Abstract: A cutting board having a curved chamber wall along a side portion for collecting foodstuff in and pouring foodstuff from a chamber spaced defined by the chamber wall. The chamber wall provides a concaved top face for facilitating wiping a cutting utensil clean of foodstuff so that the wiped-off foodstuff falls toward the center of the cutting surface.

Abstract: A hinged panel assembly includes a first panel that is selectively positioned against a first exposed surface of a cake when the cake has been cut. The first panel is comprised of a fluid impermeable material to inhibit air from contacting the first exposed surface thereby enhancing freshness of the cake. A second panel is hingedly coupled to the first panel such that the second panel is selectively positioned at a selected angle with respect to the first panel. The second panel is selectively positioned against a second exposed surface of a cake when the cake has been cut. The second panel is comprised of a fluid impermeable material to inhibit air from contacting the second exposed surface thereby enhancing freshness of the cake.

Abstract: Food service equipment may include a hygienic shield system. The hygienic shield system may include a frame that is coupled to a serving surface of the food service equipment. At least one clear or transparent panel may be coupled to the frame. The food service equipment may include a media device or system that is integrated within or on the food service equipment. The media device may be configured to playback one of audio and video of a media file. The food service equipment may include a controller configured to select the one of audio and video of the media file for playback by the media device.

Abstract: A cover for a cut portion of a fruit or vegetable includes a fruit or vegetable engaging base surface, a raised boundary rim coupled to the base surface, and at least one spike emanating from the base surface. In another embodiment, a cover for covering a cut portion of food includes a base having an outer perimeter and a food engaging surface, and a food penetrating member extending outwardly from the food engaging surface.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes an upper housing having a first heating surface, a lower housing operatively connected to the upper housing, the lower housing having a second heating surface, and a splash guard having a plurality of peripheral sidewalls. The splash guard is nestable within the lower housing and extendable therefrom to a position wherein the splash guard substantially surrounds the second heating surface.

Abstract: At the present time did not mid any patent listed at Uspto but there is a couple of BBQ mats out that are unsafe and do cause injury

Abstract: Food service equipment may include a hygienic shield system. The hygienic shield system may include a frame that is coupled to a serving surface of the food service equipment. At least one clear or transparent panel may be coupled to the frame. The food service equipment may include a media device or system that is integrated within or on the food service equipment. The media device may be configured to playback one of audio and video of a media file. The food service equipment may include a controller configured to select the one of audio and video of the media file for playback by the media device.

Abstract: Provided is a cake shield for placement above a cake surface. The cake shield includes a plate and at least one pair of telescopic legs attached thereto. The plate can be constructed in various adaptations to accommodate different styles of cake. The plate may have a number of flexible insertion holes that hold candles. The holes open and close with candle insertion and removal, respectively, allowing for placement of candles along the plate surface and removal without compromising the continuity of the plate. Alternatively, the plate may be adapted for clipping on an interchangeable decorative surface having insertion holes. The telescopic legs can adjust the height of the cake shield, which allows for placement of the device on cakes with varying shape and dimension. The legs can be retracted and folded for storage between uses. After use, the cake shield can be washed in a dishwasher.

Abstract: A cover for a cut portion of a fruit or vegetable includes a fruit or vegetable engaging base surface, a raised boundary rim coupled to the base surface, and at least one spike emanating from the base surface. In another embodiment, a cover for covering a cut portion of food includes a base having an outer perimeter and a food engaging surface, and a food penetrating member extending outwardly from the food engaging surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may include, but is not limited to: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A system for sterilizing a beverage container may include, but is not limited to: (a) means for detecting a sterilization status of a container; and (b) means for controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status.

Abstract: A device for recovering, harnessing and reutilizing heat from along a side wall of a cooking vessel, a cooking vessel comprising such device, and a method of using such device. The device can be constructed as part of the cooking vessel or can be an accessory that attaches to different sized cooking vessels via adjusting means. Specifically, the device is made of a highly conductive and durable metal or metal alloy and comprises a skirt-like body, extending from the side of the cooking vessel and attached to a perforated slip-like portion that may be attached to or integrated into the side wall of the cooking vessel. The device harnesses and reutilizes heat from the underside of the body and safely and efficiently transfers the heat to the cooking vessel through conduction. The device can further comprise diffusers, a bottom portion with a plurality of ventilation openings, and a heat shield.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an adaptive cover for sealing multiple objects having irregular shapes. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of cleaning an enclosure of a container defined by inner walls, including providing a container, orienting the container so that the opening is lowermost and opens downwardly and generating resonant vibration in the container at a predetermined frequency and at an energy level sufficient to dislodge any loose solid particles from the inner walls of said container but not being of an energy level to impact the structural integrity of the container and maintaining the resonant vibration within the container enclosure for a sufficient time to dislodge all loose solid particles from the inner walls of said container. The system may include a resonant chamber in the form of a shroud and means to effectuate the method steps and may also include a sanitizing step in which the containers are further sanitized to render inactive any organic contaminants.

Abstract: A confectionary protector comprising a domed cover, where the domed cover envelopes a confection and where the domed cover protects the confection from debris and saliva; a top surface of the domed cover, where the top surface is flat; a plurality of receiving holes arranged atop the top surface, where the plurality of receiving holes enable a plurality of candles to rest above the confection; and a plurality of flat bottoms at a base of the plurality of receiving holes, wherein the plurality of flat bottoms keep wax from the plurality of candles away from the confection.

Abstract: A device for recovering, harnessing and reutilizing heat from along a side wall of a cooking vessel, a cooking vessel comprising such device, and a method of using such device. The device can be constructed as part of the cooking vessel or can be an accessory that attaches to different sized cooking vessels via adjusting means. Specifically, the device is made of a highly conductive and durable metal or metal alloy and comprises a skirt-like body, extending from the side of the cooking vessel and attached to a perforated slip-like portion that may be attached to or integrated into the side wall of the cooking vessel. The device harnesses and reutilizes heat from the underside of the body and safely and efficiently transfers the heat to the cooking vessel through conduction. The device can further comprise diffusers, a bottom portion with a plurality of ventilation openings, and a heat shield.

Abstract: The present invention provides coverings formed into a pie shape, to shield the outer crust of a pie during baking. The ring-like design features an open center area, which leaves the top portion of the pie exposed during the baking process comprising a ring having aluminum coverage area approximately one quarter inch in width, sufficient to completely shield the outer crust area. This invention is offered in a variety of sizes to accommodate virtually any pie size, from smaller pot pies that measure around six inches up to and even exceeding a total diameter of approximately twelve inches which are standard for most fruit pies.

Abstract: The specification discloses a protector member (10) capable of being introduced through a neck region (25) of an opened wine bottle (26) by being flexibly deformable, the protector member (10) being flexibly deformable to a condition enabling introduction through the wine bottle neck region (25) and once within the wine bottle (26) being expandable to a use condition where an outer peripheral edge (15, 62) of the protector member (10) is positioned adjacent to or against an inner surface of the wine bottle (26) while floating on a surface of wine held within the wine bottle (26), the protector member (10) being characterized by being either a multipart construction including a first flexible sheet (11, 19) material containing in a first zone (14) a plurality of individually sealed spaces (22) each having a volume and at least some of which contain a gas, and a second flexible sheet material (12, 19), one or both of the first or second flexible sheet materials having a radially outer edge (15) forming the oute

Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A system for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting an identity of a consumable composition; and (b) controlling a sterilization of at least a portion of a beverage container according to the identity of the consumable composition.

Abstract: A convertible cutting board is a system or apparatus that provides its user with a surface suitable for the preparation of food as well as an integral means to cover or seal food for storage without having to remove the food from the preparation surface. Advantageously, a convertible cutting board system provides a user access to food contents sitting atop the cutting surface without the requirement that the cutting surface be removed from a larger container or that a dome element be de-communicated. Further, embodiments of a convertible cutting board system feature a retractable dome element that collapses when access to food on the cutting surface is required. Also, some embodiments feature a dome element operable to provide an air-tight seal when in the closed position. Still other embodiments provide a means by which the food preparation surface may be separated from the system but, importantly, separation from the system is not required in order to gain access to stored food.

Abstract: The food protector apparatus of the invention attaches directly to the food pan such that the food protector shield is at the proper location with respect to the food pan. Because the food protector apparatus is attached to the food pan, proper installation of the food pan ensures that all of the corresponding standards and health code requirements are met. Thus, it is virtually impossible for the food protector to be installed in a countertop in a way that fails to meet those standards and requirements.

Abstract: A device for circulating heat along a side wall of a cooking vessel, a cooking vessel comprises such device, and a method of using such device. The device can be constructed as part of the cooking vessel or can be an accessory that attaches to different sized cooking vessels via adjusting means. Specifically, the device comprises a skirt-like body extending from the side of the cooking vessel that directs heat to circulate along an underside of the body and over the side wall of the cooking vessel, thereby heating the side wall of the cooking vessel. The device can further comprise diffusers, a bottom portion with a plurality of openings, and a heat shield.

Abstract: A pastry crust edge cover includes a cover member manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size. Such cover member includes at least a first outer wall having a first end and a second end, and a top crust covering portion having a first end and a second end, such first end of such first outer wall being connected to such first end of such top crust covering portion such that such top crust covering portion extends substantially perpendicularly from such first outer wall.

Abstract: A commercial cooking apparatus is provided for simultaneous steaming and two-sided grilling of food items having non-uniform thickness and/or variations in nominal thickness. The apparatus includes a compressible, heat-resistant ring member, and optionally a flexible, non-stick, heat-resistant film material associated with the ring member to form a cavity defined by the inner perimeter of the ring member. A cooking method is also disclosed, wherein a food item and a quantity of water are introduced into the cavity, and the food item is simultaneously cooked by the heated upper and lower platens of a conventional clamshell grill or similar apparatus and by steam generated by heating the water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating and heat preservation cover and a heat preservation cover. The heating and heat preservation cover of the invention has a heat source device. The heat source device can provide heat to maintain the temperature and the quality of food disposed in the heating and heat preservation cover, to maintain the freshness and the tastiness of the food after cooking. Furthermore, the heating and heat preservation cover can avoid contact with and contamination from the outside, is foldable and portable, and can be easily received after being used so that its volume is reduced.

Abstract: An improved taco shell support device has a frame having a top wall and at least one taco shell support structure mounted on the frame. The at least one taco shell support structure includes a taco-receiving slot formed in the top wall and first and second taco shell support walls extending downwards from opposite sides of the taco-receiving slot, each of the first and second taco shell support walls including upper and lower edges, the upper edges of the first and second taco shell support walls being spaced apart a greater distance than the lower edges of the first and second taco shell support walls whereas the first and second taco shell support walls are generally upwardly divergent from one another.

Abstract: In one aspect, packaging for use on a roller grill may include a generally cylindrical, hollow sleeve having at least one open end. In another aspect, the packaging may include a food product may be placed into a wrapper, and the food product and wrapper may be inserted into a generally cylindrical, hollow sleeve. In a further aspect of the invention, a method for packaging a food product and heating it on a roller grill may include wrapping a food product in a wrapper, inserting a food product and a wrapper into a generally cylindrical, hollow sleeve having at least one open end, and placing a sleeve onto rollers of a roller grill.

Abstract: A shield for a fry pot includes a sheet of rectangular, pliable metal that may be formed in a cylindrical shaping to overlap edges of the shield to create an outer diameter substantially equal to an inner diameter of the fry pot. A series of holes in the metal are provided for inserting at least one pair of supports therethrough. At least one of the supports extends through overlapping holes in the shield to secure it in place against an upper edge of a sidewall of the fry pot.

Abstract: A container adapter (10) includes lower sidewalls (42, 43, 44, 45) and upper sidewalls (56, 57, 58, 59) separated by a rim (40). The lower side walls (42, 43, 44, 45) may be received within a pitcher (12), and the rim (40) is positioned on the upper open end (16) of the pitcher (12). The upper sidewalls (56, 57, 58, 59) increase the height of the pitcher (12) so that it can interface with a splash shield (33) of an ice chute (32) of a drink blending machine (20). Side clamps (50) assist in maintaining the adapter (10) on the pitcher (12), and a pouring spout (62) is provided at the junction of two of the upper sidewalls (58, 59).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a frying apparatus and, in particular, to a frying apparatus comprising a cooking container for containing oil or the like for cooking a turkey, a chicken, or seafood; a shield for shielding the operator from oil splatters and preventing the over-spill of the oil from the cooking container; a supporting stand for holding the cooking container; and a plurality of securing straps for securing the cooking container to the supporting stand such that the cooking container is stably positioned onto the supporting stand of the frying apparatus. One embodiment of the present invention contemplates a cooking container generally configured to removably receive the shield such that the shield, when inserted into the open end of the cooking container securely adjoins and abuts the cooking container so that oil does not spill-over between the shield and the cooking container.

Abstract: A tool has: a tubular casing (11); and drive shaft (13); and a centering and guiding element (15) for the drive shaft (13). The tubular casing (11) and the drive shaft (13) are provided, at the same first end, with removable means (21, 25) for locking to the machine body (3) and releasable means (45) for coupling to a main shaft (41) of the machine, respectively. The centering and guiding element (15) has removable means (71, 73) for fixing to the tubular casing (11). The locating element (15) is mounted in the tubular casing (11) at the side of the first end, and the fixing means (71, 73) thereof are suitable for being locked in a correct fixing position by complementary locking means (47) provided on the machine (3) when the tubular casing (11) is fixed to the machine body (3).

Abstract: An adjustable cover has a variable outside diameter for fitting in pots and pans of variable sizes and also cover plates of variable sizes. The cover can be used for keeping food hot on plates, preventing splatter from pans when cooking and retaining moisture in the pan during cooking. The cover comprises a circular nonporous top member with a plurality of apertures adjacent to a peripheral rim of the top member, the apertures being evenly spaced apart in a ring concentric with the peripheral rim. Each of the apertures has a tongue projecting radially outwards therefrom. A plurality of nonporous substantially trapezoidal vanes extend down from the peripheral rim and are curved and circumferentially overlapping to form a dome like shape. Each of the vanes has a tab projecting upwards into one of the apertures and rests on the surface of the top member.

Abstract: The present invention is a transparent dessert cover designed to shield confections, such as cakes, from germs resulting particularly from those attempting to blow out candles, while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the cake. In the preferred mode, the cover is constructed of freezer-proof plastic material, and molded in the shape of a particular confection, such as a round or rectangular birthday cake. The upper portion of the cover contains recessed holes to accommodate a predetermined number of candles, as well as at least one slot in which a celebratory message such as “Happy Birthday” may be inserted. Importantly, individual letters are provided for the user to spell out particular names or messages, as desired. Finally, a sturdy, attachable bottom piece is provided with the cover to facilitate transportation and storage of the cake.

Abstract: A safety protective cover of a blender. The protective cover is associated with upper edge of a blending container. The bottom of the protective cover at least covers an upper opening of the blending container. The top side of the protective cover is formed with an opening at an axis of the rotary shaft. The opening linearly extends to a circumference of the protective cover to form a split. A water filling hole is formed on the protective cover. At least one latch section is disposed on the bottom of the protective cover for latching the protective cover with upper edge of the blending container.

Abstract: A cooking pan and lid. The side wall of the pan portion has an elevated portion along its upper periphery. This elevated portion has an opening therethrough for entry of a cooking utensil for the purpose of stirring or otherwise manipulating food cooking in the pan. A plug that is receivable into the opening through the upper periphery of the pan to close the opening while stirring or manipulating of the food in the pan is not required. A vent opening is provide along the periphery of the lid to vent gasses from the food when cooking while the plug is inserted in the opening.

Abstract: A machine tool for processing products, such as food products. The tool includes a tube-envelope (2) fixed to the tool with a cage (6) at one end of the tube-envelope. In one embodiment of the invention, the tube-envelope and the cage are formed as two separate parts. The cage (6) receives a product processing unit (7). The product processing unit (7) is, for example, a blade, which is driven by a shaft (9) releasably coupled to a drive shaft (12) of the machine. The shaft (9) is guided and centered in the tool. The shaft is sealed in the machine with, for example, a ring, and the ring can be screwed into the tube-envelope, or secured to the machine by bayonets. The ring is formed so that it is removable with a tool. This allows for the shaft (9) and processing unit (7) to be demounted from the tool for maintenance.

Abstract: An end cover for detachable connection on the end of a cylindrical shaped food roll. The end cover has an end plate with an external side that displays information such as advertising or marketing indicia. A retaining member extends from the end plate and forms an interference fit with the external surface of the food roll when the end cover is installed onto the food roll.

Abstract: An semi-solid mixture, such as a particulate meat mixture, is brought into contact with a vibrating surface, whereby energy is transported across the surface into the mixture. The vibration is generally contemplated to be in the ultrasonic frequency range, and the energy injection is contemplated to be sufficient to cause local physical and chemical changes in mixtures susceptible to such changes, and generally to cause changes in the direction of increased tensile strength and resistance to flow. In general a skin is formed on the mixture, and with greater processing efficiency then if such skin were formed by purely thermal means.

Abstract: A safety protective hood assembly for a food blender includes a fixed module including an annular supporting base having an underside defining an annular sliding groove, a slot defined in the supporting base, and a semi-conical fixed hood attached to the supporting base. A mobile module includes an annular sliding base slidably mounted in the sliding groove, a cavity defined in the sliding base, and a semi-conical movable hood attached to the sliding base to move therewith. When the movable hood is moved to a position where the movable hood and the fixed hood form a conical hood, the cavity aligns with the slot. A microswitch is attached to a supporting frame of the food blender and includes a retractable rod extending through the slot and the cavity when the cavity aligns with the slot.

Abstract: A splatter screen may be releasably retained to a cookware item to prevent splatter of hot food items and the like from the cookware item during cooking. A rim of the splatter screen is constructed and arranged to be releasably retained within an upper rim portion of the cookware item. Any number of spring clips may be attached to the rim of the splatter screen for releasably retention of a cover of the cookware item to the splatter screen. A grip portion of a handle, attached to the rim of the splatter screen, is constructed and arranged to accommodate a handle of the cookware item with which the splatter screen is intended to be used.

Abstract: An end cover for detachable connection on the end of a cylindrical shaped food roll. The end cover has an end plate with an external side that displays information such as advertising or marketing indicia. A retaining member extends from the end plate and forms an interference fit with the external surface of the food roll when the end cover is installed onto the food roll.

Abstract: A cooking system for cooking several different food items at once over a single heat source. The cooking system includes a pan with a base panel, a peripheral sidewall upwardly extending from the base panel, and a handle extending from the peripheral sidewall. An insert rests on an upper edge of the peripheral sidewall of the pan. The insert comprises an upper panel and an abutting wall downwardly extending from a rear edge of the upper panel and engaging the base panel of the pan. The abutting wall is designed for confining food to an area of the pan not covered by the insert. The insert has a pair of depressions therein designed for receiving food therein.

Abstract: A preservation device for preserving a partially eaten portion of a fruit or vegetable having a skin and at least one exposed surface includes a pair of arms. Each arm extends in a longitudinal direction and has a distal portion and a proximal portion. The arms are pivotally connected to each other for movement of the distal portion between an open position for engaging the at least one exposed surface of the partially eaten fruit or vegetable portion and a closed position where the at least one exposed surface of the partially eaten fruit or vegetable portion is engaged with the preservation device. A flat plate is carried by the arm in the distal portion of the arm. The flat plate extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the arm and is adapted to engage the exposed surface of the fruit or vegetable for preservation purposes.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a pan or skillet coupled with a lid of the invention which together form a special cooking chamber where a utensil may remain operable while it is in the cooking chamber and while the lid is in place on the skillet. In addition, a special port in the lid permits on to add spices, cooking oils and other ingredients to the cooking chamber without removing the lid. In this way, a lid of the invention allows one to prepare foods in a cooking chamber without having to remove the lid portion thereof. Preferred lids of the invention include: a dome shaped transparent element, having a slot and a port therein, a handle thereon and a port cover which is removable from the port by way of a hinge and a is driven by a finger lever.

Abstract: A preservation device for preserving a partially eaten portion of a fruit or vegetable having a skin and at least one exposed surface includes a pair of arms. Each arm extends in a longitudinal direction and has a distal portion and a proximal portion. The arms are pivotally connected to each other for movement of the distal portion between an open position for engaging the at least one exposed surface of the partially eaten fruit or vegetable portion and a closed position where the at least one exposed surface of the partially eaten fruit or vegetable portion is engaged with the preservation device. A flat plate is carried by the arm in the distal portion of the arm. The flat plate extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the arm and is adapted to engage the exposed surface of the fruit or vegetable for preservation purposes.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus in the form of a skillet with a complementary lid has a specially designed provision which accommodates a cooking utensil. The cooking utensil may be used to manipulate food being cooked while the skillet and lid remain coupled together thus preventing splattering of food residue about the cooking area. The skillet and lid, in combination form a cooking chamber. The chamber remains substantially enclosed throughout the cooking process. As the food being cooked needs attention, for example stirring or flipping, the utensil may be employed to effect such without disturbing the integrity of the cooking chamber. A lid of the apparatus may be formed of glass material to allow a chef a view into the chamber. In addition, a specialized coupling between a skillet rim and the lid provides improved reduction of mess.

Abstract: A new pie crust protection device ring for preventing peripheral edges of a pie crust from burning. The inventive device includes a circular cover of an aluminum material dimensioned for covering an open top of a pie pan. A peripheral retaining edge is dimensioned for engaging a peripheral edge of the pie pan over the circular cover. The peripheral retaining edge has an opening therein to facilitate placement on the peripheral edge of the pie pan.

Abstract: A food display guard or protector is disclosed which includes a support for securing the display guard in a display case. The support includes a vertical support tube and a support mechanism for adjustably mounting the vertical support tube. The guard also includes a generally horizontal support member extending from the vertical support tube which horizontal support member is adjustable in length.

Abstract: The pastry shield has a upper flange dimensioned to overlap the periphery of the pastry or pie being baked. The flange reflects heat away from the easily burned portions of the pastry. Further, the pastry shield can have cooling fins attached or integral therewith. These fins help pull heat in the shield away from the pastry. The fins also help after baking when the pastry is cooled. The pastry's pan can be set on top of the shield and the heat in the pastry and pan will tend to drain into the shield and be dissipated through the fins.

Abstract: An improved spatter shielding and vapor venting device for a frying pan comprising a transparent lid to enable visual observation of cooking, a peripheral venting gap to release generated fumes and vapors, a vertical hollow cylindrical wall to rapidly return condensed oil to frying pan, a handle to hold the device steady, a peripheral horizontal flange and size expansion adapter to facilitate placement on rims of frying pans of varying sizes, a vertical cylindrical flange to restrict lateral motion and to shield the contact area between the horizontal flange and frying pan rim, a vertical window opening for the introduction, removal, stirring and turning over of food, a hands-free opening and automatic closing window cover means to effectively shield the window opening even while performing said cooking operations, a loop-and-pin hinged system to facilitate stuck-proof withdrawal of inserted instrument through said window opening.

Abstract: A spatter shielding and vapor venting device for a frying pan comprising a transparent lid to enable visual observation of cooking, a peripheral venting gap to release generated fumes and vapors, a vertical hollow cylindrical wall to rapidly return condensed oil to frying pan, a handle to hold the device steady, a horizontal flange to facilitate placement on rims of frying pans of varying sizes, a vertical cylindrical flange to restrict lateral motion and to shield the contact area between the horizontal flange and frying pan rim, a vertical window opening for the introduction, removal, stirring and turning over of food, a hands-free opening and automatic closing window cover means to effectively shield the window opening even while performing said cooking operations.