Waffle maker with filling

Abstract

A waffle maker for cooking, removing, and handling filled waffles, and related methods for using the waffle maker. The waffle maker may include a ring-shaped appliance having a handle portion and a peripheral annular portion. The peripheral annular portion may define a circular wall between an upper wall surface and a lower surface. The lower surface may define an internal flange and a hole, or alternatively, the bottom surface may define a continuous surface defining a grid pattern. The handle portion may be attached to the outer surface of the circular wall such that the handle portion projects outwardly away from the circular wall. The handle portion may define a gripping portion designed for easy operation by a user.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 038,598, filed June 12, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to apparatus for countertop utensils. More specifically, this invention relates to a ring-shaped apparatus to facilitate the processing of waffles and filled waffles made using one or more countertop utensils comprising such an apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] Waffles are a popular breakfast food made by cooking liquid batter into a cooked dish with recessed grids defining its top and bottom surfaces. Due to their popularity, a variety of countertop utensils are available in the market (and can be purchased in large stores and online) to simplify the cooking process.

[0005] While the overall appearance of waffles hasn't changed significantly, recent improvements have allowed them to be filled (“stuffed”) and essentially function as breakfast sandwiches. By using stuffed waffle makers (such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,485,239), stuffed waffles, with an increased thickness compared to traditional waffles, are cooked around a desired filling to add extra ingredients for a desired flavor and texture. Typical fillings can include breakfast meats (such as bacon, ham, and / or sausage), vegetables (such as onions, peppers, and / or mushrooms), cheese, eggs, sweet fillings, etc.

[0006] While waffle makers can produce very satisfying results, the standard recessed grid that makes waffles instantly recognizable makes it difficult to remove the filled waffles from the maker after cooking. Therefore, there is a desire to improve existing waffle makers to make it easier to handle and remove the filled waffles after cooking. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The filling waffle maker of the present invention facilitates easy handling and removal of filling waffles after the cooking process in a filling waffle maker. The filling waffle maker may include a ring-shaped device comprising a handle portion and a peripheral annular portion. Typically, the peripheral annular portion may be positioned within the filling waffle maker before the waffle batter is poured into it. The peripheral annular portion defines a circular wall defining an upper wall surface and an upper opening. At the bottom of the circular wall, the circular wall may transition into an inner flange surface defining a bottom opening. In some exemplary embodiments, the bottom of the circular wall may transition into a bottom surface without any bottom opening. In some exemplary embodiments, the bottom surface may define a grid pattern extending across the bottom surface and defined by the circular wall. In some exemplary embodiments, the ring-shaped device may include one or more vertical ribs defined on the inner surface of the circular wall, wherein the vertical ribs extend at least partially between the top and bottom of the circular wall. In some exemplary embodiments, the peripheral annular portion may be made of a non-stick material and / or a material with a high level of heat transfer. The handle portion may be attached to the outer surface of the circular wall such that the handle portion protrudes outwards from the circular wall. The handle portion may define a grip portion designed to facilitate easy handling by a user. In some exemplary embodiments, the handle portion may be made of a material with a surface having a reduced level of heat transfer, such that the handle portion does not experience the temperature of the peripheral annular portion.

[0008] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a waffle maker comprising one or more waffle utensils. Typically, the waffle maker may include an upper heating surface and a lower heating surface, each of which includes one or more waffle cavities. Typically, the waffle utensil may include an annular portion that may be enclosed within corresponding waffle cavities located on the upper and lower heating surfaces to retain liquid waffle batter and filling material during batter cooking and waffle formation. The waffle utensil may include a handle portion that allows a user to remove the waffle from the waffle maker, thereby allowing the user to remove the waffle from the annular portion before eating it.

[0009] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of forming a filled waffle. The method may include: positioning a filled waffle maker having an annular portion relative to a filled waffle maker, such that the annular portion is positioned around the periphery of a lower waffle cavity located on a lower heating surface of the filled waffle maker. The method may further include: pouring waffle batter onto the lower waffle cavity, such that the annular portion retains the batter within the lower waffle cavity. The method may further include: placing filling material on top of the batter. The method may further include: pouring batter onto the filling material, such that the annular portion is substantially filled to the top edge. The method may further include: positioning the upper heating surface of the filled waffle maker such that the corresponding upper waffle cavity covers the annular portion, thereby completely enclosing the annular portion by the combination of the upper and lower waffle cavities. The method may further include: cooking the waffle batter within the annular portion. The method may further include: removing the waffle maker from the waffle maker using the handle portion of the waffle maker. Finally, the method may include: inverting the waffle maker to remove the cooked waffle from the annular portion of the waffle maker.

[0010] The above overview is not intended to describe every illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the invention. Rather, exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the claimed aspects and implementations so that those skilled in the art can understand and comprehend the principles and practice of the invention. These exemplary embodiments are illustrated in more detail by the following accompanying drawings and detailed description, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0011] These and other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of a stuffed waffle maker according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the equipment used to make stuffed waffles;

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the equipment used to make stuffed waffles;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary stuffed waffle maker;

[0016] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 The line AA in the middle is intercepted Figure 1A top-view perspective sectional view of the equipment used to make stuffed waffles;

[0017] Figure 6 This is a top perspective sectional view of a stuffed waffle maker according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0018] Figure 7A It is to utilize Figure 6 A top view of an exemplary waffle maker;

[0019] Figure 7B It is a cooked, filled waffle. Figure 6 A top view of the equipment used to make stuffed waffles;

[0020] Figure 7C It is a cooked, filled waffle. Figure 6 A bottom view of the equipment used to make stuffed waffles;

[0021] Figure 8 This is a top perspective view of a stuffed waffle maker according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A top view of the equipment used to make stuffed waffles;

[0023] Figure 10 This is a top view of a removable insert member for use in a stuffed waffle maker according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A top perspective view of the removable insertable component;

[0025] Figure 12 This is a top perspective view of a filled waffle maker according to another exemplary embodiment; and

[0026] Figure 13 and Figure 13A This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a waffle utensil, including a filling waffle utensil, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] While various embodiments can be modified into various variations and alternatives, the details of which have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the claimed invention to the specific embodiments described. Rather, it is intended to cover all variations, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter defined by the claims. Detailed Implementation

[0028] An exemplary embodiment of the filled waffle maker 100 is as follows: Figures 1 to 5As shown. Typically, the filled waffle maker 100 includes a body 102 that defines a handle portion 104 and an annular portion 106. In some embodiments, the body 102 may include similar components, wherein the handle portion 104 and the annular portion 106 are integral with each other and formed of a metallic material that provides a high level of heat transfer. Alternatively, the handle portion 104 and the annular portion 106 may include different parts operatively coupled to define the body 102. In some exemplary embodiments, the handle portion 104 may be made of a material having a lower level of heat transfer than the material selected for the annular portion 106.

[0029] Refer again Figures 1 to 5 The annular portion 106 may include a circular wall 110 having a wall height 112 defined between an upper edge 114 and a lower surface 116. The circular wall 110 includes an inner wall surface 118 and an outer wall surface 119. The upper edge 114 defines an upper aperture 120. The lower surface 116 may transition into an inner flange lower surface 122 defining a lower aperture 124. Due to the presence of the inner flange lower surface 122, the lower aperture 124 typically has a smaller diameter than the upper aperture 120. Generally, the area enclosed by the circular wall 110 defines a cooking volume 126, which ultimately determines the size of the filled waffle cooked within the annular portion 106.

[0030] The handle portion 104 may include a handle body 130, which defines a gripping end 132 and an attachment end 134, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown. Typically, the attachment end 134 is attached to the outer wall surface 119 and near the upper edge 114. Figure 4 In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the handle portion 104 is attached to a handle holder 142 formed in the circular wall 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle portion 104 is secured to the handle holder 142 by screws 144; however, other types of fasteners may be used in the exemplary embodiment, such as, but not limited to, rivets, clips, pins, or stakes. This type of mounting arrangement can be used to reduce heat transfer from the circular wall 110 to the handle portion 104, thereby reducing the risk of the user burning themselves due to the heat of the handle. In some exemplary embodiments, the handle portion 104 may include a handle sleeve 204. In some exemplary embodiments, the handle sleeve 204 or the handle portion 104 may include a protrusion 146 for preventing or deterring the user from approaching or gripping the handle portion 104 near the unprotected area of ​​the circular wall 110 or the handle, which could potentially result in burns to the user's hands. The gripping end 132 may include one or more gripping features 136, such as a flat portion 138, which allows the user to easily grip and manipulate the waffle maker 100.

[0031] like Figure 6As shown, another exemplary embodiment of the waffle maker 200 may include an annular portion 106. The annular portion 106 includes one or more vertical ribs 202 that extend at least partially along an inner wall surface 118 located between an upper edge 114 and a lower surface 116. Furthermore, the waffle maker 200 may include a handle portion 104, wherein a gripping end 132 is enclosed within a handle sleeve 204. The handle sleeve 204 may include a heat-impeding material, such as a polymer or rubber-like material, which allows the user to interact with the gripping end 132 without exposure to high temperatures. Additionally, the material of the handle sleeve 204 may provide anti-slip properties, which improve the user's ability to manipulate the waffle maker 200 during use.

[0032] Now for reference Figure 7A A waffle maker (e.g., a waffle maker 200) according to an exemplary embodiment can be used with a waffle maker 300 to form one or more waffles 302. Typically, the waffle maker 300 may include: an upper heating surface 304 having one or more upper waffle cavities 306; and a lower heating surface 308 having one or more lower waffle cavities 310. Each of the upper waffle cavities 306 and the lower waffle cavities 310 may include a grid surface 312 formed by alternating ridges 314 and cavities 316, such that the grid surface 312 defines a conventional waffle pattern 318. In some exemplary embodiments, the lower waffle cavity 310 may include a removable insert member 320, wherein the grid surface 312 is defined on the upper portion 322 of the removable insert member 320. When the removable insert member 320 is used, the lower waffle cavity 310 will generally define a cavity having a flat receiving surface suitable for placing the removable insert member 320. For example, the use of the removable insert member 320 can provide additional capabilities to the stuffed waffle maker 200 by providing an easily removable and cleanable lattice surface 312 and by providing a flat surface within the lower waffle cavity 310 that allows cooking of other foods (such as eggs) that are difficult to remove from the lattice surface 312.

[0033] In order to use the filled waffle maker according to the exemplary embodiment, the user can first position the filled waffle maker (e.g., filled waffle maker 200) such that the lower surface 116 sits on and surrounds the cavity periphery 324 of the lower waffle cavity 310, as shown below. Figure 7AAs shown. Due to the wall height 112, the upper edge 114 extends above the lower heating surface 308. Next, the user can begin pouring waffle batter (not shown) into the annular portion 106, covering or otherwise filling the grid surface of the lower waffle cavity 310 with waffle batter. Next, the user can place desired filling materials (such as meat, vegetables, cheese, or sweet fillings like jelly or frosting) into the annular portion 106, positioning the filling material on top of the batter in the lower waffle cavity 310. After the filling material is in place, the user pours additional waffle batter into the annular portion 106, filling the annular portion 106 to the upper edge 114 and completely covering the filling material. At this point, the user lowers the upper heating surface 304 so that the corresponding upper waffle cavity 306 covers the upper edge 114, and the annular portion 106 is completely enclosed by the combination of the corresponding upper and lower waffle cavities (306 and 310). After holding the annular portion 106 in the filling waffle maker 300, the gripping end 132 extends outward from the filling waffle maker 300 in the exemplary embodiment.

[0034] The upper waffle cavity 306, lower waffle cavity 310, and annular portion 106 work together to hold the waffle batter and filling material. Heat from the upper heating surface 304 and lower heating surface 308 cooks the waffle batter, forming a filled waffle 326 after sufficient cooking time. After cooking, the user lifts the upper heating surface 304 away from the annular portion 106. Then, the user uses the gripping end 132 to lift the filled waffle holder 200 and the filled waffle 326 within the annular portion 106 away from the lower waffle cavity 310. When the filled waffle holder 200 is lifted, the filled waffle 326 is substantially located on the lower surface 122 of the inner flange, thus preventing the filled waffle 326 from falling through the lower hole 124. The user rotates the filling waffle maker 200 to invert it so that the lower hole 124 faces upward, and then presses it down onto the exposed surface 328 of the filling waffle 326, thereby removing the filling waffle 326 from the annular portion 106 and making it available for the user to eat.

[0035] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9In another exemplary embodiment of the filled waffle maker 400 shown, the lower surface 116, the lower surface 122 of the inner flange, and the lower hole 124 are replaced with a lower cooking surface 402 having an integral mesh surface 404 defined by recessed channels 406 and raised protrusions 408. With the integral mesh surface 404, the lower waffle cavity 310 can also define a flat receiving surface suitable for placing the filled waffle maker 400. The use of the integral mesh surface 404 provides additional capabilities to the filled waffle maker 300 by allowing the cooking of other foods without a conventional waffle mesh surface within the lower waffle cavity 310 and by allowing the integral mesh surface 404 to be removed from the filled waffle maker 300 for cleaning.

[0036] Figure 10 and Figure 11 It shows, for example, Figure 7A An exemplary embodiment of the insert member 500 used in conjunction with the filled waffle maker 300 shown. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, an exemplary embodiment of the insert member 500 includes an upper surface 502 in which a grid surface 504 is formed. As illustrated, the grid surface 504 includes a plurality of recessed channels 506 and raised protrusions 508. In other exemplary embodiments, the grid surface 504 may include ridges and recesses to form various surface patterns on a filled waffle formed by the filled waffle maker 300. It should be understood that the patterns shown in the various embodiments disclosed herein are merely exemplary, and the claimed invention should not be limited to those exemplary patterns shown.

[0037] like Figure 12 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the filled waffle maker 100 may include an upper flange 1202 in addition to a lower flange 122. As discussed herein, the lower flange 122 facilitates the removal of the filled waffle maker 100 from the waffle maker, wherein the filled waffle maker 100 is removed from the upper and lower plates of the waffle maker while the cooked waffle is held by the lower flange 122. Reference Figure 13 It adopted such as Figure 12An exemplary embodiment of the waffle maker of the waffle maker 100 shown includes an upper plate 1302 and a lower plate 1304. The upper and lower plates may include a waffle grid as described elsewhere herein, or may have variations of the grid pattern, or in some exemplary embodiments may not have a grid pattern and thus include substantially flat surfaces. As shown, the upper plate 1302 may include a heating element 1306 for heating the upper plate 1302. Similarly, the lower plate 1304 is configured with a heating element 1308 for heating the lower plate 1304. In order to cook the waffle batter introduced into the space formed by the waffle maker 100, the upper plate 1302, and the lower plate 1304, the circular wall 100 must also be heated. Figure 13A As shown in the enlarged view, to facilitate this heating, the upper flange 1202 and the lower flange 122 are positioned to contact the upper plate 1302 and the lower plate 1304, respectively. An enlarged view of the interface between the lower flange 122 and the lower plate 1304 is shown below. Figure 13A As shown, the use of a flange shape provides a larger contact area between the circular wall 100 and the upper plate 1302 and lower plate 1304, thereby achieving a higher level of heat transfer between these plates and the circular wall 100. This higher level of heat transfer helps to enhance the ability of the circular wall to cook the waffle batter in contact with its inner wall surface 118. As a result, the waffle surface turns brown or golden brown, producing a more visually appealing and crispy waffle.

[0038] Various embodiments of the systems, apparatus, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the various features of the described embodiments can be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, sizes, shapes, configurations, and positions, etc., for the disclosed embodiments have been described, other solutions besides those disclosed may be utilized without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter herein may include fewer features than those described in any of the individual embodiments above. The embodiments described herein are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of ways in which various features of their subject matter can be combined. Therefore, embodiments are not combinations of mutually exclusive features; rather, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, various embodiments may include combinations of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, elements described with respect to one embodiment may be implemented in other embodiments, even if not described in such embodiments.

[0040] While a dependent claim may refer in the claims statement to a specific combination of one or more other claims, other embodiments may also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each of the other dependent claims, or with one or more features of other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are suggested herein unless otherwise stated.

[0041] The aforementioned documents incorporated by reference are limited in that no subject matter contrary to the express disclosure herein is incorporated. The aforementioned documents incorporated by reference are further limited in that no claims included in those documents are incorporated herein by reference. The aforementioned documents incorporated by reference are also further limited in that any definitions provided in those documents are not incorporated herein by reference unless expressly included herein.

[0042] For the purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.SC §112(f) not be invoked unless the specific terms “means” or “step” are recorded in the claims.

[0043] Any implementation or embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to "implementation," "some implementations," "one implementation," "embodiment," "some embodiments," "certain embodiments," etc., are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an implementation may be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. These terms used herein do not necessarily refer to the same implementation. Any implementation or embodiment may be combined with any other implementation or embodiment (non-exclusively or exclusively) in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0044] Where a technical feature in the drawings, description, or any claim is followed by a reference numeral, that reference numeral is already included to enhance the comprehensibility of the drawings, description, and claims. Therefore, reference numerals, or their absence, do not limit the scope of any claim element.

[0045] References to the position of elements (e.g., "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower") herein are used only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. According to other exemplary embodiments, the orientation of the various elements may differ, and this disclosure is intended to cover such variations.

Claims

1. An apparatus for making filled waffles, comprising: The peripheral annular portion includes a circular wall, the circular wall defining: The upper wall surface transitions into an external flange. A circular wall surface, the circular wall surface defining an upper hole, and The bottom wall surface transitions into an inner flange surface adapted to hold a filled waffle extending to the periphery of the circular wall during cooking. The peripheral annular portion also includes an outer flange surface opposite to the inner flange surface, the outer flange surface being sized to be located in a channel formed in a heating surface. During the preparation of the filled waffle, the peripheral annular portion rests on the heating surface, and the channel is positioned as a heating element close to the heating surface. as well as The handle portion is fixed to the peripheral annular portion.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The inner flange surface defines the bottom hole.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the circular wall transitions into a bottom surface without any bottom holes.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The bottom surface defines a grid pattern that extends across the bottom surface and is defined by the circular wall.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The annular portion includes one or more vertical ribs defined on the inner surface of the circular wall, wherein the vertical ribs extend at least partially between the first and second edges of the circular wall.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The surrounding annular portion can be made of a non-stick material.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The handle portion is attached to the outer surface of the circular wall, such that the handle portion protrudes outward from the circular wall.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The outer surface of the circular wall includes a handle holder, and the handle portion is secured to the handle holder by at least one fastener.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The handle portion also includes a grip portion that provides an improved grip.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The handle portion is made of a material having a surface with a reduced heat transfer level relative to the circular wall portion.

11. A waffle maker with fillings, comprising: An upper heating surface and a lower heating surface, the upper heating surface including a first heating element positioned adjacent to a peripheral channel formed therein, and the lower heating surface including a second heating element positioned adjacent to a peripheral channel formed therein, the lower heating surface being hingedly attached to the upper heating surface, wherein each of these surfaces includes one or more waffle cavities; and One or more waffle makers, the waffle makers comprising: A peripheral annular portion, which can be enclosed within corresponding waffle cavities located on the upper heating surface and the lower heating surface, the peripheral annular portion including a circular wall defining: The upper wall surface transitions into an external flange. Upper hole, and A bottom wall surface transitioning into an inner flange surface adapted to hold a filled waffle extending to the periphery of the circular wall during cooking; the peripheral annular portion including an outer flange surface opposite to the inner flange surface, the outer flange surface being configured such that it is inserted into a peripheral channel formed in the lower heating surface; and The handle portion is fixed to the peripheral annular portion.

12. The waffle maker as described in claim 11, wherein, Each of the upper heating surface and the lower heating surface includes at least two waffle cavities.

13. The filled waffle maker of claim 11, further comprising one or more insert members configured to rest within one of the one or more waffle cavities.

14. The filled waffle maker of claim 13, wherein, The one or more insert members include an upper surface, which is formed with a mesh surface.

15. The filled waffle maker of claim 11, wherein, The inner flange surface defines the bottom hole.

16. The filled waffle maker of claim 11, wherein, The bottom of the circular wall transitions into a bottom surface without any bottom holes.

17. The filled waffle maker of claim 16, wherein, The bottom surface defines a grid pattern that extends across the bottom surface and is defined by the circular walls.

18. The filled waffle maker of claim 11, wherein, The outer surface of the circular wall includes a handle holder, the handle portion being attached to the handle holder by at least one fastener, the handle portion being made of a material having a reduced heat transfer level relative to the circular wall portion.

19. The filled waffle maker of claim 11, wherein, The annular portion includes one or more vertical ribs defined on the inner surface of the circular wall, wherein the one or more vertical ribs extend at least partially between the first edge and the second edge of the circular wall.

20. A method for making filled waffles, comprising: A first surface and a second surface are heated, the second surface being hinged to the first surface being heated, wherein each of these surfaces includes one or more waffle cavities; A waffle maker is placed within one of the waffle cavities on the second surface, the waffle maker comprising: The peripheral annular portion includes a circular wall, the circular wall defining: The upper wall surface includes an outer flange. Upper hole, and A bottom wall surface transitions into an inner flange surface adapted to hold a filled waffle extending to the periphery of the circular wall during cooking. The peripheral annular portion includes an outer flange surface opposite to the inner flange surface. The waffle utensil is placed at the outer flange surface into one of the waffle cavities of the heated second surface, causing the outer flange surface to be inserted into a peripheral channel formed in the heated second surface near a heating element located on the heated second surface, such that the circular wall is heated by the heating element. The handle portion is fixed to the peripheral annular portion; The first amount of batter is introduced into the waffle maker; Position the filling material onto the first amount of batter; A second amount of batter is introduced into the waffle maker so that the filling material is covered by the second amount of batter; Positioning the first surface such that the waffle cavity of the first surface contacts the upper wall surface of the peripheral annular portion of the waffle maker; and The first surface, the circular wall, and the second surface are allowed to be heated to cook the first amount of batter and the second amount of batter.

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