Cooking vessel

Abstract

Described herein is a cooking vessel aimed at combining cooking and storage aspects of food. The cooking vessel includes a cavity configured to receive a stream of heated air therein, and an opening having a rim; wherein: the rim is configured to interchangeably engage with a removable air fryer pod and with a removable storage lid. The present cooking vessel is thus capable of utilizing the same vessel to cook food and store food.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 516,980, filed August 1, 2023, entitled “Cooking Apparatus, Method and Components thereof”, filed December 29, 2023, entitled “Cooking Apparatus, Method and Components thereof”, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 616,182, filed July 12, 2024, entitled “Cooking Apparatus, Method and Components thereof”, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] A countertop cooking system is provided, which includes one or more heating and air movement elements, a cooking chamber, and one or more thermal protection elements. Background Technology

[0004] An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by rapidly circulating hot air around it in a basket located in the cooking chamber. Some air fryers may have adjustable temperature and timer knobs that allow for more precise cooking. Typically, heat is generated by heating coils, and a mechanical fan circulates hot air around the food at high speed. This cooking method creates a crispy layer on the food due to the Maillard reaction. By generating and circulating heated air at a specific temperature, air fryers are able to fry foods such as potato chips, chicken, fish, pasta, and many more using significantly less oil than a traditional deep fryer. Various brands of air fryers claim to use up to 80% less cooking oil than traditional deep fryers. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a cooking container for cooking and storing combined foods.

[0006] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking container, characterized in that the cooking container includes: a cavity configured to receive a heated airflow therein; and an opening having an edge; wherein: the edge is configured to interchangeably engage with a removable air fryer compartment and with a removable storage lid.

[0007] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking containers, characterized in that the removable air fryer compartment is actuated by engagement with the edge.

[0008] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking container characterized in that at least one switch disposed on the underside of the removable air fryer compartment is pressed when the edge engages with the removable air fryer compartment.

[0009] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking container, characterized in that the edge is also configured to at least partially seal the interface between the edge and the removable air fryer compartment.

[0010] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking containers, characterized in that the rim is also configured to at least partially seal the interface between the rim and the storage lid.

[0011] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking container, characterized in that the cooking container is configured to support the removable air fryer compartment at least partially on the edge.

[0012] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking container characterized in that the cooking container is configured to suspend the removable air fryer compartment at least partially above a generally horizontal surface positioned below the cooking container.

[0013] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking container, characterized in that the cooking container further includes: an outer surface and at least one heat-resistant handle integral with the outer surface of the cooking container.

[0014] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking container, characterized in that the cooking container further includes: an outer surface and at least one heat-resistant handle removably attached to the outer surface of the cooking container.

[0015] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking containers, characterized in that food is retained within the cavity when the container is engaged with the storage lid.

[0016] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking containers, characterized in that an airtight seal is formed when the cooking container is engaged with the storage lid.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system comprising a cooking apparatus and a container, the cooking apparatus comprising: a housing having a cavity extending upward from a bottom surface; a heating element positioned within the cavity; and an air movement device configured to direct air to the heating element and from the cavity; the container having a cavity therein and an upper surface defining an opening, wherein the cooking apparatus is configured to be removably positioned on the container such that the bottom surface is aligned with the upper surface, thereby forming a cooking chamber within the cavity for performing a cooking operation.

[0018] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the cooking apparatus is sealed to a container via a bottom surface and a top surface.

[0019] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the housing of the cooking apparatus has the same cross-sectional shape as the container.

[0020] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which an extension plate is positioned between a bottom surface and an upper surface.

[0021] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a crisping plate is positioned within a container.

[0022] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the cooking apparatus is configured to be vertically removed from the container to access the cooking chamber.

[0023] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking systems in which a storage lid is configured to be removably positioned on a container to seal the cavity of the container.

[0024] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system comprising a container, a cooking device, and a lid. The container includes: a cavity configured to receive food therein; an opening located in the wall of the container and configured to access the cavity; and a contact surface positioned around the opening. The cooking device includes: a housing having an outlet; a heating element; and an air movement device configured to direct air onto the heating element to generate a heated airflow. The cooking device is configured to selectively abut the contact surface of the container, and the heated airflow is directed out of the outlet and into the cavity of the container. The lid is configured to selectively abut the contact surface of the container and be connected to the container.

[0025] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a lid is subsequently positioned on the container after the cooking apparatus has been positioned on the container for cooking processing.

[0026] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the lid includes a seal configured to abut against a contact surface of the container when the lid is positioned on the container.

[0027] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the lid includes a clamping member configured to positively and mechanically attach the lid to the container.

[0028] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a crisping plate is configured to be positioned within the cavity of a container.

[0029] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the container includes a base positioned on the bottom surface of the container.

[0030] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system comprising a cooking apparatus, an adapter housing, and a container. The cooking apparatus includes: a housing having a first outlet and a second outlet; a heating element; and an air movement device configured to direct air onto the heating element to generate a heated airflow, wherein the heated airflow is directed out of the first outlet and configured to generate a cooling airflow isolated from the heated airflow within the housing, wherein the cooling airflow is directed out of the second outlet. The adapter housing is removably attached to the cooking apparatus and positioned adjacent to the first outlet. The adapter housing includes a first inlet and a first channel extending therefrom, and a second inlet and a second channel extending therefrom, wherein the heated airflow enters the first inlet from the first outlet and passes through the first channel, and the cooling airflow enters the second inlet from the second outlet and passes through the second channel. The container includes: a cavity configured to receive food therein; and an opening positioned in the wall of the container and configured to access the cavity, wherein the heated airflow enters the cavity from the first channel through the opening, and the cooling airflow passes outside the cavity against the wall of the container.

[0031] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a second outlet is at least partially located around a first outlet.

[0032] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a second channel at least partially surrounds a first channel.

[0033] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the heating airflow in a first channel is isolated from the cooling airflow in a second channel.

[0034] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a second channel is formed within an adapter housing between the outer shell and the main body of the adapter housing, wherein the main body is positioned within the outer shell.

[0035] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which at least a portion of a first channel is radially outside a first outlet.

[0036] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which at least a portion of the second channel is radially outside the second outlet.

[0037] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system comprising: a heating device including a housing and having an outlet therein, the heating device being configured to generate a heated airflow from the housing through the outlet; a container including a cavity therein, the container being configured to receive the heated airflow within the cavity; and a base configured to abut against the container and rest on a support surface, the base including an insulator configured to reduce heat transfer from the container to the support surface when the container receives the heated airflow.

[0038] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to cooking systems in which a gap is positioned between the bottom surface of the container and the top surface of the insulator.

[0039] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a gap is positioned between the bottom surface of the base and the supporting surface.

[0040] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which an insulator is positioned between a support surface and the bottom surface of a container.

[0041] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to cooking systems in which the insulator is formed of a non-conductive material.

[0042] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking systems in which the base is formed of a non-conductive material.

[0043] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system including a cooking device, a first container, and a second container. The cooking device includes: a housing having a cavity extending upward from a bottom surface; a heating element positioned within the cavity; and an air movement device configured to direct air to the heating element and from the cavity. The first container has a first cavity and a first opening therein, and the second container has a second cavity and a second opening therein, wherein the cooking device is configured to removably cover the first and second openings one at a time.

[0044] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a first cover is configured to cover the first opening after the cooking device has been removed from the first opening.

[0045] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a second cover is configured to cover the second opening after the cooking device has been removed from the second opening.

[0046] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the first opening and the second opening have the same cross-sectional shape.

[0047] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a first container includes a first volume and a second container includes a second volume, the first volume being smaller than the second volume.

[0048] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system comprising a cooking device, at least one leg, and a container, the cooking device comprising: a housing having a cavity extending upward from a bottom surface; a heating element positioned within the cavity; and an air movement device configured to direct air to the heating element and from the cavity; the at least one leg projecting from the bottom surface, wherein the at least one leg is configured to contact a mounting surface; and the container having a cavity therein and a contact surface, wherein the cooking device is configured to removably contact the contact surface.

[0049] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the cooking apparatus comprises four legs.

[0050] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which two legs extend from a first side of the cooking device and two legs extend from a second side of the cooking device.

[0051] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system, wherein at least one leg comprises a trapezoidal shape.

[0052] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system, wherein the at least one leg comprises a length between approximately 0.5 inches and approximately 1.5 inches.

[0053] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system comprising a cooking device and a container, the cooking device comprising: a housing having a cavity extending upward from a bottom surface; a heating element positioned within the cavity; an air movement device configured to direct air to the heating element and from the cavity; and at least one microswitch comprising at least one plunger, wherein the at least one microswitch is coupled to the bottom surface; the container having a cavity therein and a contact surface, wherein the cooking device is configured to be removably positioned on the container such that the contact surface presses against the at least one plunger.

[0054] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the cooking apparatus includes a first microswitch and a second microswitch.

[0055] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a first microswitch is positioned at a first end of a bottom surface and a second microswitch is positioned at a second end of the bottom surface.

[0056] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a third microswitch is positioned on a bottom surface between a first microswitch and a second microswitch.

[0057] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system that also includes a controller configured to compare the positions of a first microswitch, a second microswitch, and a third microswitch to determine actuation of a first cooking mode or a second cooking mode.

[0058] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which, in a first cooking mode, a first microswitch, a second microswitch, and a third microswitch are in a retracted position, and in a second cooking mode, the first and second microswitches are in a retracted position, and the third microswitch is in an extended position.

[0059] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to cooking systems in which the cooking apparatus is configured to calibrate the heating element based on the determination of a first cooking mode or a second cooking mode.

[0060] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system comprising a cooking apparatus, a container, a crisping dish, and a lid. The cooking apparatus includes: a housing having a cavity extending upward from a bottom surface; a heating element positioned within the cavity; and an air movement device configured to direct air to the heating element and from the cavity; the container having a cavity therein and a contact surface; the crisping dish having an orifice therein and configured to be positioned within the cavity; and the lid including: a top surface; a bottom surface; and a protrusion extending from the bottom surface, wherein the protrusion is configured to correspond to the orifice positioned within the crisping dish to retain the crisping dish adjacent to the bottom surface.

[0061] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the protrusion is a circular protrusion having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the orifice.

[0062] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the protrusion also includes radially outwardly extending radial protrusions.

[0063] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the outer diameter formed by the radial protrusion is larger than the diameter of the orifice.

[0064] In some respects, the technology described in this article relates to cooking systems in which the radial protrusions are flexible.

[0065] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the protrusion is positioned at the center of the bottom surface.

[0066] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system comprising a cooking apparatus, a container, a crisping dish, and a lid. The cooking apparatus includes: a housing having a cavity extending upward from a bottom surface; a heating element positioned within the cavity; and an air movement device configured to direct air to the heating element and from the cavity; the container having a cavity therein and a contact surface; the crisping dish having an orifice therein and configured to be positioned within the cavity; and the lid comprising: a central body having an outer edge portion and a central portion; a clamping member positioned in the outer edge portion, wherein the clamping member is connected to the central portion via a movable hinge; and a protrusion positioned on a lateral side of the clamping member, wherein the protrusion is configured to abut against the outer edge portion when the clamping member is in a closed position.

[0067] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a protrusion extends across a gap formed between a clamping member and an outer edge portion.

[0068] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a second protrusion is positioned on a second lateral side of a clamping member, the second lateral side being opposite to the lateral side.

[0069] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking systems in which the container also includes channels positioned below the contact surface.

[0070] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the clamping member further includes a curved section configured to be positioned within a channel when the clamping member is in the closed position.

[0071] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a lid includes a seal positioned radially inward of a clamping member and is configured to abut against a contact surface of the container when the lid is positioned on the container.

[0072] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system including a cooking device, a container, a base, and a connector plate. The cooking device includes: a housing having a cavity extending upward from a bottom surface; a heating element positioned within the cavity; and an air movement device configured to direct air to the heating element and from the cavity; the container having a cavity therein, a contact surface, and a sidewall with a first recess and a first reverse recess positioned on the sidewall, wherein the cooking device is configured to removably contact the contact surface; the base is vertically positioned below the container; and the connector plate extends from the base and includes a second recess and a second reverse recess.

[0073] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the base further includes: a first support arm extending from the base; a second support arm extending from the base; and a handle positioned between the first and second support arms, wherein a connector plate is positioned between the first support arm, the second support arm, and the handle.

[0074] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a gap is located between a connector plate and a first support arm, a second support arm, and a handle, the gap being a thermal break between the connector plate and the handle.

[0075] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a first support arm, a second support arm, and a handle are movable relative to a connector plate.

[0076] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which, when the base is connected to a container, a first anti-recession is received within a second recession, and a second anti-recession is received within a first recession.

[0077] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the bottom surface of a container is spaced apart from the top surface of a base.

[0078] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the base also includes a support foot extending downward from the bottom surface of the base, wherein a gap is formed between the bottom surface of the base and the cooking surface on which the base rests.

[0079] In some respects, the technology described in this article relates to cooking systems in which the connector plate is flexible.

[0080] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the container further includes a third retractor and a third anti-retractor positioned on opposite sides of the sidewall relative to the first retractor and the first anti-retractor.

[0081] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the base also includes a second connector plate extending from the base and including a fourth retraction and a fourth anti-retraction.

[0082] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a third retractor is received within a fourth retractor when the base is connected to a container, and the fourth retractor is received within the third retractor.

[0083] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system comprising a cooking device, a container, and a base. The cooking device includes: a housing having a cavity extending upward from a bottom surface; a heating element positioned within the cavity; and an air movement device including a first fan and a second fan, the first fan being configured to direct air to the heating element and from the cavity to generate a heated airflow, the second fan being positioned within the housing and configured to direct air to an outlet positioned on the bottom surface of the housing to generate a cooling airflow; the container having a cavity therein, a contact surface, and sidewalls, wherein the cooking device is configured to removably contact the contact surface; and the base being vertically positioned below the container and removably positioned on the container, the base including: a first support arm extending from the base; a second support arm extending from the base; and a handle positioned between the first and second support arms.

[0084] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a handle is positioned vertically below the cooking device.

[0085] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the base abuts against the bottom surface of a container.

[0086] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking systems in which a gap is positioned between the handle and the sidewall of the container.

[0087] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a handle extends radially outward from the container.

[0088] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system including a cooking device, an adapter housing, and a container. The cooking device includes: a housing having a cavity extending upward from a bottom surface; a heating element positioned within the cavity; an air movement device configured to direct air to the heating element and from the cavity; and at least one microswitch including at least one plunger, wherein the at least one microswitch is coupled to the bottom surface. The adapter housing includes: an outer shell including a first portion having a first cross-sectional area and a second portion having a second cross-sectional area, wherein the first cross-sectional area is smaller than the second cross-sectional area; and a body positioned within the outer shell, the body having a top surface and a bottom surface. The container has a cavity therein and a contact surface, wherein the adapter housing is configured to be removably positioned on the container such that the bottom surface of the body contacts the contact surface of the container, and the top surface of the body presses against the at least one plunger.

[0089] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the cooking apparatus includes a first microswitch and a second microswitch.

[0090] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a first microswitch is positioned at a first end of a bottom surface and a second microswitch is positioned at a second end of the bottom surface.

[0091] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the top surface of the body is configured to press a first microswitch and a second microswitch when the adapter housing is positioned between the container and the cooking device.

[0092] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a third microswitch is positioned on a bottom surface between a first microswitch and a second microswitch.

[0093] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the body includes an orifice configured to allow a third microswitch to pass through the body without being pressed.

[0094] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the main body can move vertically relative to the outer shell.

[0095] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the main body is connected to the outer shell via springs.

[0096] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a first portion of the housing contacts the cooking apparatus and a second portion of the housing contacts the container.

[0097] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which an adapter housing is releasably connected to the housing of a cooking appliance.

[0098] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking devices in which the adapter housing includes a flexible portion having a protrusion configured to releasably engage the housing of the cooking device.

[0099] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system including a cooking apparatus, a first container, and a second container. The cooking apparatus includes: a housing having a cavity extending upward from a bottom surface; a heating element positioned within the cavity; and an air movement device configured to direct air to the heating element and from the cavity. The first container has a first cavity therein and a first contact surface, the first cavity having a first volume, the first contact surface defining a first opening having a first cross-sectional area. The second container has a second cavity therein and a second contact surface, the second cavity having a second volume, the second contact surface defining a second opening having a second cross-sectional area. The cooking apparatus is configured to removably cover the first and second openings one at a time.

[0100] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the first volume is smaller than the second volume.

[0101] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the first cross-sectional area is the same as the second cross-sectional area.

[0102] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the first cross-sectional area is smaller than the second cross-sectional area.

[0103] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system, the cooking device further comprising a first microswitch and a second microswitch positioned on the bottom surface of the housing.

[0104] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which, when the cooking apparatus is placed on a first container, the first container presses a first microswitch and a second microswitch.

[0105] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which a second container presses only a first microswitch when the cooking device is placed on a first container.

[0106] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system that also includes an adapter housing configured to be positioned solely between the cooking apparatus and the second container.

[0107] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system comprising: a cooking device, a container, and a base, the cooking device comprising: a housing having a first cavity extending upward from a bottom surface and a second cavity vertically positioned above the first cavity within the housing; a heating element positioned within the first cavity; and an air movement device comprising a first fan and a second fan, the first fan being configured to direct air to the heating element and from the first cavity to generate a heated airflow, the second fan being positioned within the second cavity and configured to direct air through the second cavity to an outlet positioned on the bottom surface of the housing to generate a cooling airflow; the container having a cavity therein, a contact surface, and sidewalls, wherein the cooking device is configured to removably contact the contact surface; and the base vertically positioned below the container and removably positioned on the container, the base comprising: a first support arm extending from the base; a second support arm extending from the base; and a handle positioned between the first and second support arms, wherein the outlet is configured to direct the cooling airflow to the sidewalls of the container.

[0108] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the outlet is located on the outer periphery of the shell and radially outside the contact surface of the container.

[0109] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking systems in which the outlets are configured to direct cooling airflow away from the handle.

[0110] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which the base also includes: a third support arm extending from the base; a fourth support arm extending from the base; and a second handle positioned between the third and fourth support arms.

[0111] In some respects, the technology described in this article relates to a cooking system in which the outlet is configured to direct cooling airflow away from the second handle.

[0112] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking system in which cooling air is directed along the side wall between the handle and the second handle.

[0113] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus comprising: a housing including an upper portion and a lower portion; a heating element positioned in the lower portion; an air movement device positioned in the lower portion; a user interface positioned in the upper portion, the user interface being configured to control the operation of at least one of the heating element and the air movement device; and a handle configured to lift the cooking apparatus, positioned on an outer surface of the upper portion of the housing, wherein the handle at least partially surrounds the upper portion of the housing.

[0114] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking devices in which the handle is formed as a channel within the upper part of the housing.

[0115] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking appliances in which the user interface is on the top surface of the housing.

[0116] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking appliances in which the motor of a rotating air-moving device is located in the upper part of the housing.

[0117] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking apparatuses in which the upper portion comprises a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the lower portion.

[0118] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus in which the upper part comprises a circular cross-section and the lower part comprises a square cross-section.

[0119] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus comprising: a housing having a cavity extending upward from a bottom surface and an outlet positioned on the bottom surface; a heating element positioned within the cavity; and an air movement device configured to generate a heated airflow by directing air toward the heating element and through the outlet; and at least one leg projecting from the bottom surface, wherein the at least one leg is configured to contact a support surface to create an insulating air gap between the outlet and the support surface, thereby reducing heat transfer from the heating element to the support surface.

[0120] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus, wherein the at least one leg comprises a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a fourth leg, each positioned at a corner of the housing.

[0121] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus in which the first leg, second leg, third leg, and fourth leg are each the same length.

[0122] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking devices in which at least one leg is formed of a non-conductive material.

[0123] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking apparatuses, wherein at least one leg tapers away from the bottom surface of the housing.

[0124] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus comprising: a housing having an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet; an inner housing positioned radially inward of the housing; a channel positioned between the housing and the inner housing; a heating element positioned radially inward of the inner housing; and an air movement device positioned radially inward of the inner housing and configured to direct air onto the heating element to generate a heated airflow and to generate a cooling airflow within the channel, wherein the heated airflow is configured to be directed out of the first outlet into a closed volume, and wherein the cooling airflow is configured to be directed out of the second outlet into an open environment.

[0125] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking appliances in which cooling airflow is isolated from heating airflow within a housing.

[0126] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus in which an inlet is located on the top of the housing and fluidly connected to a channel.

[0127] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus in which a first outlet and a second outlet are positioned on the bottom surface of the housing.

[0128] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus in which a third outlet is located on the side wall of the housing.

[0129] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus in which a second outlet is radially outside the first outlet.

[0130] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus comprising: a housing having a cavity extending upward from a bottom surface; a heating element positioned within the cavity; an air movement device configured to direct air to the heating element and from the cavity; and a sensor positioned on the bottom surface, wherein the sensor is configured to receive input related to the type of the cooking container when the housing is positioned along the bottom surface on the cooking container.

[0131] In some respects, the technology described in this article relates to cooking devices in which the sensors are multiple microswitches.

[0132] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus in which all of a plurality of microswitches are engaged when the housing is placed on a first cooking container, and at least one of the plurality of microswitches is not engaged when the housing is placed on a second cooking container.

[0133] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to cooking devices in which a portion of the sensor extends outward from the bottom surface of the housing.

[0134] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus comprising: a housing having a bottom surface, a first outer surface, and a second outer surface; a heating element positioned within the housing; and an air movement device positioned within the housing and configured to direct air to the heating element to generate a heated airflow; a first engaging member positioned on the first outer surface; and a second engaging member positioned on the second outer surface; wherein the first and second engaging members are configured to contact corresponding engaging members of an adapter housing removably attached to the housing along the bottom surface.

[0135] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus in which a first outer surface is on the opposite side of the housing compared to a second outer surface.

[0136] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus in which a first engaging member is a protrusion extending outward from the housing.

[0137] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus in which a second engaging member is a protrusion extending outward from the housing.

[0138] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cooking apparatus in which a first engaging member forms part of a bottom surface.

[0139] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a container assembly comprising: a container including an opening and a cavity therein, the container being configured to receive a heated airflow from a cooking device covering the opening through the opening and into the cavity; and a base positioned on a bottom surface of the container and configured to rest on a support surface, the base including an insulator configured to protect the support surface from heat radiated from the container due to the heated airflow.

[0140] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to container assemblies in which a gap is positioned between the bottom surface of the container and the top surface of the insulator.

[0141] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to container assemblies in which a gap is positioned between the bottom surface of the base and the support surface.

[0142] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to container assemblies in which an insulator is positioned between a support surface and the bottom surface of the container.

[0143] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to container components in which the insulator is formed of a non-conductive material.

[0144] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container assembly in which an insulator includes at least one leg extending downward from the bottom surface of the insulator and at least one protrusion extending upward from the top surface of the insulator.

[0145] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a container assembly including a container and a base, the container including: a cavity configured to receive food therein; an opening located in a wall of the container and configured for accessing the cavity; the base configured to abut against the container and rest on a support surface, the base including: a connector plate extending from the base and configured to connect to a side wall of the container; a support arm extending from the base; a handle located on the support arm and configured for user contact; and a gap located between the connector plate and the support arm, the gap being configured as a thermal break between the connector plate and the handle.

[0146] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to container assemblies in which support arms and handles are offset from the walls of the container.

[0147] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to container assemblies in which a connector plate is attached to a base along the bottom edge.

[0148] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to container assemblies in which the base is formed of a non-conductive material.

[0149] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to container assemblies in which thermal energy transferred to the connector plate then passes through the base before being transferred to the support arm.

[0150] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to container assemblies in which an air-insulating gap is formed between the container walls and the handle.

[0151] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container assembly in which a second thermal interruption portion is positioned between a portion of the handle and a support arm.

[0152] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a container assembly comprising: a container having a cavity therein and a sidewall having a first recess and a first reverse recess positioned thereon; a base positioned below a bottom surface of the container; and a connector plate extending from the base and including a second recess and a second reverse recess, wherein, when the base is connected to the container, the first reverse recess is received within the second recess, and the second reverse recess is received within the first recess.

[0153] In some respects, the technology described in this article relates to container components in which the connector plate is flexible.

[0154] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container assembly, wherein the container further includes a third indentation and a third anti-indentation positioned on opposite sides of the sidewall relative to the first indentation and the first anti-indentation.

[0155] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container assembly in which the base also includes a second connector plate extending from the base and including a fourth recess and a fourth anti-recession.

[0156] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container assembly in which, when the base is connected to the container, a third anti-indentation is received within a fourth indentation, and a fourth anti-indentation is received within a third indentation.

[0157] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container assembly in which a first connector plate and a second connector plate are respectively connected to a base along the bottom edge.

[0158] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a container assembly comprising: a container including a cavity therein and a contact surface defining an opening configured to allow access to the cavity; a crisping disc having an orifice therein and configured to be positioned within the cavity; and a lid including: a top surface; a bottom surface; and a protrusion extending from the bottom surface, wherein the protrusion is configured to correspond to the orifice positioned within the crisping disc to retain the crisping disc adjacent to the bottom surface.

[0159] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to container assemblies, wherein the protrusion is a circular protrusion having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the orifice.

[0160] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to container assemblies in which the protrusions also include radially outwardly extending radial protrusions.

[0161] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to container assemblies in which the outer diameter formed by radial protrusions is larger than the diameter of the orifice.

[0162] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to container assemblies in which the radial protrusions are flexible.

[0163] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to container assemblies in which the protrusion is positioned at the center of the bottom surface.

[0164] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a container assembly including a container and a lid, the container including a cavity therein and a contact surface defining an opening configured to allow access to the cavity; the lid including: a central body having an outer edge portion and a central portion; a clamping member positioned in the outer edge portion, wherein the clamping member is connected to the central portion via a movable hinge; and a protrusion positioned on a lateral side of the clamping member, wherein the protrusion is configured to abut against the outer edge portion when the clamping member is in a closed position.

[0165] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to container assemblies in which a protrusion extends across a gap formed between a clamping member and an outer edge portion.

[0166] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container assembly in which a second protrusion is positioned on a second lateral side of a clamping member, the second lateral side being opposite to the lateral side.

[0167] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to container components, wherein the container also includes channels positioned below the contact surface.

[0168] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to container assemblies in which the clamping member further includes a curved section configured to be positioned within a channel when the clamping member is in a closed position.

[0169] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to container assemblies in which a lid includes a seal positioned radially inward of a clamping member and configured to abut against a contact surface of the container when the lid is positioned on the container.

[0170] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a base comprising: a connector plate extending from the base having engagement members thereon; a support arm extending from the base adjacent to the connector plate; a handle positioned on the support arm and configured for user contact; and a gap positioned between the connector plate and the support arm, the gap being configured as a thermal break between the connector plate and the handle.

[0171] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a base in which a connector plate is attached to the base along its bottom edge.

[0172] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a base in which a support arm surrounds a connector plate.

[0173] In some respects, the techniques described herein involve a base in which the heat energy transferred to the connector plate then passes through the base before being transferred to the support arm.

[0174] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a base in which a second thermal interruption portion is positioned between a portion of the handle and the support arm.

[0175] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a base comprising: an insulator having a top surface and a bottom surface; a protrusion extending upward from the top surface and configured to contact a container positioned on the base to form a first gap having a first height; and a leg extending downward from the bottom surface and configured to contact a support surface to form a second gap having a second height, wherein the ratio of the second height to the first height is in the range of 2.3:1 to 2.7:1.

[0176] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a base, wherein the first height is in the range of 5.0 mm to 6.0 mm.

[0177] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to the base, wherein the second height is in the range of 13.5 mm to 14.5 mm.

[0178] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a base in which the ratio of the second height to the first height is 2.5:1.

[0179] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a base in which a first gap thermally insulates the base from the container positioned thereon.

[0180] In some respects, the techniques described herein involve a base in which a second gap thermally insulates the support surface from the base.

[0181] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing comprising: an outer shell; a body positioned within the outer shell, the body having a top surface and a bottom surface; and at least one force-applying member configured to connect the outer shell to the body such that the body can move relative to the outer shell; wherein the adapter housing is configured to selectively connect to a cooking device and removably position on a container such that the bottom surface of the body contacts the container, and the top surface of the body interacts with a sensor of the cooking device to provide input to the cooking device.

[0182] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing, wherein the body is a radiation shield configured to absorb radiation generated by a cooking appliance.

[0183] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing in which the sensor is a microswitch located within the cooking appliance.

[0184] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing, wherein an air passage is located between the housing and the body and is configured to guide cooling airflow through the adapter housing.

[0185] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing, wherein the body includes an opening positioned therein and configured to allow a portion of a second sensor to pass through it.

[0186] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing, wherein the housing includes a coupling member configured to selectively connect the housing to a cooking appliance.

[0187] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing comprising: an outer shell; a body positioned within the outer shell, the body having a top surface and a bottom surface; a first inlet positioned within the body and a first channel extending from the first inlet; and a second inlet positioned between the outer shell and the body and a second channel extending from the second inlet, wherein a heating airflow enters the first inlet and passes through the first channel, and a cooling airflow enters the second inlet and passes through the second channel, wherein the heating airflow enters a container from the first channel, and the cooling airflow passes through an outer wall of the container.

[0188] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing in which a second channel at least partially surrounds a first channel.

[0189] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing in which the heating airflow in a first channel is isolated from the cooling airflow in a second channel.

[0190] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing, wherein the body can move relative to and within an outer housing.

[0191] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing, wherein the second channel is radially outside the first channel.

[0192] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing in which cooling airflow is directed away from a handle positioned on the container.

[0193] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing comprising: an outer shell having a bottom surface; a body positioned within the outer shell and configured to be movable within and relative to the outer shell; and at least one leg projecting from the bottom surface, wherein the at least one leg is configured to contact a support surface to create an insulating air gap between the outlet and the support surface, thereby reducing heat transfer from a cooking device attached to the outer shell to the support surface.

[0194] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing, wherein the at least one leg includes a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a fourth leg, each positioned at a corner of the housing.

[0195] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing in which the first leg, second leg, third leg, and fourth leg are each the same length.

[0196] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing, wherein at least one leg is formed of a non-conductive material.

[0197] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing, wherein at least one leg tapers away from the bottom surface of the housing.

[0198] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing, wherein the at least one leg includes a centering tab positioned on the inner surface of the at least one leg.

[0199] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing comprising: an outer shell including a first outer surface and a second outer surface; a body positioned within the outer shell and configured to be movable within and relative to the outer shell; a first engaging member positioned on the first outer surface; and a second engaging member positioned on the second outer surface; wherein the first and second engaging members are configured to contact corresponding engaging members of a cooking device removably attached to the outer shell.

[0200] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing, wherein a first outer surface is on the opposite side of the housing compared to a second outer surface.

[0201] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing, wherein a first engaging member is a protrusion extending inward from the housing.

[0202] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing, wherein the second engaging member is a protrusion extending inward from the housing.

[0203] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing, wherein the first engagement member is a flexible tab configured to deform to engage with and release from a corresponding engagement feature of a cooking device.

[0204] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an adapter housing, wherein the second engaging member is a spring-loaded tab that can be displaced to release the adapter plate from the cooking device.

[0205] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: positioning food within a cavity of a container having an opening configured for accessing the cavity; positioning a cooking device over the opening; generating a heated airflow into the cavity via the cooking device; removing the cooking device from the opening; and positioning a lid over the opening, wherein the lid seals the food within the container.

[0206] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a lid includes a clamping member configured to mechanically attach the lid to a container in a shape-matching manner.

[0207] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a lid includes a seal configured to abut against the container when the lid is positioned on the container.

[0208] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a container includes a base positioned on the bottom surface of the container.

[0209] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which positioning a cooking device over an opening includes positioning the cooking device vertically over a container.

[0210] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which removing a cooking device from an opening comprises vertically lifting the cooking device away from the container.

[0211] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which a brittle disc is configured to be positioned within a cavity of a container.

[0212] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: positioning an adapter housing on a cooking appliance, the adapter including an inlet and an outlet configured to receive and discharge a heated airflow from and from the cooking appliance; positioning the outlet of the adapter housing on an opening of a container configured to access a cavity therein; displacing a movable body positioned within the adapter housing via contact with the container; contacting a sensor positioned within the cooking appliance with the movable body to generate an input to a control system of the cooking appliance; and generating a heated airflow into the cavity via the cooking appliance based on the input.

[0213] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a movable body is a radiation shield configured to absorb radiation generated by a cooking appliance.

[0214] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the sensor is a microswitch extending from the bottom surface of a cooking appliance.

[0215] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the adapter housing can be selectively removed from the cooking appliance.

[0216] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which an adapter housing includes a coupling member configured to selectively connect the adapter housing to a cooking appliance.

[0217] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: positioning food onto a crisping plate within a cavity of a container having an opening configured for accessing the cavity; positioning a cooking device over the opening; generating a heated airflow into the cavity via the cooking device; removing the cooking device from the opening; removing the crisping plate from the cavity; positioning a protrusion extending from the bottom surface of a lid to pass through an orifice within the crisping plate to retain the crisping plate to the bottom surface of the lid; and positioning the lid over the opening, wherein the lid seals the food within the container.

[0218] In some respects, the technique described herein relates to a method in which the protrusion is a circular protrusion having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the orifice.

[0219] In some respects, the technique described herein relates to a method in which the protrusion further includes radially outwardly extending radial protrusions.

[0220] In some respects, the technique described herein relates to a method in which the outer diameter formed by the radial protrusion is larger than the diameter of the orifice.

[0221] In some respects, the technique described herein relates to a method in which the radial protrusion is flexible.

[0222] In some respects, the technique described herein relates to a method in which the protrusion is positioned at the center of the bottom surface.

[0223] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: positioning a lid on an opening of a container having a cavity therein and a pendant lip; displacing a clamping member positioned on the lid to position a portion of the clamping member below the pendant lip; displacing a protrusion positioned on a lateral side of the clamping member from a first side of the lid to a second side of the lid to abut against the second side of the lid, thereby securing the clamping member in a closed position, wherein when the clamping member is in the closed position, the lid is shape-matched mechanically connected to the container.

[0224] In some respects, the technique described herein relates to a method in which a protrusion extends across a gap formed between a clamping member and an outer edge portion.

[0225] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a second protrusion is positioned on a second lateral side of a clamping member, the second lateral side being opposite to the lateral side.

[0226] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the container also includes a channel positioned below the overhanging lip.

[0227] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the clamping member further includes a curved section configured to be positioned within a channel when the clamping member is in a closed position.

[0228] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a cap includes a seal positioned radially inside a clamping member and is configured to abut against the container when the cap is positioned on the container.

[0229] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: positioning a container having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a cavity therein onto a base, the base having a first connector plate and a second connector plate; positioning a first reverse retraction of the base in a first retraction on the first sidewall of the container; positioning a second reverse retraction of the base in a second reverse retraction on the second sidewall of the container; positioning a third reverse retraction of the container in a third retraction on the first connector plate of the base; and positioning a fourth reverse retraction of the container in a fourth retraction on the second connector plate of the base.

[0230] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a first connector plate and a second connector plate are positioned on opposite sides of a base.

[0231] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a first connector plate and a second connector plate are flexible and movable relative to a base.

[0232] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the base includes an insulator positioned below the container.

[0233] In some respects, the technique described herein relates to a method in which a first indentation and a second indentation are positioned on the lower part of a container.

[0234] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: positioning a container including sidewalls and a cavity therein onto a base having a support arm extending from the base and a connector plate extending from the base for contacting the sidewalls to connect the base to the container, wherein a gap is positioned between the connector plate and the support arm; positioning food within the cavity of the container having an opening configured for accessing the cavity; positioning a cooking device over the opening; and generating a heated airflow into the cavity via the cooking device; wherein the gap is configured as a thermal interruption between the connector plate and a handle.

[0235] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a support arm surrounds a connector plate.

[0236] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a connector plate is attached to a base along its bottom edge.

[0237] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which thermal energy transferred to the connector plate then passes through the base before being transferred to the support arm.

[0238] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a second thermal interruption portion is positioned between a portion of the handle and the support arm.

[0239] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: positioning a container including sidewalls and a cavity therein onto a base, the base having an insulator and a protrusion, the insulator having a top surface and a bottom surface, the protrusion extending upward from the top surface and configured to contact the container positioned on the base, forming a first gap having a first height; positioning the base onto a support surface, wherein a leg extending downward from the bottom surface of the base and configured to contact the support surface, forming a second gap having a second height; positioning food within the cavity of the container, the container having an opening configured to access the cavity; positioning a cooking device over the opening; and generating a heated airflow into the cavity via the cooking device; wherein the first gap is configured as a thermal break between the container and the base, and the second gap is configured as a thermal break between the base and the support surface.

[0240] In some respects, the technique described herein relates to a method in which the ratio of the second height to the first height is in the range of 2.3:1 to 2.7:1.

[0241] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the first height is in the range of 5.0 mm to 6.0 mm.

[0242] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the second height is in the range of 13.5 mm to 14.5 mm.

[0243] In some respects, the technique described herein relates to a method in which the ratio of the second height to the first height is 2.5:1.

[0244] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: positioning a cooking device on a first opening of a first container having a first cavity therein; generating a first heated airflow into the first cavity via the cooking device; removing the cooking device from the first opening; positioning the cooking device on a second opening of a second container having a second cavity therein; and generating a second heated airflow into the second cavity via the cooking device.

[0245] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a first cover is configured to cover the first opening after a cooking device has been removed from the first opening.

[0246] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a second cover is configured to cover the second opening after the cooking device has been removed from the second opening.

[0247] In some respects, the technique described herein relates to a method in which a first opening and a second opening have the same cross-sectional shape.

[0248] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which a first container includes a first volume and a second container includes a second volume, the first volume being smaller than the second volume.

[0249] Therefore, this invention enables the use of the same vessel for both cooking and storing food. Attached Figure Description

[0250] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0251] Figure 1A This is a front view of one aspect of a cooking system based on the subject described in this article;

[0252] Figure 1B This is a three-dimensional diagram of one aspect of a cooking system based on the subject described in this article;

[0253] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A side view of the cooking system;

[0254] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A Another view of the cooking system;

[0255] Figure 2A This is a three-dimensional diagram of one aspect of a cooking system based on the subject described in this article;

[0256] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A side view of the cooking system;

[0257] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A Another view of the cooking system;

[0258] Figure 3A yes Figure 1A A three-dimensional view of the cooking apparatus;

[0259] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Another perspective view of the cooking apparatus;

[0260] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A Bottom view of the cooking apparatus;

[0261] Figure 3D yes Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the cooking apparatus.

[0262] Figure 4A yes Figure 1A A three-dimensional view of the container of the cooking system;

[0263] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A side view of the container;

[0264] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A The other side view of the container;

[0265] Figure 5 yes Figure 1A A three-dimensional view of the storage lid and crisping plate of the cooking system;

[0266] Figure 6A yes Figure 2A A three-dimensional view of the container of the cooking system;

[0267] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Another perspective view of the container;

[0268] Figure 6C yes Figure 6A A top view of the container;

[0269] Figure 6D yes Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of the container;

[0270] Figure 7A yes Figure 1A A three-dimensional view of the crisping plate of the cooking system;

[0271] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A Another perspective view of the brittle plate;

[0272] Figure 7C yes Figure 7A Side view of the brittle plate;

[0273] Figure 8 yes Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the container;

[0274] Figure 9A This is a perspective view of the container, storage lid, and thermal protection element based on the subject matter described in this article;

[0275] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A Side view of the container, storage lid, and thermal protection components;

[0276] Figure 9C yes Figure 9A Another view of the container, storage lid, and thermal protection elements;

[0277] Figure 10A yes Figure 9A A 3D view of the storage lid;

[0278] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A Bottom view of the storage lid;

[0279] Figure 10C yes Figure 10A Side view of the storage lid;

[0280] Figure 11 It is a 3D view of the storage lid and the crisping tray;

[0281] Figure 12A yes Figure 1A A three-dimensional diagram of the thermal protection components of a cooking system;

[0282] Figure 12B yes Figure 12A Side view of the thermal protection element;

[0283] Figure 12C yes Figure 12A Another view of the thermal protection element;

[0284] Figure 12D yes Figure 12A Bottom view of the thermal protection element;

[0285] Figure 13A yes Figure 2A A three-dimensional view of the container of the cooking system;

[0286] Figure 13B yes Figure 13A A side view of the container;

[0287] Figure 13C yes Figure 13A The other side view of the container;

[0288] Figure 14A yes Figure 13A A three-dimensional view of the container lid;

[0289] Figure 14B yes Figure 14A Another perspective view of the lid;

[0290] Figure 15A yes Figure 2A A three-dimensional diagram of the thermal protection components of a cooking system;

[0291] Figure 15B yes Figure 15A Side view of the thermal protection element;

[0292] Figure 15C yes Figure 15A Another view of the thermal protection element;

[0293] Figure 15D yes Figure 15A Bottom view of the thermal protection element;

[0294] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional diagram of one aspect of a cooking system based on the subject described in this article;

[0295] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 Bottom view of the cooking apparatus of the cooking system;

[0296] Figure 18 It is along Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the cooking system taken by line 18-18 in the figure;

[0297] Figure 19 It is along Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the cooking system taken by line 19-19 in the diagram;

[0298] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 Detailed cross-sectional view of the cooking system in the image;

[0299] Figure 21 yes Figure 19 Detailed cross-sectional view of the cooking system in the image;

[0300] Figure 22 yes Figure 19 Detailed cross-sectional view of the cooking system in the image;

[0301] Figure 23 yes Figure 16 A front-view perspective view of the adapter housing of the cooking system;

[0302] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 Rear perspective view of the adapter housing;

[0303] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 Bottom view of the adapter housing;

[0304] Figure 26 yes Figure 24 Side view of the adapter housing;

[0305] Figure 27 yes Figure 16 A separate perspective view of the container and base of the cooking system;

[0306] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 A separate 3D view of the container;

[0307] Figure 29 yes Figure 28 A detailed 3D view of the container;

[0308] Figure 30 It is along Figure 27 Cross-sectional view of the container and base taken from line 30-30 in the diagram;

[0309] Figure 31 It is the side with a cover. Figure 27 Side view of the container and base;

[0310] Figure 32 yes Figure 26 A separate three-dimensional view of the base;

[0311] Figure 33 yes Figure 32 Detailed three-dimensional view of the base;

[0312] Figure 34 yes Figure 32 Side view of the base;

[0313] Figure 35 yes Figure 31 A separate perspective view of the front of the cover;

[0314] Figure 36 yes Figure 35 A detailed 3D view of the lid;

[0315] Figure 37yes Figure 35 A three-dimensional view of the bottom of the lid;

[0316] Figure 38 It is configured on the container. Figure 35 Detailed cross-sectional view of the cover;

[0317] Figure 39 It is the side with a cover. Figure 27 A three-dimensional view of the container and its base;

[0318] Figure 40 It is along Figure 39 The cross-sectional view of the container, base, and lid taken from line 40-40 in the figure;

[0319] Figure 41 This is a three-dimensional diagram of one aspect of the cooking system based on the subject described in this article; and

[0320] Figure 42 It is along Figure 41 The cross-sectional view of the cooking system is taken from line 42-42.

[0321] Note that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0322] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatuses and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of this invention is defined only by the claims. Features shown or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. These modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

[0323] Traditional countertop cooking systems, such as air fryers, typically consist of a heating element and a fan located above the cooking chamber. Due to the relatively slow nature of convective heat exchange and the relatively large heat capacity of the device itself, these types of cooking appliances can take relatively long times to cook and / or reheat food. An air fryer system includes a housing with a heating source and an air source located therein, both preferably powered by an AC power cord for operation. The fryer also includes a cooking chamber defined within a base, a cooking drawer securely fitted into and substantially sealing the cooking chamber to prevent heat loss during use, a food basket with a handle removably attached to the cooking drawer, an electronic controller within the base for at least controlling the heating source, air source, and power source, and a user controller attached to the base for powering the fryer system and setting cooking conditions. Typically, the food basket is a large, heat-conducting drawer capable of accommodating large quantities of food. However, not all users need the large capacity offered by a traditional air fryer if only cooking small meals. Additionally, the food basket and the containers within which air-fried foods are served require cleaning after use.

[0324] The apparatus disclosed herein aims to combine the cooking and storage aspects of food. For example, this apparatus utilizes the same vessel for both cooking and storing food. To achieve this efficiency, the vessel is made of a heat-shock-resistant material such as borosilicate glass. Furthermore, the cooking device for generating the heating airflow is designed to be separate from the vessel, allowing the entire cooking device to be removed from the vessel after cooking. Additionally, the food placed in the vessel for cooking can remain in the vessel after cooking without needing to be removed before storage. Instead of removing the food and cleaning the vessel, the user can seal the food inside the vessel using a lid sized to correspond to the opening on the vessel, making the vessel easy to transport.

[0325] The cooking system described herein may include a cooking appliance and a container. A cooking appliance (e.g., an air fryer) may include a housing, a heating element, and an air movement device. The housing may include a cavity extending upward from a bottom surface. The cavity may be configured to receive the heating element. In other words, the heating element may be at least partially located within the cavity. The heating element may be configured to convert electrical energy into heat energy. For example, the cooking appliance may also include an electrical conduit (e.g., a wire) electrically connectable to the heating element. The electrical conduit may also be configured to connect to a power source, such as a wall socket. The air movement device may be configured to facilitate the flow of air around the heating element. For example, the air movement device may draw in relatively cool air from the external environment and propel the air through one or more fluid conduits, causing the air to flow around the heating element. The heating element may transfer heat to the air, allowing the now-heated air to flow into the container. Therefore, the air movement device may facilitate convective heat transfer to any contents within the container.

[0326] Therefore, embodiments of the cooking systems and methods described herein advantageously provide systems that can be rapidly reheated and / or cooked using forced convection heat. Additional and / or alternative aspects of air frying technology are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 11,619,394 and 11,490,761 and U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 516,980, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0327] Figures 1A to 1D and Figures 2A to 2C Exemplary variations of a cooking system based on the subject matter described herein are shown. For example, Figures 1A to 1D An embodiment of a cooking system 200 according to the subject matter described herein is shown. The cooking system 200 may include a cooking appliance 210 and a container 230 coupled to a heat protection element 250. As another example, Figures 2A to 2C Another embodiment of the cooking system 300 is shown, which may include a cooking device 210 and a container 330 coupled to a heat protection element 350. The cooking device 210 may be received by either container 230 or 330. In some variations, the cooking device 210 may be releasably coupled to the containers 230 or 330 via one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, nails, bolts), adhesives, straps, ropes, hooks, or combinations thereof. Once the respective openings of the containers 230 or 330 are covered by the cooking device 210, the cooking device 210 can perform cooking processes (e.g., air frying, baking, reheating).

[0328] Figures 3A to 3D The cooking appliance 210 is further illustrated. The cooking appliance 210 includes an upper housing 256 and a lower housing 216. The upper housing 256 is joined to the lower housing 216, wherein the two housings may also be integral with each other. The upper housing 256 is cylindrical and may be formed of a non-thermally conductive material such as plastic. The upper housing 256 includes a vent 263 for drawing in cool air from the ambient environment to cool the electrical components within the cooking appliance 210.

[0329] The upper housing 256 includes an input interface 214. The input interface 214 includes a plurality of buttons configured to allow a user to control the cooking appliance 210. The input interface 214 is connected to a control unit (not shown) disposed within the cooking appliance 210. For example, a user can control power status (e.g., on, off), power setting, cooking mode, or a combination thereof via the input interface 214. As shown, the input interface 214 is located on the top surface of the upper housing 256. The upper housing 256 is configured to be operated by a user. As shown, the upper housing 256 includes a recess 218 configured to receive a user's hand. Therefore, a user can easily and comfortably pick up or otherwise move the cooking appliance 210.

[0330] The lower housing 216 extends radially outward from the upper housing 256 and is configured to cover the container wall positioned below the cooking apparatus 210. The lower housing 216 may have a cross-section corresponding to the container, allowing the cooking apparatus 210 to be used with the container without additional components. Figure 3C As shown, the lower housing 216 may be square, but other shapes such as circles or rectangles should be considered within the scope of this disclosure.

[0331] like Figure 3D As shown, the cooking appliance 210 includes a bottom surface 260 and an inner housing 270. The bottom surface 260 abuts against and seals the contact surfaces of the container, such that heated air generated by the heating element 224 and the fan 228 remains inside the container and does not escape during cooking. The bottom surface 260 may include a high-temperature resistant sealing member such as a rubber or silicone sealant, and may also be a metal surface abutting the container 230. A gap 272 is formed between the lower housing 216 and the inner housing 270 and is configured to serve as an insulating gap to keep the outer surface of the cooking appliance 210 cool during cooking, and as a cooling airflow channel to help direct cooling airflow to the heat-sensitive electrical components within the housing to cool them during cooking.

[0332] A cavity 267 housing the heating element 224, fan 228, and temperature sensor (not shown) is disposed radially inside the inner housing 270. The temperature sensor may be an NTC or bimetallic temperature sensor, which can shut off the heating element 224 in case of overheating. An exhaust port 280 is also located within the lower housing 216, allowing heated air to exit the cavity 267 during cooking.

[0333] The heating element 224 can be a radiant or convective heat source, which, in combination with the fan 228, generates a heated airflow that can travel from the lower housing 216 into the container cavity within the container 230. In one aspect, the heating element 224 is a calorie rod, graphite, carbon fiber, or any other suitable heat source. The opening of the container 230 into the container cavity allows the transfer of heated air. Thus, when the user actuates the cooking device 210 via the turntable input interface 214, the fan 228 and the heating element 224 can be actuated to generate a forced convective airflow that will flow around the food disposed in the container cavity. In particular, the heating element 224 can convert electrical energy received via the power inlet 212 into heat energy, thereby raising the temperature of the heating element 224. Furthermore, the fan 228 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, allowing air to move through, above, or otherwise around the heating element 224. The operation of the heating element 224 in conjunction with the fan 228 corresponds to cooking processes.

[0334] The cooking apparatus described herein can promote the flow of relatively cool air. For example, a motor 276, which powers a fan 228, is disposed within an upper housing 256. The motor 276 also powers a cooling fan 278 disposed vertically above and outside a cavity 267. The motor 276, fan 228, and cooling device 278 can together define an air movement mechanism. The cooling fan 278 can facilitate cooling. For example, the cooling fan 278 is configured to draw in cool air from a vent 263 through the upper housing 256 and along a gap 272 to cool the motor 276, the plastic internal structure, the outer housing, and electrical components within the cooking apparatus 210. The cool air drawn in by the fan 278 is exhausted through an exhaust port 280. In some variations, cooling can be performed simultaneously with cooking. For example, the airflow provided by the air movement can travel around one or more electronic components (e.g., PCBA) of the cooking apparatus. The airflow around one or more electronic components can reduce the risk of overheating of the electronic components due to heat generated by the heating element.

[0335] In another variation, cooling can be performed after cooking. For example, cooking device 210 may remain attached to the container after cooking. However, the container may radiate heat to the cooking device, which could be sufficient to overheat one or more electronic components. Therefore, cooking device 210 can perform cooling by actuating one or more of fans 228, 278 (without actuating heating element 224) to promote a relatively cool airflow around one or more electronic components. In such cooling, one or more of fans 228, 278 may rotate at a predetermined rotational speed (e.g., between about 100 RPM and about 1000 RPM, including all values ​​and sub-ranges therein). In an exemplary variation, one or more fans rotate at about 700 RPM. Furthermore, fans 228, 278 may rotate for a predetermined period of time, such as between about 30 seconds and about 5 minutes, including all values ​​and sub-ranges therein. Any cooling performed after cooking can be stopped at any point, such as by disconnecting cooking device 210 from the container. Advantageously, the cooling process performed after cooking can occur automatically (e.g., without user input) and / or quietly.

[0336] The cooking apparatus described herein can be configured to detect one or more characteristics of a container prior to performing cooking and / or cooling processes. For example, cooking apparatus 210 may also include one or more container detection elements (e.g., detection sensors). Container detection elements can ensure that only containers meeting one or more predetermined conditions can be used with the cooking apparatus described herein; this can be referred to as a container screening process. For example, container detection elements can ensure that the cooking apparatus is used safely and in a manner that avoids overheating of the container and any contents therein, exceeding predetermined temperature limits. The predetermined temperature limits for the containers described herein can be between about 200°F and about 600°F, including all values ​​and sub-ranges therein. The predetermined temperature limits can correspond to the volume of the container, such that relatively small containers can have relatively low predetermined temperature limits. In particular, relatively small containers can reflect, radiate, or otherwise amplify heat provided by the cooking apparatus, such that any food contained therein can become hotter than in relatively large containers. Relatedly, one or more container detection elements can avoid the risks associated with erroneous temperature readings from one or more temperature sensors of the cooking apparatus. For example, the relatively hot temperature of any food contained in a relatively small container may cause one or more temperature sensors to read unacceptably high temperatures, even though the container itself may still be safely at or below the predetermined temperature limit.

[0337] like Figure 3C As shown, one or more container detection elements may be coupled to the bottom surface of the cooking apparatus 210. The container detection elements may be configured to detect one or more specific design features of the container. For example, the cooking apparatus 210 includes a first detection sensor 226a and a second detection sensor 226b. Each of the detection sensors 226a and 226b is coupled to the bottom surface of the cooking apparatus 210. The first detection sensor 226a is positioned near a third mounting leg 220c, and the second detection sensor 226b is positioned near the first mounting leg 220a. Each of the detection sensors 226a and 226b includes a microswitch comprising at least a plunger and at least one spring coupled thereto. Each plunger is configured to be pressed by a container (such as container 230 or container 330). Pressing (e.g., applying compressive force) one or more plungers may cause a corresponding change in an electrical signal. If the change in the electrical signal satisfies predetermined conditions (e.g., based on current, voltage, polarity, or a combination thereof), the container may be eligible for use with the cooking apparatus 210. If the predetermined conditions are not met, the container may not be eligible for use with the cooking device, and therefore the cooking device may not be able to operate. That is, the cooking device 210 requires each of the detection sensors 226a and 226b to be pressed by a predetermined amount in order to initiate and / or perform the cooking process. Therefore, the detection sensors 226a and 226b ensure that only safe and properly qualified containers can be used with the cooking device 210.

[0338] The cooking apparatus may also include one or more container identification elements (e.g., identification sensors). Container identification elements can be used to identify a specific category, type, or other classification of the vessel. Container identification elements can be configured to identify one or more specific design features of the container (i.e., container identification features). Specific design features can be pre-selected, or in some variations, can be updated in real time. For example, the container may have a lip including one or more protrusions, grooves, channels, pits, recesses, extensions, barcodes, colors, metal strips, or combinations thereof. One or more lip features may correspond to the size and / or manufacturer of the container. For example, such as... Figure 3C As shown, the cooking appliance 210 includes an identification sensor 227. The identification sensor 227 is coupled to the bottom surface of the cooking appliance 210. The identification sensor 227 is located near the periphery of the bottom surface and between the third mounting leg 220c and the fourth mounting leg 220d. The identification sensor 227 includes a microswitch comprising at least a plunger and at least one spring coupled thereto. Thus, the plunger of the identification sensor 227 is configured to be pressed by a container (such as container 230 or container 330). The identification sensor 227 is configured to determine the volume of the container releasably coupled to the cooking appliance 210. For example, container 230 may be configured to engage (e.g., press) the identification sensor 227, while container 330 may be configured to prevent pressing the identification sensor 227. Therefore, the identification sensor 227 will determine whether the cooking appliance 210 is releasably coupled to container 230 or container 330.

[0339] In some variations, the identification sensor 227 may include an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an electrical sensor, an infrared sensor, a time-of-flight sensor, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary variation, the identification sensor 227 includes an optical sensor that may be coupled to the bottom (e.g., the bottom surface) of the cooking apparatus 210, such that the optical sensor can detect the presence or absence of an optical feature of a given container. That is, the container may include one or more colors located on its edges, such that the optical sensor can detect the color and compare it to predetermined conditions. If the detected color meets the predetermined conditions, the cooking apparatus 210 may be used with the container. For example, a container of a certain size (e.g., volume) may include a material of a first color positioned on its lip, and containers of different sizes may include a material of a second color positioned on their lip. In another exemplary variation, a barcode may be positioned on one or more lips of the container, such that the optical sensor can detect the barcode to determine the volume of the container.

[0340] In another exemplary variant, the identification sensor 227 includes an electrical sensor that can be coupled to the bottom of the cooking apparatus 210. The electrical sensor can be configured to detect the presence or absence of a material having predetermined resistance, capacitance, or similar electrical properties. That is, the container may include one or more materials positioned on its edges, such that the electrical sensor can be electrically coupled to the material to measure one or more electrical properties. If the measured electrical properties meet predetermined conditions, the cooking apparatus can be used with the container. For example, a container of a certain size (e.g., volume) may include a material with a first electrical property positioned on its lip, and containers of different sizes may include a material with a second electrical property positioned on its lip.

[0341] In yet another exemplary variant, the identification sensor 227 includes an infrared sensor that can be coupled to the bottom of the cooking appliance 210. The infrared sensor can be configured to detect one or more dimensions of the container. For example, the infrared sensor can detect the distance between a contact surface of the container (such as an edge or lid to which it is attached) and the ground (such as a countertop). That is, the infrared sensor can include a time-of-flight sensor configured to measure the time it takes for photons to travel from the sensor to the ground and back to the sensor. The detected distance and / or time can be compared to predetermined conditions. If the detected distance and / or time meets the predetermined conditions, the cooking appliance can be used with the container.

[0342] The cooking apparatus 210 may also include one or more thermal protection elements. These thermal protection elements may be referred to as insulators or insulator units. Thermal protection elements can advantageously reduce the risks associated with one or more hot surfaces in contact with the cooking system. For example, the cooking apparatus 210 may reach elevated temperatures during or after cooking. Therefore, in an exemplary variant, the cooking apparatus 210 may include one or more mounting legs configured to create an air gap between the heating element of the cooking apparatus and a mounting surface (e.g., a countertop). That is, the cooking apparatus 210 can be separated from the container after heating food within it, such that the heating element 224 remains at an elevated temperature. Placing the heating element 224 near a mounting surface may result in heat transfer from the heating element 224 to the mounting surface, which could lead to undesirable burns and / or damage to the mounting surface. Therefore, one or more mounting legs may serve as supports for the cooking apparatus, holding the heating element from the mounting surface at a safe location. For example, as... Figure 3BAs shown, the cooking device 210 includes a first mounting leg 220a, a second mounting leg 220b, a third mounting leg 220c, and a fourth mounting leg 220d. Each mounting leg 220a to 220d extends from the bottom surface 260 of the cooking device 210. Furthermore, each mounting leg 220a to 220d is positioned along the periphery of the bottom surface. Specifically, the first mounting leg 220a and the second mounting leg 220b are positioned at a first end of the cooking device 210, and the third mounting leg 220c and the fourth mounting leg 220d are positioned at a second end of the cooking device 210. Additionally, each mounting leg 220a to 220d is positioned near a corner of the bottom surface of the cooking device 210, such that the weight of the cooking device 210 is relatively evenly distributed among each mounting leg 220a to 220d.

[0343] Mounting legs 220a to 220d may be integrally formed with the housing 216 of the cooking appliance 210. In some variations, mounting legs 220a to 220d may be releasably attached to the housing. Therefore, mounting legs 220a to 220d may be made of the same material as the housing, but this is not mandatory. In particular, mounting legs 220a to 220d may be made of plastic, metal, glass, rubber, or combinations thereof. In some variations, the cooking appliance may include any number of mounting legs, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more. Each mounting leg 220a to 220d may include a height. The height of the mounting legs 220a to 220d may be between about 0.1 inches and about 2 inches, including about 0.1 inches, about 0.5 inches, about 1 inch, or about 1.5 inches. Each mounting leg 220a to 220d may include the same height or different heights. For example, mounting legs 220a to 220d may include substantially equal heights, allowing the cooking device 210 to be positioned horizontally relative to the mounting surface.

[0344] The cooking apparatus described herein (such as cooking apparatus 210) can be used with a variety of containers, including those of various sizes. The containers (also referred to as vessels) can be configured to hold one or more items intended for heating. For example, Figures 4A to 4C Container 230 is further illustrated. Container 230 includes a first sidewall 1212a, a second sidewall 1212b, a third sidewall 1212c, a fourth sidewall 1212d, and a bottom wall 1212e. Sidewalls 1212a to 1212d each have equal height, and their top edges cooperate to define a lip 1230. The lip 1230 forms a contact surface of container 230. Furthermore, container 230 includes an opening 1232 in its top surface. In other words, the lip 1230 extends around the opening 1232.

[0345] In addition, such as Figure 4AAs shown, sidewalls 1212a to 1212d define a container cavity 1214 (i.e., cooking volume, cooking chamber, storage chamber). The container cavity 1214 has a volume between about 0.5L and about 2L. Figure 4A As shown, the contact surface of the bottom wall 1212e is substantially planar and can be configured to receive food and / or facilitate easy cleaning. For example... Figure 4B As shown, the lower surface of the bottom wall 1212e includes a plurality of grooves that can releasably engage corresponding features of a thermal protection element (such as thermal protection element 250). One or more sidewalls 1212a to 1212d may be substantially straight or may be curved. For example, the bottom wall 1212e includes a first region, and the upper surface defined by the lip 1230 includes a second region larger than the first region, such that each of the sidewalls 1212a to 1212d includes a concave shape (e.g., curved, conical). In some variations, the container cavity 1214 may include cross-sectional shapes such as circular, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, or combinations thereof.

[0346] In some variations, the container may include one or more recesses in its sidewalls. These recesses may be located adjacent to the upper surface, such that the shape of the opening may be influenced by the recesses. The recesses may correspond to the dimensions of the container. For example, Figures 6A to 6D Container 330 is further illustrated. Container 330 includes a first sidewall 1512a, a second sidewall 1512b, a third sidewall 1512c, a fourth sidewall 1512d, and a bottom wall 1512e. Compared to container 230, container 330 includes multiple recesses. For example, as... Figure 6C and Figure 6D As shown, container 330 includes a first recess 1514a and a second recess 1514b. The first recess 1514a is located in a first sidewall 1510a, and the second recess 1514b is located in a third sidewall 1510c. The first recess 1514a and the second recess 1514b are positioned adjacent to the lip 1520. Therefore, the user and / or cooking device can identify containers 230, 330 based on the presence and / or absence of at least one recess. That is, the recesses 1514a, 1514b can avoid engaging the identification sensor 227, allowing the cooking device 210 to identify container 330. Advantageously, the cooking device 210 can operate at relatively high temperatures when it is determined that the cooking device 210 is releasably coupled to container 330 rather than container 230.

[0347] Container 330 may include a top surface configured to contact cooking appliance 210. For example, as Figure 6AAs shown, the top edge of each of the sidewalls 1512a to 1512d defines a lip 1520. The lip 1520 also corresponds to the top surface of the container 330. Furthermore, the container 330 includes an opening 1532 in its top surface. In other words, the lip 1520 extends around the opening 1532. Additionally, the sidewalls 1512a to 1512d define a container cavity 1530. The container cavity 1530 includes a volume between about 2L and about 8L. The upper surface of the bottom wall 1512e is substantially planar and can be configured to receive food and / or facilitate easy cleaning.

[0348] In some variations, the container may also include one or more handles. Container handles can be configured to be manipulated by a user, such as picking up or otherwise moving the container. For example, one or more container handles may extend from the upper outer surface of the container. Furthermore, one or more container handles may extend from one or more sides of the container. For example, container 330 includes multiple handles. Figures 6A to 6D As shown, container 330 includes a first container handle 1512a and a second container handle 1512b. The first container handle 1512a extends from a first sidewall 1510a, and the second container handle 1512b extends from a third sidewall 1510c. Each of the container handles 1512a and 1512b extends at the midpoint of the respective sidewall 1510a and 1510c. Each of the container handles 1512a and 1512b can be configured to be gripped or otherwise manipulated by a user. For example, a user can use the container handles 1512a and 1512b to pick up or otherwise move container 330, especially when container 330 is not at elevated temperatures (which would otherwise injure the user). The container and / or container handles described herein can be made of metal, plastic, glass, or a combination thereof. The material of the container and / or container handles can be selected based on one or more of thermal conductivity, density, expansion characteristics, compressive strength, tensile strength, and other material properties.

[0349] In some variations, the cooking system described herein may include more than one container. In such variations, multiple containers may be configured to stack on top of each other. Each of the multiple containers may include the same volume or different volumes. For example, container 230 may be at least partially positioned within container 330. In this configuration, the lip of container 230 may be positioned above or otherwise positioned on top of the lip of container 330. Advantageously, stacking two or more containers on top of each other can reduce the overall height of the stacked containers, which can facilitate easier storage of the stacked containers. In some variations, cooking device 210 may be releasably coupled to container 230, which may be on top of the stack, to perform cooking processes therein. That is, even in a stacked configuration, container 230 can be safely used for cooking processes.

[0350] In some variations, the containers described herein can be configured for both heating and eating. For example, each of containers 230, 330 can be configured for a predetermined portion of a given user's food. Thus, a user can heat the food within each of containers 230, 330, and subsequently eat the food directly from the respective container. Advantageously, combining the functions of heating and eating food according to predetermined portions can reduce the number of plates used by the user during the heating and / or eating process, as well as the time required to perform one or both of these processes.

[0351] One or more thermal protection elements may be attached to the containers described herein. For example, containers 230, 330 may reach elevated temperatures during and / or after cooking. Therefore, reducing or preventing heat transfer from containers 230, 330 to the user and / or countertop can prevent injury, damage, burns, or a combination thereof. The thermal protection element may include a base (e.g., a tripod, a pad) that can be releasably attached to the bottom surface of the container. For example, Figures 12A to 12C A thermal protection element 250 is shown. The thermal protection element 250 includes a base 1610. The base 1610 can be configured to reduce or eliminate heat transfer from the container 230 to a mounting surface (e.g., a countertop) to prevent burns or other damage to the mounting surface. Therefore, the base 1610 can be made of rubber, plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. The base 1610 may include one or more recesses, grooves, or valleys configured to receive the container. Thus, the container 230 can be frictionally engaged with the container protection element 250. For example, the container 230 can be snapped or pushed into one or more recesses, grooves, or valleys. In further variations, the container 230 can be releasably engaged with the base 1610 using fasteners (e.g., screws, nails, bolts) and / or adhesives.

[0352] In some variations, the base described herein may be coupled to or integrally formed with one or more base mounting legs. Similar to the mounting legs described with respect to cooking apparatus, the base mounting legs may be configured to reduce heat transfer, such as from the container and / or base, to the mounting surface. For example, as... Figures 12A to 12D As shown, the thermal protection element 250 also includes a first leg 1612a and a second leg 1612b. Each of the legs 1612a and 1612b is integrally formed with the base 1610. The first leg 1612a extends from a first end of the base 1610, and the second leg 1612b extends from a second end of the base 1610. Each of the legs 1612a and 1612b includes a plurality of feet. For example, as... Figure 12DAs shown, the first leg 1612a includes a first foot 1620a and a second foot 1620b. The first foot 1620a and the second foot 1620b are positioned on opposite sides of the first end, such that each of the first foot 1620a and the second foot 1620b is positioned below the corner of the base 1610. Similarly, the second leg 1612b includes a third foot 1620c and a fourth foot 1620d. The third foot 1620c and the fourth foot 1620d are positioned on opposite sides of the second end, such that each of the third foot 1620c and the fourth foot 1620d is positioned below the corner of the base 1610.

[0353] Each of the one or more base mounting legs described herein may include a height. For example, the height of each of legs 1612a, 1612b may be between about 0.1 inches and about 2 inches, including about 0.1 inches, about 0.25 inches, or about 0.5 inches. Each of legs 1612a, 1612b may include the same height or different heights. Therefore, the air gap between the base 1610 and the mounting surface may be formed such that heat transfer therebetween can be reduced or eliminated.

[0354] One or more container protection handles, configured for user operation, can extend from the base. For example, the container protection handles can extend from the base in the direction opposite to the base mounting legs. Therefore, the container protection handles can contact the sidewalls of the container. For example, as... Figure 12AAs shown, the thermal protection element 250 includes a first handle 1640a (i.e., a first container protection handle) and a second handle 1640b (i.e., a second container protection handle). Each of the handles 1640a and 1640b includes a plurality of support arms and a handle. For example, as shown, the first handle 1640a includes a first support arm 1614a, a second support arm 1614b, and a first handle 1616a. The first support arm 1614a and the second support arm 1614b each extend from a first end of the base 1610. Each of the first support arm 1614a and the second support arm 1614b is coupled to the first handle 1616a. The first handle 1616a is configured to be gripped or otherwise manipulated by a user. The second handle 1640b includes similar features. For example, as shown, the second handle 1640b includes a third support arm 1614c, a fourth support arm 1614d, and a second handle 1616b. The first support arm 1614a and the second support arm 1614b each extend from a second end of the base 1610, wherein the second end is opposite to the first end. Each of the third support arm 1614c and the fourth support arm 1614d is coupled to the second handle 1616b. The first support arm 1614a, the second support arm 1614b, and the first handle 1616a together define a first handle opening 1642a. The first handle opening 1642a may be sized such that a user can easily and comfortably pass at least a portion of their hand through it for a secure grip (e.g., enveloping) of the first handle 1616a.

[0355] Handles 1640a and 1640b may have a height corresponding to the height of container 230, such as approximately 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 3 / 4, or 4 / 4 of the height of container 230. The height of handles 1640a and 1640b allows container 230 to remain upright or otherwise fall from base 1610 when a user manipulates handles 1640a and 1640b. Furthermore, the height of handles 1640a and 1640b allows airflow from cooling fan 278 to circulate around handles 1640a and 1640b, further reducing their temperature. Additionally, handles 1640a and 1640b may not conduct heat like the container. Therefore, the temperature of handles 1640a and 1640b can be relatively lower than that of container 230. Thus, a user can safely grip handles 1616a and 1616b instead of directly gripping container 230, avoiding the risks associated with the high temperature of container 230.

[0356] The container protective handle described herein can engage with one or more surface features of a container sidewall. For example, one or more protrusions may extend from the outer surface of the sidewall, allowing the container protective handle to be releasably engaged (e.g., via friction engagement) thereon. Figure 5A container 1930 with a first protrusion 1912 and a second protrusion 1914 is shown. Container 1930 may otherwise correspond to the features and description of container 230. The first protrusion 1912 and the second protrusion 1914 may be configured as handles to receive thermal protection elements. For example, the first protrusion 1912 may be configured as a first handle 1616a to receive thermal protection element 250, and the second protrusion 1914 may be configured as a second handle 1616b to receive thermal protection element 250. In some variations, the protrusions of container 1930 or any other container described herein may include hooks, latches, rods, fasteners, adhesives, or combinations thereof. Thus, the thermal protection element may be releasably or permanently attached to the container.

[0357] As another example of a thermal protection element Figures 15A to 15D A thermal protection element 350 including a base 1710 is shown. The base 1710 can be configured to reduce or eliminate heat transfer from the container 230 to a mounting surface (e.g., a countertop) to prevent burns or other damage to the mounting surface. The base 1710 can comprise a material similar to that of the base 1610. Furthermore, the base 1710 can engage with the container 330 in a manner similar to that described for engagement of the base 1610 with the container 230. That is, the container 330 can be attached to the base 1710 via friction fit (e.g., one or more recesses, grooves, or valleys with the base 1710), fasteners, and / or adhesives.

[0358] Similar to thermal protection element 250, thermal protection element 350 includes multiple legs. For example... Figures 15A to 15D As shown, the thermal protection element 350 includes a first leg 1712a and a second leg 1712b. Each of the legs 1712a and 1712b is integrally formed with a base 1710. The first leg 1712a extends from a first end of the base 1710, and the second leg 1712b extends from a second end of the base 1710. Each of the legs 1712a and 1712b includes a plurality of feet. For example, as... Figure 15D As shown, the first leg 1712a includes a first foot 1720a and a second foot 1720b. The first foot 1720a and the second foot 1720b are positioned on opposite sides of the first end, such that each of the first foot 1720a and the second foot 1720b is positioned below the corner of the base 1710. Similarly, the second leg 1712b includes a third foot 1720c and a fourth foot 1720d. The third foot 1720c and the fourth foot 1720d are positioned on opposite sides of the second end, such that each of the third foot 1720c and the fourth foot 1720d is positioned below the corner of the base 1710.

[0359] Similar to the description provided for legs 1612a and 1612b, each of the legs 1712a and 1712b of the thermal protection element 350 may include a height. For example, the height of each of the legs 1712a and 1712b may be between about 0.1 inches and about 2 inches, including about 0.1 inches, about 0.25 inches, or about 0.5 inches. Each of the legs 1712a and 1712b may include the same height or different heights. Therefore, the air gap between the base 1710 and the mounting surface may be formed such that heat transfer therebetween can be reduced or eliminated.

[0360] In some variations, the bases 1610 and 1710 may also include a heat radiation shield. The heat radiation shield prevents at least some heat from the bases 1610 and 1710 and / or the container from radiating to the mounting surface. The heat radiation shield may cover at least a portion of the bottom surface of the bases 1610 and 1710. In one aspect, the heat radiation shield may include exposed metallic parts on any surface of the base or handle (including the top or bottom surfaces of the base and handle) to further absorb and block radiation and heat from the vessel. The size and / or position of the heat radiation shield may be adjusted to accommodate the base mounting legs. That is, the heat radiation shield may include a shape with one or more notches to accommodate the base mounting legs. The heat radiation shield may be made of a heat-insulating material such as metal, plastic, or a combination thereof.

[0361] like Figure 15D As shown, the thermal protection element 350 also includes a plurality of recesses 1730 configured to facilitate attachment to a heat radiation shield. The plurality of recesses 1730 may be located in the bottom surface of the thermal protection element 350. Specifically, the plurality of recesses 1730 may be configured to receive fasteners. For example, a heat radiation shield (not shown) may be attached to the thermal protection element 350 via fasteners (e.g., screws) positioned in each of the plurality of recesses 1730. In some variations, one or more of the thermal protection element 350 and the heat radiation shield may be further fastened to the container 330. The heat radiation shield may cover at least a portion of the bottom surface of the base 1710. The heat radiation shield may be made of a thermally insulating material such as metal, plastic, or a combination thereof. Similar heat radiation shields may be attached to any container or thermal protection element described herein, such as thermal protection element 250. Thus, the heat radiation shield may prevent at least some heat from the bases 1610, 1710 and / or containers 230, 330 from radiating to the mounting surface.

[0362] In some variations, the container described herein may also include a lid configured to cover the opening when it is not covered by a cooking device. The lid (e.g., a storage lid) provides an airtight seal to the opening, isolating any food contained within the cavity from the external environment. The storage lid can be releasably attached to the container via one or more clips positioned around its periphery. For example, Figures 9A to 9C A container 230 is shown releasably coupled to a storage lid 810. The storage lid 810 includes a first clamp 812a, a second clamp 812b, a third clamp 812c, and a fourth clamp 812d. Each of the clamps 812a to 812d is configured to be releasably coupled to a sidewall of the container 230. The clamps 812a to 812d are rotatable about a clamp joint (i.e., a pivot point) such that each clamp can engage with an edge (e.g., a lip) of the container opening.

[0363] Figures 10A to 10C Further details of the storage cover 810 are shown. The storage cover 810 includes a first surface 1004 (e.g., a bottom surface) and a second surface 1005 (e.g., a top surface). Additionally, the storage cover 810 includes a rectangular shape defined by a first side 1002a, a second side 1002b, a third side 1002c, and a fourth side 1002d. Each of the clamps 812a to 812d is positioned at the midpoint of the length of each corresponding side 1002a to 1002d. Specifically, the first clamp 812a extends from the first side 1002a, the second clamp 812b extends from the second side 1002b, the third clamp 812c extends from the third side 1002c, and the fourth clamp 812d extends from the fourth side 1002d. Each of the clamps 812a to 812d is configured to rotate about a pivot joint. For example, the storage cover 810 includes a first clamping connector 1020a connected to a first clamp 812a, a second clamping connector 1020b connected to a second clamp 812b, a third clamping connector 1020c connected to a third clamp 812c, and a fourth clamping connector 1020d connected to a fourth clamp 812d.

[0364] In some variations, the storage cover may also include a seal, such as a rubber seal, which may be configured to further reduce fluid (such as air) transfer between the cavity and the external environment. For example, as Figure 10BAs shown, the storage cap 810 includes a seal 910. The seal 910 extends around the periphery of the storage cap 810. The seal 910 is configured to contact the lip of a container (such as container 230). Once in contact with container 230, clamps 812a to 812d can engage with the sidewalls of container 230 to tightly press the seal 910 against the lip of container 230. For example, rotation of clamps 812a to 812d around the corresponding clamp joints 1020a to 1020d and / or positioning of clamps 812a to 812d relative to the length of edges 1002a to 1002d contributes to a relatively uniform distribution of force around the periphery of the storage cap 810 and the seal 910. Thus, an airtight seal can be formed between the storage cap 810 and container 230.

[0365] In some variations, the storage lid described herein can also function as a heat protection element. That is, after the cooking appliance can be separated from the container, the container may be hot and the opening may be uncovered. Therefore, the container protective lid can be placed over the opening so that the opening can be substantially sealed. The container protective lid may also include one or more lid handles. One or more lid handles may extend from one or more sides of the container protective lid. In some variations, the one or more lid handles may be configured to cover one or more handles of the container. In particular, the one or more lid handles may surround at least a portion of the container handle, allowing a user to grip the lid handle instead of the container handle. Advantageously, avoiding contact with the container handle can prevent risks associated with high temperatures, such as burns or other injuries. The container protective lid can be used alone or in combination with any of the heat protection elements described herein.

[0366] For example, Figures 13A to 13C It shows a releasable connection to the container protective cap 1310 (e.g.) Figure 14A and Figure 14B The container 330 is shown. A container cover 1310 includes a first cover handle 1312a and a second cover handle 1312b. Each cover handle 1312a, 1312b covers at least a portion of a container handle (not shown). The container cover 1310 includes a first surface 1410 and a second surface 1412. The first surface 1410 includes a recess 1416. The recess 1416 is configured to receive another container. A flange 1420 extends around the periphery of the second surface 1412. The flange 1420 is configured to receive the lip of the container 330. Specifically, the flange 1420 includes a groove and an extension such that the lip of the container can be received within the groove and the extension contacts the outer surface of the container. The flange 1420 includes a thin, flexible member such that an hermetic seal can be formed when releasably attached to the container. The container cover 1310 includes a non-thermally conductive material, such as rubber or plastic.

[0367] The cooking apparatus may include one or more crisping plates that can be slidably received by a container cavity as described herein. The crisping plates can be used to increase heat transfer to food contained within the container. The increased heat transfer facilitated by the crisping plates can increase the temperature of the food within the container, and thus increase the crispness level of the food's outer surface. The crisping plates may include a planar base. For example, Figures 7A to 7C A crisping tray 920 is shown. The crisping tray 920 includes a planar base having a first surface 1102 and a second surface 1104. Either the first surface 1102 or the second surface 1104 can be the upper surface, such that the crisping tray 920 can be reversible. The planarity of the crisping tray 920 can facilitate relatively uniform heat transfer between the crisping tray 920 and one or more of the heating elements and food within the container.

[0368] Furthermore, the crisping tray may include one or more openings to facilitate fluid flow. For example, air can flow through one or more openings to and / or from any food within the container, which can contribute to a crispy texture. Figures 7A to 7C As shown, the crisping tray 920 includes a plurality of openings 1112 and a central opening 1114. The plurality of openings 1112 are positioned in a grid pattern and include combinations of circular, elliptical, and rectangular openings with rounded corners. The rectangular openings may include a length and a width, wherein the length is greater than the width. The circular openings may include a diameter and may be positioned at the central axis of the planar base. The plurality of openings 1112 may be arranged in a grid pattern across the entire crisping tray 920.

[0369] One or more of the plurality of openings 1112 can be configured as a receiving tool (e.g., a fork). This tool can be used to releasably engage the crisping plate for picking up and / or moving the crisping plate 920. Therefore, this tool can advantageously mitigate the risks associated with direct user contact with the crisping plate 920. For example, one or more of the plurality of openings 1112 can be configured near the edge of the base, maximizing the distance between the user's hand and the crisping plate. Advantageously, maximizing the distance between the user's hand and the crisping plate can mitigate the risks associated with heat transfer from the crisping plate to the user's hand (e.g., burns, injuries).

[0370] The embrittlement disc may include one or more protrusions configured to contact the inner surface of the container cavity. The height at which the embrittlement disc is positioned within the container cavity may correspond to the one or more protrusions. For example, the one or more protrusions may extend from one or more edges of a planar base and may be angled relative to the planar base, such that the angled protrusions contact the inner surface of the container cavity, while the base avoids contact with the inner surface of the container cavity. Figures 7A to 7CAs shown, the brittle disc 920 includes a first protrusion 1110a, a second protrusion 1110b, a third protrusion 1110c, and a fourth protrusion 1110d. Each of the protrusions 1110a to 1110d is angled relative to the first surface 1102 and the second surface 1104. For example, protrusion 1110a includes a first portion 1120a at an angle θ1 relative to the first surface 1102 and a second portion 1122a at an angle θ2 relative to the second surface 1104. Angles θ1 and θ2 are different from each other, and each angle may be between about 5 degrees and about 60 degrees. Each of the protrusions 1110a to 1110d may include a height relative to the first surface 1102 and the second surface 1104. The height of protrusions 1110a to 1110d may be between about 0.1 inches and about 2 inches, including about 0.1 inches, about 0.25 inches, or about 0.5 inches. Each of the protrusions 1110a to 1110d may include the same height or different heights. For example, the four protrusions 1110a to 1110d may include substantially equal heights, such that the crisping disc 920 can be positioned horizontally within the container. The relative angles and / or heights of the protrusions 1110a to 1110d may correspond to the height at which the crisping disc 920 is positioned relative to the bottom of the container cavity. In particular, when the first surface 1102 faces the bottom of the container cavity (i.e., the first configuration), the crisping disc 920 can be positioned at a relatively low position within the container cavity, and when the second surface 1104 faces the bottom of the container cavity (i.e., the second configuration), the crisping disc 920 can be positioned at a relatively high position within the container cavity. Advantageously, a user can alternate between the first and second configurations by flipping the crisping disc 920 using the previously described tools and openings.

[0371] The reversibility of the crisping plate described in this article can facilitate cooking in areas of various sizes. For example, Figure 8 A container 230 is shown having a brittle disc in a first position 1802 (i.e., the first configuration) and a second position 1804 (i.e., the second configuration). The first position 1802 may correspond to when a first surface (such as...) is present. Figures 7A to 7C The first surface 1102 shown is positioned relatively low within the container cavity when it faces the bottom of the cavity. The second position 1804 can correspond to the position when the second surface (such as...) is facing the bottom of the container cavity. Figures 7A to 7CWhen the second surface 1104 faces the bottom of the container cavity, the crisping plate is positioned at a relatively high position within the container cavity. When the crisping plate is in the first position 1802, the first cooking volume 1814 can be defined below the crisping plate, and the second cooking volume 1812 can be defined above the crisping plate. Therefore, during cooking, the first food can be positioned in the first cooking volume 1814 and / or the second food can be positioned in the second cooking volume 1812. When the crisping plate is in the second position 1804, the third cooking volume 1816 can be added to the first cooking volume 1814 and thus subtracted from the second cooking volume 1812. Therefore, a larger portion of the food can be positioned within the combined first cooking volume 1814 and third cooking volume 1816, and a smaller portion of the food can be positioned within the second cooking volume 1812. In either position of the crisping plate, the food positioned above the crisping plate can receive relatively more heat from the cooking device than the food positioned above the crisping plate. For example, foods that may be relatively heat-sensitive (e.g., starches, vegetables) can be positioned below the crisping plate, while relatively more heat-resistant foods (e.g., proteins) can be positioned above the crisping plate. The crisping plate can be used with any of the containers described herein.

[0372] In some variations, the embrittlement disk 920 may include one, two, three, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or more protrusions circumferentially positioned around the periphery of the planar base. In variations with multiple protrusions, each protrusion may be equidistantly spaced around the periphery of the planar base, but this is not mandatory. One or more protrusions may be made of rubber (e.g., silicone), plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. One or more protrusions may or may not be the same material as the planar base.

[0373] The brittle tray can be configured to be releasably attached to the storage lid of a given container when not in use. For example, Figure 11 A storage lid 810 is shown that is releasably coupled to a crisping tray 920. The storage lid 810 and the crisping tray 920 can be releasably coupled to facilitate compact storage. The crisping tray 920 can be coupled to the bottom surface of the storage lid 810. Specifically, the storage lid 810 includes a plurality of hooks 930 configured to be releasably coupled to the crisping tray 920. The hooks 930 resiliently deflect to accommodate an opening in the crisping tray 920, allowing the crisping tray 920 to be easily engaged and disengaged from the storage lid 810. Figure 10BAs shown, a plurality of hooks 930 protrude from the first surface 1004. The plurality of hooks 930 includes a first hook 1010a, a second hook 1010b, and a third hook 1010c. In one aspect, the plurality of hooks 930 may include only the first and second hooks positioned opposite each other. Each of hooks 1010a to 1010c is configured to deflect to accommodate a circular opening 1114 of the crisping tray 920. Therefore, hooks 1010a to 1010c are made of an elastic material such as plastic. Thus, the crisping tray 920 and the storage lid 810 can be folded or stored as a kit and detached when needed by the user. That is, the user can detach the crisping tray 920 from the storage lid 810 to use either the crisping tray 920 or the storage lid 810.

[0374] In addition to utilizing vessels of varying heights, the cooking system disclosed herein may include larger vessels that are shallow but have a larger cross-sectional area at the opening to increase the cooking surface area. For example, Figures 16 to 22 An embodiment of a cooking system 2000 according to the subject matter described herein is shown. The cooking system 2000 is similar to the cooking system 200, therefore similar components will not be described in detail. The cooking system 2000 may include a cooking appliance 2002 and a container 2004 coupled to a heat protection element 2006 in the form of a base. Additionally, to accommodate a container with a larger opening, such as container 2004, an adapter housing 2008 may be positioned between container 2004 and cooking appliance 2002 to allow the smaller cooking appliance 2002 to mate with the larger container 2004. The cooking appliance 2002 is similar to the cooking appliance 210 and includes a bottom surface 2016, an air outlet 2025, a protective device 2018, a heating element 2026, an exhaust fan 2030, and a convection fan 2032.

[0375] like Figure 17 and Figure 20-22As shown, one or more container detection elements may be coupled to the bottom surface 2016 of the cooking apparatus 2002. The container detection elements may be configured to detect one or more specific design features of the container. For example, the cooking apparatus 2002 includes a first detection sensor 2020 and a second detection sensor 2022. Each of the detection sensors 2020 and 2022 is coupled to the bottom surface of the cooking apparatus 2002. Each of the detection sensors 2020 and 2022 is similar to detection sensors 226a and 226b and includes a microswitch comprising at least a plunger and at least one spring coupled thereto. Each plunger is configured to be pressed by a container (such as container 2004). Pressing (e.g., applying compressive force) one or more plungers 2050 and 2054 may cause a corresponding change in an electrical signal. If the change in the electrical signal satisfies predetermined conditions (e.g., based on current, voltage, polarity, or a combination thereof), the container may be eligible for use with the cooking apparatus 2002. If the predetermined conditions are not met, the container may not be eligible for use with the cooking apparatus, and therefore the cooking apparatus may not be operable. In other words, the cooking appliance 2002 requires each of the detection sensors 2020 and 2022 to be pressed by a predetermined amount in order to start and / or execute the cooking process. Therefore, the detection sensors 2020 and 2022 ensure that only safe and properly qualified containers can be used with the cooking appliance 2002. The user interface 2010 can be used to notify the user of incorrect utensils or placement, or it can be used to allow the user to input cooking commands.

[0376] As described above, the adapter housing 2008 can be used to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooking chamber when used with a larger container 2004. Figures 18 to 19 As shown, the adapter housing 2008 is positioned between the cooking appliance 2002 and the container 2004. Figures 23 to 26As shown, the adapter housing 2008 includes a central aperture 2009 for allowing heated air from the cooking appliance 2002 to enter the container 2004. The adapter housing 2008 also includes an outer housing 2080 and an inner body 2082. The inner body 2082 includes a top surface 2082A and an aperture 2084, and is movable relative to the outer housing 2080 via a spring connecting the outer housing 2080 to the inner body 2082. This is to ensure that a microswitch is not triggered when the adapter housing 2008 is not connected to the cooking appliance 2002 (rather than to the container 2004). Additionally, when the appliance is not in use, the outer housing 2080 contacts a surface such as a countertop. When the outer housing 2080 rests on a countertop and not on the container 2004, the inner body 2082 does not contact the countertop and also does not contact the plungers 2050, 2052, and 2054. When the adapter housing is placed between the cooking appliance 2002 and the container 2004, contact surface 2082A contacts the plungers 2050 and 2054 of the detection sensors 2020 and 2022. Hole 2084 allows the plunger 2052 of the detection sensor 2024 to pass through without triggering the sensor 2024. This informs the cooking appliance 2002 that the adapter housing 2008 is in use, and therefore the large container 2004 is also in use. This allows the cooking appliance to self-calibrate due to the larger volume of the container 2004.

[0377] An air passage 2085 may be disposed between the outer housing 2080 and the inner body 2082, receiving a cooling airflow from the cooking apparatus. In one aspect, the cooling airflow passes over the outside of the vessel during cooking to help cool its outer surface. When the adapter plate is not in use, the cooling airflow exits from an outlet on the bottom surface of the cooking apparatus and directly contacts the outer surface of the vessel. When the adapter plate 2008 is used with the cooking apparatus, the cooling airflow passes through the air passage 2085 and is directed radially outward to direct the cooling airflow onto the outer surface of the larger vessel.

[0378] Legs 2081 may be configured at each corner of the outer housing 2080 to space the outer housing 2080 from the support surface. This creates an air gap between the heating element and the support surface, which helps to insulate the support surface from any heat still generated from the heating element, thereby reducing heat transfer. The adapter housing 2008 may also include a connector assembly 2012 and a torsion spring tab 2086, the connector assembly 2012 including a movable tab 2013. The cooking appliance 2002 includes corresponding features 2013a, 2086a positioned on the outer housing at its bottom surface, which are connected to the tabs 2013, 2086. The user can remove the adapter housing 2008 from the cooking appliance 2002 by deforming the tab 2013 to release it from the retraction in the cooking appliance 2002. A centering tab 2087 may be positioned on each leg. The centering tab 2087 is configured to help center the adapter housing onto the dish when the user places the adapter plate on the dish.

[0379] The cooking apparatus described herein (such as cooking apparatus 2002) can be used with a variety of containers, including those of various sizes. The containers (also referred to as vessels) can be constructed to hold one or more items intended for heating. For example, Figures 27 to 31 Container 2004 is further illustrated. Container 2004 includes a contact surface 2004A and a sidewall 2005. Container 2004 is similar to container 1930, therefore similar components will not be described in detail. The container protective handle described herein can engage with one or more surface features of the container sidewall. For example, a connecting assembly 2100 can be positioned on the sidewall 2005 such that the container protective handle can be releasably coupled (e.g., via friction engagement) to it. Figures 28 to 29 A container 2004 with a recess 2102 and a reverse recess 2104 is shown. A connecting assembly 2100 may be positioned on multiple sides of the container 2004. The recess 2102 and the reverse recess 2104 may be configured to receive handles for thermal protection elements, as described in more detail below.

[0380] One or more thermal protection elements may be attached to the container described herein. For example, container 2004 may reach elevated temperatures during and / or after cooking. Therefore, reducing or preventing heat transfer from container 2004 to the user and / or countertop can prevent injury, damage, burns, or a combination thereof. The thermal protection element may include a base (e.g., a tripod, a pad) that can be releasably attached to the bottom surface of the container. For example, Figures 30 to 34A heat protection element 2006 is shown. The heat protection element 2006 includes a base configured to reduce or eliminate heat transfer from the container 2004 to a mounting surface (e.g., a countertop) to prevent burns or other damage to the mounting surface. Therefore, the heat protection element 2006 can be made of rubber, plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. Additionally, in one aspect, an air outlet 2025 can blow exhaust gas from the cooking appliance to cool the outer surface of the container's sidewalls. In one aspect, the outlet 2025 is positioned around the circumference of the cooking appliance 2002 at the bottom surface 2016. In one aspect, the outlet is not positioned at the location of a handle for the heat protection element 2006.

[0381] The base 2006 may include upwardly extending support arms 2134, 2136 connected via a handle 2036. A connector plate 2130 is disposed between the support arms 2134, 2136. The connector plate 2103 includes a retractor 2152 and a reverse retractor 2150 corresponding to the retractor 2102 and the reverse retractor 2104 of the container 2004. Therefore, the container 2004 can be frictionally engaged with the container protection element 2006. For example, the container 2004 may be snapped or pushed into one or more recesses, grooves, or valleys. In another variation, the container 2004 may be releasably engaged with the base using fasteners (e.g., screws, nails, bolts) and / or adhesives.

[0382] A gap 2138 may be positioned between the connector plate 2130 and the support arms 2134, 2136. This allows the connector plate 2130 to move relative to the handle 2036, thereby preventing the thermal protection element 2006 from undesirably detaching from the container 2004 when the user grips the handle 2036. In one aspect, the connector plate 2130 may be flexible and deformable in a manner that allows the thermal protection element 2006 to be removed from the container 2004. The gap 2138 may also serve as a thermal interruption between the container 2004 and the handle 2036 to reduce heat transfer to the handle 2036 during cooking. Alternatively, in another aspect, a gap 2036A may be positioned between the handle 2036 and the support legs 2134, 2136. The gap 2036A serves as a thermal interruption to prevent heat transfer to the handle 2036.

[0383] In some variations, the thermal protection element 2006 described herein may be coupled to or integrally formed with one or more base mounting legs 2034. Similar to the mounting legs described with respect to cooking appliances, the base mounting legs may be configured to reduce heat transfer, such as from the container and / or base, to the mounting surface. For example, as... Figure 30As shown, the heat protection element 2006 also includes legs 2034 that create a gap 2110 between the heat protection element 2006 and the cooking surface (i.e., the countertop). In one aspect, the height of the gap 2110 is between 13.4 mm and 14.5 mm, with 13.9 mm being a preferred gap height. Additionally, the heat protection element 2006 may also include a protrusion 2114 that extends upward from the base and creates a gap 2112 between the container 2004 and the heat protection element 2006. In one aspect, the height of the gap 2112 is between 5.0 mm and 6.0 mm, with 5.5 mm being a preferred gap height. Thus, in one aspect, the ratio of the height of the gap 2110 to the height of the gap 2112 is 2.5:1, and can be in the range of 2.0:1 to 3.0:1. This gap height ratio helps ensure proper insulation between the vessel, the base, and the supporting surface during cooking.

[0384] In some variations, the container described herein may also include a lid configured to cover the opening when it is not covered by a cooking device. The lid (e.g., a storage lid) provides an airtight seal to the opening, isolating any food contained within the cavity from the external environment. The storage lid can be releasably attached to the container via one or more clips positioned around its periphery. For example, Figures 35 to 38 A container 2004 is shown releasably coupled to a storage cap 2120. The storage cap 810 includes a clamp 2200 circumferentially positioned around the cap 2120. The cap 2120 also includes a central portion 2204 and an outer edge portion 2202. The clamp 2200 is secured to the outer edge portion 2202 by a movable hinge. Each of the clamps 2200 includes a curved section 2234 configured to releasably engage with a lip 2240 and a channel 2242 of the container 2004. A seal 2236 can be positioned within the cap 2120 and contact a contact surface of the container 2004 to seal the cap 2120 to the container 2004. The clamp 2200 also includes a protrusion 2206 positioned on a lateral edge of the clamp 2200. The protrusion extends across the gap 2208 formed between the clamp 2200 and the outer edge portion 2202, and locks the clamp 2200 in the locked position.

[0385] The crisping tray can be configured to be releasably attached to the storage lid of a given container when not in use. For example, Figure 37A storage cover 2120 is shown having a protrusion 2230 extending from the bottom surface of a central portion. The protrusion 2230 may include radially outwardly extending radial protrusions 2232, forming a diameter larger than the central hole 2041 of the brittle disc 2040. The protrusion 2232 may also be flexible to allow the protrusion 2230 to pass through the hole 2041 of the brittle disc 2040. In one aspect, the central portion 2204 may be shaped such that the central portion 2204 receives an adjacent heat protection element 2006 resting on top of the cover 2202.

[0386] Figures 39 to 40 Another aspect of the container 2304 with a storage lid 2302 is depicted. The storage lid 2302 does not include a clamping member, but rather frictionally engages with the top of the container 2304. The container 2304 also does not include a lip or channel of the container 2304, but instead includes a straight edge along the sidewall.

[0387] In one respect, the motor of the cooking appliance can be replaced with a brushless DC motor, and the exhaust fan can be integrated into the housing of the BLDC motor. Figures 41 to 42 The illustration shows a cooking appliance 2400 with a BLDC motor. As shown, the cooking appliance 2400 includes a housing 2402 and an input panel 2404. The cooking appliance includes a heating element 2408, a convection fan 2410, an exhaust fan 2412, and a BLDC motor 2406. Figure 42 As shown, due to the compact nature of the BLDC motor 2406 and the integration of the exhaust fan 2412 into the BLDC motor housing, the height of the housing 2402 is reduced.

[0388] Certain aspects have been described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments have been shown in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, apparatuses, and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and the scope of this invention is defined only by the claims. Features shown or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. These modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. Furthermore, in this disclosure, components with similar names in embodiments generally have similar features, and therefore, within a particular embodiment, it is not necessary to describe every feature of every component with a similar name in detail.

[0389] As used herein and throughout the specification and claims, approximate language may be applied to modify any quantitative expression that may permissibly vary without altering its associated essential function. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms (such as “about,” “approximate,” and “substantially”) are not limited to specified exact values. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Scope limitations may be combined and / or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims, such scopes being identified and including all subscopes contained herein, unless otherwise indicated by context or language.

[0390] Those skilled in the art will understand further features and advantages of this invention based on the above embodiments. Therefore, this application is not limited to what is specifically shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated in their entirety by reference.

Claims

1. A cooking container, characterized in that, The cooking container includes: A cavity, which is configured to receive a heated gas flow therein; and An opening, which has an edge; in: The edge is configured to interchangeably engage with the removable air fryer compartment and with the removable storage cover. The cooking container is made of glass and is used for cooking, storing and transporting food.

2. The cooking container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The removable air fryer compartment can be actuated by engaging with the edge.

3. The cooking container according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the edge engages with the removable air fryer compartment, at least one switch located on the underside of the removable air fryer compartment is pressed.

4. The cooking container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge is also configured to at least partially seal the interface between the edge and the removable air fryer compartment.

5. The cooking container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge is also configured to at least partially seal the interface between the edge and the storage cover.

6. The cooking container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooking container is configured to support the removable air fryer compartment at least partially on the edge.

7. The cooking container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooking container is configured to suspend the removable air fryer compartment at least partially above a generally horizontal surface positioned below the cooking container.

8. The cooking container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooking container also includes an outer surface and at least one heat-resistant handle integral with the outer surface of the cooking container.

9. The cooking container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooking container also includes an outer surface and at least one heat-resistant handle removably attached to the outer surface of the cooking container.

10. The cooking container according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the container is engaged with the storage lid, the food remains inside the cavity.

11. The cooking container according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the cooking container is engaged with the storage lid, an airtight seal is formed.

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