Abstract: A baking tray includes one or more cups. The cups are arranged in an array format. Each has an encircling side wall defining an open volume for receiving food products. A disk washer-shaped bottom wall having an outer peripheral edge is joined to a bottom edge of the encircling side-wall. The disk washer-shaped bottom wall has a circular opening therein. A dome-shaped structure is joined to the circular opening and extends upwardly into the open volume within the encircling side wall.

Abstract: A method for turning over cooking materials in a cooker, comprising: 1) making the cooker rotate around a rotation axis which is within the edge range of the cooker; and 2) generating an acceleration at an appropriate position or at an appropriate time to cause all or a part of the material inside the cooker to turn over. The present invention also discloses a turning-over device utilizing the above turning-over method, which comprises a cooker, a first motion mechanism and a driving mechanism which is an electric device, a magnetic device, an aerodynamic device, a hydraulic device, or a mechanical device. The first motion mechanism comprises a rotation shaft lying within the edge of the cooker, and the driving mechanism drives the cooker to rotate around the rotation shaft at variable speed.

Abstract: A sandwich maker including a base and a perforating member. The base includes a base cavity into which a portion of a sheet of dough can positioned, the base cavity including a plurality of slots positioned in a spaced fashion therein and extending through the base cavity. The perforating member is separably coupled to the base external to the base cavity and moveable between a normally retracted position and an extended position, wherein the perforating member includes a plurality of teeth spaced along the perforating member such that each tooth of the plurality of teeth aligns with a corresponding slot of the plurality of slots, and wherein each tooth is configured to extend into the base cavity via the corresponding slot when the perforating member is in the extended position so as to cut slits in the portion of the sheet of dough positioned within the base cavity.

Abstract: A sandwich maker including a base and a perforating member. The base includes a base cavity into which a portion of a sheet of dough can positioned, the base cavity including a plurality of slots positioned in a spaced fashion therein and extending through the base cavity. The perforating member is separably coupled to the base external to the base cavity and moveable between a normally retracted position and an extended position, wherein the perforating member includes a plurality of teeth spaced along the perforating member such that each tooth of the plurality of teeth aligns with a corresponding slot of the plurality of slots, and wherein each tooth is configured to extend into the base cavity via the corresponding slot when the perforating member is in the extended position so as to cut slits in the portion of the sheet of dough positioned within the base cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a bread product including: an input means for entering product variables; a processor for determining a production schedule for producing product; a thawer for thawing or partially thawing substantially planar frozen dough pieces; a moulder for working the thawed or partially thawed dough in accordance with predetermined process steps; and an oven for baking the product; the processor controlling or instructing an operator to control the operation of the thawer, shaper and oven.

Abstract: A unit for molding food products, in particular for cooking ham is provided. The unit includes a set of parallel horizontal troughs. The troughs have a downwardly-oriented base and an upwardly-oriented opening and are fixed to one or more supports that enable units to be stacked on top of one another. A set of cover elements extend beneath the set of troughs such that, when units are stacked, a cover element is engaged in the trough opening of the subjacent unit. The unit also includes a built-in spring lock which, by application of a downward pressure, solidly connect the unit to a similar unit in an automatic manner in order to ensure that the respective support is fully supported. Subsequently, the lock can be retracted to separate two units from one another and to unstack same. Units can be joined by such automated locking in order to form a stable stack. The unit is suitable for use in the agri-food industry.

Abstract: A high-moisture food cooker is provided that has an upright tubular food-receiving housing having a top edge, a sidewall, and a bottom edge. A fuel support is positioned in the housing and is vertically spaced from the bottom edge for receiving and supporting a carbonaceous fuel such as charcoal during a cooking process. A plurality of spaced-apart side vents are formed and positioned in the sidewalls of the housing proximate the fuel support for allowing a free flow of air from outside the housing onto the fuel. A food support is positioned in use on the fuel support and is adapted to space and support the food above the fuel during the cooking process. The food support has a sufficient surface area to support the food while allowing free heat flow from the fuel onto the food.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a hot dog cooker having a rack with flat faced bars configured to move above and along a cooking surface so as to cause hot dogs to rotate along heated ridges of the surface. The ridges mark the hot dogs circumferentially as they are rolled along the cooking surface by the moveable rack. Methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An enclosable crisper baker assembly for baking food items. The enclosable crisper baking assembly includes an upper baking sheet and a lower baking sheet each having a baking well adapted for receiving food items. The lower baking sheet includes a locking and attachment mechanism for temporarily locking and maintaining a connection between the upper baking sheet and the lower baking sheet. When the upper baking sheet is attached to the lower baking sheet a cavity is defined between the two baking sheets, such that the cavity is adapted to adequately maintain food items to be baked and browned properly.

Abstract: The present invention is a baking pan having a bottom connected to four side walls. One side wall is a semicircular side having a perimeter measuring about 180°. Another side wall is substantially straight and connected to the semicircular side. Another side wall is substantially straight side and connected to another end of the semicircular side. The fourth side wall is an arc side connecting the two substantially straight sides. One of the substantially straight sides is substantially equal in length to the radius of the arc side.

Abstract: A hanging roaster combines a “drip” pan, two pan-supports for suspending the pan from a rack (typically the top rack) in an oven, and at least two skewer-supports for supporting a food-carrying skewer spaced above the pan bottom and below the top rack of the oven. The pan-supports are pivotable to facilitate compact storage of the hanging roaster.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a food steamer is provided. The food steamer includes an upper generally bowl-shaped portion defining a plurality of apertures and a lower portion comprising a stand. The upper generally bowl-shaped portion includes a lip that defines a plurality of scallops. A handle portion extends upwardly from at or near the center of the generally bowl-shaped upper portion. The upper generally bowl-shaped portion, the handle portion, and the lower portion formed of one piece molded silicon.

Abstract: The invention provides a mold assembly. The mold assembly according to the invention includes two set of complementary split molds. In particularly, the mold assembly according to the invention enables the molding of food that has a shape with a complex profile.

Abstract: A grill apparatus for cooking small and delicate food is provided. The grill apparatus is a cooking grate having a plurality of apertures extending through the cooking area of the cooking grate. Because of the location and dimension of the apertures, a continuous line of the cooking area extends a length that is substantially less than the distance from one edge of the cooking grate to an opposing edge of the cooking grate to prevent warping of the cooking grate.

Abstract: A roaster oven for the heating of foodstuffs includes an outer housing with an opening and a heating element disposed proximate an interior surface for heating thereof. A lid, removably positioned on the outer housing to at least partially cover the opening, has a stationary portion and a hinged portion pivotably mounted thereto. The hinged portion is pivotable with respect to the stationary portion about at least one hinge. The hinged portion has an open position in which at least a portion of the interior surface is accessible and a closed position in which the lid substantially covers the opening.

Abstract: A supporting rack includes arranged rods arranged to form a planar grid pattern and connection device to allow for modification in the overall space occupied by the rack. In a preferred embodiment, a rack for use in a conventional domestic cooking oven is formed of perpendicularly disposed rods of material such as stainless steel suitable for withstanding the temperatures to which such an oven may be subjected and has an outer frame capable of interfacing with support inside oven walls, and generally centrally disposed hinged mechanism to allow folding of the portions of the rack to reduce its size and facilitate handling when performing tasks such as cleaning the rack.

Abstract: A cooking utensil for frying a tortilla into a taco shell comprises a shell section having first and second U-shaped shell members and a handle assembly that linearly biases the second shell member into nested relation with the first shell member. A brace member attaches to the first shell member. The first end of an outer tubular shaft attaches a first handle member and its second end slidably attaches to the brace member. An inner shaft having a first end attached to a second handle member and a second end pivotally attached to the second shell member is slidably disposed in the outer shaft. The first handle member has a cavity that receives the second handle member, which is biased outwardly from the cavity by a spring. A user supplied anti-biasing force separates the first and second shell members for insertion of the tortilla and removal of the taco shell.

Abstract: A system for directing cooking liquids away from cooking foodstuff in a frying pan is disclosed. The system includes a frying pan supporting structure and a shield. The frying pan supporting structure includes a bottom side for placement on a heating element and a top side upon which said frying pan rests. The bottom side and the top side are angled with respect to each other. The liquid, typically in the form of oil or grease in flowing form, substantially collects under the shield which prevents the splattering and splashing of oil and hot grease on the user.

Abstract: A form is disclosed for cooking items, such as pancakes, in a specified shape. The form may include a sidewall defining the specified shape. One or more handles may be attached to the sidewall to facilitate handling of the form. The handles may be configured to be folded and to reduce the amount of heat conducted through them. The form may be constructed by cutting an aluminum alloy material into strips. Holes may be formed in the ends of the strips and the strips may be heated for a specified time to soften them for being formed in the desired shape. The ends of the strips may be joined together using fasteners through the holes. Forms constructed in this manner may reduce the sticking of material to the forms, and the forms may be durable to last for repeated use over a long period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in cooking bulbs of garlic are described. The apparatus (100) includes a bowl (102) and a top (104). An insert (122) that releases moisture during cooking is supported on a bottom (108) of the bowl (102). A holder (124), which is capable of holding garlic, is supported on the insert (122). A cooking chamber (118) is formed when the top (104) is positioned on the bowl (102). The escape of heat and vapor from the cooking chamber (118) are resisted by the engagement of a top rim (116) to a complementary bowl rim (112). A heating element (120) that is disposed near an outside surface of the bowl (102) provides the heat to cook garlic when the heating element (120) is connected to a power source by a cord (134).

Abstract: An electric cooker includes an upper burner and a lower burner which are adjustably coupled to a control platform. The lower burner is coupled to a pair of wheels (at least one of which is provided with a ratchet stop) which are rotatable about a horizontal axis such that the lower burner can be angled up from horizontal to 45° or more. The upper burner is coupled to the wheels by a pair of floating hinges so that the space between the upper and lower burners is automatically adjustable. The floating hinges are provided with notches and the control platform has a pair of movable bosses which engage the notches to keep the upper burner spaced a fixed distance above the lower burner. The floating hinges also allow for a full 180° rotation so that the upper and lower burners can be arranged as side by side burners. The control platform has separate digital temperature controls for the two burners and is also equipped with a digital timer which automatically turns the cooker off.

Abstract: A cooking support frame comprises a wire rack assembly fabricated from wire subassemblies having slots, crimps, and bends configured for supporting food items such as poultry legs and wings, pork ribs, corn, vegetables, bread, and the like above a conventional cooking surface. An open base supports a pair of opposed uprights having handles formed therein. The uprights support a hanger assembly formed with slots and crimps for holding poultry wings and legs in a generally vertical position. The hanger assembly can comprise an arrangement of removable skewers. The hanger assembly also defines a basket for supporting larger cuts of meat, vegetables, bread, and the like. The open base can be formed with an integral rib rack for supporting pork ribs in a generally vertical position. The cooking support frame is configured for nesting of a plurality of support frames together for shipping, handling, and displaying.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base member formed from wire strands conjoined to each other, defining outwardly flanging sides and a bottom surface. One wire has a unitary body provided with ends disposed along sides of the base, support pegs monolithically formed therewith, and lip portions spaced along a longitudinal length of the base member. The wire further has an annular portion monolithically formed with the lip portions, extending upwardly from the base member and traveling inwardly towards a center thereof. Another wire has opposed ends conjoined to the annular portion and one of the base member sides. A tray is seated on the base member and includes a bottom surface and monolithically formed edges. The tray is positioned beneath the annular portion for catching fluids and debris. Rubber caps are positioned about the support pegs for increasing surface area friction and assisting to maintain the apparatus at a stable position.

Abstract: A bread maker including a main body forming an oven compartment; upper and lower kneading drums spaced from each other in upper and lower parts inside the oven compartment to hold opposite ends of a mixing bag, respectively, and to wind opposite ends of the mixing bag is provided. Further, a pair of tray members is disposed between the upper and lower kneading drums facing each other to form a slit to pass the mixing bag therethrough. The bread maker also includes tray holder members to be combined with opposite ends of a pair of tray members; a pair of guides mounted on inner sidewalls of the oven compartment facing each other to slidably guide the tray holder members by being slidingly combined with the tray holder members; and a shock absorber between the tray holder member and the guide. Accordingly, the shock absorber between the guide and the tray holder member prevents the tray holder member from minute movement while placed in the guide.

Abstract: A body portion constructed of loosely interlocked solid metal interconnected members assembled adjacent to each other to form a receptacle. A top layer of the interconnected members is supported by a pair of wire frame members pivotably engaged at opposite ends to provide a way to open and close the body portion. An inverted U-shaped handle is attached to each frame member and each is offset from each other to close the body portion and each is disengaged to open the body portion.

Abstract: A special tabbed pattern is integrated into a series of forms. The forms may be cookie cutters adapted to cut baked dough or other material set to desired density to provide a series of panels corresponding to the cutters. Alternatively, the forms may be molds, e.g, adapted to receive melted chocolate which is allowed to cool and set to form a series of panels corresponding to the molds. The panels are adapted to be joined together to form a decorative structure. The tabs are sized and positioned to provide a dovetail joint along each edge of the structure. The protruding tabs or ends are of a slightly smaller dimension than the notches that they fit inside of to provide a secure fit. This self-interlocking design allows each individual piece of the structure to be fitted together, one at a time, while maintaining an acceptable degree of stability throughout the assembly process.

Abstract: A self-supporting baking mold that includes a base member having a fanciful shape with a perimeter that is more complex than a simple circle and a depending sidewall coupled to said base member. The baking mold is sufficiently rigid to support a quantity of batter without being disposed in a muffin pan or other external supporting structure.

Abstract: A baking system that allows the user to create a three-dimensional cake having the form of a bride and groom, or man and woman. The substantial part of the human forms is accomplished by a molding process using cake, candy or chocolate. Utilizing 2 piece pans; having a removable outer rim with spring action hinges, locking spring action clasps, and corresponding pan insets to complete the process. The pan insets are specifically designed to become the interior support system for the cake structure. The entire cake is molded, baked, poured, and stacked prior the removal of the outer rims of the pans. Fitted, plastic snap-on storage lids are included, enabling the user to bake the cakes in advance, and keep them fresh until ready to assemble and decorate. The system offers the flexibility of easy creation, easy storage, easy assembly, and easy transportation of the completed assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking meat is provided. The apparatus preferably includes a base having at least one liquid container connected to an upper surface of the base and a holding cavity formed in the upper surface of the base between outer walls of the liquid container and outer peripheries of the base. The apparatus also preferably includes at least one separate meat infusor positioned register with the liquid container and receive steam from the liquid container. The meat infusor preferably has an infusor body and a plurality of openings positioned in side peripheries of the infusor body so that when liquid positioned in the liquid container heats, steam from the liquid travels through the infusor body, through the openings therein, and toward meat positioned to overlie the infusor body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and system for producing scrambled eggs having a homogenous firmness. The process and system maximizes scrambled egg product consistency and minimizes channeling, fouling and equipment wear previously associated with production of scrambled eggs by periodically interrupting the flow of egg through the system of the invention.

Abstract: A grilling system comprises a heat conductive grilling base having a bottom end and an open top end. The base defines a cavity that extends to the open top end. A grill member has an open bottom end, an open top end, and a conduit passing from the bottom end to the top end. The grill member is configured to be coupled to the grilling base so as to extend vertically upward from the top end of the base to permit a fowl to be inserted over the grill member and rest on the base while also permitting smoke or steam rising from the cavity to pass through the grill member to flavor the fowl.

Abstract: An apparatus assembly for forming a layered dessert in a predetermined layered dome forming a hemispheric shape including a first mold having a dome shaped bowl with a closed semi-spherical end and an open end, and a ring shaped planar support base secured to said closed end of bowl body. A second mold comprises a circular pan with a flat bottom surface and a curved outer side extending upward from the bottom surface with the area formed by a plane across the top of the curved outer side, the inner surface curved side and the bottom surface forming a section of a sphere. A lip is formed on both molds extending outward from the open end.

Abstract: A rack for grilling chicken legs comprises a unitary wire structure including a base and inclined upwardly extending members at each end of the base and a transverse portion joining the tops of said members. A plurality of substantially U-shaped members are mounted to the transverse member at the legs forming the open end of the “U”. The legs of the U-shaped members form a parallel slot between adjacent members to engage and support a plurality of chicken legs in a vertical position above grill. The wire legs also form a central slot comprising a handle in addition to support chicken legs.

Abstract: A cookie baking sheet is formed of substantially flat heat-resistant material including a baking surface in a first plane and defining a rolled peripheral edge and a baking area within the peripheral edge. A generally upright wall is integrally formed with the sheet material and extends along only a first portion of the periphery. This wall defines an upper edge contained within a second plane that is inclined relative to and meeting the first plane substantially along a second portion of the periphery. The upright wall is provided with a variable vertical height from a maximum predetermined height to a minimum predetermined height relative to said first plane. This variable height wall substantially encloses the baking area along the first portion of the peripheral edge. In the disclosed embodiment the baking sheet is rectangular and the upright wall extends along three of the sides while the fourth side is not founded by a wall.

Abstract: A cooking pan has a large flat cooking surface subdivided into at least one enclosed region by a convex ridge. The enclosed regions size, shape and location facilitate the preparation of pancakes, while other breakfast foods are optionally prepared in the non-enclosed portion of the cooking surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for shipping and preparing baked food products includes a receptacle containing the food product, a baking shield upstanding above the receptacle, and a shipping carton. To prepare for shipping, the baking shield is placed at the bottom of the receptacle and is configured for a nesting fit. The baking shield may have either a frustoconical sidewall or a concave trough-like sidewall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roasting apparatus that includes a roasting pan that reliably secures an improved roasting rack. The roasting rack is secured in retaining channels on respective handle bosses providing a 4-point support system that resists lateral and transverse shifting during use. A pair of handles extends along a long axis of the roasting rack enabling simple and secure separation of the roasting rack from the roasting pan.

Abstract: This invention relates to cooking facilities and particularly to a new, inexpensive and versatile rack for grilling or cooking a variety of meats in a new and improved manner. The unique rack of the present invention comprises a unitary wire structure with a substantially rectangular base wherein the formed wire comprises three sides of the rectangle and a wire cross bar is welded at each end to the formed wire to form the fourth side of the rectangle or square. Members extend upwardly and outwardly to form slots for chicken legs, etc., at a spaced distance above a grill. The wire slots also provide a holder for beer cans and engage a skewer for cooking various meats and vegetables.

Abstract: A bread maker, including a main body having a baking space and kneading drums located at an upper part and a lower part in the baking space. The kneading drums hold opposite ends of a mixing bag. A movable tray member has a plurality of combining projections at opposite side walls thereof. A fixed tray member positioned opposite the movable tray member forms a slit through which the mixing bag passes. A tray holder is coupled to each end of the fixed tray member and the movable tray member. Each tray holder fixedly supports the fixed tray member, and has a plurality of guide grooves accommodating the combining projections to rotatably support the movable tray member. Anchoring prominences are on the guide grooves adjacent to the fixed tray member, preventing the combining projections from breaking away from the guide grooves when the movable tray member rotates.

Abstract: A grilling apparatus is provided with a grill of an improved structure, thus preventing food from being burnt due to overheating of the grill and reducing a cooking period to cook the food. The grilling apparatus includes a cabinet defining an external appearance of the grilling apparatus. An opening is formed at a top of the cabinet. A grill comprises a plurality of pipes, is set in the cabinet through the opening of the cabinet, and is downwardly bent, at a portion thereof, to form a food supporting part supporting opposite side surfaces of the food. The grilling apparatus includes two water tanks which are connected to respective ends of the plurality of pipes to supply the water to the plurality of pipes. One or more heating units are provided at predetermined positions adjacent to respective sides of the food supporting part in the cabinet so as to irradiate heat to the food supporting part.

Abstract: The apparatus is a chip fry lid having an array of long and short posts for contacting and agitating the chips during the deep frying process. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the posts is formed by proximate sets of wire bent to form a series of long and short generally U-shaped prongs. A hinge at the front of the lid and a handle at the opposite end facilitate manual oscillation of the lid during the deep frying process to achieve a high percentage of chips of uniform high quality, both in terms of uniform cooking and chips having sufficient curls to form a chip functionally useful for holding dipped food and also aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: A pan for baking a batter or dough to provide a baked good, such as muffins or cupcakes. The pan includes a raised perimeter wall that acts as a shield or baffle to provide consistent air flow over the batter or dough during baking. The resulting baked goods have improved baked properties. A preferred muffin pan is disclosed.

Abstract: A rack for grilling chicken legs comprises a unitary wire structure including a base and inclined upwardly extending members at each end of the base and a transverse/portion joining the tops of the members. A plurality of substantially U-shaped members are mounted to the transverse member at the legs forming the open end of the “U”. The legs of the U-shaped members form a parallel slot between adjacent members to engage and support a plurality of chicken legs in a vertical position above grill.

Abstract: A rack of a cooking implement includes a surface for supporting food, opposed sides and opposed ends separated by the food supporting surface. The rack also includes opposing looped handles. A pan of a cooking implement has opposed end walls that are spaced apart at length further than the length of the rack and opposed side walls that are spaced apart at a width wider than the width of the rack. The pan also includes opposing upstanding handles. The handles include at least one horizontal resting surface for supporting the looped handle of the rack and at least one vertical retaining surface for abutting the looped handle of the rack. As a result, the looped handles of the rack are received and supported by the handles of the pan thereby permitting the rack to hang within the interior of the pan.

Abstract: The mold for cooking comprises a base made of a flexible material possessing a side wall having a top end that defines an opening, and rigid reinforcement. The base further comprises a top ring extending radially outwards from the side wall at the opening. The annular reinforcement is fixed to the top ring around its entire periphery and at a predetermined distance from the opening.

Abstract: A cookie baking sheet is formed of substantially flat heat-resistant material including a baking surface in a first plane and defining a rolled peripheral edge and a baking area within the peripheral edge. A generally upright wall is integrally formed with the sheet material and extends along only a first portion of the periphery. This wall defines an upper edge contained within a second plane that is inclined relative to and meeting the first plane substantially along a second portion of the periphery. The upright wall is provided with a variable vertical height from a maximum predetermined height to a minimum predetermined height relative to said first plane. This variable height wall substantially encloses the baking area along the first portion of the peripheral edge. In the disclosed embodiment the baking sheet is rectangular and the upright wall extends along three of the sides while the fourth side is not founded by a wall.

Abstract: A compartmented cooking device for simultaneously cooking a plurality of articles on a flat heated surface has an outer wall around the perimeter of an area and at least one internal wall within the area for defining a plurality of compartments for receiving a material to be cooked and for maintaining the material separately on the heated surface. The compartments can be all of substantially equal area and shape, such as square, rectangular, triangular, rhomboid, trapezoid, circular, oval or any other shape, and are all open from both an upward direction and a downward direction. The walls of each compartment should have at least one marking thereon for delineating a desired level for insertion of material to be cooked. The device also has a handle for allowing it to be lifted off the griddle without a user having to touch the walls of the device.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a device includes a lid for holding at least a portion of a foodstuff, a body for supporting the lid while the foodstuff is consumed, and a noisemaking device secured to the body so that the noisemaking device and the body cooperate to produce a sound in response to the passage of air through the noisemaking device.

Abstract: The ice cake maker includes a pair of molds (A and B) formed from a material having a relatively high heat conductivity such as aluminum and guide rods (10) to guide the pair of molds (A and B) being moved in a predetermined direction. The molds (A and B) have molding concavities (7 and 8) at the sides thereof opposite to each other. A blank ice lump is melted at a part thereof being in contact with the molds (A and B) owing to a temperature difference between itself and molds (A and B), and molded into an ice cake having a predetermined shape defined by the molding concavities (7 and 8). Any unexperienced one can use the ice cake maker to make the ice cake having the predetermined shape easily and rapidly from the ice lump or broken ice pieces. Since no heaters are required, the apparatus can be operated with an improved safety. The apparatus is simply constructed, suitable for use to mass production of such ice cakes, and inexpensive. Thus, the ice cakes or balls can be made economically.

Abstract: A grilling system comprises a heat conductive grilling base having a bottom end and an open top end. The base defines a cavity that extends to the open top end. A grill member has an open bottom end, an open top end, and a conduit passing from the bottom end to the top end. The grill member is configured to be coupled to the grilling base so as to extend vertically upward from the top end of the base to permit a fowl to be inserted over the grill member and rest on the base while also permitting smoke or steam rising from the cavity to pass through the grill member to flavor the fowl.