Abstract: A convertible guard device for a fire heating appliance. The guard device having a plurality of panels and a base portion, wherein the panels may be configured to be arranged in a guard configuration and a tabletop configuration. The base portion may define a fire area and have an upper surface configured to receive the panels arranged in the guard configuration, and an inner surface having a ledge extending therefrom, the ledge configured to receive a perimeter edge of the panels when the panels are arranged in the tabletop configuration.

Abstract: A utility skirt for a wire chafing dish rack, wherein the utility skirt is folded around the wire chafing dish rack. The utility skirt having an upper edge, a lower edge, a left edge, and a right edge defining an area of the utility skirt. The upper edge of the utility skirt runs along the upper rim of the wire chafing dish rack. Three tabs extend from the left edge and three slits are made in the utility skirt near the right edge. The three tabs can interlock with the three slits for coupling the left edge to the right edge. Three fold lines divide the utility skirt into four sections, each of the four sections corresponds to the four sides of the wire chafing dish rack. Rim-tabs from the upper edge of the utility skirt folds over the upper rim for supporting the utility skirt over the wire chafing dish rack.

Abstract: A stove guard having a blanket assembly and a support assembly is disclosed herein. The stove guard includes a flexible fire blanket material that may be arranged in a plurality of configurations including a retractable blind coupled to a stove vent or microwave mounted above the stove. The device may also feature a two-part retractable fencing drawn together from each side of the stove top and coupled in the center and a single fence that may couple to a vertical support held in place with suction cups on either side of the stove top. Each of the devices may be configured to provide an added security measure useful for preventing small children from gaining access to the hot surfaces and may also provide an emergency fire extinguishing blanket in the event of an unexpected fire.

Abstract: A shield for protection of the back splash and wall behind a stove, providing an expandable shield suspended behind the stove while the stove is in use, the shield expanded into a deployed position and attached to the wall and secured within an upper shelf upon a support, the shield further stored behind the stove in a contracted position upon a lower shelf of the support, with the support mounted to either the wall behind the stove or upon the stove itself on a rear potion of the stove. The shield may also be used upon the back splash of a sink or other cooking station where protection of the back splash is desired.

Abstract: A broil baffle for an oven may be provided. The oven may include a broil burner configured to distribute heat. The baffle may be positioned such that the broil burner distributes heat toward the baffle. The baffle may include a plurality of dimples configured to disperse infrared radiation from the distributed heat in multiple directions away from the baffle toward a broiling surface of the oven.

Abstract: A protective grill is provided for a portable infrared heater which reduces the possibility of a person from coming into contact with the radiation disk of the heater. The protective grill of this invention may be selectively detachably secured to the wheeled frame of a heater wherein the radiation disk thereof is positioned at one side of the wheeled frame or which may be selectively secured to the wheeled frame of the heater wherein the radiation disk of the heater is positioned at one end of the heater.

Abstract: A portable safety enclosure for an outdoor fire pit is intended specifically for use when the fire pit or other fire container is in use and an open flame or heat source is present. The safety enclosure would prevent accidental contact with the fire container or fire pit, particularly by children or animals. The device is comprised of snap-together panels that create an enclosure around the open flame or fire pit area. Additional panels may be added for a larger enclosure, and panels may also be removed for a smaller enclosure. The panels are preferably manufactured from a heat-resistant plastic or fiberglass.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention relates to a device for heating or cooking food or liquids such as soup, water, roast, etc. A downwardly curved visor-like deflector is selectively removably positioned outwardly of the upper end of the radiation disk of an infrared heater so as to extend outwardly therefrom. The deflector has an upwardly presented cooking utensil opening formed therein and a horizontally disposed cooking utensil support secured to the deflector at the inner surface thereof below the cooking utensil opening. The cooking utensil support dwells in a plane below the upper end of the radiation disk whereby infrared rays emitted from the radiation disk will impinge upon the cooking utensil support and a cooking utensil positioned on the cooking utensil support to cook or heat the contents thereof. Other accessories may also be attached to the heater such as a protective grill or a cooking basket.

Abstract: A collapsible shield acts as a safety device for a stove when in a second, expanded, position by limiting access to (or interaction with) items on a stove top, thereby preventing possible burns or injuries around the stove. The collapsible shield may be stored and concealed in a first, collapsed position when not in use. The collapsible shield includes at least a first, proximal segment and a second, distal segment which is configured to move vertically and pivotally with respect to the first, proximal segment.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention relates to a device for heating or cooking food or liquids such as soup, water, roast, etc. A downwardly curved visor-like deflector is positioned at the upper end of a radiation disk of an infrared heater so as to extend outwardly therefrom. The deflector has an upwardly presented cooking utensil opening formed therein and a horizontally disposed cooking utensil support secured to the deflector at the inner surface thereof below the cooking utensil opening. The cooking utensil support dwells in a plane below the upper end of the radiation disk whereby infrared rays emitted from the radiation disk will impinge upon the cooking utensil support and a cooking utensil positioned on the cooking utensil support to cook or heat the contents thereof.

Abstract: A safety device for outdoor cooking grills having a plurality of base pieces that are linearly joined such that they may be folded together for transportation or unfolded for use by interlocking the first piece with the last piece to form an enclosure. Depending on the number of base pieces used, the enclosure may take the form of triangle, octagon, or other geometric shape, and may contain an opening to facilitate ventilation. A top piece having a central opening for permitting access to the grill and an indented access point to allow a user to stand closer to the grill is positioned over the base pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a commercial grill to increase safety, efficiency, and organization. The apparatus includes a barrier extending upwardly from the cooking surface, and extending along the backsplash of the grill, the barrier having an accessory staging feature along a topmost portion, the topmost portion being at least eight inches above the cooking surface. The accessory staging feature can support one or more accessories. The invention may thereby increase usable grill surface area. The apparatus can also include an attachment assembly for attaching the barrier to a standard backsplash, or the barrier can be an integral extension of the backsplash. The invention substantially reduces the likelihood of ventilation/exhaust well fires. The invention makes cleaning the factory backsplash much easier, because the backsplash is substantially protected from splatter by the invention. The invention substantially protects the stainless steel or tile kitchen back wall from splatter, smoke, grease, and soot.

Abstract: A protective grill is provided for a portable infrared heater which reduces the possibility of a person from coming into contact with the radiation disk of the heater. The protective grill of this invention may be selectively detachably secured to the wheeled frame of a heater wherein the radiation disk thereof is positioned at one side of the wheeled frame or which may be selectively secured to the wheeled frame of the heater wherein the radiation disk of the heater is positioned at one end of the heater.

Abstract: A stacked steam oven construction with a nested stacking component is described.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cooking apparatus is provided. The cooking apparatus comprises a cooking surface, at least one grate, and a guard. The cooking surface includes at least one heat source and a control panel. The at least one grate is provided over a portion of the cooking surface. The guard is coupled to the at least one grate. The guard includes a first side and a second side. The first side of the guard is configured to deflect heat radiating from the at least one heat source. The second side of the guard corresponds with a sidewall of the cooking surface to form a channel between the guard and the sidewall. The channel is configured to create a thermal barrier between the at least one heat source and the control panel.

Abstract: A stove (or range) burner guard attached to the front of a gas or electrical stove (or range) by fastening a guard panel through two vertical slots to a clamping body that is attached to the oven door handle. The height of the guard panel is adjustable by sliding the guard panel through the vertical slots. The guard prevents young children from reaching the burners, control knobs and cookware on the stovetop. The guard can be installed, adjusted or removed quickly and easily.

Abstract: A protective canopy housing (1) for a barbeque grill (2) having a canopy (6) with a vent opening on a top (22) with an elevated vent cover (8). The canopy is supported by supports (5a, b and c) attached to a grill by C-clamps (4a,b). The canopy housing can include side curtains (10a, b) which may be rolled up and secured along the sides of the canopy. The side curtains may include mesh and can be maintained in a down position during use to protect the users from insects. The curtains can be removably detachable. The canopy would preferably be made of heat-resistant material.

Abstract: A collapsible shield acts as a safety device for a stove when in a second, expanded, position by limiting access to (or interaction with) items on a stove top, thereby preventing possible burns or injuries around the stove. The collapsible shield may be stored and concealed in a first, collapsed position when not in use. The collapsible shield includes at least a first, proximal segment and a second, distal segment which is configured to move vertically and pivotally with respect to the first, proximal segment.

Abstract: An adjustable cooking equipment cover is provided that includes a flexible material configured to fit a first configuration of cooking equipment to a desired specification and one or more connectors attached to the flexible material that can be connected together to reconfigure the flexible material to fit a second configuration of cooking equipment to the same desired specification.

Abstract: Certain embodiments pertain to a heater for warming a patient's extremity in order to cause vasodilation for facilitating venous catheterization.

Abstract: A guard for protecting a cook or chef from burn injury from accidentally touching a hot oven rack comprising a sleeve of material mounted on the front rail of a metal oven rack. The sleeve is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity that is lower than than the thermal conductivity of the metal oven rack, so that when the guard is accidentally touched, insufficient thermal energy is transferred to an oven user to cause a burn, allowing the oven user to withdraw from the sleeve before injury can result. Preferably, the material forming the sleeve is heat resistant and has a lower thermal mass and thermal conductivity than the metal oven rack.

Abstract: A stove (or range) burner guard attached to the front of a gas or electrical stove (or range) by inserting the adjustable guard panel supports between the oven door handle and the oven door. The guard panel supports are secured to the oven by two identical holding devices, which are attached to the surface of the oven door. The guard prevents young children from reaching the burners, control knobs and cookware on the stovetop. The guard can be installed or removed in seconds.

Abstract: A stove (or range) burner guard attached to the front of a gas or electrical stove (or range) by inserting the lower portion of the guard between the oven door handle and the oven door. The guard is secured by two identical holding devices, which are attached to the surface of the oven door. The guard prevents young children from reaching the burners, control knobs and cookware on the stovetop. The guard can be installed or removed in seconds.

Abstract: A free-standing removable decorative outdoor grill screen includes a planar rectangular central panel having a first predetermined height and a first predetermined width. Two rectangular and planar side panels are hingedly connected to vertical edges of the central panel. Two rectangular and planar rear panels are hingedly and removably connected to vertical edges of these side panels. Decorative artwork, designs, or other indicia adorn the front sides of the central, side, and rear panels.

Abstract: A windscreen apparatus (10) for outdoor cooking grills wherein, the apparatus (10) includes a base member (20) that supports a cooking grill and a pair of side wall members (30) (30?) and a rear wall member (40) adapted to be pivoted into an upright position relative to the base member (20) wherein, at least the rear wall member (40) is hingedly connected (50?) to the base member (20) and wherein, all of the wall members (30) (30?) and (40) have a height greater than the top of the cooking grill.

Abstract: A portable campfire barrier system for preventing the spread of a campfire beyond an established perimeter that includes a one-piece containment wall secured in a ready-to-use configuration by a plurality of support members. When not deployed in the ready-to-use configuration, the containment wall can be collapsed for facilitating both storage and transport due to its ductile nature. The containment wall is of sufficient height to avert the campfire from igniting fuel beyond the containment area but still allow for the pleasant enjoyment of the campfire. In one form, the support members are adapted to engage the containment wall with clip members in order to maintain the wall in the ready-to-use configuration. A band fastened to one end of the containment wall further assists in maintaining the wall in the ready-to-use configuration. The support members are further adapted to be driven into the ground thereby providing additional stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heater guard for circular (cylindrical) heaters provided with guarding functions also for the top surface, and it is an object thereof to prevent people from coming close thereto. The main body guard is comprised of a pair of right and left semi-cylinders 10A, 10B, there are provided connecting and fixing tools that include mounting and supporting portions that are fixed to upper half portions of the main body guard, elongated horizontal portions having a horizontal surface that are formed by bending elongated portions of the mounting and supporting portions in outer peripheral directions, and locking portions that are formed on upper surfaces of the elongated horizontal portions and that may be freely engaged with a peripheral surface upper cover portion of the upper surface guard.

Abstract: A protection screen panel for wood burning stoves. The screen panel has a frame, including a screen material. Extending from this frame are a number of legs terminating in feet. These feet having magnetic portions able to magnetically attach to a metal surface of the wood burning stove. This results in a provision of a spaced screen panel from the hot surfaces of the stove.

Abstract: A barbecue (1) comprises the lid (2), a food supporting compartment (3), a fuel supporting compartment (4) and a vertical support (5). The food supporting compartment (3) can be moved between a first position above the fuel supporting compartment (4) and a second position away from said fuel supporting compartment (4).

Abstract: A portable stove and heater adapted for outdoor or camp use. The stove is comprised of at least three concentric walls affixed to a floor with vents placed in each of the walls to permit multiple pathways for transiting air to be heated prior to entering a combustion chamber.

Abstract: A heat shielding assembly, preferably for a downdraft cooking system including a fan motor mounted outside a plenum located below a cooktop for generating an air flow designed to remove air laden cooking byproducts from a cooking zone, prevents direct contact with laminations of the motor which become heated during use of the fan. The heat shielding assembly preferably takes the form of a plastic sleeve which encircles a housing portion of the motor. Therefore, the sleeve is designed to protect a consumer, maintenance personnel or the like from direct contact with motor housing portions which have become hot during operation of the downdraft system when an area below the cooktop is accessed.

Abstract: An enclosure for use with an outdoor grill having plates at its base used to secure the enclosure to a base surface. Preferably the enclosure is formed from a series of panels which adjoin one another and are secured to one another.

Abstract: A flash suppressor for surrounding a gas-fired appliance, comprising a barrier for forming an enclosure around a lower portion of the appliance. The barrier has an inside wall, an outside wall and a space between the inside and outside walls. The outside wall has at least one aperture for air to pass into the space. There is a filter disposed in the space for filtering fumes from outside the outside wall to prevent the fumes from reaching the appliance and igniting from a spark from the appliance. There is an outwardly extending flange surrounding a top edge of the barrier. The flange has an inside wall connected to the inside wall of the barrier, an outside wall connected to the outside wall of the barrier, and a space between the inside and outside walls that communicates with the space in the barrier. The flange has an open top, so that fumes travel through the filter and out the open top and are thus kept away from the flame in the appliance.

Abstract: A burn prevention screen for use with an outdoor cooking grill. The burn prevention screen has a piece of high temperature tolerant material and a fastener for securing the high temperature tolerant material to the external surface of the grill. The high temperature tolerant material should be flexible, weather resistant, have a low thermal conductivity and be stable at temperatures in excess of 450° F. to 800° F. for extended periods of time. Examples of suitable material include felts, woven ceramic fiber, polymer sheet, composite fabric, other similar materials, or combinations of these materials. The fasteners are preferably magnets, with the preferred magnet being a rare earth magnet or other high temperature tolerant magnet that will retain its magnetic performance after repeated heating and cooling cycles.

Abstract: A flash suppressor for surrounding a gas-fired appliance, comprising a barrier for forming an enclosure around a lower portion of the appliance. The barrier has an inside wall, an outside wall and a space between the inside and outside walls. The outside wall has at least one aperture for air to pass into the space. The inside wall has a plurality of ventilation holes to allow heat currents to escape through the space and causes a siphoning effect, thus preventing any fumes from reaching the flame. There is a filter disposed in the space for filtering fumes from outside the outside wall to prevent the fumes from reaching the appliance and igniting from a spark from the appliance. There is an outwardly extending flange surrounding a top edge of the barrier. The flange has an inside wall connected to the inside wall of the barrier, an outside wall connected to the outside wall of the barrier, and a space between the inside and outside walls that communicates with the space in the barrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cooking food products. In particular, cereal grains and rice products may be cooked pursuant to a multi-step process in which rice is first prewashed, presteamed, and then allowed to absorb water in a steeping step for a short time before being cooked in a steam cooker. The rice may be passed along to various dryers, and later dried and packaged for use by the consumer. Further, an apparatus and method are disclosed for using and recirculating water in a more efficient and economical manner in a food processing operation.

Abstract: Four rectangular, planar, hingedly connected first walls are adapted to close around an appliance, such that each of the first walls is oriented vertically. Each of the first walls has a susbtantially triangular, substantially planar second wall hingedly connected thereto. The second walls are configured to rest in a substantially horizontal position extending from tops of the first walls when the enclosure is in use, the second walls forming an enclosure lid having an opening adapted to permit the appliance to extend there-through.

Abstract: A gas powered, pressureless steam cooker has a connector tube for ingress of steam into the cooking compartment so that entry of a low temperature, wet steam can be minimized. The connector tube has a small diameter to constrain the entry of steam into the cooker compartment until it has reached a minimum velocity. A water reservoir is located alongside the oven compartment to the rear of the cooker and an integrated heat exchange tube and firebox are located in the tank. This tube is generally U-shaped, a lower horizontal leg opening at a mouth outside the water reservoir. An inshot burner fires into the lower horizontal leg and combustion gas flow through the U tube giving up heat to water in the reservoir. Additional heat exchange surface may be provided by channels through an upper leg of the U-tube from side to side. Flow of combustion gases may be optimized by the shape of the U-tube and at least a deflecting surface between a vertical web of the U and the upper leg of the U.

Abstract: An improvement for a combination steamer and convection oven is described. The improvement includes double access doors in the front of the oven for controlling access to the cooking cavity within. The doors are cam actuated between a closed position, a first open position wherein the doors are cracked to release hot gases from within the cavity and a second open position wherein the doors are fully open. The admission of steam to the cavity is controlled by a positive displacement flapper valve and one or a pair of the ovens can be used, and if a pair is used a single steamer provides steam for either or both cooking cavities.

Abstract: Barbeque apparatus includes a firebox cantilevered outwardly from a base and a counter-weighted lid pivotally secured to the firebox. The counter-weight for the lid is movable in a portion of the base. A counter-weighted grill is pivotally secured to the firebox. The barbeque apparatus may be conveniently operated by a user in a wheel chair. The firebox includes a heat shield to protect users.

Abstract: A thermal protective barrier is provided for space heating units in the form of a relatively thin panel having an interior volume filled with a non-combustible liquid (water and/or antifreeze mix, etc.). Two of the embodiments are flat and are adapted to be placed beneath and about the sides of a stove or other heating unit, with a third embodiment having a toroidal cross section and being adapted for installation about the flue of such a stove or heater. Additional structure may be installed within the panels to provide additional support, as required. The panels may be removably installed between the stove and adjacent walls and the underlying floor, or may be permanently installed integrally with the building structure. The panels may also include decorative coverings for exposed surfaces, if desired. The panels may be independent of other water or fluid systems, or may be interconnected with a water heater or hot water heating system, if desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a guard for surrounding the exposed perimeter of the top of a domestic stove. The guard is releasably attached to the stove top such that when it is attached to the stove it securely encloses the burners and pots resting on the burners. The guard prevents the passage of a finger through the guard such that a person is prevented from contacting the burner or pots on the stove when the guard is attached to the stove.

Abstract: A safety device for fireplaces provides a non-flammable apron adjacent to the fireplace opening, the apron being sloped up in a direction away from the fireplace. Thus, logs or embers discharged from the fireplace will engage the apron, and will dissipate their energy in moving up hill. The device has a switch that is closed when the apron is contacted for sounding an alarm. A panel beneath the apron defines a space, and the air in the space will be heated. The heated air is directed into the living space, either by natural or forced convection.

Abstract: A main member includes two opposing sides and a first end which is dipsosed opposite a second end. A side member depends from each of the sides. A handle insert depends from the first end, the handle insert configured to fit over a handle of an oven door. The side members are configured to extend along the sides of the oven.

Abstract: A drain assembly is disclosed for use in a steamer type food processing apparatus having an oven chamber into which steam is introduced and from which steam bubbles may escape with condensate through a drain line. The drain assembly includes a tubular body having a longitudinal flow passage defining an inlet end adapted to receive steam droplets and condensate from the oven chamber, an outlet end enabling discharge of condensate from the flow passage, a quenching fluid inlet tube and splash plate operative to create a fluid screen across the flow passage downstream from said inlet end, a vent tube intersecting the flow passage downstream from the quenching fluid inlet to enable escape of vapor from the flow passage, and an overflow tube connected to said flow passage and configured to create a fluid trap within the overflow tube. The overflow tube allows backed-up condensate within the longitudinal flow passage to be discharged from the overflow tube in the event the discharge end is blocked.

Abstract: Atmospheric convection type steamer apparatus includes at least one oven chamber and a discrete atmospheric steam generator operative to provide steam to the even chamber. A quiescent low fire power input to the steam generator maintains water in the steam generator at its boiling temperature during a non-cooking mode and provides a continuous steam flow into the oven chamber to maintain the chamber in a ready condition for substantially instantaneous steam heating when a cooking or high fire mode is initiated. In a stacked double oven embodiment, each oven chamber has a discrete atmospheric steam generator maintained at a quiescent low fire power input sufficient to maintain the water at its boiling temperature and effect a continuous ready condition within the corresponding oven chambers. Steam lines directly connect the oven chambers to their corresponding steam generators and enable introduction of cleaning and deliming agents directly into the steam generators from within the oven chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cooking food products. In particular, cereal grains and rice products may be cooked pursuant to a multi-step process in which rice is first prewashed, presteamed, and then allowed to absorb water in a steeping step for a short time before being cooked in a steam cooker. The rice may be passed along to various dryers, and later dried and packaged for use by the consumer. Further, an apparatus and method are disclosed for using and recirculating water in a more efficient and economical manner in a food processing operation.

Abstract: A protective guard for an outdoor grill is provided, comprising a support strip and a plurality of protective spars. The support strip conforms to the outer perimeter of the grill's kettle, and is mounted onto the kettle, generally horizontal to the ground. The protective spars are connected to the support strip, and suspend downward from the support strip towards the ground, along the outer surface of the kettle. The apparatus provides a lightweight, removable barrier around the kettle, to prevent humans or household pets from coming into contact with the hot outer surface of the kettle. The apparatus is simple in design, with relatively few parts, and is easy to manufacture. The apparatus is also easy to assemble, and can be modified to fit any of a number of different sizes or shapes of barbecue grills, as an add-on accessory.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing contact with heated areas of a cooking device is a three-dimensional frame having an upper and a lower perimeter, couplers to attach the frame to a cooking device, and connectors configured and positioned to prevent contact with the heated surfaces of a cooking device.

Abstract: An oven comprises an enclosure in which an intermediate wall separates a first part for containing materials to be cooked from a second part containing the functional units of the oven and in particular a fan and a burner. The burner is on the downstream side of the fan in the direction of the flow of air caused by the fan and the flame that it produces is oriented transversely to the direction of air flow. The burner outlet orifices are oriented to allow any water condensing in the burner to drain out by gravity. The intermediate wall is removable for cleaning. This maximizes the volume of the first enclosure part and considerably facilitates cleaning of the functional units of the oven, without disturbance to the operation of the burner.