Storageable countertop cooking system

Abstract

A cooking system may be positioned on a support surface and comprises a housing having an internal heating compartment and an opening formed within the housing to access the internal heating compartment. The housing is movable between a first position and a second position. The opening is arranged in a first plane when the housing is in the first position and in a second plane when the housing is in the second position, and the first plane and the second plane are separate.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present disclosure generally relates to a cooking system, and more specifically, to a cooking system having a storage location that requires a minimum countertop space. Background Technology

[0002] For example, conventional countertop cooking systems, such as toaster ovens, can be used to conveniently heat or cook food, replacing, for instance, large wall-mounted ovens or ranges. Countertop cooking systems typically occupy a significant amount of countertop space. In kitchens with limited countertop space, the space occupied by a cooking system when not in use is inconvenient for the user. Consequently, users may store the cooking system elsewhere, thereby reducing its accessibility and ease of use. Therefore, it is desirable to develop a cooking system that occupies minimal countertop space when not in use.

[0003] According to one embodiment, a cooking system may be positioned on a support surface and may include a housing having an internal heating compartment and an opening formed within the housing to access the internal heating compartment. The housing is movable between a first position and a second position. The opening is arranged in a first plane when the housing is in the first position and in a second plane when the housing is in the second position, and the first plane and the second plane are separate.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a cooking system mountable on a support surface comprises a housing having an internal heating compartment and an opening formed within the housing to access the internal heating compartment. A rotating structure is arranged outside the housing, and the rotating structure defines a rotation axis. The housing is rotatable about the rotation axis between a first position and a second position.

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

[0006] According to another embodiment, a method for accessing an internal heating compartment of a cooking system comprises the step of moving a housing defining the 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 a cleaning door arranged in an overlapping arrangement so as to access the internal heating compartment through a second opening located on a second side of the housing.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a cooking system comprises a housing having a plurality of sides defining an internal heating compartment, and a first opening formed within the housing to access the internal heating compartment. The internal heating compartment includes a structure located and included within the heating compartment to optimize heat distribution therein. The structure includes at least one reflector, at least one heating element having a variable heat output along its length, and at least one heating element guard having a preferred aperture distribution along its length.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a method of operating a cooking system comprises the steps of providing a housing having a plurality of sides defining an internal heating compartment, and optimizing the heat distribution within the internal heating compartment through one or more structures located within and included within the heating compartment to optimize the heat distribution. The structure comprises at least one reflector, at least one heating element having a variable heat output along its length, and at least one heating element guard having a desirable aperture distribution along its length. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0009] The accompanying drawings included in and forming part of this specification embody various aspects of the present disclosure and serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure together with the description. Among the drawings, FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cooking system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a cooking system having a door in an open position according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a cooking system according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a control system of a cooking system according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a cooking system according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view of a rotating support of a cooking system according to one embodiment. FIG. 7a is a schematic diagram of a cooking system in a first active configuration according to one embodiment. FIG. 7b is a schematic diagram of the cooking system of FIG. 7a in a second storage configuration according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the interface between the housing and the support of a cooking system according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cooking system in a second storage configuration according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cooking system in a second storage configuration having a cleaning door in an open configuration according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cooking system in a second storage configuration having a cleaning door in an open configuration, in which the inner liner of the internal heating compartment is partially removed according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a front perspective cross-sectional view of a cooking system according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a front perspective cross-sectional view of a cooking system according to one embodiment. FIG. 14a is a perspective view of a heating element guard according to one embodiment. FIG. 14b is a plan view of the heating element guard of FIG. 14a according to one embodiment. FIG. 15a is a perspective view of a heating element guard according to one embodiment. FIG. 15b is a plan view of the heating element guard of FIG. 14a according to one embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a heating element according to one embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective view model of the heat distribution within an internal heating compartment of a cooking system according to one embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional model of the heat distribution within an internal heating compartment of a cooking system according to one embodiment. A detailed description is provided with reference to the drawings, and embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to advantages and features as examples. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0010] Now, referring to the drawings, an example of a cooking system (20) suitable for use on a supporting surface (22), such as a countertop, is shown. The cooking system (20) includes an insulating housing (24) that defines an internal heating compartment or cooking volume (26). In a 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 rear or rear wall (36), which are connected together to define an internal heating compartment (26) between them. In one embodiment, the housing (24) additionally includes a front wall (38) through which a user accesses the internal heating compartment (26). However, it should be understood that an embodiment in which the housing (24) does not include a front wall (38) is also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] The front wall (38) of the housing (24) may include a door (40) movable relative to the remainder of the housing (24) to optionally provide access to the internal heating compartment (26). As shown in a non-limiting embodiment, the door (40) includes a transparent panel and is hinged along its edge to rotate about a hinge axis (X) between an open position (Fig. 2) and a closed position (Fig. 1). Although the hinge axis (X) is shown to be located at the bottom edge (42) of the door (40), embodiments in which the hinge axis (X) is defined at the top edge or side edge of the door (40) are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, it should be understood that although the door (40) is described as being pivotable about a hinge axis (X), an embodiment in which the door (40) is configured to translate relative to the housing (24) or the door (40) is detachably coupled to the housing (24) is also considered herein.

[0012] 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), and the front wall (38) may additionally include a panel (44) located adjacent to one or more sides of the door (40). As shown, the panel (44) may extend between the left and right walls (28, 30) of the housing (24), and between the top and bottom (32, 34), respectively. In such embodiments, an opening (46) (best shown in FIG. 2) for providing access to the internal heating compartment (26) of the housing (24) is formed in the panel (44), and the door (40) is mounted in an overlapping arrangement with the opening (46). However, it should be understood that an embodiment in which the front wall (38) of the housing (24) includes only a panel (44) and does not include a door (40) is also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0013] Now, referring to FIG. 3, at least one fastener (48) is mounted within the internal heating compartment (26) of the housing (24). In a non-limiting embodiment, a pair of opposing fasteners (48) are mounted on the inner surfaces of the left side wall (28) and the right side wall (30), respectively. One or more fasteners (48) are positioned to support one or more cooking accessories (50), such as a removable cooking rack, basket, spit, or drip tray, at a desired location within the internal heating compartment (26), for example.

[0014] The internal heating section (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 section (26), for example, adjacent to the top (32) of the housing (24). In a non-limiting embodiment, the cooking system (20) includes a plurality of first heating elements (52), for example, three first heating elements oriented generally parallel to a hinge axis and spaced apart over 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 the first heating elements (52) are considered herein. Alternatively or additionally, at least one second heating element (54) may be located within the internal heating section (26), for example, adjacent to the bottom (34) of the housing (24). In a non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 10-11, the cooking system (20) comprises a plurality of second heating elements (54), such as three second heating elements oriented generally parallel to a hinge axis and spaced apart over the depth of the bottom (34) of the housing. The first heating elements (52) and the second heating elements (54) may generally be aligned or staggered relative to each other.

[0015] Although the heating elements (52, 54) of the cooking system (20) are generally exemplified and described as being located 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) located adjacent to the side of the internal heating compartment (26) or within the center of the internal heating compartment (26) are also considered herein.

[0016] 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. Accordingly, at least one heating element (52, 54) may be any type of heating element, such as tubular, quartz, tungsten, and halogen heating elements. In an embodiment of the cooking system (20) having a plurality of heating elements (52, 54) arranged at multiple locations within an internal heating compartment (26), it should be understood that the plurality of 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 considered herein. Additionally, in some embodiments, the cooking system (20) may further include a fan (56) that can operate together with or independently of the heating elements (52, 54) to circulate air or other fluid through the internal heating compartment (26).

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 12 through 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 and included therein. Such optimization may be implemented in various ways. In one embodiment, the cooking system (20) includes a reflector (110) located within the internal heating cavity (26) and configured to divert a portion of the heat emitted from a plurality of heating elements, such as a first heating element (52), to achieve a uniform heat distribution throughout the internal heating cavity (26). In one embodiment, the reflector (110) generally has the same width and depth as the internal heating cavity (26). However, an embodiment in which the reflector (110) is smaller than the internal heating cavity is also considered herein.

[0018] The reflector (110) may be manufactured from any suitable material and may have surface characteristics such that at least some of the heat or light contacting the surface of the reflector (110) and redirected within the internal heating section (26) is present, though not all. In the non-limiting embodiments of FIGS. 12 and 13, the reflector (110) has a wavy configuration comprising a plurality of upper flanges (112) and a plurality of lower flanges (114) joined by an angled surface (116). The angled surface (116) extending between adjacent upper and lower surfaces (112, 114) may be similar or alternatively different. A plurality of upper surfaces (112) may be arranged within a first plane (U), and a plurality of lower flanges (114) may be arranged within a second plane (B) as shown. The first plane (U) and the second plane (B) may be parallel to each other, but do not need to be parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the first plane and the second plane are offset by a distance approximately equal to the height of the first heating element (52). A plurality of first heating elements (52) are generally arranged adjacent to the upper flange (114) within an opening (118) defined between the plane (U) of the upper surface (112) and the plane (B) of the lower surface (114).

[0019] Depending on the position of the heating element (52) within the internal heating section (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 section (26), which is 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) in the direction toward the front wall (38). The central heating element (52) is generally 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) in the direction toward the front wall (38), for example. In one embodiment, the first end of the reflector (120) extending to the front wall (38) includes a partial lower flange (114), and the second opposing end (122) of the reflector (110) contacts the rear wall (36) through a downward angled surface extending from the upper flange (112). An example of a heat distribution model achieved using a contoured reflector as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the heat distribution within the internal heating section (26) can be controlled by including one or more guard elements (124) in an overlapping arrangement with a heating element, such as a second heating element (54), for example. 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 transfer heat emitted by the heating element (54) into the internal heating section (26). In one embodiment, the configuration of the openings (128) formed in each guard body (126) varies based on the location of the corresponding heating element (54) within the internal heating section (26). The configuration of the openings (128) can similarly vary along the length of each heating element (54). An example of a guard (124) for use with a heating element (54) located adjacent to the front wall (38) is shown in FIGS. 14a-14b. As shown, a plurality of large openings (128) generally extend uniformly across a plurality of sides of the body (126). Since heat within the internal heating compartment (26) is lost through the openings formed within the front wall (38), the guard (124) for the heating element (54) arranged adjacent to the front wall (38) allows more heat to pass through it than the guard (124) coupled to the heating element (54) arranged in the center of the internal heating compartment (26) and adjacent to the rear wall (36).

[0021] An example of a guard (124) for using a heating element (54) arranged at the center of an internal heating section (26) or, alternatively, adjacent to a rear wall (36) is shown in FIGS. 15a-15b. As shown, the body (124) includes a plurality of small openings (128) formed on the upper surface of the body (124). Additionally, the density of the openings (128) varies along the length of the body (124). In a non-limiting embodiment, a greater number of openings (128) are formed at the ends (130, 132) of the body (124) and thus adjacent to the ends of the heating element (54) rather than at the center of the heating element (54). The reduced number of openings (128) adjacent to the center of the guard (124) is intended to reduce the heat emitted from the center and the center of the rear heating element (54). Accordingly, the opening (128) formed within the guard (124) is intended to control the distribution of heat emitted by the heating element (54) between the front wall and the actual wall (38, 36) defining the internal heating section (26), and between the left and right walls (28, 30).

[0022] Additionally, referring to FIG. 17, in one embodiment, the heat output across one or more heating elements (52, 54) may vary. In one embodiment, one or more heating elements (52, 54) are constructed using coiled wires arranged within a tube that heats up and emits 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 emitted from different parts of the heating elements (52, 54) may be greater than that from other parts. In a 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 at an adjacent end of the heating elements (54). For example, the coil within the first 12.5% ​​of the length of the heating element (52, 54) may have a first coil spacing, the next 75% of the heating element (52, 54) may have a second coil spacing, and the final 12.5% ​​of the heating element (52, 54) may also consist of the first coil spacing. Additionally, the configurations of the first and second heating elements (52, 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 more than two distinct coil spacing regions and coil spacings of different ratios are also considered herein.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 4, a control panel or user interface (62) for operating a cooking system (20) is mounted on an external part of the housing (24), for example, 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) includes one or more input units (64) associated with supplying power to one or more heating elements (52, 54) of the cooking system (20) and selecting various operating modes of the cooking system (20). One or more input units (64) may include a light or other indicator to indicate that each input unit (64) has been selected. The control panel (62) may additionally include a display (66) that is separate from and connected to at least one input unit (64). However, an embodiment in which the display (66) is integrated into at least one input unit (64) is also considered herein.

[0024] The operation of one or more input units (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 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 an embodiment in which the cooking system (20) includes a plurality of heating elements (52), the heating elements (52, 54) may be able to operate independently. Additionally, one or more heating outputs of the heating elements (52, 54) may change in response to 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, for example, the temperature within the internal heating section (26).

[0025] In one embodiment, at least one input (64) on the control panel (62) is an on / off button that allows the user to activate or deactivate the control panel (62). When the control panel (62) is deactivated, power is not supplied to any of the heating elements (52, 54). In an exemplary embodiment, at least one input (64) is operable to select one or more manual operation modes of at least one of the heating elements (52, 54). Alternatively or additionally, at least one input (64) is operable to select a stored operation sequence of at least one heating element (52, 54). In some cases, the stored sequence may be particularly suitable for a given food preparation method and / or a specific ingredient or type of ingredient. A plurality of stored sequences associated with at least one input (64) may be stored in memory accessible by the processor (68). Alternatively, a plurality of stored sequences may be stored remotely from the cooking system (20) and may be accessed by the processor (68), for example, via wireless communication.

[0026] Additionally, the user may input or select a time associated with the operation of the cooking system (20) in the desired manual mode. The time may be input through the same input unit (64) or a separate input unit (64) used to select the operation mode. Furthermore, in an embodiment in which the cooking system (20) is configured to perform a stored sequence in response to the selection of one of the input units, the display (66) may display the remaining time on the display (66). For example, temperature or other parameters, such as toast color, may also be input through the input unit (64).

[0027] 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 stop all operation, or a stop / start button to initiate and stop the function. Alternatively, the cooking system (20) may be operable to automatically start operation after a predetermined time has elapsed once an input is selected and any necessary information is provided to the control panel (62). For example, one or more other input units (64), such as a knob, may be operable to start and stop the operation of the cooking system (20) by pushing the knob toward the control panel (62), regardless of whether the cooking system (20) is following a stored sequence or is in manual mode.

[0028] One or more input units (64) can be operated to initiate the operation of the cooking system (20) in a plurality of cooking modes. Examples of operating modes of the cooking system (20) include, but are not limited to, toasting, baking, baking, grilling, warming, reheating, and steam cooking. Independent control of the heating elements (52, 54) allows the user to configure a cooking / heating cycle based on the type of food located within the internal heating compartment (26).

[0029] In one embodiment, the housing (24) of the cooking system (20) is movable between a first operating position or "active" position (Fig. 7A) and a second non-operating position or "stored" position (see Fig. 7B). In the first active position, the control system (60) is movable to supply power to 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 stored position, power supply to one or more heating elements (52, 54) and a fan (56) may be prevented. For example, the cooking system (20) may include a switch (70) schematically shown in Fig. 4, so that when the cooking system (20) is in the second stored position, the switch (70) is opened, thereby blocking power supply to any heating element (52, 54) and a fan (56). However, it should be understood that in the case where the housing is in a storage configuration, an embodiment in which the heating element (52, 54) and / or fan (56) can be powered is also considered herein.

[0030] In a non-limiting embodiment, the housing (24) of the cooking system (20) is rotatable about a rotation axis (S) between a first position and a second position. The rotation axis (S) is defined by a rotation support (72) that is coupled to the housing (24) or formed integrally with the housing. Thus, the rotation support (72) positions at least a portion of the housing (24) relative to the support surface (22). In the first active position, the housing (24) and the internal heating compartment (26) defined therein generally have a horizontal orientation. As shown, in the first active position, at least one of the top (32) and bottom (34) of the housing (24) is arranged approximately parallel to the support surface (22) where the cooking system (20) is located, and the front wall (38) containing the opening (46) formed therein is oriented approximately 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 its bottom (34). In this embodiment, the first feet (74) are coupled with a rotating support (72) to position the cooking system (20) on the support surface (22). However, in another embodiment, the housing (24) of the cooking system (20) may be fully supported by the rotating support (72), for example in a cantilever configuration, when in the first active position.

[0031] The cooking system (20) can be rotated about a rotation axis (S) toward a second storage position in a first direction indicated by arrow (A). In one embodiment, the cooking system (20) can be rotated approximately 90 degrees between the first position and the second position. As shown in FIG. 7b, in the second storage position, the housing (24) and the internal heating section (26) are oriented approximately vertically. In the second storage position, at least one of the rear wall (36) and the front wall (38) is oriented approximately parallel to the support surface (22), and the bottom (34) is oriented perpendicularly to the support surface (22). In one embodiment, the cooking system (20) includes one or more second feet (76) extending from the housing (24), for example from its rear wall (36). In this embodiment, the second feet (76) are coupled with a rotation support (72) to position the cooking system (20) on the support surface (22) in the second storage position. However, in another embodiment, when the housing (24) of the cooking system (20) is in a second storage position, it may be fully supported by a rotating support (72), for example in a cantilever configuration.

[0032] From the storage position, the housing (24) of the cooking system (20) can be rotated about the axis of rotation (S) toward the first active position in the second direction indicated by the arrow (B). As the housing (24) of the cooking system (20) changes between the first position and the second position, the associated front wall (38) and / or opening (46) or door (40) rotates out of the plane, that is, from the first plane to a second plane distinct from the first plane. Since the projected surface area of ​​the housing (24) at the second position is substantially smaller than the projected surface area of ​​the housing (24) at 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.

[0033] In one embodiment, the axis of rotation (S) is located near the edge of the housing (24). For example, the axis of rotation (S) is shown to be located adjacent to the rear edge of the housing (24), near the boundary surface between the bottom (34) of the housing (24) and the rear wall (36). However, it should be understood that embodiments in which the axis of rotation (S) is arranged along another edge of the housing (24), such as an embodiment adjacent to the boundary surface between the bottom and the side walls (28, 30), are also considered herein.

[0034] Now, referring to FIG. 6-8, in a non-limiting embodiment, the rotary support (70) comprises 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 rotary support (70) comprising only a single support arm, or more than two support arms, is also within the scope of the present disclosure. The first support arm (82) and the second support arm (86) may be formed integrally with the base (80) or, alternatively, may be separate components attached thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the base (80) generally has a horizontal configuration and the first and second support arms (82, 86) are generally oriented vertically with respect to the base (80), but embodiments in which the support arms (82, 86) extend at different angles are also considered herein. The base (80) may have a roughly rectangular body with a surface area smaller than or equal to the projected surface area of ​​the housing (24) at the second position. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the depth of the base (80) may vary over the width of the base (80). For example, as best illustrated 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 can improve the stability of the cooking system (20) when in the second storage position.

[0035] As best illustrated in FIG. 8, the first support arm (82) and the second support arm (86) each include a pin connector (90) that can be accommodated within a corresponding opening (92) formed on a side, such as the side wall (28, 30) of the housing (24). In a 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) define a rotation axis (S) in conjunction. The pin connector (90) may be in direct contact with the inner surface of the opening (92), or alternatively, may be located at the boundary surface between the pin connector (90) and the opening (92) to facilitate movement of the housing (24) relative to the pin connector (90). In one embodiment, the pin connector (90) and / or opening (92) may be configured to limit the rotation of the housing (24) around the rotation axis (S) through the first position and the second position. However, the rotation of the housing (24) around the rotation axis (S) may be controlled or limited by any suitable device.

[0036] In one embodiment, the pin connector (90) is located near the 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) in the first position, and the rear wall (36) of the housing (24) 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 axis of rotation (S) without interference.

[0037] In another embodiment best illustrated in FIG. 9, the rotational support (70) may be a rounded feature arranged on the edge of the housing. However, the rounded feature of the rotational support (72) is distinguished from the rounded edge of the housing. In one embodiment, the rotational support (72) includes one or more arched features (98), such as ribs, which are located on the outer surface of the housing (24) and extend between the bottom (34) and the rear wall (36). The origin of each arched feature (98) defines the axis of rotation (S), and the contour of the arched feature (98) facilitates rotation of the housing (24) by the user between a first position and a second position.

[0038] In one embodiment, 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 internal heating compartment (26). Referring further to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10-11, in one embodiment, a 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, substantially cover the entire rear wall as shown in the drawings.

[0039] When the cooking system (20) is rotated relative to a first position, that is, when the bottom is not positioned parallel to and immediately adjacent to the support surface (22), the cleaning door (100) is movable between a closed position (see FIG. 9) and an open position (see FIG. 10). The cleaning door may perform rotation, translation, separation, or any combination thereof to be converted between the closed position and the open position. In one embodiment, at least partially shown latch device (102) optionally engages the cleaning door (100) with the remainder of the housing (24). When force is applied to the latch device, the cleaning door is separated from the housing (24) so ​​that the cleaning door (100) can be moved to the open position. When the cleaning door returns to the closed position, the latch device may be configured to restrict the movement of the cleaning door relative to the housing by automatically engaging and engaging with the cleaning door.

[0040] Due to the increased size of the cleaning door for the door (40), the user can more easily access the internal heating compartment (26) through the cleaning door (100). As a result, removing one or more components mounted within the internal heating compartment (26), such as a liner (104) located in an overlapping arrangement with the interior of a part of the housing (24), is better performed through the cleaning door (100).

[0041] The cooking system (20) exemplified and described herein provides an improved user experience by reducing the total amount of counter space occupied by the cooking system when the cooking system is not in use.

[0042] All referenced literature, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein, is indicated so that each referenced literature is included by reference individually and specifically, and the entirety thereof is included by reference herein to the same extent as presented herein.

[0043] In the context of describing the present disclosure (particularly in the context of the following claims), the use of the terms “any one,” “specific one,” and similar designations shall be interpreted to include both singular and plural forms, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “comprising,” and “containing” shall be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “comprising but not limited thereto).” The citation of ranges of values ​​herein is intended to serve as a brief method of individually referring to each separate value within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is included in the specification as if individually cited herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any appropriate order, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Any and all embodiments provided herein, or the use of exemplary language (e.g., “e.g., for example”), are intended merely to better represent the present disclosure and do not impose any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language within this specification shall be interpreted as representing any unclaimed element essential to the practice of this disclosure.

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the present 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 appropriately use such variations, and the inventors intend that the present invention be practiced differently from as specifically described herein. Accordingly, the present disclosure includes all variations and equivalents of the subject matter cited in the claims appended to this specification, as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, any combination of all possible variations of the foregoing elements is included by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise evidently contradicted by the context.

Claims

Claim 1 A cooking system mountable on a support surface, comprising: a housing having a front wall, first and second side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a rear wall connected together to 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, one or more feet extending from the housing, and the housing being rotatable between a first position and a second position; and a cleaning door optionally positioned over the second opening. A cooking system comprising a rotating structure arranged outside of the housing and configured to rest on the support surface, wherein the rotating structure defines a rotation axis, the housing is rotatable about the rotation axis between a first position and a second position, the one or more feet and the rotating structure are configured to rest on the support surface at the first position, and at the second position only the rotating structure is configured to rest on the support surface, and as the housing rotates about the rotating structure from the first position to the second position, the rotating structure is configured to remain fixed to the support surface. Claim 2 A cooking system according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is arranged in a first region of the front wall of the housing, and the rotation axis is located at a position of the housing adjacent to a second region of the rear wall of the housing opposite the first opening and the first region. Claim 3 A cooking system according to claim 1, wherein the rotation axis is located where the rear wall and the bottom wall meet. Claim 4 A cooking system according to claim 1, wherein the rotating structure includes a round feature. Claim 5 A cooking system according to claim 1, wherein the rotating structure comprises at least one arched feature connected to the housing. Claim 6 A cooking system according to claim 1, wherein the rotating structure comprises a base and at least one support arm connected to the housing, and the at least one support arm comprises a pin connector defining the rotation axis. Claim 7 A cooking system according to claim 1, wherein when the housing is in the first position, the first opening is arranged within a first plane, and when the housing is in the second position, the first opening is arranged within a second plane, the first plane and the second plane are distinguished, the first plane is oriented perpendicularly to the support surface, and the second plane is oriented parallel to the support surface. Claim 8 A cooking system according to claim 1, wherein at the first position, the internal heating compartment is oriented horizontally and the plane including the first opening is oriented vertically. Claim 9 A cooking system according to claim 1, wherein at the second position, the internal heating compartment is oriented vertically and the plane including the opening is oriented horizontally. Claim 10 A cooking system according to claim 1, wherein at the first position, the internal heating section is oriented parallel to the support surface, and at the second position, the internal heating section is oriented perpendicular to the support surface. Claim 11 A cooking system according to claim 1, further comprising a door configured to selectively close the first opening and hinged to the bottom wall. Claim 12 A cooking system mountable on a support surface, comprising: a housing having a front wall, first and second side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a rear wall connected together to form an internal heating compartment configured to accommodate 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, and one or more feet extending from the front exterior of the housing and configured to rest on the support surface; and a cleaning door optionally positioned over the second opening. A cooking system comprising a rotating structure arranged on the rear outer side of the housing and configured to rest on the support surface, wherein the rotating structure defines a rotation axis, and the rotating structure and the one or more feet are spaced apart along a distance extending from the front outer side of the housing to the rear outer side of the housing, the rotation axis is perpendicular to the distance, and the housing is rotatable between a first position and a second position with respect to the rotation axis, and the rotating structure is configured to remain fixed with respect to the support surface as the housing rotates from the first position to the second position with respect to the rotation structure. Claim 13 A cooking system according to claim 12, wherein the first opening is arranged in a first region of the front wall of the housing, and the rotation axis is located at a position of the housing adjacent to a second region of the rear wall of the housing opposite the first opening and the first region. Claim 14 In Clause 12, the above-mentioned rotating structure comprises a round feature, a cooking system. Claim 15 A cooking system according to claim 12, wherein the rotating structure comprises a base and at least one possible support arm connected to the housing, and the at least one support arm comprises a pin connector defining the axis of rotation. Claim 16 A cooking system according to claim 12, wherein when the housing is in the first position, the first opening is arranged within a first plane, and when the housing is in the second position, the first opening is arranged within a second plane, the first plane and the second plane are distinguished, the first plane is oriented perpendicularly to the support surface, and the second plane is oriented parallel to the support surface. Claim 17 A cooking system according to claim 12, wherein at the first position, the internal heating compartment is oriented horizontally and the plane including the first opening is oriented vertically. Claim 18 A cooking system according to claim 12, wherein at the second position, the internal heating compartment is oriented vertically and the plane including the opening is oriented horizontally. Claim 19 A cooking system according to claim 12, wherein at the first position, the internal heating section is oriented parallel to the support surface, and at the second position, the internal heating section is oriented perpendicular to the support surface. Claim 20 A cooking system according to claim 12, further comprising a door configured to selectively close the first opening and hinged to the bottom wall. Claim 21 A cooking system mountable on a support surface, comprising: a housing having a front wall and a bottom wall that at least partially form an internal heating compartment configured to accommodate 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; one or more pits protruding downward from the bottom surface of the housing to a support surface through an air gap; and the housing being rotatable between a first position and a second position; and a cleaning door optionally positioned over the second opening. A cooking system comprising a rotating structure arranged outside of the housing and configured to rest on the support surface, wherein the rotating structure defines a rotation axis, the housing is rotatable about the rotation axis between a first position and a second position, the one or more feet and the rotating structure are configured to rest on the support surface at the first position, and at the second position only the rotating structure is configured to rest on the support surface, and as the housing rotates about the rotating structure from the first position to the second position, the rotating structure is configured to remain fixed to the support surface. Claim 22 A cooking system according to claim 21, further comprising a door configured to selectively close the first opening and hinged to the outer surface of the housing. 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