Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/407,115, filed September 15, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to preparation stations. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with preparation stations which are modular in nature and enable customization and adaptation to commercial environments.

Background

[0002] Preparation stations are present in many commercial kitchens. The preparation stations serve as a central location where food items and perishables are stored, cooled, and assembled into final food products. Preparation stations oftentimes are customized and or configured for use in particular commercial environments. For example, some preparation stations are modifiable to have different hardware installed within various components or cabinets of the preparation station. Depending upon the particular use case, these cabinets, features, and other components of the preparation stations are arranged or ordered in specific combinations such that they facilitate the proper workflow necessary for the commercial environment.

[0003] Due the typical expense of commercial preparation stations, these units are oftentimes custom built for one particular commercial preparation line or commercial preparation environment and therefore are not transferable between preparation environments. Consequently, a new preparation station must be designed or configured for new customers or clients or commercial environments to suit the particular preparation needs of that environment. While this results in a preparation stage which is ideally suited for a particular environment, this also results in preparation stations which are not easily modified for multiple environments nor easily modified for changes within the preparation line in in a single commercial environment. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a preparation station which was modifiable either for different commercial environment applications or changing circumstances and requirements within the same commercial environment applications, further, it would be advantageous to provide a modular system for constructing a preparation station which allowed for individual pieces to be configured arranged and replaced within the preparation station without the need for a complete redesign and replacement of the entirety of the preparation station.

Summary

[0004] The present invention comprises a modular preparation station system and method. The modular preparation system includes a base unit and modular wall units which is adapted to be inserted in a wide variety of ordered combinations into the base unit to create one or more cabinets and or drawers and or spaces capable of storing food products, hardware, equipment, and the like. The base unit (or base element) includes a perimetral track which enables the alignment and securing of the various modular wall units to arrange the preparation station in an advantageous manner for a particular commercial environment. Each modular wall unit includes one or more projection or track element itself which secures to the perimeter track of the base unit.

[0005] The modular wall units are configured such that they are arrangeable in multiple ordered combinations. These ordered combinations thusly create a wide variety of potential configurations of cabinets and drawers and the like. Thus, the president invention addresses the issue noted in the background section by providing a modular preparation stage in which is customizable to the particular needs of a commercial environment or later modified in response changing needs of the same commercial environment without the need for a completely new preparation station to be designed and implemented. Such in-field modifications further provide the advantage of allowing a high level of flexibility, configurations, and options in the planning phase of building out a preparation station for a commercial environment and significantly simplifies manufacturing.

[0006] The preparation station further includes a top section the top section including a work surface and one or more cooling compartments. The work surface is configured such as to enable the preparation of one or more items while the cooling compartments are configured to enable adjustable cooling positioning of one or more food items within the cooling unit such that the positioning determines the level of cooling applied to each of the one or more items. Thus the preparation station is further customizable by enabling the fine tuning of the placement of various ingredients as well as the level of cooling applied to each of those ingredients in order to comply with various regulations, standards, and requirements within the commercial environment, advantageously, this further provides more customization so that the preparation station is configurable to the exact requirements for the particular environment.

[0007] The preparation station further includes a cooling and air ducting system associated with the modular wall setup and configuration. The cooling and air ducting system includes one or more cooling unit with a an air pump that is in communication with one or more air duct associated with one or more compartment formed from the modular wall system. The cooling and air ducting system draws air inwards through one or more of the compartments cools said air, redirect set air into a ducting system that sits underneath the work surface and runs across the tops of one or more compartments associated with the modular wall system, and forces said air through one or more holes in said ducting into each of said compartments thereby cooling the various compartments associated with the modular wall system, this isn't provides at least two advantages, the first being that the ducting enables even cooling of all of the compartments that were formed by the modular wall system, and 2nd the system provides for customizable compartments to be built within without sacrificing even cooling of all necessary compartments. Further, the system enables configuration of the preparation station to direct cooled air towards one, several, or all of the compartments formed by the modular wall system, depending on the needs of the particular commercial environment.

[0008] The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations of invention may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention and various features thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

[0010] Fig. 1 is A perspective view of a preparation station according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a front view of the preparation station of Fig. 1.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a rear view of the preparation station of Fig. 1.

[0013] Fig. 4 is a right side view of the preparation station of Fig. 1.

[0014] Fig. 5 is a left side view of the preparation station of Fig. 1.

[0015] Fig. 6 is a top view of the preparation station of Fig. 1.

[0016] Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the preparation station of Fig. 1.

[0017] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a base unit according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 9 is a front view thereof.

[0019] Fig. 10 is a rear view thereof.

[0020] Fig. 11 is a left side view thereof.

[0021] Fig. 12 is a right side view thereof.

[0022] Fig. 13 is a top view thereof.

[0023] Fig. 14 is a bottom view thereof.

[0024] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a track according to some embodiments of the present invention. [0025] Fig. 16 a perspective view of a track according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 17 a perspective view of a track according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 18 a perspective view of a track according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of an end cap according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 20 is a front view thereof.

[0030] Fig. 21 is a rear view thereof.

[0031] Fig. 22 is a left side view thereof.

[0032] Fig. 23 is a right side view thereof.

[0033] Fig. 24 is a top view thereof.

[0034] Fig. 25 is a bottom view thereof.

[0035] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a rear wall element according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 27 is a front view thereof, the rear view being a substantial mirror thereof.

[0037] Fig. 28 is a top view thereof, the bottom view being a substantial mirror thereof.

[0038] Fig. 29 is a left side view thereof, the right side view being a substantial mirror thereof.

[0039] Fig. 30 is a perspective view of a spanner element according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 31 is a front view thereof.

[0041] Fig. 32 is a rear view thereof. [0042] Fig. 33 is a right side view thereof,

[0043] Fig. 34 is a top view thereof.

[0044] Fig. 35 is a bottom view thereof.

[0045] Fig. 36 is a perspective view of a frame element according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 37 is a front view thereof, the rear view being a substantial mirror thereof.

[0047] Fig. 38 is a top view thereof, the bottom view being a substantial mirror thereof.

[0048] Fig. 39 is a left side view thereof, the right side view being a substantial mirror thereof.

[0049] Fig. 40 is a perspective view of a preparation station shown without a top element, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 41 is a perspective view of a preparation station shown without a top element, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a cooling system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] Fig. 43 is a perspective view of a top element according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] Fig. 44 is a bottom view thereof.

[0054] Fig. 45 is a right side view thereof, depicted without an end panel to show an interior of a cooling compartment. Detailed Description

[0055] As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which is embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 1, a modular preparation station system and method are provided. The modular preparation station system includes a base element (not shown), a plurality of sidewall elements, a plurality of interior members (structural and functional elements), a top element (working surface), one or more airflow elements, one or more cooling element, and the like. The modular preparation station system and its various elements are configurable such that the base element, the top element, the working surface element, and the various interior structural and functional elements along with the plurality of sidewall elements are utilized to form a multitude of compartments, drawers, surfaces, and the like to accommodate a wide variety of workflows and commercial environments.

[0057] Referring to Fig. 8, in somebody embodiments, a base element 400 is provided. The base element 400 is a generally rectangular structure with both a top 440 and bottom surface 450. The base element 400 also includes opposing front and rear walls and opposing left and right sides. The base element top surface 440 includes front and rear edges as well as left and right edges the various edges abutting their respective sides. Substantially proximate each edge is one or more perimetral tracks 410. The perimetral track 410 runs substantially around the perimeter of the top surface of the base element 400. In some embodiments, the perimetral track 410 is a combination of end cap track 415 and wall tracks 411. In some embodiments the end cap tracks 415 run substantially approximate opposing left and right edges of the base element 400 between front and rear edges while the wall tracks 411 run substantially proximate front and rear edges of the base element 400 between left and right edges. The tracks include either a receiving element, such as the slot with the first profile, or a projection element.

[0058] In some embodiments one or more tracks is an end cap track 415. As noted above, the end cap tracks 415 run substantially approximate opposing left and right edges of the base element 400 between front and rear edges. In some embodiments, the tracks include a securing element. In some embodiments the securing element is an outwardly extending projection piece or member. In some embodiments the securing element is a projection with a first profile. In some embodiments, the first profile is that of a T shaped track. In some embodiments that first profile is configured to selectively engage with one or more receiving track of an end cap element 500, such as to secure one or more end cap elements 500 in at least 5 degrees of freedom relative to the base 400. In some embodiments, the projection is configured that while it is engaged with a receiving track of the end cap element, the end cap element is still capable of sliding along 1 degree of freedom relative to the base 400. It will be appreciated that configurations of the track end cap and base also consider restrictions in various other degrees of freedom such as one, two, three, four, five or all six degrees of freedom, depending on the needs of the particular application. In some embodiments, the end cap track runs substantially between the front edge and the bottom edge of the base element 400, such that the track is uninterrupted and accessible from either side. In some embodiments, the track runs only for a portion of the distance between the front edge and the rear edge, such that inbetween a portion of the track and the front or rear edge one or more additional elements and or tracks are present. In some embodiments, the length of the track and various intermediary members or other tracks present limit the depth of insertion of one or more end cap element such that the end cap element is inserted to an optimal depth, where in some embodiments the optimal depth is a depth which causes one or more surface of an end cap to be flush with one or more edge of the base element

400.

[0059] In some embodiments, the tracks 410 are also present along and interior of the base. In such embodiments, the tracks run or otherwise extend between the front and rear edges at a position which is not proximal to one or more left or right edges of the top surface 440 of the base unit. In such embodiments, the track is considered to be positioned along a middle portion of the top surface 440.

[0060] In some embodiments one or more tracks 410 is a wall track 411. In some embodiments, the wall tracks 411 run substantially proximate front and rear edges between the left and right edges of the base element. In some embodiments the wall tracks 411 include a securing element. In some embodiments, the security element is a recessed track or a slot. In some embodiments the slot has a first profile. In some embodiments the first profile is substantially rectangular. In some embodiments the first profile includes a substantially rectangular recess which is positioned along a centerline of the recess track. In some embodiments the first profile includes one or more securing bumps or projections. The securing bumps or projections are positioned such that they enable capturing of one or more securing element of one or more modular wall elements such as to restrain the modular wall element in one or more degrees of freedom. Herein, modular wall elements are referred to as sidewall elements 100, which include rear wall, spanner, front element (such as iframe element, a full element, a drawer element, or the like), or the like. In some embodiments the wall track and the first profile include a secondary slot. In some embodiments the secondary slot is offset from the centerline of the perimetral track. In some embodiments the secondary slot is proximate one or more of the front wall or the real wall relative to the center line of the recessed track. In some embodiments the secondary slot is associated with one or more secondary projection of one or more sidewall element. In some embodiments, the secondary slot is configured such that the sidewall element only interfaces with the base element by way of the wall track in a single orientation. As such, the secondary slot ensures proper orientation of the sidewall element when engaged with the base element.

[0061] It will be appreciated that the various track profiles described here in are, to the extent that they maintain the work ability of the rest of the system and method described herein, interchangeable with one another. One of ordinary skill would readily understand the various interchangeabilities of the tracks in order to maintain the work ability of the system and method disclosed herein.

[0062] In some embodiments the base element 400 or bottom surface 450 includes one or more additional hardware platform 460. In some embodiments the hardware platform 460 extends from one or both of the left or right side. In some embodiments, the hardware platform is integrated within the same structure as the base element, such that the hardware platform in the base element are separated by the perimeter track 410 of the left wall or the right wall. In some embodiments the hardware platform is integrated into the base element such that one or more track rests upon the joint between the base element and the hardware platform. The hardware platform is configured such as to receive and hold one or more hardware element which is not desirable to be maintained within the potentially climate controlled cabinetry associated with the space bounded by the perimetral track.

[0063] In some embodiments, the bottom surface 450 includes one or more wheels or castors which are utilized to move the assembly from point to point. The wheels or casters, in some embodiments, are movable between free and locked configurations thusly enabling the ability to move the modular preparation station and subsequently lock it into a certain position. The hardware platform, along with the other elements of the base, is, in some embodiments, attached to wheels or casters.

[0064] In the present disclosure, a variety of track elements are described. The various track elements are, in some embodiments, receiving tracks, while in other embodiments the tracks are securing tracks including one or more projection. In some embodiments, the tracks include both receiving elements as well as projection elements. A variety of different profdes projections and slots are depicted in the figures. It will be appreciated that the various tracks, track combinations, projection elements, slots, and the like are depicted as a preferred embodiment and are not necessarily limiting of the various tracks projections and the like that are capable of being implemented within the system and method. Nevertheless, there are advantages to utilizing the various tracks and track profiles as shown in the figures and described herein due to the various restraint properties in the ordered combinations of the various tracks.

[0065] In some embodiments one or more sidewall elements 100 are provided. Generally, the sidewall elements are formed of six walls, the walls being front, back, left, right, top, and bottom walls, for the purpose of the present disclosure (but not limiting the present disclosure) the front walls are also be referred to as interior walls and the rear walls are also be referred to as exterior walls. Nevertheless, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily understand that these terms are interchangeable and that one portion of one wall is reversible such that the rear wall is an interior wall, and a front wall is an exterior wall.

[0066] In some embodiments the sidewall elements include one or more track 150. The track, as described elsewhere herein, is, in some embodiments, positioned about one or more of the front, back, left, right, top, and or bottom walls. In some embodiments, one or more track 150 is positioned about the sidewall element 100 such as to a line with one or more corresponding track projection or slot of the perimeter track 410 of the base unit or one or more other sidewall element. It will be appreciated that each track is contemplated as a projection style track or a slot style track, however one or more corresponding tracked each will be a mating pair of the style of track.

[0067] In some embodiments, one or more sidewall elements 100 includes insulation. In some embodiments, the insulation is positioned between the front and rear walls of the sidewall element. In some embodiments the sidewall element is formed with its various sides and then insulation is blown through an access hole into the interior compartment of the sidewall element. In some embodiments the access hole is drilled after the formation of the sidewall element. In some embodiments after the insulation is blown into the interior cavity the access hole is plugged to stop any insulation from leaking out of the interior cavity. In some embodiments the blown insulation is an expanding insulation that expands to fdl the cavity after it has been injected into the interior cavity. In some embodiments the insulation itself helps form an adhesive bond which further strengthens the connections of the various walls of the sidewall element.

[0068] In some embodiments, the perimeter walls (left, right, top, bottom) of a sidewall element 100 are formed together first and then attached to one of the front or rear walls. After such attachment the insulation is placed within the resulting cavity and the additional wall, whether it be the front or rear wall, is then placed or secured to the perimeter rule walls thus forming the sidewall element if insulation in the interior cavity without the need for the creation of an access hole.

[0069] In some embodiments, the sidewall element 100 includes one or more attachment feature. In some embodiments the attachment feature is a bracket positioned along one or more walls of the sidewall element. In some embodiments, the bracket is a multifunctional bracket which includes one or more attachment features or receiving holes. In some embodiments, the bracket is a shelf bracket positioned along an interior wall. In some embodiments the bracket he is configured such as to enable one or more bracing units, shelf units, structural elements, ducting elements, and the like to connect to the sidewall element. In some embodiments, the brackets include one or more receiving aperture, each receiving aperture configured to receive one or more securing element of one of the aforementioned structural or shelving elements, thus the bracket being operable to secure one or more such shelving or structural elements relative to the sidewall element.

[0070] In some embodiments, the sidewall element 100 is an end cap 500. In some embodiments, the end cap 500 includes opposing interior and exterior walls opposing left and right side walls and opposing top and bottom walls. In some embodiments, the left right top and bottom walls form a perimeter wall of the end cap element, which in combination with the front and rear walls format internal cavity of the end cap 500.

[0071] In some embodiments along the top wall of the end cap 500 a track is situated. In some embodiments, the track is a projection style track such as disclosed herein. In some embodiments the top track projection is a clip style projection such as when acted upon by a lateral forest the projection clip deforms slightly to allow for the clip to be inserted into a corresponding receiving feature. In some embodiments the track runs the entire length of the top surface, while in some embodiments it runs for less than the entire length of the top wall.

[0072] In some embodiments the bottom surface of the end cap includes one or more track. In some embodiments the bottom track of the end cap is a recessed or slot track configured to receive one or more projections associated with the base unit. In some embodiments, this is the end cap track 415. In some embodiments the recess is shaped in a T configuration. In some embodiments the track has an opening that extends through one or more of the left or right side walls of the end cap. In some embodiments, the track extends only through one of the left or the right side wall. In such embodiments, the track enables the end cap 500 to selectively slide onto and off of the track 415 associated with the base unit 400. In embodiments where the track does not extend through both the left and right side walls of the end cap, the track terminates a predetermined length before reaching the right or left side wall of the end cap. This termination is configured to correspond with a maximum depth of insertion of the T shaped projection of the base unit. This maximum depth enables easy construction and or assembly of the preparation station as the maximum depth is indicative of an ideal positioning of the end cap. In some embodiments, the T shape track and the corresponding receiving feature of the end cap are configured such that when the end cap is coupled with the T shaped projection the end cap is restricted from moving in at least 5 degrees of freedom, such that the end cap is capable of being slid laterally along the longest length of the T shaped projection.

[0073] In some embodiments, the end cap 500 is configurable to be associated with either a right wall track or a left wall track of the base unit while in other embodiments each end cap is configured to be associated with and positionable about only one of the left or right tracks of the base unit, in some embodiments being the end cap tracks 415. In some embodiments, the end cap is a right end cap which is configured to interface only with the track associated with the right perimeter wall of the base unit. In some embodiments, the end cap is a left end cap which is configured to interface only with the track associated with the left perimeter wall of the base unit.

[0074] In some embodiments, the end cap 500 includes one or more shelf bracket position on an interior wall of the end cap. The shelf bracket is configured such as to enable support of one or more bracing unit, shelf unit, structural element, ducting element, and the like. In some embodiments, the shelf brackets include one or more receiving aperture, each receiving aperture configured to receive one or more securing elements of the aforementioned structural and or shelving elements, thus the bracket being operable to secure one or more of such shelving or structural elements relative to the end cap.

[0075] In some embodiments, the end cap 500 includes one or more interior wall track. In some embodiments the interior wall track is positionable proximate one or more of the left and/or right edge of the interior surface. In some embodiments, the one or more interior wall track runs the entire length or height of the interior surface, such that the interior wall track runs between top and bottom edges of the interior surface. In some embodiments the one or more track are opposing left and right interior wall tracks positioned proximate both the left and right edges of the interior surface. In some embodiments the one or more interior wall tracks of the end cap include one or more slot for receiving a projection of one or more other sidewall element, thereby securing the one or more sidewall element relative to the end cap. In some embodiments the track is configured such that the additional element and or projection interfaces with the interior wall track by way of sliding through an opening in a portion of the track proximate a top wall of the end cap. In this manner the interior track serves to guide one or more additional sidewall elements and restrict their movement in one or more degrees of freedom.

[0076] In some embodiments, the end cap includes a track along a top wall or surface of the end cap. In some embodiments the track is a projection style track that includes a clip like projection. In some embodiments this clip like track projection corresponds where is configured to be received by a receiving element associated with a top element and or working surface element of the modular preparation station, such that the working surface element is placed on and connected to at least the sidewall element by way of the clip style projection thereby securing the top element were working surface element relative to the sidewall and relative to the base.

[0077] REAR WALL [0078] In some embodiments, one or more sidewall element is a rear wall element 110. In some embodiments, the rear wall includes opposing interior and exterior walls opposing left and right side walls and opposing top and bottom walls. In some embodiments, the left right top and bottom walls form a perimeter wall of the rear wall element, which in combination with the front and rear walls form an internal cavity of the rear wall element.

[0079] In some embodiments, the rear wall includes a track along a top wall or surface of the rear wall. In some embodiments the track is a projection style track that includes a clip-like projection. In some embodiments this clip-like track projection corresponds where is configured to be received by a receiving element associated with a top element and or working surface element of the modular preparation station, such that the working surface element is placed on and connected to at least the rear wall element by way of the eclipse style projection thereby securing the top element were working surface element relative to the sidewall and relative to the base.

[0080] In some embodiments, the rear wall element includes a track along a bottom wall or surface of the rear wall element. In some embodiments the track is a projection style track that includes a clip-like projection. In some embodiments this clip-like track projection corresponds with and is configured to be received by a corresponding track of the base unit. In some embodiments the corresponding track of the base unit is a rear perimetral track of the base unit. In some embodiments, the bottom all track of the rear wall element is configured to support and restrain the rear wall element relative to the base unit when coupled with the corresponding track of the base unit.

[0081] In some embodiments, the rear wall includes one or more track with one or more projection situated along the left and or right side walls. In some embodiments the track projection is a T shaped projection such as those described herein. In some embodiments the right and left projections are configured to correspond with one or more other receiving tracks of one or more other side wall element. In some embodiment a first track associated with the right or left wall of the rear wall element it is a projection track configured to be received by at least one of the interior surface tracks of the end cap element. In some embodiments the left or right wall projection track of the rear wall element is configured to be slidably received within a slot of the interior wall track of the end cap element.

[0082] During assembly, the end cap element is positioned first to secure it relative to the base unit and the rear wall element is then coupled with the end cap element. In some embodiments the coupling takes place via a left side T shaped projection track element which is inserted into an interior receiving track of the end cap unit and the rear wall element is slid downwards by way of this track until the bottom projection style track of the rear wall element comes into contact with a corresponding track of the base unit. A force is applied downwardly on the rear wall element until the clip style projection track locks into the corresponding track of the base unit thus securing the rear wall element to both the end cap element and the base unit.

[0083] SPANNER

[0084] In some embodiments, one or more spanner element 120 is provided. In some embodiments, the spanner element 120 includes the same top bottom left right interior and exterior walls as the rear wall element. In some embodiments, the spanner 120 has the same dimensions as the rear wall element, while in other embodiments the spanner 120 is substantially more narrow than the real wall element 1 10. In some embodiments, the spanner top bottom left right walls include one or more track with a projection or receiving element as described throughout this disclosure.

[0085] In some embodiments, the top wall of the spanner element 120 includes a track with a projection. In some embodiments the track is a projection style track that includes a clip like projection. In some embodiments this clip like track projection corresponds where is configured to be received by a receiving element associated with a top element and or working surface element of the modular preparation station, such that the working surface element is placed on and connected to at least the spanner element by way of the eclipse style projection thereby securing the top element were working surface element relative to the spanner and relative to the base.

[0086] In some embodiments, similar to the tracking found along the interior facing wall of the end cap element 500, the spanner 120 includes one or more slotted track positioned along right and or left side walls of the spanner element. In some embodiments, the slotted track corresponds where it's configured to engage with a track element of the rear wall element. In some embodiments the tracking on the rear wall is a projection or T style projection track element to which the track element of the spanner corresponds with such that they are configured to engage in a slidable manner. Similar to the engagement of the rear wall to the end cap, the spanner is configured such that a track of the spanner engages with a track of the rear wall sliding from the top downwards after the rear wall has been inserted. In some embodiments, the coupling takes place when the spanner is slid downwards by way of this track element until the bottom projection style track of the spanner element comes in contact with the corresponding track of the base unit. A force is applied downwardly on the rear wall element until the clip style projection track locks into the corresponding track of the base unit thus securing the rear wall element to both the end cap element and the base unit.

[0087] In some embodiments, similar to the end caps, the spanner includes one or more bracket element. In some embodiments the bracket element is attached to an interior face or wall of the spanner element. In some embodiments, the bracket serves similar purpose as the shelf bracket or other brackets described herein. [0088] FRONT ELEMENTS

[0089] In some embodiments, one or more front elements 140 are provided. In some environments the front elements are one of a frame element, a full element, a door element, a drawer element, or the like.

[0090] In some embodiments, one or more front element 140 is a frame element. In some embodiments the frame element includes top, bottom, left, and right walls which together are connected to form a frame with a hollow or discontinuous center. In some embodiments, the top bottom left and right walls each include one or more track elements. In some embodiments the top and bottom walls include track elements which have a projection such as described here in. In some embodiments this projection is a clip style projection such as is found on the rear wall elements. In some embodiments the left and right walls also include one or more projection element. In some embodiments, this projection element is a T shaped projection while in some other embodiments this projection is a clip style projection similar to the projections on the tracks at the top bottom walls. In any case, the projections on the left and right side walls are configured to correspond with reception tracks or receiving tracks of one or more end cap track or spanner track or the like.

[0091] In some embodiments, the frame element 140 further includes a perimetral ring. The perimetral ring, in some embodiments, comprises an edge extending from each wall of the frame element positioned along either a front or rear side of each wall. In some embodiments, the perimetral ring is configured such that when the frame element is situated in place relative to the base element top elements and various other modular sidewall elements, the perimetral ring overlaps any connection points that is present or gaps or seams that are present in order to provide a more airtight seal to the resulting internal compartment. [0092] In some embodiments, one or more front element 140 is a full element. In some embodiments the full element has similar characteristics with regards to the tracks and promotional frame as the frame element. And some embodiments, the full element includes further components such as a door and a seal associated with said door. In some embodiments the door includes a hinge which connects to one or more of the walls of the full element, thereby facilitating the opening and closing of said door. In some embodiments, the door further includes a ceiling element which rests up against the perimetral ring, thereby enabling a tight seal of the interior compartment formed by the various modular components.

[0093] In some embodiments, one or more front element 140 is a spanner element. In some embodiments, the front element spanner is similar to the spanner 120 that's associated with rear track of the base unit. In some embodiments, a front spanner substantially mirrors a rear spanner. In some embodiments, the front spanner and the rear spanner are configured such that they or to be placed in alignment with one another thereby facilitating the engagement of one or more structural element spanning between the brackets of the two different spanners. In some embodiments, the interior structural element is a support such as for a drawer, while in some embodiments the interior support is an entire wall such as the segment various compartments within the interior of the modular preparation station. In some embodiments the opposing spanners and their associated brackets are configured such as the support one or more hardware element such as a cooling fan or a compressor. It will be appreciated the brackets are configured to accommodate a wide range of various internal components and are adaptable to meet the needs of a wide range of commercial kitchen applications.

[0094] In some embodiments, one more front element 140 is a drawer element. In some embodiments, the drawer element corresponds with one or more support or track for a drawer that is running between front and rear spanner elements. In some embodiments, the drawer further includes one or more seal such as to secure the drawer in an airtight configuration against one or more frame associated with the drawer element. In some embodiments, where multiple drawers are stacked on top of each other within one or more frame, the frame further includes an intermediary element situated horizontally approximately along the center line of the vertical distance of the left and right walls of the frame element thereby separating a top and bottom drawer. In some embodiments, multiple bracing elements are present and or structural elements are present which enable the addition of multiple drawers within a single bay or within a single frame of the modular preparation station. In some embodiments, the drawers are selectively engageable such that they are openable and closable, while in the closed configuration of the seal associated with the drawer creates a generally airtight seal to ensure the efficiency of the compartment.

[0095] It will be appreciated that, when the various end caps rear walls spanners and front elements, along with the various internal structural and hardware components attached to one or more of the various brackets internally, are engaged or otherwise secured to the base plate the various components create an internal cavity which is generally air tight. Within this internal cavity, in some embodiments, are multiple compartments, where in each compartment is separated or defined by the location of the various spanners that are secured to the base unit. Advantageously, the location, type, function, order, and number of the various compartments within the internal cavity of the modular preparations station or entirely customizable such that the various components are arrangeable according to the needs of a particular kitchen environment. Moreover, as these components are easily interchangeable and include similar tracking and consistent construction methodology, it is in efficient and simple process to reconfigure one or more preparation station for a different commercial environment or 4 emerging needs in an existing commercial environment. [0096] Alternative top track element

[0097] In some embodiments, when the variety of modular sidewall components are attached to the base unit and thereby form an internal cavity the top surface of each of the modular sidewalk components are substantially aligned such that the top track of all of the modular sidewalk components form a continuous perimetral track that substantially mirrors or aligns with the perimeter track associated with the base unit. In some embodiments this track is a continuous track which includes a projection such as a clip style projection as described elsewhere here in. In some embodiments, however, this parameter will track is a receiving track such that defines a slot that is configured to receive one or more projections, and in some embodiments such projections are clip style projections that are configured to click, clip, or snap into place within the track. In some embodiments these clip like projections are associated with the bottom portion of a top element such as to secure a top element onto the top of the internal cavity thereby creating a fully secure seal within the internal.

[0098] Airflow elements

[0099] In some embodiments, a cooling system 600 is provided. In some embodiments the cooling system includes a compressor, one or more utility lines, and a fan unit. In some embodiments the compressor is configured to rest up on the hardware platform 460 of the base unit. In some embodiments the fan unit is configured to be secured by one or more opposing brackets of one or more spanner units such that the fan unit sits within the internal cavity of the modular preparation station. Generally, the fan unit is connected by one or more utility line to the compressor, thereby facilitating the flow of cooling liquid to ensure that any air passing through the fan unit is cooled in order to maintain a temperature of the internal cavity. In some embodiments, to ensure the maximization of airflow within the internal cavity, one or more ducting 610 is provided. In some embodiments the ducting 610 is sized such to be associated with one or more of the compartments of the interior cavity. In some embodiments, the ducting 610 is configured to engage with or otherwise rest on top of one or more of the top walls of one or more sidewalk components or to otherwise engage with one or more bracket of one or more spanner 120 or end cap 500 component such that the ducting 610 sit substantially across atop of a cavity. In some embodiments, the ducting includes one or more perforation or aperture enabling the flow of air downwards through the ducting while still directing the airflow generally such that the air when passing through the ducting is provided to the entirety of the compartment associated with the ducting. In some embodiments, the flow of air is such that it is drawn from a lower portion of the internal cavity into the fan unit, where it is cooled by a way of one or more radiator or cooling apparatus and drawn upwards towards the ducting. The fan unit then pushes the air outwards through the ducting where it is dissipated evenly within each of the compartments within the internal cavity. The air then is circulated downwards through the cavity and drawn back towards the fan unit where the cycle repeats. Advantageously this provides a modular setup which enables ideal airflow to ensure cooling through all parts of the internal cavity. Moreover, this enables selective cooling of various compartments within the internal cavity, as the preparation station is configurable such that the ducting is selectively blocked and thus the airflow to one or more of the interior compartments of the internal cavity is prevented. In some embodiments, the ducting is integrated within a top element 300 of the modular preparation station such that the ducting is put into place prior to the securing of a top element onto the tops of the various modular sidewalk components and their corresponding tracks.

[00100] Top Element

[00101] In some embodiments, a top element 300 (working surface element) is considered. In some embodiments the top element 300 dimensions substantially correspond with the dimensions of the base unit 400. In some environments, The top element 300 includes a working surface 310 for the preparation of one or more item and one or more cooling compartments. Generally, the working surface 310 is positioned towards a front edge to enable access to the work surface for one or more user.

[00102] In some embodiments, the top element 300 further includes a cooling compartment. In some environments the cooling compartment, generally, is situated towards a rear of the top surface. In some embodiments the cooling compartment 320 is operably connected to the compressor or one or more other or additional cooling apparatus. In some embodiments the cooling compartment 320 includes and internal cavity which is assessable via an access door, such as a hinged upper door, thereby facilitating easy access to one or more bins within the cooling compartment. In some embodiments one or more bins are situated within the cooling compartment 320 and are configured to store one or more food items or ingredients for the preparation of an item. In some embodiments, the cooling compartment 320 includes a cooling unit or cooling surface which is cooled by way of the operable connection to the compressor and is generally situated towards the bottom of the cooling compartment. In some embodiments the cooling compartment 320 further includes one or more adjustable rails which are positioned at various heights along the cooling compartment thereby facilitating the movement of one or more been to be situated either higher up within the cooling compartment or set lower down within the cooling compartment. It will be appreciated that item set higher up in the cooling compartment will not be subjected to as strong of cooling temperatures as items which are positioned lower down. By way of such structure, a user is enabled to further configure the cooling compartment and the various bins associated there with such that some bins are subjected to stronger cooling temperatures than other bands by way of them being placed lower within the cooling compartment. Advantageously, this allows for further customization of the modular preparation station and moreover allows for the modular preparation station to be adaptable to changing commercial kitchen environments.

[00103] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the top element 300 includes one or more perimetral track 330. In some embodiments the perimeter track 330 is configured to substantially align with the perimeter of the internal cavity which is formed by the various modular side wall units which are attached to the base unit. In some embodiments the perimeter track 330 includes one or more projection such as a clip style projection which is configured to interface with one or more receiving slot of top surface tracks 150 of the various sidewall elements 100 which comprise the outer surface of the internal cavity of the modular preparation station. In some embodiments the top element 300 is placed upon the internal cavity after the assembly of the internal cavity and the tracking is aligned with a perimeter track formed by the various top wall tracks of the various modular side wall units. A force is placed upon the top element such that the track of the top element is pushed or inserted or otherwise secured within a receiving track of the various modular sidewall units. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the track on the bottom side of the top element is a receiving track which includes one or more slot for receiving one or more projection associated with the various top tracks of the various modular side wall units which make up the internal cavity. Thus, one of ordinary skill would appreciate that either the top element track includes a projection while the resulting top surface track of the interior cavity includes a receiving track or the top element tracks includes receiving track while the resulting top surface track of the interior cavity includes a projection. In either configuration, the top track of the interior cavity is configured to mate with and secure with the tracking of the top surface of the interior cavity. It will be appreciated that various gaskets, seals, fittings, or the like are associated with one or more tracks as described herein such that the mating of the tracks creates an airtight environment within the interior cavity and the various compartments associated therewith.

[00104] Method of assembly

[00105] A method of assembling a modular preparation station is provided. In some environments, the method begins with an assessment of a commercial environment and a determination of a needed or ideal or preferred configuration of a preparation station. In some embodiments the method then provides a base unit with ideal dimensions for the development of various compartments and inclusion of various components as determined by the needed or ideal or preferred configuration. In some embodiments, a first end wall is positioned or engage with the receiving track of the base unit. In some embodiments, the first end wall is an end cap with its own track which slidably mates with the track of the base unit. In some embodiments, after the end cap is in position a second end cap is placed we're secured to the base unit substantially opposite the first end cap. In some embodiments once the first and second end cap are in place then a rear wall element is slidably connected to both the first and cap and the base unit. In some embodiments, a spanner is then further connected to the rear wall element and the base unit and a second rear wall element is connected then subsequently to the spanner element in the base unit. In some embodiments, rear wall and spanner elements are connected in sequence until a length of track associated with a rear wall of the base unit is occupied and an entire rear wall of an internal cavity has been formed. In some embodiments then one or more front elements are securely attached to the first end cap and it subsequently one or more spanners and additional front wall elements are further secured to one another and to the second end cap and to the base unit they form a continuous perimeter wall of a interior cavity. In some embodiments, the method further includes positioning or attaching one or more structural elements or bracing elements or interior hardware elements to one or more brackets associated with one or more of the modular sidewall pieces or spanners. In some embodiments the method further includes attaching one or more door or additional hardware element too one or more frame of the modular preparation station. In some embodiments, the method further includes attaching or securing a fan unit and a cooling unit in a compressor and one or more utility lines two the modular preparation stations such that the cooling unit and or fan or positionable within the interior cavity. In some embodiments the method further includes providing one or more ducting element, each ducting element corresponding with one or more compartment within the interior cavity. In some embodiments, the method further includes positioning a top element or a working surface element and a track associated there with in alignment with one or more of the modular sidewall elements and applying a first forced such as to secure a projection of either the top wall of the internal cavity or the bottom track of the top element with a receiving slot of the top all of the internal cavity or the bottom track of the top element, thereby securing the top element relative to the various sidewall elements and thereby creating an airtight cavity. In some embodiments, the method further includes adjusting the position or inclusion of one or more end cap and or sidewall element and/or spanner element and or structural support or hardware element in order to adapt to a particular commercial environment.

[00106] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventions is by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

[00107] Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been described by reference to an exemplary embodiment, and the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that certain changes, modification or variations may be made in embodying the above invention, and in the construction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein, may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modification or variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall with in the true spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the attached claims, all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[00108] Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims.

[00109] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.