GB2624848A

GB2624848A - A cooking device

Info

Publication number: GB2624848A
Application number: GB2212982.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kontoghiorghes Alexander
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-03-15
Filing date: 2022-09-06
Publication date: 2024-06-05
Also published as: GB202203548D0; GB2616624A; GB202212982D0; GB2616624B

Abstract

A cooking device 99 comprises a cooking section 5 and a support 15 arranged to elevate the cooking section. The cooking section has a cooking tray (25, fig 5) that defines a cooking cavity. At least one food holder 10 is held in the cooking cavity by the cooking tray. A heat source (26, fig 7) is arranged below the food holder(s). A motor (23, fig 7) rotates the food holder(s) upon activation by a controller. There may be three food holders, which may each comprise two perforated or mesh plates for clamping food stuff, a cooking basket, or a skewer. The food holder(s) may comprise a spindle 13 held in a slot 25B of the cooking tray. The cooking device may have a transceiver, sensors, or an imager. The heat source may be a gas burner or an electric heating element. The cooking device may be used outside.

Description

A COOKING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cooking device; more particularly but not exclusively a cooking device that may be used outside.

Background

Many people in many societies enjoy outdoor eating in increasing numbers, and in increasing numbers of situations, particularly as the climate increasingly allows it.

However as the climatic conditions can be increasingly unpredictable, many such eating situations may be compromised or difficult to manage.

For this reason, as well as the demanding time and effort required to cook outdoors, it may be impossible or undesirable for a cook to remain with the outdoor cooking equipment over a prolonged period.

As a result, it may be desirable to obtain the benefits and experience of outdoor cooking without being continually required to monitor cooking conditions, for example turning foods to ensure even cooking.

Prior Art

EP 2 082 475 (HECKER et al) discloses a rotisserie cooking device for use with a cooking source comprising: a food holding member; at least one motor operatively linked with the food holding member; at least one thermopile associated with the motor, the at least one thermopile providing energy for driving the at least one motor for rotating the food holding member.

CN 109 917 713 (HOU) discloses a wireless intelligent controller used for a barbecue oven and a control method thereof. The controller comprises a micro-control unit, a storage unit, a power supply unit, an external input unit, an external driving unit, an external measuring unit, an alarm unit, and a wireless unit, wherein the storage unit, the power supply unit, the external input unit, the external driving unit, the external measuring unit, the alarm unit, and the wireless unit are connected to the micro-control unit. The storage unit is connected to a display unit. The external driving unit is connected to a motor, a fan and a heating rod of the barbecue oven. The external measuring unit is connected to a temperature probe in the oven. By using the control method of the invention, a biomass material can be burned in the barbecue.

US 2007 0 240 698 (HOLBROOK) discloses an accessory for a barbecue grill which automatically flips food over 180 degrees at desired intervals, and which allows the food to rest essentially on the existing grill rack surface when cooking.

W02020/0157546 (REGAZZON) discloses equipment for grilling food.

US2019/0183286 (OH EN) discloses a rotary barbeque with a forward-reverse motor.

U52015/0027321 (YU) discloses a barbeque spit with a probe.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a cooking device comprising: a cooking section with a cooking tray that defines a cooking cavity and a support; the support is arranged to elevate the cooking section; at least one food holder is adapted to be received and held in the cooking cavity by the cooking tray; one or more heat source is arranged below the at least one food holder and at least one motor is provided to rotate the food holders upon activation by a controller.

In this way food on or in the food holders can be cooked in the cooking cavity whilst rotating. The walled cooking tray provides an enclosure (cooking cavity) for cooking that is more able to retain a constant cooking temperature, despite surrounding environmental conditions, thereby enhancing the cooking process and requiring less energy.

In some embodiments the device is adapted for use outside. In some embodiments the device may be adapted for indoor use, or appropriate ventilation may be provided indoors to enable the same device to be used indoors and outdoors.

The heat source is preferably one or more gas burner or one or more electrical heating element.

In some embodiments the cooking device can except a displaceable tray to enable 5 solid fuel such as charcoal or wood chips to be used as an alternative heat source.

Preferably the at least one food holder is displaceable from the cooking section and in particular from the cooking tray so that the holders may be more easily loaded with foods for cooking, to enable removal of cooked food and to make cleaning easier.

In a preferred embodiment the food holders have endmost spindles, such that a food on the food holder can be rotated by engagement of the spindles with the at least one motor.

In some embodiments the food holder is a skewer that receives food.

In some embodiments the one or more food holders comprises a pair of plates that sandwich food therebetween. For example the food holder may have a pair of hinged plates. The hinge may have two hinged plates. For example the plates may be attached by a hinge that has two pivot pins. The pair of plates include a locking means to hold the food between the plates. The locking means may be a sliding catch. In this way the holders may accommodate and clamp down over different depths of foods.

Preferably the plates are formed from a mesh to enable all over cooking. For example 25 the plates may be made from a stainless steel mesh.

In some embodiments the food holders are mesh baskets in which food is placed loosely for cooking so that movement of the food within the box is permitted.

Preferably the device has two or more holders (preferably three food holders). In some embodiments the cooking device has local controls for the food holders.

In some embodiments all food holders are driven in unison by one or more motor so that rotation is synchronised. In other embodiments each food holder is separately 35 controlled so that rotation speed and duration can be independently controlled. This may be achieved by a separate motor operatively connected to each holder, or by an arrangement of gearing and a clutch system so that rotation of each food holder can be selectively engaged thereby providing multiple cooking options.

In preferred embodiments the cooking tray is a substantially rectangular open top box wherein at least two opposed walls are adapted to receive and hold the food holders within the perimeters of the walls. For example the opposed walls may include apertures and/or channels for receiving the spindles and that enable the spindle to pass through the wall to engage with the motor, or a component driven by the motor, in order for the food holders to be turned.

The perimeter walls define the cooking cavity in which food being cooked is held and rotated for optimal cooking. The walls help to confine heat generated by the heat source in a similar way to a traditional oven.

The cooking device has a controller to operate the at least one motor and optionally other features of the cooking device. Typically the controller includes switches to turn on, off and to adjust the one or more heat sources and to turn on, off and to adjust the speed of one or more motors that rotates the at least one food holders. Preferably the switches are associated with a printed circuit board (PCB) that is connected to a power supply.

The controller ideally has a processor such as a microprocessor to receive, send and analyse signals received from one or more sensor that are on the cooking device or optionally remote sensors. In this way the controller monitors operation of the device 25 and may adjust settings in response to data signals received.

For example the device may have one or more sensor for detecting and monitoring different parameters, such as one or more sensor to record temperature of the cooking cavity, or a probe for checking internal temperature of food held in a holder.

In preferred embodiments the cooking device has at least one thermometer to monitor cooking temperatures. In preferred embodiments the cooking temperature is monitored, and data signals received by a microprocessor associated with the controller, or a remote device, analyse the temperature and may adjust the heat 35 sources and/or rotation of the foods on the food holders to achieve optimal cooking.

In some embodiments the device may comprise one or more imager to capture images of video to enable a remote user to monitor the cooking of the foods.

In some embodiments the device comprises one or more weighing means or weight 5 sensing means, for example provided by a weight transducer to convert an input mechanical force such as load, weight, tension, compression, or pressure into an electrical output signal that can be measured, converted and standardised. Such weighing means may be adapted to weigh the food holders. In this way it may be envisaged that the food holders may be weighed with food items after the food holders 10 have been attached. This in turn may be envisaged to be advantageously used to monitor item weight, and therefore the device may be enabled to adjust the temperature and/or rotation patterns accordingly.

Preferably the controller provides signals to start and stop rotation of the food holders 15 when a command signal is received, for example by turning a switch on or off or in response to a signal from a sensor or combination of signals from two or more sensors.

The controller may also enable the speed and duration of rotation to be controlled. For example a rotation programme may be enabled that has a fixed rotation rate and 20 duration.

In some embodiments the controller may also be used to control the heat source, for example to start and stop cooking by turning on and off the one or more heat source.

In some embodiments the controller may be operatively connected to a control panel for manual operation by a user. In some embodiments the control panel includes a display to indicate status of the cooking device which may include various settings and parameters of the device such as temperature.

In some other embodiments the controller is adapted to receive wireless signals from, and transmit wireless signals to, a remote electronic device to enable operation of the cooking device. For example the controller may communicate with an electronic device, such as a smartphone so that a user can control operation remotely using an application on the electronic device.

In some embodiments that are wirelessly controlled there may be no control panel and instead a display may be provided to indicate the status of the cooking device that is controlled by a remove electronic device.

In devices that include means for remote, wireless operation the device may include a transceiver for receiving signals from and sending signals to the remote device and also for receiving data signals from sensors provided on the device. The signals are analysed by the processor and the controller initiates actions in response to certain conditions. For example rotation speed may alter as temperature changes.

It is appreciated that the controller and/or a remote device sending signals to the controller may be pre-programmed with cooking settings for particular foods, so that a pre-set programme can be initiated once the food has been added.

In this way heat sources, such as gas burners may have wirelessly enabled gas valves, so that the gas burners can be activated remotely by the controller so that the amount of heat applied to the foods may be controlled remotely.

Ideally the programme is tailored to the food, for example taking into consideration type of food, weight of food, and how it is being cooked. These parameters may be used to calculate preferred temperature(s), duration of cooking and/or speed of rotation at different stages of cooking. In some embodiments the device may have sensors to analyse the food being cooked and select a programme to reflect this. For example the device may include a sensor to weigh the food and this information is used to determine cooking duration.

In some embodiments the motors may be controlled wirelessly so that the speed and amount of rotation may be controlled remotely.

In yet further embodiments the device may be adapted to operate in response to voice commands. For example the controller and/or the remote device in communication with the controller may include voice detection and interpretation means so that voice commands can be received and processed to control operation of the device. Advantageously this means a user does not need to touch the controls whilst handling food, thereby improving hygiene.

It is appreciated that for devices that are wirelessly enabled, the cooking device may be adapted to operate through various remote devices that can receive and transmit data signals to the cooking device. For example the cooking device may be synced with other household devices and networks, such as Amazon Echo Dot (RTM) or a Nest (RIM) system.

The cooking device has at least one power source to provide power to the at least one motor and other electrical components such as the controller. In some embodiments the device comprises a battery, which may advantageously enable the device to be self-contained and moveable. In other embodiments the device may have a cable for connection to a mains power supply.

In some embodiments the device comprises a thermoelectric generator. This may harvest energy from heat within the cooking section and may therefore be envisaged 15 to provide a trickle-charge for a battery.

In preferred embodiments the support includes a lid, so as to enclose the cooking section and fully define the cooking cavity, as well as to prevent contamination or rain entry.

In some embodiments the lid is provided on an automated hinge so that opening and closing of the lid is automated. For example the automated hinge may be controlled by means of a motor.

In another embodiment the automated lid may include one or more electromagnet to enable the lid to be released from a locked position and then moved from a first position to a second position.

The hinge may include one or more dampener to prevent the lid from slamming closed.

Advantageously the automated lid may also be enabled remotely. This may help a user to handle foods and not have to also operate the lid. For example the user may use a voice command to open and close the lid, thereby only opening the lid when required, thereby conserving heat in the device.

In yet a further embodiment the device may include a water sensor to detect rainfall so that the lid automatically closes on detection of rain. In this way a user is able to leave the cooking device unattended outside but does not risk cooking being compromised.

In preferred embodiments the cooking device has at least one air vent to help regulate cooking temperature. Preferably the cooking vent is provided on a side edge of the cooking tray.

In some embodiments the at least one vent is automated so that opening or closing of 10 the one or vent is in response to detection of one or more parameter, such as temperature in the cooking device, duration of cooking.

In some embodiments the at least one vent is wirelessly controlled so that a user can increase or decrease airflow from a remote location.

In some embodiments the support includes a storage cupboard. In a preferred embodiment the storage cupboard may be used for fuel storage for example for a gas canister for a device with gas burners. In this way the gas may be locally stored and the device more self-contained and moveable.

In some embodiments the support includes one or more food preparation surface for local food preparation or utensil storage, such as a shelf.

In some embodiments the support includes castor wheels so as to allow easy 25 movement.

In some embodiments the cooking section is adapted to receive a griddle to enable cooking of other food above the food holders. In this way heat is not lost by first heating a griddle before heating the food holders In some embodiments the griddle may be set above the food holders at a level that permits rotation of the food holders so that rotation is not impinged in any way.

In other embodiments the griddle is provided at a lower level and rotation of the food 35 holders is not permitted simultaneously with use of the griddle.

It is appreciated that in some embodiments it may be possible to set the griddle at two or more levels to provide different cooking options, both in respect of proximity of the griddle to the heat sources and with respect to rotation of the food holders. For example in some embodiments the food holders may be removed, and the griddle may be mounted on the same means used to secure the food holders, providing a lower cooking level. A second higher cooking level may be provided in which the griddle is arranged on a separate receiving means that is above the food holders.

The griddle may be a solid plate or may be slatted or a mesh or a combination thereof. 10 In this way the griddle may be adapted for different types of cooking. For example in some embodiments the upper surface of the griddle is used to sear foods or to provide a stove top for a pan It is appreciated that different areas of the griddle may be indicated in relation to 15 location of heat sources to enable temperature control.

In some embodiments the griddle may be arranged on a rotating base that also is driven by the at least one motor, or a second motor to facilitate even cooking.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the device; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the first embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1, with the lid closed; Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 3 Figure 5 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device 5 shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a top view of the device; and Figure 8 shows a food holder.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of a cooking device 99 comprising: a cooking section Sand a support 15.

The support 15 is arranged to elevate the cooking section 5 from the ground.

In the pictured embodiment three gas burners 26 (see Figure 7) are provided as the heat sources.

The pictured embodiment has three food holders 10. Each holder 10 comprises perforated clamping plates having endmost spindles 13 that are received in the cooking tray 25.

The cooking tray 25 has slots 25B on a wall 11 into which a second end 10B of each food holder 10 is received and apertures 25C into which a first end 10A of each food holder 10 is received (See Figure 5) A motor 23 turns each spindle of the food holders 10.

A transceiver (not shown) is adapted to control the motors 23.

The cooking section 5 is rectangular in footprint and has a hinged lid 9, which is hinged at a hinge 2 along one long edge.

The lid 9 includes a handle 8 at opposed long edge to that of the hinge 2. The lid 9 curves upwards to further define the cooking cavity 25A beneath the lid.

The support 15 includes an internal skeleton 51 formed in mild steel and is clad with 5 sheets of stainless steel or aluminium (see Figures Sand 6). A front face of the support 15 provides a hinged door 7, to a storage cupboard to contain items such as a gas canister and cooking utensils.

A side face of the support 15 provides a laterally extending food preparation area 14, 10 which has a wooden or stone surface 41.

The support further includes castor wheels 17 to enable the easy movement of the device to different locations.

The holders 10 comprise two perforated stainless steel plates in the form of mesh plates, which are longitudinally arranged with spindles 13 that extend from the second end 10B. The first end 10A is received by a connector 22 that is driven by the motor 23.

The two plates are connected by a hinge 24 that comprises two vertically spaced hinge pins and rocker connector between the two pins, such that the holder plates can adjust for different depth foods.

A second end 10B of the holder 10 includes a ring 20 to assist with location the spindle 25 13 in the slots 25B.

The food holders 10 includes a slidable catch 21 (see Figure 1 and Figure 8) that hold the plates together the under tension thereby holding the plate against the food so that it does not move during rotation.

The support 15 includes a sliding collection tray 16, and a battery hatch 18, for receipt of batteries 78, which may be rechargeable or replaceable. The battery/ies are provided to power the motors 23 and other components that may require a power supply such as any controls. It may be envisaged for example that the electronics are powered by a 12V LiPo battery which could be trickle-charged using the heat generated from the gas grill, or could be replaceable, and re-charged externally.

The cooking section 5 has a cooking tray 25 which defines a cooking cavity 25A. The cooking tray 25 is an open topped box with slots 258 and apertures 25C in opposed walls for receiving and holding the food holders 10.

A side wall 11 of the cooking tray has three slots 25B.

At a control end 19 of the cooking tray 25 there is a fan 28 (see Figure 7)) that helps to draw heated air from the cooking cavity 25A out, and thereby draw cooler air in 10 through the vents 12. The controller 27 is arranged at the control end 19 of the cooking tray 25 (see Figure 7).

The three motors 23 comprise 12V geared down motors driven by the battery or batteries.

The control end 19 further comprise an ignition 4 and three individual local speed controls 3 for each of the motors.

The front of the cooking section 5 comprises further local control means 6, namely 20 three gas burners controls for heat control.

The support plate 11 has depending on slots 25B in its top edge, into which the distal ends of the spindles of the food holders 10 are dropped.

When the lid 9 is closed, as shown in Figure 3, the spindle ends 13 are still available for the user to manually turn them if required.

In use the food holders 10 are displaced from the cooking section 5, the holders 10 are opened and the foods placed within them. The top plate is then closed down over the 30 food and the catch at one end of the holder closed. With food secured between the plates, the food holder 10 is ready to be arranged on the device 99 for cooking.

The first ends 10A of the food holders are located onto the motors 23 at the control end 19 and second ends 108 into the slots 258 (See Figures Sand 6).

In Figure 7 a series of thermoelectric generators 27 are shown on an inside wall of the cooking tray 25. When the cooking device 99 is in use, heat generated can be used to activate the generators to generate electricity that can be trickle fed to a battery (not shown).

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1 A cooking device comprising: a cooking section with a cooking tray that defines a cooking cavity and a support; the support is arranged to elevate the cooking section; at least one food holder is adapted to be received and held in the cooking cavity by the cooking tray; one or more heat source is arranged below the at least one food holder and at least one motor is provided to rotate the food holders upon activation by a controller.
2. A cooking device according to claim 1 wherein the cooking tray is substantially rectangular open top box wherein at least two opposed walls are adapted to receive and hold at least one food holder substantially within the perimeters of the walls.
3. A cooking device according to any preceding claim including a transceiver for receiving signals from and sending signals processed by the controller.
4. A cooking device according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one food holder has endmost spindles, such that a food on the food holder can be rotated by engagement of the spindles with the at least one motor.
5. A cooking device according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more holders is displaceable from the cooking section.
6. A cooking device according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one food holder includes at least two perforated clamping plates for clamping food stuff therebetween.
7. A cooking device according to claim 6 wherein the at least two perforated clamping plates are connected by at least one hinge and include a locking means to close the plates about the food.
8. A cooking device according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one food holder comprises a skewer.
9. A cooking device according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one food holder includes one or more cooking basket.
10. A cooking device according to claim 9 wherein the cooking basket is formed from two more parts connected by at least one hinge and include a locking means to close the two or more parts together to include the food to be cooked.
11 A cooking device according to any preceding claim including a power supply comprising at least one battery.
12. A cooking device according to any preceding claim wherein the power supply comprises a cable for connection to a mains power supply.
13. A cooking device according to any preceding claim comprising a thermoelectric generator.
14. A cooking device according to any preceding claim wherein the heat source is a gas burner.
15. A cooking device according to claim 14 wherein the burners include wirelessly enabled gas valves. 20
16. A cooking device according to any preceding claim wherein the heat source is an electric heating element.
17. A cooking device according to claim including a lid. 25
18. A cooking device according to any preceding claim wherein the support includes a storage cupboard.
19. A cooking device according to claim wherein the support includes a food preparation surface.
20. A cooking device according to any preceding claim wherein the support includes castor wheels.
21. A cooking device according to claim having three food holders.
22. A cooking device according to claim 21 comprising three local controls for rotation of each food holder.
23. A cooking device according to any preceding claim wherein the holders are formed from mesh plates.
24. A cooking device according to claim including one or more sensor to detect a parameter associated with cooking and/or a parameter relating to the surrounding environment.
25. A cooking device according to claim 24 including a temperature probe with at least one sensor to detect internal temperature of food held in or on a holder. 10
26. A cooking device according to any preceding claim including at least one imager arranged to enable a remote user to monitor the cooking of the foods.
27. A cooking device according to any preceding claim including a griddle. 15
28. A cooking device according to claim 27 wherein the griddle is a solid plate or may be slatted or a mesh or a combination thereof.
29. A cooking device according to any preceding claim including a weighing means adapted to weigh the food holders and thereby the food therein.