Movably Supported Surfaces Patents (Class 99/377)
  • Patent number: 11607076
    Abstract: A waffle iron plate for forming a waffle having multiple scores, the plate comprising a base having a front surface and at least two spaced-apart ribs extending from the front surface of the base and configured to form the scores, whereby the waffle may be folded along the scores so as to have a bottom portion and two side portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: The Fast Family Trust
    Inventors: Brian J. Fast, Ryan Adams
  • Patent number: 10687665
    Abstract: A waffle iron comprises textured upper, lower, and perimeter heatable plates that can be assembled to create a cavity into which batter and other prepared ingredients are dispensed to cook a waffle having sufficient depth to feature a waffle pattern along its top and bottom faces as well as along its thickness and to fully contain within its batter separate, prepared ingredients which are enclosed within the waffle to make a single unit and can be eaten in its entirety by hand without having to fold the waffle around those ingredients, sandwich those ingredients between waffles, or use any other means to keep the waffle from separating from the ingredients. The waffle can be visually inspected for doneness during the cooking process or removed from the assembled unit once cooked by separating the individual plates. Electronic means may also be employed to monitor or alert of doneness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Michael LaVelle Bradford
  • Patent number: 10485239
    Abstract: A waffle iron comprises textured upper, lower, and perimeter heatable plates that can be assembled to create a cavity into which batter and other prepared ingredients are dispensed to cook a waffle having sufficient depth to feature a waffle pattern along its top and bottom faces as well as along its thickness and to fully contain within its batter separate, prepared ingredients which are enclosed within the waffle to make a single unit and can be eaten in its entirety by hand without having to fold the waffle around those ingredients, sandwich those ingredients between waffles, or use any other means to keep the waffle from separating from the ingredients. The waffle can be visually inspected for doneness during the cooking process or removed from the assembled unit once cooked by separating the individual plates. Electronic means may also be employed to monitor or alert of doneness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Michael LaVelle Bradford
  • Patent number: 9820609
    Abstract: A waffle iron plate for forming a waffle having multiple scores, the plate comprising a base having a front surface and at least two spaced-apart ribs extending from the front surface of the base and configured to form the scores, whereby the waffle may be folded along the scores so as to have a bottom portion and two side portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: THE FAST FAMILY TRUST
    Inventors: Brian J. Fast, Ryan Adams
  • Publication number: 20150033954
    Abstract: A cooking appliance includes an upper housing having a first heating surface and a lower housing operatively connected to the upper housing. The lower housing has a second heating surface having a plurality of apertures therethrough for facilitating the egress of cooking juices from the second heating surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: KAM FAI FUNG, KIN MAN LAI
  • Publication number: 20150033953
    Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a lower housing having a first heating plate, a pair of opposed frame members operatively connected to the lower housing, the frame members including a guide track formed therein, and an upper housing having a second heating plate and a guiding wheel on opposed sides of the upper housing. The guiding wheel is received in the guide track such that the upper housing is selectively movable along the guide track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: Kam Fai Fung, Kin Man Lai
  • Patent number: 8910566
    Abstract: A grilling device comprises an upper shell and a lower shell, an upper pan disposed on the lower surface of the upper pan and a lower pan disposed on the top surface of the lower shell, and electric heating tubes disposed on the rear sides of the pans, wherein the top surface of the lower pan is slant from two sides to the middle portion, and the shape of the lower surface of the upper pan is cooperated with the shape of the top surface of the lower pan. When cooking, the oil will flow to the middle and will be discharged out from the opening in the middle. The steam can be discharged from two sides because the pan is lower in middle and higher in two sides. Steam is prevented from being discharged from front side. The arc surface has more cooking surface in the same size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yixin Zhan
  • Patent number: 8893611
    Abstract: The invention concerns a center arm for holding an upper contact grilling or roasting plate, the center arm having a substantially vertical supporting section and a holding section which is arranged pivotably on the vertical supporting section and to which the upper contact grilling or roasting plate can be attached, which is distinguished in that a device for fixing the holding section relative to the supporting section is associated with the holding section, the fixing device comprising a control element and a latch device, and the control element being capable of being brought into engagement with the latch device for fixing the holding section in different pivot positions relative to the supporting section, and out of engagement for free pivoting of the holding section relative to the supporting section. Furthermore, the invention concerns a contact grilling or roasting device having such a center arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: H.H. Scholz KG
    Inventors: Kay Scholz, Otto Langguth, Karsten Anklam
  • Patent number: 8846124
    Abstract: A method for forming a pressed, baked food product including providing a dough intermediate puck. The dough intermediate puck is processed through a first, compression station that applies a compression force and heat to the dough intermediate puck, resulting in a pressed puck. The pressed puck is processed through a second, dwell and heating station that contacts opposing major surfaces of the pressed puck in a manner allowing the pressed puck to naturally rise and applies heat to the puck, resulting in a pressed, at least partially-baked, food product. The above steps are characterized by continuous movement of the puck from an upstream end of the first station to a downstream end of the second station. In one embodiment, residual heat from the first station is applied in the second station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Heinzen
  • Patent number: 8833243
    Abstract: A grill includes a lower platen assembly having a lower grilling surface and a pivotally attached upper platen assembly having an upper grilling surface. The upper platen assembly includes three motors encased in a shell. A cable attached to each motor suspends the upper grilling surface. The grill is automatically calibrated to ensure that the upper grilling surface is level. Each motor independently and sequentially raises the upper grilling surface from the lower grilling surface. When the upper grilling surface lifts from the lower grilling surface, the current in the motor changes. The settings of each motor at this instant are stored in a control to determine the calibration point when the upper grilling surface is level. The grill also automatically recognizes a food item placed on the lower grilling surface to determine the cooking parameters of the grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Sands, Robert K. Newton, Ronald J. Glavan
  • Patent number: 8807020
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a toaster appliance in which an upper grilling plate is typically hinged to the lower grilling plate in a manner to be rotatable relative to said lower plate. The position of said upper plate relative to said lower plate is conventionally adjusted by means of a handle having predetermined locking positions according to the present invention. Said handle is provided with a connection device having a predetermined locking position, which is set to a perpendicular position of said upper plate relative to said lower plate. Said locking position is determined by a plurality of slots into which a set of spring loaded balls engages within said connection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Eksen Makine Sanayi ve Ticaret
    Inventor: Besim Tahincioglu
  • Publication number: 20140216269
    Abstract: A cooking device comprises a bottom pan comprising a plurality of bottom compartments being configured to separately contain food items during a cooking process. A top pan covers the bottom compartments to separately retain the food items. A hinge mechanism enables the top pan and the bottom pan to swing apart. A clasp mechanism retains the top pan to the bottom pan in a closed position. A handle is joined to the bottom pan for placing the retained top pan and the bottom pan on a heat source. The handle comprises a length sufficient to enable the user to maintain a safe distance from the heat source during the cooking process, and to enable the user to flip over the retained top pan and the bottom pan in which the food items remain separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Erik B. Cooley
  • Publication number: 20140076175
    Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature auto-compensation grill, which includes an upper grilling unit, a lower grilling unit and a heating circuit. The upper grilling unit rotating connects to the lower grilling unit and rotates between a first position and a second position; the grill is in the first status when the upper grilling unit is situated in the first position; the grill is in the second status when the upper grilling unit is situated in the second position; the heating circuit includes: a heater, one end of which attaches to one electrode of the power; a first thermostat, one end of which attaches to the other end of the heater; a second thermostat, one end of which attaches to the other end of the heater; and a change-over switch, which connects to the other electrode of the power and the first thermostat in the first status, the change-over switch connects to the other electrode of the power and the second thermostat in the second status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: TSANN KUEN (ZHANGZHOU) ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yixin ZHAN
  • Patent number: 8601940
    Abstract: A food press utensil is disclosed that varies incrementally as needed a weight of the utensil for pressing and cooking different food items on a cooking surface, wherein weight adjustment of the food press, by stacking of a plurality of food presses or other compatible weights, results in even heat distribution on the food to allow for uniform cooking and browning. The food press further can comprise a plurality of apertures through the body of the food press, to allow steam to vent and thus to prevent the food from becoming soggy as it cooks. The food press also can be made to accommodate a surface area of the food that exceeds a surface area of the food press, and thus can be used in any pan or griddle. The invention further can comprise a scraper surface to effect debris removal and preparation of the food cooking surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce M. Hill
  • Patent number: 8573117
    Abstract: A charbroiler having both heated grids and at least one radiant heater and a method of charbroiling a food product are disclosed. Each heat source of the charbroiler may be an independently regulated heat source. The independently regulated heat sources may be adjusted to each contribute to the overall cooking of a food product in a cooking cycle. Each of the independently regulated heat sources may be any heat source capable of being regulated either manually or automatically by a cooking control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: CFA Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger H. Shealy, Dan M. Reep
  • 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: 8365655
    Abstract: A barbecue stove includes a body, a cover, a storage device, two primary feet and two secondary feet. The cover is pivotally connected to the body. The storage device is attached to the body. The primary feet are attached to the body. The secondary feet are attached to the storage device. The barbecue stove lies on the primary feet in use and stands on the secondary feet in storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Arlo Lin
    Inventor: Jan-Nan Chen
  • Patent number: 8100051
    Abstract: The invention concerns a centre arm for holding an upper contact grilling or roasting plate, the centre arm having a substantially vertical supporting section and a holding section which is arranged pivotably on the vertical supporting section and to which is attached the contact grilling or roasting plate, and in the holding section being arranged a device for weight relief for the upper contact grilling or roasting plate to be fitted on the holding section, the device for weight relief including at least one guide means which is constructed and designed at one end for pivotable mounting and on which is movably arranged a sliding element, a return element arranged on the free end of the guide means and secured by a stop means between the sliding element and the stop means, and also an adjusting device which can be actuated by means of an actuating element for varying the distance between the sliding element and the stop means in the longitudinal direction of the guide means, which is distinguished in that th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: H.H. Scholz KG
    Inventors: Kay Scholz, Otto Langguth, Karsten Anklam
  • Patent number: 8087350
    Abstract: The invention concerns a prepayment device for dispensing French fries. The pre-cooked and frozen French fries are discharged from storage, and a determined amount is weighed corresponding to one or more portions. The French fries are then received by a receiver which moves between the weighing zone, and the cooking zone, followed by conveyance of the discharged and transported cooked French fries to a container from storage. The device uses a swinging movement of the receiver, enabling the French fries to be mixed and turned ensuring that they are homogeneously cooked. An additional feature of the device is that the cooked French fries are discharged with a tilting movement about an axis towards the transport for the cooked French fries to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Annick Morin
  • Publication number: 20110177222
    Abstract: A dual-sided cooking device is provided that determines whether the upper and lower cooking platens are substantially parallel to each other when in a cooking position. In addition, the method and device in accordance with the invention are capable of identifying a type of food item placed on a lower cooking platen of a two-sided cooking grill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Manuel Calzada, Ron Dorsten, Mike Zagorski
  • Patent number: 7966928
    Abstract: A food press utensil is disclosed that varies incrementally as needed a weight of the utensil for pressing and cooking different food items on a cooking surface, wherein weight adjustment of the food press, by stacking of a plurality of food presses or other compatible weights, results in even heat distribution on the food to allow for uniform cooking and browning. The food press further can comprise a plurality of apertures through the body of the food press, to allow steam to vent and thus to prevent the food from becoming soggy as it cooks. The food press also can be made to accommodate a surface area of the food that exceeds a surface area of the food press, and thus can be used in any pan or griddle. The invention further can comprise a scraper surface to effect debris removal and preparation of the food cooking surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Bruce M. Hill
  • Patent number: 7963215
    Abstract: An electromagnetic induction heating grill toaster that includes a first casing body, a first baking tray, a second casing body, and a second baking tray. The first casing body has a first electromagnetic induction element, a first micro-crystal plate, and a control element. The first baking tray is detachably disposed on the first casing body. The second casing body has one side pivoted on one side of the first casing body and has a second electromagnetic induction element and a second micro-crystal plate. The second baking tray is detachably disposed on the second casing body. The present invention utilizes the advantage of quick heating of electromagnetic induction, in order to reduce the amount of time users need to wait for the grill toast to preheat. Hence, the present invention not only reduces power use, but also saves time for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (China) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Ching Ho, Shih-Wei Tung, Yi-Hao Lin, Jr-Ren Ji
  • Publication number: 20110107921
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a grilling device with automatic rotation function, comprising a base seat and a grilling pan unit rotatably disposed on the base seat; wherein said grilling pan has a pivot rotatably pivoted on the base seat. The grilling device as presented further comprises a control unit, a motor connected to the control unit and a transmission unit connected between the motor and the pivot, said motor and said transmission unit are installed on the base seat. Because the control unit, motor and transmission unit are cooperated with each other to form an automatic mechanism, so the rotation of the grilling pan unit can be controlled automatically, the operation is simpler and more convenient, the rotational angle and the rotational time of the grilling pan unit can be precisely controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yixin ZHAN, Hwai-Hsiang Kuo
  • Publication number: 20100275788
    Abstract: The present invention provides a grilling device. It comprises two grilling units and a gridiron unit, said two grilling units are rotably connected, said gridiron unit comprises: a fixed seat mounted on one grilling device and disposed with a sliding slot; and a supporting unit slidably connected to the sliding slot and slides between a first position and a second position, the ends of the two second rods extend outside radially to form two cross rods, a fixed rod is fixed between the ends of two cross rods, said two cross rods cooperates with fixed rod to form a supporting platform for steadily supporting the upper grilling unit. Said gridiron shelf is fixed on the bottom of lower grilling unit by the fixed shelf. Because the orientation of said gridiron is precise, the structure is simple and it is convenient to operate, thereby the production and assembly cost will be effectively reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chunyu WU, Jianyang XU
  • Publication number: 20100212513
    Abstract: A frying-roasting device is provided. The frying roasting device comprises a lower roasting plate element, an upper roasting plate element and a rotating controlling element. The upper roasting plate element is pivoted to the lower roasting plate element. The upper roasting plate element has an upper pivoting portion. The upper pivoting portion is provided with an upper pivoting opening and at least one stopper projecting from the upper pivoting opening radially. The rotating controlling element is pivoted to the lower roasting plate element and locates in the upper pivoting opening. The rotating controlling element at least comprises a toggle with the first end and the second end that are set oppositely. The first end or the second end selectively leans against the stoppers in the upper pivoting opening so that the position of the upper roasting plate element relative to the lower roasting plate element can be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: TSANN KUEN(CHINA) ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chenwei Huang, Chunhua Li
  • Publication number: 20100132566
    Abstract: There is provided a toaster grill having a lower housing that supports a lower cooking surface and an upper housing that supports an upper cooking surface. The upper housing pivots with respect to a “U” shaped frame that is hinged with respect to the lower cooking surface. A locking hinge allows the pivoting motion of the frame to be automatically arrested in an intermediate orientation between the fully closed and fully open grill orientations. The locking hinge automatically resets when the upper housing is rotated from the fully open grill orientation to the fully closed orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Breville Pty Limited
    Inventors: Daniel Serra, Richard Hoare
  • Patent number: 7726235
    Abstract: A relatively compact cooking assembly includes means for selectively positioning a cooking element above several cooking zones of a lower grill. In addition to a lower heated metal surface having several cooking zones, which may be delineated by vertical barriers or splash plates, the system includes an upper assembly comprising an upper member in which a radiant heating element is positioned, said assembly being adapted to fit over the back splash plate of the grill and extending the depth (back to front) of the grill, and further adapted to be raised or lowered and selectively raised or lowered as well as positioned by a sliding motion above a designated zone in predetermined sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: In-N-Out Burgers
    Inventor: Howard Jay Frantz
  • Publication number: 20100107897
    Abstract: The invention concerns a centre arm for holding an upper contact grilling or roasting plate, the centre arm having a substantially vertical supporting section and a holding section which is arranged pivotably on the vertical supporting section and to which the upper contact grilling or roasting plate can be attached, which is distinguished in that a device for fixing the holding section relative to the supporting section is associated with the holding section, the fixing device comprising a control element and a latch device, and the control element being capable of being brought into engagement with the latch device for fixing the holding section in different pivot positions relative to the supporting section, and out of engagement for free pivoting of the holding section relative to the supporting section. Furthermore, the invention concerns a contact grilling or roasting device having such a centre arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: H.H. Scholz KG
    Inventors: Kay Scholz, Otto Langguth, Karsten Anklam
  • Publication number: 20100024662
    Abstract: A waffle maker comprises a grill that is rotatable with respect to a base about a rotational axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: ALAN D. BENGTSON, MICHAEL K. PATTON, ROSARIO CIANCIMINO, JOHN B. LEDINGHAM
  • Publication number: 20090320694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic wafer baking apparatus (1) for baking wafers from a liquid or pasty dough, said apparatus (1) comprising at least two baking moulds (2), each having one pair of top (3) and lower (4) baking plates, said apparatus (1) further comprising moving means (5, 6, 7) for moving at least one plate relative to the other so that each baking mould (2) can move from a closed configuration to an open configuration, heating means for heating the plates (3, 4) to a predetermined baking temperature, means for injecting a predetermined quantity of dough between the baking plates (3, 4) of each mould (2), and means (12, 13) for removing a baked wafer from a baking mould (2), characterized in that each baking mould (2) is stationary in the apparatus (1) and is independent from the other(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: Nicholas Tyers Parsons
  • Patent number: 7514655
    Abstract: An electric grill for use to create healthier meals is disclosed. The electric grill comprises a support structure which holds a top heating section and a bottom heating section connected by a hinge. The hinge allows for a wide range of movement whereby the top heating section may be face to face with the bottom heating section, may be perpendicular, or may be at a 180 degree angle. Moreover, the top and bottom heating sections may be tilted such that excess grease, oils and juices may be separated from the food being cooked. The electric grill disclosed herein also may include a digital read-out display and a user input keypad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignees: Products of Tomorrow, Inc., South Asia International
    Inventors: Juan Fernandez, Paul Mc Grath, Raymond Hoi Tak Lam
  • Publication number: 20080276809
    Abstract: A roasting device (11) suitable for roasting meat comprising a rotatable spit (18) on which, in use, the meat is located and in which the primary heating effect is supplied by two or more heating units (12) located respectively on opposite sides of the spit adjacent the longitudinal axis of the spit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Angela King
  • Publication number: 20080257169
    Abstract: A waffle baking appliance includes a waffle iron pivotally mounted to a stationary base, the waffle iron being pivotable between a first disposition and a second inverted disposition, baking heat being appliable to the waffle iron in both the first and the second dispositions. A method for baking a waffle is further included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Tienor, Justun C. Seymour
  • Publication number: 20080196595
    Abstract: A cooking appliance is provided which includes a lower heating assembly and an upper heating assembly. The lower heating assembly includes a lower cooking surface, and the upper heating assembly includes an upper cooking surface. The upper cooking surface is translatable relative to the lower cooking surface in at least a substantially vertical manner, wherein the upper cooking surface and lower cooking surface remain substantially parallel to one another when the upper cooking surface translates relative to the lower cooking surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Arvind G. Krishnan, Christopher Matthew D'Eramo
  • Publication number: 20080115676
    Abstract: A retractable structure of a grill includes a lower grill base with a connecting groove at a rear end of the lower grill base and a limit portion on the connecting groove, and an upper grill cover and the lower grill base define a space for containing a foodstuff. The upper grill cover has a combining portion connected to the connecting groove, and the combining portion has a limit member to define a limit relation, such that the upper grill cover is connected horizontally with the lower grill base for providing a displacement travel and a rotation travel of the foodstuff. The upper grill cover can be turned over from the lower grill base and moved horizontally to fit the thickness of different foodstuffs. The distance between the upper grill cover and the lower grill base can be adjusted to evenly heat the whole surface of the foodstuff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Samson Tsen
  • Patent number: 7109442
    Abstract: A grill is provided that has an upper housing having a first heating plate removably connected thereto, a lower housing having a second heating plate removably connected thereto, and an arm FOR connecting to the upper housing at a first pivot point and connecting to the lower housing at a second pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: Howard I. Steinberg, Michelle Carillo, Jill Kreutzer Orent, Amy Geiger, Maria Aljoburi, Erica Petrow, Amy Risinit
  • Patent number: 7094991
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for warming tortillas and other foods. The device operates with a standard electric alternating current ranging from 110 to 120 volts in the US and 220v–240v in other countries. This appliance is to be used in homes or in businesses for the purpose of warming either corn or flour tortillas in quantities ranging from one up to six at a time. The electric current provides energy to heater elements located within the unit and thus provide the heat necessary to warm the tortillas placed on a plurality of circular loading trays. The loading trays are specially designed to lock-in-place in the open and closed positions and are designed to work with a vertical pivot tube which allows the loading trays a pivot-swivel action for efficiency in the loading and unloading of tortillas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: IJN International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan J. Naranjo, Pedro M. Ojeda
  • Patent number: 7021199
    Abstract: The household electrical appliance comprises a support and a waffle-iron which pivots on the support about an axis and which has a pivot pivotally mounted on a bearing carried by the support. In the invention, the pivot is secured to a first panel of the waffle-iron and has a housing which is adapted, when the two panels are in the closed position, to receive a locking element secured to the other panel, and the bearing has an opening disposed so as to allow the locking element to pass freely for opening and closing the waffle-iron when it is in its working position, and to prevent the two panels from opening when it is in its upside-down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Seb SA
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Lubowicki, Denis Gruaz
  • Patent number: 6878904
    Abstract: A grilling station for simultaneously grilling a variety of foods. The station includes a plurality of grilling ovens. Each of the grilling ovens has a housing with an opening for loading food into that housing. A first grilling unit is mounted in each housing for supporting food. A second grilling unit is mounted in each housing positionable above each respective first grilling unit and being vertically moveable in relation to the respective first grilling unit. The first and second grilling units in each of the housings connected to a respective control assembly to determine selectively the length of time energy is supplied to the grilling units providing selective separate grilling times in each of the housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Nicholas G. Verveniotis
  • Patent number: 6860191
    Abstract: A waffle baker grill for producing a waffle product, including a first heating plate having a first surface and a first peripheral wall extending from the first surface to a predetermined distance. The first peripheral wall includes a first side and a second side. A second heating plate has a second surface and a second peripheral wall extending from the second surface to the predetermined distance. The second peripheral wall includes at least a third side and a fourth side. The second heating plate is pivotally connected to the first heating plate to move between a closed position and an open position. The first and second surfaces include at least one scoring flange extending to a distance less than the predetermined distance. The waffle produced from the grill may be divided into a plurality of waffle sticks along score lines created by the scoring flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Procter-Silex, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lee Jackson, Jeffrey Thomas Mauch, Xiaogang Guo
  • Patent number: 6782804
    Abstract: A fry pan with its position angle adjustable includes a body, a tightening device and a base. The body has an upper plate and a lower plate capable of being tightened by the tightening device. The body has a shaft and is pivotally connected to the base by the shaft. The base has a position device connected with the body. The body can be adjusted in its desired position angle by the shaft functioning as a pivot and then is tightened by the position device at the adjusted sloping angle for fat to flow down easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Kenny Lin
  • Patent number: 6595114
    Abstract: The electrically-powered cooker has a base that pivotally supports a clam shell-type cooking unit having two independently pivotal cooking halves, each half being provided with its own hot plate. One or more dished recesses are provided in the bottom half of the unit, while a matching set of slightly raised bosses are provided on the top half. Each cooking half has its own separate electrically energized heating element to raise the temperature of the corresponding hot plate to the desired level. In use, the cooking unit is initially opened with the two halves laid open on opposite sides of the base and with the hot plates facing upwardly. After batter is poured into the dished receptacles of the bottom half and allowed to cook, the top half is closed upon it and latched, whereupon the closed unit is flipped over onto the opposite side of the base to flip the pancakes contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Select Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Endres, W. Eric Endres, Duane K. Smith, Mark T. Krasne
  • Patent number: 6412400
    Abstract: A baking assembly for preparing a baked filled waffle is disclosed. The baking assembly comprises an upper plate and a lower plate each of the plates having a baking surface with a plurality of outer pyramids and a plurality of inner pyramids. Each of the outer pyramids have a height that is greater than the height of the inner pyramids. The upper plate is receivable on the lower plate and when so received the outer pyramids of the upper plate align with the outer pyramids of the inner plate to form a plurality of pinch points. The inner pyramids of the upper plate align with the inner pyramids of the lower plate when the upper plate is received on the lower plate and thereby form a pocket region defined between the inner pyramids of the upper plate and the inner pyramids of the lower plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: Charles Gambino, Mark King, Michael J. Bauman
  • Patent number: 6321639
    Abstract: Prior ice cream cone baking machines were manually raised and lowered, causing the cone to be sometimes overcooked or burnt. The present invention automatically raises the upper cooking plate after a pre-set cooking time, and maintains the baked cake at a warm temperature until removed from the lower cooking plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Vincenzo Misceo
  • Patent number: 6194017
    Abstract: An apparatus and method easily and quickly produce multiple holes in a dough layer. An apparatus according to the invention includes a top portion, a number of pins supported by the top portion in a fixed pattern, and a base portion having a number of holes arranged in a fixed pattern corresponding to the pins of the top portion. Structure, such as a hinge, is provided to lower the top portion toward the base portion and to guide the pins through a dough layer placed between the top portion and base portion and into the holes. A number of openings in the dough layer are thus produced. A corresponding method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Pizza Hut, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Woodward, James E. Mabe, Jr., Malcolm F. Dyer
  • Patent number: 6167796
    Abstract: A waffle baker is disclosed which is of tubular frame construction having a pair of shell members which have a food receiving part, a handle, and a hinge. The shell members include a heater coil for connecting to a power source and a thermocouple to monitor the heat index of the shell members. A timing system is incorporated into the system, preferably through a magnetic and proximity switch, such that the baker turning and cooking time is monitored with either visual and/or audio warnings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: New Carbon Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Irvin E. Wright, Rodney L. Osborne, Paul E. George, II
  • Patent number: 6148718
    Abstract: Apparatus for forming and baking food particles into a unified, shaped product, e.g., shaped like pizza, has heated top and bottom plates, the mating faces of which have recesses and protrusions for molding the desired shaped product. The bottom plate is in two parts that are abutted together when food particles are deposited thereon and during a baking period with the top plate placed thereon. After raising the top plate, the two bottom parts are moved apart to release the baked, shaped product. Cooked pasta, such as spaghetti, can be formed into a pizza-like shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: SBJR Restaurants Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. D'Alterio
  • Patent number: 6136361
    Abstract: An apparatus for compressing and baking fluid food under pressure to form unified shaped products has a heated metal mold bottom with a cavity and a heated metal mold top connected to the piston rod of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder positioned for alternately pressing the mold top down against the mold bottom and lifting it away from the mold bottom. A hinge-like connection attached along a side of the mold bottom and a reversible drive mechanism associated with the hinge-like connection serve to swing the mold bottom over to an inverted position and then back to the molding position. The simple apparatus automatically ejects the molded food product from the inverted mold bottom. A siamese pair of mold bottoms united back-to-back are preferred for large-scale production of molded food shapes. Every inversion of a siamese pair of mold bottoms can discharge a molded product and form another molded product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: SBJR Restaurants Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. D'Alterio
  • Patent number: 6044755
    Abstract: Prior ice cream cone baking machines were manually raised and lowered, causing the cone to be sometimes overcooked or burnt. The present invention automatically raises the upper cooking plate after a pre-set cooking time, and maintains the baked cake at a warm temperature until removed from the lower cooking plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Vincenzo Misceo
  • Patent number: 6016741
    Abstract: An electric grill for cooking hamburgers and other foodstuffs includes a first grill plate assembly adapted for use atop a kitchen countertop, table top, or other horizontal support surface, a second grill plate assembly connected by a hinge arrangement to the first grill plate assembly in a clamshell arrangement, and a bun warmer portion of the second grill plate assembly that defines a compartment adapted to hold at least one bun (e.g., a hamburger bun) in order to warm the bun. In one embodiment, the bun warmer portion of the second grill plate assembly includes a metal plate adapted to support the bun, and a vented transparent lid over the plate. The first grill plate assembly may include an electric grill plate with an inclined cooking surface that slopes to facilitate grease runoff to a drip tray, and components in the form of leg extensions for adjusting the height of the first cooking surface above the horizontal support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuan-Song Tsai, Michael G. Hu