Retractable countertop cooking system

Abstract

To provide a countertop cooking system that occupies minimal counter space when not in use.SOLUTION: A cooking system is positionable on a support surface and includes a housing having 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 second position. The opening is arranged within a first plane when the housing is in the first position, and the opening is arranged within a second plane when the housing is in the second position, where the first plane and the second plane are distinct.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to cooking systems, and more particularly to countertop cooking systems having storage locations that require minimal counter space.

Background Art

[0002] Existing countertop cooking systems, such as toaster ovens, can be used to conveniently warm or cook food in place of an oven or range that is mounted to a larger wall. Countertop cooking systems typically cover a significant amount of counter space. In a kitchen with limited counter space, the space occupied by a countertop cooking system when not in use is inconvenient for the user. As a result, the user may store the countertop cooking system in another location, reducing the accessibility and ease of use of the countertop cooking system. Therefore, it is 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 that can be disposed on a support surface includes a housing having an internal heating compartment and an opening formed in the housing to access 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, and the first plane and the second plane are distinct.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a cooking system mountable on a support surface includes a housing having an internal heating compartment and an opening formed within the housing for accessing the internal heating compartment. A swivel structure is located outside the housing and defines a swivel axis. The housing is rotatable around the swivel axis between a first position and a second position.

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

[0006] In yet another embodiment, a method for accessing an internal heating compartment of a cooking system includes moving a housing defining the aforementioned internal heating compartment from a first position to a second position, wherein the housing has a first opening located on a first side of the housing, and opening a cleaning door, which is arranged to overlap with a second opening located on a second side of the housing, to access the internal heating compartment.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the cooking system includes a housing having a plurality of sides defining an internal heating compartment and a first opening formed within the housing for accessing the internal heating compartment. The internal heating compartment includes a structure located within and contained therein to optimize the heat distribution therein. The structure includes 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 opening distribution along its length.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, a method for operating a cooking system includes providing a housing having a plurality of sides defining an internal heating compartment, and optimizing the heat distribution within the aforementioned internal heating compartment through one or more structures located within and included in the aforementioned heating compartment to optimize the heat distribution within it. The structures include 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.

[0009] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming part thereof include several aspects of this disclosure and serve to illustrate the principles of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a cooking system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a cooking system with a door in the open position according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a cooking system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a control system for a cooking system according to one embodiment. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the lid of a cooking system according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a detailed perspective view of the swivel support section of a cooking system according to one embodiment. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of a first active configuration cooking system according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the cooking system of Figure 7A in a second storage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the boundary between the swivel support and the housing of a cooking system according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a cooking system in a second storage configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a cooking system in a second storage configuration having an open cleaning door according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a cooking system in a second storage configuration according to one embodiment, which has an open cleaning door and an internal liner for a partially removed internal heating compartment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a cooking system according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a cooking system according to one embodiment. [Figure 14A] Figure 14A is a perspective view of a heating element guard according to one embodiment. [Figure 14B] Figure 14B is a plan view of the heating element guard shown in Figure 14A, according to one embodiment. [Figure 15A] Figure 15A is a perspective view of a heating element guard according to one embodiment. [Figure 15B] Figure 15B is a plan view of the heating element guard shown in Figure 14A, according to one embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of a heating element according to one embodiment. [Figure 17]Figure 17 is a perspective view of the heat distribution within the internal heating compartment of a cooking system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a model of a cross-section of the heat distribution within the internal heating compartment of a cooking system according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] A detailed description of the embodiments of this disclosure, along with their advantages and features, will be provided with reference to the drawings. Referring here 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 defining an internal heating compartment or cooking volume 26. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiments, the housing 24 includes a left wall 28, a right wall 30, a top 32, a bottom 34, and a rear wall or back wall 36, which are connected together to define the internal heating compartment 26 between them. In one embodiment, the housing 24 further includes a front wall 38 through which the internal heating compartment 26 is accessed by the user. However, it should be understood that embodiments in which the housing 24 does not include a front wall 38 are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0012] The front wall 38 of the housing 24 may include a door 40 that is movable relative to the rest of the housing 24, selectively providing access to an internal heating compartment 26. As shown in the illustrated non-limiting embodiments, the door 40 includes a transparent panel and is hinged along its edge for rotation around a hinge axis X between an open position (Figure 2) and a closed position (Figure 1). The hinge axis X is shown as being located at the bottom edge 42 of the door 40, but embodiments in which the hinge axis X is defined at the top or side edge of the door 40 are also within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, although the door 40 is described as being pivotable around 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 detachably coupled to the housing 24, are also intended herein.

[0013] In some embodiments, door 40 may define the entire front wall 38 of housing 24. However, in other embodiments, door 40 may define only a portion of front wall 38, and front wall 38 may further include panels 44 positioned adjacent to one or more sides of door 40. As shown, panels 44 may each extend between left and right side walls 28, 30 and between top 32 and bottom 34 of housing 24. In such embodiments, an opening 46 (best shown in FIG. 2) for providing access to internal heating compartment 26 of housing 24 is formed in panel 44, and door 40 is attached in an arrangement that overlaps opening 46. It should be understood that embodiments where front wall 38 of housing 24 includes only panels 44 and no door 40 are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] Referring now to FIG. 3, at least one fixture 48 is attached within internal heating compartment 26 of housing 24. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, a pair of opposing fixtures 48 are attached to the inner surfaces of left side wall 28 and right side wall 30, respectively. One or more fixtures 48 are arranged to support one or more cooking accessories 50, such as removable cooking racks, baskets, spits, or drip trays, at desired positions within internal 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 located within the internal heating compartment 26, for example, adjacent to the upper part 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 three first heating elements oriented substantially parallel to the hinge axis and spaced apart across the depth of the upper part 32 of the housing 24. It should be understood that any number of first heating elements 52 and any configuration of the first heating elements 52 are intended herein. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one second heating element 54 may be located within the internal heating compartment 26, for example, adjacent to the bottom part 34 of the housing 24. In the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in Figures 10-11, the cooking system 20 includes a plurality of second heating elements 54, such as three second heating elements oriented substantially parallel to the hinge axis and spaced across the depth of the housing bottom 34. The first heating element 52 and the second heating elements 54 may be substantially aligned or staggered relative to one another.

[0016] While the heating elements 52 and 54 of the cooking system 20 are illustrated and described as being located substantially adjacent to the upper 32 and bottom 34 of the housing 24, it should be understood that embodiments of the cooking system 20 are also intended herein, in which the cooking system 20 comprises one or more heating elements (not shown) located adjacent to the sides of the internal heating compartment 26 or within the center of the internal heating compartment 26.

[0017] One or more heating elements 52, 54 of the cooking system 20 may be selected to perform any suitable type of heating, including conduction, convection, radiation, and induction, but are not limited thereto. 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 positioned 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 also be operable to perform similar or distinct types of heating. In one embodiment, both the first and second heating elements are radiant heating elements. However, heating elements operable to perform other combinations of heating are intended herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the cooking system 20 may additionally include a fan 56, which can operate in conjunction with or independently of the heating elements 52, 54, to circulate air or another fluid through the internal heating compartment 26.

[0018] Referring to Figures 12 to 16, the configuration of the internal heating cavity 26 of the cooking system 20 may be selected to optimize the heat distribution within it through one or more structures located within and included therein. This optimization can be carried out in a variety of ways. In one 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 radiated from multiple heating elements, such as a first heating element 52, in order to achieve a uniform heat distribution throughout the internal heating cavity 26. In one embodiment, the reflector 110 has a width and depth approximately equal to that of the internal heating cavity 26. However, embodiments in which the reflector 110 is smaller than the internal heating cavity are also intended herein.

[0019] The reflector 110 may be made from any suitable material and has surface properties such that at least some, if not all, of the heat or light that comes into contact with the surface of the surface reflector 110 is redirected within the internal heating compartment 26 by bouncing off the surface. In the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the reflector 110 has a corrugated configuration including a plurality of upper flanges 112 and a plurality of bottom flanges 114 connected by inclined surfaces 116. The inclined surfaces 116 extending between adjacent upper surfaces 112 and lower surfaces 114 may be similar or alternatively different. As shown, the plurality of upper surfaces 112 may be arranged in a first plane U, and the plurality of bottom flanges 114 may be arranged in a second plane B. The first plane U and the second plane B may be parallel to each other, but do not have to be. In embodiments, the first plane and the second plane are offset by a distance approximately equal to the height of the first heating element 52. Multiple first heating elements 52 are generally arranged within an opening 118 defined between the plane U of the upper surface 112 and the plane B of the lower surface 114, and are adjacent to the upper flange 114.

[0020] Depending on the position of the heating elements 52 within the internal heating compartment 26, the depth of the upper flange 112 associated with each heating element 52, and the position of the heating element 52 relative to the upper flange 114, may vary. As shown, the depth of the upper flange 114 adjacent to the rear wall 36 is greater than the depth of the upper flange 114 at the center of the internal heating compartment 26, and greater than the depth of the upper flange 114 adjacent to the front wall. Similarly, the heating element 52 located adjacent to the front wall 38 is offset from the center of the corresponding upper flange 114 toward the front wall 38. The central heating element 52 is approximately centered relative to the corresponding upper flange 114, and the heating element 52 adjacent to the rear wall 36 is similarly offset from the center of the corresponding upper flange 114 toward, for example, the front wall 38. In one embodiment, the first end of the reflector 120 extending to the front wall 38 includes a partial bottom flange 114, and the second opposing end 122 of the reflector 110 abuts the rear wall 36 via a downwardly inclined surface extending from the upper flange 112. An example of a model of the heat distribution achieved using an outer frame reflector, as 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 can be controlled by including one or more guard elements 124 in an arrangement that overlaps with a heating element, such as a second heating element 54. As shown, each guard 124 includes a body 126 extending around at least three sides of the heating element 54. One or more openings 128 are formed within the body 126 to allow heat radiated by the heating element 54 to pass into the internal heating compartment 26. In one embodiment, the configuration of the openings 128 formed in each of the guard body 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 vary similarly along the length of each heating element 54. An embodiment of a guard 124 for use with a heating element 54 positioned adjacent to the front wall 38 is shown in Figures 14A-14B. As shown, multiple large openings 128 extend substantially uniformly over multiple sides of the body 126. Since heat in the internal heating compartment 26 is lost through an opening formed in the front wall 38, the guard 124 for the heating element 54 positioned adjacent to the front wall 38 allows more heat to pass through to the center of the internal heating compartment 26 than the guard 124 connected to the heating element 54 positioned adjacent to the rear wall 36.

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

[0023] Furthermore, referring to Figure 17, in one embodiment, the heat output across one or more of the heating elements 52, 54 can vary. In the embodiment, one or more of the heating elements 52, 54 are constructed using coiled wires placed in a tube that heats and radiates radiation when power is supplied. By varying the spacing between adjacent coils along the length of the heating elements 52, 54, the amount of heat radiated in different parts of the heating elements 52, 54 may be greater than that of 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 elements 52, 54, such as the center of the heating elements 52, 54, is wider than the spacing of the coils in a second region of the heating elements 52, 53, such as adjacent to the ends of the heating elements 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. Furthermore, the configurations of the first heating element 52 and the second heating element 54 may be separate. 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 intended herein.

[0024] Referring here to Figure 4, the control panel or user interface 62 for operating the cooking system 20 is mounted on an external portion of the housing 24, for example, on a panel 44 or on top. The control panel 62 is part of a control system 60 that is electrically connected to one or more heating elements 52, 54. The control panel 62 is associated with energizing one or more heating elements 52, 54 of the cooking system 20 and includes one or more input units 64 for selecting different operating modes of the cooking system 20. One or more input units 64 may include light or other indicators to indicate that each input unit 64 has been selected. The control panel 62 may further include a display unit 66 that is separate from and associated with at least one input unit 64. However, embodiments in which the display unit 66 is integrated into at least one input unit 64 are also intended herein.

[0025] The operation of one or more input units 64 is described in more detail below. As shown in Figure 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 through one or more input units 64 and for executing a stored sequence of heating operations using an algorithm. In embodiments in which the cooking system 20 includes multiple heating elements 52, the heating elements 52, 54 may be able to operate independently. Furthermore, the heating output of one or more heating elements 52, 54 may be variable in response to the power supplied to the heating elements 52, 54. The control system 60 may include one or more sensors S arranged in communication with the processor 68 and capable of operating to monitor one or more parameters, such as the temperature in the internal heating compartment 26.

[0026] In one embodiment, at least one input 64 on the control panel 62 is an on / off button that allows the user to start or stop the control panel 62. When the control panel 62 is stopped, neither of the heating elements 52, 54 is energized. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one input 64 is operable to select one or more manual operating modes of at least one heating element 52, 54. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one input 64 is operable to select a saved sequence of operation of at least one heating element 52, 54. In some cases, the saved sequence may be particularly suited to a predetermined method of food preparation and / or a particular ingredient or type of ingredient. Multiple saved sequences associated with at least one input 64 may be stored in memory accessible by the processor 68. Alternatively, multiple saved sequences may be stored remotely from the cooking system 20 and accessed by the processor 68, for example, via wireless communication.

[0027] Furthermore, the user may input a time associated with the operation of the cooking system 20 in a desired manual mode. The time may be entered via the same input unit 64, or via a separate input unit 64 used to select the operating mode. In addition, in embodiments where the cooking system 20 is in a mode configured to execute a saved sequence in response to a selection of one of the input units, the display unit 66 may indicate the remaining time on the display unit 66. Temperature or other parameters, such as toast color, may also be entered via the input unit 64.

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

[0029] One or more input units 64 can be operated to initiate the operation of the cooking system 20 in multiple 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 the user to configure the cooking / heating cycle based on the type of food item placed in the internal heating compartment 26.

[0030] In one embodiment, the housing 24 of the cooking system 20 is movable between a first operating position or “active” position (see Figure 7A) and a second non-operating position or “storage” position (see Figure 7B). In the first active position, the control system 60 is operable to energize one or more heating elements 52, 54 and a fan 56 of the cooking system 20. When the cooking system 20 is in the second storage position, one or more heating elements 52, 54 and a fan 56 may not be energized. For example, the cooking system 20 may include a switch schematically shown in Figure 4 at 70 such that when the cooking system 20 is in the second storage position, the switch 70 is opened, thereby preventing power from being supplied 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 intended 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 that is connected to or integrally formed with the housing 24. Thus, the pivot support 72 is located on at least a portion of the housing 24 with respect to the support surface 22. In the first active position, the housing 24 and the internal heating compartment 26 defined therein have a substantially horizontal orientation. As shown, in the first active position, at least one of the upper 32 and bottom 34 of the housing 24 is positioned substantially 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 substantially perpendicular to the support surface 22. In one embodiment, the cooking system 20 includes one or more first legs 74 extending from the housing 24, for example, from its bottom 34. In these embodiments, the first leg 74 cooperates with the swivel 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 may be fully supported by the swivel support 72 in a cantilever configuration, for example, when in the first active position.

[0032] The cooking system 20 is rotatable around a pivot axis S in a first direction indicated by arrow A toward a second storage position. In some embodiments, the cooking system 20 is rotatable by about 90 degrees between the first and second positions. As shown in Figure 7B, in the second storage position, the housing 24 and the internal heating compartment 26 are oriented substantially vertically. In the second storage position, at least one of the rear wall 36 and the front wall 38 is oriented substantially parallel to the support surface 22, and the bottom 34 is oriented perpendicular to the support surface 22. In some embodiments, the cooking system 20 includes one or more second legs 76 extending from the housing 24, such as from the rear wall 36. In such embodiments, the second legs 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 in a cantilever configuration, for example, when in the second storage position.

[0033] From its storage position, the housing 24 of the cooking system 20 is rotatable around 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 deforms between the first and second positions, the front wall 38 and / or associated opening 46 or door 40 rotate out of the plane, i.e., from the first plane to a second plane different from the first plane. Since 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 the edge of the housing 24. For example, the pivot axis S is located near the boundary between the bottom 34 and the rear wall 36 of the housing 24, adjacent to the rear corner 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 are also intended herein, for example, adjacent to the boundary between the bottom and the side walls 28, 30.

[0035] Referring here to Figures 6-8, in the illustrated non-limiting embodiments, the swivel 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 swivel support 70 having only a single support arm or including three or more support arms is also within the scope of this disclosure. The first support arm 82 and the second support arm 86 may be formed integrally with the base 80, or alternatively, they may be separate components fixed to it. In the illustrated embodiments, the base 80 has a substantially horizontal configuration and the first and second support arms 82, 86 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the base 80, but embodiments in which the support arms 82, 86 extend at different angles are also intended herein. The base 80 may have a substantially rectangular body with 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 Figure 6, the depth of the center of the base 80 is greater than the depth of the ends 84, 88 of the base 80. This increased depth may enhance the stability of the cooking system 20 when it is in the second storage position.

[0036] As best shown in Figure 8, each of the first support arm 82 and the second support arm 86 includes a pin connector 90 that can be housed in a corresponding opening 92 formed in the side of the housing 24, for example, the side walls 28 and 30. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the pin connectors 90 of the first support arm 82 and the second support arm 86 are each oriented coaxially. Together, the pin connectors 90 cooperate to define a pivot axis S. The pin connectors 90 may be in direct contact with the inner surface of the opening 92, or alternatively, a bearing (not shown) may be located at the boundary between the pin connector 90 and the opening 92 to facilitate the movement of the housing 24 relative to the pin connector 90. In one embodiment, the pin connectors 90 and / or the opening 92 may be configured to restrict the rotation of the housing 24 around the pivot axis S beyond a first position and a second position. However, the rotation of the housing 24 around the pivot axis S may be controlled or restricted via any suitable mechanism.

[0037] In one embodiment, the pin connector 90 is located near the distal ends 94 of the first and second arms 82, 86, respectively. 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 the support surface 22. This gap 96 defined between the base 80 and the housing 24 allows the housing 24 to rotate freely around the pivot axis S without interference.

[0038] In another embodiment, as best shown in Figure 9, the swivel support 70 may be a rounded feature located on the edge of the housing. However, the rounded feature of the swivel support 72 is different from the rounded edge of the housing. In this embodiment, the swivel support 72 includes one or more arched features 98, such as ribs located on the outer surface of the housing 24 and extending between the bottom 34 and the rear wall 36. The base point of each arched feature 98 defines the swivel axis S, and the contour of the arched features 98 facilitates the user's rotation of the housing 24 between a first position and a second position.

[0039] In embodiments, the cooking system 20 may include a secondary door distinct from the main door 40, or an opening 46 associated with the front wall 38 of the housing 24 for accessing an internal heating compartment 26. Continuing to refer to Figure 9, and further to Figures 10-11, in one embodiment, the cleaning door 100 is formed within the housing 24, more specifically, within the rear wall 36. The cleaning door 100 may extend over a portion of the rear wall 36, or alternatively, cover substantially the entire rear wall, as shown in the figure.

[0040] When the cooking system 20 rotates relative to a first position, i.e., when the bottom is not positioned parallel to and directly adjacent to the support surface 22, the cleaning door 100 is movable between a closed position (Figure 9) and an open position (Figure 10). The cleaning door can rotate, translate, separate, or any combination thereof to convert between the closed and open positions. In embodiments, a latch mechanism, at least partially shown in 102, selectively connects the cleaning door 100 to the rest of the housing 24. When force is applied to the latch mechanism, the cleaning door is separated from the housing 24 so that the cleaning door 100 can move between the open and closed positions. When the cleaning door returns to the closed position, the latch mechanism may be configured to automatically engage and connect with the cleaning door, thereby restricting the movement of the cleaning door relative to the housing.

[0041] Due to the increased size of the cleaning door relative to the door 40, the user can more easily access the internal heating compartment 26 through the cleaning door 100. As a result, the removal of one or more components installed within the internal heating compartment 26, such as the liner 104 which is positioned to overlap with the interior of a portion of the housing 24, can be performed more easily through the cleaning door 100.

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

[0043] All references cited herein, including publications, patent applications, and patents, are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as each reference is incorporated by reference individually and specifically, and as is shown herein in whole.

[0044] The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar reference subjects in the context describing the disclosure (in particular, in the context of the following claims) shall be construed as encompassing both singular and plural unless otherwise specifically indicated herein or if it is clearly inconsistent with the context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” shall be construed as open-end terms unless otherwise stated (i.e., “including, but not limited to”). The listing of ranges of values ​​herein is intended to function as a concise way of referring individually to the individual values ​​within the ranges herein unless otherwise specifically indicated herein, and each individual value is incorporated herein as being separately stated herein. Unless otherwise specifically indicated herein or if it is clearly inconsistent with the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any appropriate order. Any use of any examples or exemplary language provided herein (e.g., ) is solely for the purpose of better illustrating this disclosure and shall not limit the scope of this disclosure unless specifically claimed. Nothing in this specification shall be construed as indicating that any element not claimed is essential for the practice of this disclosure.

[0045] This specification describes exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, 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 by reading the preceding description. The inventors expect that those skilled in the art will adopt such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend to carry out the disclosure in ways other than those specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter described in the claims as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated herein, or unless otherwise clearly contradicted by the context, any combination of the elements described above in all possible variations is encompassed by this disclosure.

[0046] Note 1. A cooking system, A housing having multiple sides defining an internal heating compartment, A first opening formed within the housing for accessing the internal heating compartment, A second opening formed within the housing for accessing the internal heating compartment, wherein the first opening is located on the first side of the plurality of sides, and the second opening is located on the second side of the plurality of sides, A cooking system comprising a cleaning door movable relative to the housing for selectively sealing the second opening.

[0047] Note 2. The cooking system according to Note 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.

[0048] Note 3. The cooking system according to Note 1, wherein the second opening is accessible when the cleaning door is in the open position. Note 4. The cooking system according to Note 1, wherein the second opening is inaccessible when the cleaning door is in the closed position.

[0049] Note 5. The cooking system according to Note 1, wherein the area of ​​the second opening is larger than the area of ​​the first opening. Note 6. The cooking system according to Note 1, further comprising a door movable relative to the housing to selectively close the first opening.

[0050] Appendix 7. The cooking system according to Appendix 1, wherein the plurality of sides include a left side wall, a right side wall, a top, a bottom, a rear wall, and a front wall, and the first side includes the front wall. Appendix 8. The cooking system according to Appendix 7, wherein the second side surface includes the bottom.

[0051] Note 9. The cooking system according to Note 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.

[0052] Note 10. The cooking system according to Note 9, further comprising a heating element operable to heat the internal heating compartment, wherein the heating element is de-energized when the cleaning door is in the open position.

[0053] Appendix 11. A method for accessing the internal heating compartment of a cooking system, Moving the housing defining the internal heating compartment from a first position to a second position, wherein the housing has a first opening located on the first side of the housing. A method comprising opening a cleaning door, which is positioned to overlap with a second opening located on a second side of the housing, to access the internal heating compartment.

[0054] Note 12. The method according to Note 11, wherein moving the housing from the first position to the second position further includes rotating the housing around a pivot axis.

[0055] Appendix 13. The method according to Appendix 12, further comprising rotating the housing around a pivot axis to rotate the housing from a horizontal configuration to a vertical configuration. Appendix 14. The method according to Appendix 11, further comprising moving the housing from the first position to the second position to de-energize a heating element that is capable of heating the internal heating compartment.

[0056] Appendix 15. The method according to Appendix 14, wherein the de-energizing of the heating element occurs in response to moving the housing from the first position to the second position. Note 16. A cooking system, A housing having multiple sides defining an internal heating compartment, Includes a first opening formed within the housing for accessing the internal heating compartment, A cooking system in which the internal heating compartment includes a structure located within the heating compartment and contained therein, such that the heat distribution within the heating compartment is optimized, 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.

[0057] Appendix 17. The cooking system according to Appendix 16, wherein the at least one heating element having a heat output that varies along its length includes a first region having a first heat output and a second region having a second heat output.

[0058] Note 18. The cooking system according to Note 17, wherein the first region is located adjacent to at least one end of the heating element, and the second region is located at the center of the heating element.

[0059] Note 19. The cooking system according to Note 17, wherein the first and second ends of the at least one heating element constitute the first region, which includes 1 / 8 of the length of the at least one heating element, and the center of the heating element constitutes the second region, which includes 3 / 4 of the length of the heating element.

[0060] Note 20. The cooking system according to Note 19, wherein the heating element includes coiled wires, the coiled wires in the first region have a first spacing, and the coiled wires in the second region have a second spacing.

[0061] Note 21. The cooking system according to Note 20, wherein the first interval is 1.5 times the second interval. Note 22. The cooking system according to Note 20, wherein the first interval is 1.25 times the second interval.

[0062] Note 23. The cooking system according to Note 16, wherein the at least one heating element guard having a desired aperture distribution is the at least one heating element guard having a variable aperture distribution, and the at least one heating element guard having a variable aperture distribution includes a first portion having a first aperture distribution and a second portion having a second aperture distribution.

[0063] Note 24. The cooking system according to Note 23, wherein the first aperture distribution is larger than the second aperture distribution. Note 25. The cooking system according to Note 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 the center of the at least one heating element guard.

[0064] Note 26. The cooking system according to Note 16, wherein the at least one heating element guard having a desirable opening distribution is a plurality of heating element guards, each of the plurality of heating element guards includes a plurality of openings, and the plurality of openings differ by the heating element guards across the depth of the internal heating compartment.

[0065] Note 27. The cooking system according to Note 26, wherein the plurality of heating element guards include a first heating element guard adjacent to the front of the internal heating compartment and a second heating element guard adjacent to the center or rear of the internal heating compartment, wherein the plurality of openings of the first heating element guard are larger than the plurality of openings of the second heating element guard.

[0066] Note 28. The cooking system according to Note 16, wherein when the system is in cooking mode, the at least one reflector is positioned in a relatively high part of the internal heating compartment.

[0067] Note 29. The cooking system according to Note 28, wherein when the system is in the cooking mode, the at least one reflector includes a plurality of relatively upper surfaces and a plurality of relatively lower surfaces connected by a plurality of inclined surfaces.

[0068] Appendix 30. The cooking system according to Appendix 29, wherein the configuration of the plurality of upper surfaces varies over the depth of the internal heating compartment. Appendix 31. The cooking system according to Appendix 30, wherein the depth of each of the multiple upper surfaces is varied.

[0069] Note 32. The cooking system according to Note 31, wherein the plurality of upper surfaces include a first upper surface near the front of the internal heating compartment, a second upper surface in the center of the internal heating compartment, and a third upper surface adjacent to the rear of the internal heating compartment, wherein the depth of the second upper surface is greater than that of the first upper surface and shorter than that of the third upper surface.

[0070] Note 33. The cooking system according to Note 30, wherein the lower surface located at the first end of at least one reflector abuts against the front wall of the internal heating compartment. Note 34. The cooking system according to Note 27, wherein at least one heating element is disposed in an opening formed between the plurality of upper surfaces and the plurality of lower surfaces, and substantially adjacent to the upper flange.

[0071] Appendix 35. A method for operating a cooking system, To provide a housing having multiple sides that define an internal heating compartment, A method for optimizing the heat distribution within the internal heating compartment via one or more structures located within and included in the heating compartment, wherein the structure includes 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.

[0072] Appendix 36. The method according to Appendix 35, wherein the at least one reflector positioned within the internal heating compartment redirects the heat within the internal heating compartment. Appendix 37. The method according to Appendix 35, wherein at least one reflector is positioned adjacent to the upper surface of the internal heating compartment.

[0073] Note 38. The method according to Note 35, wherein the reflector includes a plurality of upper surfaces and a plurality of lower surfaces connected by a plurality of inclined surfaces, and the at least one heating element is disposed in an opening formed between the plurality of upper surfaces and the plurality of lower surfaces and substantially adjacent to the upper flange.

[0074] Note 39. The method according to Note 34, wherein the at least one heating element having a heat output that varies along its length includes a first region having a first heat output and a second region having a second heat output.

[0075] Note 40. The method according to Note 39, wherein the first region is located adjacent to at least one end of the heating element, and the second region is located at the center of the heating element. Note 41. The method according to Note 39, wherein the first and second ends of the at least one heating element constitute the first region, which includes 1 / 8 of the length of the at least one heating element, and the center of the heating element constitutes the second region, which includes 3 / 4 of the length of the heating element.

[0076] Appendix 42. The method according to Appendix 41, wherein the heating element includes coiled wires, the coiled wires in the first region have a first spacing, and the coiled wires in the second region have a second spacing.

[0077] Appendix 43. The method according to Appendix 42, wherein the first interval is 1.5 times the second interval. Appendix 44. The method according to Appendix 42, wherein the first interval is 1.25 times the second interval.

[0078] Appendix 45. The method according to Appendix 35, wherein the at least one heating element guard having a desired aperture distribution is the at least one heating element guard having a variable aperture distribution, and the at least one heating element guard having a variable aperture distribution includes a first portion having a first aperture distribution and a second portion having a second aperture distribution.

[0079] Appendix 46. The method according to Appendix 45, wherein the first aperture distribution is larger than the second aperture distribution. Note 47. The method according to Note 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 the center of the at least one heating element guard.

[0080] Note 48. The method according to Note 35, wherein the at least one heating element guard having a desirable opening distribution is a plurality of heating element guards, each of the plurality of heating element guards includes a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings differing from one heating element guard to the other across the depth of the internal heating compartment.

Claims

1. A cooking system that can be mounted on a support surface, It is a housing, A front wall, first and second side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a rear wall are connected to each other and form an internal heating compartment configured to receive food inside, A first opening formed in the front wall of the housing to access the internal heating compartment, A second opening formed in the bottom wall of the housing to access the internal heating compartment, It has support legs extending from the housing, Rotatable between the first position and the second position, Housing and A cleaning door selectively positioned above the second opening, A swivel structure is disposed outside the housing and configured to be placed on a support surface, The aforementioned pivot structure defines a pivot axis, The housing is rotatable around the pivot axis between the first position and the second position. The support legs and the swivel structure are configured to be placed on the support surface in the first position, Only the aforementioned pivoting structure is configured to be placed on the support surface in the second position, The pivot structure is configured such that the housing remains stationary relative to the support surface when it rotates around the pivot structure from the first position to the second position. Swivel structure, A cooking system equipped with the following features.

2. The cooking system according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is located in a first range of the housing, and the pivot axis is located in a position in the housing adjacent to a second range of the housing substantially opposite the first opening and the first range.

3. The cooking system according to claim 1, wherein the pivot axis is located where the rear wall intersects with the bottom wall.

4. The cooking system according to claim 1, wherein the swivel structure includes a base and at least one support arm connected to the housing, the at least one support arm including a pin connector defining the swivel axis.

5. The cooking system according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is located in a first plane when the housing is in the first position, and the first opening is located in a second plane when the housing is in the second position, and the first plane and the second plane are separate.

6. The cooking system according to claim 1, wherein, in the first position, the internal heating compartment is oriented substantially horizontally, and the plane including the first opening is oriented substantially vertically.

7. The cooking system according to claim 1, wherein in the second position, the internal heating compartment is oriented substantially vertically, and the plane including the first opening is oriented substantially horizontally.

8. The cooking system according to claim 1, wherein in the first position, the internal heating compartment is oriented substantially parallel to the support surface, and in the second position, the internal heating compartment is oriented substantially perpendicular to the support surface.

9. The cooking system according to claim 1, further comprising a door hinged to the bottom wall and configured to selectively close the first opening.

10. A cooking system that can be mounted on a support surface, It is a housing, A front wall, first and second side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a rear wall are connected to each other and form an internal heating compartment configured to receive food inside, A first opening formed in the front wall of the housing to access the internal heating compartment, A second opening formed in the bottom wall of the housing to access the internal heating compartment, The housing has support legs that extend from the front outer part and are configured to rest on a support surface, Housing and A cleaning door selectively positioned above the second opening, A pivoting structure is positioned on the rear outer side of the housing and configured to be placed on the support surface, The aforementioned pivot structure defines a pivot axis, The swivel structure and the support legs are spaced apart along a distance extending from the front outer side of the housing to the rear outer side of the housing. The pivot axis is perpendicular to the distance, The housing is rotatable around the pivot axis between a first position and a second position. The pivot structure is configured such that the housing remains stationary relative to the support surface when it rotates around the pivot structure from the first position to the second position. Swivel structure, A cooking system equipped with the following features.

11. The cooking system according to claim 10, wherein the first opening is located in a first range of the housing, and the pivot axis is located in a position in the housing adjacent to a second range of the housing substantially opposite the first opening and the first range.

12. The cooking system according to claim 10, wherein the swivel structure includes a base and at least one support arm connected to the housing, the at least one support arm including a pin connector defining the swivel axis.

13. The cooking system according to claim 10, wherein the first opening is located in a first plane when the housing is in the first position, and the first opening is located in a second plane when the housing is in the second position, and the first plane and the second plane are separate.

14. The cooking system according to claim 10, wherein, in the first position, the internal heating compartment is oriented substantially horizontally, and the plane including the first opening is oriented substantially vertically.

15. The cooking system according to claim 10, wherein in the second position, the internal heating compartment is oriented substantially vertically and the plane including the first opening is oriented substantially horizontally.

16. The cooking system according to claim 10, wherein in the first position, the internal heating compartment is oriented substantially parallel to the support surface, and in the second position, the internal heating compartment is oriented substantially perpendicular to the support surface.

17. The cooking system according to claim 10, further comprising a door hinged to the bottom wall and configured to selectively close the first opening.

18. A cooking system that can be mounted on a support surface, It is a housing, Front wall and bottom wall, connected to each other and forming at least partially an internal heating compartment configured to receive food inside, A first opening formed in the front wall of the housing to access the internal heating compartment, A second opening formed in the bottom wall of the housing to access the internal heating compartment, The housing has support legs that protrude downward from the bottom surface through the gap to the support surface, Rotatable between the first position and the second position, Housing and A cleaning door selectively positioned above the second opening, A swivel structure, which is disposed outside the housing and configured to be placed on the support surface, The aforementioned pivot structure defines a pivot axis, The housing is rotatable around the pivot axis between the first position and the second position. The support legs and the swivel structure are configured to be placed on the support surface in the first position, Only the aforementioned pivoting structure is configured to be placed on the support surface in the second position, The pivot structure is configured such that the housing remains stationary relative to the support surface when it rotates around the pivot structure from the first position to the second position. Swivel structure, A cooking system equipped with the following features.

19. The cooking system according to claim 18, further comprising a door hinged to the outer surface of the housing and configured to selectively close the first opening.

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