GB2533969B

GB2533969B - A foodstuff cooking device

Info

Publication number: GB2533969B
Application number: GB1500418.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Akinwande James
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-01-12
Filing date: 2015-01-12
Publication date: 2019-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2035-01-12
Also published as: GB201500418D0; GB2533969A

Description

A foodstuff cooking device

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for cooking foodstuffs. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for roasting corn.

Background

Corn on the cob is a popular foodstuff consisting of an ear of corn or maize that is cooked and then eaten. The most common methods of cooking are frying, boiling, roasting, and grilling. The corn is often dressed with melted butter, salt or similar before eating.

Cooking by frying and boiling are straightforward. However, it can be difficult to evenly cook the outside surface of an ear of corn by grilling. In cross section, an ear of corn is generally circular, and tapers towards one end. This makes even grilling using flat grills difficult.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US20120067225 describes and shows a toaster-griller with one or more round openings that is designed so that corn-on-the-cob may be inserted and grilled and so that rolls may be inserted and defrosted, warmed, or toasted. GB2451857 describes and shows a device for cooking corn-on-the-cob that comprises a plurality of cylindrical slots into which the corn can be placed. The device has a steel electric element for cooking the corn and a plastic exterior. The heating settings may be variable. US20070267403 describes and shows an electrical appliance that uses electrical current to uniformly heat up cylindrical objects. The appliance comprises a housing, a heating element, and at least one cylindrical receptacle that is vertically placed along a top surface of the housing. Moreover, a heating element uniformly wraps around the cylindrical receptacle to form a heating chamber.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a foodstuff cooking device comprising: at least one grilling means having a substantially tubular form with at least one open end, a control means configured to at least allow a user to alter the temperature provided by the at least one grilling means, and a timing means connected to the grilling means; wherein the tubular grilling means is configured to receive a substantially cylindrical foodstuff therein via the open end, the grilling means is configured to at least provide radiant heat to the outer surface of a volume of foodstuff located therein, the timing means is configured to activate once a foodstuff is inserted, the timing means acts to deactivate a first cooking period, to activate a second cooking period, and to deactivate the grilling means once a set period of time has elapsed, the first and second cooking periods having different radiant heat intensities.

Typically the foodstuff has a volume defined by a circular sectional profile, such as a sweetcorn cob, wherein having a grilling means in a substantially tubular form allows a user to evenly cook a foodstuff such as an ear of corn via radiant heat transfer to the outer surface of the foodstuff.

Advantageous embodiments of the device are configured to comprise a grilling means providing radiant heat at a first intensity, ideally a very low heat, for a first period. Such period may be such as the first five minutes, and is configured in order to cook the corn.

Such embodiments advantageously subsequently comprise a grilling means providing radiant heat at a higher or rising intensity in a second period. In this way some of the embodiments of the device advantageously gradually rise in temperature for the second period, for example two minutes to give the corn a golden brown colour.

Accordingly some embodiments of the device advantageously comprise a timing facility as well as grilling means configured to provide variation in radiant heat intensity automatically.

In an embodiment, the foodstuff cooking device further comprises a housing configured to surround and support the at least one grilling means. The housing helps to protect the grilling means and a user using the foodstuff cooking device.

The control means allows a user to alter the output of the grilling means in order to alter the manner in which the foodstuff is cooked.

In an embodiment, the control means is further configured to allow a user to cancel a cooking operation. This allows a user to manually cease cooking operations is desired.

The timing means allows a user to set a foodstuff cooking while knowing that cooking operations will automatically cease after a certain time.

In an embodiment, the set period of time is user-adjustable via the control means. This allows a user to alter the length of time a cooking operation takes.

In an embodiment, the foodstuff cooking device further comprises an insertion and extraction means configured to allow a user to insert and extract the foodstuff from within the grilling means. This allows a user to insert and remove foodstuffs remotely from the grilling means which assists them with avoiding injury.

In an embodiment, the insertion and extraction means is a lever mechanism with a handle external to the housing, configured to allow a user to insert and extract a foodstuff from within the grilling means by movement of the handle. This provides a simple and reliable mechanism for inserting and removing foodstuffs.

In an embodiment, the insertion and extraction means is connected to the timing means, the timing means starting when a foodstuff is inserted, and activating the insertion and extraction means to cause the foodstuff to at least partly exit from the grilling means once the set period of time has elapsed. This allows a user to insert a foodstuff and start a coking operation with a minimal number of steps.

In an embodiment, the foodstuff cooking device further comprises a butter melting means, configured to receive solid butter and heat and store this in liquid form. This allows a user to prepare condiments simultaneously with a main foodstuff cooking operation.

In an embodiment, the butter melting means is a tray, storable within and separable from the housing, located close to the grilling means when stored within the housing to receive heat therefrom. This ensures all the necessary parts are stored and used in the same area.

In an embodiment, the foodstuff cooking device further comprises a visual use indicator. This allows a user to quickly and easily see whether the device is operating.

In an embodiment, the visual use indicator is a light. This is a simple and reliable mechanism.

In an embodiment, the light is formed as a ring around the open end. This provides a simple and easy visual indicator of operation.

In an embodiment, the at least one grilling means is a pair of grills, each having a substantially tubular form with an open end, the open ends aligned facing upwards. This allows up to two items to be cooked simultaneously.

In an embodiment, the foodstuff cooking device further comprises a bread toasting means. This allows a user to prepare toast in the same device.

In an embodiment, the bread toasting means is a pair of heating elements configured to receive a slice of bread therebetween, the heating elements arranged with the housing to form an entry slot therebetween. This is a simple and reliable toasting mechanism.

In other embodiments the bread toasting means may comprise a displaceable adaptor for the device. In yet further embodiments the device may comprise an adaptor and standard bread toasting means.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective view to one side and above of a foodstuff cooking device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the device having a housing that surrounds and supports a pair of tubular grilling elements, each having an open end facing upwards through which foodstuffs such as ears of corn can be inserted for cooking, the foodstuff raisable and lowerable via a lever on the end of the housing, a control panel located on the side of the housing to allow a user to alter cooking setting such as the temperature and cooking time.

Figure 2 shows a schematic end view of a tubular grilling element such as can be used with the device of figure 1, having a circular cross-section.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view to one side and above of an alternate embodiment of foodstuff cooking device.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view to one side and above of a second alternate embodiment of foodstuff cooking device, suitable for use when preparing corn on the cob and for use as a toaster.

Figure 5 shows a schematic end view of a tubular grilling element such as can be used with the device of figure 4, having a rectangular cross section suitable for use with the toaster portion or for use with the corn on the cob section of the foodstuff cooking device.

Detailed Description of Figures

Embodiments of the foodstuff cooking device of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures. A first embodiment of foodstuff cooking device 1 is shown in figure 1. The foodstuff cooking device 1 has an outer housing 2 that surrounds and encloses a pair of grills 3. Each of the grills 3 is formed so as to be tubular, and in this embodiment the interior of each of the tubes has a circular cross section, as shown in figure 2. The upper ends of the grills form side-by-side openings in the top of the housing 2. In use, a user inserts an ear of corn into the opening end first. The grilling elements of the grills 3 surround the main body of the corn, and when activated radiates heat onto the outer surface of the corn. Having a grilling means in a substantially tubular form allows a user to evenly cook a foodstuff such as an ear of corn via radiant heat transfer to the outer surface of the foodstuff. A lever 5 is located at one end of the housing 2. The lever 5 forms the user-activatable portion of a lever mechanism inside the housing that is configured to allow a user to insert and extract a foodstuff from within the grills 3, in a similar manner to a toaster, a user depressing the lever or handle 5 to move corn within the grills 3 downwards (insertion), and moving the lever 5 upwards to extract corn within the grills 3. A control panel is located on the side of the housing 2. The controls of the control panel comprise buttons and dials that allow a user to alter the temperature provided by the grills, and a button which a user can press to cancel a cooking operation while it is in progress. When a user depresses the handle 5 to insert the corn, this activates the grills 3 and causes power to flow, and starts a timer within the controls that runs for a period of time and then acts to deactivate the power supply to the grills 3. The set period of time is user-adjustable via the control panel. It is most preferred that the insertion and extraction means connected to the lever 5 is connected to the timer, the timer starting when a foodstuff is inserted and the lever 5 is depressed, and de-activating to cease cooking and to cause the foodstuff to at least partly exit from the grilling means once the set period of time has elapsed, in a similar manner to a toaster. This allows a user to insert a foodstuff and start a cooking operation with a minimal number of steps. A lighting ring 7 surrounds each of the openings or open ends of each of the grills 3. These illuminate when the grills 3 are active, and provide a visual indicator that the grills are in operation.

One, or both at once, of the grills 3 can be operated. A variation of the foodstuff cooking device 100 is shown in figure 2. This variation is substantially the same as that described above, but also includes a butter melting drawer or tray 6 located at one side of the housing 2. This can slide into and out of the side of the housing 2. A user can place solid butter into the melting drawer 6 so that the drawer receives ambient heat from within the housing and melts the butter and stores this in liquid form, ready to pour over the cooked corn. This allows a user to prepare butter for use simultaneously with a main foodstuff cooking operation. A further variation of the foodstuff cooking device 200 is shown in figure 4. This variation further comprises a toaster part 8. This operates in the same or similar manner to a regular toaster, and allows a user to use a single device to toast bread or prepare corn on the cob. As shown in figure 5, the tubular heating elements can be used as the heating elements for the toaster portion of the cooking device 200, or for the central circular tubular sections that are used for the corn on the cob.

With reference to Figure 5, heating elements 30 are spaced in a parallel vertical configuration around the grills 3. The grills further include metallic wire cages 31 to prevent contact of the foodstuff with the elements. In some embodiments these cages may displace in use so as to accommodate different sizes of foodstuff in a fashion common to the art, for example during displacement of the lever 5.

Different levers on different sides of the device may account for different settings, wherein movement of a first moves for the bread toasting grills, and movement of a second moves for the grills arranged for tubular foodstuffs, and accordingly varying cooking periods and intensities.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A foodstuff cooking device comprising: at least one grilling means having a substantially tubular form with at least one open end, a control means configured to at least allow a user to alter the temperature provided by the at least one grilling means, and a timing means connected to the grilling means; wherein the tubular grilling means is configured to receive a substantially cylindrical foodstuff therein via the open end, the grilling means is configured to provide radiant heat to the outer surface of a foodstuff located therein, the timing means is configured to activate once a foodstuff is inserted, the timing means acts to deactivate a first cooking period, to activate a second cooking period, and to deactivate the grilling means once a set period of time has elapsed, the first and second cooking periods having different radiant heat intensities.

2. A foodstuff cooking device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a housing configured to surround and support the at least one grilling means.

3. A foodstuff cooking device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the control means is further configured to allow a user to cancel a cooking operation.

4. A foodstuff cooking device according to any preceding claim wherein the radiant heat intensity of the second cooking period is greater than the radiant heat intensity of the first cooking period.

5. A foodstuff cooking device according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the radiant heat intensity of the second period is a rising intensity.

6. A foodstuff cooking device according to any preceding claim wherein the set period of time is user-adjustable via the control means.

7. A foodstuff cooking device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising an insertion and extraction means configured to allow a user to insert and extract the foodstuff from within the grilling means.

8. A foodstuff cooking device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the insertion and extraction means is a lever mechanism with a handle external to the housing, configured to allow a user to insert and extract a foodstuff from within the grilling means by movement of the handle.

9. A foodstuff cooking device as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the insertion and extraction means is connected to the timing means, the timing means starting when a foodstuff is inserted, and activating the insertion and extraction means to cause the foodstuff to at least partly exit from the grilling means once the set period of time has elapsed.

10. A foodstuff cooking device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a butter melting means, configured to receive solid butter and heat and store this in liquid form.

11. A foodstuff cooking device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the butter melting means is a tray, storable within and separable from the housing, located close to the grilling means when stored within the housing to receive heat therefrom.

12. A foodstuff cooking device according to any preceding claim further comprising a visual use indicator.

13. A foodstuff cooking device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the visual use indicator is a light.

14. A foodstuff cooking device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the light is formed as a ring around the open end.

15. A foodstuff cooking device according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one grilling means is a pair of grills, each having a substantially tubular form with an open end, the open ends aligned facing upwards.

16. A foodstuff cooking device according to claim 15 wherein the grills include a plurality of heating elements spaced vertically.

17. A foodstuff cooking device according to any preceding claim further comprising a bread toasting means.

18. A foodstuff cooking device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the bread toasting means is a pair of heating elements configured to receive a slice of bread therebetween, the heating elements arranged with the housing to form an entry slot therebetween.