Provisional Patent Application No. 60/381, 613 which was filed on May 17,2002 and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention is related to dining units for holding, displaying, or serving food products.

Background of the Invention [0003] Dining units are commonly used by food vendors for selling prepared food products. A dining unit typically comprises one or more cases or modules having trays or shelves for holding, displaying, or serving the food products. The cases or modules are often arranged in a linear pattern, i. e. , in a straight line or at right angles. This type of arrangement can require relatively large amounts of floor space, and can thus present disadvantages in applications where the amount of available floor space is limited. Moreover, arranging the cases in a linear pattern may not provide potential customers with an optimal view of the food products within the cases.

[0004] Lighting, signage, and displays can be critical to the success of a food- vending operation. Most dining units, however, do not include provisions for incorporating such features so as to create an overall environment conducive to marketing and selling food products. Also, dining units are often used in temporary, i. e. , short-term, applications such as conventions, trade shows, etc. Reconfiguring a dining unit for a particular application can require adding or eliminating cases or modules to serve a particular food product, or to satisfy a specific anticipated sales volume. Many dining units, however, cannot easily be reconfigured in this manner.

Summary of the Invention [0005] A preferred embodiment of a dining unit comprises a first and a second case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving food products. The first and second cases each comprise at least one of a tray and a shelf. The dining unit also comprises a third case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving others of the food products. The third case has a substantially wedge-shaped planform. The third case comprises a shelf and is positioned between the first and second cases.

[0006] A preferred embodiment of a modular assembly comprises a first and a second elongated module for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving food products.

The first and second elongated modules each comprise at least one of a tray and a shelf. The modular assembly also comprises a corner module for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving others of the food products. The corner module comprises a shelf, and a first and a second side panel each adjoining the shelf. The second side panel is angled in relation to the first side panel by an acute angle, an end of the first elongated module abuts the first side panel, and an end of the second elongated module abuts the second side panel so that the first and second modules extend in substantially nonparallel directions.

[0007] Another preferred embodiment of a dining unit comprises a first case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving food products. The first case comprises at least one of a tray and a shelf. The dining unit also comprises a second and a third case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving others of the fuod pr ducts. The second and third cases each have a substantially wedge-shaped planform, and the first case is positioned between the second and third cases.

[0008] Another preferred embodiment of a modular assembly comprises an elongated module for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving food products. The elongated module comprises at least one of a tray and a shelf. The modular assembly also comprises a first and a second corner module for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving others of the food products. The first and second corner modules each comprise a shelf, and a first and a second side panel each adjoining the shelf. The second side panel is angled in relation to the first side panel by an acute angle. The first side panel of the first corner module abuts a first end of the elongated module, and the second side panel of the second corner module abuts a second end of the elongated module.

[0009] A preferred embodiment of a kit for a dining unit comprises a first case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving food products. The first case comprises at least one of a tray and a shelf. The kit also comprises a second and a third case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving others of the food products. The second and third cases each have a substantially wedge-shaped planform. The kit also comprises a truss system comprising a first support pole for mounting on the second case, a second support pole for mounting on the third case, and a truss for being mechanically coupled to the first and second support poles.

[0010] A preferred embodiment of a kit for a modular assembly comprises an elongated module for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving food products. The elongated module comprises at least one of a tray and a shelf. The kit also comprises a first a. id a second corner module for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving others of the fo. 1 products. The first and second corner modules each comprise a shelf, and a first and a second side panel each adjoining the shelf. The second side panel is angled in relation to the first side panel by an acute angle. The kit also comprises a truss system comprising a first support pole for mounting on one of the corner modules, a second support pole for mounting on the other of the corner modules, and a truss for being mechanically coupled to the first and second support poles.

[0011] A preferred method is provided for assembling a dining unit comprising a first case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving food products, the first case comprising at least one of a tray and a shelf, a second and a third case for at least one of holding, displaying, and serving others of the food products and each having a substantially wedge-shaped planform, and a truss system comprising a first support pole for mounting on the second case, a second support pole for mounting on the third case, and a truss for being mechanically coupled to the first and second support poles. The preferred method comprises positioning the first case between the second and third cases, mounting the first support pole on the second case, mounting the second support pole on the third case, and mechanically coupling the truss to the first and second support poles.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0012] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a presently-preferred embodiment, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show an embodiment that is presently preferred. The invention is not limited, however, to the specific instrumentalities disclosed in the drawings. In the drawings: [0013] Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a presently-preferred dining unit; [0014] Fig. 2 is a front elevation view of the dining unit shown in Fig. 1; [0015] Fig. 3 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the dining unit shown in Figs. 1 and 2; [0016] Fig. 4 is a front elevation view of the dining unit shown in Fig. 3; [0017] Fig. 5 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the dining unit shown in Figs. 1 and 2; [0018] Fig. 6 is a front elevation view of the dining unit shown in Fig. 5 ; and [0019] Fig. 7 is a magnified view of the area designated"A"in Fig. 2, showing the dining unit in a partially disassembled state.

Description of Preferred Embodiments [0020] A preferred embodiment of a dining unit 10 is depicted in Figures 1-7. The dining unit 10 preferably comprises two cases in the form of a beverage and tray module 12 and a cold food and sandwich module 14. The dining unit 10 also comprises three additional cases in the form of a first corner module 16, a second corner module 18, and a third corner \ module 20. Preferably, the first corner module 16 is fixedly coupled to an end of the beverage and tray module 12, and the second corner module 18 is fixedly coupled to an opposing end of the beverage and tray module 12.

[0021] Preferably, the second corner module 18 is also fixedly coupled to an end of the cold food and sandwich module 14, and the third corner module 20 is fixedly coupled to an opposing end of the food and sandwich module 14. Further details concerning the interrelationship between the beverage and tray module 12, the cold food and sandwich module 14, and the first, second, and third corner modules 16,18, 20 are presented below.

[0022] The beverage and tray module 12 can comprise a hot food cart 22 for displaying and serving hot foods. The beverage and tray module 12 can also comprise a beverage cart 24 for storing and displaying cold beverages.

[0023] The beverage and tray module 12 has a front 12a and a back 12b (see Figure 1). The beverage and tray module 12 is configured so that beverages and foodstuffs can be displayed and served to individuals facing the front 12a of the beverage and tray module 12, by service personnel located on the opposite side thereof. The beverage and tray module 12 can have an overall length of approximately ten feet.

[0024] The cold food and sandwich module 14 can comprise a refrigerated cart 26 for storing and displaying cold foods. The cold food and sandwich module 14 can also comprise a cold food cart 28 for storing and displaying foodstuffs used for sandwich making.

[0025] The cold food and sandwich module 14 has a front 14a and a back 14b. The cold food and sandwich module 14 is configured so that beverages and foodstuffs can be displayed and served to individuals facing the front 14a of the cold food and sandwich module 14, by service personnel located on the opposite side thereof. The cold food and sandwich module 14 can have an overall length of approximately ten feet.

[0026] Further details relating to the beverage and tray module 12 and the cold food and sandwich module 14 are not necessary to an understating of the invention, and therefore are not presented herein.

[0027] The first corner module 16 preferably comprises a first side panel 16a, a second side panel 16b, and an adjoining rear panel 16c (see Figure 1). The first corner module 16 also preferably comprises a top panel 16d and a bottom panel 16e that adjoin the side panels 16a, 16b and the rear panel 16c (see Figures 1 and 2). Preferably, the corner module 16 further includes a shelf panel 16f positioned within the corner module 16, between the top panel 16d and a bottom panel 16e. The top panel 16d, bottom panel 16e, and shelf panel 16f can be used to display food products that do not require warming or refrigeration.

(Alternative embodiments of t> firct corner module 16 can be equipped with heating or refrigeration equipment so that top panel 16d, bottom panel 16e, and shelf panel 16f can display food products that require warming or refrigeration.) [0028] The top panel 16d has a forward edge 16g, the bottom panel has 16e a forward edge 16h, and the shelf panel 16f has a forward edge 16i. Each of the forward edges 16g, 16h, 16i preferably has a curvilinear shape when viewed from above, i. e. , from the perspective of Figure 1. It should be noted that the forward edges 16g, 16h, 16i are curved for ornamental purposes; other shapes may be used in alternative embodiments.

[0029] The first and second side panels 16a, 16b each extend between the rear panel 16c and the forward edges 16g, 16h, 16i. The first and second side panels 16a, 16b diverge as the first and second side panels 16a, 16b extend forward from the rear panel 16c. The first and second side panels 16a, 16b preferably diverge at an acute angle such as approximately 45 degrees (this angle is denoted by the symbol"a"in Figure 1). In other words, the second side panel 16b is preferably angled by approximately 45 degrees in relation to the first side panel 16a. This feature gives the first corner module 16 a substantially wedge-shaped (or pie- shaped) appearance when viewed from above (see Figure 1). In other words, the first corner module 16 preferably has a substantially wedge-shaped planform.

[0030] Preferably, the side panels 16a, 16b each have an access opening formed therein proximate the rear panel 16c. A respective access door 16j is coupled to each of the side panels 16a, 16b (see Figure 1), preferably by hinges (not shown). The access doors 16j cover the respective access openings. The access doors 16j each translate between a closed position, and an open position that facilitate access to the inside of the first corner module.

[0031] Lights 19 may be secured to a bottom surface of the top panel 16d and bottom surface of the shelf panel 16f to illuminate the foodstuffs displayed within the corner module 16 (see Figure 2).

[0032] The second and third corner modules 18,20 are substantially identical to the first corner module 16. The above-noted details relating to the configuration of the first corner module 16 therefore apply equally to the second and third corner modules 18,20.

(Corresponding components in the first, second, and third corner modules 16,18, 20 are denoted in the figures by alphanumeric references symbols having identical alphabetical portions.) [0033] A first side panel 18a of the second corner module 18 preferably abuts a second end 12d of the beverage and tray module 12. A second side panel 18b of the second corner module 18 likewise preferably abuts a first end 14c of the cold food and sandwich module 14.

[0034] The angled orientation of the side panels 18a, 18b causes the beverage and tray module 12 to be angled in relation to the cold food and sandwich module 14. More particularly, the beverage and tray module 12, the second corner module 18, and the cold food and sandwich module 14 have a substantially v-shaped configuration when coupled as noted (see Figure 1).

[0035] The first side panel 16a of the first corner module 16 preferably abuts a first end 12c of the beverage and tray module 12. A first side panel 20a of the third corner module 20 likewise preferably abuts a second end 14d of the cold food and sandwich module 14.

[0036] The first corner module 16 faces outwardly when coupled to the beverage and tray module 12. In other words, the first corner module 16 is positioned so that the rear panel 16c is located proximate the back 12b of the beverage and tray module 12. Hence, foodstuffs displayed on the top panel 16d, bottom panel 16e, and shelf panel 16f are accessible to individuals facing the front 12a of the beverage and tray module 12.

[0037] The third corner module 20 likewise faces outwardly when coupled to the cold food and sandwich module 14. In other words, the third corner module 20 is positioned so that a rear panel 20c thereof is located proximate the back 14b of the cold food and sandwich module 14. Hence, foodstuffs displayed on a top panel 20d, a bottom panel 20e, and a shelf panel 20f of the third corner module 20 are accessible to individuals facing the front 14a of the cold food and sandwich module 14.

[0038] The dining unit 10 further comprises a truss system (see Figure 2). The truss system comprises a first support pole 38, a second support pole 40, and a third support pole 42. The first, second, and third support poles 38,40, 42 are preferably formed from aluminum. It should be noted that the first, second, and third support poles 38,40, 42 are formed with a substantially circular cross section for ornamental purposes; other cross- sectional configurations can be used in alternative embodiments.

[0039] The first support pole 38 is fixedly coupled the top panel 16d of the first corner module 16. More particularly, an end 38a of the first support pole 38 is positioned in a bore in the top panel 16d of the first corner module 16. The end 38a is secured in the bore by conventional means such as fasteners.

[0040] An end 40a of the second support pole 40 is positioned in a bore formed in a top panel 18d of the second corner module 18, and is secured in the bore by conventional means such as fasteners. An end 42a of the third support pole 42 is positioned in a bore formed in the top panel 20d of the third corner module 20, and is secured in the bore by conventional means such as fasteners.

[0041] The truss system also comprises a first truss 44 and a second truss 46 (see Figure 2). The first truss 44 preferably has a length approximately equal to that of the beverage and tray module 12. The second truss 46 preferably has a length approximately equal to that of the cold food and sandwich module 14. The first and second trusses 44,46 are preferably formed from aluminum. It should be noted that the specific configuration of the trusses 44,46 depicted in the figures is chosen for ornamental purposes; other structural configurations that provide suitable load-bearing capacity can be used in alternative embodiments.

[0042] An end of the first truss 44 is fixedly coupled to a second end 38b of the first support pole 38. An opposing end of the first truss 44 is fixedly coupled to a second end 40b of the second support pole 40. The first truss 44 is thus suspended above the beverage and tray module 12 from the first and second support poles 38,40.

[0043] Moreover, the first truss 44 and the first and second support poles 38,40 secure the beverage and tray module 12 between the first and second corner modules 16,18.

In other words, the noted arrangement of the first truss 44 and the first and second support poles 38,40 secures the first corner module 16 in position in relation to the second corner module 18, and thus inhibits movement of the beverage and tray module 12 which, as noted above, is positioned between the first and second corner modules 16,18.

[0044] The ends of the first truss 44 are preferably coupled to the second ends 38b, 40b of the first and second support poles 38,40 using the bracket mechanism 51 depicted in Figure 7. The bracket mechanism 51 comprises pocket members 53 fixedly coupled to respective ends of the truss 44, and brackets 55 fixedly coupled to the second ends 38b, 40b of the first and second support poles 38,40 (for clarity, only the second end 40b of the pole 40 is depicted in Figure 7). The brackets 55 are substantially V-shaped, as depicted in Figure 7. Each pocket member 53 is adapted to fit over an end of a corresponding bracket 55 when the first truss 44 is lowered onto the first and second support poles 38,40. The bracket 55 engages the corresponding pocket member 53, and thereby prevents further downward movement of the first truss 44.

[0045] An end of the second truss 46 is fixedly coupled to a second end 40b of the second support pole 40. An opposing end of the second truss 46 is fixedly coupled to a second end 42b of the third support pole 42. The second truss 46 is thus suspended above the cold food and sandwich module 14 from the second and th 1 support poles 40,42. The ends of the second truss 46 are fixedly coupled to the second ends 40b, 42b of the second and third support poles 40,42 using the above-described bracket mechanism 51 (see Figure 7).

[0046] Moreover, the second truss 46 and the second and third support poles 40,42 secure the cold food and sandwich module 14 between the second and third corner modules 18,20. In other words, the noted arrangement of the second truss 46 and the second and third support poles 40,42 secures the second corner module 18 in position in relation to the third corner module 20, and thus inhibits movement of the cold food and sandwich module 14 which, as noted above, is positioned between the second and third corner modules 18,20.

[0047] Conventional track lights 58 can be suspended from the first and second trusses 44,46. The track lights 58 are preferably mounted on swivel means that permit the track lights 58 to be aimed at selected locations throughout the dining unit 10. Additional track lights 58 can be mounted on the first, second, and third support poles 38,42, 44.

[0048] The first, second, and third support poles 38,40, 42 can each have a light fixture integrated into the respective second ends 38b, 40b, 42b thereof. These light fixtures each accommodate a spot light 45 that shines upwardly (see Figures 1 and 2). Moreover, conventional heat lamps (not shown) can be suspended from the first truss 44 to warm food located in the hot food cart 22 of the beverage and tray module 12.

[0049] Signage can be displayed at various locations on the dining unit 10. For example, an elongated sign 60 can be mounted on each of the first and second trusses 42,46 (see Figure 2). The signs 60 can display, for example, writing or a graphical display (not shown) that identifies the general type of food served at a particular dining unit 10.

[0050] Moreover, signs 62 can be secured to the first, second, and third support poles 38,40, 42, as shown in Figure 2. The signs 62 can display, for example, the menu and fc d prices (not shown) at a particular dining unit 10.

[0051] The dining unit 10 also comprises a backdrop 64 (see Figures 1 and 2). The backdrop 64 includes a frame 66, and a display 68 attached to the frame 66. The display 68 can depict, for example, an oversized rendition of one or more of the food items served at a particular dining unit 10 (not shown), thereby drawing the attention of potential customers.

[0052] The backdrop 68 is not physically connected to the other components of the dining unit 10, and is preferably located behind the beverage and tray module 12 and the cold food and sandwich module 14. More particularly, the backdrop 68 is preferably positioned so that a working space for the service personnel is defined between the backdrop 68, and the beverage and tray module 12 and cold food and sandwich module 14.

[0053] The dining unit 10 is believed to create an overall environment conducive to displaying and serving food products. In particular, the beverage and tray module 12, the cold food and sandwich module 14, and the corner modules 16,18, 20 are integrated so as to form a continuous series of casings and shelves from which a variety of hot and cold foodstuffs and beverages can be viewed on a simultaneous basis by potential customers.

Food and beverages of the customers'choice can then be served easily and expeditiously from the beverage and tray module 12, the cold food and sandwich module 14, and the corner modules 16,18, 20.

[0054] The lights 58 can provide a source of illumination for the dining unit 10 and its immediate vicinity. The lights 58 are integrated with the temporary dining unit 10 by way of the first and second trusses 44,46 and the first, second, and third support poles 38,42, 44.

[0055] The first and second trusses 44,46 and the first, second, and third support poles 38,42, 44 also provide a means for integrating signage irto the dining unit 10. The backdrop 64 can permit an eye-catching display to be integrated into the dining unit 10.

These features can facilitate the display of information such as menus and pr es, as well as advertising to attract potential customers. Moreover, the signage and displays can be placed in predetermined areas that optimize the beneficial effects while minimizing the intrusiveness thereof.

[0056] The dining unit 10 can thus serve as an integrated, self-contained system that can be used on a stand-alone basis to create an overall environment for marketing and selling food and beverages. The dining unit 10, it is believed, can be quickly and easily assembled at a particular location without the need for specially trained personnel, and with minimal tooling.

[0057] Moreover, the wedge-shaped configuration of the first, second, and third corner modules 16,18, 20 gives the beverage and tray module 12 and the cold food and sandwich module 14 a substantially v-shaped configuration, as previously noted. The relatively compact v-shaped configuration allows the dining unit 10 to be placed in relatively small (narrow) areas that could not accommodate the tray module 12 and the cold food and sandwich module 14 when arranged in a straight-line configuration.

[0058] Moreover, the v-shaped configuration of the beverage and tray module 12 and the cold food and sandwich module 14 can permit potential customers standing in front of the dining unit 10 to view the contents of the beverage and tray module 12 and the cold food and sandwich module 14 on a substantially simultaneous basis.

[0059] It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of the parts, within the principles of the invention.

[0060] For example, specific details relating to the beverage and tray module 12 and the cold food and sandwich module 14 are presented for exemplary purposes only. Virtually any type of case or module adapted to display, serve, store, heat, or cool foodstuffs or beverages can be used in place of the beverage and tray module 12 and the cold food and sandwich module 14, including cases and modules having a length less than or greater than ten feet. Cashier carts and merchandiser carts can also be used in place of the beverage and tray module 12 and the cold food and sandwich module 14.

[0061] Moreover, alternative embodiments of the dining unit 10 can be configured with virtually any number of cases or modules. Hence, variants of the dining unit 10 can be optimally configured for a particular application or installation site. For example, Figures 3 and 4 depict a dining unit lOa comprising the beverage and tray module 12 and the first and second corner modules 16,18, but not the cold food and sandwich module 14.

(Corresponding components of the dining units 10, lOa are denoted by identical reference symbols in Figures 1-4.) [0062] Figure 5 and 6 depict a dining unit lOb. The dining unit lOb comprises all of the components as the dining unit 10. (Components common to the dining units 10, 1 Oa are denoted by identical reference numerals in Figures 1,2, 5, and 6. ) The dining unit lOb further comprises a hot food and grill cart 70 fixedly coupled to the third corner module 20, and a fourth corner module 72 fixedly coupled to an end of the hot food and grill cart 70.