BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The invention relates generally to the field of holding cabinets and methods of serving precooked food products employing such holding cabinets. More specifically, the invention is directed towards holding cabinets in which precooked food products are raised within the holding cabinet, and methods of serving precooked food products employing such holding cabinets.

2. Description of Related Art [0003] Some restaurants, such as fast food restaurants, may precook some of the food products, eg., chicken, beef, turkey, fish, pizza, and the like, which they later may serve to customers. Because the precooked food products may not be immediately served after cooking, the precooked food products initially may be stored in a first holding cabinet. Some known first holding cabinets may form an enclosure, and may include a heater, a blower for circulating heated air, and a plurality of shelves. After the food products are cooked, the precooked food products may be placed on food product holders, such as trays, pans, or the like, which may be placed on the shelves within the first holding cabinet. Subsequently, the precooked food products may be transferred to a second holding cabinet, which may be at a predetermined location inside the restaurant, such that precooked food products placed inside the second holding cabinet may be displayed to customers. For example, the precooked food products may be transferred from the first holding cabinet to the second holding cabinet when the second holding cabinet is depleted or substantially depleted of a particular type of food product. Some known second holding cabinets may form a transparent enclosure, and may include a rotatable surface or surfaces and a heater, so that the precooked food products may be at a desirable temperature when they are served to customers.

[0004] Although food products may be precooked and stored in holding cabinets, if the precooked food products remain in the holding cabinets for more than a predetermined amount of time, the precooked food products may become undesirable for consumption. For example, the precooked food products may change in texture or taste, or both, or may become dry. Consequently, in order to reduce an amount of time that the precooked food products spend inside the holding cabinets before being served to customers, some restaurants may employ known indexing methods, such that the precooked food product which has been inside the holding cabinet for the longest period of time may be the next food product served to a customer requesting that particular food product. Such indexing methods may include manually marking the precooked food products or the food product holder, manually rotating the rotatable surface (s) when precooked food products are added to or removed from the second holding cabinet, memorizing the order in which the precooked food products are placed inside the holding cabinets, and the like.

[0005] Nevertheless, such restaurants may have multiple employees who place precooked food products in the holding cabinets, and also may have multiple employees who serve the precooked food products from the holding cabinets.

Further, the employees who place the precooked food products inside the holding cabinets may be different than those employees who remove the precooked food products from the holding cabinets, which may make it difficult to accurately index the precooked food products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] Therefore, a need has arisen for holding cabinets and methods of employing such holding cabinets that overcome these and other shortcomings of the related art. A technical advantage of the present invention is that food products stored in a holding cabinet may be indexed such that a food product which has been inside the holding cabinet for the longest period of time may be the next food product served to a customer requesting that particular food product. Another technical advantage of the present invention is that a single holding cabinet may be employed to hold precooked food products and also to display precooked food products to customers.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a holding cabinet is provided. The holding cabinet comprises a first side wall and a second side wall positioned opposite the first side wall. The holding cabinet also comprises a first pair of stationary, pivotable supports, in which a first support of the first pair of

stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the first side wall and a second support of the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the second side wall. The holding cabinet further comprises a second pair of stationary, pivotable supports, which are positioned above the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports, in which a first support of the second pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the first side wall and a second support of the second pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the second side wall. Moreover, the holding cabinet is adapted to receive a first food product holder, in which the first food product holder is positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall and is supported by the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports. The holding cabinet also comprises means, e. g., a first lifting panel, a second lifting panel, and a first pair of non-stationary, pivotable supports, for raising, e. g., mechanically raising, the first food product holder from the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports to the second pair of stationary, pivotable supports.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a holding cabinet is provided. The holding cabinet comprises a first side wall which comprises a first channel, and a second side wall which is positioned opposite the first side wall and comprises a second channel. The holding cabinet further comprises a first pair of stationary, pivotable supports, in which a first support of the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the first side wall and a second support of the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the second side wall. Moreover, the holding cabinet comprises a second pair of stationary, pivotable supports which are positioned above the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports, in which a first support of the second pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the first side wall and a second support of the second pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the second side wall. The holding cabinet also comprises a first lifting panel which is positioned within at least a portion of the first channel, and a second lifting panel which is positioned within at least a portion of the second channel. The holding cabinet further comprises a first pair of non-stationary, pivotable supports which are positioned below the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports, in which a first support of the first pair of non-stationary, pivotable supports is formed on the first lifting panel and a second support of the first pair of non-stationary, pivotable supports is formed on the second lifting panel. In addition, the holding cabinet is adapted to receive a first food

product holder, in which the first food product holder is positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall and is supported by the first pair of non-stationary, pivotable supports. Moreover, the first lifting panel, the second lifting panel, and the first pair of non-stationary, pivotable supports raise, zu mechanically raise, the first food product holder from the first pair of non-stationary, pivotable supports to the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports. In one embodiment, the first lifting panel, the second lifting panel, and a second pair of non-stationary, pivotable supports raise, e. g., mechanically raise, the first food product holder from the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports to the second pair of stationary, pivotable supports.

[0009] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a holding cabinet is provided. The holding cabinet comprises a first side wall and a second side wall positioned opposite the first side wall. The holding cabinet also comprises a first pair of stationary, pivotable supports, in which a first support of the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the first side wall and a second support of the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the second side wall. The holding cabinet further comprises a second pair of stationary, pivotable supports, in which a first support of the second pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the first side wall and is spaced from and on substantially the same plane as the first of the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports, and a second support of the second pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the second side wall and is spaced from and on substantially the same plane as the second of the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports. Moreover, the holding cabinet also comprises a third pair of stationary, pivotable supports which are positioned above the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports, in which a first support of the third pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the first side wall and a second support of the third pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the second side wall. The holding cabinet also comprises a fourth pair of stationary, pivotable supports which are positioned above the second pair of stationary, pivotable supports, in which a first support of the fourth pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the first side wall and is spaced from and on substantially the same plane as the first of the third pair of stationary, pivotable supports, and a second support of the fourth pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the second side wall and is spaced from and on substantially the same plane

as the second of the third pair of stationary, pivotable supports. The holding cabinet is adapted to receive a first food product holder, in which the first food product holder is positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall and is supported by the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports and the second pair of stationary, pivotable supports. Moreover, the holding cabinet comprises means, e. g., a first lifting panel, a second lifting panel, a first pair of non-stationary, pivotable supports, and a second pair of non-stationary, pivotable supports, for raising,, mechanically raising, the first food product holder from the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports and the second pair of stationary, pivotable supports to the third pair of stationary, pivotable supports and the fourth pair of stationary, pivotable supports.

[0010] In still another embodiment, the holding cabinet also comprises a fifth pair of stationary, pivotable supports which are positioned above the third pair of stationary, pivotable supports, in which a first support of the fifth pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the first side wall and a second support of the fifth pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the second side wall. In this embodiment, the holding cabinet further comprises a sixth pair of stationary, pivotable supports which are positioned above the fourth pair of stationary, pivotable supports, in which a first support of the sixth pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the first side wall and is spaced from and on substantially the same plane as the first of the fifth pair of stationary, pivotable supports, and a second support of the sixth pair of stationary, pivotable supports is operably mounted through the second side wall and is spaced from and on substantially the same plane as the second of the fifth pair of stationary, pivotable supports. In addition, the holding cabinet is adapted to receive a second food product holder, in which the second food product holder is positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall and is supported by the third pair of stationary, pivotable supports and the fourth pair of stationary, pivotable supports.

Moreover, the first lifting panel, the second lifting panel, a third pair of non- stationary, pivotable supports, and a fourth pair of non-stationary, pivotable supports raise, e. g., mechanically raise, the second food product holder from the third pair of stationary, pivotable supports and the fourth pair of stationary, pivotable supports to the fifth pair of stationary, pivotable supports and the sixth pair of stationary, pivotable supports.

[0011] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of serving precooked food products is described. The method comprises the steps of placing a precooked food product on a first food product holder and placing the first food product holder in a holding cabinet according to any of the above-described <BR> <BR> embodiments. The method also comprises the steps of raising, e. g., mechanically raising, the first food product holder from the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports to the second pair of stationary, pivotable supports, and removing the food product from the first food product holder when the first food product holder rises to an upper portion of the holding cabinet, e. g=, above the door.

[0012] According to yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of serving precooked food products is described. The method comprises the steps placing a precooked food product on a first food product holder and placing the first food product holder in a holding cabinet according to any of the above-described embodiments. The method also comprises the steps of raising, eg., mechanically raising, the first food product holder from the first pair of non-stationary, pivotable supports to the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports, and raising, eg., mechanically raising the first food product holder from the first pair of stationary, pivotable supports to the second pair of stationary, pivotable supports. Moreover, the method comprises the step of removing the food product from the first food product holder when the first food product holder rises to an upper portion of the holding cabinet, e. R., above the door.

[0013] Other objects, features, and advantages will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings and color photographs, which are provided by example only, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, needs satisfied thereby, and objects, features, and advantages thereof, reference now is made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a holding cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the holding cabinet of Fig. 1 including arrows indicating movement of the elements of the holding cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the holding cabinet of Fig. 1 showing a transitional stage within the holding cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 4 is a front cross-sectional view of the holding cabinet of Fig. 1 including arrows indicating movement of the elements of the holding cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00191 Fig. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of the holding cabinet of Fig. 1 including arrows indicating movement of the elements of the holding cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of the holding cabinet of Fig. 1 including arrows indicating movement of the elements of the holding cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of the holding cabinet of Fig. 1 showing the completion of one raising cycle within the holding cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the left side of the holding cabinet of Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the right side of the holding cabinet of Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig osa-d are front cross-sectional views depicting pivoting of a stationary, pivotable support including arrows indicating movement of a food product tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. lla-d are front cross-sectional views including arrow indicating movement of a non-stationary, pivotable support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 12 is a front open view of a holding cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a first means for raising or lowering lifting panels according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a second means for raising or lowering lifting panels according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a third means for raising or lowering lifting panels according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 16 is a front view of a holding cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 17 is a front perspective view of a holding cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 18 is a top perspective view of a counter of a holding cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00331 Fig. 19 is a back perspective view of a holding cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 20 is a side perspective view of a holding cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 21 is a side perspective view of a holding cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 22 is a back perspective view of a holding cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0037] Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to Figs. 1-22, like numerals being used for like corresponding parts in the various drawings.

[0038] Referring to Figs. 1,8, 9,12, and 16, a holding cabinet 100 may comprise a first side wall 110 and a second side wall 112 positioned substantially opposite first side wall 110. First side wall 110 may comprise a first channel (not shown), and in one embodiment, also may comprise a second channel (not shown) spaced apart from the first channel. Second side wall 112 may comprise a third channel (not shown) formed substantially opposite the first channel, and in one embodiment, also may comprise a fourth channel (not shown) spaced apart from the third channel and formed substantially opposite the second channel.

[0039] As shown in Figs. 1,8, 9, and 21, holding cabinet 100 also may comprise a plurality of stationary, pivotable supports, e. g., stationary supporting hinges, which may pivot, but may not move up or down, relative to side wall 110 and side wall 112, respectively. For example, holding cabinet 100 may comprise a stationary support 120a formed on first side wall 110 and a stationary support 120b formed on second side wall 112, which may be positioned substantially opposite stationary support 120a. Holding cabinet 100 also may comprise a stationary support 122a formed on first side wall 110, which may be positioned above stationary support

120a, and a stationary support 122b formed on second side wall 112, which may be positioned above stationary support 120b substantially opposite stationary support 122a. Holding cabinet 100 further may comprise a stationary support 124a formed on first side wall 110, which may be positioned above stationary support 122a, and a stationary support 124b formed on second side wall 112, which may be positioned above stationary support 122b substantially opposite stationary support 124a.

Moreover, holding cabinet 100 may comprise a stationary support 126a formed on first side wall 110, which may be positioned above stationary support 124a, and a stationary support 126b formed on second side wall 112, which may be positioned above stationary support 124b substantially opposite stationary support 126a.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 8, holding cabinet 100 also may comprise a stationary support 120a'formed on first side wall 110, which may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as stationary support 120a, and a stationary support 120b'formed on second side wall 112, which may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as stationary support 120b. Holding cabinet 100 further may comprise a stationary support 122a'formed on first side wall 110, which may be positioned above stationary support 120a'and also may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as stationary support 122a. In addition, holding cabinet 100 may comprise a stationary support 122b'formed on second side wall 112, which may be positioned above stationary support 120b'and also may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as stationary support 122b. Holding cabinet 100 also may comprise a stationary support 124a'formed on first side wall 110, which may be positioned above stationary support 122a'and also may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as stationary support 124a.

Moreover, holding cabinet 100 may comprise a stationary support 124b'formed on second side wall 112, which may be positioned above stationary support 122b'and also may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as stationary support 124b. In addition, holding cabinet 100 may comprise a stationary support 126a'formed on first side wall 110, which may be positioned above stationary support 124a'and also may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as stationary support 126a. Holding cabinet 100 further may comprise a stationary support 126b'formed on second side wall 112, which may be positioned above stationary support 124b'and also may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as stationary support 126b. Thus, in an embodiment,

holding cabinet 100 may comprise at least four pairs of stationary supports operably mounted through each of the side walls 110 and 112, respectively.

[0041] In any of the above-described embodiments, holding cabinet 100 also may comprise at least one food product holder 106, which may be a tray, pan, or the like, which may be positioned between first side wall 110 and second side wall 112.

For example, holding cabinet 100 may comprise a single food product holder 106.

Alternatively, holding cabinet 100 may comprise a plurality of food product holders 106, such as between two and five food product holders. Nevertheless, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the number of food product holders 106 employed may depend on a size of holding cabinet 100 and the number of stationary supports employed in holding cabinet 100. Moreover, in one embodiment, at least one of the food product holders 106 may be supported by stationary supports, which are positioned substantially in the same plane, such that food product holder 106 may be substantially level.

[0042] In any of the above-described embodiments, holding cabinet 100 further may comprise means for raising, eg., mechanical means, electrical means, electromagnetic means, or any other non-manual means, the at least one food product holder 106. For example, food product holder 106 may be raised from stationary supports 120a and 120b to stationary supports 122a and 122b. Alternatively, food product holder 106 may be raised from stationary supports 120a, 120b, 120a', and 120b'to stationary supports 122a, 122b, 122a', and 122b'. Similarly, food product holder 106 may be raised from stationary supports 122a and 122b to stationary supports 124a and 124b. Alternatively, food product holder 106 may be raised from stationary supports 122a, 122b, 122a', and 122b'to stationary supports 124a, 124b, 124a', and 124b'. Nevertheless, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that food product holder 106 may be raised from any set of stationary supports positioned in a first plane to any other set of stationary supports positioned in a second plane which is above the first plane. Moreover, the means for raising food products holder 106 may comprise a first lifting panel 108a, which may be positioned within at least a portion of the first channel, and a second lifting panel 108b, which may be positioned within at least a portion of the third channel. In one embodiment, the means for raising food product holder 106 also may comprise a third lifting panel 108a', which may be positioned within at least a portion of the second channel, and a

fourth lifting panel 108b', which may be positioned within at least a portion of the fourth channel.

[0043] In any of the above-described embodiments, the means for raising food product holder 106 also may comprise a plurality of non-stationary, pivotable supports, e. g., movable supporting hinges, which may pivot and also may move up or down relative to side wall 110 and side wall 112, respectively. For example, the means for raising food product holder 106 may comprise a non-stationary support 130a formed on first lifting panel 108a and a non-stationary support 130b formed on second lifting panel 108b, which may be positioned substantially opposite non- stationary support 130a. In this embodiment, food product holder 106 may be supported by non-stationary supports 130a and 130b, and may be raised from non- stationary supports 130a and 130b to stationary supports 120a and 120b.

[0044] The means for raising food product holder 106 also may comprise a non-stationary support 132a formed on first lifting panel 108a, which may be positioned above non-stationary support 130a, and a non-stationary support 132b formed on second lifting panel 108b, which may be positioned above non-stationary support 130b substantially opposite non-stationary support 132a. The means for raising food product holder 106 further may comprise a non-stationary support 134a formed on first lifting panel 108a, which may be positioned above non-stationary support 132a, and a non-stationary support 134b formed on second lifting panel 108b, which may be positioned above non-stationary support 132b substantially opposite non-stationary support 134a. Moreover, the means for raising food product holder 106 may comprise a non-stationary support 136a formed on first lifting panel 108a, which may be positioned above non-stationary support 134a, and a non-stationary support 136b formed on second lifting panel 108b, which may be positioned above non-stationary support 134b substantially opposite non-stationary support 136a.

[0045] In an another embodiment, the means for raising food product holder 106 also may comprise a non-stationary support 130a'formed on third lifting panel 108a', which may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as non- stationary support 130a, and a non-stationary support 130b'formed on fourth lifting panel 108b', which may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as non-stationary support 130b. In this embodiment, food product holder 106 may be supported by non-stationary supports 130a, 130b, 130a', and 130b', and may be raised from non-stationary supports 130a, 130b, 130a', 130b'to stationary supports 120a,

120b, 120a', and 120b'. The means for raising food product holder 106 further may comprise a non-stationary support 132a'formed on third lifting panel 108a', which may be positioned above non-stationary support 130a'and also may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as non-stationary support 132a. In addition, the means for raising food product holder 106 may comprise a non- stationary support 132b'formed on fourth lifting panel 108b', which may be positioned above non-stationary support 130b'and also may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as non-stationary support 132b.

[0046] The means for raising food product holder 106 also may comprise a non-stationary support 134a'formed on third lifting panel 108a', which may be positioned above non-stationary support 132a'and also may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as non-stationary support 134a. Moreover, the means for raising food product holder 106 may comprise a non-stationary support 134b'formed on fourth lifting panel 108b', which may be positioned above non- stationary support 132b'and also may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as non-stationary support 134b. In addition, the means for raising food product holder 106 may comprise a non-stationary support 136a'formed on third lifting panel 108a', which may be positioned above non-stationary support 134a'and also may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as non- stationary support 136a. The means for raising food product holder 106 further may comprise a non-stationary support 136b'formed on fourth lifting panel 108b', which may be positioned above non-stationary support 134b'and also may be spaced from and formed on substantially the same plane as non-stationary support 136b.

[0047] In any of the above-described embodiments, holding cabinet 100 also may comprise means for simultaneously raising or lowering first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b. For example, referring to Figs. 13 and 20, the means for simultaneously raising or lowering first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b may comprise a pulley system 150. In this embodiment, the means for simultaneously raising or lowering first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b also may comprise a first cylinder 152a, which may be mounted to a backside of first lifting panel 108a via a mounting bracket 160a. Moreover, first cylinder 152a may comprise a threaded engaging nut 154a. Similarly, the means for simultaneously raising or lowering first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b also may comprise a second cylinder 152b, which may be mounted to a backside of second

lifting panel 108b via a mounting bracket 160b. The means for simultaneously raising or lowering first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b further may comprise at least one screw 156, such as an ACME-type or jacking screw, i. e., a screw which has threads running substantially the entire length of the screw, which may be operationally coupled to a gear box 158 or a motor (not shown), or both. In operation, when first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b are in a lowered positioned, screw 156 may be substantially inside first cylinder 152a, and gear box 158 or the motor (not shown), or a combination thereof, may turn screw 156 in a predetermined direction. When screw 156 turns, threaded engaging nut 154a may move in an upward direction, such that first lifting panel 108a also may move in an upward direction. In one embodiment, the length of screw 156 may be selected such that it is less than the length of first cylinder 152a. For example, first cylinder 152a may be between about ten inches and about eleven inches, and screw 156 may be about eight inches, such that screw 156 may not contact a top portion of first cylinder 152a and about one inch of screw 156 may not be disposed within cylinder 152a. In this embodiment, when first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b move from a fully lowered position to a fully raised position, engaging nut 154a may move about 6 inches upwards along screw 156.

[0048] Moreover, referring to Figs. 13 and 22, pulley system 150 may be arranged such that when first lifting panel 108a moves in an upward direction, second lifting panel 108b also may move in an upward direction. When screw 156 turns in a direction opposite the predetermined direction, threaded engaging nut 154a may move in a downward direction towards a base of screw 156, such that first lifting panel 108a also may move in an downward direction. Moreover, pulley system 150 may be arranged such that when first lifting panel 108a moves in a downward direction, second lifting panel 108b also may move in a downward direction. For example, the individual pulleys comprising pulley system 150 may be operatively connected by rope, cable, wire rope, or the like.

[0049] Referring to Fig. 14, an alternative means for simultaneously raising or lowering first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b is shown.

Nevertheless, this embodiment may be substantially similar to the above-described embodiment. Therefore, those differences between these embodiments now will be discussed. In this embodiment, the means for simultaneously raising or lowering first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b may comprise a plurality of screws

156. For example, the means for simultaneously raising or lowering first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b may comprise a first screw 156a and a second screw 156b. Moreover, the threads on first screw 156a may have a twist in a first predetermined direction, e. g., a right twist, and the threads on second screw 156b may have a twist in a direction opposite the direction of the twist of first screw 156a, e. g., a left twist. Moreover, second cylinder 152b may comprise a threaded engaging nut 154b. The means for simultaneously raising or lowering first lining panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b also may comprise a continuous, timing belt 162, which may comprise a plurality of teeth 164 spaced such that when a first tooth 164a contacts a first gear 166a, a second tooth 164b simultaneously may contact a second gear 166b. In operation, gear box 158 or the motor (not shown), or combinations thereof, may rotate a third gear 166c, which may rotate timing belt 162, such that teeth 164a and 164b may engage first screw 156a and second screw 156b, respectively. Engaging first screw 156a and second screw 156b may allow first screw 156a and second screw 156b to rotate in the predetermined direction. Nevertheless, because the direction of twist on first screw 156a may be opposite the direction of twist on second screw 156b, when screws 156a and 156b are rotated in the same direction, engaging nuts 154a and 154b simultaneously may move in the same direction, such that first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b also may simultaneously move in the same direction.

[0050] Referring to Fig. 15, another alternative means for simultaneously raising or lowering first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b is shown.

Nevertheless, this embodiment may be substantially similar to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, those differences between these embodiments now will be discussed. In this embodiment, first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b each may have a plurality of engaging teeth. Moreover, the means for simultaneously raising or lowering first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b may comprise a first, continuous conveyer belt 168a having a plurality of engaging teeth and positioned adjacent to first lifting panel 108a, such that the engaging teeth on first conveyer belt 168a may engage with the engaging teeth on first lifting panel 108a.

The means for simultaneously raising or lowering first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b also may comprise a second, continuous conveyer belt 168b having a plurality of engaging teeth and positioned adjacent to second lifting panel 108b, such that the engaging teeth on second conveyer belt 168b may engage with the

engaging teeth on second lifting panel 108b. First conveyer belt 168a and second conveyer belt 168b may be operationally coupled to timing belt 162, such that when timing belt 162 advances in a predetermined direction, first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b may be simultaneously raised. Similarly, when timing belt 162 advances in a direction which is opposite the predetermined direction, first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b may be simultaneously lowered.

[0051] It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the means for simultaneously raising or lowering first lifting panel 108a, second lifting panel 108b, third lifting panel 108a', and fourth lifting panel 108b'may be the same as or substantially similar to above-described means for simultaneously raising or lowering first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b. For example, a screw 156 may be employed for each lifting panel, or alternatively, the lifting panels positioned on the same side wall may be mechanically or operatively connected. Moreover, it also will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that there may be numerous suitable ways to raise or lower first lifting panel 108a, second lifting panel 108b, third lifting panel 108a'or fourth lifting panel 108b', or combinations thereof.

[0052] As shown in Figs. 12,16, and 17, in any of the above-described embodiments, holding cabinet 100 also may comprise at least one door 142, which may be hung on a hinge (not shown) from side wall 110, and a top or a counter 176.

Counter 176 may include at least one opening (not numbered by shown in Figs. 17 and 18), and at least one of the non-stationary supports may be positioned within or below counter 176, such that at least a portion of first side wall 110 and at least a portion of second side wall 112 also may be positioned within or below counter 176.

Moreover, door 142 may comprise a plurality of shelves 140. In one embodiment, door 142 may be positioned below counter 176, and also may be shorter than first side wall 110 and second side wall 112, such that when food product holder 106 is positioned at an upper portion of holding cabinet 100, eg., above door 142 or above or substantially level with counter 176, or both, at least a portion of a food product 174, e. g., chicken, beef, turkey, fish, pizza, and the like, disposed on food product holder 106 may be positioned above or substantially level with counter 176 and may be retrieved without opening door 142. For example, in this embodiment, holding cabinet 100 may be positioned in a serving location in a restaurant, eg., a location at which customers may order food products and receive ordered food products, such that food products 174 positioned above or substantially level with counter 176 may

be displayed to or viewed by customers. Moreover, holding cabinet 100 further may comprise at least one heater (not shown) positioned within holding cabinet 100, and a blower (not shown) for circulating heat within holding cabinet 100. Referring to Figs.

16-17 and 19, holding cabinet 100 also may comprise a first shelf 172a positioned above counter 176, and at least one first radiant heater 170a positioned inside first shelf 172a or on a surface of first shelf 172a, which may provide radiant heat for food products 174 positioned above or substantially level with counter 176. Similarly, holding cabinet 100 further may comprise a second shelf 172b positioned above first shelf 172a, and at least one second radiant heater 170b positioned inside second shelf 172b or on a surface of second shelf 172b, which may provide radiant heat for food products 174 positioned on a top surface of first shelf 172a.

[0053] Referring to Figs. 1-7, in operation, food product holder 106 may be placed on non-stationary supports 130a and 130b. Alternatively, food product holder 106 may be placed on non-stationary supports 130a, 130b, 130a', and 130b'. First lilting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b, or alternatively first lifting panel 108a, second lifting panel 108b, third lifting panel 108a', and fourth lifting panel 108b', may be raised, such that food product holder 106 also may be raised.

Referring to Figs. lOa-lOd, food product holder 106 may contact stationary supports 120a and 120b, such that stationary supports 120a and 120b may pivot inside first side wall 110 and second side wall 112, respectively. Alternatively, food product holder 106 may contact stationary supports 120a, 120b, 120a', and 120b', such that stationary supports 120a and 120a'may pivot inside first side wall 110 and stationary supports I20b and 120b'may pivot inside second side wall 112. When the stationary supports pivot inside their respective side walls, food product holder 106 may be raised above the stationary supports, such that the stationary supports subsequently may be released from their respective side walls. Referring to Figs. lla-d, when the stationary supports release from their respective side walls, the lifting panels may be lowered to their original positioned, such that food product holder 106 may be supported by stationary supports 120a and 120b and non-stationary supports 132a and 132b. Alternatively, food product holder 106 may be supported by stationary supports 120a, 120b, 120a', and 120b'and non-stationary supports 132a, 132b, 132a', and 132b'.

[0054] Moreover, first lifting panel 108a and second lifting panel 108b, or alternatively first lifting panel 108a, second lifting panel 108b, third lifting panel

108a', and fourth lifting panel 108b', subsequently may be raised again, such that food product holder 106. also may be raised by non-stationary supports 132a and 132b, or alternatively, by non-stationary supports 132a, 132b, 132a', and 132b'.

Referring to Figs. l0a-lOd, food product holder 106 may contact stationary supports 122a and 122b, such that stationary supports 122a and 122b may pivot inside first side wall 110 and second side wall 112, respectively. Alternatively, food product holder 106 may contact stationary supports 122a, 122b, 122a', and 122b', such that stationary supports 122a and 122a'may pivot inside first side wall 110 and stationary supports 122b and 122b'may pivot inside second side wall 112. When the stationary supports pivot inside their respective side walls, food product holder 106 may be raised above the stationary supports, such that the stationary supports subsequently may be released from their respective side walls. Referring to Figs. 11a-d, when the stationary supports release from their respective side walls, the lifting panels may be lowered to their original positions, such that food product holder 106 may be supported by stationary supports 122a and 122b and non-stationary supports 134a and 134b. Alternatively, food product holder 106 may be supported by stationary supports 122a, 122b, 122a', and 122b'and non-stationary supports 134a, 134b, 134a', and 134b'.

[005S] Nevertheless, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the above-described operation of holding cabinet 100 may continue until food product holder 106 rises to the upper portion of holding cabinet 100,, eg., above door 142 or above or substantially level with counter 176, or both, such that food products 174 disposed on food product holder 106 may be displayed and served to customers.

Moreover, it also will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that when multiple food product holders 106 are placed within holding cabinet 100, each of the food product holders 106 simultaneously may be raised within holding cabinet 100.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of serving precooked food products employing a holding cabinet 100 according any of the above-described embodiments, is described. The method comprises the steps of placing a precooked food product 174 on food product holder 106 and placing food product holder 106 in holding cabinet 100. The method also comprises the step of raising food product holder 106 from a first plurality of stationary, pivotable supports located substantially in a first plane to a second plurality of stationary, pivotable supports located substantially in a second plane which is above the first plane. The

method further comprises the step of removing food product 174 from food product holder 106 when food product holder 106 rises to an upper portion of holding cabinet 100, eg., above door 142 or above or substantially level with counter 176, or both [0057] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of serving precooked food products employing a holding cabinet 100 according any of the above-described embodiments, is described. The method comprises the steps of placing a precooked food product 174 on food product holder 106 and placing food product holder 106 in holding cabinet 100. The method also comprises the step of raising food product holder 106 from a first plurality of non-stationary, pivotable supports located substantially in a first plane to a first plurality of stationary, pivotable supports located substantially in a second plane which is above the first plane.

Moreover, the method comprises the step of raising food product holder 106 from the first plurality of stationary, pivotable supports located substantially in the second plane to a second plurality of stationary, pivotable supports located substantially in a third plane which is above the second plane. The method further comprises the step of removing food product 174 from food product holder 106 when food product holder 106 rises to an upper portion of holding cabinet 100, e. g., above door 142 or above or substantially level with counter 176, or both.

[0058] While the invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that other variations and modifications of the preferred embodiments described above may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a consideration of the specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and the described examples are considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention indicated by the following claims.