BACKGROUND ART Self-serve food dispensaries (food bars) are becoming increasingly popular. However, there is a corresponding increasing concern with freshness and bacteria related contamination of food held in self-serve dispensaries.

Where food is prepared from contaminated raw ingredients there is a risk of human poisoning from bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes. There is also a risk of food becoming contaminated through human handling, sneezing and coughing etc, and sampling of food. Further, where the food dispensary is a permanent display, food may be held therein for many days, increasing the risk of contamination and poisoning.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention in a first aspect provides a cover for a food dispensary that is configured such that in use human access to food arranged under the cover is substantially restricted to the use of a utensil, the cover including, or being capable of interacting with, at least one opening into the dispensary, the arrangement of the cover and the opening being such as to enable a receptacle to be passed through the opening into the dispensary in use, so that food can be manipulated onto the receptacle using the utensil.

A cover configured in this manner still enables the dispensing of food, but can substantially reduce contamination, for example, through human handling.

The term "utensil" is to be construed broadly herein and can include any device that enables food to be manipulated without direct handling (eg. spoons, forks,

tongs, skewers, retained gloves, actuated tongs and calipers etc.).

For common types of utensils, the cover also preferably includes a utensil opening for each utensil, each utensil opening being positioned so that a handle end of a utensil arranged therein can extend thereout for handling by a user and so that the opposing end of the utensil can be positioned in food for manipulation thereof. Through appropriate shaping and sizing of such openings, human access can be further restricted, and furthermore better temperature control under the cover can be achieved (e.g.

where the openings are sufficiently small) so that heat exchange with the surroundings is substantially reduced.

The utensil opening in some embodiments (eg. where the receptacle opening is defined in part by a recess formed in a lower edge of the cover) can be an extension of a given receptacle opening. This assists in the manufacturing of the cover and can assist the user to manipulate food into the receptacle. Furthermore the or each receptacle opening can have a pair of utensil openings that each extend laterally from opposite sides of the receptacle opening.

The or each utensil opening can be in the form of an elongate slot to enable lateral movement of utensils therein.

Alternatively, to restrict access to the dispensary interior even further, the or each utensil opening can be a hole formed in the cover, with a bearing surface surrounding a shaft of the utensil. Preferably the bearing surface is releasably attached to the shaft and, optionally, is formed from: (i) a flexible material; or (ii) a ball positioned within a socket located at the hole.

In one alternative the socket can be defined by an elongate laterally extending slot formed in the cover. The use of a ball and socket arrangement (especially with the

lateral slot) improves the ease of use of utensils with the cover.

Typically the shape of the or each receptacle opening is sized to enable various receptacles to be passed therethrough. When the receptacle opening has a shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the receptacle this can further assist in the prevention of user access to the interior of the dispensary. For example, the or each receptacle opening can be in the form of a rectangular hole to be suitable for a receptacle having a corresponding cross-sectional shape (e.g. a generally rectangular food holding container).

The receptacle can be slid into and out of its respective opening on a fixed or sliding surface.

Furthermore the or each utensil opening can be sized such that the user's hand cannot be passed therethrough.

The cover can include two halves, each adapted for mounting to a head of the dispensary located at the top of the dispensary. The halves can extend from opposing sides of the head and down to a body portion of the dispensary.

In such an arrangement the receptacle and utensil openings can be positioned identically but oppositely in or adjacent to each half.

Preferably each half is hingedly mounted to the head so that it can be pivoted away from the body portion to enable access to the dispensary under the cover. With this configuration, each half can curve outwardly and down from the head to a respective side of the body portion of the dispensary. Each half can, for example, be formed of PerspexTM plastic, glass or other clear material, the curved surface enhancing ease of viewing of food in the dispensary and also ease of use when tilting the halves. In such an arrangement, preferably the halves are locked (e.g. at the body portion of the dispensary) when covering the dispensary so that human access is further restricted.

The body portion can have a refrigeration means or a

heating means arranged therein to keep the food contained in the dispensary at a predetermined temperature. Where the cover has only restricted access via smaller apertures, it is far easier to control the temperature under the cover and in the dispensary, and therefore to extend the shelf life of the food stored in the dispensary.

The invention also extends to a food dispensary that is adapted for receiving a cover as defined for the first aspect of the invention.

In a second aspect the present invention provides a food dispensary adapted for having a cover arranged thereover, the dispensary including a base upon which the cover is mounted in use, and a movable support arranged on the base and, in use, upon which a receptacle for receiving food arranged under the cover can be placed; wherein the movable support can be moved between a first position in which the receptacle when placed thereupon is located externally of the cover, and a second position in which the receptacle when placed thereupon is located under the cover.

Such an arrangement can further restrict access of a user to food arranged under the cover. In this regard, it is preferred that the movable support is a slide adapted such that when in the second position it restricts or substantially restricts user access under the cover.

It is further preferred that the movable support is adapted for cooperating with a receptacle opening as defined for the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the movable support includes an upstanding or thicker portion adjacent to a region on which the receptacle is placed in use, this portion being moved with the support and being adapted to cooperate with the receptacle opening when in the second position to restrict or substantially restrict user access under the cover via the receptacle opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Notwithstanding any other form which may fall within

the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred cover located on a food dispensary according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a side elevation of the dispensary of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a plan elevation of the dispensary of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional end elevation of the cover and dispensary; Figures 5 to 8 show similar respective views to Figures 1 to 4, but for a modified embodiment of the cover; Figure 9 shows a similar view to Figure 5, but for a further modified embodiment according to the invention; Figure 10 shows a similar embodiment to Figure 9 for a different sliding arrangement at the receptacle opening; Figure 11 shows a similar view to Figure 5, but with a different utensil mounting arrangement; Figure 12 shows a similar view to Figure 11, but again with a different utensil mounting arrangement; and Figure 13 shows a similar view to Figure 12, but with a different sliding arrangement at the receptacle opening; and Figures 14 to 17 show in detail various ball and socket utensil opening arrangements in accordance with the invention.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings, a cover for a food dispensary in the form of food bar 10 includes a plurality of curved transparent flaps 12. Each flap is hingedly mounted to pivot about head member 14 at the top of the food bar.

Food held in the food bar is illuminated by light 15.

Light 15 may additionally be a heating element (eg. for hot food retention in the food bar, with the element heating food and producing light).

A lower edge 16 of each flap can be locked to and abuts against food retention region 18. Further, each flap has a pair of lateral slots 20 formed therein and through which a utensil 22 (or a number of utensils) is inserted.

Each food retention region 18 includes opposing half cavities 24 into which are inserted food containers 26.

Separating each food retention region is a supporting surface 28 that extends into (and through) the dispensary and also beyond the flaps 12.

The entrance to the food bar is shown in the form of tray opening 29, which is defined by a recessed portion in flap 12 and by the supporting surface 28. A user's food tray 30 can be slid into and out of the food bar via opening 29 along supporting surface 28 (in the manner best indicated by double headed arrow A in Figure 3). Before and after filling the tray can be rested on shelf 31.

Each half cavity 24 is separated from its opposing cavity by a divider 32. A sign 34 can be arranged on the divider to denote the type of food held in each container 26. In addition, head member support poles extend upwardly from the divider to sturdily support the head member 14 at the top of the food bar. The head member also carries signs 38 to advise the user of the contents of the food bar.

The food bar includes a base support structure 40 in which can be provided either refrigeration elements or heating elements (depending on whether the food bar is a hot food bar or a cold food bar).

In use of the food bar, a user slides the food tray 30 along supporting surface 28 and through opening 29 until it reaches the position as shown in Figure 1. When at that position, the user then grasps the handle of utensil 22 and manipulates the utensil to scoop food out of the container 26 and into tray 30. After a predetermined amount of the required food has been placed in the tray 30, the user simply slides the tray back out of the dispenser along surface 28.

This sliding action can be further facilitated by having a movable surface arranged either at the position of supporting surface 28 or on top of surface 28 (i.e. so that the movable surface is moved into and out of the dispenser; see Figures 9 and 10).

The only items handled by the user are their own tray and the handle of utensil 22. Accordingly, the risk of contamination is substantially reduced. Furthermore, because the transparent flaps substantially enclose the dispensary, the risk of contamination through coughing, sneezing, food handling, etc. is substantially reduced.

Also, better temperature control in the food bar can be achieved and maintained.

Preferably the slots 20 are sized such that a user's hand cannot be fitted therethrough. Furthermore, the tray opening 29 can be sized such that when a tray is positioned therein, user access to any food can only be achieved via the use of the utensils. To enhance the prevention of food contamination, the dimensions of the food bar can be such that the opening 29 is sufficiently far from food containers 26 to prevent a user from moving their hand therethrough and thence into the food containers.

Once the user has filled one tray, it can then be rested on shelf 31 and further trays filled. When it is necessary for an operator of the food bar to replenish food containers held within the dispensary, the lower edge 16 can be unlocked, and the respective flap then pivoted upwards and new containers 26 added (or containers can be replenished).

Instead of employing lateral slots for the utensils, a slot arrangement in the form of a cross which enables both lateral movement and up and down movement can be employed.

Furthermore, the opening 29 is suitable for receiving a wide variety of receptacles therethrough, including plates, containers, flat trays, sheets, flat bread etc.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 8, where like reference

numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, instead of employing lateral slots 20 for the utensils 22, a circular hole 50 through which the utensil 20 extends can be employed. Such a circular hole is lined with a flexible material bearing 52 (eg. formed of a flexible polymeric material such as a latex rubber, ABS, NeoprenerM plastic, etc). This material may be optionally attached to the utensil so that the utensil is permanently part of the flap 12 of the cover.

The bearing 52 is supported and fastened in a moulded casing 54 (eg. also formed of a clear material such as Perspex plastic) which is in turn fitted in an appropriate aperture in the flap 12. Typically, the flap 12 includes a horizontal split line 55, defining lower flap portion 57 and upper flap portion 58. The use of a split line in flap 12 enables each casing 54 to be easily fitted to flap 12.

After fitting of a pair of casings in each flap, lower and upper flap portions are rejoined (e.g. adhered, screwed, plastic welded etc).

Advantages of the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 8 include further restricted access to the food containers 26, except by way of the utensils 22, greater retention of heat or cold within the food bar (ie. any heat or chill loss via the slots 22 has been eliminated), and dislodgment and swapping over of utensils is also overcome. However, extra manufacturing steps to form the utensil bearing are required.

Reference will now be made to Figures 9 through to 13, where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts.

Referring to Figure 9, an arrangement similar to that of Figure 5 is shown. In this case, supporting surface 28 is a slide member, which may be provided with a handle on the front face thereof (not shown), and which can be pulled outwardly in the direction of arrow 0.

In Figure 9, the sliding surface is shown in a closed position, wherein only a very small gap 60 is left between the flap 12 and the upper surface of the support 28.

Typically, this gap is sized to be sufficiently small such that a user cannot place their hand therethrough. The gap also enables oversized containers to be slid into and out of the dispensary without colliding with the lower edge 16 of flap 12.

The support 28 has a thickness X throughout until the support meets the flap 12 There is then a ledge at gap 60, and the support then narrows in thickness to a thinner region 62, and upon which container 64 is placed and supported. When the support 28 is pulled outwardly, the thinner region thereof projects beyond the flap 12 and the container 64 can then be placed on (and removed from) that region. The sliding direction of the support is then reversed so that the container 64 is positioned under flap 12 (as shown in Figure 9). In this position, the container can be filled with food, using utensil 22, scooped out from food containers 26.

It should further be noted that the food containers 26 are positioned such that the upper rim thereof is higher than the base of region 62 (and also the ledge at gap 60).

This makes user access to the food in containers 26 even more difficult (particularly where the upper rim of the containers is at the same level or higher than the edge 16, and the gap 60 is set to be reasonably small).

In a further improvement, the thinner region 62 is formed from a plurality of parallel rods or bars, which, in effect, form a grill type platform upon which the container 64 rests. Such an arrangement allows any food over-spill to fall downwardly from region 62, and an appropriate catching bin can be located within the base 40, behind a housing door 66. The bin can be periodically removed for disposal of contents and also washing thereof. When the support is withdrawn out, the grill arrangement can be periodically

wiped down and cleaned for hygienic purposes. As described above, the interior of the food bar can be readily accessed by pivoting flaps 12 upwardly and about hinges attached to head member 14 (as indicated by arrow P).

Referring now to Figure 10, a similar arrangement to that of Figure 9 is shown, however, at ledge 68 of support 28, a cut out semi-circular portion 70 has been attached.

The cut out portion 72 corresponds to a similar cut out recess 71 formed in flap 12.

The support 28 is now shown provided with a handle 72 to facilitate sliding out and sliding in (ie. in the direction of arrow I) thereof.

In the position of Figure 10, it is easy to place container 64 on the region 62 (eg. comprised of a plurality of rods or bars). The container is readily positioned inside the food bar by pushing inwardly against support 28 (so that the container adopts a similar position to that shown in Figure 9) and can then be filled up with food.

When the support is in the closed position, the recess 71 is completely closed off by cut out portion 70 thereby restricting access entirely to the interior of the food bar (this being a particularly desirable arrangement) . Of course, the cut out recess and cut out portion can be any suitable shape depending on the container or tray to be used with the food bar. Also, a second semi-circular portion (not shown) can be positioned on region 62 behind the container 64, so that in the support open position the portion 72 is again closed off. This also prevents user access to the dispensary interior in the open position.

It is again desirable to have the upper lip of food containers 26 located at the same level or higher than bottom edge 16 of flaps 12, so that even with the support in the open position shown in Figure 10, it is still difficult for a user to access the food in containers 26.

Referring now to Figure 11, a different type of mounting arrangement for a utensil 22 is shown. In this

case, the utensil extends through an eyelet 74 (eg. formed from a metal such as stainless steel or a plastic such as PVC). The utensil can engage with the eyelet in a frictional interference fit, or may be slidable therethrough. Attached to and supporting the eyelet is a highly flexible membrane 76, which can be formed from a fabric or latex type rubber to provide maximum mobility of the utensil in its mounting. The membrane is in turn attached to casing 78 which is fastened to flap 12 (e.g. in a manner as described above).

The membrane 76 can, if desirable or necessary, be also formed of a rigid material and this may be more appropriate when the utensil is slidable within the eyelet 74.

Referring now to Figure 12, an arrangement is shown in which the utensil 22 is very simply supported in an eyelet or hole 80. This may be a hole drilled, formed or moulded in the flap 12 and optionally lined with the eyelet, which may be a rubber or polymeric ring, or a metal ring, etc.

This is a simple and cost effective arrangement and can be employed in certain applications.

Referring now to Figure 13, rather than employing a movable support 28, a thinner support 28' is provided. This support enables the container 64 (or a number of containers) to be easily slid into the food bar by hand in the direction of arrow H.

The embodiments of Figures 11, 12 and 13 can each incorporate the grill feature at region 62, to enable food drop out to be collected in the bin, and in addition, the upper edges of containers 26 can be positioned sufficiently high such that access to food therein is difficult, even with the uncovered opening at 29.

Referring now to Figures 14 to 17, alternative mounting arrangements for a utensil are shown. In Figures 14, 15 and 16 (which show perspective, front and side-sectional elevations respectively) a ball 90 formed of a clear acrylic polymer is mounted in a socket 92 (e.g. a contoured recess).

The socket typically is also formed of a clear acrylic polymer.

The socket is in turn mounted in or part of a bearing casing 94 formed of two halves, respectively attached to lower and upper flap portions 57, 58. A hole 95 is formed to extend right through ball 90, and receives the handle of a utensil therethrough.

The ball and socket arrangement provides considerable flexibility in the use of the utensil enabling quite complex manipulations to be made by a user.

Figure 17 shows a modification of the arrangement of Figures 14 to 16, wherein the bearing casing and socket are elongated. This arrangement enables the ball to be moved laterally within the flap (indicated by arrows S) thereby providing the user with an extra degree of freedom, and even greater manipulation in the use of the utensil.

Rather than employing a sliding support arrangement for the food tray 30 or container 64, a rotating arrangement can be used whereby a user places their tray, container, plate, etc. on one side of a rotating dais and that dais is then rotated to move the tray, etc. into the food bar. Other structures can be employed which also restrict user access to the interior of the food bar.

For the various arrangements described above trays, tubs, containers, plates etc can be used as the receptacle for food dispensed from the food bar, with the shape of opening 29 being adjusted or adjustable accordingly.

Typically the flaps are formed from a transparent material such as a plastic (e.g. PerspexTM plastic) or glass, etc. Many of the remaining components can be formed from plastic, although support structures such as the head member, head support poles, and base support structure are typically formed from or include a metal reinforcing frame or timber reinforcement.

A curved flap arrangement may not necessarily be employed, and the flaps can be planar or any other appropriate shape.

Whilst the invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in many other forms.