US4632836A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pizza preparation and delivery system
Assignee: Pizza Hut LLC
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Filing: 1984-04-12
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Granted: 1986-12-30
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Expires: 2004-04-12
Abstract
Abstract A pizza preparation and delivery system is disclosed including a vehicle having a driver's station and a kitchen area. The kitchen area includes a pie case, a pizza preparation station, an oven, and a chair for supporting a cook while in transit. In the preferred embodiment, the prearation station is defined by an upper surface of the pie case. The kitchen area also includes a hinged pizza cutting table, an ice bin and beverage dispensing unit. The beverage dispensing unit is connected by tubing to a beverage supply holder disposed adjacent to the driver's station. The beverage supply holder conceals a cash box. As a result of an order received by mobile radio, pizza is prepared in the kitchen area while the vehicle is en route to delivery destinations.
Inventors
- 👤 Maxwell T. Abbott
- 👤 Gary S. Streepy
- 👤 John R. Paulus
- 👤 Ricardo Barrera
- 👤 David E. Brewer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 21:33
CPC Classifications
A; A21; A21B; A21B1/00; A21B1/52; A21B7/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A method for preparing pizza in a pizza delivery vehicle, comprising: providing a pizza delivery vehicle comprising: means for receiving pizza delivery orders; a refrigerated pie case with uncooked pizza dough stored therein; a preparation station equipped with a variety of topping ingredients; and an oven; while in transit, receiving a pizza delivery order; while in transit, removing the pizza dough from the pie case; selecting topping ingredients in accordance with the pizza delivery order from the preparation station; assembling the dough and topping ingredients to form an uncooked pizza; while in transit, placing the pizza in the oven at a selected temperature; and removing the pizza from the oven after a selected cooking time.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
115 words
A method for preparing pizza in a pizza delivery vehicle, comprising: providing a pizza delivery vehicle comprising: means for receiving pizza delivery orders; a refrigerated pie case with uncooked pizza dough stored therein; a preparation station equipped with a variety of topping ingredients; and an oven; while in transit, receiving a pizza delivery order; while in transit, removing the pizza dough from the pie case; selecting topping ingredients in accordance with the pizza delivery order from the preparation station; assembling the dough and topping ingredients to form an uncooked pizza; while in transit, placing the pizza in the oven at a selected temperature; and removing the pizza from the oven after a selected cooking time.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
80 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the preparation station includes a horizontal grid surface and the dough is stored in pizza pans, and wherein the method comprises the further steps of: providing a pan restraining ring having a plurality of cleats; after removing the pan from the pie case, placing the stored pizza pan in the restraining ring; and before assembling the dough and topping ingredients, placing the pizza pan, together with the restraining ring, on the horizontal grid surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the selected temperature is about 450°-550° F. and the selected cooking time is between about 6 and 15 minutes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: providing delivery boxes and a pizza cutting table in the delivery vehicle; placing a pizza delivery box on the pizza cutting table; cutting the pizza into slices; and placing the pizza in the pizza delivery box.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
211 words
A method for preparing and delivering a pizza to a customer comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of pizza preparation and delivery vehicles, each vehicle comprising communication means for receiving pizza delivery orders, a refrigerated pie case with uncooked pizza shells stored therein, a preparation station stocked with a variety of topping ingredients; and a pizza oven; providing a home station equipped for receiving customer pizza delivery orders, and dispatching said customer pizza orders to said vehicles via the communication means; providing a commissary for periodically supplying said vehicles with a quantity of uncooked pizza shells and the variety of topping ingredients; receiving a customer pizza order at the home station, said order including a selection of pizza type and a delivery destination; dispatching the customer pizza order to one of said vehicles; while the vehicle is in transit removing an uncooked pizza shell from the pie case; while the vehicle is in transit, adding to the uncooked pizza shell toppings selected from the variety of topping ingredients in accordance with the pizza type ordered; while the vehicle is in transit, cooking the pizza shell and toppings in the pizza oven to thereby produce the pizza; driving the vehicle to the delivery destination; and delivering the pizza to the customer.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
211 words
A method for preparing and delivering a pizza to a customer comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of pizza preparation and delivery vehicles, each vehicle comprising communication means for receiving pizza delivery orders, a refrigerated pie case with uncooked pizza shells stored therein, a preparation station stocked with a variety of topping ingredients; and a pizza oven; providing a home station equipped for receiving customer pizza delivery orders, and dispatching said customer pizza orders to said vehicles via the communication means; providing a commissary for periodically supplying said vehicles with a quantity of uncooked pizza shells and the variety of topping ingredients; receiving a customer pizza order at the home station, said order including a selection of pizza type and a delivery destination; dispatching the customer pizza order to one of said vehicles; while the vehicle is in transit removing an uncooked pizza shell from the pie case; while the vehicle is in transit, adding to the uncooked pizza shell toppings selected from the variety of topping ingredients in accordance with the pizza type ordered; while the vehicle is in transit, cooking the pizza shell and toppings in the pizza oven to thereby produce the pizza; driving the vehicle to the delivery destination; and delivering the pizza to the customer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 5 wherein each vehicle is manned with a driver and a cook.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-12-29 | 1990-06-30 | 1990-12-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-12-29 | 1994-06-30 | 1994-12-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-12-29 | 1998-06-30 | 1998-12-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |