Convertible Patents (Class 99/340)
  • 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: 8669499
    Abstract: A domestic apparatus, such as a cooking appliance, uses hydrogen and, optionally electrical heating, to cook food. The cooking appliance may have a cooking surface (e.g. a grilling surface) so as to result in an indoor barbeque, which may be used with no venting or reduced venting requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 8642929
    Abstract: A steaming oven having a collector plate disposed in an oven chamber. A collector plate is disposed above a boiling water reservoir in the oven chamber. The collector plate has a drain tube inserted into an overfill tube. Waste material from the steam and food droppings is conveyed from the oven chamber via the drain tube and the overfill tube. A barrier shields one or more water level probes or sensors from water turbulence, thereby providing reliable water level sensing by the water level probes or sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cleveland Range LLC
    Inventors: Victor D. Saltenis, Carl F. Scheu, III, Rupesh T. Savadekar, David S. Schwerzler, Joseph S. Bellassai, John E. Richnafsky, Jason D. Schreiner
  • Patent number: 8621987
    Abstract: A cooking skillet that provides a unique automatic stirring system for continuously stirring foods during cooking. The cooking skillet comprises a base, a receptacle, a heating element, and an automatic stirring system. The automatic stirring system comprises a stirring wand located in the receptacle and a bracket located in the base. The stirring wand and the bracket are attracted to each other through magnetic forces that provide sufficient magnetism to attract one to the other. A motor is attached to the bracket by a connecting rod and provides the means to rotate the bracket in a clockwise direction. The magnetism between the magnets in the bracket and the magnets in the stirring wand forces the stirring wand to rotate in connection with the bracket. During rotation, the stirring wand is designed to mix the food contained within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Walter B. Herbst
  • Patent number: 8616119
    Abstract: An improved cooking device to assist in preparation of meals. A self-contained straining skillet allows the food to be cooked in a concave skillet insert containing a plurality of apertures, which may then be lifted to drain the grease and fat into the lower receiving skillet. Both the lining skillet and the receiving skillet may contain pour spouts to allow for effective transfer of grease. The receiving skillet, alone or with the lining skillet insert, may be used with standard size stove burners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Phillip Penny
  • Patent number: 8575520
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to heating systems. In various embodiments, a tray may be supported adjacent a housing having a plurality of heating compartments configured to provide heat to food items within each of the heating compartments. In other embodiments, a vessel may be configured to be disposed in a housing having a plurality of heating compartments configured to provide heat within each of the heating compartments. In further embodiments, a housing may have a plurality of heating compartments configured to provide heat within each of the heating compartments, and the heating compartment may have open ends arranged around a circumference of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Garr
  • Patent number: 8546731
    Abstract: An electric appliance for pressure cooking food includes a casing (1) and a lid (4) forming the outer jacket of the appliance, an outer vessel (2) forming the inner chamber of the appliance, a heating element (25) placed in the bottom of the outer vessel (2), a removable inner vessel (3) forming the container (30) for cooking food, wherein the inner vessel (3) includes at least one handhold (31) extending past the periphery of the casing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Olivier Pellerin, Florent Pontabry, Frederic Seurat
  • Patent number: 8485091
    Abstract: A cook top includes a lower grill and an upper grilling unit that is mounted adjacent to a back edge of the lower grill. The upper grill unit can be moved from a recessed position at a back edge of the cook top to a raised vertical position by a raising mechanism. From the raised position, the upper grilling unit can be rotated forward so that food placed on the lower grill can also be cooked by the upper grilling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Neal Schon
  • Patent number: 8459247
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a frame with an upper section for holding a pot and a lower section for resting upon an underlying support surface. The frame has a burner element that can be a nozzle tube having a commercially available burner nozzle for generating a cooking flame during use. The nozzle can be fueled with propane, butane or the like using a commercially available tank, regulator and supply hose. The frame can include an upper ring, lower rings, the upper ring providing legs, pot support bars or members for holding the bottom of a pot. A heat shield is comprised of multiple specially configured sections that overlap and connect to the frame. The shield is positioned below the flame during use to lessen heat transfer from the flame to the underlying support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventors: Barbara Bourgeois, Norman Bourgeois, Michael Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 8443722
    Abstract: A cooking rack accessory for steaming food and a method thereof. The cooking rack accessory comprises of a support frame that includes a toroidal fluid reservoir configured to store a fluid. A manifold is disposed above the fluid reservoir and is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. A toroidal steam chamber is disposed above the manifold and is in fluid communication with the manifold and the fluid reservoir. A plurality of coupling members is coupled to the support frame and configured to selectably couple to a cooking rack. The coupling members are elongated members extending from the fluid reservoir and arch over a cooking rack. A plurality of steam apertures is disposed through the steam chamber to release steam. A selectably sealable fill aperture includes a spout member coupled to a funnel member, which is all in fluid communication with each other and with the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: William C. Manson
  • Patent number: 8418685
    Abstract: A barbecue grill provides a top cooking level and a central cooking zone located below the top cooking level. Lateral heat panels warm the central cooking zone. A food basket is configured to be opened and loaded with foodstuff when in an approximately horizontal position at the top cooking level. An elevator mechanism lowers the filled food basket into the central cooking zone while converting the food basket to an approximately vertical position. The food cooks while the basket is vertical. The elevator mechanism raises the basket of cooked food to the top cooking level while converting the food basket to approximately horizontal position. A user-operated control selectively actuates the elevator mechanism to move the food basket in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Jan Eric Strauch
  • Publication number: 20130019760
    Abstract: A barbeque smoker has an angled front with a heated exhaust that increases draft and air circulation, resulting in a more even heat and smoke distribution than conventional smokers. By heating an internal chimney directly over the smoker's fire, the temperature in the exhaust is higher than it is inside the cooking chamber, thus increasing draft/air circulation. The chimney intake is positioned below the cooking grates and runs on an upward angle through the cooking chamber. The chimney terminates outside the top of the smoker. This configuration forces the chamber to uniformly fill with heat and smoke before any heat or smoke can exit the cooking chamber. The increased draft aids efficient circulation of the heat and smoke, creating a very uniform cooking environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Terry John West
  • Patent number: 8312807
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus comprising a top end having a generally concave cooking surface adapted to also act as a base stand; and a bottom end comprising a plurality of posts adapted to also act as a food preparation device holder upon vertically rotating the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventors: Emilio M. Martinez, Edit M. Martinez
  • Publication number: 20120237647
    Abstract: A multi-functional platform food preparation device is disclosed which has the ability to fry, deep-fry, steam, stir fry, stage, drain, warm and grill foods conveniently on the same cooking platform. The cooking platform can include a built in reservoir for cooking soups, steaming with water, stir frying, and deep frying with oil. The cooking platform also can include a grilling section, a griddle/frying/cooking section, and a warming/draining section. The cooking platform also can include a drain chute connecting the reservoir to a catch bottle to aid in the clean up process. In addition, the reservoir can include a slosh ring positioned around the upper perimeter of the reservoir. Deep frying/boiling/steaming/stir frying, grilling, griddle/frying/cooking, and warming/draining sections can be contained on a single cooking platform to aid in the synchronized preparation of common meals to be prepared together in a fast, convenient and safe manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Marvin Dobert, Mark Groenhuyzen, Joseph Klingl, Jerry Sharber, Jack Lovley, II
  • Publication number: 20120213901
    Abstract: A food apparatus (10) for warming and cooking foodstuff is comprised of a container (12), container sidewalls (14), a container base (16), and handles (18). Basket inserts (20) with basket handles (30) hold foodstuff and may be submerged into hot liquid inside of the container (12) or set to rest on the edge of the front container sidewall (14) by an angled clip (36). The basket handles (30) face in the direction of the operator for ease of use. Sidewall mesh (26) and bottom mesh (28) holds foodstuff inside the basket insert (20), allowing hot liquid to enter and warm or cook foodstuff. Upon lifting the basket insert (20) from the container (12), the sidewall mesh (26) and bottom mesh (28) allow liquid to escape from the basket insert (20) while holding the foodstuff inside the basket insert (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Emanuel A. Kyris, Jared Raymond Simpson
  • Publication number: 20120192722
    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: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Foster
  • Patent number: 8230848
    Abstract: A cooking surface for a grill includes a cylindrical fire column. Food placed on the grill surface directly above the fire column will be impinged by the heat of the heat source, made even more intense by the upward, directional flow of air through the fire column. Food placed on the grill surface but not directly above the fire column can be cooked with indirect heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventors: Augustine Fou, Joseph Fou
  • Publication number: 20120174798
    Abstract: Provided is a pivoting cooking pot comprising an outer pot having an upper rim topping pot side walls and defining an inner region for bounding a colander wherein the side walls contain no holes; the colander comprising curved colander walls and a top colander rim; opposing pivot means for pivotally engaging and suspending the colander within the side walls of the pot during use; the opposing pivot means, further comprising: axel members projecting coaxially from opposing inner portions of the pot side walls proximate the upper pot rim; and means for releasably and rotatably engaging respective axel members projecting from outer portions of the colander walls proximate the axel members, wherein the means for releasably and rotatably engaging enabling a pivoting about the respective axel members during use, whereby when pot is tilted relative to an external plane the colander retains a respective position relative to the external plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Kulikowski
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 8109201
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance for heating foodstuff includes a container defining a heating cavity therein. The container is positioned on a supporting surface during heating of the foodstuff. The kitchen appliance further includes a utensil for manipulating the foodstuff. The utensil has a first and opposite second end. A tray is slidably positioned within a portion of the container. The tray is movable between a storage position in which the tray is substantially within the container and a use position in which the tray is at least partially removed from the container. The tray has a concave portion on a top surface thereof. The concave portion is sized and shaped to support at least a portion of the first end of the utensil above the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: David Schandel, Cuong Truong
  • Patent number: 8092850
    Abstract: An offset barbeque smoker grille has an openable cover shaped as the elongated back portion of a quadruped and the products of combustion are applied to meat on said grille with the cover closed and at least one restrictor is included in said fourth flow path to hold smoke in contact with said meat wherein a meat treatment apparatus is used as a smoker. The cooking and smoking uses counter flow from the firebox near the head of the quadruped under the cooking and smoking chambers toward the rump of the quadruped and back over the top of the cooking chambers to provide even cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Russell A. Marr
  • Publication number: 20110315022
    Abstract: The dual-purpose grilling device of the present invention, it relates to a grilling device which can be inclined for roasting or be level for toasting. The bottom seat of said grilling device has a grilling plate with an electric heating tube, and an upper cover with a handle is disposed on said bottom seat; the grilling plate inclines forward and downward in the roast status, the oil box is beneath the front of the grilling plate for containing the oil flowed from the grilling plate; the oil box is beneath the front of the bottom seat and the grilling plate is level in the toast status. The present invention solves the problem of the single using manner of the grilling device with a simple technical solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: TSANN KUEN (ZHANGZHOU) ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Junping Huang
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8067717
    Abstract: A cooking facilitator which is preferably portable and well suited for use as both a timer and cooking process facilitator having particular usefulness with cooking objects which have a characteristic associated with establishing a cooking time such as the weight of a turkey in the case of deep frying a turkey or the thickness of a steak in deep frying the same. A gas flow timer for shutting off an overheated or unattended cooking system is also featured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Masterbuilt Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Don McLemore, John McLemore
  • Publication number: 20110214574
    Abstract: A frying-and-baking oven includes a baking outer pot, a heating cover assembly covering the outer pot, and a frying inner pot disposed between the outer pot and the heat cover assembly. The heating cover assembly includes a cover, an actuator, a hot-air supplying module, and a speed-reducing mechanism. The actuator has a driving shaft. The hot-air supplying module has an air-blowing impeller and a heating element. The driving shaft drives the air-blowing impeller to blow the hot airflow generated by the heating element. The driving shaft also drives a transmission shaft of the speed-reducing mechanism and in turn a stirring member to rotate at a low speed, thereby stirring food materials in the inner pot. With this arrangement, the food materials received in the inner pot can be stirred automatically and cooked sufficiently. Further, the oven can cook the food materials by baking or frying, which increases the functionality and convenience thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Kuei-Tang CHANG
  • Patent number: 8001956
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a frame with an upper section for holding a pot and a lower section for resting upon an underlying support surface. The frame has a burner element that can be a nozzle tube having a commercially available burner nozzle for generating a cooking flame during use. The nozzle can be fueled with propane, butane or the like using a commercially available tank, regulator and supply hose. The frame can include an upper ring, lower rings, the upper ring providing legs, pot support bars or members for holding the bottom of a pot. A heat shield is comprised of multiple specially configured sections that overlap and connect to the frame. The shield is positioned below the flame during use to lessen heat transfer from the flame to the underlying support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Barbara Bourgeois, Norman Bourgeois, Michael Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 7997188
    Abstract: A portable, multipurpose cooking utensil includes a base pan adapted to retain a grill having a dome-shaped, transparent lid thereon. The device also includes a heat control unit that allows a user to select the amount heat delivered to the grill. The heat control unit may be replaced with a broiling pan or frying pan, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Ignacio R. Umali
  • Publication number: 20110185916
    Abstract: An improved cooking device to assist in preparation of meals. A self-contained straining skillet allows the food to be cooked in a concave skillet insert containing a plurality of apertures, which may then be lifted to drain the grease and fat into the lower receiving skillet. Both the lining skillet and the receiving skillet may contain pour spouts to allow for effective transfer of grease. The receiving skillet, alone or with the lining skillet insert, may be used with standard size stove burners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Phillip Penny
  • Patent number: 7987772
    Abstract: A passive heater including a carriage actuatable to move along a cooking surface and a cover. In one exemplary embodiment, the carriage may be positioned on a guide bar to direct movement of the carriage along the cooking surface. The cover may be connected to the carriage and positionable near the cooking surface. Advantageously, positioning the cover near the cooking surface provides for the retention of nearby heat. Thus, the top surface of a food item cooking on the cooking surface may be heated by placing the cover over the food item. In another exemplary embodiment, the cover has a lifted position and a lowered position. By moving the cover from the lifted position to the lowered position, the cover may contact the cooking surface to surround food cooking thereon. In another exemplary embodiment, the lowered positioned may be spaced upwardly from the cooking surface, allowing the cover to cap food thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: AccuTemp Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry R. Wolf
  • Patent number: 7980171
    Abstract: A cooking or food warming appliance having a heated heat sink plate situated in a vacuum environment within an outer shell. A food vessel intimately engages the heat sink plate along a food contacting surface thereof by virtue of the vacuum. The vacuum eliminates air gaps between the food contacting surface of the food vessel and the heat sink plate so as to provide instantaneous and uniform heating of the food vessel. The vacuum environment also provides thermal insulation for the heat sink plate whereby heat loss by convection is virtually eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: All-Clad Metalcrafters LLC
    Inventor: William A. Groll
  • Publication number: 20110126719
    Abstract: Described is a device for preparing and cooking in the form of a household electrical appliance, including a vessel having a substantially horizontal bottom wall and one or more substantially vertical walls connected to the periphery of the bottom wall via a connecting wall. The device includes at least one blade or paddle for mixing and kneading ingredients such as bread dough placed in the vessel, wherein the blade or paddle, in its mixing and kneading position, leaves an underlying space between the blade and the bottom wall of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Nicolas Valance
  • Patent number: 7943888
    Abstract: A slow cooker includes a cooking base having a heating element and an open end. The slow cooker has a first container sized to fit within the open end of the cooking base. The first container has an opening for receiving foodstuff. The volume of the first container is sized to accommodate a second container. The second container has an opening for receiving foodstuff. The opening of the second container is generally equal in size to the opening of the first container. The first container has a cooking position wherein the first container is inserted in the cooking base. The second container has a cooking position wherein the second container is inserted in the cooking base. The first container and second container have a storage position, wherein the second container is nested within the first container. The slow cooker also includes a lid that is sized to enclose the opening of either of the first and second containers during their respective cooking positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: John Barnes, Yvonne Olson, David Jackson, James Gaynor
  • Patent number: 7926417
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus is disclosed, wherein the cooking apparatus is configured to be converted between an installed configuration in which the cooking apparatus is connected to a complementary support structure and a portable configuration in which the cooking apparatus is not attached to the complementary support structure. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking surface, at least one burner configured to heat the cooking surface, a body configured to support the cooking surface above the burner, and a connecting portion disposed on the body, wherein the connecting portion includes at least one connector configured to be connected to a complementary connector on the complementary support structure, and wherein the connecting portion is also configured to support the cooking apparatus on a surface other than the complementary support structure when the cooking apparatus is used in the portable configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Evo, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Shingler
  • Publication number: 20110061543
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to permit the use of charcoal for cooking in barbecue grills designed for heating sources other than charcoal. The existing barbecue grill having a bottom casing containing one or more of a variety of heating sources (i.e. propane, natural gas, wood, electric, infrared and others), a cooking rack or grill supported thereabove, and a top casing, hood, or other closure affixed or not affixed thereto. The apparatus includes a size adjustable charcoal tray or carrier designed to be inserted into the lower casing of the existing barbecue grill below the cooking rack or grills, with a pair of removable handles to allow placement of the unit into the host barbecue and subsequent removal of the unit under hot or cold conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: John Ingrassia, Mikel M. Draghici
  • Patent number: 7884306
    Abstract: A convection oven for use in a food delivery vehicle comprises an oven cavity with an air inlet and an air outlet, an air feed conduit for feeding an air feed into the oven cavity through the air inlet and a heating arrangement for heating the air feed before it is fed into the oven cavity, the heating arrangement comprising a heating device that is electrically powered and being arranged to maintain a temperature of at least 130° C. in the oven cavity. A food delivery vehicle may comprise such an oven and the oven may be heatable from an electric current provided by the engine of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hotpods Limited
    Inventor: Kevan Graham Leach
  • Publication number: 20110023724
    Abstract: A steam cooking apparatus having a water retaining member and a reversible steamer insert member, the steamer insert member having a perforated main body defining two steaming surfaces, the first surface provided with upstanding annular forming walls for forming patties, the second surface being flat and unobstructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Guy Beard, Michael Johnigean
  • Patent number: 7870821
    Abstract: Provided is a coffee maker having a structure for preventing water from leaking while a water storage container is unloaded, and a microwave oven having the same. The coffee maker includes: a water storage container storing water for extracting coffee and having a drainage hole formed at one sided portion thereof; a tube guiding water drained through the drainage hole of the water storage container so as to extract coffee; and a connection unit having a first connector of which one end is connected to the water storage container, and a second connector of which one end is connected to the tube and the other end is separatably connected to the first connector. The connection unit communicates the water storage container with the tube and prevents water from leaking from at least one of the water storage container and the tube when the first connector and the second connector are separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jung Ju Kwon, Dae Sik Kim, Man Su Park, Wang Lim Lee, Wan Je Cho
  • Patent number: 7866256
    Abstract: A smoker attachment for heating and burning smoking particles for a gas grill includes a housing and end caps. The housing is an elongate hollow member with a triangular cross-section. The housing has open ends and a slot just below the apex. A cavity of the housing holds the smoking particles. End caps cover the open ends. For flavoring food on a gas grill, the smoker assembly, filled with smoking particles, is used in place of one sear bar located directly above one of the gas burner tubes. Heat released from the gas burner tube directly below the base of the smoker attachment causes the smoking particles to ignite and smolder. This smoke flows through the slot in the housing and fills the grill area. During this process, the food being cooked on the grill is flavored by the smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Michael J. Frigo
  • Publication number: 20100307347
    Abstract: The present invention presents a multifunctional kitchenware. The multi functional cooking apparatus is used for cooking in different types of cooking methods such as steaming, frying, deep flying, baking and broiling. The multifunctional pot comprises a base module onto which different utensils can be mounted to allow the different types of cooking styles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: David Menashes
  • Patent number: 7832330
    Abstract: A cooker to smoker adapter is provided, and in one embodiment the cooker to smoker adapter includes first and second walls constructed to cooperate with a wall of a cooker to provide a fuel containment zone for receipt of fuel to be used in a smoking process. In another embodiment, one of the walls includes at least one aperture to readily permit the addition of fuel to the fuel containment zone. In yet another embodiment, a second aperture is provided in one of the walls, this aperture being adapted to receive a reservoir for a liquid. In a further embodiment, a liquid holding reservoir is provided integral with one of the walls. In another embodiment, stand-alone structures are provided to define a fuel containment zone to permit the burning of fuel while avoiding direct radiant transmission of heat from the fuel containment zone to a food which is being smoked. In one embodiment, the stand-alone structure is adapted to receive a reservoir for water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Donald E. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7823626
    Abstract: A refrigerated oven having a cooking chamber in which is provided a heating elements and a refrigeration unit chamber in which is provided a refrigeration unit. The refrigeration unit is fluidly connected to the cooking chamber. Both the heating element and the refrigeration unit are selectively operable to either cool or heat the cooking chamber to thereby cool or heat a food item located therein. The refrigeration unit as preferably modular refrigeration unit that the slid into and out of the refrigeration unit chamber. Preferably, the refrigeration unit includes an evaporator that is thermally isolate is from a condenser. The condenser as preferably conductively coupled to a base supporting the elements of the modular refrigeration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Dianne D. Mueller, Ralph Tate, Jr., Brent A. Junge, Joseph L. Coleman, Jan M. Watson, Steven R. Cawley
  • Publication number: 20100269709
    Abstract: A Universal Expandable Splash Guard for Cookware of the present invention includes a substantially planar, yet flexible panel that is positionable around the rim of a pot or pan and removably attachable thereto. The panel, in a preferred embodiment, is made of a heat-tolerant durable yet flexible material, such as silicone, that may be formed with a receiver slot or clips to receive the upper rim of a pot or pan. Alternatively, the panel may be made from an aluminum foil. The Universal Expandable Splash Guard for Cookware can then be attached to the cookware for the duration of the cooking process, and then easily removed for cleaning and storage. An alternative embodiment of the Universal Expandable Splash Guard for Cookware includes a cylindrical tube positioned atop a circular planar panel that is formed with a hole the same size of the interior diameter of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Yair I. Abed
  • Publication number: 20100260910
    Abstract: A device to bake farinaceous foods such as cakes, cookies, breads, pies, and pizzas more rapidly and flavorfully, with retention of desire food textures and reduced risk of burning by the use of intermittent application of radiant energy. The preferred embodiment rotates farinaceous ingredients in front of a radiant heat source. The preferred embodiment may control oven temperatures by regulating the amount of outside cool air fan forced into the oven cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: RONCO ACQUISITION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan L. Backus, Ron Popeil
  • Patent number: 7798057
    Abstract: A cooking device comprises a cooking surface and a wall structure that extends away with respect to the cooking surface. Examples of the cooking device include a closure configured to be moved with respect to the wall structure from a first position to a second position. Access to the cooking surface is provided when the closure is oriented in the first position and the closure is configured to cooperate with the wall structure to define a cooking chamber when the closure is oriented in the second position. A handle can be attached to the closure, wherein the closure is configured to move from the second position to the first position by moving the handle away with respect to the wall structure. In addition or alternatively, the cooking device may include a rotisserie device with an arm configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position with respect to the wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas K. Ritterling
  • Patent number: 7762182
    Abstract: A tilting handle for pans is integral with a supporting extension, to which is rotatably coupled a projection rotatable about a horizontal axis, the two sides of the supporting extension and rotary projection including slots therein mutually facing swinging pins arranged along a cross axis of the handle are engaged, the handle including a swinging lever which may swing against an urging spring and comprises a detent tooth engageable with a detent step of the supporting extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ballarini Paolo & Figli S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Garziera
  • Patent number: 7739948
    Abstract: A device to bake farinaceous foods such as cakes, cookies, breads, pies, and pizzas more rapidly and flavorfully, with retention of desire food textures and reduced risk of burning by the use of intermittent application of radiant energy. The preferred embodiment rotates farinaceous ingredients in front of a radiant heat source. The preferred embodiment may control oven temperatures by regulating the amount of outside cool air fan forced into the oven cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Ronco Acquisition Corporation
    Inventors: Alan L. Backus, Ronald M. Popeil
  • Patent number: 7717031
    Abstract: A cooker having a base unit and a cover. The cover including a top and bottom ends. The bottom end having a circular edge extending straight and upwardly therefrom to form an annular wall. The annular wall further extending inwardly to form a top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Randall Cornfield
  • Patent number: 7707929
    Abstract: An improved outdoor cooking apparatus features a specially configured pot with multiple specially configured cooking inserts and burner frame that supports a burner element. One insert is a rack that can be used for cooking one or more whole poultry carcasses. Another insert is a perforated basket that can be used to hold items to be cooked. The pot has a lower tapered section that includes a tapering downwardly sidewall or walls meeting a smaller, generally rectangular bottom panel. The pot has an upper section with a larger transverse cross section than the pot bottom, preferably comprised of generally vertically oriented side all sections. The basket can be correspondingly shaped to the contour of the pot interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventors: Norman R Bourgeois, Michael P. Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 7707928
    Abstract: A vertical rotisserie sub-assembly, comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a motor; (c) an energy source; (d) a switch; (e) a rotating member; (f) a lower suspending member; and (g) an upper suspending member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Robert A. Kamps