U.S. patent application number 15/824326 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-24 for apparatus and related methods for preparing popcorn.
The applicant listed for this patent is National Presto Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael R. Berge.
Application Number | 20180139990 15/824326 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56406784 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180139990 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berge; Michael R. |
May 24, 2018 |
APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS FOR PREPARING POPCORN
Abstract
A heated air popcorn popper provides easy access and clean up
through the use of a detachable popping pitcher. The detachable
popping pitcher defines an interior popping volume in which heated
air is used to cause unpopped kernels to pop and form popped
popcorn. The detachable popping pitcher includes a pitcher handle
allowing a user to grasp and manipulate the popping pitcher when
selectively detaching and attaching the popping pitcher to the
popcorn popper. The detachable popping pitcher is completely
removable from a popper housing such that loading unpopped kernels
into the popping pitcher is simplified and the user need not be
concerned about access being awkward or limited. The detachable
popping pitcher can be fully removed from the popper housing
following popping such that any remaining unpopped or popped
kernels can be emptied from the detachable popping pitcher and the
detachable popping pitcher can be cleaned.
Inventors: |
Berge; Michael R.; (Eau
Claire, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
National Presto Industries, Inc. |
Eau Claire |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56406784 |
Appl. No.: |
15/824326 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14598702 |
Jan 16, 2015 |
9826771 |
|
|
15824326 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23L 7/187 20160801;
A23L 7/183 20160801 |
International
Class: |
A23L 7/187 20060101
A23L007/187; A23L 7/183 20060101 A23L007/183 |
Claims
1-9. (canceled)
10. A method for popping popcorn, comprising: removing a popping
pitcher from an interior portion of a popper housing; filling the
popping pitcher with unpopped kernels outside of the popper housing
to form a filled popping pitcher; positioning the filled popping
pitcher within the popper housing; and directing heated air though
the filled popping pitcher such that the unpopped kernels are
caused to pop and form popcorn.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of removing the
popping pitcher further comprises: detaching the popping pitcher
from a mounting surface within the interior portion.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of detaching the
popping pitcher further comprises: biasing a handle on the popping
pitcher such that a latch release on the popping pitcher disengages
a latch member on the popping pitcher from a latch receiver on the
mounting surface.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of filling the popping
pitcher further comprises: directing a kernel retention member
covering an upper opening of the popping pitcher to an open
disposition such that the unpopped kernels can be poured into the
upper opening.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the kernel retention member
includes one or more lid members hingedly covering the upper
opening, and wherein the step of directing the kernel retention
member further comprises: rotating the one or more lid members to
the open disposition.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of positioning the
filled popping pitcher within the popper housing further comprise:
attaching the popping pitcher to a mounting surface within the
interior portion.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of attaching the
popping pitcher, further comprises: directing a positioning tab on
a lower pitcher surface of the popping pitcher into a positioning
recess defined by the mounting surface and a rear wall of the
popper housing.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of attaching the
popping pitcher, further comprises: engaging a latch member on the
popping pitcher with a latch receiver on the mounting surface.
18. A method for popping popcorn, comprising: aligning a filled
popping pitcher with a mounting surface defined within a popping
housing, the filled popping pitcher including a positioning tab
that is insertable into a positioning recess on the popping
housing; and attaching the filled popping pitcher to the mounting
surface.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of attaching the
filled popping pitcher to the mounting surface further comprises:
engaging a latch member on the filled popping pitcher with a latch
receiver on the mounting surface.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of engaging the latch
member further comprises: biasing a handle on the popping pitcher
such that a latch release on the popping pitcher engages a latch
member on the popping pitcher from a latch receiver on the mounting
surface.
21. The method of claim 18, further comprising: directing heated
air through the filled popping pitcher; and a fan assembly, a
heating member, a pitcher screen, and an airflow screen.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein directing heated air through
the filled popping pitcher further comprises: aligning the airflow
screen of the mounting surface with a pitcher screen of the mounted
pitcher so as to allow a fan assembly to direct heated air into the
filled popping pitcher such that the heated air interacts with
unpopped kernels within an interior heating zone of the filled
popping pitcher.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: preventing the
unpopped kernels from exiting the interior heating zone with a
kernel retention member on the filled popping pitcher.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the heated air is at least
185.degree. F.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a division of Application No. 14/598,702
filed Jan. 16, 2015, which is hereby fully incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to apparatus and
methods for preparing popcorn. More specifically, the present
invention relates to apparatus and related methods of preparing
popcorn using a hot air popper with a removable kernel pitcher.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Popcorn is one of the most universally consumed snacks.
Conventional methods for preparing popcorn have utilized heated
oil, microwave heating or heated air as the heating medium. One
benefit of utilizing heated air is that the user can control the
addition of any extra calories or fat as no oil is utilized in the
popping process. Additionally, butter and/or other flavors or
toppings can be added, if desired, after the popping process is
completed.
[0004] One of the most popular settings for the consumption of
popcorn is in movie theaters. Traditionally, theaters have utilized
heated oil based systems to pop large volumes of popcorn. During
the popping process, popped kernels exit out of a popping tub and
are collected on the floor of a popping structure that allows for
theater workers to reach in and fill bags or tubs with freshly
popped popcorn. Following popping, the theater workers typically
rotate the popping tub to an upside down disposition so that any
remaining popped and unpopped kernels are emptied onto the floor of
the popping structure.
[0005] The look and style of traditional theater popcorn poppers
has been replicated in a smaller fashion so as to fit into a home
setting. Generally, these home versions of the theater popcorn
popper have a reduced size such that smaller volumes of popcorn are
popped and stored for consumption. In addition to having a reduced
size, the way in which kernels are popped have been changed from a
conventional heated oil arrangement to a hot air arrangement. Using
heated air allows for cleaner operation and does not require the
user to have oil on hand. In addition, the heated air operation
reduces the potential for smoke.
[0006] While theater style popcorn poppers are available for
residential use, it would be advantageous to further improve upon
their designs to provide additional functionality and ease of
use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A heated air popcorn popper of the present invention
provides easy access and clean up through the use of a detachable
popping pitcher. Generally, the detachable popping pitcher defines
an interior popping volume in which heated air is used to cause
unpopped kernels to pop and form popped popcorn. The detachable
popping pitcher can comprise a pitcher handle allowing a user to
grasp and manipulate the popping pitcher when selectively detaching
and attaching the popping pitcher to the popcorn popper. In a
theater style, heated air popcorn popper, the detachable popping
pitcher is completely removable from a popper housing such that
loading unpopped kernels into the popping pitcher is simplified and
the user need not be concerned about access being awkward or
limited. In a similar manner, the detachable popping pitcher can be
fully removed from the popper housing following popping such that
any remaining unpopped or popped kernels can be emptied from the
detachable popping pitcher and the detachable popping pitcher can
be cleaned if so desired. In some embodiments, the detachable
popping pitcher can be selectively detached or attached from the
popcorn popper with a latching mechanism. In some embodiments, the
detachable popping pitcher can include one or more retaining
members at an upper portion of the popping pitcher to retain
popcorn in a popping volume of the popping pitcher until the level
of popcorn rises so as to physically cause the one or more
retaining members to open.
[0008] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a
popcorn popper having a detachable popping pitcher.
[0009] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a
method for loading unpopped kernels into a popcorn popper.
[0010] In yet another aspect, the present invention can comprise a
theater-style hot air popper having a detachable popping pitcher
for loading unpopped kernels outside of the theater-style hot air
popper.
[0011] In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to
a method of emptying a popcorn popper by removing a detachable
popping pitcher. In some embodiments, the method can further
comprise cleaning the detachable popping pitcher.
[0012] The above summary of the various representative embodiments
of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated
embodiment or every implementation of the invention. Rather, the
embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the
art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of
the invention. The figures in the detailed description that follow
more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] A specific embodiment is now described by way of example to
further the understanding of the present disclosure, with reference
to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view of a theater-style popcorn popper
according to a representative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of the theater-style popcorn popper of
FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the theater-style popcorn popper of
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of the theater-style popcorn popper of
FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the theater-style popcorn popper
of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top view of the theater-style popcorn popper of
FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a top, perspective view of the theater-style
popcorn popper of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a top, perspective view of the theater-style
popcorn popper of FIG. 1 with a door in an open position and a
detachable popping pitcher removed from a popper housing.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a front view of a detachable popping pitcher
according to a representative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a side view of the detachable popping pitcher of
FIG. 9.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the detachable popping pitcher of
FIG. 9.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a side view of the detachable popping pitcher of
FIG. 9.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a top view of the detachable popping pitcher of
FIG. 9.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the detachable popping pitcher
of FIG. 9.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a top, perspective view of the detachable popping
pitcher of FIG. 9.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a top, perspective view of the detachable popping
pitcher of FIG. 9 having a plurality of retention members in an
open disposition.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a bottom, perspective view of the detachable
popping pitcher of FIG. 9.
[0031] FIG. 18 is a partial section view of the theater-style
popcorn popper of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a partial section view of the theater-style
popcorn popper of FIG. 1 illustrating the detachable popping
pitcher being separated from a mounting surface in the popper
housing.
[0033] FIG. 20 is a top, perspective view of the detachable popping
pitcher of FIG. 9.
[0034] FIG. 21 is a front, perspective view of the theater-style
popcorn popper of FIG. 1 with the detachable popping pitcher being
removed from the popper housing.
[0035] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-8, a representative
embodiment of a popcorn popper 100 of the present invention can
comprise a popper housing 102 and a detachable popping pitcher 104.
In some embodiments, popper housing 102 can comprise a
theater-style housing 106. In addition, popcorn popper 100 can also
include one or more serving baskets 108. Popcorn popper 100 is
generally fabricated of materials suited for food contact and
preparation including metals such as aluminum and stainless steel,
plastic polymers such as polycarbonate, glass as well as similar
materials and combinations thereof.
[0037] With reference to FIGS. 1-8, popper housing 102 generally
includes a pair of side walls 110a, 110b, a rear wall 112, a front
wall 114, a top wall 116 and a base assembly 118. Front wall 114 is
generally defined by a door assembly 120 and a serving panel 122.
Door assembly 120 generally comprises a transparent door 124, a
door handle 126 and door hinge assemblies 128a, 128b. The base
assembly 118 can define a control surface 130 including a control
or power button 132 for operably controlling the popcorn popper 100
as well as a removable tray 134. The base assembly 118 further
defines an interior floor surface 136 as well as an external bottom
surface 138. Top wall 116 can comprise a tray recess 140 and an air
vent 142. Each of the side walls 110a, 110b generally comprises a
transparent surface 144 having a vent portion 146.
[0038] Within an interior portion 150 of the popper housing 102,
the base assembly 118 defines a mounting platform 152 as
illustrated in FIGS. 8, 18 and 19. Mounting platform 152 can
comprise a mounting surface 154 that is supported by an elevated
mounting wall 156. Mounting surface 154 can comprise an airflow
screen 158. The mounting surface 154 can further include a latch
receiver 160 oriented toward the front wall 114. Mounting surface
154 and rear wall 112 can cooperatively define a positioning recess
162. Mounting platform 152 generally defines an interior mounting
area 164, which can accommodate a fan assembly 166 and a heating
member 168. Fan assembly 166 can generally comprise a fan wheel 170
and motor 172 while heating member 168 can comprise a resistive
heating element 174. Interior mounting area 164 is generally open
to an interior base portion 176 that can accommodate controls,
wiring and other electrical and safety necessities.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 9-17, detachable popping pitcher 104
generally comprises a pitcher body 180 defined by a pitcher wall
182, an upper pitcher opening 184, a pitcher floor 186 and an
interior heating zone 188. Pitcher body 180 can have a generally
circular cross-section as illustrated or alternatively, the pitcher
body 180 can have a cross-sectional shape selected from squares,
rectangles, triangles and combinations thereof. Generally, the
cross-section of pitcher body 180 will substantially resemble a
cross-section of the mounting platform 152 to promote positioning
and attachment of the pitcher body 180 relative to the mounting
platform 152. Pitcher floor 186 generally includes a pitcher screen
190 formed of a mesh or screen material having apertures
significantly reduced in size compared to individual popcorn
kernels. Pitcher floor 186 can further define a positioning tab
191. Pitcher body 180 can further comprise a kernel retention
mechanism 192 or means for retaining at the upper pitcher opening
184.
[0040] In a representative embodiment, kernel retention mechanism
192 can comprise one or more lid members 194 that are attached to
the upper pitcher opening 184 with a corresponding hinge assembly
196. Lid member 194 can comprise two or more lid members 194, such
as, for example, three lid members 194 as illustrated with the only
requirement being that in combination, the lid members 194 cover
the entire upper pitcher opening 184. Each lid member 194 includes
a plurality of lid vent openings 198. Each lid member 194 has a
corresponding hinge assembly member 196 such that the lid members
194 are individually capable of transitioning between a covering
disposition 200 as seen in FIGS. 7, 8, 13 and 15 and an open
disposition 202 as seen in FIGS. 16, 20 and 21.
[0041] Attached to the pitcher body 180 is a pitcher handle 204.
Proximate the pitcher floor 186, the pitcher handle 204 can define
a latch member 206 having a tapered latch surface 207 as seen in
FIGS. 18 and 19. Pitcher handle 204 can further comprise a latch
actuator 208 that is operably interconnected to the latch member
206 such that depression of the latch actuator 208 changes the
position of the latch member 206.
[0042] In order to use popcorn popper 100, popping pitcher 104 must
be filled with unpopped kernels 210 as illustrated in FIG. 20.
Generally, popping pitcher 104 is positioned outside of the popper
housing 102 to provide easy access to the upper pitcher opening
184. If popping pitcher 104 includes kernel retention mechanism
192, the kernel retention mechanism is first directed to the open
disposition 202 so as provide unimpeded access to the interior
heating zone 188 through upper pitcher opening 184. As the unpopped
kernels 210 are poured into the interior heating zone 188, they
accumulate on the pitcher floor 186 and are retained by the pitcher
screen 190. Once the desired amount of the unpopped kernels 210 are
poured into the popping pitcher 104, the kernel retention mechanism
192 can be directed to the covering disposition 200 to maintain the
unpopped kernels 210 within the interior heating zone 188.
[0043] With the popping pitcher 104 filled with the desired amount
of unpopped kernels 210, the user opens the transparent door 124 to
allow access into the interior portion 150 of the popper housing
102. The user directs the popping pitcher 104 proximate the
mounting platform 152 and begins to engage the mounting platform
152 by guiding the positioning tab 191 into the positioning recess
162 as shown in FIG. 19. With the positioning tab 191 positioned in
the positioning recess 192, the user can lower the popping pitcher
104 such that the pitcher floor 186 sets onto the mounting surface
154. When the pitcher floor 186 is flush with the mounting surface
154, the tapered latch surface 207 causes the latch member 206 to
slip past the latch receiver 160, such that the latch member 206
and latch receiver 160 in conjunction with the interaction of the
positioning tab 191 and positioning recess 162, maintain the
attachment and alignment of the popping pitcher 104 relative to the
mounting platform 152 as shown in FIG. 18. With the popping pitcher
104 attached to the mounting platform 152, the airflow screen 158
and the pitcher screen 190 are aligned so as to allow airflow from
the interior mounting area 164 into the interior heating zone
188.
[0044] With the popcorn popper 100 assembled through attachment of
the popping pitcher 104 to the mounting platform 152, the user can
plug in an electrical cord (not shown) and utilize the control
button 132 to begin a popping cycle. Generally, the fan assembly
166 directs air through the heating member 168 and into the popping
pitcher 104 through the aligned airflow screen 158 and pitcher
screen 190 whereby the heated air interacts with the unpopped
kernels 210 within the interior heating zone 188. Generally, the
unpopped kernels 210 are agitated by the heated air and can even be
carried upward by the heated air. If unpopped kernels 210 are
carried upward, the eventually contact the kernel retention
mechanism 192 which prevents the unpopped kernels 210 from exiting
the interior heating zone 188. After a period of time, the unpopped
kernels 210 begin reaching an internal temperature of at least
185.degree. F., whereby moisture within the unpopped kernels 210 is
converted to steam, thus causing the unpopped kernels 210 to "pop"
and become a popped kernel 212. Each popped kernel 212 is
substantially larger in physical volume following popping, thereby
causing the internal heating zone 188 to become filled with popped
kernels 212. As the popped kernels 212 accumulate and stack upon
one another, eventually an upper level of the popped kernels 212
reaches the kernel retention mechanism 192. As the upper level of
the popped kernels 212 contacts the kernel retention mechanism 192,
the kernel retention mechanism 192 is physically forced upward and
caused to transition from the covering disposition 200 to the open
disposition 202, for example, by causing each lid member 194 to
flip from the covering disposition 200 to the open disposition 202.
As the kernel retention mechanism 192 transitions to the open
disposition 202, the heated air blows upward through the upper
pitcher opening 184 such that the popped kernels 212 begin exiting
the internal heating zone 188 and begin to accumulate on the
interior floor surface 136 of the base assembly 118.
[0045] After a period of time, the unpopped kernels 210 have
"popped" and become popped kernels 212. At that point, the popping
cycle is completed and the fan assembly 166 and heating member 168
are deenergized or turned off. At this point, the majority of
popped kernels 212 have likely exited the popping pitcher 104 and
reside on the interior floor surface 136. The user can open the
door assembly 120 and grasp the pitcher handle 204. As the user
grasps the pitcher handle, the latch actuator 208 can be depressed
thereby causing the latch member 206 to retract away from the latch
receiver 160. The user can then begin lifting the popping pitcher
104 away from the mounting platform 152 such that the positioning
tab 191 is removed from the positioning recess 162. With the
popping pitcher 104 fully detached from the mounting platform 152,
the user can orient the popping pitcher 104 in an upside down
orientation to empty any remaining popped kernels 212 from the
interior heating zone 188 as shown in FIG. 21. The user can then
remove the popping pitcher 104 from the popper housing 102, whereby
the popping pitcher 104 can be reloaded with unpopped kernels 210
or alternatively, the popping pitcher 104 can be cleaned.
[0046] While a specific embodiment has been described above by way
of illustration, it will be appreciated that the described
principles are equally applicable to a wide range of popcorn popper
products and configurations. More generally, numerous adaptations,
modifications, combinations and juxtapositions of the features
described above may be made without departing from the principles
of the presently disclosed invention.
* * * * *