GB2592998A

GB2592998A - Apparatus for cooking food

Info

Publication number: GB2592998A
Application number: GB2005859.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jamali Ghorban
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-03-06
Filing date: 2020-04-22
Publication date: 2021-09-15
Anticipated expiration: 2040-04-22
Also published as: GB202003304D0; GB202005859D0; GB2592998B

Abstract

A food cooking apparatus 10 includes; at least one heating stage 30, 40; a conveyor system 50 for transporting foodstuffs (e.g. kebabs, meat skewers, food baskets) along a path 60, the path conveys uncooked food from a loading region 70 through the at least one heating/cooking stage 30, 40 and onward to an unloading region 80; and, a holding means 100 releasably retains the food skewers as they are transported through the heating stage 30, 40, for cooking. Preferably, the cooked food is automatically released upon reaching unloading region 80. Preferably the food gripping means 100 include laterally spaced hook elements 110 for receiving a food skewer or basket, wherein each hook may have a jaw or lip to retain the skewer/basket as the hook rotates through an angular range. Preferably, the conveyor system utilises conveyor chains 52 and corresponding drive system 54, or a wire mesh belt system.

Description

TITLE: APPARATUS FOR COOKING FOOD

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to apparatus for cooking food and particularly but not exclusively to automated or semi-automated apparatus for cooking food (e.g. skewered food, such as kebabs) in a restaurant or takeaway.

A variety of cooking equipment is available in the art for high-volume cooking of skewered foods such as kebabs (e.g. shish kebabs) in a restaurant or takeaway environment.

However, whilst such cooking equipment has the capacity to cook food on multiple skewer simultaneously, the cooking equipment in the market is labour intensive since it requires a human operator to load a cooking plate with skewered food, watch and turn the food, and finally remove the cooked food from the cooking plate.

The present applicant has identified the need for an improved cooking apparatus that 25 overcomes or at least alleviates problems associated with the prior art.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided apparatus for cooking food comprising: at least one heating stage; a conveyor system defining a predetermined path extending from a loading region, through the at least one heating stage, and onward to an unloading region; and means (e.g. a food holding mechanism) for releasably holding food on the conveyor system as the food on the conveyor system is transported through the at least one heating stage.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is configured to release the food from the conveyor system automatically upon reaching the unloading region.

In this way, apparatus is provided in which foods (e.g. supported foods, such as foods mounted on skewers, and unsupported foods, such as burgers and flatbreads) are cooked and unloaded (e.g. released into a collection tray) with minimal input from a human operator.

In one embodiment, the predetermined path comprises a substantially vertical section 5 (e.g. a section extending +/-20° from vertical, e.g. a section extending +/-10° from vertical, e.g. a section extending +/-50 from vertical) extending through the at least one heating stage and the conveyor system is configured to convey food along (e.g. down) the substantially vertical section. In this way, food may be heated evenly using opposed laterally positioned heating elements whilst fat and oil released during cooking are allowed to fall vertically downwards 10 (e.g. substantially in the path direction) rather than dropping onto the heating elements. In addition, a vertical heating stage allows efficient heating since an upper part of the vertical section will be exposed to heat rising from lower parts of the vertical section.

In a first group of embodiments, the means for releasably holding food comprises first and second conveyor surfaces defined by the conveyor system, the first conveyor surface being operative to engage a first surface (e.g. support an underside surface) of the food and the second conveyor surface being operative to engage a second surface of the food (e.g. opposed to the first surface).

In one embodiment, the first and second conveyor surfaces are configured to engage opposed top and underside surfaces of the food respectively.

In one embodiment, the second conveyor surface is operative to move substantially in synchrony with the first conveyor surface.

In one embodiment, the first conveyor surface is defined by a primary conveyor operative to convey food along the predetermined path (e.g. conveyor operative to transfer the food from the loading region to the unloading region via the at least one heating stage) and the second conveyor surface is defined by a secondary conveyor (e.g. conveyor operative to engage the food as the food is conveyed along the substantially vertical section) operative to move along a second path.

In one embodiment, the second conveyor is operative to move in an opposed rotary direction to the primary conveyor.

In one embodiment, the primary and secondary conveyors meet at a start point of the vertical section and separate at an end point of the vertical section.

In one embodiment, at least one (e.g. both) of the primary and secondary conveyors comprise a heat transmitting conveyor belt (e.g. air-permeable belt conveyor). In one embodiment, at least one (e.g. both) of the primary and secondary conveyors comprise a wire mesh belt conveyor.

In one embodiment, at least one (e.g. both) of the first and second conveyor surfaces comprise food gripping elements (e.g. an array of spikes protmding outwards from the conveyor 5 surfaces).

In a second group of embodiments, the means for releasably holding food comprises at least one food-holder support, the at least one food-holder support being operative to support a food holder used to hold an item of food as the at least one food-holder support is conveyed by the conveyor system from the loading region to the unloading region via the at least one heating stage In one embodiment, at least one of the conveyor system and the at least one food-holder support (e.g. either independently or in combination) is configured to release the food holder from the food-holder support automatically upon reaching the unloading region. For example, the apparatus may be configured to automatically release the food holder (e.g. release the food holder from the at least one food-holder support or release the food holder and the food-holder support (or a part thereof) from the conveyer system) when the at least one food-holder support reaches a predetermined release orientation (e.g. predetermined rotational release orientation) or to automatically release the food holder when the at least one food-holder support reaches a release point along the conveyor system where the positioning (e.g. lateral and/or longitudinal positioning) of the at least one food-holder support (e.g. relative to the food holder or relative to the conveyor system) is automatically altered to release the food holder (e.g. release the food holder from the at least one food-holder support or release the food holder and the food-holder support (or a part thereof) from the conveyor system).

In one embodiment, the at least one food-holder support is configured to release the food 25 holder under gravity (e.g. once the at least one food-holder support reaches the predetermined release orientation or release point).

In one embodiment, the food holder comprises a full-width skewer (e.g extending frilly through the foodstuff that is skewered).

In one embodiment, the at least one food-holder support is a skewer support operative 30 to support a skewer (e.g. skewer supporting one or more items of food to be cooked) or other type of food holder with a skewer-like mounting profile.

In one embodiment, the food-holder support is operative to support a basket (e.g. closable basket) with mounting profiles (e.g. skewer-like profiles) extending from opposed ends of the basket.

In one embodiment, the food holder comprises a pair of skewer parts (e.g. engaging opposed lateral sides of the foodstuff that is skewered).

In one embodiment, the at least one food-holder support is configured to support a 5 skewer such that the skewer extends transversely relative to the path (e.g. from one lateral side of the path to an opposed lateral side of the path).

In one embodiment, the at least one food-holder support comprises first and second laterally spaced support elements (e.g. configured to receive opposed end parts of a skewer).

In one embodiment, the conveyor system is a looped conveyor system (e.g. a conveyor 10 system formed in a continuous loop).

In one embodiment, the at least one food-holder support comprises one or more hook elements configured to receive part of a food holder (e.g. to receive part of skewer or to receive part of a skewer-like mounting profile of an alternative food holder)).

In one embodiment, the at least one food-holder support comprises first and second 15 laterally spaced hook elements (e.g. configured to receive opposed end parts of a food holder (e.g. receive opposed end parts of a skewer or skewer-like mounting profile)).

In the case of a conveyer system comprising first and second laterally spaced conveyor elements, the first and second laterally spaced hook elements may be supported by the first and second laterally spaced conveyer elements respectively (e.g. the first hook element may be provided on the first conveyer element and the second hook element may be provided on the second conveyor element).

In one embodiment, the or each hook element comprises first and second jaw members spaced to define an opening configured to receive a portion (e.g. end portion) of a food holder (e.g. skewer or alternative food holder with a skewer-like mounting profile).

In one embodiment, the first and second jaw members define first and second inner surfaces (e.g. first and second curved inner surfaces) respectively.

In one embodiment, at least one of (e.g. each of) the first and second jaw members defines a protuberant lip (e.g. positioned at the opening) configured to retain the food holder (e.g. skewer or alternative food holder with a skewer-like mounting profile) in the hook element as the hook element pivots over a predetermined angle range. In this way, as the hook element pivots and the food holder (e.g. skewer or alternative food holder with a skewer-like mounting profile) moves along the respective inner surface of the hook element towards the opening, the food-holder may be retained in the hook element over the predetermined angle range.

In one embodiment, the first jaw member defines a first protuberant lip configured to retain the food-holder (e.g. skewer or alternative food holder with a skewer-like mounting profile) in the hook element as the hook element pivots between (e.g. from) a first advancement orientation and a second advancement orientation (e.g. substantially perpendicular to the first advancement orientation). In one embodiment, one of the first and second advancement orientations comprises a loading orientation.

In one embodiment, the second jaw member defines a second protuberant lip configured to retain the food-holder (e.g. skewer or alternative food holder with a skewer-like mounting profile) in the hook element as the hook element pivots from the first advancement orientation and to a third advancement orientation (e.g. substantially perpendicular to the first advancement orientation and substantially antiparallel to the second advancement orientation).

In one embodiment, the hook element is configured to release a held food holder (e.g. held skewer)(e.g, allow the food holder to drop from the opening under gravity) as the hook element pivots into an unloading orientation (e.g. pivots from the first, second or third 15 advancement orientations into the unloading orientation).

In one embodiment, the unloading orientation is substantially antiparallel to the first advancement orientation (e.g. and substantially perpendicular to the second and third advancement orientations).

In one embodiment, the second and third advancement orientations correspond to sections of the path where the conveyor system is travelling between different vertical heights (e.g. travelling in a substantially upward direction and travelling in a substantially downward direction respectively). In one embodiment, the second and third advancement orientations correspond to sections of the path extending in a substantially vertical direction (e.g. where the conveyor system is travelling in a substantially upward vertical direction and travelling in a substantially downward vertical direction respectively). In another embodiment, the second and third advancement orientations correspond to sections of the path extending in an inclined upward direction and in an inclined downward direction respectively).

In one embodiment, the first advancement orientation and unloading orientation correspond to sections of the path where the conveyer system is travelling between different horizontal positions (e.g. travelling in a substantially first lateral direction and travelling in a substantially second lateral direction opposed to the first lateral direction). In one embodiment, the first advancement orientation and the unloading orientation correspond to sections of the path extending in a substantially horizontal direction (e.g. where the conveyor system is travelling in a substantially first horizontal direction and travelling in a substantially second horizontal direction opposed to the first horizontal direction).

In one embodiment, the or each hook element is configured to maintain a predetermined orientation relative to the conveyor system such that the opening is always facing a 5 predetermined direction relative to the direction of travel of the conveyor system (e.g. at the point the hook element is provided on the conveyor system).

In one embodiment, the or each hook element is configured to maintain a predetermined substantially perpendicular orientation such that the opening is always facing substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel.

In one embodiment, the or each hook element comprises a shank portion extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one guide element (e.g. pair of guide elements) operative to maintain a held food holder (e.g. skewer or alternative food holder with a skewer-like mounting profile) in a predetermined orientation (e.g. rotational orientation) and/or position relative to the at least one food-holder support as the at least one food-holder support moves relative to the at least one guide element. In this way, accurate orientation/positioning of the food holder may be maintained as the conveyor system passes the at least one guide element.

In one embodiment, the at least one guide element is positioned along at least one section 20 of the predetermined path.

In one embodiment, the at least one guide element is provided along one of the second and third advancement directions and is configured to maintain the held food holder in the predetermined rotational orientation as the hook element travels along said second or third advancement direction (e.g. positioned along a section of the predetermined path extending through the at least one heating stage).

In the case of a food-holder support with one or more hook element, the at least one guide element (e.g. pair of guide elements) may be laterally spaced from (e.g. an adjacent to) the or each hook element. In this way, the at least one guide element may be urged against the held food holder without interfering with the one or more hook element.

In one embodiment, the at least one guide element comprises at least one guide bar.

In the case that the at least one guide element is positioned along a substantially vertical section of the predetermined path (e.g. the substantially vertical section extending through the at least one heating stage), the at least one guide element may comprise a substantially vertically extending guide element (e.g. at least one vertically extending guide bar).

In the case of apparatus including the at least one guide element, the use of a protuberant lip on only one of the first and second jaw members may be adequate (e.g. with the protuberant lip retaining the food holder in the hook element along one of the second and third advancement 5 directions and the at least one guide element performing this function along the other of the second and third advancement directions). However, the skilled reader will recognise that protuberant lips may be provided on each of the first and second jaw members provided the at least one guide element will not interfere with the jaw members. Furthermore, the skilled reader will recognise that if at least one guide element is provided along each of the first and third 10 advancement directions then the protuberant lip may be omitted from each of the first and second jaw members.

In one embodiment, the conveyor system comprises a conveyer chain system (e.g. endless conveyer chain system).

In one embodiment, the conveyer chain system comprises at least one chain (e.g. at least 15 one roller chain) and a chain drive mechanism operative to drive movement of the at least one chain.

In one embodiment, the chain drive mechanism comprises a plurality of sprockets operative to engage the at least one chain at a plurality of points along the predetermined path and drive movement (e.g. circulation) of the transport chain.

In one embodiment, the chain system comprises first and second laterally spaced chains driven by a chain drive mechanism.

In one embodiment, the at least one food-holder support is integrally formed as part of a link plate of the at least one chain (e.g. integrally formed as part of an outer link plate connected (via link pins) between a pair of inner link plates or integrally formed as part of an inner link 25 plate connected (via link pins) between a pair of outer link plates).

In the case the at least one food-holder support comprises first and second laterally spaced food-holder support elements and the chain drive mechanism comprises first and second laterally spaced chains, the first food-holder support element may be integrally formed as part of a first link plate of the first chain and the second food-holder support element may be integrally formed as part of a second link plate of the second chain.

In one embodiment, the predetermined path extends along a (e.g. first) heating path extending through the at least one (e.g. first) heating stage.

In one embodiment, the at least one heating stage comprises a single heating surface and the heating path extends alongside the single heating surface.

In one embodiment, the conveyor system extends alongside the single heating surface in a plane substantially parallel to the single heating surface.

In another embodiment, the heating stage comprises opposed first and second heating 5 surfaces and the heating path extends between the opposed first and second heating surfaces. In one embodiment, the conveyor system extends between the first and second heating surfaces in a plane substantially parallel to the first and second heating surfaces.

In one embodiment, the at least one heating stage comprises a first heating stage and a second heating stage arranged in series with the first heating stage.

In one embodiment, the predetermined path extends along a first heating path extending through the first heating stage and a second heating path extending through the second heating stage.

In one embodiment, the first heating stage comprises a first single heating surface and the first heating path extends alongside the first single heating surface.

In one embodiment, the first heating stage comprises (e.g. a first pair of) opposed heating surfaces and the first heating path extends between the opposed heating surfaces.

In one embodiment, the second heating stage comprises a second single heating surface and the second heating path extends alongside the second single heating surface.

In one embodiment, the conveyor system extends alongside the second single heating 20 surface in a plane substantially parallel to the second single heating surface.

In another embodiment, the second heating stage comprises (e.g. a second pair of) opposed heating surfaces and the second heating path extends between the opposed heating surfaces.

In one embodiment, the conveyor system extends between the (e.g. second pair of) of 25 opposed heating surfaces of the second heating stage in a plane substantially parallel to the opposed heating surfaces of the second heating stage.

In one embodiment, the first heating path extends in a substantially opposed direction to the second heating path.

In one embodiment, the first heat path extends between a first set of different vertical heights.

In on embodiment, the second heating path extends between a second set of different vertical heights (e.g. different to or the same as the first set of different vertical heights).

In one embodiment, the first heating path extends substantially upwards (e.g. in an inclined upward direction or in a substantially vertical upward direction).

In one embodiment, the second heating path extends substantially downward (e.g in an inclined downward direction or in a substantially vertical downward direction).

In one embodiment, the first heating path extends substantially vertically (e.g. extends 5 +/-200 from vertical, e.g. extends +/-100 from vertical, e.g. extends +/-5° from vertical).

In one embodiment, the second heating path extends substantially vertically (e.g. extends +/-20° from vertical, e.g. extends +/-100 from vertical, e.g. extends +/-5° from vertical).

In one embodiment, the conveyor system is configured to present the at least one food-10 holder support part in a loading orientation as the at least one food-holder support passes through the loading region.

In one embodiment, the loading orientation is an upright loading orientation (e.g, in which the food holder is dropped vertically into the food-holder support). In the case of a food-holder support in the form of a hook element, the opening will face upwards in the upright 15 loading orientation.

In another embodiment, the loading orientation is a non-vertical loading orientation (e.g. in which the food holder is inserted substantially horizontally or at an angle to vertical into the food-holder support). In the case of a food-holder support in the form of a hook element, the opening will face in an inclined orientation to vertical (e.g. face substantially horizontally).

In one embodiment, the conveyor system is configured to present the at least one food-holder support part in a heating orientation (e.g. in the case of apparatus comprising first and second heating stages, a first heating orientation associated with the first heating stage and a second heating orientation associated with the second heating stage) In one embodiment, the conveyor system is configured to present the at least one food-25 holder support part in an unloading orientation.

In one embodiment, the or each heating orientation is substantially inclined to the unloading orientation. For example, in one embodiment, the or each heating orientation may be substantially perpendicular to the unloading orientation.

In one embodiment, the unloading orientation is a downward unloading orientation. In the case of a food-holder support comprising one or more hook element, in one embodiment the opening of the or each hook element faces downwards in the downward loading orientation.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of apparatus for cooking food in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A is a schematic detailed perspective view of chain and food-holder support elements of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 2B is a schematic side view of the chain and food-holder support elements illustrated in Figure 2A; Figure 3A is a schematic side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 illustrating rotational the orientation of one food-holder support element as it moves along the conveyer system; Figures 4A-C are schematic plan, side and edge views of a first type of skewer 10 suitable for use with the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 5A-D are schematic representations of the skewer of Figures 4A-C when mounted in a food-holder support element of the apparatus of Figure 1 in the various rotational orientations; Figures 6A-C are schematic plan, side and edge views of a second type of skewer 15 suitable for use with the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 7A-D are schematic representations of the skewer of Figures 6A-C when mounted in a food-holder support element of the apparatus of Figure 1 in the various rotational orientations; Figure 8A is a schematic front view of apparatus for cooking food in accordance with 20 a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 8A; Figure 8C is a schematic end view of the apparatus of Figure 8A, Figure 9A is a schematic side view of chain and food-holder support elements of the apparatus of Figure 8A; Figure 9B is a schematic end view of the chain and food-holder support elements illustrated in Figure 9B; Figure 10A is a schematic representation of the skewer of Figures 4A-C when mounted in a food-holder support element of the apparatus of Figure SA in the various rotational orientations; Figure 10A is a schematic representation of an alternative skewer when mounted in a food-holder support element of the apparatus of Figure 8A in the various rotational orientations; Figure 11A is a schematic front view of apparatus for cooking food in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention illustrated in use cooking skewered food; Figure 11B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 11A illustrated in use cooking skewered food; Figure 11C is a schematic end view of the apparatus of Figure 11A illustrated in use 5 cooking skewered food; Figure 11D is a schematic front view of the apparatus of Figure 11A illustrated in use cooking food in baskets; Figure 11E is a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 11A illustrated in use cooking food in baskets; Figure 11F is a schematic end view of the apparatus of Figure 11A illustrated in use cooking food in baskets; Figure 12A is a schematic front view of apparatus for cooking food in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 12B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 12A.

Figures 1-3 illustrate details of a semi-automated cooking apparatus 10 for cooking skewered food comprising a base unit 20 supporting: first and second vertical heating stages 30, 40 arranged in series; an endless conveyor chain system 50 defining a predetermined path 60 extending from a loading region 70, through the first and second vertical heating stages 30, 40, and onward to an unloading region 80; and a plurality of food-holder supports (or "skewer supports-) 100 integrally formed with the chain conveyor system 50.

Conveyer chain system 50 comprises first and second laterally spaced roller chains 52 driven by a common chain drive mechanism 54.

Chain drive mechanism 54 comprises a plurality of drive shafts 54A each supporting end sprockets 54B operative to engage first and second roller chains 52 at a plurality of points 25 along the predetermined path 60 and drive synchronous circulation of the roller chains 52.

As illustrated in Figure 3 path 60 defined by conveyer chain system 50 comprises in sequence: a loading path (horizontal path section 60a); a first heating path (upward vertical path section 60b); a connecting path (horizontal path section 60c); a second heating path (downward vertical path section 60d); and an unloading path (horizontal path section 60e extending in an opposed direction to path sections 60a and 60c).

Each skewer support 100 comprises first and second laterally spaced hook elements 110 configured to receive opposed end parts of a skewer 150, 150'.

First vertical heating stage 30 comprises a first pair of opposed ceramic gas burners 32A,

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32B defining first and second heating surfaces 34A, 34B with a first heating path (vertical upward path section 60b) extending therebetween.

Second vertical heating stage 40 comprises a second pair of opposed ceramic gas burners 42A, 42B defining first and second heating surfaces 44A, 44B with a second heating path 5 (vertical downward path section 60d) extending therebetween.

A collection tray 22 is provided as part of the base unit 20 to collect the cooked food at the loading region 70 and to collect falling oil and cooking debris. An oil collection drum (not shown) may be provided beneath the collection tray 22 to receive oil from the tray.

As illustrated in Figures 2A-B, each hook element 110 is integrally formed as part of 10 an outer link plate 52A of roller chain 52 and connected to neighbouring inner link plates 52B via link pins 52C engaging rollers 52D. In this specific example, the approximate dimensions are: a = 76mm; b= 26mm; c = 25mm; d = 24mm and e = 44 mm.

As illustrated in Figures 4A-C and 6A-C, skewer supports 100 are configured to support a wide a variety of types of frill-width skewers including flat blade skewers 150 and circular skewers 150', with the skewer supports 100 being configured to hold the skewers 150, 150' in a transverse orientation relative to the direction of travel such that the longitudinal length of the skewers 150, 150' extends from one lateral side of the path 60 to an opposed later side of the path. Although a single skewer 150, 150' is illustrated, the apparatus is equally suitable for foodstuff that is supported by pairs of skewer parts inserted into opposed lateral sides of the foodstuff with one the pairs of skewer parts being received in a first hook element 110 of the skewer support 100 and the other skewer part being received in a second hook element 110 of the skewer support.

As illustrated in Figures 2A-B, each hook element 110 comprises first and second jaw members 120A, 120B spaced to define an opening 130 configured to receive an end portion of 25 a skewer and a shank portion 140 extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. First jaw member 120A defines a first curved inner surface 122A and a first protuberant lip 124A positioned at the opening 130. Second jaw 120B member defines a second curved inner surface 122B and a second protuberant lip 124B positioned at the opening 130.

Each hook element 110 is configured to maintain a predetermined perpendicular 30 orientation relative to the conveyor chain system 50 such that the opening 130 is always facing perpendicular to the direction of travel of the conveyor system 50.

As shown in Figures 5B and 7B, first protuberant lip 124A is configured to retain a received skewer 150, 150' in the hook element 110 as the hook element 110 pivots from travelling in a first horizontal direction to travelling in a vertical upward direction (Figures 5A and 7A) and the skewer 150, 150' moves along the curved inner surface 122A of the hook element 110 towards the opening 130.

As shown in Figures SC and 7C, second protuberant lip 124B is configured to retain a received skewer 150, 150' in the hook element 110 as the hook element 110 pivots from travelling in the first horizontal direction to travelling in a vertical downward direction (Figures SC and 7C) and the skewer 150, 150' moves along the curved inner surface 122B of the hook element 110 towards the opening 130.

As shown in Figures 5D and 7D, each hook element 110 is configured to release a held skewer 150, 150' as the hook element 110 pivots from travelling in the vertical downward direction to travelling in a second horizontal direction opposed to the first horizontal direction (the unloading orientation), whereby the skewer ISO, 150' is allowed to drop from the opening under gravity into the collection tray 22.

In operation, skewer supports 100 are presented in an upright loading orientation at the start of loading path section 60a (the loading path) with each hook element 110 facing upwards and are loaded with skewered food by dropped skewers 150, 150' bearing food to be cooked vertically into the openings 130 as the skewer supports 110 pass along the loading path section 60a. Skewer supports 100 are then conveyed by conveyer chain system 50 vertically upwards in a first heating orientation along the first heating path (path section 60b) before returning to the upright loading orientation and travelling along path section 60b.

Once skewer supports 100 reach the end of path section 60b, they are conveyed vertically downwards in a second heating orientation antiparallel to the first heating orientation along the second heating path (path section 60d).

As the skewer supports 100 reach path section 60e (the unloading region), the conveyor chain system SO presents the hook elements 110 in a downward unloading orientation with the opening 130 of each hook element 110 facing downwards. In this rotational orientation the hook elements 110 are configured to automatically release the held skewers 150, 150' allowing the skewers 150, 150' to fall under gravity into collection tray 22.

In this way, cooking apparatus 10 is provided in which foods mounted on skewers (e.g. 30 kebabs and other skewered foods) are cooked and unloaded into collection tray 22 with minimal input from a human operator.

Figures 8A-9B illustrate details of a further embodiment of a semi-automated cooking apparatus 10' for cooking skewered food based on cooking apparatus 10 (features in common

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are labelled accordi ngly).

Cooking apparatus 10' is distinguished from cooking apparatus 10 by a vertical loading path (path section 60a') in loading region 70' replacing horizontal path section 60a and by the user of an alternative design for skewer supports 100'.

As illustrated in Figure 9A, each hook element 110' of each skewer support 100' comprises first and second jaw members 120A', 120B', but thc hook clement 110' includes only a single protuberant lip 124 provided on first jaw member 120A'. As illustrated in Figures 10A and 10B, the first jaw member 120A' with the protuberant lip 124 operates to retain a received skewer 150, 150-as the skewer support 100' travels along first path section 60a' in the manner described in relation to cooking apparatus 10. However, as the skewer support 100' moves from the second path section 606' to the third path section 60c', the received skewer 150'150" is retained against one or more vertically extending guide bar 160 mounted in a fixed position to base unit 20'. Advantageously, the use of one or a pair of laterally spaced guide bars 160 may be used to reduce rotation of the received skewer 150, 150" as the skewer support 100' transitions between the second and third path sections. This may be particularly beneficial for certain kinds of food (e.g. chicken wings or other similarly flat foods) to avoid uneven cooking/ reduce the risk of burning ends of food.

Figures 10A-F illustrate details of a yet further embodiment of a semi-automated cooking apparatus 10" for cooking skewered food based on cooking apparatus 10' illustrated 20 in Figures 8A-C (features in common are labelled accordingly).

Cooking apparatus 10" is distinguished from cooking apparatus 10' by the replacement of first and second vertical heating stages 30', 40' with a single vertical heating stage 30".

As illustrated in Figures 10A-C, cooking apparatus 10-may be used to cook skewered foods in the same manner as described in relation to the previous embodiments.

Figures 10D-F further illustrate how cooking apparatus 10" may be used to mount baskets 170 for cooking delicate foods/foods that are difficult to skewer, such as fish, chops and chicken wings. As illustrated, each basket 170 comprises a closable wire mesh basket section 172 with one hinged side that is held closed by a small sliding latch ring (not shown), a skewer support mountable profile 174 comprising a pair of skewer-like profiles 174A, 174B extending from opposed ends of the basket 172 and a handle 176. The baskets 170 are mounted to skewer supports 100" in exactly the same manner as skewers 150 and are retained in position by hook elements 110Wertically extending guide bar 160'. In this way, baskets 170 are retained so that the faces of the baskets 170, and hence the food contained in the basket, are presented for even cooking. Again, the baskets 170 fall into collection tray 22" at the end of the heating path. Since no modification is required to the apparatus to accommodate the baskets 170, cooking apparatus 10-may be used for skewers 150, baskets 170 or a mixture of skewers 150 and baskets 170. However, as illustrated in Figure 10D an optional guide bar extension 160" 5 may be added on an opposed lateral side of the apparatus to the guide bar 160' to supplement guide bar 160' and to ensure correct orientation of baskets 170 as the baskets pass from the loading area towards the vertical heating stage 30".

Figures 12A-B illustrate details of a semi-automated cooking apparatus 210 in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention for cooking flat foods 300 (e.g. 10 burgers, haloumi slices, flatbreads).

Cooking apparatus 210 comprises a base unit 220 supporting a vertical heating stage 230 and an endless conveyor system 250 driven by a drive mechanism 254 Conveyer system 250 comprises a primary air-permeable, heat transmitting wire mesh belt conveyor 270 operative to transport food along a predetermined path 260 extending from a loading region 262, through the heating stage 230, and onward to an unloading region 264, and a secondary air-permeable, heat transmitting wire mesh belt conveyor 280 operative to move along a predetermined second path 265 in an opposed rotary direction to primary conveyor 270. As illustrated, the primary and secondary conveyors 270, 280 meet at a start point of the vertical heating stage 230 and separate at an end point of the vertical heating stage.

As shown, drive mechanism 254 comprises a plurality of sets of drive shafts 254A each supporting end sprockets 254B operative to engage opposed lateral sides of the primary and secondary conveyors 270, 280 and drive synchronous circulation of the conveyors in opposed rotary directions.

Path 260 defined by primary conveyor 270 comprises in sequence: an upper loading 25 path (inclined path section 260a); a heating path (downward vertical path section 260b); a first return path (horizontal path section 26(k); and a second return path (vertical path section 260d extending in an opposed direction to path section 260b).

Path 265 defined by secondary conveyor 280 comprises in sequence: an upper path (horizontal path section 265a, a heating path (downward vertical path section 265); a first 30 return path (horizontal path section 265c); and a second return path (vertical path section 265d extending in an opposed direction to path section 265b).

Vertical heating stage 230 comprises a first pair of opposed ceramic gas burners 232A, 232B defining first and second heating surfaces 2344, 234B extending on opposed sides of the heating path (vertical downward path sections 260b/265b).

A collection tray 222 is provided as part of the base unit 220 to collect the cooked food at the loading region 264 and to collect falling oil and cooking debris. An oil collection drum (not shown) may be provided beneath the collection tray 222 to receive oil from the tray.

As illustrated in Figure 12A, primary conveyor 270 defines a first conveyor surface 272 operative to support an underside of food 300 placed on the conveyor and secondary conveyor 280 defines a second conveyor surface 282 operative to engage a top side of food 300 as the food passes through vertical heating stage 230, with the second conveyor surface 282 moving substantially in synchrony with the first conveyor surface. Each of the first and second conveyor surfaces 272, 282 further comprise an array of food gripping spikes 290 protruding outwards from the conveyor surfaces.

In use, flat food 300 is placed onto primary conveyor 270 at the inclined loading region 262 at the top of the apparatus. As the primary conveyor 270 advances the food is gently titled into a vertical orientation as the primary conveyors passes over chain guide plates 251, at which point it is held upright between the opposing first and second conveyor surfaces 272, 282 as the primary conveyor 270 advances the food in a downward direction along the vertical heating path 260b and through vertical heating stage 230 with food gripping spikes 290 provided on both conveyors 270, 280 acting to prevent the food from slipping downwards relative to the conveyor surfaces. At the bottom of the vertical heating path the primary and secondary conveyors 270, 280 move apart on their respective sprockets, automatically releasing the food into the collection tray 222 (the unloading region 264) as in previous embodiments.

Claims

Claims: I. Apparatus for cooking food comprising: at least one heating stage; a conveyor system defining a predetermined path extending from a loading region, through the at least one heating stage, and onward to an unloading region; and means for releasably holding food on the conveyor system as the food on the conveyor system is transported through the at least one heating stage 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to release the food from the conveyor system automatically upon reaching the unloading region.3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the predetermined path comprises a substantially vertical section extending through the at least one heating stage and the conveyor 15 system is configured to convey food along the substantially vertical section 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the means for releasably holding food comprises first and second conveyor surfaces defined by the conveyor system, the first conveyor surface being operative to engage a first surface of the food and the second conveyor surface 20 being operative to engage a second surface of the food.5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first conveyor surface is defined by a primary conveyor operative to convey food along the predetermined path and the second conveyor surface is defined by a secondary conveyor operative to move along a second path.6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the primary and secondary conveyors meet at a start point of the vertical section and separate at an end point of the vertical section.7. Apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein at least one of the primary and secondary conveyors comprise a wire mesh belt conveyor.8. Apparatus according to any of claims 3-7, wherein at least one of the first and second conveyor surfaces comprise food gripping elements.9. Apparatus according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the means for releasably holding food comprises at least one food-holder support, the at least one food-holder support being operative to support a food holder used to hold an item of food as the at least one food-holder support is conveyed by the conveyor system from the loading region to the unloading region via the at least one heating stage 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically release the food holder when the at least one food-holder support reaches a predetermined 10 release orientation.11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the at least one food-holder support comprises one or more hook elements configured to receive part of a food holder.12 Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one food-holder support comprises first and second laterally spaced hook elements.13. Apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the or each hook element comprises first and second jaw members spaced to define an opening configured to receive a 20 portion of a food holder.14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the first and second jaw members defines a protuberant lip configured to retain the food holder in the hook element as the hook element pivots over a predetermined angle range.15. Apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the first jaw member defines a first protuberant lip configured to retain the food holder in the hook element as the hook element pivots between a first advancement orientation and a second advancement orientation.16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein one of the first and second advancement orientations comprises a loading orientation.17. Apparatus according to any of claims 13-16, wherein the second jaw-member defines a second protuberant lip configured to retain the food holder in the hook element as the hook element pivots between the second advancement orientation and a third advancement orientation 18. Apparatus according to any of claims 11-17, wherein the hook element is configured to release a held food holder as the hook element pivots into an unloading orientation.19. Apparatus to any of claims 13-18, wherein the or each hook element is configured to maintain a predetermined orientation relative to the conveyor system such that the opening is 10 always facing a predetermined direction relative to the direction of travel of the conveyor system.20. Apparatus according to any of claims 11-19, wherein the or each hook element is configured to maintain a predetermined substantially perpendicular orientation such that the 15 opening is always facing substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel 21. Apparatus according to any of claims 9-20, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one guide element operative to maintain a food holder in a predetermined orientation and/or position relative to the at least one food-holder support as the at least one food-holder support 20 moves relative to the at least one guide element.22. Apparatus according to any of claims 9-21, wherein the at least one food-holder support is a skewer support operative to support a skewer or food holder with a skewer support mountable profile.23. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the food-holder support is operative to support a basket with mounting profiles extending from opposed ends of the basket.24. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor system comprises a conveyer chain system comprising at least one chain and a chain drive mechanism operative to drive movement of the at least one chain.25. Apparatus according to claim 24 when dependent upon any of claims 9-23, wherein the at least one food-holder support is integrally formed as part of a link plate of the at least one chain.