GB2490540A

GB2490540A - Surface mounted toaster

Info

Publication number: GB2490540A
Application number: GB1107550.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Charles Cohen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-05-06
Filing date: 2011-05-06
Publication date: 2012-11-07
Also published as: GB201107550D0

Abstract

A toaster assembly 1 to be recessed in an aperture of a surface, and comprising a toasting unit 2 having an operational face 3 to receive foodstuff for toasting, in use; and a mounting 8, for movably mounting the toasting unit with respect to the surface, such that the toasting unit is moveable, in use, between: a stowed configuration (Fig 1A), in which access through the aperture to the operational face of the toasting unit is prevented; and an operating configuration (Fig 1D), in which the operational face of the toasting unit is presented through the aperture for use. The toaster may comprise a housing 4 provided with at least one internal heating element and a foodstuff cradle which is movable with respect to the housing between a toasting an a loading position; the foodstuff cradle may be stationary with respect to the mounting such that the housing moves with respect to the mounting during transition between toasting and loading positions. In an operating configuration at least part of the toasting unit may protrude through the aperture. In the stowed position a non-operational face of the toasting unit can provide a stowed face to be substantially flush with the surface.

Description

Title: A Toaster Assembly

Description of Invention

THE PRESENT invention relates to a toaster assembly. A unit, mounting and a method are also provided.

Electric toasters are known, comprising a housing provided with at least one internal electric heating/cooking element. At least one cradle is moveable mounted within the housing, to receive foodstuffs (e.g. bread). The cradle, and thus the foodstuff, descends into the housing from a loading position into a toasting position, such that the foodstuff is located adjacent the heating element, for a predetermined period of time, to toast the foodstuff.

Typically, a toaster is located on the work surface of a kitchen, perhaps moved adjacent to a back wall, out of the way, when not in use. The toaster assembly is generally left connected to a power supply for convenience of use.

Modern preferences for kitchen design have dictated a requirement for kitchen appliances to be integrated into the furniture and cupboards of the kitchen as far as possible, to give a uniform and clean' appearance. For example, it is known to integrate an oven, grill, microwave, refrigerator and even coffee machine into a kitchen such that they are flush with the surrounding kitchen units, if not entirely concealed within the kitchen units (by the use of a front fascia, for example). More recently, integrated water supply units have become popular -such as those manufactured by Vivreau Ltd -which can supply chilled or hot water on demand to a user, conveniently removing the need for a traditional stand-alone kettle on the work surface.

When a toaster is used with such integrated kitchens, the user must either accept that the toaster will be left on display -upsetting the "minimalist" appearance of the kitchen -or store the toaster in a cupboard or on a shelf when not in use. Moving a toaster to and from a remote storage location is inconvenient. Moreover, constant movement risks dislodging crumbs from the crumb tray, either onto the work surface or floor, or even into the heating element. Moving the toaster before it has cooled sufficiently risks injury to the user and/or creating a fire risk in the storage location.

The present invention provides a toaster assembly configured to be recessed in an aperture of a surface, and comprising a toasting unit having an operational face to receive foodstuff for toasting, in use; and a mounting, for movably mounting the toasting unit with respect to the surface, such that the toasting unit is moveable, in use, between: a stowed configuration, in which access through the aperture to the operational face of the toasting unit is prevented; and an operating configuration, in which the operational face of the toasting unit is presented through the aperture for use.

The present invention further provides a toaster assembly, unit, mounting and method as claimed.

FIGURE 1A shows a toaster assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in a stowed configuration; FIGURES 18 and 20 show the toaster assembly of Figure 1A in transition between a stowed configuration and an operating configuration; FIGURE 1 D shows the toaster assembly of Figures 1 A to 10 in an operating configuration; FIGURES 2A and 2B show a toaster assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in an operating and stowed configuration respectively; FIGURES 3A and 38 show a toaster assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in an operating and stowed configuration respectively; FIGURES 4A and 4B show a toaster assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in an operating and stowed configuration respectively; FIGURES 5A and 58 show a toaster assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in an operating and stowed configuration respectively; FIGURES 6A to 6C show a toaster assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in a stowed configuration; FIGURES 6D to 6H show a toaster assembly according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, in an operating configuration.

Specifically, Figure GD and 6E show the toaster assembly in a loading position, and Figure 6F to 6H show the toaster in a toasting position.

Figure 1A shows a toaster assembly 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The toaster assembly 1 is configured to be recessed into an aperture of a surface (not shown). The toaster assembly 1 of Figures 1A to 1 D is intended to be recessed into an aperture provided in a horizontal kitchen work surface and received in a void beneath the aperture.

Where the work surface is mounted on top of kitchen storage units, the front of the storage unit adjacent the toaster assembly may be provided with a blanking fascia, which may be removable to assist with maintenance or removal of the toaster assembly 1.

The toaster assembly 1 comprises a toasting unit 2 having an operational face 3 to receive foodstuff for toasting, in use. The toasting unit 2 comprises a housing 4 having a plurality of internal heating elements (not shown). A plurality of slots 5 are provided on the operational face 3 for receiving foodstuff in use (bread, for example). In addition, as is conventional, each of the slots 5 is provided with a foodstuff cradle (not shown), into which the foodstuff is received and which is moveable with respect to the housing 4 between a toasting position and a loading position. The foodstuff cradles may be controllable individually or in groups. The operational face 3 further comprises a set of first user controls 6, for controlling the toasting process. In one embodiment, the first user controls 6 may comprise a fingerprint reader (not shown), and the toaster assembly 1 is configured to store a user's toasting preferences against a record of their fingerprint.

The toaster assembly 1 of Figure 1 further comprises a bezel surround 7, which acts as a flange when inserting the toaster assembly 1 into an aperture in a surface. Preferably, the bezel surround 7 matches or co-ordinates with the surface. In the embodiment shown, the outer edges of the bezel surround 7 are bevelled.

The toaster assembly 1 further comprises an articulated mounting arm 8, for moveably mounting the toasting unit 2 with respect to the surface (and thus the bezel surround 7). As shown in Figures 1 B to 1 D, there is a mounting arm 8 on each end of the toasting unit 2. In another embodiment, only one mounting arm 8 may be provided, at one end of the toasting unit 2. The or each articulated arm 8 is rotatably connected at either end 9, 10 thereof to the toasting unit 2 and bezel surround 7, respectively.

Preferably, the mounting 8 is configured so as to provide a smooth transition between the stowed and operating configurations.

Preferably, at least a part of the transition between the stowed and operating configurations is power-assisted.

The articulated arm 8 of Figures 1A to 1 D is associated with various springs and mechanical stops, so as to allow a repeatable path of motion. The toasting unit 2 is biased towards its stowed configuration by an overload spring action (and/or an over-centre cam action).

The toaster assembly 1 is configured such that the toasting unit 2 is moveable, in use, between the stowed configured of Figure 1A, in which access through the aperture to the operational face 3 of the toasting unit 2 is prevented; and the operating configuration of Figure 1 D, in which the operational face 3 of the toasting unit 2 is presented through the aperture for use. It will be noted from the embodiment shown in Figure 1 D that, when in the operating configuration, the toasting unit 2 protrudes through the bezel surround 7 and thus through the aperture, away from the surface. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, when in the operating configuration, the operational face 3 could be flush with, or even below, the surface.

It will be noted from Figure lAthat when the toasting unit 2 is in the stowed configuration, a side face 11 of the toasting unit 2 is substantially flush with the bezel surround 7 and therefore the surface in which the toaster assembly 1 is recessed. This non-operational side face 11 of the toaster unit provides a stowed face. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the stowed face 11 is adjacent the operational face 3. The stowed face 11 comprises a decorative fascia 12, selected so as to match or co-ordinate with the surface and, likewise, with the bezel surround 7.

Additionally, the stowed face 11 is provided with second user controls 13, to operate the transition between the stowed and operating configurations. The first user controls 6 provided on the operational face 3 additionally include controls to operate the transition between the operating and stowed configurations.

In another embodiment, not shown, all user controls for both the transition and toasting process could be provided in one place, for example on the bezel surround 7 or on a separate panel. However, providing user controls on both the stowed face 11 and operational face 3 is preferred since, when in the stowed configuration, only the second user controls 1 3 are shown, further reducing the visual impact of the toaster assembly 1 when in the stowed configuration.

As the toasting unit 2 starts to transition from its stowed to operating configuration, the first phase of movement comprises the toasting unit 2 descending slightly, such that the stowed face 11 is no longer flush with the bezel surround 7. When there is sufficient clearance, the toasting unit 2 then rotates by an angle up to 90°, such that the toasting unit 2 is substantially vertical, with the operational face 3 facing substantially upwards. The toasting unit 2 then rises such that the operational face 3 protrudes through the bezel surround 7 and therefore the surface. While these three phases have been described sequentially, it will be appreciated that they can overlap to some extent.

There may be additional finger guards in place (not shown), so as to avoid or reduce injury to a user. Any exposed metal parts of the toaster assembly 1 may be touch-sensitive such that should contact with a user's fingers be detected during the transition between the stowed and operating configurations, further motion of the toasting unit 2 may be halted to avoid injury.

When the toasting unit 2 is in the operating configuration shown in Figure 1 D, foodstuffs may then be inserted into the foodstuff cradles in the slots 5.

In a conventional toaster, the foodstuff cradle descends into the otherwise stationary housing of the toasting unit, adjacent the heating elements, to the toast the foodstuff. The toaster assembly of the present invention may likewise operate in this conventional manner.

The embodiment shown in Figure 1 is configured such that, when in the operating configuration, the foodstuff cradle remains stationary' with respect to the bezel surround 7. After the foodstuff has been loaded into the slots 5 of the toasting unit 2, the housing 4 of the toasting unit 2 then ascends (preferably power assisted) into a toasting position such that the heating elements are brought adjacent the cradle, and thus the foodstuff, for toasting.

A toaster assembly embodying the present invention further comprises an outer heat-proof and/or fire-retardant casing (not shown), such that the toaster assembly can safely be recessed into the void behind the surface.

The toaster assembly 1 shown in Figures 1A to 1 D additionally comprises a security lock 16, which may be activated to prevent unauthorised use of the toaster assembly 1, by a young child, for example.

The crumb tray is configured so as to capture and retain crumbs such that they do not re-enter the toasting unit when the toasting unit rotates into its stowed configuration.

In one embodiment (not shown) one or each of the slots 5 of the toasting unit 2 may comprise a sensor to detect the presence of a foodstuff. The sensor could be a photo-optical device. The toasting unit 2 may then be configured only to energise the heating elements if a respective item of foodstuff is detected. Such an arrangement may conveniently save energy since the heating elements adjacent empty slots 5 will not be energised.

The sensors can also be used such that if foodstuffs are still in the toasting unit 2, movement of the toasting unit 2 from the operating to stowed configuration will be prevented until the foodstuffs are removed.

Although the toaster assembly 1 shown in Figures 1A to 1 D comprises an articulated arm 8 as the mounting, other types of mounting could also be used.

For example, the mounting may comprise a track associated with either the toasting unit or the surface, and a roller, mounted to the track, associated with the other of the surface or the toasting unit, defining a transitional path between the stowed and operating configurations.

The toaster assembly 1 shown in Figure 1 includes a bezel surround 7, as described, to which the mounting 8 is connected. In another embodiment, the mounting 8 of the toaster assembly 1 may instead be connected directly to the underside of the surface of the unit into which the toaster assembly 1 is being installed.

Various other toaster assemblies embodying the present invention are illustrated, schematically, in Figures 2A to 58.

With the toaster assembly 20 In Figures 2A and 2B, the mounting is a pivoting connection, rotatable about axis 14, whereby the toasting unit 2 is pivotable between its stowed configuration (Figure 2B) and operating configuration (Figure 2A). In the operating configuration, the toasting unit 2 is not precisely vertical but the angle is such that the toasting unit 2 can still toast foodstuffs efficiently. As with the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 1 D, the stowed face 11 comprises a decorative fascia 12, and is provided with second user controls 13. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the first user controls 13 on the stowed face 11 may be used to control both the movement of the toasting unit from a stowed configuration to an operating configuration; and from an operating configuration to the stowed configuration.

Figures 3A and 3B show a toaster assembly 30 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It will be noted that the toasting unit 2 translates vertically between the stowed configuration and operating configuration. As such, the toasting unit 2 is substantially vertical in both configurations.

As shown in Figure 3B, a pair of hinged cover plates 15 -separate to the toasting unit 2 -are attached to the bezel surround 7 and may be biased into a closed condition. When the toasting unit 2 moves to its operating configuration, the toasting unit 2 causes the two cover plates 15 to be opened -against the spring bias -to allow the toasting unit 2 to protrude through the aperture into an operating configuration.

The toaster assembly 40 shown in Figures 4A and 4B according to a fourth embodiment is configured to be recessed in an aperture of a vertical surface, for example the side, or front of a kitchen unit. Equally, the toaster assembly 40 could be recessed into a wall. As can be seen from Figures 4A and 48, the toasting unit 2 slides horizontally with respect to the bezel surround 7. Although the embodiment shown slides lengthwise, it could likewise slide widthways.

The toaster assembly 50 shown in Figures 5A and SB according to a fifth embodiment may be recessed into an aperture of an under-surface surface of a kitchen unit, for example underneath a wall-mounted cupboard. The toasting unit 2 is operable to slide down into its operating configuration, where the operational face 3 is presented to the user.

The user controls, 6, 13, may be touch sensitive, mechanical, capacitive or any other suitable type of control, including a fingerprint reader, as described.

Although a toasting unit 2 having four slots 5 has been shown in the embodiments, it will be appreciated that there may be more or fewer slots 5.

In one embodiment (not shown), the stowed face 11 may be opposite to the operational face 11.

In another embodiment, the mounting may be configured to eject the toasting unit 2 entirely through the aperture, for maintenance, such as to empty the crumb tray.

Figures 6A to 6H show a toaster assembly 60 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In a similar manner to the third and fifth embodiments shown in Figures 3A, 3B, SA and SB, the toasting unit 2 translates vertically between the stowed configuration and operating configuration.

The toaster assembly 60 comprises a bezel surround 7, to which is attached a support frame 61. A track 62A, 62B, is provided in either end face of the frame 61.

The toaster assembly 60 further comprises a cover plate 63, mounted to a pair of arms 64. In another embodiment, only one arm 3 is needed. The cover plate 63 presents a stowed face and, in the stowed configuration, is preferably flush with that of the bezel surround 7.

At the ends of the pair of arms 64, remote from the cover plate 63, there is provided a first rotatable connection 65 provided with a follower wheel slideable in the track 62, about which the arm 64 may pivot. The first connection 65 is translatable along the tracks 62A, 62B.

Further associated with the connection points 65 are respective follower wheels 66, which are more clearly shown in Figure 6E and 6F (in which the frame 61 has been removed, for clarity). The follower wheels 66 act as pin ions, and are engaged with racks 67 (see Figures 6E and 6F).

As will be noted from Figure 6E and 6F, the toaster unit 2 is also connected to the track 62A through first connection points 65, allowing translation of the toaster unit 2 with respect to the track 62A.

Second connection points 68 are provided on the toasting unit 2 above the first connection point 65 and are also translatable in the track 62A. Accordingly, the toasting unit 2 is constrained so as only to be able to translate in one orientation. In use, when the toaster assembly 60 is mounted in the horizontal work surface, movement of the toasting unit 2 will be constrained to a substantially vertical translation movement. It will be appreciated that the arms 64 are not so constrained, so may rotate about their first connection points 65.

A connecting plate 69 of the foodstuff cradle is shown in Figures 6A and 6E.

The foodstuff cradle is translatable with respect to a track 71 (see Figure 6A).

The foodstuff cradle 69 is urged towards the operational face 3 by a spring 70.

The spring 70 is mounted around a guide rod 72. As shown in Figures 6E to 6G, there is a pair of springs 70 and guide rods 72 on either side of the toasting unit 2.

As shown in Figure 6B, control circuitry 73 is provided adjacent the frame 61, below the bezel surround 7. The control circuitry 73 has been removed in the other figures, for clarity.

The control mechanism 74 is shown in Figure 6C. A pitch and lift belt wheel 75 is pivotably attached to the first attachment means 65. Idler wheels 76 and 77 are provided, pivotably attached to the frame 61. A central idler wheel 78 is also provided, located between the idler wheels 66 and 67. Drive means 79 and helix spool 80 are further provided. A drive belt 81 is connected at one end to the helix spool 80, and is fed around the central idler wheel 78, pitch and lift belt wheel 75, idler wheel 76 and idler wheel 77. The other end of the belt drive 81 is also attached to the helix spool 80. Activation of the drive means 79 causes the drive belt 81 to be wound on to the respective spools of the helix spool 80.

To transition from the stowed configuration, shown in Figure 6A to 6C, to the operating configuration, the cover plate 63, and thus the toasting unit 2, descend slightly, such that the cover plate 63 descends from the surface of the bezel surround 7. Subsequently, the pitch and lift belt wheel 75 is caused to translate upwards in the slot 62B, which simultaneously causes the pair of arms 64 (and thus the cover plate 63) to rotate about the axis of the first attachment means 65. At the same time, the toasting unit 2 ascends towards the aperture provided in the bezel surround 7.

Following this movement, the toaster assembly 60 is in an operating configuration. More specifically, a first phase of the operating configuration is a loading position, as shown in Figure 6D and 6E. At this point, the toasting unit 2 has travelled upwards until a point where the operational face 3 is substantially flush with that of the bezel surround 7. At the same time, the connecting plate 69 of the foodstuff cradle contacts against the underneath of the bezel surround 7. The bezel surround 7 therefore acts as a mechanical stop. At this point, foodstuff may be loaded into the slots.

As shown in Figure 6F and 60, the toasting unit 2 then ascends further, so as to envelop the foodstuff held in the foodstuff cradle.

Activation of the driving means in the opposite direction reverses the process.

Some additional features of the sixth embodiment are shown in Figure 6H (not shown in Figures 6Ato 60).

A plurality of foodstuff retainers 86 are provided inside the toasting unit 2, which preferably comprise metal grids. When the foodstuff cradle is in the loading position, the foodstuff retainers 86 are arranged apart from one another in order to receive the foodstuff therebetween. When the foodstuff cradle (or toasting unit housing) moves to the toasting position, the foodstuff retainers 86 are moved towards one another to retain the foodstuff therein. As is conventional, the foodstuff retainers allow for foodstuffs of different thickness and sizes to be toasted effectively, ensuring that the foodstuff is located at a predetermined, centralised, spacing with respect to the toasting element(s) in use.

The respective foodstuff retainers 86 are connected to plates 83, 84, mounted on the outside of the toasting unit 2. A compression spring 85 biased the plates 83, 84 -and thus the foodstuff retainers 86 -away from one another.

Two arms are pivotably connected to one end of a connecting rod 82, and also pivotably connected to the respective plates 83, 84. At the other end of the connecting rod 82 is provided a striker plate 81. In use, as the toasting unit ascends from the loading position to the toasting position, the striker plate 81 is caused to contact the bezel surround 7, causing the connecting rod 82 to translate with respect to the toasting unit. This, in turn, imparts a compressive force on the compression spring, causing the foodstuff retainers to move towards one another, retaining foodstuff positioned therebetween.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A toaster assembly configured to be recessed in an aperture of a surface, and comprising: a toasting unit having an operational face to receive foodstuff for toasting, in use; and a mounting, for movably mounting the toasting unit with respect to the surface, such that the toasting unit is moveable, in use, between: a stowed configuration, in which access through the aperture to the operational face of the toasting unit is prevented; and an operating configuration, in which the operational face of the toasting unit is presented through the aperture for use.
2. A toaster assembly according to claim 1, configured such that, when in the operating configuration, at least a pad of the toasting unit protrudes through the aperture.
3. A toaster assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting is an articulated arm.
4. A toaster assembly according to claim 3, wherein the articulated arm is pivotably connected at either end with respect to the surface and the toasting unit.
5. A toaster assembly according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the mounting is a pivoting connection.
6. A toaster assembly according to any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the mounting comprises a track associated with either the toasting unit or the surface, and a roller, mounted to the track, associated with the other of the surface or the toasting unit, defining a transitional path between the stowed and operating configuration.
7. A toaster assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting is configured to provide a smooth transition between the stowed and operating configuration.
8. A toaster assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a part of the transition between the stowed and operating configuration is power assisted.
9. A toaster assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein, in the stowed configuration, a non-operational face of the toasting unit provides a stowed face arranged so as to be substantially flush with the surface in use.
10. A toaster assembly according to claim 9, wherein the stowed face is adjacent the operational face.
11. A toaster assembly according to claim 10, wherein the stowed face is provided with user controls, to operate the transition between the stowed and operating configurations.
12. A toaster assembly according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the stowed face comprises a decorative fascia, selected so to match or co-ordinate with the surface.
13. A toaster assembly according to any preceding claim, configured to be recessed in an aperture provided in a horizontal work surface.
14. A toaster assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein, when in the operating configuration, the toasting unit is substantially vertical.
15. A toaster assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising an outer heatproof and/or fire retardant casing.
16. A toaster assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising a bezel surround, mountable into the aperture of the surface.
17. A toaster assembly according to claim 16, wherein the mounting is connected between the bezel surround and the toasting unit.
18. A toaster assembly according to any preceding claim, the toasting unit comprising a housing provided with at least one internal heating element; and a foodstuff cradle, moveable with respect to the housing between a toasting position and a loading position, wherein the foodstuff cradle is stationary with respect to the mounting, such that the housing moves with respect to the mounting during transition between the toasting position and loading position.
19. A unit provided with a work surface having an aperture, further comprising a toaster assembly according to any preceding claim mounted in the aperture.
20. A mounting configured to movably mount a toasting unit of a toaster assembly in an aperture of a surface, the toasting unit having an operational face to receive foodstuff for toasting, in use, wherein the mounting is configured to allow the toasting unit to be moveable, in use, between: a stowed configuration, in which access through the aperture to the operational face of the toasting unit is prevented; and an operating configuration, in which the operational face of the toasting unit is presented through the aperture for use.
21. A method of operating a toaster assembly, the toaster assembly recessed in an aperture of a surface and comprising a toasting unit having an operational face to receive foodstuff for toasting, in use; and a mounting, for movably mounting the toasting unit with respect to the surface, the method comprising: moving the toasting unit between a stowed configuration, in which access through the aperture to the operational face of the toasting unit is prevented; and an operating configuration, in which the operational face of the toasting unit is presented through the aperture for use.
22. A toaster assembly, unit, mounting or method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the figures.
23. Any novel matter or combination thereof herein described.