Electric heating – Heating devices – Combined with container – enclosure – or support for material...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-22
2001-03-20
Walberg, Teresa (Department: 3742)
Electric heating
Heating devices
Combined with container, enclosure, or support for material...
C219S391000, C099S386000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06204482
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to toaster ovens and more particularly to a method and apparatus for cooling the exterior of a toaster oven.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Without limiting the scope of the present invention, this background of the present invention is described in connection with toaster ovens. Accordingly, the present invention is applicable to cooling the exterior of any cooking apparatus.
Commercial cooking equipment is typically designed to cook food quickly and efficiently. As a result, the heat generated by commercial cooking equipment causes the exterior casing of the equipment to become very hot. This poses a hazard to both employees and adjacent equipment. In addition, the heat radiated from the exterior casing of the equipment raises the ambient temperature of the kitchen and thus increases energy costs through wasted heat and increased air conditioning.
Often, the cooking equipment has one or more fans that direct cool outside air against selected electrical parts to avoid overheating. The heated air is then directed out of the cooking equipment through vents. In forced convection ovens, however, the heated air is directed into the cooking chamber to assist in the cooking process. These fans typically direct the air into the cooking chamber or out of the cooking equipment through vents. Some fans are positioned such that outside air is pulled over cooked food, which causes the premature cooling of the cooked food and introduces air into the cooking equipment that contains residual heat and other contaminants from the cooked food.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for cooling the exterior of a toaster oven. The toaster oven has a cooking chamber and a product slide within an exterior casing. Outside air is forced into a channel formed between (1) the product slide and the exterior casing and (2) the cooking chamber and a corresponding portion of the exterior casing. The forced air is then directed out of the channel into a food preheating area outside the cooking chamber.
Other features and advantages of the present invention shall be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4465701 (1984-08-01), Holman et al.
patent: 4488480 (1984-12-01), Miller et al.
patent: 5473975 (1995-12-01), Bruno et al.
Smith Mark J.
Thoreson Eric
American Permanent Ware Company
Chalker Daniel J.
Fuqua Shawntina
Gardere Wynne & Sewell LLP
Walberg Teresa
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