Method and apparatus for food dehydration

Abstract

Embodiments herein include devices adaptable to dehydrate articles, including foods. Embodiments are shown which can be compacted for reduced storage, and/or shipping requirements and/or for other purposes. Embodiments include simple, inexpensive means for controlling dehydrating conditions, including airflow. Various article holding devices, including devices to hold foods being dehydrated, are also shown. Such devices include vertical, diagonal, and horizontal panels to secure articles. Embodiments shown have variations which include the use of non-motorized convection airflow, as well as devices which incorporate motor driven air movement means. Embodiments are shown which may be used for preparing articles, including foods, for dehydration, including slicing such articles.

1 . A device comprising:
 a base portion including an input configured to receive warm air;   a top portion including an adjustable vent;   a plurality of generally flat, perforated, trays, each tray, configured to receive warm air from the input;   a plurality of generally vertical side walls, each wall circumnavigating and supporting an associated perforated horizontal tray when the trays are installed horizontally, wherein at least two side walls are collabsible;   each perforated tray configured to be removable from its associated circumnavigating generally vertical side wall;   each tray configured to be vertically supported by the base portion when the trays are installed vertically;   a rectangular rigid base portion and an associated, rectangular drip tray disposed at a lower portion thereof and four vertical base walls disposed perpendicularly to the drip tray, the base portion configured to support a vertically aligned stack of the vertical side walls when in the open position; and   the rectangular rigid base portion further configured to store each of the vertical side walls in an interior thereof when the vertical side walls are in the closed position.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the side walls comprise two opposed foldable walls secured to opposed ends of two rigid walls. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the foldable walls are configured to contact interior surfaces of the rigid walls when collapsed.