US2007034200A1PendingUtilityA1

Steam table heating surface adapter apparatus

46
Individually held — no corporate assignee on recordPriority: Aug 9, 2005Filed: Aug 9, 2005Published: Feb 15, 2007
Est. expiryAug 9, 2025(expired)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Salvatore Torre
A47J 36/2483A47J 37/067A47J 27/18A47J 36/2405
46
PatentIndex Score
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Claims

Abstract

An apparatus for converting an existing array of steam table wells into a single heating and/or cooking surface. The apparatus offers flexibility to dining establishments having any variety of single-well or multiple-well steam tables arranged. The apparatus includes one or more adapter frames adapted to fit within existing steam wells, and an overlying heating surface. The frame includes a peripherally arranged riser wall to allow the frame to rest within a steam well in such a manner that the frame's riser wall projects above a top surface of the steam well on which the overlying heating surface may rest. Preferably, the adapter frame interacts with both the existing steam well and the overlying heating surface such that seals are formed to increase the efficiency of transferring heat from the steam table to be to the overlying heating surface. A gasketing material may be included to facilitate such sealing.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
1 . An apparatus for adapting one or more individual steam table wells into a single heated surface for placing food, the apparatus comprising: 
 at least one adapter frame, wherein a first portion of the at least one adapter frame rests within an individual steam table well and a second portion comprises a riser wall, wherein the riser wall projects above a top surface surrounding each steam table well, and    a heating surface, wherein the heating surface overlies the at least one adapter frame.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the riser wall is adapted so that a portion of the riser wall rests on the top surface surrounding the individual steam table well to support the at least one adapter frame when placed within the steam table well.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising a sealing material wherein the sealing material is disposed between the riser wall and the top surface surrounding the individual steam table well.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the sealing material is silicone.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the sealing material is a gasket.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the riser wall further is adapted so that a portion of the riser wall comprises a ledge that extends inward perpendicularly from the riser wall, wherein the ledge rests on the top surface surrounding the individual steam table well to support the at least one adapter frame when placed within the steam table well.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the riser wall further comprises a lip that extends perpendicularly from the ledge such that the lip extends into the steam table well.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising a sealing material wherein the sealing material is disposed between the ledge and the top surface surrounding the individual steam table well.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the sealing material is silicone.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the sealing material is a gasket.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a sealing material wherein the sealing material is disposed about a top perimeter of the riser wall to form a seal between the riser wall and heating surface.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the sealing material is silicone.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the sealing material is a gasket.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one adapter frame is adapted so that a portion of the at least one adapter frame further comprises a horizontal flange running peripherally around an exterior of the at least one adapter frame and positioned below a top perimeter of the riser wall, wherein the horizontal flange rests on the top surface surrounding the individual steam table well to support the at least one adapter frame when placed within the steam table well.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , further comprising a sealing material wherein sealing material is disposed between the horizontal flange and the top surface surrounding the individual steam well.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the sealing material is silicone.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the sealing material is a gasket.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heating surface is made of a material that conducts heat.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heating surface is comprised substantially of aluminum.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heating surface further comprises areas separated by channels.  
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the channels divert the flow of grease, juice, and other food liquids that may drain while food is placed on the heating surface.  
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heating surface further comprises a flanged perimeter.  
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the flanged perimeter extends beyond a perimeter of the riser wall.

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