CA2485460C - Cooking appliance with interconnecting racks - Google Patents
Cooking appliance with interconnecting racks Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2485460C CA2485460C CA2485460A CA2485460A CA2485460C CA 2485460 C CA2485460 C CA 2485460C CA 2485460 A CA2485460 A CA 2485460A CA 2485460 A CA2485460 A CA 2485460A CA 2485460 C CA2485460 C CA 2485460C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- rack
- racks
- cooking appliance
- attachment
- attachment clip
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J36/00—Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels
- A47J36/16—Inserts
- A47J36/20—Perforated bases or perforated containers to be placed inside a cooking utensil ; Draining baskets, inserts with separation wall
- A47J36/22—Wire inserts
Abstract
A cooking appliance (10) has a vessel (12), a top (14) and first (18) and second (16) racks each having a food item support surface. The first rack (18) has a rack support suitable to support the second rack on top of the first rack in nested relation with the food item support surface of the second rack spaced a predetermined distance above the food item support surface of the first rack. The first rack (18) includes a plurality of attachment clips (52) to interconnect the two racks. The racks are interconnected by stacking the racks in a vertical stack and rotating the racks relative to one another for handling the racks as one unit. When interconnected, relative rotation of the racks is prevented. One rack includes a rectangular utensil receiving opening (110) in a bottom surface sized and shaped to receive the tines of a standard kitchen for transporting the rack independently.
Description
COOKING APPLL~1C~ ~'V'ITH INTERC01~1~1ECThIG R.~.CKS
Field of the Invention the invention pertains to the field of cooking appliances, and in particular to eookinb appliances raving multiple racks which stack within a cooking vessel.
B~round and Summary of the Invention 'fo increase the surface area available for cooking, cooking appliances sometimes include a number of cooking racks that can be stacked together, vertically, within a cooking vessel to increase the amount of food items that may be put into a cooking appliance oC a given width or "footprint:' V~~l~ile known multiple cooking racks provide; certain benctits, they also increase the number of cooking components that the user must manabe during a cooking session.
To st<gck such racks in a cooking vessel, the user tray Iirst place the lower rack in the cooking vessel and then carefully laluce the upper rack on the lower rack, making sure that the two racla are aligned. Alternatively, tb~e user can stack the t~~:o racks prior to placing them in the vessel, and then lower the stack of racks into the vessel while grasping both racks to ensure that they remain stacked together. Ihese methods can be difficult and uncomfortable, especially if the vessel or surround area is hot.
Likewise, to remove stacked cooking racks, the user may have to grasp the upper rack, remove it from the cooking vessel and place the upper rack on an alternate support surface (e.g., a counter-top or table). 'Ihen, in a second step, the user may have to remove the Iower rack and place it on the alternate support surface.
Alternatively, the user may be able to grasp the lower rack (~irst and remove the stack in one step, however this is often difficult or not possible.
'When the racks arc removed separately, it is also often difficult or not posa~ible for the user to re-stack the racks on the altcmate support surface (especially if the racks are hot) so the user is required to place the lower rack at a different location on the alternate support surface thereby occupying additional v~orking area of the support surface.
To move a cooking rack, it is often desirable to use a utensil rather than one's hand to avoid a bum. ~Iowever, prior rypcs of cooking racks either reduirc a special, dedicated utensil that serves no other purpose and may be difficult to replace i C lost, or, if they permit the use of a standard kitchen utensil, do not provide sufficient stability.
The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of prior cooking devices by providing a cooking appliance having a vessel which contains multiple, stacking racks which may be quickly and conveniently connected ands disconnected by the user thereby enabling the user to handle the stack oFracks as one unit for inserting and removing the racks from the vessel. rurther, a user can use a standard cork utensil to move the racks in a convenient and stable manner.
In one embodiment, the cooking appliance of tke present invention includes multiple Locking clips disposed around a circular periphery of a Lower rack.
Art upper rack includes openings to receive the locking clips of the lower rack. 1~e racks are interconnected by stacking the racks together and rotating the racks relative to one another in a quick and convenient mariner. Specifically, to interconnect the racks, the racks arc stacked together with the openings in the upper rack aligned with the locking clips of the lomrcr rack. Then, the racks are rotaud relative to one another to engage the lock. When the racks rotate through a predetermined arc rclativ a to one another, the racks will interconnect such that the lower rack can be lilted by and suspended from the upper rack. Ln addition, when the lock is engaged and lower rack is suspended by the upper rack, tl~e lockins clips drop below a plane of the top of floe food item support surface of the upper rack thereby preventing unintended rotation of the racks when the racks are moved by the user.
In addition, the food item support surface of one or both of the racks includes rectangular slots sized to closely receive the tines of a standard kitchen fork, which may be used to lift and transport. the rack.
Brief Description of the Drawings hor a complete understanding of the above and other features of the invention, reference shall be made to the following detailed description of. the preferred embodiments of the invention and to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
F IGs. 1 and 2 are sectional views of a cooking appliance constructed according to the invention;
FIG. 3 is a view oFa first embodiment of the invention shown in a disconnected state;
FIGs. ~ and 5 arc views of the invention shown in corrected states;
FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic views of the invention;
FIGs. S, 9, 10, 1.1 ~ 12 arc views of a second embodiment of the invention;
FIGs. 1 ~, 14 & 15 are views of a third embodiment of the invention; and FIGS. 16 & 17 are views oCa fourth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. l b is a view of a fifth embodiment of the invention_ Detailed Description of the Invention Referring to FIGS . 1, 2 &: 3, a cookies appliance 10 constnlcted according to the invention includes a vessel 12. a top 14 and a number oCracks 16, 18 that arc sized and shaped to fit in the vessel 12 under the top 14 thereof.
The racks 16, 1 S include a bottom 20, 22 forming a food item supporting surface and s peripheral side wall 24, 26 forminb a rack support to support another rack a predetermined distsnce thereabove. As depicted, the racls arc preferably substantially circular such that both the bottom 20, 22, the peripheral side wall 24, 26 and a top rim 28, 30 of the side w-a1124, 26 are circular.
The bottom 20, 22 of each rack includes a circular peripheral recess 32, 34 sized and shaped to receive the rim 28, 30 of a lower rack to provide for partial nested stacking of the racks. Thus, when the racks are stacked, the stack has a SubSta nt131 amount of lateral stability. In addition, the circular rim 28, 30 upon which the upper rack rests provides a pivotal support for the upper rack that, ;~s is described in detail below, penn,its (he rotation of the upper rack relative to the lower rack for interconnecting the two racks.
As shown, the racks can be of the wire mesh type, such as to upper rack 16, in which case the bottom 20 consists of tile wires of the mesh. Alternatively, the rac'xs can be of the p~~rferated (stcarningj t}~pe, such ~u the lower rack 18, or can be of other suitable types_ The wire mesh rack 16 includes perpendicular longitudinal 36 and latitudinal 38 wires forming a wire mesh grid with voids (i_e., openings) between the wires.
The grid is bounded by a circular peripheral boundary wire 40 tomzing a boundary of the grid. The side wall 24 of the wire mesh rack 16 includes a plurality of vertical support posts 42 disposed at predetermined intervals around a periphery of the bottom 20 of the rack 16.
Preferably, the support posts 42 are a~.~ted to and ck-tend upwardly from the peripheral boundary wire 40. The side wall 24 also includes a plurality o C circular horizontal rct<aining wires 44 affixeel to the vertical support posts and disposed at predetermined heights above the bottom 20 of the rack 14.
Preferably, the vertical support posts 42 of the wire mesh rack 16 each include a substantially horizontal, .radially-aligned portion 46 intermediate vertically-aligned upper and lower portions 48, 50, which in combination form the circular peripheral recess 32 sized and shaped to receive the rim 30 of a lower rack to provide for partial nested stacking and lateral stability of the racks. In addition to providing for partial nested stacking and lateral stability of the racks, the circular peripheral recess 32 provides for stable, relative rotation of the racks 16, 1. 8 when in a stacked state.
Retening to FIGS. 3 through 7, in one embodiment, a lower rack I6 includes a plurality of attachment clips ~2 connected to the side wall 26 for interconnecting the upper and lower racks 1 S, I6. The attachment clips 52 are preferably disposed at regular angular inteivals (c.g., 90 or 180 degrees) around the side wall 26. The attachment clip 52 includes a base 54 afti.Yed to an inside surFace 56 of the side wall 26, a downwardly-facing, U-shaped neck portion 58 depending from the base 54 and a radially-inwardly, horizontal projecting end portion 59 depending from the neck portion 58.
Preferably, the attachment clip 52 also includes opposed flange portions 60, 62 extending laterally (i.e., tangentially) outwardly and upwardly from the end potion 59 thcrcoF
The attachment clips 52 can be connected to the rack 18 in any suitable maunc'r including welding, riveting or via fasteners or the like. Alternatively, the attachment clips 52 could be integrally formed with the rack J 8.
The peripheral botmdary wire X10 includes a plurality of gaps 64 disposed along the periphery of the rack. Preferably, the gaps 64 arc disposed at the same regular angular interval as the attachment clips.~2 (e.g., 90 or I 80 degrees). Also, as shown in 1~1G. 7, the gaps 64 arc preferably centered on lines of. symmetry of the wire mesh grid.
Each gap 64 joins a partially bounded void 66 in the wire mesh grid with a slot 68 in the side wall 24 orihe rack forming an opening 70 to receive the attachment clip 52 ofthe lover rack 18_ As shown, the partially bounded void G6 in the wire mesh grid is bounded by .first and second parallel wires 65 and a sinble perpendicular 'wire 67, and the slat 6$ in the side wall 24 of the rack 16 is bounded by the peripheral boundary wire ~0, two vertical support posts 42', 42" and a lowest horizontal retaining wire 44'.
The opening 70 in the upper rack 16 is sited and shaped to receive the attachment clip 52 when the upper rack 16 is placed upon and supponed by the lower rack 1 S and to permit the upper rack 16 to rest upon the rim 30 of the lower rack 18. The slot 68 in the side wall 2~ of the upper rack I 8 is sized and shaped to permit Q~e upper rack 16 to rotate relative to the lower rack 18 (or vice versa) to interconnect the two rack.
Preferably, the peripheral boundary wire 40 is spaced radially inwardly from the side wall 26 of the lower rack 1 fi to provide clearance for the neck portion 58 of the attachment clip 52. Also, when the upper rack 1 G is resting on and supported by the lower rack 18, the neck portion SS of the attachment clip 52 does not contact the peripheral boundary wire 40 or any other portion of the upper rack I6. Thus, when the tipper rack 16 is stacked upon and supported by the tower rack 18, the racks can rotate relative io one another through a predetermined angular arc without interference by the attachment clip ~2.
In a stacked, disconnected state, the attachment clip 52 is aligned with and located within the opening 70 of the upper rack 16. To interconnect the upper and lower racl~s 16, 18, the racks are rotated relative to one another ~uch that the attachrrtent clig 52 is angularly displaced from the opening 70. The degree to which the upper and lower racks I6, 1 R rotate relative to one another depends on the angular arc of the slot 68 in the side wall 24 of the upper rack 16, which slot is bounded by the vertical support posts 42' and 42". As depicted inl~lGs. ~ and 5, preferably. the racks 1G, 1S can be interconnected by rotating them rdative to one another in either direction.
In a connected state, the attachment Clip 52, and in particular, the end portion 59 thereof, extends over the bottom ?0 of. the upper rack 16 such that the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16 is disposed between the attachnmnt clip ~2 and the bottom 24 of the lower rack 18. Ihus, when the upper rack 16 is lilted by a user, the attachment clip 52 will engage the bottom 20 of the upper rack 1 G and the bottom rack 1 fi will be suspended from the upper rack 16. In particular, the bottom rack 18 will be suspended via the neck portion 58 of the attachment clip ~2.
Preferably, when in a suspended state, the end portion 59 oCthe attachment clip 52 is located below a top surface of the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16 to prevent unintended relative rotation of the racks. 1n particular, the U-shaped neck portion 58 of the attachment clip 52 extends upwardly a distance sufficient to permit the end portion ~9 of the attachment clip 52 to extend into a recess or opening 72 in the wire mesh grid of the upper rack 16. In this position, the end portion 59 of the attachment clip 52 is located below a top plane of the wire mesh grid, and in particular, below the tops of adjacent parallel wires 6~'. l~hus, when in a suspended state, relative rotation between the upper and lower 1 G, 18 racks it substantially prey ented.
'I~us, to initially interconnect the tlvo racks I G, 18, the openings 70 in the upper rack 1 G are aligned with the at-laclunent clips 52 of the lowcyr rack 18 (FIG. 3) and the upper rack 1 G is placed upon the lower rack 18. Then, to intcr~ onnect the racks, the tlvo racks arc rotated relative to ooe another (usually by rotating the upper rack 15) in either direction (P1G. ~ or 5) such tlh~at the attachment clips 52 arc located above the bottom 2Q
of upper rack 16. At this point, the stack of racks arc interconnected and the stack can be handled as one unit by simply handlins (e.g., graspin5 and liming) the upper rack 16.
When the lower rack 1 S is suspended by the upper rack 16, the attachment clips 52 prevent unintended rotation (and thus possible disconnection) of the racks.
The racks are disconnected in a reverse manner-As can be appreciated, the attachment clips 52 do not inIubit the ability of the raek_s 16, 18 to be swapped such that the rack 18 with the attachment clips 52 is on top (as depicted in FIG. 2). In this configuration, the racks 16, 18 are stacked in a partially nested manner as described above.
Referring to FIGs. 8 tluough 12, in a second embodiment of the invention, a plurality of attachment clips 1 S2 arc a2I'~ed to the bottom 22 of the lower rack 18, spaced radially inwardly from the side wall 2G of the lower rack 18 and disposed a regular angular positions about the bouom 22. Each attachrriettt clip I52 includes a base 73 and rack engaging portion ?4 disposed a prcdecemiined height above the bottom 22 of the lower rack 18. Each attachment clip 152 is located an the bottom 22 of the lower rack 1 S
at a position such that ~rfieri the upper rack 16 is stacked upon the lower rack 18, the attachment clip 152 is aligned with an opening 76 in the bottom of the upper rack 1 G (for example a void in the wire mesh grid). further, the rack endabing portion 74 is sized and shaped to be received within the opening 7G in the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16 and cxtendv through such opening °7G when the racks are in a stacked, supported state. ,AS
depic.tcd in FIG. 12, the attachment clip 152 can also be axed to the side wall 26 for ~furtlaer stability.
Each rack engaging portion 74 includes a stop 78 and a tangentially-extending portion 80 projecting from the stop 78. Preferably, the tangentially-ehrtcnding portions 80 of the attachment clips 1 ~2 proj ect in the same tangential direction (i.e., all project either clockwise or counter-clockwise as viewed from above).
To interconnect the racks, the upper rack 16 is placed upon (i.c., nested with) the lowerraek I8, with the attachment clips 152 extending through aligned openings 76 in the bottom 2U of the upper rack 16. Then, the racks are routed relative to one another such that the bottom 2U of the upper rack 16 is located beri~reen the tangentially-ek'tcnding portions SO and the bottom 22 or the lower rack. Preferably, the racks are rotated until the bottom 20 ofthc upper rack 16 cont<~cts the stops 78 of the attachment clips I52. ~t this point the raek_s are interconnected and the lower rack 18 can be 1i13ed by and suspended from the upper rack 16 for handling the stack as one unit.
Preferably, the tangentially-e:~-ter~ding portion 80 resiliently defends from the base 73 ofthe attachment clip 152 and is biased in an at-rest position. A Suide 82 projects upwardly from the tangentially-e:~tending portion 80. When the racks are in a stacked state, a free end portion 84 of the guide 82 is located above a plane of the bottom 2U of the upper rack 16. In the staclced state, an intcm~ediate portion 86 oCthe tanscnt~ially-extending portion 82 is disposed b~l~w the plane of the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16, when the tangentially-extending portion $0 Is 111 the at-rest state. An inner portion $$ of the tangentially-extending portion 80, located bci~reen the intermediate portion 86 and the stop 78 is disposed above the intermediate portion 86.
lNhen the racks 16, 18 are rotated re>zitive to one another, and sufficient torque is applied to the racks, the guide 83 urges the intermediate portion 8G over the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16 (i.c., a wrire. of the wire mesh grid} against the resilient bias of the attachment clip 1 S2. When the intermediate portion 86 passes over the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16 such that the a portion of the bottom 20 (i.e., a wire) is located bet<vcen the i intermediate portion 86 and the stop 78, the bias of the attachment clip 1S2 tends to return the tangentially-extending portion 80 to the at-rest position. As can be appreciated, in this state, the racks are releasably locked together_ To disconnect the racks 16, 18, sulf cient torque is applied in the opposite direction to overcome the bias of the attachment clip 1S2 and the operation is reversed.
Preferably, the guide 83 c~.rtends above the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16 a sufficient dist<~nce to permit articulation of the tangrnlially-extending portion 80 upwardly from the at-rest position by a user so that the user can more easily connect and disconnect the racks.
In a connected state, the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16 is located between the tangentially-extending portion of the rack engaging portion 74 of the attachment clip 52 and the bottom 22 of the lower rack 18.
Referring to FIGS. 13 through 15, in a third embodiment of the invention, a pluralit}~ of attachment clips 252 are atfia;ed to an outside surface 90 or the side wall 26 of the lower lack I 8, in a cantilevered tasluon preferably at reguar angular intervals along the periphery of the lower rack 18. Each attachment clip 252 includes a base 92 affixed to the lower rack 18 and rack engaging portion 94 resiliently depending from the base 92. The rack engaging portion 94 is disposed a predetermined height above the rim 3U of the lower rack 18 and, in a connected state, releasably securely engages a portion of the side wall 24 of the upper rack 16. Specifically, the rack engaging portion 94 securely engages a top surface of one of the circular retaining wires 44 forming the side wall 24 of the upper rack 16.
The rack: engaginD portion 94 of the attachment clip 252 includes a radially inwardly projection portion 96 ~srhieh, in a connected state, is in contact wide a top surface of a retaining wire 44 forming the side wall 24 of the upper rack 16.
Thus, in the connected state, the retaining wire 44 is located betlveen the rack engaging portion 94 (specifically, the radiall5~ inwardly projection portion 96 thereon and the rim 30 ofthe bottom rack 1 fi. Therefore, in the connected state, the lower rack 1 b is securely connected to the upper rack 16 and the stack of racks can be handled as one unit.
Preferably, the attachment clip 252 includes a radially outwardly extending portion 98 having a tree end portion 100 disposed radially outwardly from the outside surface 90 of the side dvall 2G of the lower rack 18 to pemit the user to deflect the attachment clip 252 outwardly from an at-rest position.
T o connect the racks 16, 1$, the upper rack 16 is aligned above and place upon the lower rack 18 as discu.5sed above, and each attachment clips 252 is (sequentially) dcfl.ccted by the user via the radially outwardly extending portion 98 to engage the rack engaging portion 94 with the upper rack 16. The racks are disconnected in a reverse manner.
Refernng to 1~IGs. 16 and I 7, in a fourth embodiment, the to ,ver rack 1$
includes a plurality of preferably T.-shaped attachment clips 3~2 pivotal ly corniected to the outside surface 90 of the side wall 26 of the lower rack 18. The attachment clips 352 are preferably disposed at regular angular intervals around the periphery of the lower rack 1$.
Also, preferably each attachment clip 352 pivots in a plane substantially parallel (or tangential) to the side wall 26 of the lower rack L$. The upper rack 16 includes a plurality of attachment clip abutment surfaces 102 integrally formed W d~
andlor exrterlding raclially outwardly fiom the side wall 24 of the upper rack 16. Ta en_sure proper alignment with the attachment clips 352, the abutment surfaces 102 are preferably disposed at the satnc regular angular intervals as the attachment clips 352.
As depicted, each abutment surface 102 can comprise a channel 104 affixed to the retaining ~~ires ~l4 ofthe upper rack 16 where the channel has an opening 105 shaped and sized to receive the attachment clip 352 to at least partially surround the attachment clip 352.
In a connected state, amend portion 106 of the attachment clip 362 is in contact with or in close proximity to an associated abutment surface 142, with the abutment surface 102 located between the end portion 106 and the pivotal connection 108 of the attachment clip 352. Thus, the Iower rack 1$ can be lifted by and suspended from the upper rack 16 such that the stack of racks can be handled a_s one unit.
To connect the racks 16, 1$, the racks are stacked as discussed above, unth the attachment clips 352 aligned with associated abutment surfaces 102. Then the attachment clips 352 are ?orated by the user such that the end portions 105 thereof are in contact with (or in close proximity to) the abutment surfaces 102, with the abunnent surfaces I 02 between the end portions 106 and the associated pivotal connection 10$. As can be appreciated, the racks 16, 1 A are disconnected in an opposite manner.
Referring again to F1G. 6, a rack, such as the lower rack 189 can include at least one utensil receiving opening I 10 in the bottom surface 22 thereof, which is sized and shaped to closely xeceiv c an end of a standard utensil, such a standard kitchen fork, for transporting the lower rack 1$ independently of another rack.
Preferably, the utensil receiving 110 openi.nb is substantially rectangular in shape and is sized to closely receive the tines of a standard kitchen fork. The utensil receiving opening 110 is located adjacent the side wall 26 of the lower rack 1S, prcfersbly aboui 1/4 inches therefrom, and is prcterablv substantially rectansular in shape, with a longitudinal axis of about 1 1/4 inches aligned substantially parallel to the adjacent side wall 26 of the rack 18, and with azid a lateral axis of about li4 inches.
The rack 18 is intended to be used in conjunction with and placed within the vessel 12. hllcrcfore, the utensil receiving opening 110 is preferably spaced radially inwardly rrom the side wall 26 a distance sufficient to clear a supporting rim 112 of the vessel 12 upon which the rack 18 rests when placed within the vessel (see also FIG. 1.).
In this manner, tile supporting rim 112 of the vessel will not interfere with the insertion of the utensil into the opetung 110 when the rack 1 fi is resting upon the vessel 12.
Also, preferably, the periphery of the opening 110 is reinforced with a periphery of reinforcing material (c.g., sheet metal) to provide substantial durability to the opening 110. Also, the opening 110 is preferably spaced a distance from any attachment clip, such as the attachment clip ~2, such that the attachment clip 52 does not interfere with the use' of the utensil receiving opening 11 U.
To transport the rack 18 with a standard kitchen fork, the tines of the fork (not shown) are directed through the opening 110 with the top of the Park directed away from the side wall 26 of the rack 18. Then, t'ae fork is rotated toward the adjacent side wall 26 until the back of the fork contacts the side wall 26. At this point, tile user may lift the rack 18 by applyinb sufficient lifting force (and momc~t) to the fork to overcome the wcisht of the rack 1 S. As can be appreciated, the utensil receiving opening 110 can be used to place the rack 18 into and remove tlae rack from the vessel 12 in a convenient manner.
Referring to hlG. 1 S, in a f fth embodiment, an attachment clip 452 can be removably attachable to either the lower 18 and upper 16 racks such that the same attachment clips 452 can be used to interconnect the racks in either conf guration. That is, in the configuration depicted in FIG. 1 or FIG. ?. The attachment clip 452 can project upwardly from a side wall of one of the racks, such as the Iov.Ter rack 18 in which position it can connect to a rack stacked thereabove. Alternatively, the attachment clip 452 can project upwardly from a side wall of the other rack such where it can connect with a rack stacked thereabovc.
Each rack includes means to releasably connect the attachment clip 452 with the attachment clip projecting above the side wall (and rim) of the rack. As depicted this can be accomplished via a socket 112 on the outside surface ofthe sidewall 24 havinb a recess I I4 sized and shaped to receive a projection 116 in the arCachment clip 452. The recess 114 and projection 116 arc sued to pemlit insertion and removal of the attachment clip from the socket 112 and to securely retain the attachment clip 452~when inserted.
When inserted, the attachment clip 452 projects upwardly from the side wall 26 and rim 30 of the rack 1 S for connection with the rack thereabove_ As above; there are preferably a plurality of such sockets and attachment clips disposed at regular snbular intervals around the periphery of the rack.
Preferably each rack incluelcs such sockets such that the position or the sockets can be moved to pern~it interconnection of the racks in the desired configuration.
Specifically, preferably the other rack (here: r4ck 16) also includes the sockets I 12 similar in configuration to that described above, which sockets could be attached to the side wall 24 of the rack 16. It can be appreciated that other releasable attachment clip configurations are also within the scope ofthe invention.
As can be appreciated the present invention provides significant advantages in cooking appliances having multiple, st<3eking racks within the cooking appliance. rn particular, the invention provides a convenient means to insert, remove and otherwise hal~dle multiple cooking racks as a single unit and to tr~nspore such cooking z~.cks using readily accessible and replaceable standard utensils_ It should be understood, of course, that t1'~e specific form of the invention herein a illustrated and described is intended to be representative only, as certain changes may be made therein without departing from the clear teachings of the disclosure.
Accordialgly, re~Cerencc should be made to the following appended claims in determining the full scope of the invention.
Field of the Invention the invention pertains to the field of cooking appliances, and in particular to eookinb appliances raving multiple racks which stack within a cooking vessel.
B~round and Summary of the Invention 'fo increase the surface area available for cooking, cooking appliances sometimes include a number of cooking racks that can be stacked together, vertically, within a cooking vessel to increase the amount of food items that may be put into a cooking appliance oC a given width or "footprint:' V~~l~ile known multiple cooking racks provide; certain benctits, they also increase the number of cooking components that the user must manabe during a cooking session.
To st<gck such racks in a cooking vessel, the user tray Iirst place the lower rack in the cooking vessel and then carefully laluce the upper rack on the lower rack, making sure that the two racla are aligned. Alternatively, tb~e user can stack the t~~:o racks prior to placing them in the vessel, and then lower the stack of racks into the vessel while grasping both racks to ensure that they remain stacked together. Ihese methods can be difficult and uncomfortable, especially if the vessel or surround area is hot.
Likewise, to remove stacked cooking racks, the user may have to grasp the upper rack, remove it from the cooking vessel and place the upper rack on an alternate support surface (e.g., a counter-top or table). 'Ihen, in a second step, the user may have to remove the Iower rack and place it on the alternate support surface.
Alternatively, the user may be able to grasp the lower rack (~irst and remove the stack in one step, however this is often difficult or not possible.
'When the racks arc removed separately, it is also often difficult or not posa~ible for the user to re-stack the racks on the altcmate support surface (especially if the racks are hot) so the user is required to place the lower rack at a different location on the alternate support surface thereby occupying additional v~orking area of the support surface.
To move a cooking rack, it is often desirable to use a utensil rather than one's hand to avoid a bum. ~Iowever, prior rypcs of cooking racks either reduirc a special, dedicated utensil that serves no other purpose and may be difficult to replace i C lost, or, if they permit the use of a standard kitchen utensil, do not provide sufficient stability.
The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of prior cooking devices by providing a cooking appliance having a vessel which contains multiple, stacking racks which may be quickly and conveniently connected ands disconnected by the user thereby enabling the user to handle the stack oFracks as one unit for inserting and removing the racks from the vessel. rurther, a user can use a standard cork utensil to move the racks in a convenient and stable manner.
In one embodiment, the cooking appliance of tke present invention includes multiple Locking clips disposed around a circular periphery of a Lower rack.
Art upper rack includes openings to receive the locking clips of the lower rack. 1~e racks are interconnected by stacking the racks together and rotating the racks relative to one another in a quick and convenient mariner. Specifically, to interconnect the racks, the racks arc stacked together with the openings in the upper rack aligned with the locking clips of the lomrcr rack. Then, the racks are rotaud relative to one another to engage the lock. When the racks rotate through a predetermined arc rclativ a to one another, the racks will interconnect such that the lower rack can be lilted by and suspended from the upper rack. Ln addition, when the lock is engaged and lower rack is suspended by the upper rack, tl~e lockins clips drop below a plane of the top of floe food item support surface of the upper rack thereby preventing unintended rotation of the racks when the racks are moved by the user.
In addition, the food item support surface of one or both of the racks includes rectangular slots sized to closely receive the tines of a standard kitchen fork, which may be used to lift and transport. the rack.
Brief Description of the Drawings hor a complete understanding of the above and other features of the invention, reference shall be made to the following detailed description of. the preferred embodiments of the invention and to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
F IGs. 1 and 2 are sectional views of a cooking appliance constructed according to the invention;
FIG. 3 is a view oFa first embodiment of the invention shown in a disconnected state;
FIGs. ~ and 5 arc views of the invention shown in corrected states;
FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic views of the invention;
FIGs. S, 9, 10, 1.1 ~ 12 arc views of a second embodiment of the invention;
FIGs. 1 ~, 14 & 15 are views of a third embodiment of the invention; and FIGS. 16 & 17 are views oCa fourth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. l b is a view of a fifth embodiment of the invention_ Detailed Description of the Invention Referring to FIGS . 1, 2 &: 3, a cookies appliance 10 constnlcted according to the invention includes a vessel 12. a top 14 and a number oCracks 16, 18 that arc sized and shaped to fit in the vessel 12 under the top 14 thereof.
The racks 16, 1 S include a bottom 20, 22 forming a food item supporting surface and s peripheral side wall 24, 26 forminb a rack support to support another rack a predetermined distsnce thereabove. As depicted, the racls arc preferably substantially circular such that both the bottom 20, 22, the peripheral side wall 24, 26 and a top rim 28, 30 of the side w-a1124, 26 are circular.
The bottom 20, 22 of each rack includes a circular peripheral recess 32, 34 sized and shaped to receive the rim 28, 30 of a lower rack to provide for partial nested stacking of the racks. Thus, when the racks are stacked, the stack has a SubSta nt131 amount of lateral stability. In addition, the circular rim 28, 30 upon which the upper rack rests provides a pivotal support for the upper rack that, ;~s is described in detail below, penn,its (he rotation of the upper rack relative to the lower rack for interconnecting the two racks.
As shown, the racks can be of the wire mesh type, such as to upper rack 16, in which case the bottom 20 consists of tile wires of the mesh. Alternatively, the rac'xs can be of the p~~rferated (stcarningj t}~pe, such ~u the lower rack 18, or can be of other suitable types_ The wire mesh rack 16 includes perpendicular longitudinal 36 and latitudinal 38 wires forming a wire mesh grid with voids (i_e., openings) between the wires.
The grid is bounded by a circular peripheral boundary wire 40 tomzing a boundary of the grid. The side wall 24 of the wire mesh rack 16 includes a plurality of vertical support posts 42 disposed at predetermined intervals around a periphery of the bottom 20 of the rack 16.
Preferably, the support posts 42 are a~.~ted to and ck-tend upwardly from the peripheral boundary wire 40. The side wall 24 also includes a plurality o C circular horizontal rct<aining wires 44 affixeel to the vertical support posts and disposed at predetermined heights above the bottom 20 of the rack 14.
Preferably, the vertical support posts 42 of the wire mesh rack 16 each include a substantially horizontal, .radially-aligned portion 46 intermediate vertically-aligned upper and lower portions 48, 50, which in combination form the circular peripheral recess 32 sized and shaped to receive the rim 30 of a lower rack to provide for partial nested stacking and lateral stability of the racks. In addition to providing for partial nested stacking and lateral stability of the racks, the circular peripheral recess 32 provides for stable, relative rotation of the racks 16, 1. 8 when in a stacked state.
Retening to FIGS. 3 through 7, in one embodiment, a lower rack I6 includes a plurality of attachment clips ~2 connected to the side wall 26 for interconnecting the upper and lower racks 1 S, I6. The attachment clips 52 are preferably disposed at regular angular inteivals (c.g., 90 or 180 degrees) around the side wall 26. The attachment clip 52 includes a base 54 afti.Yed to an inside surFace 56 of the side wall 26, a downwardly-facing, U-shaped neck portion 58 depending from the base 54 and a radially-inwardly, horizontal projecting end portion 59 depending from the neck portion 58.
Preferably, the attachment clip 52 also includes opposed flange portions 60, 62 extending laterally (i.e., tangentially) outwardly and upwardly from the end potion 59 thcrcoF
The attachment clips 52 can be connected to the rack 18 in any suitable maunc'r including welding, riveting or via fasteners or the like. Alternatively, the attachment clips 52 could be integrally formed with the rack J 8.
The peripheral botmdary wire X10 includes a plurality of gaps 64 disposed along the periphery of the rack. Preferably, the gaps 64 arc disposed at the same regular angular interval as the attachment clips.~2 (e.g., 90 or I 80 degrees). Also, as shown in 1~1G. 7, the gaps 64 arc preferably centered on lines of. symmetry of the wire mesh grid.
Each gap 64 joins a partially bounded void 66 in the wire mesh grid with a slot 68 in the side wall 24 orihe rack forming an opening 70 to receive the attachment clip 52 ofthe lover rack 18_ As shown, the partially bounded void G6 in the wire mesh grid is bounded by .first and second parallel wires 65 and a sinble perpendicular 'wire 67, and the slat 6$ in the side wall 24 of the rack 16 is bounded by the peripheral boundary wire ~0, two vertical support posts 42', 42" and a lowest horizontal retaining wire 44'.
The opening 70 in the upper rack 16 is sited and shaped to receive the attachment clip 52 when the upper rack 16 is placed upon and supponed by the lower rack 1 S and to permit the upper rack 16 to rest upon the rim 30 of the lower rack 18. The slot 68 in the side wall 2~ of the upper rack I 8 is sized and shaped to permit Q~e upper rack 16 to rotate relative to the lower rack 18 (or vice versa) to interconnect the two rack.
Preferably, the peripheral boundary wire 40 is spaced radially inwardly from the side wall 26 of the lower rack 1 fi to provide clearance for the neck portion 58 of the attachment clip 52. Also, when the upper rack 1 G is resting on and supported by the lower rack 18, the neck portion SS of the attachment clip 52 does not contact the peripheral boundary wire 40 or any other portion of the upper rack I6. Thus, when the tipper rack 16 is stacked upon and supported by the tower rack 18, the racks can rotate relative io one another through a predetermined angular arc without interference by the attachment clip ~2.
In a stacked, disconnected state, the attachment clip 52 is aligned with and located within the opening 70 of the upper rack 16. To interconnect the upper and lower racl~s 16, 18, the racks are rotated relative to one another ~uch that the attachrrtent clig 52 is angularly displaced from the opening 70. The degree to which the upper and lower racks I6, 1 R rotate relative to one another depends on the angular arc of the slot 68 in the side wall 24 of the upper rack 16, which slot is bounded by the vertical support posts 42' and 42". As depicted inl~lGs. ~ and 5, preferably. the racks 1G, 1S can be interconnected by rotating them rdative to one another in either direction.
In a connected state, the attachment Clip 52, and in particular, the end portion 59 thereof, extends over the bottom ?0 of. the upper rack 16 such that the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16 is disposed between the attachnmnt clip ~2 and the bottom 24 of the lower rack 18. Ihus, when the upper rack 16 is lilted by a user, the attachment clip 52 will engage the bottom 20 of the upper rack 1 G and the bottom rack 1 fi will be suspended from the upper rack 16. In particular, the bottom rack 18 will be suspended via the neck portion 58 of the attachment clip ~2.
Preferably, when in a suspended state, the end portion 59 oCthe attachment clip 52 is located below a top surface of the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16 to prevent unintended relative rotation of the racks. 1n particular, the U-shaped neck portion 58 of the attachment clip 52 extends upwardly a distance sufficient to permit the end portion ~9 of the attachment clip 52 to extend into a recess or opening 72 in the wire mesh grid of the upper rack 16. In this position, the end portion 59 of the attachment clip 52 is located below a top plane of the wire mesh grid, and in particular, below the tops of adjacent parallel wires 6~'. l~hus, when in a suspended state, relative rotation between the upper and lower 1 G, 18 racks it substantially prey ented.
'I~us, to initially interconnect the tlvo racks I G, 18, the openings 70 in the upper rack 1 G are aligned with the at-laclunent clips 52 of the lowcyr rack 18 (FIG. 3) and the upper rack 1 G is placed upon the lower rack 18. Then, to intcr~ onnect the racks, the tlvo racks arc rotated relative to ooe another (usually by rotating the upper rack 15) in either direction (P1G. ~ or 5) such tlh~at the attachment clips 52 arc located above the bottom 2Q
of upper rack 16. At this point, the stack of racks arc interconnected and the stack can be handled as one unit by simply handlins (e.g., graspin5 and liming) the upper rack 16.
When the lower rack 1 S is suspended by the upper rack 16, the attachment clips 52 prevent unintended rotation (and thus possible disconnection) of the racks.
The racks are disconnected in a reverse manner-As can be appreciated, the attachment clips 52 do not inIubit the ability of the raek_s 16, 18 to be swapped such that the rack 18 with the attachment clips 52 is on top (as depicted in FIG. 2). In this configuration, the racks 16, 18 are stacked in a partially nested manner as described above.
Referring to FIGs. 8 tluough 12, in a second embodiment of the invention, a plurality of attachment clips 1 S2 arc a2I'~ed to the bottom 22 of the lower rack 18, spaced radially inwardly from the side wall 2G of the lower rack 18 and disposed a regular angular positions about the bouom 22. Each attachrriettt clip I52 includes a base 73 and rack engaging portion ?4 disposed a prcdecemiined height above the bottom 22 of the lower rack 18. Each attachment clip 152 is located an the bottom 22 of the lower rack 1 S
at a position such that ~rfieri the upper rack 16 is stacked upon the lower rack 18, the attachment clip 152 is aligned with an opening 76 in the bottom of the upper rack 1 G (for example a void in the wire mesh grid). further, the rack endabing portion 74 is sized and shaped to be received within the opening 7G in the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16 and cxtendv through such opening °7G when the racks are in a stacked, supported state. ,AS
depic.tcd in FIG. 12, the attachment clip 152 can also be axed to the side wall 26 for ~furtlaer stability.
Each rack engaging portion 74 includes a stop 78 and a tangentially-extending portion 80 projecting from the stop 78. Preferably, the tangentially-ehrtcnding portions 80 of the attachment clips 1 ~2 proj ect in the same tangential direction (i.e., all project either clockwise or counter-clockwise as viewed from above).
To interconnect the racks, the upper rack 16 is placed upon (i.c., nested with) the lowerraek I8, with the attachment clips 152 extending through aligned openings 76 in the bottom 2U of the upper rack 16. Then, the racks are routed relative to one another such that the bottom 2U of the upper rack 16 is located beri~reen the tangentially-ek'tcnding portions SO and the bottom 22 or the lower rack. Preferably, the racks are rotated until the bottom 20 ofthc upper rack 16 cont<~cts the stops 78 of the attachment clips I52. ~t this point the raek_s are interconnected and the lower rack 18 can be 1i13ed by and suspended from the upper rack 16 for handling the stack as one unit.
Preferably, the tangentially-e:~-ter~ding portion 80 resiliently defends from the base 73 ofthe attachment clip 152 and is biased in an at-rest position. A Suide 82 projects upwardly from the tangentially-e:~tending portion 80. When the racks are in a stacked state, a free end portion 84 of the guide 82 is located above a plane of the bottom 2U of the upper rack 16. In the staclced state, an intcm~ediate portion 86 oCthe tanscnt~ially-extending portion 82 is disposed b~l~w the plane of the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16, when the tangentially-extending portion $0 Is 111 the at-rest state. An inner portion $$ of the tangentially-extending portion 80, located bci~reen the intermediate portion 86 and the stop 78 is disposed above the intermediate portion 86.
lNhen the racks 16, 18 are rotated re>zitive to one another, and sufficient torque is applied to the racks, the guide 83 urges the intermediate portion 8G over the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16 (i.c., a wrire. of the wire mesh grid} against the resilient bias of the attachment clip 1 S2. When the intermediate portion 86 passes over the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16 such that the a portion of the bottom 20 (i.e., a wire) is located bet<vcen the i intermediate portion 86 and the stop 78, the bias of the attachment clip 1S2 tends to return the tangentially-extending portion 80 to the at-rest position. As can be appreciated, in this state, the racks are releasably locked together_ To disconnect the racks 16, 18, sulf cient torque is applied in the opposite direction to overcome the bias of the attachment clip 1S2 and the operation is reversed.
Preferably, the guide 83 c~.rtends above the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16 a sufficient dist<~nce to permit articulation of the tangrnlially-extending portion 80 upwardly from the at-rest position by a user so that the user can more easily connect and disconnect the racks.
In a connected state, the bottom 20 of the upper rack 16 is located between the tangentially-extending portion of the rack engaging portion 74 of the attachment clip 52 and the bottom 22 of the lower rack 18.
Referring to FIGS. 13 through 15, in a third embodiment of the invention, a pluralit}~ of attachment clips 252 are atfia;ed to an outside surface 90 or the side wall 26 of the lower lack I 8, in a cantilevered tasluon preferably at reguar angular intervals along the periphery of the lower rack 18. Each attachment clip 252 includes a base 92 affixed to the lower rack 18 and rack engaging portion 94 resiliently depending from the base 92. The rack engaging portion 94 is disposed a predetermined height above the rim 3U of the lower rack 18 and, in a connected state, releasably securely engages a portion of the side wall 24 of the upper rack 16. Specifically, the rack engaging portion 94 securely engages a top surface of one of the circular retaining wires 44 forming the side wall 24 of the upper rack 16.
The rack: engaginD portion 94 of the attachment clip 252 includes a radially inwardly projection portion 96 ~srhieh, in a connected state, is in contact wide a top surface of a retaining wire 44 forming the side wall 24 of the upper rack 16.
Thus, in the connected state, the retaining wire 44 is located betlveen the rack engaging portion 94 (specifically, the radiall5~ inwardly projection portion 96 thereon and the rim 30 ofthe bottom rack 1 fi. Therefore, in the connected state, the lower rack 1 b is securely connected to the upper rack 16 and the stack of racks can be handled as one unit.
Preferably, the attachment clip 252 includes a radially outwardly extending portion 98 having a tree end portion 100 disposed radially outwardly from the outside surface 90 of the side dvall 2G of the lower rack 18 to pemit the user to deflect the attachment clip 252 outwardly from an at-rest position.
T o connect the racks 16, 1$, the upper rack 16 is aligned above and place upon the lower rack 18 as discu.5sed above, and each attachment clips 252 is (sequentially) dcfl.ccted by the user via the radially outwardly extending portion 98 to engage the rack engaging portion 94 with the upper rack 16. The racks are disconnected in a reverse manner.
Refernng to 1~IGs. 16 and I 7, in a fourth embodiment, the to ,ver rack 1$
includes a plurality of preferably T.-shaped attachment clips 3~2 pivotal ly corniected to the outside surface 90 of the side wall 26 of the lower rack 18. The attachment clips 352 are preferably disposed at regular angular intervals around the periphery of the lower rack 1$.
Also, preferably each attachment clip 352 pivots in a plane substantially parallel (or tangential) to the side wall 26 of the lower rack L$. The upper rack 16 includes a plurality of attachment clip abutment surfaces 102 integrally formed W d~
andlor exrterlding raclially outwardly fiom the side wall 24 of the upper rack 16. Ta en_sure proper alignment with the attachment clips 352, the abutment surfaces 102 are preferably disposed at the satnc regular angular intervals as the attachment clips 352.
As depicted, each abutment surface 102 can comprise a channel 104 affixed to the retaining ~~ires ~l4 ofthe upper rack 16 where the channel has an opening 105 shaped and sized to receive the attachment clip 352 to at least partially surround the attachment clip 352.
In a connected state, amend portion 106 of the attachment clip 362 is in contact with or in close proximity to an associated abutment surface 142, with the abutment surface 102 located between the end portion 106 and the pivotal connection 108 of the attachment clip 352. Thus, the Iower rack 1$ can be lifted by and suspended from the upper rack 16 such that the stack of racks can be handled a_s one unit.
To connect the racks 16, 1$, the racks are stacked as discussed above, unth the attachment clips 352 aligned with associated abutment surfaces 102. Then the attachment clips 352 are ?orated by the user such that the end portions 105 thereof are in contact with (or in close proximity to) the abutment surfaces 102, with the abunnent surfaces I 02 between the end portions 106 and the associated pivotal connection 10$. As can be appreciated, the racks 16, 1 A are disconnected in an opposite manner.
Referring again to F1G. 6, a rack, such as the lower rack 189 can include at least one utensil receiving opening I 10 in the bottom surface 22 thereof, which is sized and shaped to closely xeceiv c an end of a standard utensil, such a standard kitchen fork, for transporting the lower rack 1$ independently of another rack.
Preferably, the utensil receiving 110 openi.nb is substantially rectangular in shape and is sized to closely receive the tines of a standard kitchen fork. The utensil receiving opening 110 is located adjacent the side wall 26 of the lower rack 1S, prcfersbly aboui 1/4 inches therefrom, and is prcterablv substantially rectansular in shape, with a longitudinal axis of about 1 1/4 inches aligned substantially parallel to the adjacent side wall 26 of the rack 18, and with azid a lateral axis of about li4 inches.
The rack 18 is intended to be used in conjunction with and placed within the vessel 12. hllcrcfore, the utensil receiving opening 110 is preferably spaced radially inwardly rrom the side wall 26 a distance sufficient to clear a supporting rim 112 of the vessel 12 upon which the rack 18 rests when placed within the vessel (see also FIG. 1.).
In this manner, tile supporting rim 112 of the vessel will not interfere with the insertion of the utensil into the opetung 110 when the rack 1 fi is resting upon the vessel 12.
Also, preferably, the periphery of the opening 110 is reinforced with a periphery of reinforcing material (c.g., sheet metal) to provide substantial durability to the opening 110. Also, the opening 110 is preferably spaced a distance from any attachment clip, such as the attachment clip ~2, such that the attachment clip 52 does not interfere with the use' of the utensil receiving opening 11 U.
To transport the rack 18 with a standard kitchen fork, the tines of the fork (not shown) are directed through the opening 110 with the top of the Park directed away from the side wall 26 of the rack 18. Then, t'ae fork is rotated toward the adjacent side wall 26 until the back of the fork contacts the side wall 26. At this point, tile user may lift the rack 18 by applyinb sufficient lifting force (and momc~t) to the fork to overcome the wcisht of the rack 1 S. As can be appreciated, the utensil receiving opening 110 can be used to place the rack 18 into and remove tlae rack from the vessel 12 in a convenient manner.
Referring to hlG. 1 S, in a f fth embodiment, an attachment clip 452 can be removably attachable to either the lower 18 and upper 16 racks such that the same attachment clips 452 can be used to interconnect the racks in either conf guration. That is, in the configuration depicted in FIG. 1 or FIG. ?. The attachment clip 452 can project upwardly from a side wall of one of the racks, such as the Iov.Ter rack 18 in which position it can connect to a rack stacked thereabove. Alternatively, the attachment clip 452 can project upwardly from a side wall of the other rack such where it can connect with a rack stacked thereabovc.
Each rack includes means to releasably connect the attachment clip 452 with the attachment clip projecting above the side wall (and rim) of the rack. As depicted this can be accomplished via a socket 112 on the outside surface ofthe sidewall 24 havinb a recess I I4 sized and shaped to receive a projection 116 in the arCachment clip 452. The recess 114 and projection 116 arc sued to pemlit insertion and removal of the attachment clip from the socket 112 and to securely retain the attachment clip 452~when inserted.
When inserted, the attachment clip 452 projects upwardly from the side wall 26 and rim 30 of the rack 1 S for connection with the rack thereabove_ As above; there are preferably a plurality of such sockets and attachment clips disposed at regular snbular intervals around the periphery of the rack.
Preferably each rack incluelcs such sockets such that the position or the sockets can be moved to pern~it interconnection of the racks in the desired configuration.
Specifically, preferably the other rack (here: r4ck 16) also includes the sockets I 12 similar in configuration to that described above, which sockets could be attached to the side wall 24 of the rack 16. It can be appreciated that other releasable attachment clip configurations are also within the scope ofthe invention.
As can be appreciated the present invention provides significant advantages in cooking appliances having multiple, st<3eking racks within the cooking appliance. rn particular, the invention provides a convenient means to insert, remove and otherwise hal~dle multiple cooking racks as a single unit and to tr~nspore such cooking z~.cks using readily accessible and replaceable standard utensils_ It should be understood, of course, that t1'~e specific form of the invention herein a illustrated and described is intended to be representative only, as certain changes may be made therein without departing from the clear teachings of the disclosure.
Accordialgly, re~Cerencc should be made to the following appended claims in determining the full scope of the invention.
Claims (15)
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property and privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A cooking appliance comprising: a vessel; a first and second racks each having a food item support surface; said first rack having a rack support, suitable to support said second rack on top of said first rack with said food item support surface of said second rack spaced a predetermined distance above said food item support surface of said first rack; and suspension means to releasably suspend said first rack from said second rack such that the two racks can be handled as one unit, said suspension means extending directly from said first rack.
2. A cooking appliance as in claim 1, wherein said means to suspend said first rack from said second rack is in a disengaged state when said first and second racks are in a first angular orientation and is in an engaged state when said first and second racks are in a second angular orientation whereby said releasable suspension means is actuated by rotating said first and second racks relative to one another when said racks are arranged in a vertical stack.
3. A cooking appliance as in claim 2, wherein said releasable suspension means comprises means to prevent relative rotation of said first and second racks when said first rack is suspended from said second rack.
4. A cooking appliance as in claim 3, wherein said releasable suspension means comprises means to permit relative rotation of said first and second racks when said second rack is supported by said first rack.
5. A cooking appliance as in claim 1, wherein said first rack includes a plurality of attachment clips; said second rack includes a plurality of openings, each opening being sized and shaped to receive one of said attachment clips; and when said first and second racks are in a connected state, said food item support surface of said second rack is disposed between said attachment clips and said food support surface of said first rack.
6. A cooking appliance as in claim 5, wherein: said openings are disposed on said food item support surface of said second rack; said second rack includes a peripheral side wall having a plurality of slots, each slot being in communication with one of said openings; said clips extending through said slots when said second rack is supported by said first rack; and said slots being sized to permit relative rotation of said first and second racks when said second rack is supported by said first rack.
7. A cooking appliance as in claim 6 further comprising means to prevent relative rotation of said first and second racks when said first rack is suspended from said second rack.
8. A cooking appliance as in claim 7, wherein, when said first rack is suspended from said second rack, a portion of said second rack is disposed between each of said attachment clips and said openings to prevent relative rotation of said first and second racks.
9. A cooking appliance as in claim 5, wherein: each said attachment clip is affixed to said food item supporting surface of said first rack, and includes a rack engaging portion; when in a connected state, said engaging portion of said attachment clip contacts a top surface of said food item support surface of said second rack; and said attachment clip being operable to prevent relative rotation of said first and second racks when ins a connected state.
10. A cooking appliance as in claim 9, wherein: a guide extends upwardly from said rack engaging portion; and said top surface of said food item support surface of said second rack includes an attachment clip engaging portion; and during interconnection of said first and second racks via relative rotation of said first and second racks, said guide being operable to direct said rack engaging portion of said attachment clip over said attachment clip engaging portion of said second rack.
11. A cooking appliance as in claim 10, wherein said guide extends above said food item support surface of said second rack a sufficient distance to permit articulation of said attachment clip by a user for disengagement of said attachment clip and disconnection of said first and second rack.
12. A cooking appliance as in claim 1, wherein: said first rack includes a plurality of attachment clips disposed on a periphery of said first rack; in a connected state, each said attachment clip engaging a periphery of said second rack.
13. A cooking appliance as in claim 12, wherein: each of said attachment clips resiliently depends from said periphery of said first rack and includes a rack engaging portion and a guide depending from said rack engaging portion; said second rack includes a plurality of attachment clip engaging portions; and said guide being operable to direct said rack engaging portion of said attachment clip over an associated attachment clip engaging portion of said second rack during interconnection of said first and second racks.
14. A cooking appliance as in claim 13, wherein said guide extends outwardly from said periphery of said second rack a sufficient distance to permit articulation of said attachment clip by a user for disengagement of said attachment clip and disconnection of said first and second rack.
15. A cooking appliance as in claim 12, wherein: each of said attachment clips is pivotally connected to said periphery of said first rack; and said periphery of said second rack in includes a plurality of recesses sized and shaped to receive one of said attachment clips.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/150,720 US6796222B2 (en) | 2002-05-17 | 2002-05-17 | Cooking appliance with interconnecting racks |
| US10/150,720 | 2002-05-17 | ||
| PCT/CA2003/000754 WO2003096854A1 (en) | 2002-05-17 | 2003-05-20 | Cooking appliance with interconnecting racks |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2485460A1 CA2485460A1 (en) | 2003-11-27 |
| CA2485460C true CA2485460C (en) | 2010-07-27 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2485460A Expired - Fee Related CA2485460C (en) | 2002-05-17 | 2003-05-20 | Cooking appliance with interconnecting racks |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6796222B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1509113B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1320871C (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE339142T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2003233294A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2485460C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE60308360T2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2003096854A1 (en) |
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| US5682811A (en) * | 1996-03-01 | 1997-11-04 | Kidushim; Margaret A. | Indoor grill and method of grilling foods |
| US5682873A (en) * | 1996-07-01 | 1997-11-04 | Chambers; Harold | Camping stove baking attachment device |
| US5727449A (en) * | 1997-02-13 | 1998-03-17 | Healy; Jack | Automatic basting roaster |
| US6289795B1 (en) * | 1998-06-05 | 2001-09-18 | Mclemore Don | Cooking apparatus |
| US5967135A (en) * | 1998-06-17 | 1999-10-19 | Shariat; Saeed | Cooking device with convection powered fan and water reservoir |
| FR2786082B1 (en) * | 1998-11-19 | 2000-12-29 | Seb Sa | COOKING CONTAINER FOR STEAM COOKER |
| US5934185A (en) * | 1999-02-01 | 1999-08-10 | Sonnier; Kay W. | Boiling pot egg support system |
| US6201217B1 (en) * | 1999-04-12 | 2001-03-13 | Heartware Home Products, Inc. | Counter-top electric cooker |
| US6035766A (en) * | 1999-07-09 | 2000-03-14 | Schirmer; Patricia C. | Multi-heating zone cooking pot construction |
| US6125738A (en) * | 1999-10-13 | 2000-10-03 | Poister; Clarence E. | Cooking device for separating and retaining fat from foods during cooking |
| US6263784B1 (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2001-07-24 | Josef Wodeslavsky | Indoor/outdoor smokeless grill with controlled moist heat |
| US6196115B1 (en) * | 2000-08-03 | 2001-03-06 | Mindy Tsao | Structure of a multi-function cooking utensil |
| US6360654B1 (en) * | 2001-02-16 | 2002-03-26 | Randall Cornfield | Multi-purpose cookware |
-
2002
- 2002-05-17 US US10/150,720 patent/US6796222B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2003
- 2003-05-20 DE DE60308360T patent/DE60308360T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-05-20 AU AU2003233294A patent/AU2003233294A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-05-20 CN CNB038164558A patent/CN1320871C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-05-20 CA CA2485460A patent/CA2485460C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-05-20 AT AT03727060T patent/ATE339142T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-05-20 WO PCT/CA2003/000754 patent/WO2003096854A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2003-05-20 EP EP03727060A patent/EP1509113B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1509113B1 (en) | 2006-09-13 |
| DE60308360T2 (en) | 2007-09-20 |
| US6796222B2 (en) | 2004-09-28 |
| EP1509113A1 (en) | 2005-03-02 |
| CN1668236A (en) | 2005-09-14 |
| US20030213375A1 (en) | 2003-11-20 |
| AU2003233294A1 (en) | 2003-12-02 |
| DE60308360D1 (en) | 2006-10-26 |
| CA2485460A1 (en) | 2003-11-27 |
| ATE339142T1 (en) | 2006-10-15 |
| CN1320871C (en) | 2007-06-13 |
| WO2003096854A1 (en) | 2003-11-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20150520 |