CN110604454A - Cooking apparatus and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooking apparatus and a method thereof. A cooking apparatus is disclosed having a vacuum tube of double wall construction with a vacuum formed therebetween. The vacuum tube includes a hollow space for placing a material to be cooked. The cooking apparatus further comprises a cover configured to close the hollow space of the vacuum tube. The cooking apparatus further comprises an electric heating element arranged within the vacuum tube. The cooking apparatus is adapted to collect heating energy from the electric heating element for cooking a material placed in the hollow space.

Description

Cooking apparatus and method thereof

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to food appliances, and more particularly to cooking apparatuses and methods.

Background

Humans found cooking food with a fire about 35 million years ago, but the basic techniques of cooking remain approximately the same. For example, uncooked food material is placed in a container and then directly over a heat source, such as wood, gas, or electric heating. Recently, there have been many innovations and improvements in cooking technology, such as microwave ovens, crockery pots, induction cooker tops, and the like. In addition, other innovations include non-stick pans and special cookware for popcorn, toast and barbeque, among other food products.

However, there is little innovation in optimizing the amount of heating energy required to prepare a meal, particularly in reducing the amount of heating energy required or (more efficiently using the same) cooking. Furthermore, outdoor cooking has been a challenge.

Accordingly, in view of the above discussion, there is a need to overcome the above disadvantages of conventional cooking.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention provides a cooking apparatus.

The invention also provides a cooking method.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a cooking apparatus including a vacuum tube of a double wall construction having a vacuum formed between the double wall construction. The vacuum tube includes a hollow space for placing a material to be cooked. The cover is configured to close the hollow space of the vacuum tube. The cooking apparatus further comprises an electric heating element arranged within the vacuum tube. The cooking apparatus is adapted to collect heating energy from the heating element for cooking a material placed in the hollow space.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for cooking. The method includes placing a material to be cooked in a hollow space of a vacuum tube having a double wall construction, and creating a vacuum between the double wall construction. The method further includes closing the hollow space of the vacuum tube with a cover and providing heating energy through the heating element for cooking the material placed in the hollow space.

Embodiments of the present invention substantially eliminate or at least partially solve the aforementioned problems in the background and provide an efficient cooking apparatus and method. The cooking apparatus and method are adapted to cook using at least electrical energy. This reduces cooking time and reduces dependence on energy. In particular, the additional heating (which may be solar or electrical) makes the entire cooking process faster. Furthermore, the vacuum tube of the double-walled structure, which forms a vacuum between the double-walled structures, provides excellent insulation, which significantly reduces the undesired air heating (or cooking time). Furthermore, the cooking apparatus of the present invention is compact and portable, which makes the cooking apparatus more convenient for use for indoor or outdoor cooking, for example in recreational vans, boats, small apartments and the like. Furthermore, the cooking apparatus is configured to use the power supply to provide electrical energy to the electrical heating element, and may also be used as a power supply for appliances such as lamps, radios, cell phones, coffee makers, mixers and the like.

Other aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings and from the detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the appended claims.

It will be appreciated that features of the invention are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Drawings

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings exemplary constructions of the invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings are not drawn to scale. Wherever possible, like elements are designated with like reference numerals.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for cooking according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of various accessories of an apparatus for cooking according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3-5 are block diagrams of an apparatus for cooking according to various embodiments of the present invention; and

fig. 6 illustrates various steps of a cooking method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings, underlined numbers are used to indicate an item in which the underlined numbers are located or an item adjacent to the underlined numbers. The non-underlined number relates to the item identified by the line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is not underlined and is accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify the general item to which the arrow points.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the invention and the manner in which they may be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the invention have been disclosed, those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the invention are possible.

It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular by their reference numerals, fig. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus 100 for cooking according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 100 includes a vacuum tube 102 of double-walled construction having a vacuum 104 formed between the double-walled construction. Specifically, the vacuum tube 102 is constructed of a double wall, such as an inner wall 106 and an outer wall 108 (constituting a double wall construction), with a vacuum 104 formed therebetween. The vacuum tube 102 includes a hollow space 110 for receiving therein a material to be cooked (not shown). As shown, the vacuum tube 102 is configured to have a tubular configuration. Alternatively, the vacuum tube 102 may be configured with other elongated hollow ovoid or polygonal configurations. Further, the vacuum tube 102 (i.e., tubular structure) includes an open end 112 and a closed end 114, wherein the cavity 110 extends from the open end 112 to the closed end 114. Further, as shown, the cavity 110 is oriented in a horizontal manner, i.e., when the apparatus 100 is resting on a support surface, the vacuum tube 102 is configured to lay horizontally. Alternatively, the hollow space 110 may be oriented in a vertical manner, i.e., the vacuum tube 102 may be configured to be placed vertically when the apparatus 100 is resting on a support surface. The vacuum tube 102 is made of one of borosilicate glass, quartz glass, and/or stainless steel.

The cooking apparatus 100 further comprises a base 120 for supporting the vacuum tube 102 on a support surface. As shown, the base 120 is integrally connected with the vacuum tube 102, for example, using glue, welding, or the like. Alternatively, the base 120 may be configured to be removably connected to the vacuum tube 102, such as using a slide rail or the like. In one embodiment, the base 120 may be configured to have a hollow configuration for receiving accessories of the cooking apparatus 100 therein, which may be explained in more detail later.

In one embodiment, cooking apparatus 100 may further include a handle (not shown in fig. 1) that may be disposed on vacuum tube 102. The handle may transport the cooking apparatus 100 from one location to another.

The cooking apparatus 100 further comprises a cover 130, the cover 130 being configured to close the hollow space 110 of the vacuum tube 102. In one example, the cover 130 may also include a double-walled construction with a vacuum (e.g., vacuum tube 102) formed therebetween. Alternatively, the cover 130 may be made of a heat-resistant material containing a heat-insulating material. Examples of insulating materials include, but are not limited to, fiberglass, silicone, plastic, foam glass, and/or ceramic. This configuration of the vacuum tube 102 and the cover 130 makes the cooking apparatus 100 thermally insulated from the heating energy. Specifically, the double-wall construction with a vacuum therebetween provides thermal insulation for capturing (or restoring) heating energy within the vacuum tube 102, thereby effectively cooking the material disposed within the vacuum tube 102. As shown, the cover 130 includes a handle 132 for simultaneously opening and closing the hollow space 110 of the vacuum tube 102 while using the cover 130. Further, the cover 130 may be hingedly connected to the vacuum tube 102, or may be configured with a press fit. Further, the cover 130 may be configured to have a transparent configuration.

The cooking apparatus 100 further comprises an electric heating element 140 arranged within the vacuum tube 102. In particular, the cooking apparatus 100 comprises an insert 142 arranged within the vacuum tube 102 for accommodating the electric heating element 140 therein. For example, the insert 142 is a hollow metal structure disposed inside the vacuum tube 102 and is configured to receive the electrical heating element 140 therein such that the insert 142 conducts heat received from the electrical heating element 140. Further, for example, the electrical heating element 140 is one of a resistance heater, a cermet heating plate, and/or an induction heater.

The cooking apparatus 100 further comprises a power source responsible for providing power to the electric heating element 140. As shown, the power supply includes a cable 150 of an ac adapter (not shown in fig. 1) configured to provide power from the ac power source to the electric heating element 140. In other words, the power source 150 includes an alternating current power source of about 100 to 230 volts (i.e., household power).

In another embodiment, the power source may include a DC power source, such as a battery (not shown in FIG. 1), having a voltage of about 6 to 60 volts. The battery may be accommodated in the base 120 of the cooking apparatus 100. Further, the battery may be one of a rechargeable battery and a non-rechargeable battery. For example, a battery may be electrically coupled to the cable 150 for receiving power from an ac power source and being recharged. In this case, the battery may be operatively associated with an electronic component capable of converting alternating current to direct current.

According to one embodiment, the battery may be rechargeable by solar energy. For example, the cooking apparatus 100 further includes a solar cell panel 160 disposed on the base 120 to supply power to the electric heating element 140. Specifically, the solar panel 160 is operatively coupled to the battery to charge the battery, providing electrical energy to the electrical heating element 140. Further, in one embodiment, the battery may be recharged by regenerative energy, such as wind energy, tidal energy, and the like.

As shown in fig. 1, the cooking apparatus 100 further includes a plurality of accessories for cooking food, such as a cart and a tray. Specifically, the cooking apparatus 100 includes at least one cart, such as cart 170, configured to be received within the hollow space 110 of the vacuum tube 102. In use, the cart 170 rests on the insert 142 and receives material for cooking. For example, the cart 170 is made of metal (or other thermally conductive material) for conducting heat received from the electric heating element 140 to cook the material contained in the cart 170. In addition, the cooking apparatus 100 further comprises at least one tray, such as tray 172, configured to be received in the hollow space 110 of the vacuum tube 120. Similarly, the tray 172 also rests on the insert 142 and receives material for cooking. Specifically, the tray 172 is also made of metal (or other thermally conductive material) for conducting the received heat from the electric heating element 140 to cook the material contained in the tray 172.

Generally, the cart 170 and tray 172 include an open top and a closed bottom that conduct heat. Further, the cart 170 and the tray 172 may be configured to have a shape capable of utilizing the maximum space (for accommodation therein) of the hollow space 110. In one example, the cart 170 may be configured to have a kettle shape. Further, the cart 170 and tray 172 may be configured for use with liquid and/or solid food, i.e., to cook, fry, or grill food material. The cart 170 and tray 172 may also be used to supply cooked food. Further, each cart 170 and tray 172 may be configured with a handle (not shown) for enabling placement and/or removal of the cart 170 and tray 172 from the cavity 110.

Referring now to fig. 2, a schematic diagram of various accessories of an apparatus for cooking is shown, according to an embodiment of the invention. According to one embodiment, cooking apparatus 100 (shown in fig. 1) further includes a sliding drawer 202 configured to be disposed on insert 142 (shown in fig. 1). Specifically, fig. 2 illustrates a side view of the sliding drawer 202, the sliding drawer 202 adapted to be slidably coupled to the inner wall 106 (shown in fig. 1) and configured to contact the insert 142 to receive heating energy from the electrical heating element 140. The sliding drawer 202 is capable of slidably supporting the cart 170 and tray 172 on the insert 142 during cooking. In particular, the sliding drawer 202 enables the trolley 170 and tray 172 (particularly, without handles) to be properly handled, such as by insertion and removal from the cavity 110 with one hand. Also, the sliding drawer 202 may be used to directly support the material to be cooked. Further, the sliding drawer 202 may be made of metal or other thermally conductive material.

The cooking apparatus 100 further comprises a temperature sensor 204 adapted to be arranged within the vacuum tube 102 (shown in fig. 1) for measuring the temperature within the vacuum tube 102. Specifically, the temperature sensor 204 is capable of measuring the temperature within the vacuum tube 102 while cooking. In one example, the temperature sensor 204 is one of a wired temperature sensor (such as a thermocouple or thermistor) and a wireless temperature sensor (such as bluetooth and Wi-Fi based sensors). In addition, the cooking apparatus 100 further includes an external display 206 for showing the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 204. The temperature sensor 204 is operatively coupled to an external display 206 to display the cooking temperature (i.e., the temperature inside the vacuum tube 102). In one embodiment, the external display 206 may be disposed on the cover 130. Further, the external display 206 may be one of an analog display or a digital display.

The cooking apparatus 100 further comprises a convection element 210 having a motor and fan arrangement for providing a flow of air inside the vacuum tube 102 (while cooking). In one embodiment, a convection element 210 may be disposed on the vacuum tube 102 for circulating air within the vacuum tube 102. For example, the convection member 210 includes an elongated tube 212 adapted to be disposed on the inner wall 106 (as shown in fig. 1) of the vacuum tube 102, and a motor and fan device 214 coupled to the elongated tube 212, the motor and fan device 214 circulating air inside the vacuum tube 102 through the elongated tube 212. In one embodiment, the convection element 210 may be powered by a power source, i.e., a battery or an ac power source. In addition, the convection element 210 can control cooking performance based on the internal temperature, humidity, and heating energy provided.

As shown, as shown in fig. 2, the cooking apparatus 100 further includes a control unit 220 operatively connected to the temperature sensor 204. The control unit 220 is configured to control the power provided to the electrical heating element 140 (shown in fig. 1) to control the internal temperature of the vacuum tube 102. According to one embodiment, the control unit 220 is a component of an electronic assembly, such as a processor, printed circuit board, timer, sensor, etc., capable of executing software programs and taking manual input to control the operation of the cooking apparatus 100. For example, the control unit 220 can adjust the power supplied to the electric heating element 140 to adjust the cooking time, the preheating temperature, and the like. Further, the control unit 220 can adjust the power of the electric heating element 140 to adjust the cooking temperature based on the material to be cooked, the cooking style, the humidity, and the like. Also, the control unit 220 can adjust the power supplied to the convection element 210. The control unit 220 may be disposed within the base 120 or on one of the vacuum tube 102 and the cover 130.

In one embodiment, the cooking apparatus 100 further comprises at least one steam vent (not shown) and a control valve for adjusting the steam vent. The steam vent and control valve may be configured on the vacuum tube 102 and/or the lid 130 of the cooking apparatus 100. The steam vents and control valves may also adjust cooking performance based on cooking temperature, cooking materials, cooking style, humidity, etc. It will be apparent that the steam vent and control valve may be operatively coupled to the control unit 220 to be operated.

The cooking apparatus 100 is adapted to collect heating energy for cooking a material placed in the hollow space 110 from at least one electric heating element 140. The electric heating element 140 provides heating energy in addition to that provided by the sun. This improves the cooking performance or efficiency of the cooking apparatus 100. In one example, the temperature range within the evacuated tube 102 (due to the heating energy provided by the electric heating element 140 and the sun) is about 200 ° F to 600 ° F. Furthermore, due to the electric heating element 140, the cooking process becomes weather independent. In addition, the battery of the cooking apparatus 100 may serve as a power source for, for example, a lamp, a radio, a fan, a television, a cellular phone, a computer, a coffee maker, a blender, and the like.

Referring to fig. 3-5, block diagrams of an apparatus for cooking according to various embodiments of the present invention are shown. For example, the apparatus 100 described in connection with fig. 1 may be applicable to various types (or versions) based on its components.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 3, the cooking apparatus 300 may be of a general type, i.e., capable of being used indoors and outdoors, and includes components such as a battery, a regulator, an ac charger, a solar panel, and a charging output. For example, the cooking apparatus 300 includes a controller 302 that may include or control fuse protection, a temperature sensor, 12V output charging, a 3-power output regulator, a solar panel controller, a charging output, and a USB power source. The device 300 also includes an AC adapter 304 (e.g., 100-250V AC converter for 12V DC), an electrical heating element 306, a battery 308 (such as 12V lead acid, 20AH), and a solar panel 310(12V module, 2 x 10 watts). The controller 302 is operatively coupled to an AC adapter 304, an electrical heating element 306, a battery 308, and a solar panel 310. Additionally, it will be apparent that the cooking apparatus 300 may include a vacuum tube (such as vacuum tube 102) and a cover (e.g., cover 130).

Referring now to fig. 4, an indoor-type cooking apparatus 400 is shown, i.e., capable of indoor use, such as in recreational vehicles and boats. Cooking device 400 includes a controller 402 that may include fuse protection, a temperature sensor, an adjustable output regulator, a variable warm-up option, and a timer. The cooking device 400 also includes an AC adapter 404 (such as a 100 VAC 250VAC converter for 12V DC), a high performance electrical heating element 406, and a battery 408 (such as 12V lead acid, 20 AH). The cooking apparatus 400 does not include a solar cell panel (the device 300 shown in fig. 3 includes the solar cell panel 310). However, the apparatus 400 may also include a vacuum tube (such as vacuum tube 102) and a cover (such as cover 130).

In fig. 5, a cooking apparatus 500 of a simplified type is shown, i.e. capable of being used both indoors and outdoors. The cooking apparatus 500 includes a controller 502, which may include fuse protection, a single power output regulator, a spring clip for a battery, and a charging output. The cooking apparatus 500 further comprises an AC adapter 504 (e.g., a 100-volt 250V AC converter for 12V DC), an electrical heating element 506, a battery 508 (such as 12V lead acid, 20AH), and a solar panel 510(12V module, 2 x 10 watts) coupled to the battery 508. The battery 508, electric heating element 506, and AC adapter 504 are further operatively coupled to the controller 502. Cooking apparatus 500 is similar to cooking apparatus 300, however, controller 502 of cooking apparatus 500 includes fewer electronic controls; for example, cooking appliance 500 does not include a separate solar output for solar panel 510 as cooking appliance 300 does. In addition, the apparatus 500 may also include a vacuum tube (such as vacuum tube 102) and a cover (such as cover 130).

Referring now to FIG. 6, steps of a method 600 for cooking are illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, those skilled in the art will recognize that the method 600 illustrates the steps involved in cooking when using the device 100-500, as explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1-5.

At step 602, a material to be cooked is placed within a hollow space of a vacuum tube having a double wall construction with a vacuum created between the double wall construction.

At step 604, the hollow space of the evacuated tube is closed with a cover.

At step 606, heating energy is provided by the electrical heating element for cooking the material placed in the cavity.

Further, steps 602-606 are merely illustrative, and other alternatives may also be provided in which one or more steps are added, removed, or provided in a different order without departing from the scope of the claims herein. For example, the method 600 may employ a power source for providing power to an electrical heating element. The power source may include a dc power source such as a battery of about 6 to 60 volts and an ac power source of about 100 to 230 volts.

Modifications to the embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. The terms "comprising," "including," "incorporating," "consisting," "having," and the like, as used in describing and claiming the present invention, are intended to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, i.e., to allow items, components, or elements not expressly described to be present. References to the singular are also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.

Claims (18)

1. A cooking apparatus comprising:

a vacuum tube of double-wall construction between which a vacuum is generated, the vacuum tube comprising a hollow space for placing a material to be cooked;

a cover configured to close a hollow space of the vacuum tube; and

an electrical heating element disposed within the vacuum tube;

wherein the cooking apparatus is adapted to collect thermal energy from the electric heating element for cooking a material placed in the hollow space.

2. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power source for providing power to the electric heating element.

3. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power source comprises at least one of:

a dc power supply comprising a battery of about 6 to 60 volts; and

about 100 to 230 volts ac.

4. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum tube is configured to have a tubular structure, the hollow space being oriented in one of a horizontal manner and a vertical manner, the tubular structure including an open end and a closed end, the hollow space extending from the open end to the closed end.

5. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum tube is made of one of borosilicate glass, quartz glass, and stainless steel.

6. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a base configured to be removably or integrally coupled to the vacuum tube.

7. The cooking apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a solar panel disposed on the base for providing electrical energy to a power source to provide power to the electrical heating element.

8. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical heating element is one of a resistance heater, a cermet heating plate, and an induction heater.

9. A cooking apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an insert disposed within the vacuum tube for receiving the electric heating element therein.

10. The cooking apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising at least one cart configured to be received in the hollow space of the vacuum tube, wherein the at least one cart rests on the insert and receives material for cooking.

11. The cooking apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising at least one tray configured to be received in the hollow space of the vacuum tube, wherein the at least one tray rests on the insert and receives material for cooking.

12. The cooking apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a sliding drawer disposed on the insert for slidably supporting the at least one cart and the at least one tray on the insert.

13. A cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a double wall construction with a vacuum formed therebetween.

14. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover is made of a heat-resistant material containing a heat-insulating material, the heat-insulating material being at least one of vacuum, fiberglass, silicone, plastic, foam glass, and ceramic.

15. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor disposed within the vacuum tube for measuring a temperature within the vacuum tube and an external display for displaying the measured temperature, wherein the temperature sensor is a wired or wireless temperature sensor.

16. The cooking apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a control unit operatively coupled to the temperature sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to control the power provided to the electrical heating element to control the temperature within the vacuum tube.

17. A cooking apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a convection element comprising a motor and fan arrangement for providing a flow of air within the vacuum tube while cooking.

18. A method of cooking comprising:

placing material to be cooked in a hollow space of a vacuum tube having a double wall construction and creating a vacuum between said double wall construction;

closing the hollow space of the vacuum tube with a cover; and

heating energy is provided by an electric heating element for cooking material placed in the hollow space.