GB2560959A

GB2560959A - An electric toaster

Info

Publication number: GB2560959A
Application number: GB1705093.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sevilay Salerno Rahime
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-03-30
Filing date: 2017-03-30
Publication date: 2018-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-30
Also published as: GB201705093D0; GB2560959B

Abstract

An electric toaster 10 includes a set of elongate slots 11, 12, 13, suitable for receiving a food product, wherein at least one of the slots is longer than an adjacent slot. The longer slot 12 may also be wider and deeper than an adjacent opening 11, 13. The larger opening may further comprise a variable support element that engages with the food product in use. The toaster may have an oval plan configuration and the longer slot may be centrally located, flanked by adjacent elongate openings. The toaster may further comprise a controller 15 that independently controls heating elements of each of the slots.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: An electric toaster

Abstract Title: An electric toaster having different length openings (57) An electric toaster 10 includes a set of elongate slots 11, 12, 13, suitable for receiving a food product, wherein at least one of the slots is longer than an adjacent slot. The longer slot 12 may also be wider and deeper than an adjacent opening 11, 13. The larger opening may further comprise a variable support element that engages with the food product in use. The toaster may have an oval plan configuration and the longer slot may be centrally located, flanked by adjacent elongate openings. The toaster may further comprise a controller 15 that independently controls heating elements of each of the slots.

Fig.1

This print incorporates corrections made under Section 117(1) of the Patents Act 1977.

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Fig-1

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Fig. 2

An Electric Toaster

The present invention relates to an electric toaster in a form that can accommodate larger food items than regular bread slices. Preferably the toaster may have multiple slots with individual controls for each. Enhanced functionality is provided by at least one slot being longer and wider than other slots to receive larger items.

Background to the Invention

Currently, when individual bread slices are toasted using a vertically loaded electric toaster appliance, a minimum of two heated positions are electrically energised. The positions are either as parallel slots or a long slot for accommodating two slices in-line. It has been observed by the present inventor that electrifying two slots to heat one food item is not energy efficient. Alternatively, in an effort not to waste energy, additional items may be toasted using the second slot such that an unnecessary food item may be consumed. Therefore, in a scenario when only one slice of toast is truly desired, conventional toasters inevitably lead to waste of some sort.

A second observation of the inventor is the inability of conventional toasters to accommodate large bread slices or other bulkier/longer items. The most common type of bread slot for a toaster can only receive a nominally average bread slice. It is often unsuitable for thick, hand cut bread or toasted sandwiches, pita bread and the like.

Summary of Invention

To address the observations of the inventor a toaster is proposed according to the appended claims. Particularly, a multi-slot toaster is provided with enhanced functionality by incorporating at least one elongate opening or slot being longer and wider than other slots, to accommodate larger food items. In the context of the invention it is clear that length refers to the greatest external dimension of a slot. The internal depth may also be different according to the slot, i.e. the long slot is also deeper than the regular flanking slots.

Preferably, parallel slots are controlled independently and do not depend on each other to operate.

The preferred invention allows a user to toast larger-than-average heatable foods while operating a minimum of one slot. Hence, only the number of slots required to heat the food(s) would be operated. If used correctly, the invention will contribute toward reduced energy consumption and food wastage. It has the particular advantage of being configured for accommodating regular and wide/long food items in a single device.

The power consumption is estimated at approximately 400 watts minimum, up to 1200 watts maximum if all functions/toasting positions are used simultaneously.

In a preferred configuration the toaster has multiple slots; e.g. three slots arranged in parallel where the middle slot is at least longer, preferably wider, than the adjacent slots. Preferably the big slot should be at least 20 % longer than the regular slots. In a preferred form it is also at least 50% wider, but preferably not greater than about 300% (i.e. 1.5 to 4 times)

A preferred configuration would feature three slots fitting into an oval plan view where the middle slot is noticeably larger. However, it is expected that the exact configuration should not be a limiting aspect of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a pictorial representation of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a top plan view of the invention; and

Figure 3 shows a side elevation view of the invention, highlighting the independent slot controls.

Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment

As shown in Figures 1 and 2 a toaster 10 features (for example) three toasting slots 11,12 and 13 formed into an upper panel 14, for vertical loading in the known way. The middle slot 12 is noticeably larger than the adjacent slots 11 and 13 in order to accommodate larger food items. In the case where the full width of the slot 12 is not occupied, preferably the toaster includes a variable mechanism for supporting the food item being inserted (not illustrated). Accordingly, the middle slot may be not only longer/wider, but also deeper. The two smaller outer slots 11 and 13 are of a standard dimension for sliced foods.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3 slot controls 15 allow a user to adjust the duration and intensity or terminate the toasting process in a known way. However, according to a preferred form of the invention such control is possible independently, i.e. one, two or all three slots may be operated at the same time, at different heat intensities and for differing durations; or not at all. The provision of independent control, especially of a heating element switch, is thought to be a novel feature and is certainly not common in the art. Further modifications may be possible to improve function, such as independent control of a heating element at either side of a slot in order to provide more intense toasting to one side. Such variability may be desirable for some bread types depending on crust characteristics.

Figure 2 particularly shows the relative exemplary positioning and proportional sizing of the slots. The centre opening 12 is larger to cater for toasting larger items such as French sticks (wider) and pita breads (longer). While the prior art does recognise (although still not render common) designs that have some variation in width, it is believed that length or length and width combined is not addressed.

The side view of Figure 3, as previously mentioned, shows the slot controls 15, i.e. three sets of levers (15A - switches) and buttons (15B - controls). The three levers (15A) activate the respective slot's heating elements. Each slot has its own set of buttons (15B - controls) for heating duration (temperature), enhanced intensity (defrost) and to switch off (cancel) the slot, where typically an electromagnet is released causing the toast to pop up.

A tray (not visible) to catch crumbs falling from bread inserted into a slot may be implemented along one side of the toaster. In one form this would be on the opposite side to Figure 3, but could be in any suitable side or underneath position.

The present invention can be implemented according to available manufacturing techniques and technology.

Claims

5 Claims:

1. An electric toaster including a set of elongate openings for receiving a food product thereinto, wherein at least one of the elongate openings is a large opening that is longer than an adjacent elongate opening.
2. The electric toaster of claim 1 wherein the large opening is at least 20% longer than

10 an adjacent elongate opening.
3. The electrictoaster of claim 1 or 2 wherein the large opening is wider than an adjacent elongate opening.
4. The electric toaster of claim 3 wherein the large opening is at least 50% wider.
5. The electric toaster of claim 3 or 4 wherein the large opening is less than 200% wider.

15
6. The electric toaster of any preceding claim wherein the large opening is deeper than an adjacent opening.
7. The electric toaster of claim 6 wherein the large opening is configurable with a variable support element, engageable with a food item in use.
8. The electric toaster of any preceding claim wherein the toaster has an oval plan

20 configuration where the large opening is centrally located, flanked by adjacent elongate openings.
9. The electric toaster of any preceding claim including a controller configured to independently control a heating element of each of the set of elongate openings.
10. The electric toaster of claim 9 wherein the controller is configured to independently

25 control two or more heating elements of each of the set of elongate openings.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1705093.1 Examiner: Miss Cassandra Fraser