Indoor smoker

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a smoke infusion assembly for use with an appliance or cooking vessel. The smoke infusion assembly may be configured to infuse foodstuffs within the cooking vessel with smoke, via either a hot smoke or cold smoke process. The smoke infusion assembly may be a modular device or may be an integral component of the cooking vessel. The smoke infusion assembly may include a material container for retaining wood or pellets and a heater positioned proximate to the material container and configured to generate smoke by applying heat to the contents of the material container. The smoke infusion assembly may include a fan configured to remove smoke- infused air from the cooking vessel and a filter positioned adjacent to the fan and configured to filter the smoke-infused air before the smoke-infused air enters the external environment.

Description

INDOOR SMOKERCross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority benefit from Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 579,545, filed 8 / 30 / 2023, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a smoke infusion assembly for use with a cooking vessel, in particular, a smoke infusion assembly configured for indoor use.Background

[0003] Smoking food has become an increasingly prevalent method for consumers to cook food. Consumers may also desire to infuse a smoke flavor in foods and beverages (e.g., without using heat). However, at-home smokers are often prohibitively expensive, bulky, and must be used outdoors due to the amount of smoke generated. Smokers intended for indoor use are less available than outdoor smokers, and they can produce unwanted smoke in the home environment that lingers for an extended period. Such unwanted smoke (and its odor) can migrate to other areas of the home and cause damage, for example, by accumulating on fabric curtains or furniture.

[0004] The present disclosure seeks to provide an at-home smoking apparatus that addresses these issues.Summary

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to a smoke infusion assembly configured for use with a cooking vessel. For example, the cooking vessel may be a slow cooker or a multicooker; however, the cooking vessel may be any device or appliance designed to cookor treat foodstuffs. The smoke infusion assembly may be modular and removable or the smoke infusion assembly may be integrated into the construction of the cooking vessel.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the smoking apparatus can include a body that is sized and shaped to be received on top of the cooking vessel. The lid of the cooking vessel can thus be received on top of the body to create a sealed cooking and smoking environment. In certain embodiments, the cooking vessel is shaped to allow the smoke infusion assembly to be readily removed for cleaning. The smoking apparatus can include a material container with a chamber (e.g., a combustion chamber or pellet box) for retaining combustible material such as pellets or wood. The material container may be either internal or external to the cooking vessel. The chamber can be heated by a heater, for example, a cal-rod heater.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the smoke infusion assembly may include one or more chimneys or ducts to allow smoke or smoke-infused air to enter or exit the cooking vessel. For example, an infusion duct may direct smoke-infused air into the cooking vessel and an exhaust duct may remove smoke-infused air from the cooking vessel. Thus, the heater may heat the contents of the material container to generate smoke, and the smoke-infused air surrounding the material container may travel to an interior of the cooking vessel (e.g., via the infusion duct). The smoke infusion assembly may include a fan configured to draw air out of the cooking vessel (e.g., via the exhaust duct or via one or more exhaust ports). A filter may be positioned proximate to the fan such that smoke-infused air exiting the cooking vessel must pass through the filter to allow for filtration of the smoke and any other particulates in the air before releasing the air into the external environment (e.g., a home environment).

[0008] These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] FIG. 1 A is a front perspective view of a cooking vessel with a smoke infusion assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure installed thereon.

[0010] FIG. IB is a rear perspective view of the cooking vessel and smoke infusion assembly of FIG. 1A.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the smoke infusion assembly of FIG. 1 A.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded, right-side perspective view of the smoke infusion assembly of FIG. 1A.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the smoke infusion assembly of FIG. 1 A with an air filter thereof in an ejected configuration.

[0014] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the smoke infusion assembly of FIG. 1 A with arrows depicting airflow therethrough.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the smoke infusion assembly of FIG. 1 A with arrows depicting airflow therethrough.

[0016] FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of a cooking vessel including a smoke infusion assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7B is a rear perspective view of the cooking vessel of FIG. 7A.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a front, right-side perspective view of the smoke infusion assembly of FIG. 7A in isolation.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a material container and a heater of the smoke infusion assembly of FIG. 7 A.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the smoke infusion assembly of FIG. 7A taken along the line 10 — 10 of FIG. 8.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a cooking vessel and a smoke infusion assembly according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof is shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiment disclosed, but to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.Detailed Description

[0023] The following description refers to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the exemplary embodiments described herein, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.

[0024] Referring first to FIGS. 1 A and IB, the present disclosure relates generally to a smoke infusion assembly 100 that may, in a sealed environment, introduce smoke into an appliance or cooking vessel 105. For example, the smoke infusion assembly 100 may be configured to inject smoke into the cooking vessel 105 (e.g., during a cooking operation) and to exhaust or remove smoke from within the cooking vessel 105 (e.g., when a cooking operation is finished). The smoke may infuse a smoke flavor into the foodstuffs contained within the cooking vessel 105 and, in some situations, cook the foodstuffs. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 A and IB, the cooking vessel 105 may be, for example, a slow cooker. However, in other embodiments, the cooking vessel 105 may be any other device or piece of equipment designed for cooking, treating, or otherwise handling foodstuffs (e.g., a slow cooker, multicooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, oven, toaster, toaster oven, air fryer, dehydrator, mixer, coffee maker, blender, steamer, blender, food processor, sandwich maker, grill, orother device). For example, the cooking vessel 105 may be provided as a multicooker operable to perform at least two different cooking functions (e.g., conductive cooking, convective cooking, steam cooking, and the like). In further embodiments, the cooking vessel 105 may be a device designed to introduce smoke to, but not cook, food items such as cocktails, cheeses, meats, and the like (e.g., a smoke box or cold smoker).

[0025] In some embodiments, the cooking vessel 105 may be provided in the form of a device as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2024 / 0197112 (hereinafter “the ‘ 112 Publication) or in International Patent Publication No. 2024 / 020447 (hereinafter “the ‘447 Publication”), both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. For example, in some embodiments, the smoke infusion assembly 100 may be incorporated into (e.g., installed on or integrally formed with) a body of a multi -function electric grill and may help direct smoke into and / or remove smoke from a cooking chamber thereof, as disclosed in the ‘ 112 Publication. In other embodiments, the smoke infusion assembly 100 may be incorporated into (e.g., installed on or integrally formed with) a main body of an air fryer and may help direct smoke into and / or remove smoke from one or more cavities thereof, as disclosed in the ‘447 Publication.

[0026] In some embodiments, the smoke infusion assembly 100 may be modular. For example, the smoke infusion assembly 100 and the cooking vessel 105 may be provided as independent devices and the smoke infusion assembly 100 may be removably installable on or within the cooking vessel 105 such that the cooking vessel 105 may operate with or without the smoke infusion assembly 100. The cooking vessel 105 may have a base 110, a container 115 (e.g., a detachable container 115 for retaining food items) supported by the base 110, and a lid 120 removably positioned atop the container 115.

[0027] In some embodiments, the smoke infusion assembly 100 can be positioned between the container 115 and the lid 120 such that a housing 122 of the smoke infusion assembly 100may be positioned outside of or adjacent to the cooking vessel 105. The smoke infusion assembly 100 may have a body 125 sized and shaped to fit over an opening of the cooking vessel 105 (e.g., an opening of the container 115). In this regard, in some embodiments, when the container 115 has a generally oval shape, the body 125 may also have a generally oval shape. In other embodiments, the container 115 and the body 125 may have a different shape. For example, the container 115 and the body 125 may each be generally circular, rectangular, polygonal, or may have another shape provided that the body 125 is designed to fit over an opening of the cooking vessel 105 and be positioned between the container 115 and the lid 120. The similarity in the construction of the body 125 and the upper portion of the container 115 may facilitate the formation of a seal between the container 115, body 125, and lid 120.

[0028] As best shown in FIG. IB, the housing 122 may be connected to the body 125 and positioned adjacent to a rear portion of the cooking vessel 105 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the housing 122 may be positioned, for example, on the right-hand or left-hand side of the cooking vessel 105. The body may substantially align with an upper perimeter of the container 115 and may receive the lid 120 when the cooking vessel 105 is in use. The smoke infusion assembly 100 may include an air mover or fan 126 (e.g., a fan with a plurality of blades or other air mover) positioned within the housing 122 and configured to draw smoke-infused air into or out of the container 115.

[0029] Turning to FIG. 2, the smoke infusion assembly 100 is shown in isolation (e.g., removed from the cooking vessel 105). In some embodiments, the body 125 may include a main body portion 128 and a removable body portion 129 detachably coupled to the main body portion 128. The removable body portion 129 may be configured to support one or more other components of the smoke infusion assembly 100 and may be removable from the main body portion 128 (e.g., to facilitate cleaning, maintenance, etc.). The body 125 mayinclude or define a central opening 130 that allows access to the interior of the container 115 when the smoke infusion assembly 100 is installed on the cooking vessel 105 (see FIG. 1 A).

[0030] The body 125 may include a lip 135 extending along an upper edge thereof. For example, the lip 135 may be provided in the form of a raised region circumscribing an outer perimeter of the body 125 such that the body includes a platform 137 formed as a recess of the body 125 positioned within the lip 135. The platform 137 may be configured to receive the lid 120 when the cooking vessel 105 and the smoke infusion assembly 100 are in use. In this way, the lip 135 may restrict the lid 120 from moving or shifting undesirably while the cooking vessel 105 and the smoke infusion assembly 100 are in use.

[0031] In some embodiments, one or more lid detection switches 139 may be positioned on the body 125 and configured to detect whether the lid 120 is properly in place such that the smoke infusion assembly 100 is ready for operation. The lid detection switches 139 may be in communication with a processor or other electronic component or circuitry of the cooking vessel 105 and may act as a safety mechanism or fail-safe feature for the smoke infusion assembly 100. For example, the lid detection switches 139 may be configured to transmit a first signal to the processor when the lid detection switches 139 detect that the lid 120 is properly positioned and to transmit a second signal to the processor when the lid detection switches 139 detect that the lid 120 is not properly positioned. The processor may permit the cooking vessel 105 and / or the smoke infusion assembly 100 to operate when the first signal is received from the lid detection switches 139 and may shut the cooking vessel 105 and / or the smoke infusion assembly 100 down and / or block cooking operations when the second signal is received from the lid detection switches 139.

[0032] In some embodiments, the lid detection switches 139 may be in communication with an alarm mechanism of the smoke infusion assembly 100. For example, the alarm mechanism may be configured to emit a signal (e.g., a flash of light, an audible sound, or other signal) inresponse to detecting via the lid detection switches 139 that the lid 120 has moved out of a proper position during an operation of the smoke infusion assembly 100 and / or the cooking vessel 105.

[0033] In the example of FIG. 2, the body 125 includes two lid detection switches 139 positioned in opposing locations on the platform 137 proximate to the boundary between the main body portion 128 and the removable body portion 129. However, in other embodiments, the body 125 may include a single lid detection switch 139 or any number of lid detection switches 139, and the lid detection switches 139 may be positioned in any suitable arrangement.

[0034] In some embodiments, the smoke infusion assembly 100 may include a locking mechanism on the body 125 and / or the lid 120. The locking mechanism may allow the lid 120 to be releasably coupled to the body 125 such that a seal is created between the lid 120 and the smoke infusion assembly 100. In some embodiments, the smoke infusion assembly 100 may be configured to produce a seal with the lid 120 and / or the container 115 such that an interior of the container 115 is pressure sealed when the cooking vessel 105 is in use.

[0035] The smoke infusion assembly 100 may include an exhaust subassembly 140 configured to exhaust or evacuate smoke-infused air from within an interior of the container 115 (e.g., when a cooking operation is finished or when otherwise desired by a user) and a removable material container 145. For example, the material container 145 may be provided in the form of a pellet box, combustion chamber, or other chamber for retaining combustible materials. The exhaust subassembly 140, or one or more components of the exhaust subassembly 140, may be positioned within the housing 122. For example, the housing 122 may include or retain a removable and / or replaceable filter assembly with one or more air filters (e.g., air filter 150). The air filter 150 may be positioned adjacent to the fan 126. The housing 122 may be connected to the removable body portion 129 such that the exhaustsubassembly 140 is positioned outside the container 115 when the smoke infusion assembly 100 is installed on the cooking vessel 105. The housing 122 may be coupled to the body 125 or may be formed integrally therewith.

[0036] Turning to FIG. 3, The material container 145 may be removably coupled to the housing 122 and can be filled with wood, pellets, wood chips, or other combustible materials, as desired, depending on preferred flavor profiles. The material container 145 may include a body 152 and a lid 154, which may be hingedly coupled to the body 152 to provide access to an interior thereof. For example, a user may open the lid 154 to place combustible material in an interior of the body 152. In some embodiments, the material container 145 may include a lid switch configured to monitor a position or configuration of the material container 145 (e.g., configured to monitor the lid 154). For example, the lid switch may prevent or inhibit operation of the smoke infusion assembly 100 when the lid 154 is not properly in place.

[0037] The smoke infusion assembly 100 may include a heater 155 configured to produce smoke by applying heat to the contents of the material container 145. The heater 155 may be positioned adjacent to the material container 145. In some embodiments, the heater 155 is provided in the form of a cal-rod heater. In other embodiments, the heater 155 may be provided in any suitable form. When the smoke infusion assembly 100 is installed, the body 125 may align with an upper perimeter of the container 115. Thus, the housing 122 may be arranged on an exterior of the cooking vessel 105 and the material container 145 and / or heater 155 may be arranged on an interior of the cooking vessel 105 when the smoke infusion assembly 100 is installed and the cooking vessel 105 is in use.

[0038] In some embodiments, a heat shield 156 may be positioned proximate to the heater 155 and configured to direct heat from the heater 155 toward the material container 145, thereby reducing the amount of dissipated heat and / or heat radiating in other directions. In the example of FIG. 3, the heat shield 156 is provided as an interior surface of the removablebody portion 129 positioned adjacent to the heater 155. However, in other embodiments, the heat shield 156 may be provided in any suitable form.

[0039] The housing 122 may include a port 158 that enables the smoke infusion assembly 100 to be connected to an external power source. For example, an appropriate adapter can be coupled to both the port 158 and an electrical outlet to power the smoke infusion assembly 100. In other embodiments, the smoke infusion assembly 100 may be powered in any suitable manner (e.g., via a rechargeable battery).

[0040] Turning to FIG. 4, the housing 122 may include a filter slot 160 configured to receive the air filter 150. For example, the air filter 150 may be removably positioned within the filter slot 160 such that a user can conveniently remove the air filter 150 from the housing 122 (e.g., to install a fresh air filter 150). The fan 126 may be positioned adjacent to a rear end 162 of the housing 122. The filter slot 160 and air filter 150 may be positioned adjacent to the fan 126 (e.g., between the fan 126 and the body 125) such that air being drawn into or out of the cooking vessel 105 by the fan 126 passes through the air filter 150. In some embodiments, the air filter 150 may be provided in the form of a smoke filter such as a HEPA filter, charcoal -impregnated filter, and the like.

[0041] The smoke infusion assembly 100 may include one or more outlets or exhaust ports 165 to provide communication between the interior of the container 115 and an interior of the housing 122, thereby enabling the exhaust subassembly 140 to direct air (e.g., smoke-infused air) into or draw air out of the container 115. For example, the exhaust subassembly 140 may be configured to remove smoke-infused air from the container 115 via the exhaust ports 165 when a cooking operation is finished. In the illustrated embodiment, the smoke infusion assembly 100 includes two exhaust ports 165 positioned on the removable body portion 129.

[0042] In some embodiments, one or more additional exhaust ports 165 may be positioned along an interior surface of the main body portion 128. For example, in some embodiments, aplurality of exhaust ports 165 may line the interior surface of the main body portion 128 and provide communication between an interior of the container 115 and a hollow interior space within the body 125 that is in communication with the interior of the housing 122. In other embodiments, the smoke infusion assembly 100 may include any number of exhaust ports 165 and the exhaust ports 165 may be positioned in any suitable arrangement.

[0043] The exhaust subassembly 140 may be configured to exhaust or remove the smoke from within the cooking vessel 105 by operating the fan 126 to draw the air within the container 115 through the exhaust ports 165 (e.g., using negative draw). The air may travel through the exhaust ports 165 to the housing 122 (e.g., via an internal space within the body 125) and may exit the smoke infusion assembly 100 via one or more openings formed in the rear end 162 of the housing 122 providing communication between an interior of the housing 122 and the external or ambient environment (e.g., a home environment). The air filter 150 may be positioned between the exhaust ports 165 and the fan 126 such that the air filter 150 intercepts the air (i.e., the air must flow through the air filter 150) before the air exits the smoke infusion assembly 100. The air filter 150 may thus filter smoke and / or other particulates from the air being drawn out of the container 115 before the air is released into the home environment.

[0044] In some embodiments, the body 125 further includes at least one air vent, which is configured to allow smoke to be routed from the material container 145 to the interior of the cooking vessel 105, and at least one air vent that is configured to allow smoke to pass from the interior of the cooking vessel 105 to the filter. In some cases, a chimney element is attached to at least one air vent and smoke will pass through the chimney element prior to entering the interior of the vessel.

[0045] The smoke infusion assembly 100 can include one or more control mechanisms (e.g., a button, switch, touch screen, slider, or other mechanism) that enables a user to selectbetween multiple functions based on a desired smoke type, smoke level, or one or more preprogrammed settings. For example, the smoke infusion assembly 100 may include a memory component storing one or more preprogrammed settings corresponding to a particular food product or recipe. The control mechanisms may be operable to control the heater 155. For example, the control mechanisms may be configured to alter an intensity, frequency, or other characteristic of the heat provided by the heater 155. In this way, the level and frequency of the smoke introduced into the cooking vessel 105 may be altered. The smoke infusion assembly 100 may also include a switch (e.g., positioned on the housing 122 or an exterior surface of the body 125) that enables a user to toggle between an ON and OFF position, or other positions as appropriate.

[0046] In some embodiments, the smoke infusion assembly 100 can include a “hot smoke” function. In operation, a user may place foodstuffs in the container 115 and subsequently select the type of food inserted in a control menu (e.g., meat, vegetables, cheese, etc.). Once the lid 120 is in place and the smoke infusion assembly 100 and cooking vessel 105 are turned on, the cooking vessel 105 may initiate a cooking operation and the smoke infusion assembly 100 may initiate a smoking operation (e.g., by activating the heater 155). In some embodiments, the smoke infusion assembly 100 and the cooking vessel 105 may be powered by independent power sources and may be turned on and controlled separately. In other embodiments, the smoke infusion assembly 100 and the cooking vessel 105 may be turned on using the same switch. In some embodiments, the smoke infusion assembly 100 and the cooking vessel 105 may be capable of operating independently. However, the operation of the smoke infusion assembly 100 may be tailored to complement a selected cooking operation of the cooking vessel 105.

[0047] In some embodiments, a time delay may allow for a predetermined amount of time to elapse before the smoke infusion assembly 100 and / or the cooking vessel 105 begin operation(e.g., begin heating). Once the time delay, has elapsed, the fan 126 may turn on for a brief time (e.g., a short pulse) to create a negative vacuum in the container 115, thereby allowing the smoke vapor from the material container 145 to fill the cooking vessel 105 more quickly or efficiently. After the short pulse, the fan 126 may turn off and the cooking vessel 105 may continue cooking the foodstuffs with smoke now at least partially filling the container 115.

[0048] The heater 155 can include a duty cycle that may vary depending on the food type selected, ensuring that an appropriate amount of smoke is introduced into the cooking vessel 105 during the cook time. This amount can be preset (e.g., depending on food type, or irrespective of food type), or can be varied by a user as desired such that the smoke infusion assembly 100 can accommodate users who want more smoke infusion or less smoke infusion than presented by a preset option. In some embodiments, one or more smoke sensors (not shown) may be positioned along an interior surface of the body 125 and configured to detect the presence of smoke. Thus, the smoke sensors can measure and ensure that an appropriate amount of smoke has been introduced and is present within the cooking vessel 105.

[0049] The heater 155 may be configured to cycle on and off while the cooking vessel 105 performs cooking operations so that smoke is present in the cooking vessel 105 as needed and can completely turn off before the end of the cooking period. In some embodiments, once the cooking cycle has ended, the fan 126 may turn on (e.g., fully turn on) to exhaust or remove smoke from the cooking vessel 105. For example, the fan 126 may cause the air within the cooking vessel 105 or within the container 115 to exit to the external environment, as indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 5 and 6. The fan 126 may draw air out of the interior of the cooking vessel 105, through the exhaust ports 165 and into the housing 122, through the air filter 150, and into the external environment via openings at the rear end 162 of the housing 122. After this step is complete and the smoke has been partially or fully removed from the cooking vessel 105, the smoke infusion assembly 100 and / or the cooking vessel 105 mayunlock the locking mechanism (when present), thus allowing the user to remove the lid 120 and provide a substantially smoke-free cooking vessel 105 and external environment.

[0050] As best shown in FIG. 6, one or more openings 170 may be provided at the rear end 162 of the housing 122 and provide communication between an interior of the housing 122 and / or an interior of the body 125 and the external environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 170 are provided in the form of a plurality of slits extending entirely through the rear end 162 of the housing 122 and providing communication between an interior of the housing 122 and the external environment. The openings 170 may be positioned adjacent or proximate to the fan 126. In other embodiments, the openings 170 may be provided in any suitable form, provided that the openings 170 facilitate communication between an interior of the housing 122 and the external environment such that air may exit the smoke infusion assembly 100 to the external environment via the openings 170.

[0051] The fan 126 may be operable in a first mode to draw air into the cooking vessel 105 (e.g., using negative draw) and a second mode to remove air from the cooking vessel 105. In some embodiments, the fan direction may be the same in the first mode and the second mode of operation. The exhaust ports 165 and the openings 170 may provide communication between an interior of the cooking vessel 105, an interior of the housing 122, and the external environment. The openings 170 may function as an intake and the exhaust ports 165 may function as an outlet when the fan 126 operates in the first mode. The exhaust ports 165 may function as an intake and the openings 170 may function as an outlet when the fan 126 operates in the second mode.

[0052] The heater 155 may be configured to turn off under certain conditions to reduce the introduction of smoke into the external environment. For example, when the lid 120 is removed during the cooking process and before the exhaust subassembly 140 is able to evacuate the smoke from the cooking vessel 105 (e.g., through manual disengagement of thelocking mechanism), the heater 155 may automatically turn off so that no additional smoke is introduced into the cooking vessel 105 and / or the home environment. In some embodiments, the heater 155 may turn off in response to a signal from the lid detection switches 139 indicating that the lid 120 has been manually removed.

[0053] In some embodiments, the smoke infusion assembly 100 may be configured to optionally perform a “cold smoke” function. In this mode, the smoke infusion assembly 100 operates in much the same way as it does when performing the “hot smoke” function, but the cooking vessel 105 itself remains off (e.g., a heat source configured to cook food within the cooking vessel 105 may remain off) so that the food contained within the container 115 is not cooked. Instead, only the heater 155 may be activated to introduce smoke into the cooking vessel 105. This mode of operation is particularly useful where a user intends to infuse a food item with a smoke flavor without cooking the item (e.g., infusing smoke in an alcoholic beverage, smoking cheese, etc.).

[0054] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a further embodiment of a smoke infusion assembly 200. The smoke infusion assembly 200 functions in a similar manner compared to the smoke infusion assembly 100. The foregoing description of the operation of the smoke infusion assembly 100, or select portions thereof, may apply equally to the smoke infusion assembly 200 (e.g., the smoke infusion assembly 200 may be configured to perform a “hot smoke” or a “cold smoke” function).

[0055] Components of the smoke infusion assembly 200 and components of the smoke infusion assembly 100 indicated with similar names and reference numbers with a difference of 100 may be substantially similar in form and function. Whereas the smoke infusion assembly 100 is a modular device configured to be removably installed in the cooking vessel 105, the smoke infusion assembly 200 may be integrated into an appliance or cooking vessel 205. In other words, the cooking vessel 205 may be provided as a singular unit including thesmoke infusion assembly 200. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the cooking vessel 205 may be, for example, a slow cooker. In other embodiments, the cooking vessel 205 may be any other device or piece of equipment designed for cooking, treating, or otherwise handling foodstuffs (e.g., a slow cooker, multicooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, oven, toaster, toaster oven, air fryer, dehydrator, mixer, coffee maker, blender, steamer, blender, food processor, sandwich maker, grill, smoke box, cold smoker, or other device). For example, the cooking vessel 205 may be provided as a multicooker operable to perform at least two different cooking functions (e.g., conductive cooking, convective cooking, steam cooking, and the like).

[0056] The cooking vessel 205 may include a base 210, a detachable container 215, and a lid 220 removably positioned atop the container 215. As best shown in FIG. 7 A, the smoke infusion assembly 200 may include a housing 222 and a sliding tray 225 connected to the cooking vessel 205. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 222 may be an integral part of the cooking vessel 205 positioned on a rear portion thereof and the sliding tray 225 may be positioned substantially beneath the cooking vessel 205 (e.g., substantially beneath the container 215). However, in other embodiments, the housing 222 and / or the sliding tray 225 may be positioned in other locations relative to the cooking vessel 205. The sliding tray 225 may include a handle 227 positioned on an exterior surface thereof to aid a user (e.g., when moving the sliding tray 225).

[0057] Turning to FIG. 7B, Unlike the housing 122 of the smoke infusion assembly 100, the housing 222 of the smoke infusion assembly 200 may include an upper housing 230 and a lower housing 232. The upper housing 230 and the lower housing 232 may be coupled together or may be formed integrally together. The upper housing 230 and the lower housing 232 may each be configured to retain one or more components of the smoke infusion assembly 200.

[0058] The lower housing 232 may be configured to retain one or more components of an exhaust subassembly 240 of the smoke infusion assembly 200. The lower housing 232 may include a protruding region 234 extending rearwardly away from the lower housing 232 (e.g., to accommodate one or more components of the exhaust subassembly 240). One or more openings 270 may be formed in the lower housing 232 (e.g., positioned on the protruding region 234) and may provide communication between an interior of the cooking vessel 205 and the external environment. Thus, air (e.g., smoke-infused air) may be exhausted or removed from the cooking vessel 205 via the openings 270 by the smoke infusion assembly 200.

[0059] In some embodiments, the housing 222 may include a locking mechanism (not shown) configured to detachably couple the housing 222, or a portion thereof, to the cooking vessel 205. For example, the housing 222, or a portion thereof, may be hingedly coupled to the cooking vessel 205 proximate to the base 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower housing 232 may include a movable cover plate 235 hingedly attached to the housing 222 and configured to tilt rearwardly away from the cooking vessel 205 to provide access to an interior of the lower housing 232. A latch 237 may be positioned on the housing 222 and extend rearwardly therefrom such that a user may disengage the locking mechanism (e.g., to initiate tilting of the housing 222 or a portion of the housing 222 away from the cooking vessel 205) by depressing or otherwise engaging the latch 237.

[0060] Turning to FIG. 8, the smoke infusion assembly 200 is depicted in isolation. The sliding tray 225 may be movable between a retracted position (as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10) and an extended position. In the extended position, the sliding tray 225 may be moved outwardly away from the cooking vessel 205 (e.g., away from the housing 222). The sliding tray 225 may include a first receptacle 242 retaining a material container 245 (e.g., a pelletbox, combustion chamber, or other container for retaining combustible materials), and the first receptacle 242 may be coupled to the sliding tray 225 and configured to move therewith.

[0061] The smoke infusion assembly 200 may include a heater 255 arranged to apply heat to the contents of the material container 245. For example, the heater 255 may be at least partially disposed within a second receptacle 247 positioned adjacent to the first receptacle 242, and at least a portion of the heater 255 may extend into the first receptacle 242. The second receptacle 247 may be fixed with respect to the sliding tray 225 (e.g., the second receptacle 247 may remain in place when the sliding tray 225 moves to the extended position). A user may place the sliding tray 225 in the retracted position to provide access to the material container 245, for example, to empty or refill the material container 245. A user may grip and pull the handle 227 in order to move the sliding tray 225 from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby providing access to the material container 245. The first receptacle 242 may be in communication with the second receptacle 247 when the sliding tray 225 is in the retracted position.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding tray 225 may be configured to slide out of a front portion of the cooking vessel 205 when the sliding tray 225 moves from the retracted position to the extended position. In other embodiments, however, the sliding tray 225 may be configured to extend away from the cooking vessel 205 in another manner, for example, by sliding out of a left-side portion, a right-side portion, or a rear portion of the cooking vessel 205.

[0063] In some embodiments, the sliding tray 225 may include a locking mechanism (not shown) designed to secure the sliding tray 225 in the retracted position while the cooking vessel 205 is in use. The locking mechanism may function as a safety feature by preventing exposure to the material container 245 and / or other internal components of the smoke infusion assembly 200 while the heater 255 is active or while the cooking vessel 205 is inuse. For example, the smoke infusion assembly 200 may engage the locking mechanism and secure the sliding tray 225 in place when a user initiates an operation of the smoke infusion assembly 200 and / or the cooking vessel 205. The locking mechanism may remain engaged until the operation is complete or until the user manually terminates the operation and / or manually disengages the locking mechanism, thereby releasing the sliding tray 225.

[0064] The smoke infusion assembly 200 differs from the smoke infusion assembly 100 in that, for example, the material container 245 is positioned exterior to the cooking vessel 205 (e.g., exterior to the container 215), whereas the material container 145 is positioned interior to the cooking vessel 105. The smoke infusion assembly 200 may thus include one or more chimneys or ducts for providing communication between the material container 245, the interior of the cooking vessel 205, and the external or ambient environment.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the smoke infusion assembly 200 may include a first chimney or infusion duct 260 for providing communication between the first and second receptacles 242, 247 and the interior of the cooking vessel 205. The smoke infusion assembly 200 may include a second chimney or exhaust duct 265 for providing communication between the interior of the cooking vessel 205 and the external environment. Thus, the smoke infusion assembly 200 may introduce or inject smoke-infused air from the material container 245 into the cooking vessel 205 (e.g., into an interior of the container 215) via the infusion duct 260 and may exhaust or remove air from the interior of the cooking vessel 205 to the external environment via the exhaust duct 265.

[0066] The infusion duct 260 and the exhaust duct 265 may each be at least partially positioned within the lower housing 232. The infusion duct 260 may be in communication with an infusion duct mouth 262 and the exhaust duct 265 may be in communication with an exhaust duct mouth 267. The infusion duct mouth 262 and the exhaust duct mouth 267 may be positioned within the upper housing 230 and may each open into the interior of thecooking vessel 205. Thus, the infusion duct 260 may inject air into the cooking vessel 205 via the infusion duct mouth 262, and the exhaust duct 265 may draw air out of the cooking vessel 205 via the exhaust duct mouth 267.

[0067] The smoke infusion assembly 200 may include a filter box 275 positioned on an interior of the lower housing 232. The filter box 275 may be formed integrally with the lower housing 232 or the filter box 275 may be coupled thereto. The filter box 275 may receive an end of the exhaust duct 265 such that the interior of the filter box 275 is in communication with the exhaust duct 265. The openings 270 in the cover plate 235 may provide communication between an interior of the filter box 275 and the external environment. Thus, when the smoke infusion assembly 200 exhausts or removes air from the cooking vessel 205, the air may travel through the exhaust duct mouth 267, the exhaust duct 265, and the filter box 275 before exiting to the external environment via the openings 270.

[0068] Turning to FIG. 9, the material container 245 and the heater 255 are depicted in isolation. The heater 255 may include a base portion 280 and a stem 285 connected to the base portion 280 and extending outwardly therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 280 and the stem 285 are provided in the form of substantially tubular components oriented substantially parallel with respect to one another. In other embodiments, however, the heater 255 may be provided in any form. In some embodiments, the material container 245 may include a first basket 290 and a second basket 295, and the stem 285 of the heater 255 may be positioned between the first and second baskets 290, 295. The first and second baskets 290, 295 may each include a body 297 defining a cavity for holding a combustible material and a plurality of openings 299 formed in the body 297 to allow smoke generated within the cavity to enter the surrounding area. In other embodiments, however, the material container 245 may be provided in any suitable form provided that at least a portion of the heater 255 is arranged to apply heat to the contents of the material container 245.

[0069] As best shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10, at least a portion of the heater 255 (e.g., the base portion 280) may be positioned within the second receptacle 247 and at least a portion of the heater 255 (e.g., the stem 285) may extend into the first receptacle 242 and be positioned adjacent to the material container 245. In some embodiments, the base portion 280 may be coupled to the second receptacle 247 such that the heater 255 remains stationary when the sliding tray 225 moves between the extended position and the retracted position. Thus, by moving the sliding tray 225 from the extended position to the retracted position (e.g., after filling the material container 245), a user may move the material container 245 into position above or adjacent to the heater 255.

[0070] The heater 255 may generate smoke to be injected into the cooking vessel 205 by applying heat to the contents of the material container 245. The smoke generated by the heater 255 may travel through the first receptacle 242 and the second receptacle 247 into the infusion duct 260. Thus, the smoke may travel through the infusion duct 260 and into the cooking vessel 205 via the infusion duct mouth 262.

[0071] One or more internal components of the smoke infusion assembly 200 may be retained in an accessible compartment 300 positioned between the filter box 275 and the lower housing 232. For example, the cover plate 235 may substantially align with the filter box 275, and the compartment 300 may be positioned between the cover plate 235 and the filter box 275. The exhaust subassembly 240 may include an air mover or fan 226 and an air filter 250 positioned within the compartment 300. The fan 226 may be positioned adjacent to the cover plate 235 and an air filter 250 may be positioned adjacent to the fan 226 (e.g., between the fan 226 and the filter box 275). Like the fan 126, the fan 226 may be operable in a first mode to draw air into the cooking vessel 205 (e.g., using negative draw) and a second mode to remove air from the cooking vessel 205. In some embodiments, the fan direction may be the same in the first mode and the second mode of operation.

[0072] In some embodiments, the exhaust subassembly 240 may include one or more additional filtering components. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the exhaust subassembly 240 may include a particulate filter 305 positioned proximate to the filter box 275 and a secondary filter 310 positioned between the particulate filter 305 and the air filter 250. Together, the air filter 250, particulate filter 305, and secondary filter 310 may form a vent assembly of the smoke infusion assembly 200.

[0073] When air is removed from the cooking vessel 205 via the exhaust duct 265, the air may travel through the exhaust duct 265 and into a primary chamber 315 positioned between the air filter 250 and the filter box 275 (e.g., between the particulate filter 305 and the filter box 275). The openings 270 may extend entirely through the cover plate 235. Thus, when air is removed from the cooking vessel 205, the fan 226 may draw the air first into the primary chamber 315 via the exhaust duct 265, then through the particulate filter 305, then through the secondary filter 310, and finally through the air filter 250 before exiting to the external environment via the openings 270. In some embodiments, the particulate filter 305 and the secondary filter 310 may be omitted and filtering may be performed exclusively by the air filter 250.

[0074] The particulate filter 305, secondary filter 310, and air filter 250 may each be configured to remove smoke or other particulate matter from the air before ejecting the air into the external environment. For example, the particulate filter 305 may be configured to remove larger particulate matter from the air, whereas the secondary filter 310 and the air filter 250 may be configured to remove smaller particulate matter from the air. In other embodiments, each of the particulate filter 305, secondary filter 310, and air filter 250 may be selected to perform targeted filtering of particles having a desired characteristic (e.g., a particular size or material composition). Alternatively, the particulate filter 305 and the secondary filter 310 may be omitted and the air filter 250 may be configured to removeparticulate matter of various sizes and compositions from the air. The air filter 250, particulate filter 305, and / or secondary filter 310 may each be provided in the form of a HEPA filter, a charcoal -impregnated filter, and the like.

[0075] In some embodiments, the smoke infusion assembly 200 may also include a waste chamber 320 configured to receive and retain particulate matter removed from the air exiting the cooking vessel 205. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the waste chamber 320 may be in communication with the primary chamber 315 via a waste duct 325. Thus, particulate matter that is removed from the air by the particulate filter 305 (or, in alternative embodiments, by the secondary filter 310 and / or the air filter 250) but does not adhere thereto may travel to the waste chamber 320 via the waste duct 325. For example, gravity may cause such particulate matter to fall through the waste duct 325 into the waste chamber 320. The waste chamber 320 may be removably coupled to the smoke infusion assembly 200 such that the waste chamber 320 can be detached therefrom (e.g., to be emptied).

[0076] In some embodiments, the housing 222, or a portion thereof, may be configured to move or tilt away from the cooking vessel 205 to provide access to an interior of the housing 222 (e.g., to provide access to the compartment 300), for example, to remove and replace the air filter 250. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover plate 235 may be configured to move or tilt away from the remainder of the housing 222. For example, the cover plate 235 may be hingedly connected to the housing 222 via a hinge 330, and the cover plate 235 may be configured to pivot or tilt away from the remainder of the housing 222 via rotation about an axis of rotation formed by the hinge 330. In some embodiments, the cover plate 235 may be movable to a tilted position where the cover plate 235 is rotated away from the remainder of the housing 222 by at least about 25°, by at least about 30°, by at least about 35°, by at least about 40°, by at least about 45°, or by at least about 50°. The fan 226 and / or the air filter 250 may be connected to the cover plate 235 and configured to move therewith.

[0077] The latch 237 may be positioned on the cover plate 235 and may act as a locking mechanism removably securing the cover plate 235 to the remainder of the housing 222. For example, the latch 237 may include a tab 335 releasably engaging the lower housing 232 as shown, and a user may disengage the latch 237 by depressing or otherwise engaging the latch 237, thereby disengaging the tab 335 from the lower housing 232 and enabling the cover plate 235 to pivot about the hinge 330. In this way, a user may operate the latch 237 to open the housing 222 and provide access to components positioned within the compartment 300, for example, the air filter 250, the fan 226, and / or other internal components of the smoke infusion assembly 200. In other embodiments, the lower housing 232 and optionally the upper housing 230 (or a portion thereof) may be configured to move or pivot away from the cooking vessel 205 in any suitable manner to provide access to one or more internal components positioned within the housing 222. For example, in some embodiments, the cover plate 235 may be completely detachable from the cooking vessel 205.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a schematic depicting a further embodiment of a smoke infusion assembly 400 configured for use with an appliance or cooking vessel 405. The smoke infusion assembly 400 may be integrated with the cooking vessel 405, or the smoke infusion assembly 400 may be modular such that the smoke infusion assembly 400 can be selectively installed on and used with the cooking vessel 405. The smoke infusion assembly 400 may be substantially similar to the smoke infusion assembly 100, the smoke infusion assembly 200, and / or other embodiments not specifically described herein. For example, the smoke infusion assembly 400 may include one or more of the components described above with reference to the smoke infusion assemblies 100, 200 and may function in a substantially similar manner as compared to the smoke infusion assembly 100 and / or the smoke infusion assembly 200.

[0079] In some embodiments, the cooking vessel 405 may be used to cook foodstuffs. For example, the cooking vessel 405 may be a slow cooker, multi-cooker, instant pot, rice cooker,or other device. In other embodiments, the cooking vessel 405 may be used to treat foodstuffs by introducing smoke without cooking the foodstuffs. For example, the cooking vessel 405 may be a device designed to introduce smoke to cheeses, meats, nuts, butter, vegetables, cocktails or other beverages, or other types of food (e.g., a smoke box, smoker cloche, cold smoker, smoking gun, or other device). In still other embodiments, the cooking vessel 405 may be provided in the form of any device or appliance designed to cook, treat, or otherwise handle foodstuffs. Thus, the smoke infusion assembly 400 may be configured for use in a wide variety of applications and can be used with a wide variety of devices.

[0080] As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present disclosure are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications, applications, variations, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. Many such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present constructions will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. Accordingly, various features and characteristics of the embodiments discussed herein may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments, and numerous variations, modifications, and additions further can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses in applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A smoke infusion assembly for an appliance, comprising: a housing including a chamber, an intake in communication with the chamber allowing ambient air to enter the housing, and an outlet in communication with the appliance; a material container including a body with a cavity for holding a combustible material and that is configured to be removably connected to the housing, the body of the material container having one or more openings defined therein; a heating element positioned to engage the material container for heating the combustible material to produce smoke-infused air; an air mover in communication with the intake and outlet of the housing and configured to draw the ambient air into the housing through the intake and direct the smoke-infused air towards the appliance through the outlet; and a filter assembly positioned between the intake in the housing and the air mover and configured to help restrict smoke-infused air from being released from the smoke infusion assembly or the appliance.

2. The smoke infusion assembly of claim 1, wherein the air mover is operable in a first mode to draw smoke-infused air into an interior of the appliance and a second mode to remove at least a portion of the smoke-infused air from the appliance.

3. The smoke infusion assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to be removably connected to the appliance.

4. The smoke infusion assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing is an integral part of the appliance.

5. The smoke infusion assembly of claim 1, wherein the appliance includes a slow cooker, multicooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, oven, toaster, toaster oven, air fryer, dehydrator, mixer, coffee maker, blender, steamer, blender, food processor, sandwich maker, or grill.

6. The smoke infusion assembly of claim 1, wherein the appliance includes a multicooker operable to perform at least two different cooking operations or functions.

7. A smoke infusion assembly for use with a cooking vessel of any shape or size, the smoke infusion assembly comprising: a body sized and shaped to be positioned between a container of the cooking vessel and a lid of the cooking vessel; a material container for holding combustible material connected to the body and positioned inside the cooking vessel when the cooking vessel is in use; a heater arranged to generate smoke by applying heat to the contents of the material container; and an exhaust subassembly connected to the body and positioned outside the cooking vessel when the cooking vessel is in use.

8. The smoke infusion assembly of claim 7, wherein the exhaust subassembly further comprises: a housing connected to the body; a fan positioned within the housing;a filter positioned within the housing between the fan and the cooking vessel; and one or more openings positioned on the housing through which smoke-infused air exits the cooking vessel and enters the external environment.

9. The smoke infusion assembly of claim 8, wherein the fan is operable in a predetermined sequence during a cooking operation, and wherein the predetermined sequence includes one or more specified intervals during the cooking operation where the fan is turned off and one or more specified intervals during the cooking operation where the fan is turned on to direct smoke-infused air into the container of the cooking vessel.

10. The smoke infusion assembly of claim 8, wherein one or more exhaust ports positioned on the body provide communication between an interior of the cooking vessel and an interior of the housing.

11. The smoke infusion assembly of claim 7, wherein the body includes a lip surrounding an upper perimeter of the body, and wherein the body includes one or more lid detection switches configured to detect whether the lid is in a proper position.

12. The smoke infusion assembly of claim 7, wherein the smoke infusion assembly is configured to perform a hot smoke function and a cold smoke function.

12. A cooking vessel, comprising: a container for retaining foodstuffs; a lid positioned atop the container; anda smoke infusion assembly configured to inject smoke-infused air into the container in a first mode of operation and to remove the smoke-infused air from the container in a second mode of operation.

13. The cooking vessel of claim 12, wherein the smoke infusion assembly includes a housing connected to the cooking vessel and a sliding tray positioned at a bottom of the cooking vessel.

14. The cooking vessel of claim 13, wherein the sliding tray retains a material container for holding wood or pellets.

15. The cooking vessel of claim 14, wherein the sliding tray is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and wherein the material container is positioned adjacent to a heater of the smoke infusion assembly when the sliding tray is in the retracted position.

16. The cooking vessel of claim 15, wherein the sliding tray extends from a front or side region of the cooking vessel when the sliding tray moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

17. The cooking vessel of claim 14, wherein the smoke infusion assembly further comprises: an infusion duct in communication with a region surrounding the material container and configured to direct smoke-infused air from the region surrounding the material container into the container of the cooking vessel; andan exhaust duct in communication with the container and configured to remove smoke- infused air from within the container, wherein the infusion duct and the exhaust duct are at least partially positioned within the housing.

18. The cooking vessel of claim 17, further comprising: a fan configured to draw air out of the container via the exhaust duct; and a filter positioned between the exhaust duct and the fan, wherein the smoke-infused air passes through the filter before exiting the cooking vessel and entering the external environment.

19. The cooking vessel of claim 13, wherein the housing includes a cover plate coupled to the remainder of the housing via a hinge, and wherein the cover plate is configured to tilt away from the remainder of the housing via rotation about the hinge to provide access to a compartment retaining a filter of the smoke infusion assembly.

20. The cooking vessel of claim 15, wherein the sliding tray is prevented from moving from the retracted position to the extended position during operation of the cooking vessel.

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