Professional cooked wheaten food cooker

Abstract

A professional cooked wheaten food cooker (1) is provided, comprising: a housing (2) adapted to be permanently positioned on a floor, defining a containment volume (2a) and comprising: a first rear wall (20) designed to face the floor; a first side wall (21) extending laterally around the first rear wall (20); an upper wall (22) bounded by the first side wall (21), spaced apart from the first rear wall (20) by the first side wall (21), and comprising an inlet (22a) designed to allow access to the accommodation volume (2a) from the outside; a basin (3) placed within the containing volume (2a), defining a housing (3a) designed to contain water and one or more cooked wheaten food collecting baskets, and comprising: a second rear wall (30) forming the lower limit of the basin (3); a second side wall (31) extending laterally around the second rear wall (30); an opening (32) delimited by the second side wall (31), communicating with the inlet (22a) and designed to allow access from the outside to the housing (3a); and a suction device (4) designed to extract at least water vapour, comprising at least one suction inlet (40) positioned between the opening (32) and the inlet (22a) in order to prevent water vapour from escaping from the upper wall (22).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a professional pasta cooker as described in the preamble of the first claim.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a professional pasta cooker, preferably designed for restaurant use, which can accommodate a basket or other collection device for pasta inside. Background Art

[0003] As is well known, professional pasta cookers of the prior art typically include a workbench having a front panel usually made of stainless steel, which encloses a water tank also made of stainless steel, and water is added and boiled in the water tank.

[0004] Water heating is usually achieved by a heating device. In an electric pasta cooker, the heating device includes a resistor directly located inside the water tank, and in a gas pasta cooker, the heating device includes a burner positioned below the water tank. Usually, a basket inside the water tank is placed on a movable grille, which keeps the basket at a distance from the bottom of the device and / or any resistance, thus allowing water circulation.

[0005] Therefore, traditional pasta cookers also include control sensors, especially an overflow sensor for removing excess starch during the cooking process.

[0006] The upper support surface can usually also be used as a drip tray.

[0007] When a traditional pasta cooker is operating and the water in the water tank is boiling, high-temperature water vapor is released. This vapor will surely trouble anyone approaching the top of the water tank to, for example, check the inside of the basket.

[0008] Therefore, the described prior art has some significant drawbacks.

[0009] In particular, as mentioned above, traditional pasta cookers do not allow easy inspection of the basket inside the water tank from above.

[0010] Specifically, ordinary pasta cookers release a large amount of high-temperature steam. For example, if the user wears glasses, it may fog up the glasses and cause discomfort or even facial skin irritation.

[0011] In addition, if the pasta cooker is used in a closed or enclosed space, the steam will condense on nearby walls or objects, causing wear and polluting the environment where the device is located.

[0012] In fact, the discharge of steam also increases the environmental temperature and humidity, damaging the environmental comfort, thus affecting the health, concentration and productivity of kitchen staff. Summary of the Invention

[0013] In this context, the technical task of the present invention is to design a professional pasta cooker that can substantially overcome at least a part of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0014] In this technical task, an important objective of the present invention is to implement a professional pasta cooker that allows easy inspection of the water tank and the basket contained therein from above.

[0015] Specifically, another important objective of the present invention is to develop a professional pasta cooker that can prevent glasses from fogging up if the user checking the water tank wears glasses, and can also avoid discomfort or facial skin irritation of the same user.

[0016] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to develop a professional pasta cooker that can prevent steam from condensing on nearby walls or objects even when used in an enclosed or closed space.

[0017] Specifically, regarding the definition of environmental comfort, that is, a specific state of well-being determined by an individual's sensory perception in the environment based on temperature, air humidity, noise, and light level, another important task of the present invention is to design a professional pasta cooker that always ensures a high level of environmental comfort, thereby ensuring the health, concentration, and productivity of kitchen staff.

[0018] The above-mentioned technical task and specified objectives are achieved by the professional pasta cooker claimed in appended claim 1.

[0019] Preferred technical solutions are emphasized in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The features and advantages of the present invention will be clarified below by referring to the preferred embodiments of the present invention described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a professional pasta cooker according to the present invention is shown, wherein the housing of the water tank is shown in dashed lines;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic top view of a professional pasta cooker according to the present invention is shown, wherein the water tank is divided into six compartments, and one of the compartments includes a basket;

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a professional pasta cooker according to the present invention, showing the path of steam; and

[0024] Figure 4 shows Figure 3 A schematic front view of the professional pasta cooker shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In this document, measured values, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism) when associated with words such as "approximate" or other similar terms (such as "substantially") shall be understood to be within the range of measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing defects, in particular minor deviations from the associated value, measured value, shape, or geometric reference. For example, when associated with a value, these terms preferably represent a deviation of no more than 10% of the said value.

[0026] Furthermore, when terms such as "first", "second", "upper", "lower", "primary", and "secondary" are used, they do not necessarily identify an order, priority, or relative position of a relationship, but may simply be used to more clearly distinguish different components.

[0027] Unless otherwise specified, as demonstrated by the following discussion, terms such as "process", "calculate", "determine", "account for", etc. refer to the actions and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical quantities, such as electronic quantities in the registers of a computing system and / or memory, into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within a computing system, register, or other storage, transmission, or display device.

[0028] Unless otherwise specified, the measurements and data reported herein shall be considered to have been made in the International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO2533:1975).

[0029] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the professional pasta cooker according to the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 1.

[0030] The pasta cooker 1 is of the professional type and is suitable for cooking a large quantity of pasta and / or multiple portions of pasta simultaneously. Thus, when the pasta cooker 1 is in operation, it uses boiling water in which a basket can be placed to collect and cook the pasta. These known baskets are essentially perforated open containers, usually of standard size, and are equipped with handles to allow easy handling by the user or an automatic lifting system.

[0031] In summary, the pasta cooker 1 includes at least one outer shell 2 and a basin 3.

[0032] The outer shell 2 is essentially the part of the pasta cooker 1 that is exposed to the outside. Thus, the outer shell 2 is suitable for being stably placed on the floor. For example, the floor can consist of the floor of a kitchen.

[0033] Thus, the outer shell 2 defines a receiving volume 2a.

[0034] The receiving volume 2a is the space part surrounded by the outer shell 2. Thus, the outer shell 2 includes a plurality of walls that surround and define the receiving volume 2a.

[0035] Specifically, preferably, the housing 2 includes at least one first rear wall 20.

[0036] The first rear wall 20 is preferably flat, but may also have a curved or ribbed surface, or include protrusions or other features. Generally, the first rear wall 20 is intended to face the floor. For example, it may face the floor and be in contact with it, i.e., directly rest on the floor. Alternatively, the first rear wall 20 may include protruding elements, such as common feet, which are designed to support the housing 2 on the floor while maintaining a distance between the first rear wall 20 and the floor, specifically a suspended distance.

[0037] The housing 2 further includes a first side wall 21. The first side wall 21 extends transversely to the first rear wall 20, and particularly preferably extends around the first rear wall 20. This means that the first side wall 21 extends from the perimeter of the first rear wall 20, moving away from it.

[0038] In addition, the housing 2 further includes an upper wall 22.

[0039] The upper wall 22 is preferably bounded by the first side wall 21.

[0040] In addition, the upper wall 22 is spaced apart from the first rear wall 20 by the first side wall 21.

[0041] Thus, the upper wall 22 is substantially a part of the housing 2, and when the pasta cooker 1 is in use, this part is located at the top of the housing 2. Therefore, the upper wall 22 is the wall where the interaction between the user and the pasta cooker 1 occurs.

[0042] In fact, preferably, the upper wall 22 includes an inlet 22a.

[0043] The inlet 22a is designed to allow entry from the outside of the housing 2 into the accommodation volume 2a. Therefore, the inlet 22a is substantially an opening in the upper wall 22.

[0044] Preferably, the inlet 22a is wide and almost covers the entire upper wall 22. However, the latter may also include additional elements. For example, the upper wall 22 may include a grille 22b.

[0045] If present, the grille 22b is positioned adjacent to the inlet 22a. In addition, specifically, the grille 22b is configured to allow the placement of one or more pasta collection baskets. In addition, the grille 22b also allows the drainage of one or more baskets placed within the accommodation volume 2a.

[0046] Therefore, the upper wall 22 is preferably flat, but this is not necessary. In a preferred embodiment, all the walls 20, 21, 22 are preferably flat, and the housing as a whole defines a cuboid shape.

[0047] In any case, the basin 3 is arranged within the receiving volume 2a. Additionally, the basin 3 defines a housing 3a. The housing 3a is adapted to receive water. Thus, the housing 3a is the part of the pasta cooker 1 for receiving cooking water. Moreover, the housing 3a is suitable for receiving one or more pasta collecting baskets. Since the basin 3 is included within the receiving volume 2a, the housing 3a is defined as a part of the receiving volume 2a delimited by the walls of the basin 3.

[0048] Similar to the outer shell 2, the basin 3 includes at least one second rear wall 30.

[0049] The second rear wall 30 is preferably flat, but may also have a curved or textured surface, or include protrusions or other features. Generally, the second rear wall 30 defines the bottom portion of the basin 3. Thus, the second rear wall 30 can be configured to support one or more pasta collecting baskets.

[0050] In this regard, the second rear wall 30 can also correspond to the first rear wall 20.

[0051] However, in a preferred embodiment, the second rear wall 30 is preferably spaced apart from the first rear wall 20.

[0052] Furthermore, the basin 3 preferably includes a support wall 33.

[0053] If present, the support wall 33 is located within the housing 3a and is spaced apart from the second rear wall 30. Thus, the support wall 33 is suitable for supporting one or more pasta collecting baskets such that they are kept spaced apart from the second rear wall 30.

[0054] Therefore, the support wall 33 is preferably perforated. Specifically, the support wall 33 preferably includes a grille.

[0055] In addition, the basin 3 may further include additional elements suitable for partitioning the housing 3a.

[0056] For example, the basin 3 may include one or more partition members 34.

[0057] If present, the one or more partition members 34 extend within the housing 3a.

[0058] Specifically, the partition member 34 extends transversely to the second rear wall 30 and / or the support wall 33. Thus, the one or more partition members 34 subdivide the housing 3a into a plurality of different compartments 3b. The compartments 3b are substantially the regions of the housing 3a separated by the one or more partition members 34.

[0059] Moreover, the compartments 3b are preferably designed to each receive a corresponding pasta collecting basket.

[0060] Of course, since it may sometimes be necessary to drain water from the housing 3a, the outer shell 2 may include a drain opening 23.

[0061] If present, the drain opening 23 is in fluid connection with the housing 3a. Additionally, the drain opening 23 is connected to the housing 3a via the second rear wall 30. Thus, the drain opening 23 is configured to allow for the controlled emptying of the basin 3.

[0062] The term "controlled" here means that the drain opening 23 can be equipped with a control tap or other valve mechanism, enabling the regulation of drainage.

[0063] Of course, the basin also includes a second side wall 31. The second side wall 31 extends laterally around the second rear wall 30, particularly preferably around the second rear wall 30. This means that the second side wall 31 extends outward from the perimeter of the second rear wall 30.

[0064] Furthermore, the basin 3 includes an opening 32.

[0065] The opening 32 is preferably delimited by the second side wall 31.

[0066] Additionally, the opening 32 preferably communicates with the inlet 22a. Thus, the opening 32 can allow entry from the exterior of the housing 2 into the housing 3a.

[0067] The connection between the opening 32 and the inlet 22a can be achieved in various ways. In a preferred non - exclusive embodiment, the pasta cooker 1 can include a nozzle 5.

[0068] The nozzle 5 peripherally connects the inlet 22a to the opening 32. Additionally, the nozzle 5 preferably defines a shape that converges from the inlet 22a to the opening 32.

[0069] More specifically, in this regard, the nozzle 5 can include a plurality of sides 50. If present, the sides 50 preferably connect the side walls 21, 31 to each other. The side walls 21, 31 are thus spaced apart from each other. Additionally, the sides 50 can determine the specific shape of the nozzle 5. For example, the nozzle 5 can define a substantially truncated pyramid shape.

[0070] Of course, in addition to the above - mentioned features, the pasta cooker 1 can also include heating means for heating the water in the basin. For example, the heating means can include one or more resistors positioned adjacent to the second rear wall 30. Generally, if the pasta cooker 1 is electric, the heating means can include a resistor located directly within the basin 3. Thus, in the electric pasta cooker 1, the basin 3 preferably includes a support wall 33, and the resistor is positioned between the rear wall 30 and the support wall 33.

[0071] On the other hand, if the pasta cooker 1 is gas-operated, the heating device may include, for example, a burner located below the basin 3 and adjacent to the second bottom wall 30. In any case, such a heating device is well-known and is commonly used in traditional pasta cookers. Similarly, control devices, such as a control panel, or sensor devices, such as an overflow sensor, may also form part of the pasta cooker 1 according to the present invention, but since they are well-known elements, they will not be described in detail here.

[0072] Similarly, the pasta cooker 1 may include a water loading device designed to allow the housing 3a to be filled with cooking water.

[0073] However, in any case, the pasta cooker 1 according to the present invention includes at least one remarkable feature.

[0074] Specifically, the pasta cooker 1 includes a suction device 4.

[0075] The suction device 4 is designed to extract at least the water vapor that naturally emanates from the boiling water during operation. Optionally, the suction device 4 may also inhale water.

[0076] Therefore, the suction device 4 includes at least one suction inlet 40.

[0077] The suction inlet 40 is naturally the part of the suction device 4 designed to capture the steam first. Advantageously, the suction inlet 40 is located between the opening 32 and the inlet 22a. Thus, this placement of the suction inlet 40 prevents the water vapor from escaping through the upper wall 22.

[0078] To enhance this function, the suction inlet 40 may extend around the entire perimeter of the opening 32. To achieve this, the suction inlet 40 may be divided into a plurality of inlets distributed around the opening 32, or consist of a single inlet.

[0079] For example, in this second case, the suction inlet 40 may take the form of a continuously extending groove.

[0080] If the pasta cooker 1 includes a spout 5, the suction inlet 40 may particularly extend continuously parallel to the upper wall 22 through each side 50.

[0081] The suction device 4 preferably includes additional components. Specifically, the suction device 4 preferably includes a suction unit 41 and one or more pipes 42.

[0082] The suction unit 41 is designed to provide the necessary suction power. Thus, for example, it may include a suction fan.

[0083] The pipe 42 is preferably at least partially located within the accommodation volume 2a. In addition, the pipe 42 provides a fluid passage connection between the suction unit 41 and the suction inlet 40.

[0084] Preferably, the suction unit 41 is also located within the accommodation volume 2a.

[0085] In addition, the suction device 4 preferably includes an exhaust duct 44.

[0086] The exhaust duct 44 is fluidly connected to the suction unit 41.

[0087] Therefore, the exhaust duct 44 is configured to allow water vapor to escape from the accommodation volume 2a.

[0088] Of course, the suction device 4 can also be equipped with a filter or other system for treating water vapor.

[0089] For example, the suction device 4 can further include a processing unit 43.

[0090] If present, the processing unit 43 is fluidly connected to the exhaust duct 44. They can also be fluidly connected to the suction unit 41 via the exhaust duct 44, downstream of the suction unit 41 with respect to the direction of water vapor flow, as Figure 3 shown. Alternatively, the processing unit 43 can be integrated into the suction unit 41.

[0091] In any case, preferably, and if present, the processing unit 43 is configured to process water vapor, for example by condensing the water vapor to prevent it from being released from the pasta cooker 1 in vapor form.

[0092] Therefore, the exhaust duct 44 can be fluidly connected to an external water network or can at least include connection means to allow its connection.

[0093] The operation of the professional pasta cooker 1 described above in terms of structure is similar to that of any pasta cooker.

[0094] However, due to the presence of the suction device 4, the professional pasta cooker 1 achieves significant advantages.

[0095] In fact, the professional pasta cooker 1 allows easy inspection of the contents of the basket within the basin 3 from above, because water vapor does not escape from the upper wall 22.

[0096] Therefore, the professional pasta cooker 1 can prevent the glasses of the user checking the basin 3 from fogging up and can also avoid discomfort or pain to the facial skin of the user.

[0097] In addition, the professional pasta cooker 1, especially when used in an enclosed or closed space, can prevent water vapor from condensing on nearby walls or surrounding objects.

[0098] In short, the professional pasta cooker 1 always ensures a high level of environmental comfort, thus safeguarding the health, attention and productivity of kitchen staff.

[0099] The present invention can be varied within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0100] Within this scope, all details can be replaced by equivalent elements, and the materials, shapes, and dimensions can be of any type.

Claims

1. A professional pasta cooker (1), comprising: - a casing (2) adapted to be permanently placed on the floor, the casing (2) defining a containing volume (2a) and comprising: - a first rear wall (20) adapted to be exposed on the ground, - a first side wall (21), said first side wall (21) extending transversely around said first rear wall (20), - an upper wall (22) delimited by the first side wall (21), the upper wall (22) being spaced apart from the first base wall (20) by the first side wall (21) and comprising an inlet (22a) suitable for providing access to the containing volume (2a) from the outside of the housing (2); - a basin (3) arranged in the containing volume (2a), the basin (3) defining a housing (3a) suitable for containing water and one or more pasta collecting baskets, and comprising: - a second rear wall (30) which delimits the basin (3) at the bottom, - a second side wall (31) which extends transversely around the second rear wall (30), - an opening (32) defined by the second side wall (31), the opening (32) communicating with the inlet (22a) and adapted to provide access to the housing (3a) from outside the casing (2); And it is characterized in that the professional pasta cooker (1) further comprises: - a suction device (4) suitable for sucking in at least water vapor and comprising at least one suction inlet (40) arranged between the opening (32) and the inlet (22a) so as to prevent the water vapor from being discharged from the upper wall (22).

2. The pasta cooker (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The suction inlet (40) extends around the entire opening (32).

3. The pasta cooker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The invention comprises a mouth (5) which connects the inlet (22a) and the opening (32) at the periphery and defines a shape converging from the inlet (22a) to the opening (32).

4. The pasta cooker (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that: The side walls (21, 31) are spaced apart from each other, and the mouth (5) includes a plurality of side surfaces (50) connecting the side walls (21, 31) to each other, and the suction inlet (40) extends seamlessly through each of the side surfaces (50) parallel to the upper wall (22).

5. The pasta cooker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The suction device (4) comprises a suction unit (41) and one or more pipes (42), wherein the one or more pipes (42) are at least partially arranged in the accommodating volume (2a), so that the suction unit (41) and the suction inlet (40) are in fluid channel connection.

6. Pasta cooker (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that The suction unit (41) is also positioned within the accommodation volume (2a).

7. A pasta cooker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The basin (3) further comprises a perforated support wall (33), which is arranged in the shell (3a), the perforated support wall (33) is spaced apart from the second bottom wall (30) and is suitable for supporting the one or more pasta collection baskets spaced apart from the second bottom wall (30).

8. A pasta cooker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The basin (3) comprises one or more partitions (34) extending transversely to the second rear wall (30) within the shell (3a) and subdividing the shell (3a) into a plurality of different compartments (3b), each compartment being suitable for accommodating a respective pasta collection basket.

9. A pasta cooker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that Wherein the upper wall (22) includes a grille (22b) adjacent to the inlet (22a) and configured to allow one or more of the one or more pasta collection baskets to be supported and drained within the one or more baskets within the containing volume (2a).

10. The pasta cooker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The housing (2) comprises a drain (23) which is fluidically connected to the casing (3a) via the second rear wall (30) and is configured to allow the basin (3) to be emptied on command.

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