CN214072975U - Cooking system positionable on a support surface - Google Patents

Abstract

A cooking system positionable on a support surface includes a housing having an interior cooking compartment and an opening formed in the housing for accessing the interior cooking compartment. The housing is positionable in a first orientation and a second different orientation about the support surface. At least one heating element is associated with the interior cooking compartment. The at least one heating element is operable in both the first orientation and the second orientation to heat the interior cooking compartment.

Description

Cooking system positionable on a support surface

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a cooking system and, more particularly, to a countertop cooking system operable in both a first position and a second rotated position.

Background

Existing countertop cooking systems, such as ovens and the like, may be used to conveniently warm or cook food. The food is typically inserted into the opening of the oven in a vertical orientation. Thus, the oven is only capable of cooking one slice of dry bread or bagels. If topping ingredients are included on the surface of a food product inserted vertically into the oven, the topping ingredients will likely drip or fall to the bottom of the oven due to gravity. Accordingly, there is a need to develop a countertop oven that can be changed between various orientations based on the type of cooking operation to be performed.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

According to an embodiment, a cooking system positionable on a support surface includes a housing having an interior cooking compartment and an opening formed in the housing for accessing the interior cooking compartment. The housing is positionable in a first orientation and a second different orientation about the support surface. At least one heating element is associated with the interior cooking compartment. The at least one heating element is operable in both the first orientation and the second orientation to heat the interior cooking compartment.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the housing is rotatable about an axis between the first orientation and the second orientation.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments that include a swivel structure coupled to the housing, the swivel structure defines the axis.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the first orientation of the housing is arranged perpendicular to the second orientation of the housing.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the at least one heating element is located within the inner cooking compartment.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the at least one heating element is located remotely from the internal cooking compartment.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, food may be received within the opening in both the first orientation and the second orientation.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the at least one heating element comprises a first heating element and a second heating element.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the first heating element is powered on during the first and second cooking operations and the second heating element is powered on during the first cooking operation and powered off during the second cooking operation.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the cooking system is operable in a plurality of cooking modes, and one or more of the plurality of cooking modes is selectable based on an orientation of the housing.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the cooking system is operable in a first cooking mode of the plurality of cooking modes when the housing is in the first orientation, and the cooking system is operable in a second cooking mode of the plurality of cooking modes when the housing is in the second orientation.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the first cooking mode includes a toasting operation and the second cooking mode includes at least one of a baking, grilling, warming and reheating operation.

According to another embodiment, a cooking system positionable on a support surface includes a housing having an interior cooking compartment and an opening formed in the housing for accessing the interior cooking compartment. The position of the opening may be switched between a first plane and a second plane, the first plane and the second plane being different. At least one heating element is operable to heat the interior cooking compartment. Food items may be inserted into the inner cooking compartment through the opening when the opening is disposed in the first plane and the second plane.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the opening is shiftable between the first plane and the second plane by rotation of the housing about an axis of rotation.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the housing includes a swivel structure connected to the housing, the swivel structure defining the axis of rotation.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the first plane is oriented perpendicular to the second plane.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, in the first plane the opening is arranged horizontally with respect to the support surface and in the second plane the opening is oriented vertically with respect to the support surface.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments the at least one heating element is located within the inner cooking compartment.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the at least one heating element is operable to heat the interior cooking compartment when the opening is in the first plane and the opening is in the second plane.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in other embodiments, the cooking system is operable in a first cooking mode when the opening is in the first plane and the cooking system is operable in a second cooking mode when the opening is arranged in the second plane.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the figure:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking system in a first cooking orientation according to an embodiment;

fig. 2 is another perspective view of the cooking system of fig. 1 in a first cooking orientation, according to an embodiment;

fig. 3 is a perspective view of the cooking system of fig. 1 and 2 in a second cooking orientation, according to an embodiment;

fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cooking system of fig. 3 with a cooking accessory disposed within the internal cooking compartment, according to an embodiment;

fig. 5 is a perspective view of another cooking system in a first cooking orientation according to an embodiment;

fig. 6 is a perspective view of the cooking system of fig. 5 in a second cooking orientation, according to an embodiment;

fig. 7 is a perspective view of another cooking system in a first cooking orientation according to an embodiment;

fig. 8 is a perspective view of the cooking system of fig. 7 in a second cooking orientation, according to an embodiment;

fig. 9 is a perspective view of a load/ejector rod and support member of the cooking system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an end view of a cooking system including a load/ejector rod according to an embodiment;

fig. 11 is a schematic view of an interior cooking compartment of a cooking system according to an embodiment;

fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of a control system of a cooking system according to an embodiment;

fig. 13 is a schematic view of a swivel support of a cooking system according to an embodiment;

fig. 14 is a perspective view of the cooking system in a first cooking orientation according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an end view of a cooking system including a load/ejector rod according to an embodiment;

fig. 16A is a perspective view of at least one food supporting element when the cooking system is in a first cooking orientation, according to an embodiment;

fig. 16B is a perspective view of at least one food supporting element when the cooking system is in a second cooking orientation according to an embodiment;

fig. 17 is a perspective view of the cooking system in a first cooking orientation according to an embodiment;

fig. 18A is an end view of a mechanism for moving a food supporting element of a cooking system when the cooking system is in a first cooking orientation, according to an embodiment;

fig. 18B is an end view of a mechanism for moving a food supporting element of the cooking system when the cooking system is in a second cooking orientation, according to an embodiment;

fig. 19A is an end view of a locking mechanism of a cooking system when the cooking system is in a first cooking orientation, according to an embodiment;

fig. 19B is an end view of the locking mechanism of the cooking system when the cooking system is in the second cooking orientation, according to an embodiment; and

fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism of fig. 19A and 19B, according to an embodiment.

The detailed description explains embodiments of the disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

Detailed Description

Referring now to fig. 1-8, various examples of a cooking system 20 suitable for use on a support surface 22, such as a countertop, are shown. The cooking system 20 includes an insulated housing 24 defining an interior cooking compartment or volume 26. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the housing 24 includes a left side 28, a right side 30, a front 32, a rear 34, and a bottom 36 connected to one another to define an interior cooking compartment 26 therebetween. In an embodiment, the housing 24 additionally includes a top 38 through which a user accesses the internal cooking compartment 26. However, it should be understood that embodiments in which the housing 24 does not include the top 38 or includes the movable top 38 are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown, the top 38 may extend between the left and right sides 28, 30, respectively, and between the front and rear portions 32, 34, respectively. In such embodiments, an opening 40 is formed in the top 38 for providing access to the interior cooking compartment 26 of the housing 24. Although the opening 40 is shown as being exposed, it should be understood that embodiments are within the scope of the present disclosure wherein the top 38 of the housing 24 additionally includes a door (not shown) that selectively seals the opening 40. Further, the housing 24 is shown in fig. 1-8 as an outer housing of the cooking system 20, however, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the housing described herein may refer to an inner housing disposed within a separate outer shell or housing 24.

As best shown in the figures, at least one food supporting element 42 is disposed within the interior cooking compartment 26 of the housing 24 and is operable to position and retain a food item within the interior cooking compartment 26. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the at least one food supporting element 42 includes a first food supporting element 42a positioned adjacent a first inner surface 46 of the inner cooking compartment 26 and a second food supporting element 42b positioned adjacent an opposing second inner surface 50 of the inner cooking compartment 26. Accordingly, a gap 52 is defined between the first and second food supporting elements 42a, 42b for receiving food items. At least one of the first and second food supporting elements 42a, 42b defines a supporting surface operable to contact a surface of a food item rested within the gap 52. The first and second food supporting elements 42a, 42b may be formed of any suitable thermally conductive material, such as a metal, and more specifically, such as an electrical wire. Further, the configuration of the first and second food supporting elements 42a, 42b may be substantially the same, or may be different. It should be understood that the at least one food support element 42 shown and described herein is by way of example only, and that cooking systems 20 having any number and/or configuration of food support elements, e.g., a single food support element or more than two food support elements, disposed within the internal cooking compartment are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings (and particularly to fig. 8-10), in an embodiment, the cooking system 20 additionally includes a load/push bar 54 disposed generally adjacent to one side of the housing 24, such as one of the left side 28 and the right side 30. The rod 54 is movable, e.g., translatable within the slot 55 between an inactive position (fig. 8) and an active position, to position food items within the gap 52 defined by the food support member 42, and in some embodiments to remove food items from the gap 52 defined by the food support member 42. In an embodiment, a support member 56 extending within the gap 52, e.g., from the right side 30 generally toward, e.g., the left side 28, is connected to and movable with the rod 54. As best shown in fig. 14, the support member 56 may include a plurality of teeth 57 extending in opposite directions and offset from one another. However, in other embodiments, the support member 56 may simply be a piece of rectangular material (see fig. 9), or may have any other suitable configuration for supporting the food item against gravity.

The inner cooking compartment 26 is heated by at least one heating element. In the embodiment schematically illustrated in fig. 9, the cooking system 20 includes one or more first heating elements 58 positioned within the interior cooking compartment 26, for example, adjacent the rear 34 of the housing 24. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the cooking system 20 includes a plurality of first heating elements 58, such as three first heating elements, oriented generally parallel to the left and right sides 28, 30 and spaced across the width of the rear 34 of the housing 24. It should be understood that any number of first heating elements 58 and any configuration of first heating elements 58 are contemplated herein. Alternatively or additionally, at least one second heating element 60 may be positioned within the internal cooking compartment 26, such as adjacent the front 32 of the housing 24. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the cooking system 20 includes a plurality of second heating elements 60, such as two second heating elements, oriented generally parallel to the left and right sides 28, 30 and spaced apart across the width of the front 32 of the housing 24. The first heating element 58 and the second heating element 60 may be substantially aligned, or may be staggered with respect to each other.

It should be understood that although the heating elements 58, 60 of the cooking system 20 are shown and described as being positioned within the internal cooking compartment 26 generally adjacent to the front 32 and rear 34 of the housing 24, embodiments are also contemplated herein in which the cooking system 20 alternatively or additionally includes one or more heating elements (not shown) located near a side of the internal cooking compartment 26 or within the center of the internal cooking compartment 26. Further, embodiments in which one or more of the heating elements 58, 60 extend horizontally between the left side 28 and the right side 30 generally parallel to the front 32 and rear 34 portions are also within the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that the inner cooking compartment 26 may alternatively or additionally be heated by one or more heating elements (not shown) located remotely from the inner cooking compartment 26.

The one or more heating elements 58, 60 of the cooking system 20 may be selected to perform any suitable type of heating, including but not limited to conduction, convection, radiation, and induction. Further, the heat output on one or more of the heating elements 58, 60 may vary. In an embodiment, one or more of the heating elements 58, 60 are constructed using coiled wire disposed within a tube that heats and emits radiation when power is supplied thereto. By varying the spacing between adjacent coils over the length of the heating elements 58, 60, a greater amount of heat may be emitted at various portions of the heating elements 58, 60 than at other portions. However, embodiments in which the heat output by one or more of the heating elements 58, 60 is constant over the length of the heating element are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

A control panel or user interface 62 for operating the cooking system 20 may be mounted to an exterior portion of the housing 24, such as the top 38. Alternatively, as best shown in fig. 5 and 6, the cooking system 20 may include a component 64 movably mounted to the housing 24, and at least a portion of the control panel 62 may be coupled to or integrated into the movable component 64. In an embodiment, the movable member 64 includes handles that are pivotally mounted to opposite sides of the housing 24, such as the left side 28 and the right side 30.

The control panel 62 is part of a control system 65 that is electrically connected to one or more of the heating elements 58, 60. A schematic diagram of the control system 65 is shown in fig. 12. Control panel 62 includes one or more inputs 66 associated with energizing one or more heating elements 58, 60 of cooking system 20 and for selecting various operating modes of cooking system 20. One or more of the inputs 66 may include a light or other indicator showing the user that the respective input 66 has been selected. The control panel 62 may additionally include a display 68 separate from and associated with the at least one input 66. However, embodiments are also contemplated herein in which the display 68 is integrated with the at least one input 66.

The operation of the one or more inputs 66 will be described in more detail below. As shown in fig. 12, the control system 65 includes a controller or processor, shown schematically at 70, for controlling the operation of the heating elements 58, 60 in response to user input provided through one or more inputs 66 and for executing a stored sequence of heating operations using an algorithm. In embodiments where cooking system 20 includes multiple heating elements, heating elements 58, 60 may be independently operable. Further, the heating output of one or more of the heating elements 58, 60 may be varied in response to the power supplied to the heating elements 58, 60. The control system 65 may include one or more sensors S arranged in communication with the processor 70 and operable to monitor one or more parameters of the cooking system 20, such as the temperature within the interior cooking compartment 26.

In an embodiment, the at least one input 66 on the control panel 62 is an on/off button that allows a user to activate or deactivate the control panel 62. When the control panel 62 is deactivated, neither of the heating elements 58, 60 is energized. In an embodiment, the at least one input 66 is operable to select one or more manual operating modes of at least one of the heating elements 58, 60. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one input 66 is operable to select a stored operational sequence of the at least one heating element 58, 60. In some cases, the stored sequences may be particularly well-suited for a given food preparation method and/or for a particular ingredient or type of ingredient. The plurality of stored sequences associated with the at least one input 66 may be stored in a memory accessible by the processor 70. Alternatively, the plurality of stored sequences may be stored remotely from the cooking system 20 and may be accessed by the processor 70, for example, by wireless communication or the like.

In addition, the user is able to input or select a time associated with operation of the cooking system 20 in a desired manual mode. The time may be entered through the same input 66 or different inputs 66 as used to select the mode of operation. Further, in embodiments where cooking system 20 is in a mode configured to execute a stored sequence in response to selecting one of the inputs, display 68 may indicate the time remaining. Temperature or other parameters, such as color of the toast, etc., may also be input via input 66.

The at least one input 66 may include a different start button intended to initiate operation in a desired mode, a different stop button to stop overall operation, or a stop/start button intended to initiate and stop functions. Alternatively, cooking system 20 may be operable to automatically begin operation after a predetermined time has elapsed after the input has been selected and any necessary information has been provided to control panel 62. One or more of the other inputs 66, such as knobs, etc., may be operated, for example, by pushing the knobs toward the control panel 62 to start and stop operation of the cooking system 20, regardless of whether the cooking system 20 follows a stored sequence or is in a manual mode.

The one or more inputs 66 are operable to initiate operation of the cooking system 20 in a plurality of cooking modes. Examples of modes of operation of cooking system 20 include, but are not limited to, baking, grilling, warming, and reheating. Independent control of the heating elements 58, 60 allows a user to configure the cooking/heating cycle based on the type of food product positioned within the internal cooking compartment 26.

In embodiments, the cooking system 20 is changeable between a first orientation or configuration (fig. 1, 2, 5, 7), a second orientation or configuration (fig. 3, 4, 6, 8). It should be understood, however, that cooking system 20 may perform cooking operations in a first orientation or in a second orientation or may be inoperative or "stowed". In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the housing 24 of the cooking system 20 is rotatable about a swivel axis S between a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the housing 24 and the interior cooking compartment 26 have a generally vertical orientation, similar to a conventional oven. Accordingly, the heating elements 58, 60 of the cooking system 20 have a first orientation, such as a vertical orientation. As shown, in a first orientation, at least one of the top 38 and the bottom 36 of the housing 24, including the opening 40 formed therein, is arranged substantially parallel to the support surface 22 on which the cooking system 20 is located and the front portion 32 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the support surface 22.

Cooking system 20 is rotatable about a swivel axis S in a first direction indicated by arrow a toward a second orientation. In an embodiment, cooking system 20 is rotatable approximately ninety degrees between the first orientation and the second orientation. However, it should be understood that embodiments in which cooking system 20 is configured to rotate between the first orientation and the second orientation by more than ninety degrees or less than ninety degrees are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In the second orientation, the housing 24 and the internal cooking compartment 26 are oriented substantially horizontally, similar to a conventional countertop oven. Accordingly, when cooking system 20 is in the second orientation, heating elements 58, 60 of cooking system 20 have the second orientation, e.g., a horizontal orientation. Further, in the second orientation, at least one of the rear portion 34 and the front portion 32 is oriented substantially parallel to the support surface 22, and the top 38 and/or bottom 36 of the housing 24 is oriented perpendicular to the support surface 22.

The housing 24 of the cooking system 20 is rotatable about the swivel axis S in a second direction indicated by arrow B from the second orientation toward the first orientation. As cooking system 20 is transitioned between the first orientation and the second orientation, top 38 and/or opening 40 are rotated out of plane, such as from a first plane to a second plane different from the first plane. Because the projected surface area of housing 24 in the first orientation is substantially less than the projected surface area of housing 24 in the second orientation, the surface area of support surface 22 occupied by cooking system 20 is minimized when cooking system 20 is in the first orientation.

In an embodiment, the axis of revolution S is positioned near an edge of the housing 24. For example, the pivot axis S is shown to be located near a bottom corner of the housing 24, near the intersection between the bottom 36 and the front portion 32, or near the intersection between the bottom 36 and the rear portion 34. However, it should be understood that embodiments are also contemplated herein in which the axis of revolution S is disposed along another edge of the housing 24, such as adjacent the interface between the bottom and sides 28, 30.

The swivel axis S may be defined by a swivel support 72 coupled to or integrally formed with the housing 24. Thus, slewing support 72 positions at least a portion of housing 24 relative to support surface 22. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment of fig. 1-4, slewing support 72 comprises a member rotatably attached to bottom 36 of housing 24. When cooking system 20 is in the first orientation, main body 74 of swivel support 72 is disposed between bottom 36 of housing 24 and support surface 22, while when cooking system 20 is rotated about swivel axis S to the second orientation, cooking system 20 may be supported by swivel support 72 in a cantilevered configuration. However, in other embodiments, one or more legs (not shown) may extend from a portion of the housing 24, such as from the front 32 of the housing 24. These feet may cooperate with swivel support 72 to position cooking system 20 on support surface 22 in either the first or second orientation.

In another embodiment, best shown in fig. 5-6, 7-8, 13 and 14, swivel support 72 includes one or more mounting brackets 76 coupled to housing 24. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the swivel support 72 includes two separate mounting brackets 76, for example, disposed at the left side 28 and the right side 30 of the housing 24. However, embodiments that include a single mounting bracket 76 extending between opposite sides of the housing 24 or two mounting brackets 76 integrally formed or connected together are also within the scope of the present disclosure. One or more mounting brackets 76 are pivotally connected to the housing 24 to position the cooking system 20 on the support surface 22. Thus, as the housing 24 rotates relative to the at least one mounting bracket 76, the positioning of the one or more mounting brackets 76 relative to the support surface 22 remains constant or fixed. As shown, the housing 24 may be supported entirely by the at least one mounting bracket 76, e.g., in a cantilevered configuration, in both the first and second orientations.

In the embodiment best shown in fig. 13, each mounting bracket 76 includes a pin connector 78 receivable within a corresponding opening 80 formed in one side (e.g., sides 28 and 30) of the housing 24. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the pin connectors 78 of at least one mounting bracket 76 are each coaxially oriented. The pin connectors 78 cooperate together to define an axis of rotation S. The pin connector 78 may directly contact the inner surface of the opening 80, or a bearing (not shown) may be located at the interface between the pin connector 78 and the opening 80 to facilitate movement of the housing 24 relative to the pin connector 78. In embodiments, the pin connector 78 and/or the opening 80 may be configured to limit rotation of the housing 24 about the swivel axis S to positions beyond the first orientation and the second orientation. However, rotation of the housing 24 about the swivel axis S may be controlled or limited by any suitable mechanism.

In yet another embodiment, the swivel support 72 may be a circular feature disposed at an edge of the housing. However, the rounded features of the swivel support 72 are different than the rounded edges of the housing. In an embodiment, swivel support 72 includes one or more arched features, such as fins or the like, located on an exterior surface of housing 24 and extending between base 36 and rear wall 34. The origin of each arcuate feature may define an axis of revolution S, and the profile of the arcuate feature may assist a user in rotating the housing 24 between the first and second positions. It should be understood that the various embodiments of slewing support 72 shown and described herein are intended to be examples only, and that any suitable configuration that allows housing 24 to be transitioned between a first orientation and a second orientation relative to support surface 22 is within the scope of the present disclosure.

The cooking system 20 may be operable in a plurality of cooking modes, and in embodiments, one or more of the cooking modes may be available for operation depending on the orientation of the cooking system 20. For example, when in the first orientation, cooking system 20 is operable to perform a first cooking operation. In an embodiment, the first cooking operation or mode includes a toasting operation in which both the first plurality of heating elements 58 and the second plurality of heating elements 60 are energized. However, other cooking operations may also be performed with cooking system 20 in the first orientation, wherein only a portion of heating elements 58, 60 are energized, such as one or more of first plurality of heating elements 58 and/or one or more of second plurality of heating elements 60.

To use cooking system 20 in the first orientation, a food item is inserted into gap 52 between first and second food support elements 42a and 42 b. In the first orientation, first food supporting element 42a defines a first supporting surface configured to contact a first side or surface of a food item being rested within gap 52, and second food supporting element 42b defines a second supporting surface operable to contact a second opposing surface of the food item being rested within gap 52. One end of the food item is typically arranged to contact and be supported by a support member 56 extending from the rod 54 against gravity. To properly position the food item within the gap 52, the rod 54, and thus the support member 56, is translated from a first, inactive position (raised) to a second, active position (depressed) by applying a force to the rod 54. When the food product is properly positioned within the gap 52, a majority, or in some embodiments all, of the food product is positioned within the internal cooking compartment 26 between the first and second food support elements 42a, 42b, adjacent to the one or more heating elements 58, 60.

In an embodiment, translation of the lever 54 to the second active position automatically initiates the first cooking operation when the cooking system 20 is in the first orientation. For example, when the lever 54 is moved to the second, active position, a signal may be communicated to the processor 70 to energize one or more of the plurality of heating elements 58, 60 and/or a timer. In an embodiment, movement of the lever 54 into the lowered position operates, e.g., closes, a microswitch (not shown), thereby completing a circuit for delivering power to one or more components of the cooking system 20. Further, an electromagnetic clasp 82 operatively coupled to the processor 70 may be disposed generally adjacent one end of the slot 55. When energized, the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic catch may cooperate with the rod 54 to retain the rod 54 in the lowered position. In an embodiment, the attractive force between the lever 54 and the electromagnetic catch 82 is sufficient to resist the biasing force of a biasing mechanism (not shown) acting on the lever 54.

Referring now to fig. 15, in an embodiment, the rod 54 includes a first portion 84 removably connected to a second portion 86 by any suitable coupling mechanism 88 including, but not limited to, a magnet. In such embodiments, the support member 56 may be connected to the first portion 84 of the rod 54. To initiate the first cooking operation, the first and second portions 84 and 86 are each moved from the raised position to the lowered position as a single unit. In the lowered position, the second portion 86 of the lever 54 engages the microswitch. In addition, the electromagnetic catch 82 is configured to cooperate with the second portion 86 to retain the second portion 86 in the lowered position, as previously described.

During the first cooking operation, the first portion 84 of the lever 54 may be selectively decoupled from the second portion 86, for example, by applying a force thereto. When the first portion 84 is decoupled from the second portion 86, the first portion 84 of the rod 54 and the support member 56 connected thereto may be translated within the slot 55 to a raised position such that at least a portion of the food product within the gap 52 extends beyond the inner cooking compartment 26. In this raised position, the user may view the food product to determine its cooking state, such as food product color or doneness, without interrupting the first cooking operation. However, it should be understood that it is within the scope of the present disclosure to have only a single piece rod 54 that is translatable relative to the slot 55.

As previously described, cooking system 20 is operable to perform a second cooking operation when cooking system 20 is in a second orientation. Examples of the second cooking operation include, but are not limited to, baking, grilling, heating, warming, reheating, and the like. Depending on the second cooking operation selected to be performed, all or a portion of the heating elements 58, 60 of the cooking system 20 are energized. For example, one or more of the first plurality of heating elements 58 may be energized, one or more of the second plurality of heating elements 60 may be energized, or at least one of the first plurality of heating elements 58 and the second plurality of heating elements 60 may be energized.

When the cooking system 20 is transitioned between the first orientation and the second orientation, the at least one food supporting element 42 is configured to move between a first position (see fig. 16A) and a second position (see fig. 16B). When the cooking system 20 is in the first cooking orientation, the at least one food support element 42 is disposed in the first extended position. As best shown for example in fig. 11, the first food supporting element 42a is offset a distance from the first inner surface 46 and the second food supporting element 42b is offset a distance from the second inner surface 50. The distance between each of the first and second food supporting elements 42a, 42b and the respective inner surface 46, 50 may be, but need not be, the same.

When the cooking system 20 is transitioned to the second orientation, the at least one food support element 42 is moved to a second retracted position relative to the inner cooking compartment 26. Accordingly, the distance defined between first inner surface 46 and first food supporting element 42a and/or the distance between second inner surface 50 and second food supporting element 42b is less when cooking system 20 is in the second orientation than when cooking system 20 is in the first orientation. Accordingly, a gap 52 defined between the first and second food support elements 42a, 42b is greater when the cooking system 20 is in the second orientation than when the cooking system 20 is in the first orientation.

By increasing the gap 52 when the cooking system 20 is in the second orientation, larger food products may be received within the inner cooking compartment 26. In addition, a food product having one or more topping ingredients located thereon, such as a piece of bread on which a slice of cheese is stacked, may be inserted into the inner cooking compartment 26 without interfering with adjacent food supporting elements. Thus, by retracting at least one of the first and second food supporting elements 42a, 42b when the housing 24 is in the second orientation, the second food supporting element 42b disposed adjacent the front portion 32 of the housing 24 can be used to support food items rested within the inner cooking compartment 26, while the first food supporting element 42a can merely provide a barrier to prevent direct contact with one or more adjacent heating elements 58. Alternatively or additionally, one or more cooking accessories 90 may be rested within the inner cooking compartment 26 when the cooking system 20 is in the second orientation and at least one of the food support elements 42 is retracted. In embodiments, the cooking accessory 90 is a tray, for example formed from sheet metal or the like, and may be supported directly or indirectly within the internal cooking compartment 26 by the second food supporting element 42b, or within one or more slots formed in the opposite side of the internal cooking compartment 26. Such cooking accessories 90 may be housed within a cavity or pocket 92 formed in or in conjunction with one side of the housing 24, such as the rear portion 34.

Cooking system 20 may include a mechanism 100 for automatically moving at least one food supporting element 42 between an extended position and a retracted position when cooking system 20 is transitioned between the first orientation and the second orientation. Referring now to fig. 17 and 18A through 18B, an example of such a mechanism 100 is shown in more detail. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, one or more posts 102 associated with a corresponding food support element 42 are received within one or more openings 104 formed in a panel 106 adjacent a side of the internal cooking compartment 26. The panel 106 may define an interior surface of one side of the housing 24, such as the side 28 or 30.

At least one post 102 may be integrally formed with or extend from food supporting element 42 or may be part of a separate component 107 that is movably mounted to panel 106 and connected to food supporting element 42. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, each food supporting element 42a, 42b has two struts associated therewith. Further as shown, the opening 104 has a generally arcuate profile; however, openings 104 having any suitable shape are within the scope of the present disclosure. The opening 104 defines a path of movement of the support post 102 and thus the food support member 42 within the internal cooking compartment 26. For example, when food supporting members 42a, 42b are in the extended position, struts 102 of food supporting members 42a, 42b are disposed at a first location within each opening 104, such as adjacent a first end of the opening. Similarly, when the food supporting elements 42a, 42b are in the retracted position, the post 102 is located in a second position within the opening 104, such as adjacent a second, opposite end of the opening.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown, a central support bar 108 is mounted to a surface of the panel 106 and extends parallel to the gap 52. A support wedge 110 is slidably mounted about the support rod 108. A mounting member 112 disposed within the interior of the shell 24 and secured to the swivel support 72 is connected to the support wedge 110 by a rod 114. When the cooking system 20 is in the first orientation, the supporting wedge 110 is offset from and thus does not engage or interact with the stanchion 102 in the first position associated with the food supporting elements 42a, 42b in the extended position. The mount 112 remains stationary as the housing 24 of the cooking system 20 is rotated about the swivel axis S from the first orientation to the second orientation. Thus, the rod 114 coupling the mount 112 to the support wedge 110 applies a force to the support wedge 110 that causes the support wedge 110 to translate laterally along the axis defined by the support rod 108. The engagement between the wedge surface 116 of the support wedge 110 and the post 102 applies an outward force to the post 102. Accordingly, the posts 102 move within the paths defined by the respective openings 104, thereby transitioning the food supporting members 42a, 42b to the retracted positions. Upon rotating the shell 24 back to the first orientation, the supporting wedges 110 will translate out of engagement with the post 102 and the food supporting elements 42a, 42b will move back to the extended position by gravity. However, in other embodiments, a biasing mechanism (not shown) may be incorporated to facilitate movement of the food supporting elements 42a, 42 b.

Additionally, cooking system 20 may include a locking mechanism 120 for retaining rod 54, and thus support member 56, in the lowered position when cooking system 20 is transitioned to the second orientation. By positioning the support member 56 near the rear of the inner cooking compartment 26 when the cooking system 20 is in the second orientation, the area within the inner cooking compartment 26 for receiving food is maximized. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism 120 includes an actuator 122 operable to be selectively coupled to the rod 54. Although the actuator 122 is shown disposed adjacent the rod 54 when in the lowered position, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the actuator 122 to be disposed anywhere around the housing 24. In an embodiment, the actuator 122 is a push button operable to selectively extend the shaft by applying a force to the actuator 122 in a first direction and retract the shaft 124 by applying another force to the actuator 122 in the same first direction.

With particular reference to fig. 14, 19A, 19B and 20, a slider 126 or another component may be connected to and/or extend from the rod 54. Thus, the slider 126 is configured to translate with the rod 54 relative to the slot 55. When the rod 54 is in the lowered position, the actuator 122 applying force to the locking mechanism 120 causes the shaft 124 to extend through the opening formed in the slider 126. The engagement between the shaft 124 and the slider 126 limits the movement of the rod 54 from the lowered position. After engagement, the housing 24 may be transitioned from the first orientation to the second orientation. Additionally, in an embodiment, when the locking mechanism 120 is active, such as when the shaft 124 is engaged with the slider 126, the locking mechanism 120 prevents activation of the micro-switch associated with the rod 54 despite the rod 54 being in the lowered position. This prevents power from being delivered to the heating elements 58, 60 before a user initiates a cooking operation. After the housing 24 is transitioned to the second orientation, a second microswitch (not shown) is activated, thereby allowing power to be delivered to the heating elements 58, 60 to perform a second cooking operation. Further, the locking mechanism 120 may be designed to limit the operation of the actuator 122. For example, in an embodiment, the actuator 122 may only operate when the cooking system 20 is in the first orientation to prevent inadvertent decoupling of the slider 126 and the actuator 122.

The cooking system 20 shown and described herein provides an enhanced user experience by transitioning between a first orientation and a second orientation based on a desired cooking operation to be performed. Additionally, by designing cooking system 20 to transition between the first orientation and the second orientation, cooking system 20 may be positioned to minimize the amount of counter space occupied by the cooking system when the cooking system is not in use.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the disclosure to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, this disclosure contemplates any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims (20)

1. A cooking system positionable on a support surface, the cooking system comprising:

a housing having an interior cooking compartment and an opening formed therein for accessing the interior cooking compartment, the housing being positionable in a first orientation and a second different orientation about the support surface, an

At least one heating element associated with the interior cooking compartment, wherein the at least one heating element is operable in both the first and second orientations to heat the interior cooking compartment.

2. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein the housing is rotatable about an axis between the first orientation and the second orientation.

3. The cooking system of claim 2, further comprising a swivel structure coupled to the housing, the swivel structure defining the axis.

4. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein the first orientation of the housing is arranged perpendicular to the second orientation of the housing.

5. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein the at least one heating element is located within the internal cooking compartment.

6. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein the at least one heating element is located remotely from the interior cooking compartment.

7. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein food is receivable within the opening in both the first orientation and the second orientation.

8. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein the at least one heating element comprises a first heating element and a second heating element.

9. The cooking system of claim 8, wherein the first heating element is powered on during a first cooking operation and a second cooking operation, and the second heating element is powered on during the first cooking operation and powered off during the second cooking operation.

10. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein the cooking system is operable in a plurality of cooking modes, and one or more of the plurality of cooking modes are selectable based on an orientation of the housing.

11. The cooking system of claim 10, wherein the cooking system is operable in a first cooking mode of the plurality of cooking modes when the housing is in the first orientation, and the cooking system is operable in a second cooking mode of the plurality of cooking modes when the housing is in the second orientation.

12. The cooking system of claim 11, wherein the first cooking mode includes a toasting operation and the second cooking mode includes at least one of a baking, grilling, warming and reheating operation.

13. A cooking system positionable on a support surface, the cooking system comprising:

a housing having an interior cooking compartment and an opening formed in the housing for accessing the interior cooking compartment, the opening being shiftable in position between a first plane and a second plane, the first plane and the second plane being different; and

at least one heating element for heating the interior cooking compartment;

wherein food can be inserted into the inner cooking compartment through the opening when the opening is disposed in both the first plane and the second plane.

14. The cooking system of claim 13, wherein the opening is shiftable between the first plane and the second plane by rotation of the housing about an axis of rotation.

15. The cooking system of claim 14, wherein the housing includes a swivel structure connected to the housing, the swivel structure defining the axis of rotation.

16. The cooking system of claim 13, wherein the first plane is oriented perpendicular to the second plane.

17. The cooking system of claim 13, wherein in the first plane, the opening is arranged horizontally with respect to the support surface, and in the second plane, the opening is oriented vertically with respect to the support surface.

18. The cooking system of claim 13, wherein the at least one heating element is located within the internal cooking compartment.

19. The cooking system of claim 13, wherein the at least one heating element is operable to heat the interior cooking compartment when the opening is in the first plane and the opening is in the second plane.

20. The cooking system of claim 13, wherein when the opening is in the first plane, the cooking system is operable in a first cooking mode, and when the opening is disposed in the second plane, the cooking system is operable in a second cooking mode.

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