Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a cooking surface heated by a heating mechanism and divided into two cooking surfaces by a center seam. A mechanism for preventing grease from draining through the center seam may include either a center grease drain, a ridge along the center seam, or a seal. The cooking apparatus is folded using a hinge, along the center seam, such that the cooking surfaces are separated and disposed on external opposite and parallel sides. A control assembly, which may control the griddle surfaces separately, is removably attached to the cooking apparatus and stored at an underside thereof. The control assembly includes a cover to prevent damage to the control elements. At least one channel with a drain hole therein is disposed at each of the cooking surfaces for receiving cooking fluids, and a removable grease tray disposed beneath the drain hole collects the fluids.

Abstract: A device that heats food quickly by using more than one power level during a heating cycle, and a method of toasting including the step of heating a food item at more than one power level during a toasting cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that heats food quickly by using more than one power level during a heating cycle.

Abstract: A unitary shell for a heating appliance is formed having first and second side panels and first and second end panels. The first end panel has first and second sub panels, each sub panel having a vertical edge and the vertical edges of the first and second sub panels being spaced apart to form an opening between the vertical edges. The first end panel allows the insertion of components through the opening during assembly of the heating appliance. An assembly for a heating appliance may also be formed including the unitary shell and a first heating element attached on the inside of the first side panel. A second heating element is attached on the inside of the second side panel. Each heating element includes at least one terminal adapted to receive a power signal and operates responsive to power being applied to the terminal to generate heat. Furthermore, a method of manufacturing an assembly for a toaster includes providing a shell having first and second side panels and first and second end panels.

Abstract: A switching mechanism is utilized in a heating appliance, such as a toaster, that includes a bread support that supports a food item to insert and remove the food item from a cooking cavity of the appliance. The appliance includes an electronic circuit that controls operation during a heating cycle. The switching mechanism includes a switch having a first terminal adapted to receive a power signal and a second terminal coupled to the electronic circuit. The switch operates responsive to an applied switching force to couple the first terminal to the second terminal and thereby apply power to the electronic circuit. A switch actuator has a first end, a second end, and a retaining member near the second end. The second end is attached to the appliance to rotate about an axis. The switch actuator operates responsive to a force being applied to the bread support to rotate about the axis to a first position and apply the switching force to the switch so power is applied to the electronic circuit.

Abstract: A springless adjustable bread guard for a heating appliance requires no springs for returning the guard to a desired position. The heating appliance includes a fixed structure relative to the bread guard, and the bread guard includes a resilient bread guard arm having a longitudinal axis and at least one cross member. Each cross member is attached to the bread guard arm spaced apart from a first end of the cross member and at a point along the longitudinal axis of the bread guard arm. The bread guard arm is attached to the fixed structure to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The bread guard operates responsive to a force applied to the arm to rotate a first direction about the longitudinal axis so that one of the cross members contacts a portion of the fixed structure and thereby applies a force to the cross member that causes the arm to bow placing the bread guard in an inward position.

Abstract: A toaster having a movable bakery product shield for enhanced toasting quality. A wide slot cavity to receive bakery goods for toasting is defined on one side thereof by an upstanding, stationary product retainer spaced apart from a heating element and, on the other side thereof, by a movable product retainer having a deflector shield connected along its upper edge. Interiorally of the toaster, a carriage mechanism is mounted on an end wall for vertical reciprocal movement between an up position and a down position. Connected to the carriage mechanism and extending longitudinally through the slot cavity is a bread support shelf which is inclined toward the stationary product retainer to cause the lower edge of a bread slice placed in the toaster slot to engage the stationary product retainer.

Abstract: A toaster having an automatic shut-off. The toaster includes a cavity to receive bread and which includes a heating element which may be selectively energized by a switch to cause toasting of the bread. The toaster also includes a carriage mechanism to move the bread between up and down positions. The carriage mechanism includes a bread support extending into the cavity. The bread support is connected to a support frame which rides upon a vertical slide rod. Also mounted upon the slide rod is a lock frame mounted to allow limited movement with respect to the support frame. A spring is connected to the lock frame to bias it into an up position, and the lock frame includes a lock mechanism to releasable maintain it in a down position. The switch for activating the heating elements is activated when the lock frame is in this down position. A release mechanism is provided to release the lock mechanism.