wall. Further, the inner wall and the base define a reservoir that has a flexible bottom surface. A drain extends through the inflatable chambers and a filter screen covers the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventors: Margaret Gaetke, Terry Gaetke
  • Patent number: 6434970
    Abstract: A plate mainly used for serving sushi on a revolving conveyor in restaurants. The plate is provided with a central recess with an ice disc set inside and covered with a transparent cover that is prevented from falling off the plate accidentally, so that the interior of the plate being carried on the conveyor is kept cool in order to keep the sushi fresh on the plate and prevent the sushi from coming into contact with outside air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hasegawa