Retractable countertop cooking system

Abstract

A cooking system positionable on a support surface, the housing including a housing having an internal heating compartment and an opening formed in the housing for accessing the internal heating compartment, the housing being movable between a first position and a second position, the opening being disposed in a first plane when the housing is in the first position and the opening being disposed in a second plane when the housing is in the second position, the first plane and the second plane being distinct.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to cooking systems and, more specifically, to countertop cooking systems having a storage location that requires minimal counter space. [Background technology]

[0002] Existing countertop cooking systems, such as toaster ovens, may be used to conveniently warm or cook food in place of larger wall-mounted ovens or ranges. Countertop cooking systems typically cover a significant amount of counter space. In kitchens with limited counter space, the space that a countertop cooking system occupies when not in use is inconvenient for users. As a result, users may store the countertop cooking system in a separate location, reducing the accessibility and ease of use of the countertop cooking system. It is therefore desirable to develop a countertop cooking system that occupies minimal counter space when not in use. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to an embodiment, a cooking system positionable on a support surface includes a housing having an internal heating compartment and an opening formed in said housing for accessing said internal heating compartment, said housing being movable between a first position and a second position, said opening being disposed in a first plane when said housing is in said first position and said opening being disposed in a second plane when said housing is in said second position, said first plane and said second plane being distinct.

[0004] According to an embodiment, a cooking system mountable on a support surface includes a housing having an internal heating compartment and an opening formed in said housing for accessing said internal heating compartment. A pivot structure is disposed external to said housing, said pivot structure defining a pivot axis. The housing is rotatable about said pivot axis between a first position and a second position.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a cooking system includes a housing having a plurality of sides defining an internal heating compartment, a first opening formed in the housing for accessing the internal heating compartment, and a second opening formed in the housing for accessing the internal heating compartment. The first opening is located on a first side of the plurality of sides and a second opening is located on a second side of the plurality of sides. A cleaning door is movable relative to the housing to selectively seal the second opening.

[0006] According to yet another embodiment, a method of accessing an internal heating compartment of a cooking system includes moving a housing defining said internal heating compartment from a first position to a second position, said housing having a first opening located on a first side of said housing, and opening a cleaning door positioned in an overlapping arrangement with a second opening located on a second side of said housing to access the internal heating compartment.

[0007] According to an embodiment, a cooking system includes a housing having a plurality of sides defining an internal heating compartment and a first opening formed in said housing for accessing said internal heating compartment, the internal heating compartment including a structure located and contained within said heating compartment to optimize heat distribution therein, the structure including at least one of a reflector, at least one heating element having a heat output that varies along its length, and at least one heating element guard having a desired aperture distribution along its length.

[0008] According to yet another embodiment, a method of operating a cooking system includes providing a housing having multiple sides defining an internal heating compartment, and optimizing heat distribution within said internal heating compartment via one or more structures located within and contained within said heating compartment to optimize heat distribution therein, the structures including at least one of a reflector, at least one heating element having a varying heat output along its length, and at least one heating element guard having a desired aperture distribution along its length.

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, include several aspects of the present disclosure and serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cooking system, according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a cooking system with the door in an open position, according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a cooking system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a control system for the cooking system, according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a lid of a cooking system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view of a swivel support of the cooking system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams of the cooking system of FIG. 7A in a first active configuration and a second stored configuration, according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an interface between a swivel support and a housing of a cooking system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cooking system in the second storage configuration, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cooking system in a second storage configuration with the cleaning door in an open configuration, according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cooking system in a second storage configuration with the cleaning door in an open configuration and the interior liner of the internal heating compartment partially removed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a cooking system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a cooking system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14A shows a perspective view and a top view of the element guard of Figure 14A, according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] Figures 15A and 15B are perspective and top views of the element guard of Figure 14A, according to one embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a heating element, according to one embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of heat distribution within the internal heating compartment of a cooking system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional model of the heat distribution within the internal heating compartment of a cooking system, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The detailed description, together with advantages and features, will now be described with reference to the drawings. Referring now to the Figures, an example of a cooking system 20 suitable for use on a support surface 22, such as a countertop, is illustrated. The cooking system 20 includes a thermally insulated housing 24 that defines an internal heating compartment or cooking volume 26. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the housing 24 includes a left side wall 28, a right side wall 30, a top 32, a bottom 34, and a back or rear wall 36 that are connected together to define the internal heating compartment 26 therebetween. In one embodiment, the housing 24 further includes a front wall 38 through which the internal heating compartment 26 is accessed by a user. However, it should be understood that embodiments in which the housing 24 does not include the front wall 38 are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] The front wall 38 of the housing 24 may include a door 40 that is movable relative to the remainder of the housing 24 to selectively provide access to the internal heating compartment 26. As shown in the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the door 40 includes a transparent panel and is hinged along its edge for rotation about a hinge axis X between an open position ( FIG. 2 ) and a closed position ( FIG. 1 ). Although the hinge axis X is illustrated as being located at a bottom edge 42 of the door 40, embodiments in which the hinge axis X is defined at a top edge or a side edge of the door 40 are also within the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, although the door 40 is described as being pivotable about the hinge axis X, it should be understood that embodiments in which the door 40 is configured to translate relative to the housing 24 or in which the door 40 is removably coupled to the housing 24 are also contemplated herein.

[0013] In some embodiments, the door 40 may define the entire front wall 38 of the housing 24. However, in other embodiments, the door 40 may define only a portion of the front wall 38, which may further include a panel 44 located adjacent one or more sides of the door 40. As shown, the panel 44 may extend between the left and right side walls 28, 30 and between the top, 32, and bottom, 34, respectively, of the housing 24. In such embodiments, an opening 46 (best shown in FIG. 2) for providing access to the interior heating compartment 26 of the housing 24 is formed in the panel 44, and the door 40 is attached in an overlapping arrangement with the opening 46. It should be understood that embodiments in which the front wall 38 of the housing 24 includes only the panel 44 and lacks the door 40 are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] 3, mounted within the interior heating compartment 26 of the housing 24 is at least one fixture 48. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, a pair of opposing fixtures 48 are mounted to interior surfaces of the left and right side walls 28, 30, respectively. The one or more fixtures 48 are positioned to support one or more cooking accessories 50, such as, for example, a removable cooking rack, basket, spit, or drip tray, at a desired location within the interior heating compartment 26.

[0015] The internal heating compartment 26 of the housing 24 is heated by at least one heating element. In one embodiment, the cooking system 20 includes one or more first heating elements 52 disposed within the internal heating compartment 26, for example adjacent the top 32 of the housing 24. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the cooking system 20 includes a plurality of first heating elements 52, such as, for example, three first heating elements oriented generally parallel to the hinge axis and spaced across the depth of the top 32 of the housing 24. It should be understood that any number of first heating elements 52 and any configuration of first heating elements 52 are contemplated herein. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one second heating element 54 may be disposed within the internal heating compartment 26, for example adjacent the bottom 34 of the housing 24. 10-11, the cooking system 20 includes a plurality of second heating elements 54, such as, for example, three second heating elements, oriented generally parallel to the hinge axis and spaced across the depth of the housing bottom 34. The first heating elements 52 and the second heating elements 54 may be generally aligned or may be staggered relative to one another.

[0016] Although the heating elements 52, 54 of the cooking system 20 are shown and described as being generally adjacent to the top 32 and bottom 34 of the housing 24, it should be understood that embodiments in which the cooking system 20 alternatively or additionally includes one or more heating elements (not shown) disposed adjacent to the sides of or within the center of the internal heating compartment 26 are also contemplated herein.

[0017] The one or more heating elements 52, 54 of the cooking system 20 may be selected to perform any suitable type of heating, including, but not limited to, conduction, convection, radiation, and induction. Thus, at least one heating element 52, 54 may be any type of heating element, such as tubular, quartz, tungsten, and halogen heating elements. In embodiments of the cooking system 20 having multiple heating elements 52, 54 disposed at multiple locations within the internal heating compartment 26, it should be understood that the multiple heating elements 52, 54 may be substantially identical or alternatively different and may be operable to perform similar or distinct types of heating. In one embodiment, both the first and second heating elements are radiative heating elements. However, heating elements operable to perform other combinations of heating are contemplated herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the cooking system 20 may additionally include a fan 56 operable in conjunction with or independently of the heating elements 52, 54 to circulate air or another fluid through the internal heating compartment 26.

[0018] 12-16, the configuration of the internal heating cavity 26 of the cooking system 20 may be selected to optimize heat distribution therein via one or more structures located and contained therein. This optimization may be accomplished in a variety of ways. In an embodiment, the cooking system 20 includes a reflector 110 located within the internal heating cavity 26 and configured to redirect a portion of the heat radiating from multiple heating elements, such as the first heating element 52, to achieve an even heat distribution throughout the internal heating cavity 26. In one embodiment, the reflector 110 has a width and depth approximately equal to the internal heating cavity 26. However, embodiments in which the reflector 110 is smaller than the internal heating cavity are also contemplated herein.

[0019] The reflector 110 may be made of any suitable material and has surface characteristics such that at least a portion, if not all, of the heat or light contacting the surface of the reflector 110 bounces off the surface and is redirected within the interior heating compartment 26. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, the reflector 110 has a corrugated configuration including a plurality of top flanges 112 and a plurality of bottom flanges 114 connected by an inclined surface 116. The inclined surfaces 116 extending between adjacent top and bottom surfaces 112, 114 may be similar or alternatively different. As shown, the plurality of top surfaces 112 may be disposed in a first plane U and the plurality of bottom flanges 114 may be disposed in a second plane B. The first plane U and the second plane B may be, but need not be, parallel to one another. In an embodiment, the first plane and the second plane are offset by a distance approximately equal to the height of the first heating element 52. The plurality of first heating elements 52 are generally disposed within an opening 118 defined between a plane U of the upper surface 112 and a plane B of the lower surface 114 , adjacent the upper flange 114 .

[0020] Depending on the location of the heating elements 52 within the internal heating compartment 26, the depth of the top flange 112 associated with each heating element 52 and the location of the heating elements 52 relative to the top flange 114 may vary. As shown, the depth of the top flange 114 adjacent the rear wall 36 is greater than the depth of the top flange 114 at the center of the internal heating compartment 26, which is greater than the depth of the top flange 114 adjacent the front wall. Similarly, the heating elements 52 located adjacent the front wall 38 are offset from the center of the corresponding top flange 114 in a direction toward the front wall 38. The central heating element 52 is generally centered with respect to the corresponding top flange 114, and the heating elements 52 adjacent the rear wall 36 are similarly offset from the center of the corresponding top flange 114 in a direction toward the front wall 38, for example. In one embodiment, a first end of the reflector 120 that extends to the front wall 38 includes a partial bottom flange 114, and a second opposing end 122 of the reflector 110 abuts the rear wall 36 via a downwardly sloping surface extending from the top flange 112. An example model of the heat distribution achieved using an outer frame reflector, such as that shown in Figures 11 and 12, is shown in Figures 17 and 18.

[0021] Alternatively, or additionally, the heat distribution within the internal heating compartment 26 may be controlled by including one or more guard elements 124 in an overlapping arrangement with a heating element, such as the second heating element 54. As shown, each guard 124 includes a body 126 that extends around at least three sides of the heating element 54. One or more openings 128 are formed in the body 126 to allow heat radiated by the heating element 54 to penetrate into the internal heating compartment 26. In one embodiment, the configuration of the openings 128 formed in each of the guard bodies 126 varies based on the location of the corresponding heating element 54 within the internal heating compartment 26. The configuration of the openings 128 may similarly vary over the length of each heating element 54. An example of a guard 124 for use with a heating element 54 positioned adjacent the front wall 38 is shown in FIGS. 14A-14B. As shown, a plurality of large openings 128 extend generally evenly over a plurality of sides of the body 126. Because heat within the internal heating compartment 26 is lost through openings formed in the front wall 38, a guard 124 for a heating element 54 located adjacent to the front wall 38 allows more heat to pass therethrough than a guard 124 connected to a heating element 54 located in the center of the internal heating compartment 26 and adjacent to the rear wall 36.

[0022] An example of a guard 124 for use with a heating element 54 located in the center of the internal heating compartment 26, or alternatively adjacent the rear wall 36, is shown in FIGS. 15A-15B. As shown, the body 124 includes a plurality of smaller openings 128 formed on the top surface of the body 124. Furthermore, the density of the openings 128 varies over the length of the body 124. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, a greater number of openings 128 are formed adjacent the ends 130, 132 of the body 124, and thus the ends of the heating element 54, than at the center of the heating element 54. This reduced number of openings 128 adjacent the center of the guard 124 is intended to reduce heat radiated from the center of the central and rear heating elements 54. Thus, the openings 128 formed in the guard 124 are intended to control the distribution of heat radiated by the heating element 54 between the front and rear walls 38, 36, and between the left and right side walls 28, 30 that define the internal heating compartment 26.

[0023] 17, in one embodiment, the heat output across one or more of the heating elements 52, 54 may vary. In an embodiment, one or more of the heating elements 52, 54 is constructed using coiled wire disposed within a tube that heats and radiates radiation when power is applied. By varying the spacing between adjacent coils across the length of the heating element 52, 54, the amount of heat radiated at various portions of the heating element 52, 54 may be greater than others. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the heating elements 52, 54 are configured such that the spacing of the wire coils in a first region of the heating element 52, 54, such as the center of the heating element 52, 54, is greater than the coil spacing in a second region of the heating element 52, 53, such as adjacent the ends of the heating element 54. For example, the coils within the first 12.5% ​​of the length of the heating elements 52, 54 may have a first coil spacing, the next 75% of the heating elements 52, 54 may have a second coil spacing, and the final 12.5% ​​of the heating elements 52, 54 may also be configured with the first coil spacing. Additionally, the configurations of the first heating elements 52 and the second heating elements 54 may be distinct. In one embodiment, one or more of the plurality of first heating elements 52 have a first coil spacing equal to 1.25 times the second coil spacing, and one or more of the plurality of second heating elements 54 have a first coil spacing equal to 1.5 times the second coil spacing. It should be understood that heating elements 52, 54 having three or more regions of different coil spacings, and different ratios of coil spacings, are also contemplated herein.

[0024] 4, a control panel or user interface 62 for operating the cooking system 20 is mounted on an exterior portion of the housing 24, such as the panel 44 or top. The control panel 62 is part of a control system 60 that is electrically connected to the one or more heating elements 52, 54. The control panel 62 includes one or more inputs 64 associated with energizing the one or more heating elements 52, 54 of the cooking system 20 and for selecting various operating modes of the cooking system 20. The one or more inputs 64 may include a light or other indicator to indicate that the respective input 64 has been selected. The control panel 62 may further include a display 66 separate from and associated with the at least one input 64. However, embodiments in which the display 66 is incorporated into the at least one input 64 are also contemplated herein.

[0025] The operation of the one or more inputs 64 will be described in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 4, the control system 60 includes a controller or processor 68 for controlling the operation of the heating elements 52, 54 in response to user input provided via the one or more inputs 64 and for executing stored sequences of heating operations using algorithms. In embodiments in which the cooking system 20 includes multiple heating elements 52, the heating elements 52, 54 may be independently operable. Additionally, the heating output of one or more heating elements 52, 54 may be variable in response to the power provided to the heating elements 52, 54. The control system 60 may include one or more sensors S disposed in communication with the processor 68 and operable to monitor one or more parameters, such as, for example, the temperature within the internal heating compartment 26.

[0026] In one embodiment, the at least one input 64 on the control panel 62 is an on / off button that allows a user to activate or deactivate the control panel 62. When the control panel 62 is deactivated, none of the heating elements 52, 54 are energized. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one input 64 is operable to select one or more manual operating modes of the at least one heating element 52, 54. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one input 64 is operable to select a stored sequence of operation of the at least one heating element 52, 54. In some cases, the stored sequence may be particularly suited to a given method of food preparation and / or a particular ingredient or type of ingredient. The plurality of stored sequences associated with the at least one input 64 may be stored in a memory accessible by the processor 68. Alternatively, the plurality of stored sequences may be stored remotely from the cooking system 20 and accessed by the processor 68 via, for example, wireless communication.

[0027] Additionally, a user may be able to input a time associated with operation of the cooking system 20 in a desired manual mode. The time may be input via the same input 64 or a separate input 64 used to select an operational mode. Additionally, in an embodiment in which the cooking system 20 is in a mode configured to execute a stored sequence in response to selection of one of the inputs, the display 66 may indicate the time remaining on the display 66. For example, temperature or other parameters such as toast color may also be input via the input 64.

[0028] At least one input 64 may include a separate start button intended to initiate operation in a desired mode, a separate stop button to stop all operation, or a stop / start button to start and stop a function. Alternatively, the cooking system 20 may be operable to automatically initiate operation after a predetermined time has elapsed once an input is selected and the necessary information is provided to the control panel 62. Alternatively, one or more other inputs 64, such as, for example, a knob, may be operable, such as by pushing the knob towards the control panel 62, to initiate and stop operation of the cooking system 20, regardless of whether the cooking system 20 is following a stored sequence or in manual mode.

[0029] The one or more inputs 64 are operable to initiate operation of the cooking system 20 in a number of cooking modes. Examples of operating modes of the cooking system 20 include, but are not limited to, toast, bake, broil, grill, warm, reheat, and steam cooking. Independent control of the heating elements 52, 54 allows a user to configure the cooking / heating cycle based on the type of food item placed within the internal heating compartment 26.

[0030] In one embodiment, the housing 24 of the cooking system 20 is movable between a first operating or "active" position (see FIG. 7A) and a second non-operating or "storage" position (see FIG. 7B). In the first active position, the control system 60 is operable to energize one or more of the heating elements 52, 54 and the fan 56 of the cooking system 20. When the cooking system 20 is in the second storage position, the one or more of the heating elements 52, 54 and the fan 56 may not be energized. For example, the cooking system 20 may include a switch, illustrated generally at 70 in FIG. 4, such that when the cooking system 20 is in the second storage position, the switch 70 is open, thereby preventing power from being provided to any of the heating elements 52, 54 and the fan 56. However, it should be understood that embodiments in which the heating elements 52, 54 and / or the fan 56 may be energized when the housing is in a stored configuration are also contemplated herein.

[0031] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the housing 24 of the cooking system 20 is rotatable about a pivot axis S between a first position and a second position. The pivot axis S is defined by a pivot support 72 coupled to or integrally formed with the housing 24. The pivot support 72 is thus located at least a portion of the housing 24 relative to the support surface 22. In the first active position, the housing 24 and the interior heating compartment 26 defined therein have a generally horizontal orientation. As shown, in the first active position, at least one of the top 32 and bottom 34 of the housing 24 is disposed generally parallel to the support surface 22 on which the cooking system 20 is located, and the front wall 38, including the opening 46 formed therein, is oriented generally perpendicular to the support surface 22. In one embodiment, the cooking system 20 includes one or more first feet 74 extending from the housing 24, for example from the bottom 34 thereof. In such an embodiment, the first foot 74 cooperates with the pivot support 72 to position the cooking system 20 on the support surface 22. However, in other embodiments, the housing 24 of the cooking system 20 can be fully supported by the pivot support 72, for example, in a cantilevered configuration, when in the first active position.

[0032] The cooking system 20 is rotatable about the pivot axis S in a first direction, indicated by arrow A, toward the second storage position. In an embodiment, the cooking system 20 is rotatable approximately 90 degrees between the first and second positions. As shown in FIG. 7B, in the second storage position, the housing 24 and the internal heating compartment 26 are oriented generally vertically. In the second storage position, at least one of the rear wall 36 and the front wall 38 is oriented generally parallel to the support surface 22, and the bottom 34 is oriented perpendicular to the support surface 22. In an embodiment, the cooking system 20 includes one or more second feet 76 extending from the housing 24, such as from its rear wall 36. In such an embodiment, the second feet 76 cooperate with the pivot support 72 to position the cooking system 20 on the support surface 22 in the second storage position. However, in other embodiments, the housing 24 of the cooking system 20 may be fully supported by the pivot support 72, for example, in a cantilevered configuration, when in the second storage position.

[0033] From the stored position, the housing 24 of the cooking system 20 is rotatable about a pivot axis S in a second direction, indicated by arrow B, toward a first active position. As the housing 24 of the cooking system 20 transforms between the first and second positions, the front wall 38 and / or the associated opening 46 or door 40 rotate out of plane, i.e., from a first plane to a second plane different from the first plane. Because the projected surface area of ​​the housing 24 in the second position is substantially smaller than the projected surface area of ​​the housing 24 in the first position, the surface area of ​​the support surface 22 occupied by the cooking system 20 when the cooking system 20 is not in use is minimized.

[0034] In one embodiment, the pivot axis S is located near an edge of the housing 24. For example, the pivot axis S is located adjacent a rear corner of the housing 24, near the interface between the bottom 34 and rear wall 36 of the housing 24. However, it should be understood that embodiments in which the pivot axis S is located along another edge of the housing 24, such as, for example, adjacent the interface between the bottom and side walls 28, 30, are also contemplated herein.

[0035] 6-8, in the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the pivot support 70 includes a base 80 having a first support arm 82 extending from a first end 84 of the base 80 and a second support arm 86 extending from a second end 88 of the base 80. However, it should be understood that a pivot support 70 including only a single support arm, or three or more support arms, is within the scope of the present disclosure. The first support arm 82 and the second support arm 86 may be integrally formed with the base 80 or, alternatively, may be separate components secured thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 80 has a generally horizontal configuration and the first and second support arms 82, 86 are oriented generally perpendicular to the base 80, although embodiments in which the support arms 82, 86 extend at other angles are also contemplated herein. The base 80 may have a generally rectangular body having a surface area equal to or less than the projected surface area of ​​the housing 24 in the second position. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the depth of the base 80 may vary across the width of the base 80. For example, as best shown in FIG 6, the depth at the center of the base 80 is greater than the depth at the ends 84, 88 of the base 80. This increased depth may enhance the stability of the cooking system 20 when in the second stowed position.

[0036] As best shown in FIG. 8 , each of the first and second support arms 82 and 86 includes a pin connector 90 receivable within a corresponding opening 92 formed in a side, such as, for example, in the side walls 28 and 30, of the housing 24. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the pin connectors 90 of the first and second support arms 82 and 86, respectively, are coaxially oriented. Together, the pin connectors 90 cooperate to define a pivot axis S. The pin connectors 90 may directly contact an interior surface of the openings 92, or alternatively, a bearing (not shown) may be located at the interface between the pin connectors 90 and the openings 92 to facilitate movement of the housing 24 relative to the pin connectors 90. In one embodiment, the pin connectors 90 and / or the openings 92 may be configured to limit rotation of the housing 24 about the pivot axis S beyond the first and second positions. However, rotation of the housing 24 about the pivot axis S may be controlled or limited via any suitable mechanism.

[0037] In one embodiment, the pin connector 90 is located near a distal end 94 of each of the first and second arms 82, 86. As a result, adjacent surfaces of the housing 24, such as the bottom 34 of the housing 24 when in the first position and the rear wall 36 of the housing 24 when in the second position, are offset from the base 80 and support surface 22. This gap 96 defined between the base 80 and the housing 24 allows the housing 24 to freely rotate about the pivot axis S without interference.

[0038] In another embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 9, the pivot support 70 can be a rounded feature located on an edge of the housing. However, the rounded feature of the pivot support 72 is different than the rounded edge of the housing. In an embodiment, the pivot support 72 includes one or more arcuate features 98, such as, for example, ribs located on the exterior surface of the housing 24 and extending between the bottom 34 and the rear wall 36. The origin of each of the arcuate features 98 defines a pivot axis S, and the contours of the arcuate features 98 facilitate rotation of the housing 24 by a user between the first position and the second position.

[0039] In embodiments, the cooking system 20 may include a secondary door, distinct from the door 40, or opening 46 associated with the front wall 38 of the housing 24 for accessing the interior heating compartment 26. With continued reference to FIG. 9 and further reference to FIGS. 10-11, in one embodiment, a cleaning door 100 is formed in the housing 24, and more specifically, in the rear wall 36. The cleaning door 100 may extend over a portion of the rear wall 36, or alternatively, may cover substantially the entire rear wall, as shown in the figures.

[0040] When the cooking system 20 is rotated to the first position, i.e., when the bottom is not disposed parallel to and directly adjacent to the support surface 22, the cleaning door 100 is movable between a closed position (FIG. 9) and an open position (FIG. 10). The cleaning door can rotate, translate, disengage, or any combination thereof, to convert between the closed and open positions. In an embodiment, a latch mechanism, at least partially illustrated at 102, selectively couples the cleaning door 100 to the remainder of the housing 24. Upon application of a force to the latch mechanism, the cleaning door is disengaged from the housing 24 such that the cleaning door 100 can move between the open position. When the cleaning door returns to the closed position, the latch mechanism can be configured to automatically engage and couple the cleaning door, thereby limiting movement of the cleaning door relative to the housing.

[0041] Due to the increased size of the cleaning door relative to door 40, a user may more easily access the internal heating compartment 26 through the cleaning door 100. As a result, removal of one or more components mounted within the internal heating compartment 26, such as, for example, a liner 104 located in an overlapping arrangement with the interior of a portion of the housing 24, is better accomplished through the cleaning door 100.

[0042] The cooking system 20 shown and described herein provides an improved user experience by reducing the amount of counter space occupied by the cooking system when the cooking system is not in use.

[0043] All references cited in this specification, including publications, patent applications, and patents, are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference was individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and was set forth in its entirety herein.

[0044] The terms "a," "an," "the," and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosure (particularly in the context of the claims below) are to be construed as including both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to"), unless otherwise indicated. The recitation of ranges of values ​​herein is intended to serve as a shorthand method of individually referring to each individual value within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each individual value is incorporated herein as if it were individually set forth herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Any and all examples provided herein, or the use of exemplary language (such as, for example, etc.), are merely intended to better illuminate the disclosure, and do not limit the scope of the disclosure, unless specifically claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the present disclosure.

[0045] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure. Variations of these embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect that those skilled in the art will adopt such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend to carry out the present disclosure other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all its possible variations is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. Appendix 1. A cooking system comprising: a housing having a plurality of sides defining an internal heating compartment; a first opening formed in the housing for accessing the internal heating compartment; a second opening formed in the housing for accessing the internal heating compartment, the first opening being located on a first side of the plurality of sides and the second opening being located on a second side of the plurality of sides; and a cleaning door movable relative to the housing to selectively seal the second opening. Appendix 2. The cooking system of Appendix 1, wherein the housing is movable between a first position and a second position, and the second opening is accessible when the housing is in the second position. Appendix 3. The cooking system of Appendix 1, wherein the second opening is accessible when the cleaning door is in an open position. Clause 4. The cooking system of clause 1, wherein the second opening is inaccessible when the cleaning door is in a closed position. Appendix 5. The cooking system of Appendix 1, wherein the area of ​​the second opening is greater than the area of ​​the first opening. Clause 6. The cooking system of clause 1, further comprising a door movable relative to the housing to selectively close the first opening. Appendix 7. The cooking system of Appendix 1, wherein the plurality of sides include a left wall, a right wall, a top, a bottom, a rear wall, and a front wall, and the first side includes the front wall. Clause 8. The cooking system of clause 7, wherein the second side includes the bottom. Appendix 9. The cooking system of Appendix 1, wherein the housing is movable between a first position and a second position, and when the housing is in the second position, the cleaning door is movable between a closed position and an open position. Clause 10. The cooking system of clause 9, further comprising a heating element operable to heat the internal heating compartment, the heating element being de-energized when the cleaning door is in the open position. CLAIM 11. A method of accessing an interior heating compartment of a cooking system, comprising: moving a housing defining the internal heating compartment from a first position to a second position, the housing having a first opening located on a first side of the housing; and opening a cleaning door positioned in an overlapping arrangement with a second opening located on a second side of the housing to access the internal heating compartment. Clause 12. The method of clause 11, wherein moving the housing from the first position to the second position further comprises rotating the housing about a pivot axis. Clause 13. The method of clause 12, wherein rotating the housing about a pivot axis further comprises rotating the housing from a horizontal configuration to a vertical configuration. Clause 14. The method of clause 11, wherein moving the housing from the first position to the second position further comprises de-energizing a heating element operable to heat the internal heating compartment. Clause 15. The method of clause 14, wherein de-energizing the heating element occurs in response to moving the housing from the first position to the second position. Appendix 16. A cooking system comprising: a housing having a plurality of sides defining an internal heating compartment; a first opening formed in the housing for accessing the internal heating compartment; 11. A cooking system, comprising: an internal heating compartment including a structure located within and contained within the heating compartment to optimize heat distribution within the heating compartment, the structure including at least one of a reflector, at least one heating element having a heat output that varies along its length, and at least one heating element guard having a desired distribution of apertures along its length. Clause 17. The cooking system of clause 16, wherein the at least one heating element having a varying heat output along its length includes a first region having a first heat output and a second region having a second heat output. Appendix 18. The cooking system of Appendix 17, wherein the first region is disposed adjacent to at least one end of the heating element and the second region is disposed at a center of the heating element. Appendix 19. The cooking system of Appendix 17, wherein the first end and second end of the at least one heating element are the first area and comprise 1 / 8 of the length of the at least one heating element, and the center of the heating element is the second area and comprises 3 / 4 of the length of the heating element. Clause 20. The cooking system of clause 19, wherein the heating element comprises a coiled wire, the coiled wire in the first region having a first spacing and the coiled wire in the second region having a second spacing. Clause 21. The cooking system of clause 20, wherein the first spacing is 1.5 times the second spacing. Clause 22. The cooking system of clause 20, wherein the first spacing is 1.25 times the second spacing. Addendum 23. The cooking system of Addendum 16, wherein the at least one heating element guard having a desired opening distribution is at least one heating element guard having a varying opening distribution, the at least one heating element guard having a varying opening distribution including a first portion having a first opening distribution and a second portion having a second opening distribution. Clause 24. The cooking system of clause 23, wherein the first aperture distribution is larger than the second aperture distribution. Addendum 25. The cooking system of Addendum 23, wherein the first portion is positioned adjacent to at least one end of the at least one heating element guard and the second portion is positioned at a center of the at least one heating element guard. Addendum 26. The cooking system of Addendum 16, wherein the at least one heating element guard having a desired opening distribution is a plurality of heating element guards, each of the plurality of heating element guards including a plurality of openings, and the plurality of openings varies from one heating element guard to another across a depth of the internal heating compartment. Appendix 27. The cooking system of Appendix 26, wherein the plurality of heating element guards includes a first heating element guard adjacent to a front side of the internal heating compartment and a second heating element guard adjacent to a center or rear side of the internal heating compartment, and the plurality of openings of the first heating element guard are larger than the plurality of openings of the second heating element guard. Clause 28. The cooking system of clause 16, wherein the at least one reflector is positioned at a relatively high portion of the internal heating compartment when the system is in a cooking mode. CLAIM 29. The cooking system of claim 28, wherein the at least one reflector includes a plurality of relatively upper surfaces and a plurality of relatively lower surfaces connected by a plurality of angled surfaces when the system is in the cooking mode. Clause 30. The cooking system of clause 29, wherein the configuration of the plurality of upper surfaces varies across a depth of the internal heating compartment. Clause 31. The cooking system of clause 30, wherein each of the plurality of upper surfaces varies in depth. CLAIM 32. The cooking system of claim 31, wherein the plurality of upper surfaces include a first upper surface near a front of the internal heating compartment, a second upper surface at a center of the internal heating compartment, and a third upper surface adjacent a rear of the internal heating compartment, the second upper surface having a depth greater than the first upper surface and less than the third upper surface. Clause 33. The cooking system of clause 30, wherein a lower surface disposed at a first end of the at least one reflector abuts a front wall of the internal heating compartment. Clause 34. The cooking system of clause 27, wherein the at least one heating element is disposed within an opening formed between the plurality of upper surfaces and the plurality of lower surfaces and generally adjacent to an upper flange. Clause 35. A method of operating a cooking system, comprising: providing a housing having a plurality of sides defining an internal heating compartment; optimizing heat distribution within the internal heating compartment via one or more structures located within and contained within the heating compartment to optimize heat distribution within the internal heating compartment, the structures including at least one of a reflector, at least one heating element having a heat output that varies along its length, and at least one heating element guard having a desired aperture distribution along its length. Clause 36. The method of clause 35, wherein the at least one reflector disposed within the internal heating compartment redirects heat within the internal heating compartment. Clause 37. The method of clause 35, wherein the at least one reflector is disposed adjacent to an upper surface of the internal heating compartment. CLAIM 38. The method of claim 35, wherein the reflector includes a plurality of upper surfaces and a plurality of lower surfaces connected by a plurality of sloping surfaces, and the at least one heating element is disposed within an opening formed between the plurality of upper surfaces and the plurality of lower surfaces and generally adjacent to an upper flange. Clause 39. The method of clause 34, wherein the at least one heating element having a varying heat output along its length includes a first region having a first heat output and a second region having a second heat output. Clause 40. The method of clause 39, wherein the first region is disposed adjacent to at least one end of the heating element and the second region is disposed at a center of the heating element. Addendum 41. The method of Addendum 39, wherein the first end and second end of the at least one heating element are the first region and comprise 1 / 8 of the length of the at least one heating element, and the center of the heating element is the second region and comprises 3 / 4 of the length of the heating element. Clause 42. The method of clause 41, wherein the heating element comprises a coiled wire, the coiled wire in the first region having a first spacing and the coiled wire in the second region having a second spacing. Clause 43. The method of clause 42, wherein the first interval is 1.5 times the second interval. Clause 44. The method of clause 42, wherein the first interval is 1.25 times the second interval. Addendum 45. The method of Addendum 35, wherein the at least one heating element guard having a desired opening distribution is at least one heating element guard having a varying opening distribution, the at least one heating element guard having a varying opening distribution including a first portion having a first opening distribution and a second portion having a second opening distribution. Clause 46. The method of clause 45, wherein the first aperture distribution is greater than the second aperture distribution. Clause 47. The method of clause 45, wherein the first portion is positioned adjacent to at least one end of the at least one heating element guard and the second portion is positioned at a center of the at least one heating element guard. Addendum 48. The method of Addendum 35, wherein the at least one heating element guard having a desired aperture distribution is a plurality of heating element guards, each of the plurality of heating element guards including a plurality of apertures, and the plurality of apertures varies from one heating element guard to another across a depth of the internal heating compartment.

Claims

1. 1. A cooking system positionable on a support surface, comprising: a housing having a plurality of sides defining an internal heating compartment and an opening formed in the housing for accessing the internal heating compartment; the housing is movable between a first position and a second position, the opening is disposed in a first plane when the housing is in the first position, and the opening is disposed in a second plane when the housing is in the second position, the first plane and the second plane being distinct; the housing is rotatable about an axis between the first position and the second position; the cooking system further comprising a swivel structure disposed external to the housing, the axis being defined by the swivel structure; the pivot structure including a base and at least one support arm connectable to the housing, the at least one support arm including a pin connector defining the axis; The cooking system further comprises one or more feet extending from each of at least two of the plurality of sides, the one or more feet positioned to cooperate with the pivoting structure to position the cooking system on the support surface both when the housing is in the first position and when the housing is in the second position.

2. 10. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein the first plane is substantially perpendicular to the second plane.

3. 10. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein in the first position, the internal heating compartment is oriented generally parallel to the support surface and in the second position, the internal heating compartment is oriented generally perpendicular to the support surface.

4. 10. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein the first plane is oriented generally perpendicular to the support surface and the second plane is oriented generally parallel to the support surface.

5. 10. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein in the first position, the internal heating compartment is oriented generally horizontally and the first plane in which the opening is disposed is oriented generally vertically.

6. 10. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein in the second position, the internal heating compartment is oriented generally vertically and the second plane in which the opening is disposed is oriented generally horizontally.

7. 2. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein the opening is disposed in a first area of ​​the housing and the axis is located at a location of the housing adjacent to the opening and a second area of ​​the housing generally opposite the first area.

8. 10. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a plurality of walls, including a bottom and a rear wall, and the axis is located at an interface between the rear wall and the bottom.

9. 10. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein the cooking system further comprises a heating element for heating the internal heating compartment.

10. 10. The cooking system of claim 9, wherein the heating element is a radiative heating element.

11. 10. The cooking system of claim 9, wherein the heating element is operable when the housing is in the first position.

12. 10. The cooking system of claim 9, wherein the heating element is inoperative when the housing is in the second position.

13. 10. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein the one or more feet and the pivoting structure cooperate to move the housing away from the support surface both when the housing is in the first position and when the housing is in the second position.

14. 1. A cooking system mountable on a support surface, comprising: a housing having a plurality of sides defining an internal heating compartment and an opening formed in the housing for accessing the internal heating compartment; a pivot structure disposed external to the housing, the pivot structure defining a pivot axis, the housing being rotatable about the pivot axis between a first position and a second position; and and one or more feet extending from each of at least two of the plurality of sides, the one or more feet positioned to cooperate with the swivel structure to position the cooking system on the support surface both when the housing is in the first position and when the housing is in the second position.

15. 15. The cooking system of claim 14, wherein the opening is disposed in a first area of ​​the housing and the pivot axis is located at a location on the housing adjacent to the opening and a second area of ​​the housing generally opposite the first area.

16. 15. The cooking system of claim 14, wherein the housing includes a plurality of walls, including a bottom and a rear wall, and the pivot axis is located at an interface between the rear wall and the bottom.

17. 15. The cooking system of claim 14, wherein the pivoting structure includes rounded features.

18. 20. The cooking system of claim 17, wherein the rounded feature is separate from a plurality of rounded edges of the housing.

19. 15. The cooking system of claim 14, wherein the pivoting structure includes at least one arcuate feature connected to the housing.

20. 15. The cooking system of claim 14, wherein the pivot structure includes a base and at least one support arm connectable to the housing, the at least one support arm including a pin connector that defines the pivot axis.

21. 15. The cooking system of claim 14, wherein the opening is disposed in a first plane when the housing is in the first position and the opening is disposed in a second plane when the housing is in the second position, the first plane and the second plane being distinct.

22. 15. The cooking system of claim 14, wherein in the first position, the internal heating compartment is oriented generally horizontally and the plane containing the opening is oriented generally vertically.

23. 15. The cooking system of claim 14, wherein in the second position, the internal heating compartment is oriented generally vertically and the plane containing the opening is oriented generally horizontally.

24. 15. The cooking system of claim 14, wherein in the first position, the internal heating compartment is oriented generally parallel to the support surface and in the second position, the internal heating compartment is oriented generally perpendicular to the support surface.

25. 15. The cooking system of claim 14, wherein the one or more feet and the pivoting structure cooperate to move the housing away from the support surface both when the housing is in the first position and when the housing is in the second position.

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