Collapsible, Expansible Or Sectional Support Patents (Class 99/449)
  • Patent number: 11877651
    Abstract: A foldable food serving cart, including a stand, side stands, electric circuit assembly and a base stand; the stand includes a stand body. The side stands include a first side stand and a second side stand, which are respectively rotatably connected to left and right sides of the stand body, and provided with a sliding groove on their top parts; the stand further include a first horizontal beam where its left and right sides are respectively slidably connected to the sliding grooves. A supporting frame is defined by the stand, the first horizontal beam, the first side stand and the second side stand for cooking modules, which are powered by the electric circuit assembly, to be placed on its top part. The supporting frame is detachably connected on top of the base stand; wheels are provided on a bottom part of the base stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventor: Yi Li
  • Patent number: 11464352
    Abstract: A device and method for steaming and presenting of food deploys a spacer that rests on top of a cookware vessel. The spacer has a lower inner flange to support a steaming rack. A leg supported serving or presentation rack is adapted for lifting, supporting and presenting the steamed food when the spacer and steaming rack are lowered over it. The spacer has a larger inner diameter than an outer diameter of the presentation rack so that the spacer may be lowered around the presentation rack to engage the steaming rack along the presentation rack. The presentation rack has a sufficient height relative to the spacer height to dispose the food proximal to or above the rim of the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventors: Jacquelyn Maitram Truong, Xi Zheng
  • Patent number: 11457771
    Abstract: A grill stove includes a kettle, legs, and a lid. The kettle includes an outer wall with a ventilation aperture, an inner wall, and a top collar extending between the inner wall and the outer wall and connecting the top portion of the outer wall to the top portion of the inner wall to form a dual-walled kettle. A base pan may be attached to the outer wall and may form a bottom of the kettle. A nest pan may have an edge and a ventilation aperture. The edge of the nest pan may be attached to the bottom portion of the inner wall and disposed above the base pan. The nest pan and the base pan being spaced apart to form a gap therebetween. The ventilation aperture of the nest pan may be in fluid communication with the ventilation aperture of the outer wall. An ash pan may be removably positionable above the nest pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Solo Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Eric H. Jan, Alexander K. Maghsadi
  • Patent number: 8991382
    Abstract: A fire pit includes a circular bottom plate and a circular, centrally-apertured log-supporting plate. A plurality of legs secured about the periphery of the log-supporting plate maintain the bottom and log-supporting plates in vertically spaced, parallel relation to one another. Each leg has a hollow uppermost end. A plurality of arcuate grates is mounted about the periphery of the log-supporting plate and a vertically-oriented post is secured to each of the grates, mid-length thereof. Each of the posts has a lowermost end slideably received within the hollow uppermost end of its associated leg to releasably connect each grate to the log-supporting plate. Arcuate openings positioned radially outwardly of the central opening enhance the flow of oxygen into the areas where combustion occurs. The log-supporting plate is inverted and the grates are stacked atop it when the fire pit is in its storage configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Paul A. Mau
  • Patent number: 8960083
    Abstract: A multifunction barbecue oven includes a main furnace, an auxiliary furnace arranged below the main furnace and a charcoal disc selectively placed on the bottom of the main furnace or the bottom of the auxiliary furnace. The top of the main furnace has an inclined tile roof shaped main furnace top portion with hinged left and right triangular side plates and a detachable connecting rod means. The furnace chamber can be covered by hinged front and rear covers. The handled fork can be inclined erected on top portion of the main furnace or inclined inserted into the interior of the main furnace chamber and the auxiliary furnace chamber for grilling or roasting in a hanging manner to avoid the food to contact the iron grid. The barbecue oven can be used for grilling, roasting, grilled and hot pot cooking and other function, and can be stored and carried conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Yat Wong
  • Publication number: 20150040777
    Abstract: A rugged, one-piece, portable, collapsible, insulating chafing dish frame includes an integral wind screen and is configured for application in elegant formal events. The one-piece, portable and collapsible construction allows caterers and tailgaters to easily transport the frame to the desired location. The integrated wind screen allows the unit to be efficiently used in outdoor locations, such as by tailgaters and caterers. The insulating features can improve food service and decrease fuel consumption for the users. The hiding of conventional chafing dish frame components allows the unit to be associated with elegant formal events, increasing the usefulness to caterers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Lois Leonard, Joseph L. Leonard
  • Patent number: 8900451
    Abstract: A device and a method for removing a liquid, foam, fat or other solid or liquid material or anything else that a user wants to remove or separate from a remaining liquid or solid that is left in a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Michele Cooper
  • Patent number: 8893704
    Abstract: A grill having a bottom section and a middle section for expanding the diameter of the bottom section and at least one insert for separating the opening formed by the bottom section to allow smoking or an open fire. Different cooking surfaces are thereby a grill, a flat frying surface, an open area for receiving and holding a reservoir of water, such as a pot, and an open area for receiving a wok. There is also a hearth section for enclosing at least a portion of the exterior of the bottom section. It also envisions a smoker or ash guard expandable to fit either diameter to protect the cook and provide a surface for placing items attached to the stand apart from the heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Foster
  • Patent number: 8869685
    Abstract: A food preparation apparatus and method, including an inventive shelving system, is provided. In accordance with some embodiments, an exemplary embodiment of a food preparation apparatus of the present invention includes at least, but is not limited to, a frame assembly including a permanent shelf secured to the frame assembly, a multiplicity of selectable shelf features vertically offset from the permanent shelf and attached to the frame assembly, and a first non-permanent shelf vertically offset from the permanent shelf and supported by a select number of the multiplicity of selectable shelf features. In an exemplary embodiment of a food preparation apparatus of the present invention, the permanent shelf provides a flavor infusion region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Electra Wave Corporation
    Inventors: Maurice W. Lee, III, Betty Lee
  • Patent number: 8857323
    Abstract: A foil cooking enclosure for containing foodstuffs while grilling or cooking comprising a hinged access door for loading and unloading the enclosure. The enclosure is constructed using semi-rigid end portions comprising wire frames which are covered with a metallic foil sheet and filled to obtain structural integrity. Said end portions are interconnected by a collapsible pleated sheet for compact packaging and storage. A lower surface of the enclosure comprises a perforated base structure for draining fluid runoff in a manner which inhibits flare ups and return of noxious vapors into the foodstuffs upon contact with a grill flame or a cooking surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Abdulkareem F. Alkadban
  • Publication number: 20140230666
    Abstract: An adjustable pitch cooking grate includes generally parallel rods and means for changing the pitch of the rods by moving the rods between a closed configuration and a range of open configurations, with different width gaps therebetween. Scissors linkage at the rod ends can move the rods in unison between the open and close configurations. When the rods have flat upper surfaces the rods create a generally flat, smooth, continuous cooking surface when in the closed configuration and a plurality of generally flat coplanar cooking surfaces when in the different open configurations. The pitch changing means can include manual or motorized means for moving the rods between the open and close configurations. The spacing between the rods in a fully open configuration can be equal to about 1-3 times the lateral dimension of the rods. One or more cooking grates can be supported by the cooking grill frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Yohannes Atlaw
  • Publication number: 20140227418
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dual purpose roasting rack having opposed arms mounted to a roasting rack which are movable between two configurations. In the first configuration, the arms are substantially parallel to the base and food may be mounted on the roasting rack apparatus in a horizontal orientation. In the second configuration, the opposed arms sit substantially upright relative to the base and cooperate to enable food, such as poultry, to be cooked in a vertical orientation. The opposed arms may rotate between the two configurations and may interlock together while in the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Browne & Co.
    Inventor: Neal HO
  • Patent number: 8794130
    Abstract: A grill has a base platter, a bell-shaped container, a heat diffuser, and a set of vertical skewers and baskets, with each of the skewers having a skewer rod for receiving a meat to be roasted and a handle located at one end of the rod, and each of the baskets having a middle rod and articulated baskets mounted on the middle rod, between which the meat to be roasted can be fixed, and a handle provided on one end of the middle rod, such that tips of rods of the skewers and the baskets are supported by braces of the base platter, intermediate extensions of the skewers and the baskets supporting the meat extend vertically along the bell-shaped container, and upper ends of the rods of the skewers of the baskets close to the handles remain coupled with the streaks of the upper wall of the bell-shaped container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Ikeda Empresarial Ltda
    Inventor: Tadaharu Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8778435
    Abstract: Apparatus for heating a wedge-shaped food product, such as one or more slices of pizza, includes an assembly and a handle mechanically connected with the assembly. The assembly includes a first arm including a side wall and a floor, and a second arm including a side wall and a floor. The second arm is pivotably connected with the first arm such that the wedge-shaped food product can be held between the first arm and the second arm with the wedge-shaped food product being supported by the floors of the first and second arms and abutting the side walls of the first and second arms. Additional supports may be provided between the arms. The handle may be removeably connected with the assembly, for example, via a riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: John C. Pokotylo
  • Publication number: 20140174427
    Abstract: An interactive heating and cooking apparatus (1) including a support structure (2) defining an upper support region (4) with a fire receptacle (9) extending upwardly from the upper support region. The fire receptacle is bound at least partially by a peripheral shield element (10) adapted to allow at least a portion of the light from a fire in the fire receptacle to pass there through. The apparatus further includes at least one cooking facility (11) attached to the upper support region, the cooking facility including a cooking surface adjacent the peripheral shield element, which surface is positioned to receive light from the fire, and at least one support surface adjacent the cooking surface. An expandable disposable cooking apparatus including a drip tray element formed from a longitudinally extendible concertina type generally channel shaped structure is also disclosed for use with, or independent of, the interactive heating and cooking apparatus (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Heong Meng YUEN
  • Patent number: 8739772
    Abstract: A grill has a base that supports a grill body. A right and left lid are hingedly affixed to the grill body. The lids interconnect to ensure that they open and close together. A plurality of vents is defined by an upper surface of the lids. A shelf having a right portion, a left portion, and a rear portion substantially surrounds the grill body except for the operator position to the front of the grill body. The shelf and the right side of the grill body define a right retracting space. The shelf and the left side of the grill body define a left retracting space. The lids pivot outwards into the left and right retracting spaces to retracted positions wherein the uppermost portions of the lids and the uppermost surface of the grill body are substantially even with or below an upper surface of said shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: W.C. Bradley Co.
    Inventors: Mark Davis, Paul A. Reeder, Wesley J. Wagner, Jose Raul Mendez, Andrew Wolf Kahler
  • Patent number: 8739380
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a swing-out, multi-level barbeque smoker having a common mounting post wherein the individual cooking units are mounted on the common mounting post so that the individual units are slidably and swingably disposed so that a user can have easy access to the individual units. The apparatus is mounted on a wheeled carriage having a handle bar assembly so that the wheeled carriage can be easily maneuvered by a user. The upper swing-out unit has a grill for receiving food items, the middle swing-out unit has a bowl for receiving water therein and the lower unit has a grill upon which the fuel, e.g., charcoal or the like can be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Robert B. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8726796
    Abstract: Provided is a sliding grill fixing apparatus, which is installed on a sliding grill. The sliding grill fixing apparatus includes an actuating lever that runs across a sliding grill in a horizontal direction between opposite inner faces of the sliders and has a grip in the middle thereof, actuating legs that protrude downward from opposite ends of the actuating lever, actuating hinges that are disposed between the actuating legs and the opposite inner faces of the sliders in a horizontal direction, driving brackets that are moved in one direction by rotation of the actuating legs, actuating brackets that move together with the driving brackets to be inserted into the fixing recesses, and fixing hinges, each of which is disposed between each actuating bracket and the outer face of each slider and is hinged to the outer face of each slider such that each actuating bracket can rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Segos Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon Sig Park, Yong Won Choi, Duc Hoi Kim
  • Patent number: 8710410
    Abstract: A raised platform for microwave cooking of a food product includes legs that extend to elevate a food product support surface above the floor of a microwave oven during cooking. At least one fold line extends across the food product support surface about which the food product support surface and any food product thereon can be folded. Susceptor material of the food product support surface is disposed on both sides of a fold region of the support surface and extends on both sides of the at least one fold line. The fold region is substantially free from the susceptor material allowing a food product heated on the food product surface to remain flexible to permit folding of the food product with reduced cracking or breaking. The raised platform may further include a second susceptor material disposed on a bottom surface of the food product support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC
    Inventors: Patrick A. Gowens, Paul Andrew Cogley, Erik M. Strilich
  • Patent number: 8701650
    Abstract: A small, lightweight, portable cooking stove that utilizes alcohol as fuel and is suitable for backpacking, hunting, camping and similar activities. The cooking stove includes a combustion chamber which encloses, contains and regulates the entire combustion process. The stove also includes an efficient fuel vaporizer, which is adapted to perform in unison with the combustion chamber, to effect the metered and efficient mixing of the air and fuel vapor. An integral, simple and convenient means is provided to vary the intensity and pattern of the heat output, thereby controlling the cooking performance of the stove. The stove achieves high heat output and efficiency, low fuel consumption, and superior cooking performance in a small, lightweight, portable, convenient, simple and integrated assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy Gregg Huggins
  • Patent number: 8701649
    Abstract: A portable grill may be provided. The portable grill may be quickly assembled and dissembled. The portable grill may be transported in a portable case. The portable grill may support a grill surface or skewers. The portable grill may comprise an adjustable ventilation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Arkadiy Kukuliyev
  • Patent number: 8677890
    Abstract: Disclosed is a divider for a food steaming apparatus of the type generally including a tubular body and at least one perforated food support. The divider includes a plurality of dividing walls extending from a central region to a peripheral region and wherein a major part of the area of each wall is provided with multiple perforations passing therethrough. At least one opening extends along the lower edge region of each dividing wall with a generally flat deflector flap that extends at an incline to the deflector wall having an operatively upper edge joined to the top of the opening and an operatively lower edge spaced circumferentially therefrom. In use, rising gases contact the deflector flap and follow the upwards incline thereof thereby acquiring a circumferential component to the direction of movement. The perforations preferably have apertures that impart circumferential movement to gases passing through the perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Chef 2000 (Pty) Ltd
    Inventor: Michael von Seidel
  • Patent number: 8668949
    Abstract: A fire pan provides a table-top or ground-supported pan or tray to hold a source of heat such as charcoal, burning wood, gas burner, and so forth. The pan places the heat source away from a surface, thus not damaging lawns, tabletops, parking lots, sidewalks, or other supporting surfaces. The pan may support one or more Dutch ovens, thus providing a “fire pit” of modest size, foldable into a very small envelope. Handles are extendible away from the pan for handling or moving, even when hot coals are present. The legs below are curved to fold up along the contour of the bottom surface of the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Todd G. Wilson, Andreas Robert Haase
  • Patent number: 8656829
    Abstract: A flipping grilling grate includes a primary grate member with a food contact surface and four pivot posts formed in diametrically opposed pairs. The grilling grate also includes a secondary grate member with a food contact surface 7and four pivot post formed in diametrically opposed pairs. A first pair of opposed pivot posts on the primary grate member mate with a first pair of opposed pivot posts on the secondary grate member and a second pair of opposed pivot posts on the primary grate member mate with a second pair of opposed pivot posts on the secondary grate member when the primary and secondary grate members are assembled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Robert J. Ciaciura
  • Patent number: 8646444
    Abstract: A rack for an appliance includes a main section having a support frame, and an arm coupled to the support frame and movable relative to the support frame between a first position and a second position. In one example, the arm is movable towards the first position and is configured for engagement with a stop portion of an appliance cavity for inhibiting removal of the main section therefrom. In another example, the appliance cavity includes at least one stop portion, and the arm is movable towards engagement with the stop portion for inhibiting removal of the main section from the appliance cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Wayne Williams, Jason Paul Norberg, Bryan Thomas Phillips, Julie Anne Robinson, Timothy Paul Doyal, Jeffrey A. Ambrose, Jason Robert Yochum
  • Patent number: 8627764
    Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein is having designed specifically for the use in cooking of ribs such as beef ribs, pork ribs etc. although it has been found that the apparatus disclosed herein can also be utilized for other meats such as steaks as well as larger plainer vegetables such as large onions slices sliced eggplant etc. In general, the apparatus will be defined and described in its use relative to cooking of ribs or even understanding. If the disclosure relates to the device which improves upon known prior art cooking racks in that the rack members are not stationary but rather had it about a transverse horizontal axis which allows the need to be pasted on both longitudinal sides for even basting as well as allowing the ribs to be pivoted substantially half way through the cooking process such that the ribs are more evenly cooked on both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Magellan Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Andre Dean Cloutier, Adriana Collins, Debra Lynne Sasken-Duff
  • Publication number: 20130216675
    Abstract: A support for providing a stable resting place for a food product being cooked in a roasting pan. The support has a pliable spine and a plurality of heat resistant elements that extend outwardly from the spine. The spine has a core member, such as a wire, that enables it to be manipulated by a user into a variety of shapes so as to be adaptable to support foods having different shapes and sizes. The spine and heat resistant elements can be molded of silicone with the core member molded therewithin. The heat resistant elements may be formed in a variety of shapes, and can be molded into various decorative shapes such as leaves, and as illustrated herein, give the appearance of a laurel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Dean B. CHAPMAN, Matthew L. CHIN, David LEE, William G. STRYNKOWSKI
  • Patent number: 8511293
    Abstract: A modular outdoor kitchen comprises a plurality of weather-resistant outdoor kitchen modules. Each module comprises a frame having a plurality of outer faces. The modules are releasably connected together in mating arrangement. A plurality of weather-resistant fascia panels are provided on at least a portion of the pluralities of outer faces of the frames. Each fascia panel includes at least one exterior surface that simulates the appearance of an outdoor building material. The modular outdoor kitchen substantially has the appearance of a built-in outdoor kitchen that is substantially constructed of the outdoor building material when the plurality of outdoor kitchen modules are connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Mediumrare, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Charles Thompson, Bruce Douglas Spangrud
  • Publication number: 20130167738
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact barbecue, which can be connected to a cylinder or cartridge (2) of gas for cooking food, comprising a base (10), a combustion chamber (20) connected to the base (10) and including a front opening (23), a radiating gas burner (3) arranged inside the combustion chamber (20) opposite the front opening (23) thereof, characterized in that the barbecue (1) is foldable, the base (10) being movable relative to the combustion chamber (20), from a first so-called functional position (P1), in which the base (10) is arranged substantially transversely in relation to the combustion chamber (20) and ensures the stability of the barbecue (1) on the ground, and the front opening (23) of the combustion chamber (20) is cleared towards the outside, to a second so-called transport position (P2), in which the base (10) is arranged substantially longitudinally relative to the combustion chamber (20) and closes the opening (23) of the combustion chamber (20), wherein the combustion chamber
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: APPLICATION DES GAZ
    Inventors: Denis Rochefort, Christophe Brouard, Marc Champion
  • Publication number: 20130133528
    Abstract: A roasting rack is separable into two halves by a joining pin, the pin can be inserted into both halves in one orientation, but locked to preclude removal in another orientation by rotating the handle at the end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: MEYER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Meyer Intellectual Properties Limited
  • Patent number: 8418604
    Abstract: A rack for positioning food slabs in a horizontal cooking area such as over a grill includes a rectangular frame which carries a plurality of bent rod food slab supports at a rearward tilt. Each support includes a pair of outer risers having interned lower ends. The outer risers extend over opposite sides of the frame, with the interned ends extending through apertures in the frame sides. Between the outer risers, the rod is bent in a digital waveform and includes forwardly extending lower cradle having upwardly sloped shoulders for engaging the bottom of a food slab. Notches are provided in the upper edge of the frame sides forwardly of each aperture and a notch engaging post extends from the cradle shoulders which are adjacent each outer riser. The ends of the frame are lapped and hinged, so that the frame may be folded along a longitudinal axis for compact storage, with the slab supports nested within the folded frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mr. Bar-B-Q-, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Zemel, Wayne B. Margolin
  • Patent number: 8402885
    Abstract: A cooking device comprises a rotatable food basket disposed within the cooking device and a damping mechanism configured to reduce a vibration generated by the rotatable food basket rotating within the cooking device. An aspect of the cooking device includes a basket partition in the rotatable food basket, and the basket partition is configured to maintain a substantially equal distribution of a food within the rotatable food basket. The cooking device includes a motor in a hood for rotating the rotatable food basket, and it further includes a lifting plate and a lifting mechanism operable to move the rotatable food basket between a cooking section and a spinning section. The cooking device may also comprises a first basket portion and a second basket portion configured to be disposed within a first section and a second section of the rotatable food basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Spinfry, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Lincoln Foster, Del Moffat Thornock, Rory C. P. Millikin
  • Patent number: 8381642
    Abstract: A system for providing a cooking rack, with or without a complementary container. The rack can comprise lateral elements and longitudinal elements arranged to form a grid. The rack can comprise a gate that can be affixed in a first position and moved from the first position to a second position. In the second position, items can easily be removed from the rack without lifting the items. The rack can further comprise one or more handles to facilitate movement of the rack by the user. The system can comprise a rack and a complementary pan. The pan can comprise a radiused bottom to enable the rack to sit in the pan above the bottom of the pan. The pan can further comprise one or more handles to facilitate movement of the pan by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Lifetime Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Krent, William J. Lazaroff
  • Patent number: 8381636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a grill pan, which comprises a main body, an electrothermal tube disposed on the lower surface of the main body; wherein the electrothermal tube comprises an normal-temperature area for grilling food and an high-temperature area for burning smoking materials to generate smokes; the normal-temperature area and the high-temperature area are connected integrative, and the two ends of the electrothermal tube have an adapter connected to exterior power supply; there is a smoking box for containing smoking materials disposed on the main body corresponding with the high-temperature area. The present invention achieves the functions of roasting and smoking by only one heating source. That can reduce the cost of production and is convenient for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ta Chi Liu
  • Patent number: 8316837
    Abstract: A gas grill base is pivotally attached at a first end to a folding stand with three pivoting U-shaped supports and a center pivot. Two of the supports rest on the ground on casters or wheels. The third support slides and locks within L-shaped slots below the second end of the gas grill base held horizontally for cooking. Alternately built-in gas jets or an inserted charcoal tray are used to cook. The supports pivot together and stand vertically on the castors. The gas grill base pivots down parallel to the supports so that all are vertical for storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Karo Malumyan
  • Patent number: 8302528
    Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof may include a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steam flow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Pawlick, Keith Goerl, Michael R. Opat, Jr., Julia A. Zielke, Steven R. Baker, David W. France
  • Publication number: 20120258224
    Abstract: An improved cooking assembly and method is disclosed. The assembly includes a base pan for heating and boiling water. An inner pan is suspended or elevated above the base pan via a support member. Ideally, the support member allows water to flow over, under, or through it. A lid is disposed over the base pan, and a gap remains between the rim of the inner pan and the base pan. Optionally, the handle of the inner pan fits into a notch in the rim of the base pan to lock it into place, and a projection may extend from the handle of the inner pan to a receiving member in a handle of the base pan. The lid may be extended using a free-standing peripheral extender or an extender wall about the lid. Optionally, a grill may be placed on the inner pan, or poaching pans may be placed in the inner pan. Water is heated and transformed to steam. The steam is allowed to condense on the interior concave surface of the lid, and condensed water then streaks down the lid toward the outside edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: L. Paul Salvino
  • Patent number: 8281709
    Abstract: An indoor range-top grill allows a user to substantially duplicate outdoor grilling indoors. In some embodiments, the indoor range-top grill sits on top of a gas or electric burner of a stove and uses heat from the burner to grill and cook food. Typically, the indoor range-top grill comprises a grill enclosure having an opening at a top and a hole at a bottom, a burner shield positioned inside the grill enclosure, an optional cone positioned above the burner shield, a grate positioned above the cone, and an optional separator configured to position the grill enclosure thereon. In some embodiments, the burner shield comprises a heat director integrally coupled to a grease ring. The grease ring typically guides food residue away from the hole, trapping the food residue between the grease ring and the grill enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Headwater Holding Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Jim Sacherman, Chan Yin Ho, Chen Chien Cheng
  • Publication number: 20120167778
    Abstract: A combination food steamer and deep fryer cooking apparatus includes a vessel, a heat source, and first and second support structures. The vessel is configured to hold, at different times, associated water and associated cooking oil therein. The heat source is configured to heat the associated water within the vessel to a first selected temperature sufficient to boil the associated water held within the vessel. The heat source is further configured to heat the associated cooking oil within the vessel to a second selected temperature sufficient to deep fry associated food submerged in the associated cooking oil. The first support structure is separate from the second support structure and supports the associated food while submerged within the heated cooking oil which is contained within the vessel. The second support structure supports the associated food while being steamed by the boiling water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Ronald M. POPEIL, Alan L. Backus
  • Patent number: 8201552
    Abstract: An oven includes a chamber for receiving a food product rack. A heating system provides heat to the chamber for a cooking operation. A rotatable output member extends downward from a top portion of the chamber. A pivot support extends upward from a bottom portion of the chamber. A food product rack is removably located in the chamber and is releasably connected to the rotatable output member for rotation therewith. The food product rack includes a frame assembly including multiple sides. Multiple tray supports are located along the height of the frame assembly. A bottom support extends laterally between opposite sides of the frame assembly and passes through a vertical rotation axis of the frame assembly. The bottom support is connected at one end to a bottom portion of one side of the frame assembly and is connected at an opposite end to the bottom portion of an opposite side of the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael J. Ploof, Joseph V. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8201550
    Abstract: A grill base is pivotally attached at a first end to a folding stand with three pivoting U-shaped supports and a center pivot. Two of the supports rest on the ground on casters or wheels. The third support slides and locks within L-shaped slots below the second end of the grill base held horizontally for cooking. An inserted charcoal tray is used to cook. The supports pivot together and stand vertically on the castors. The grill base pivots down parallel to the supports so that all are vertical for storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Karo Malumyan
  • Patent number: 8176841
    Abstract: A cooking implement shelf is disclosed that is attachable to a commercial griddle and is able to support and position cooking implements such as a spatula, grill weights, cooking tongs, a salt shaker, etc, in a location that is readily accessible to a grill cook and does not taking up space on the cooking surface. One aspect of the invention is attachable to a staging feature on top of a barrier that runs along the backsplash of the griddle, while another aspect is directly attachable to the backsplash or to a side splash guard of the griddle. In preferred embodiments, the accessory is made from stainless steel, includes a warming tray and drip pan under the shelf, can be positioned above the cooking surface so as to warm items in the tray without harming them, and is adjustable horizontally and in height from 8? to 17? above the cooking surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventors: Triandafilos Hatjopoulos, George Hatjopoulos
  • Patent number: 8166870
    Abstract: Apparatus (20) for cooking food by contact comprising a continuous cooking surface (26) heated on its underside by one or more gas burners (33) which are housed in one or more combustion chambers (25) and which are supplied with fuel gas by a portable tank (B). The continuous cooking surface (26), the combustion chambers (25), the burners (33) and the valvular means (34) constitute a cooking unit (21) that is removably mounted on a supporting cart (22) suited to house said portable tank (B) and to allow the use of the apparatus (20) either in an indoor or in an outdoor environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Smartech Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Badin
  • Patent number: 8156861
    Abstract: A collapsible food holding system for holding and supporting food during preparation, cleaning or cooking. The collapsible food holding system has an inner frame assembly, and an outer frame assembly pivotably connected to the inner frame assembly via a hinge. The inner frame assembly has an enclosed configuration, and the outer frame assembly has a substantially U-shaped configuration with a tool end located at each free end thereof. The inner and outer frame assemblies each have a hinge pivotably engagable with each other. The tool ends are adapted to retain a food item on the outer frame assembly or between the inner and outer frame assemblies. The outer frame assembly is sized to receive the inner frame assembly in its interior when the inner frame assembly is pivoted about the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Ian Ashe Prokopow
  • Patent number: 8141479
    Abstract: A cooking device disposable on a horizontal surface. The cooking device includes a support mechanism that is movable by a drive, in a direction substantially vertical to the surface, between an operating position and an inactive position. The cooking device also has a heating unit disposed on the support mechanism and a food tray disposed on the support mechanism. The food tray and heating unit are held on the support mechanism such that the food tray and heating unit are movable relative to one another. In an inactive position of the support mechanism, the food tray has a height position that is lower than a height position of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Ellersiek, Andreas Gapp, Uwe Hahn, Marco Stuettem, Markus Zorn
  • Publication number: 20120067228
    Abstract: A collapsible grill having a pair of long sides, a pair of short sides, and connecting hinges and rod connectors that allow for a cooperative assembly of the collapsible grill having a cooking surface and structure to hold a cook pot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Wayne Hale
  • Publication number: 20120070556
    Abstract: A fire pan provides a table-top or ground-supported pan or tray to hold a source of heat such as charcoal, burning wood, gas burner, and so forth. The pan places the heat source away from a surface, thus not damaging lawns, tabletops, parking lots, sidewalks, or other supporting surfaces. The pan may support one or more Dutch ovens, thus providing a “fire pit” of modest size, foldable into a very small envelope. Handles are extendible away from the pan for handling or moving, even when hot coals are present. The legs below are curved to fold up along the contour of the bottom surface of the pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Tood G. Wilson, Andreas Robert Haase
  • Publication number: 20120060701
    Abstract: A grill of bread maker and a multifunctional bread maker are provided. The bread maker includes a casing, an oven, a door or a cover for closing the oven, a bread bucket and more than one set of support device for toasting food. The bread bucket is loaded in the cavity of the oven when it is necessary to use the bread bucket to make bread; the support device for toasting food is loaded in the cavity of the oven when it is necessary to use the support device for toasting food to toast food. The support device for toasting food includes a grill and toasting pans (8). The grill includes a longitudinal supporting frame (11, 21, 31), one or more supporting-holding frames (15, 25, 35) for supporting the toasting pans (8) and supporting underframes. The longitudinal supporting frame (11, 21, 31) is in the middle, and the supporting-holding frame (15, 25, 35) is on both sides of the longitudinal supporting frame (11, 21, 31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Tony Wang
  • Patent number: 8127757
    Abstract: An outdoor cooking apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus features a cabinet having a firebox that heats an oven interior within the cabinet. The firebox also cooks food items placed on a grill panel that is supported above the firebox with a grill support frame. The firebox and grill support frame can be removably attachable to the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Norman Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 8079302
    Abstract: Described here is a rectangular, parallelepiped shaped, portable cooking device that consists of a rigid Stand, with attached lid and flaps, that supports multiple food heating containers. A dual purpose transport case/cooking cover, made of heat resistant materials, is a key feature to the design utility by securely transporting the device and acting as a heat efficiency Cover during the food heating process. When used in conjunction with the Stand flaps and lids, this Cover provides many innovations over prior art by preventing heat escape and weather intrusion. Various burner and fuel devices (i.e.: Sterno, Propane, Electric, Coal, Wood . . . ) can be used to provide the heat for this device. The combination of these multi-functional components, in a single compact, portable, modular unit provide significant improvements over current conventional devices by offering multiple options for food heating and serving with increased efficiency in space usage, heat efficiency and transportability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventors: Steven Giangrasso, Paul Giangrasso