Field of application

The invention here described is a mobile stand for preparing and serving fried potatoes, that is a stand with a work surface equipped in such a way as to make it more attractive to the public and easier to use for the person operating it; said potatoes being cooked on demand and consumed on the spot so that the operator prepares them in view of the consumer prior to sale. Prior art

Prior art known models comprise various types of stand that can be transported on vehicles both on the public highway as of type for a closed environment, whereby the operator fries the potatoes on the spot, preparing them for immediate consumption by the customer in his/her presence. Such stands comprise: a container with potatoes ready for preparation; a frying unit with a receptacle containing oil maintained at a temperature suitable for frying; equipment for cutting the potatoes to the desired shape and size which the operator then sells to the public for immediate consumption in the form of French fries; equipment for dispensing condiments when the potatoes have been fried.

Cutting and frying the potatoes is more attractive to the customer when these operations are performed in public view. Current models also comprise frying units on stands in premises open to the public, said units being provided with applications designed to reduce fumes and the smell of frying. These frying units are often complex and costly where they eliminate smoke and vapors internally, or can be equipped with forced air extraction systems for expelling said fumes and vapors directly from the frying chamber. Such systems require connecting the frying units to a channel or pipe which discharges the said fumes and vapors into an environment external to that in which the frying takes place, in such a way as to prevent the spread of odors, fumes and vapors created by the frying process among the public awaiting their French fries.

Mobile stands for frying potatoes, but also other foodstuffs, can be used by market traders at local fairs or village markets, or in places where the public gathers, in such a way as to maximize sales, then and there, in locations where the demand is greatest. Another application is in proximity to eateries, bars, restaurants or diners, that is premises open to the public which wish to attract customers, either inside or outside said premises, or in proximity to said premises, with the supply of a product highly actractive such as fried potatoes in all known forms.

Finally, such stands for the above-described purpose of cooking or frying are known to be uninviting to the public and unpleasant for the environment given that odors, fumes and vapors are produced by frying and emitted at head height from the stand and spread in the adjacent spaces.

A previous document US 4842316 describes a picnic trailer whose rear section features a device for preparing foodstuffs comprising a grill, a hood, a sink and a hotplate fuelled by liquid gas. A bar extends from the back and can be connected to a towing vehicle. This model includes a collapsible picnic table placed on the said bar and a pair of covers forming a roof which can be opened sideways with respect to their support structure in order to cover the table. When used in the stationary position, stabilizing structures between the rear axle and the table are removed so as to allow access to the said device for cooking foods and the picnic table. Finally, an air duct is placed at the top of the support structure for the evacuation of gases from the grill, said duct being hollow in form and terminating in a chimney.

Furthermore, the structure is complex in construction, its shape being dictated by the particular conformation of the trailer's tailgate, which, as mentioned, can be detached in the stationary position so as to facilitate access between the table and the device for cooking food, while only the fumes created by the gas burners are expelled.

In addition, a previously registered model GB 347522 describes an apparatus for frying which stands on the ground and in which, towards the mouth of the frying chamber, a fan is located to extract fumes, vapors and odors from the frying process, channeling them into the hood above the area where the frying chambers are heated.

This device for expelling fumes, vapors and odors from frying can only function effectively if the sliding cover is closed, whereas during the operational phases, when the product to be fried is placed in or removed from the frying chamber, the cover is completely open, and thus expulsion is inefficient.

Existing technology can be improved upon considerably by creating a mobile stand for frying potatoes which is more pleasant for the public buying the final product, i.e. the French fries, since the said public is no longer periodically subject to the fumes, vapors and odors emitted from the stand where frying takes place.

The technical challenge addressed by this invention is that of creating a mobile stand for frying potatoes which extracts fumes, vapors and odors without emitting them into the immediate environment at the point of sale, where the public purchase the fries from the stand operator, and without the need to install fixed structures to the ground; a stand which can be easily transported and positioned, allowing the operator to set up the stand and begin work as soon as he/she arrives at the selected site.

Last but not least, the purpose of this invention is to create a mobile stand for frying potatoes where the operator is free to leave the potatoes to fry while he/she sells to the public or prepares the next batch of potatoes, obviating the need to perform continuous checks on the potatoes being fried.

A further technical enhancement is that of creating a mobile stand for frying potatoes, including the self-powered version that travels on the public highway, which can attract customers by allowing them to witness all phases of the preparation process up to the moment of delivery for immediate consumption.

Summary of the invention

These technical problems are solved by the proposed invention, a mobile stand for frying potatoes which comprises: a suitably equipped work surface; a container with potatoes ready to be processed; a frying unit containing oil maintained at frying temperature; a mechanical device for cutting the potatoes to the desired shape and size; characterised in that the frying unit is closed and provided with a device for eliminating or expelling fumes, vapors and odors from frying; it also features wheels to facilitate transporting the stand as desired by the operator; and in which a closed fryer is provided with a device for the extraction and expulsion of fumes, vapors and odors from the frying chamber; a tube provides for said fumes, vapors and odors to be channeled into an umbrella/hood so as to carry said fumes, vapors and odors away from the mobile stand; furthermore, the umbrella/hood is mounted on the mobile stand in the work position and is connected to/transported by the same during the transfer phase; in such a way that the tube and its mouth discharge the fumes, vapors and odors from the top of the hood; at the top of the said hood there is an opening in which the tube is placed for the emission of said fumes, vapors and odors; the wheels are designed for covering medium distances on the public highway and the stand is mounted on a self-powered vehicle and can be used on the highway in an autonomous and independent way as the operator requires.

In a preferred embodiment to the version in which the mobile frying stand is mounted on a self-powered vehicle, the vehicle employed is of the type designed for brief-to-medium distances, and is of the less expensive three-wheeled variety.

In a further version, the mobile stand for frying potatoes comprises: a work surface suitably equipped; a container with the potatoes ready for processing; a frying unit containing oil maintained at frying temperature; a mechanical device for cutting the potatoes to the desired shape and size; the distinguishing feature of which being that the frying unit is closed and provided with a device for eliminating and expelling fumes, vapors and odors; it also features wheels to facilitate moving the stand as desired by the operator; and in which the frying unit, closed for the elimination of fumes, vapors and odors, is provided with a device for extracting said emissions from the frying chamber; a tube provides for said fumes, vapors and odors to be directed towards an umbrella/hood, so as to carry said fumes, vapors and odors from the place where the mobile stand is sited; in addition, an umbrella/hood is mounted on the mobile stand in the working position and is connected to/transported by the same during the transfer phase; thus the tube and its mouth discharge the fumes, vapors and odors from the top of the umbrella/hood; at the top of the said umbrella/hood there is an opening into which is inserted the exhaust tube of fumes, vapors and odors; the wheels are suitable for covering brief distances outside premises open to the public, and the stand is mounted on a structure that can be pushed or pulled to the place of work.

Finally, in a preferred embodiment, the mobile stand for frying potatoes features a fryer unit of the type in which the mechanism for eliminating fumes, vapors and odors is situated on the inside of the fryer itself.

Le caratteristiche ed i vantaggi della presente invenzione, nella realizzazione di un banco mobile per frittura di patate risulteranno dalla descrizione, fatta di seguito, di alcuni esempi di realizzazione dati a titolo indicativo e non limitativo con riferimento alle tre tavole di disegno allegate.

The features and benefits of the invention here proposed for a mobile stand for frying potatoes will become apparent in the description that follows, in which a number of salient though not exhaustive examples are given referring specifically to three drawing tables here enclosed.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 represents a schematic front view of the mobile stand, as envisaged by the invention, for use on the inside or immediately outside and in the vicinity of premises open to the public;

- Figure 2 represents a schematic plan of the mobile stand seen in Figure 1 with parts and equipment displayed on the stand;

- Figure 3 represents a schematic side view of the mobile stand for frying potatoes seen in Figures 1 and 2 above;

- Figure 4 represents a schematic plan view of the mobile stand mounted on a vehicle that can move on the public highway, here self-powered; the stand is in the operational position and open so that the products on sale can be presented to the public; - Figure 5 represents a schematic side view of the self-powered vehicle seen in Figure 4 in which the stand for preparing and frying the potatoes is open for use; in the event of bad weather, the umbrella/hood protects the stand, the operator and the customer who approaches to purchase fried potatoes;

- Figure 6 represents a front view of the self-powered vehicle which transports the mobile stand for frying potatoes, as envisaged by the invention, with the umbrella/hood open and in the operational position.

Detailed description of a preferred form of construction

In Figures 1 , 2 and 3 a mobile stand 1 can be seen which features a structure

2 with a surround below the work surface 3, said structure equipped with wheels 4 so that the structure can be pushed manually into indoor settings or positioned outside premises open to the public, but only within the immediate environs of said premises. On the work surface are placed: a container 5 for the potatoes that will be cut and fried; a mechanical device 6 for cutting the potatoes immediately prior to frying; a frying unit 7 which is closed and equipped with an extractor 8 for removing fumes, vapors and odors from the frying chamber 9; a tube 10 provides for the fumes, vapors and odors to be directed upwards to an umbrella/hood 1 1 , here stylized as a rigid structure, so as to carry said fumes, vapors and odors away from the work area of said mobile stand 1 and force them through an opening 12 above. The mobile stand features a support pole 13 for the umbrella/hood, outside of the axis of the umbrella/hood itself, so as not to encumber the work surface 3. The work surface is provided with a container 14 in which the fries can be placed temporarily while condiments are added prior to their delivery to the customer.

A further version of the mobile stand installed on a self-powered vehicle that can travel on the public highway, in compliance with this invention, is illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6 in which a mobile stand 16 is created on the loading floor 17 of a self-powered vehicle 18; the work surface 19 is also provided with an extension 20, which is extracted from the loading floor when the vehicle is in position; equipment, including condiment dispensers and the container 21 where the fries are placed temporarily, can be placed on the said extension. The self-powered vehicle is equipped with wheels 22 so that it can move on the public highway; the vehicle can also be towed like a trailer, or pushed manually for brief distances on the road. On the work surface 19 are positioned: a container 23 for the potatoes that are to be cut and fried; a mechanical device 24 for cutting the potatoes immediately prior to frying; a frying unit 25 which is closed and equipped with an extractor fan 26 for removing the fumes, vapors and odors from the frying chamber; a tube 27 provides for said fumes, vapors and odors to be directed to an umbrella/hood 28, here stylized and centrally collapsible in the known manner, to carry said fumes, vapors and odors away from the work area of the mobile stand 16; said fumes, vapors and odors being forced through an opening 29 at the top of the umbrella/hood and a tube 27 being positioned in the discharge mouth 30 of said umbrella/hood.

The mobile stand for frying potatoes functions on the basis of the frying unit 7 or 25 which is equipped with a closed frying chamber from which fumes, vapors and odors are sucked towards an umbrella/hood 28 with which the mobile stand is provided. Especially in an outside environment, albeit in front of the entrance to premises open to the public in the case of stand 1 , or in open spaces in the case of stand 16, the greater discharge height 12 or 27 of the tube for the expulsion of said fumes, vapors and odors makes it possible to carry the same away from the point where the stand itself is operational.

The frying unit has the advantage of being electrically heated and manually controlled. Where the frying chambers have an integrated semi-automatic or automatic management regime, the user can devote him/herself to preparing the next batch of potatoes for frying, cutting them in the defined manner and/or as the customer requires, or can equally devote him/herself to applying condiments or administering the portion or portions already fried and placed temporarily in the container 14 or 21 on the work surface.

Though the frying unit, here specifically described for use on the mobile stand's work surface, needs to be connected to the electricity supply, it has the advantage of not requiring the transportation of tanks containing inflammable gas.

In this way the choice of location is left to the initiative of the user, said user also being able to move the stand easily and quickly, if circumstances demand, to a new work place. In the case of the mobile stand for frying 1 placed in a closed environment such as shopping centers or in other crowded venues, the discharge mouth 12 of the exhaust tube 10 must be connected to an outlet vent which carries fumes, vapors and odors into an environment external to the work area so as to avoid a concentration of the same in the immediate vicinity of the mobile frying stand.

In this latter type of installation, the mobile frying stand proves more attractive to the public than a fixed point of sale for fried products in that the customer can be an eye witness to the preparation of his/her portion of fried potatoes.

Similarly, with the installation of a closed frying unit with a device for reducing and extracting fumes, vapors and odors, the public will more readily accept a place where frying is performed since said public does not come into contact with the fumes, vapors and odors emitted during frying. The closed version makes it possible for the mobile stand in Figures 1-3 to be pushed into a closed environment since it does not have exhaust tubes nor the need for ducts and vents to discharge fumes, vapors and odors into the open.

Finally, during the transfer phase, a mobile stand for frying potatoes of the type in Figures 1-3 or also mounted on a self-powered vehicle as per Figures 4-6, the umbrella/hood is dismounted from the normal working position in order to facilitate the transfer of the mobile stand.

The benefits of using a mobile stand for frying potatoes can be summed up as follows. A stand for frying potatoes mounted on a wheeled structure that can be pushed is more versatile since, both in terms of the premises in question and the place most suitable for frying, the point of preparation and delivery to the customer can be oriented in a context-specific manner. In a closed environment the mouth 12 must be connected to a pipe that channels fumes, vapors and odors created by the frying process into the open, whereas if the stand for frying 1 is placed in the open, that is in the immediate vicinity of premises open to the public, the discharge mouth 12 is placed above the umbrella/hood 1 1 making it possible to carry said fumes, vapors and odors away from the site where preparation and frying are performed.

In addition, the vehicle-mounted version designed for the road, whether it be self-powered or pushed, proves more suitable where the product is sold in greater quantities and where the user wishes, in the course of a single day, to position the mobile stand strategically in various locations, perhaps distant from each other, so as to reach a wider public and thus sell greater volumes of French fries.

Finally, the version with the fryer equipped with a device for reducing fumes, vapors and odors is more versatile since it can be used with or without the umbrella/hood, whose function is purely decorative where the stand is placed inside a closed environment, whereas in the open, the umbrella can afford the stand, the public and the user protection in the event of bad weather.

Obviously, numerous modifications might be made by a technical expert in this sector to a mobile stand for frying potatoes, modifications designed to respond to specific and contingent demands, all of which fall within the ambit of the protection of this invention as defined by the following claims. Thus, albeit less advantageously, the umbrella/hood might be connected not directly to the mobile stand but to a dedicated support which the user sets up when the mobile stand is placed in the operational position.