U.S. patent application number 16/230227 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-27 for cooking range.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hestan Commercial Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Hestan Commercial Corporation. Invention is credited to Jairad Sloyer.
Application Number | 20190195505 16/230227 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66951011 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190195505 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sloyer; Jairad |
June 27, 2019 |
COOKING RANGE
Abstract
According to one example, a cooking range pan includes an upper
flange, an upper level coupled to the upper flange, and a lower
level coupled to the upper level. The upper flange is configured to
be coupled to a frame of a cooking range. The upper level includes
one or more heat source holes that extend through a depth of the
upper level. The lower level includes one or more additional heat
source holes that extend through a depth of the lower level. The
lower level is positioned vertically lower than the upper level.
Each of the heat source holes and the additional heat source holes
are configured to surround a portion of a respective heat source of
the cooking range.
Inventors: |
Sloyer; Jairad; (Rancho
Santa Margarita, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hestan Commercial Corporation |
Anaheim |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hestan Commercial
Corporation
Anaheim
CA
|
Family ID: |
66951011 |
Appl. No.: |
16/230227 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62610644 |
Dec 27, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 3/027 20130101;
F24C 15/107 20130101; F24C 3/085 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24C 3/08 20060101
F24C003/08; F24C 3/02 20060101 F24C003/02; F24C 15/10 20060101
F24C015/10 |
Claims
1. A cooking range, comprising a. a frame having an upper rim
surrounding an upper opening of a cavity; b. a pan coupled to the
frame, the pan extending downward into the upper opening of the
cavity, the pan having an upper level and a lower level, the lower
level being positioned vertically lower than the upper level, the
pan further having one or more upward extending ridges that
separate the upper level from the lower level, wherein the top-most
portion of each of the ridges is positioned vertically higher than
the upper level; and c. a plurality of heat sources, wherein a
first heat source of the plurality of heat sources is positioned
within the lower level, wherein a second heat source of the
plurality of heat sources is positioned within the upper level,
wherein a third heat source of the plurality of heat sources is
positioned within the upper level, wherein a fourth heat source of
the plurality of heat sources is positioned within the upper level,
wherein the first heat source is positioned vertically lower than
each of the second, third, and fourth heat sources, wherein the
first heat source is configured to provide a higher maximum thermal
output than each of the second, third, and fourth heat sources,
wherein the maximum thermal output of the first heat source is at
least about 26,000 British thermal units (BTUs), and wherein the
maximum thermal output of each of the second, third, and fourth
heat sources is at least about 18,000 BTUs.
2. A cooking range, comprising a. a frame having an upper rim
surrounding an upper opening of a cavity; b. a pan coupled to the
frame, the pan extending downward into the upper opening of the
cavity, the pan having an upper level and a lower level, the lower
level being positioned vertically lower than the upper level; and
c. a plurality of heat sources, wherein a first heat source of the
plurality of heat sources is positioned within the lower level,
wherein a second heat source of the plurality of heat sources is
positioned within the upper level, wherein the first heat source is
positioned vertically lower than the second heat source, wherein
the first heat source is configured to provide a higher maximum
thermal output than the second heat source.
3. The cooking range of claim 2, wherein: the first and second heat
sources are gas burners; and gas outlet orifices of the first heat
source are positioned vertically lower than gas outlet orifices of
the second heat source.
4. The cooking range of claim 2, wherein: the upper level comprises
two upper level portions; and the two upper level portions are
positioned on opposing sides of the lower level.
5. The cooking range of claim 2, wherein the upper level surrounds
the lower level.
6. The cooking range of claim 2, wherein the pan further comprises
one or more upward extending ridges that separate the upper level
from the lower level, wherein the top-most portion of each of the
ridges is positioned vertically higher than the upper level.
7. The cooking range of claim 2, wherein the maximum thermal output
of the first heat source is at least about 30,000 British thermal
units (BTUs).
8. The cooking range of claim 2, wherein the maximum thermal output
of the first heat source is at least about 28,000 British thermal
units (BTUs).
9. The cooking range of claim 2, wherein the maximum thermal output
of the first heat source is greater than the maximum thermal output
of the second heat source by at least about 5,000 British thermal
units (BTUs)-7,000 BTUs.
10. The cooking range of claim 2, wherein the maximum thermal
output of the second heat source is at least about 18,000 British
thermal units (BTUs).
11. The cooking range of claim 2, wherein: at least two additional
heat sources of the plurality of heat sources are positioned within
the upper level; and the first heat source is further configured to
provide a higher maximum thermal output than each of the at least
two additional heat sources.
12. The cooking range of claim 11, wherein the second heat source
and the at least two additional heat sources surround the first
heat source.
13. The cooking range of claim 2, wherein the top-most portion of
the first heat source is positioned vertically lower than the upper
level.
14. A cooking range pan, comprising: an upper flange configured to
be coupled to a frame of a cooking range; an upper level coupled to
the upper flange and comprising one or more heat source holes that
extend through a depth of the upper level; and a lower level
coupled to the upper level and comprising one or more additional
heat source holes that extend through a depth of the lower level,
wherein the lower level is positioned vertically lower than the
upper level, wherein each of the heat source holes and the
additional heat source holes are configured to surround a portion
of a respective heat source of the cooking range.
15. The cooking range pan of claim 14, wherein: the upper level
comprises two upper level portions; and the two upper level
portions are positioned on opposing sides of the lower level.
16. The cooking range pan of claim 14, wherein the upper level
surrounds the lower level.
17. The cooking range pan of claim 14, wherein the pan further
comprises one or more upward extending ridges that separate the
upper level from the lower level, wherein the top-most portion of
each of the ridges is positioned vertically higher than the upper
level.
18. The cooking range pan of claim 14, wherein the one or more
additional heat source holes of the lower level comprises a single
additional heat source hole.
19. The cooking range pan of claim 14, wherein the one or more heat
source holes of the upper level comprise at least three heat source
holes that surround the one or more additional heat source holes of
the lower level.
20. A cooking range comprising: a. a frame; b. a cooking vessel
support grate coupled to the frame to provide an upper surface to
support a plurality of cooking vessels; c. a pan coupled to one of
the cooking vessel support grate and the frame to have an upper
surface disposed below the cooking vessel support grate and
projected laterally under the area of the cooking vessel support
grate, the pan comprising: i. an upper level comprising one or more
heat source holes that extend through a depth of the upper level;
and ii. a lower level coupled to the upper level and comprising one
or more additional heat source holes that extend through a depth of
the lower level, wherein the lower level is positioned vertically
lower than the upper level, wherein each of the heat source holes
and the additional heat source holes are configured to accommodate
a conduit to a respective heat source of the cooking range; d. a
plurality of heat sources, each heat source having a burner with a
plurality of orifices for providing a flame, wherein a first heat
source of the plurality of heat sources is positioned within the
lower level, wherein a second heat source of the plurality of heat
sources is positioned within the upper level; e. a source of fuel
in fluid communication with each of the burners of the respective
heat sources via the associated conduit thereof, in which each of
the burners is configured with a control of the fuel to the heat
source to provide a flame having a maximum upper height when the
control is providing a maximum quantity of fuel to each burner to
provide a maximum thermal output of the burner; and f. wherein the
first heat source is configured to provide a higher maximum thermal
output than the second heat source.
21. The cooking range of claim 20, wherein the first heat source is
configured to have at least one of the orifices of the burner and
the flame maximum upper height disposed more distal from the upper
surface of the cooking vessel support grate than a corresponding
one of the orifices of the burner and flame maximum upper height of
the second heat source is distal from the upper surface of the food
support grate.
22. The cooking range of claim 20, wherein the maximum thermal
output of the first heat source is at least about 25,000 British
thermal units (BTUs).
23. The cooking range of claim 20, wherein the maximum thermal
output of the second heat source is at least about 18,000 British
thermal units (BTUs), and wherein the maximum thermal output of the
first heat source is greater than the maximum thermal output of the
second heat source by at least about 5,000 BTUs.
24. The cooking range of claim 20, further comprising a third, a
fourth, and a fifth heat source of the plurality of heat sources,
wherein each of the second, third, fourth, and fifth heat sources
surround the first heat source.
25. The cooking range of claim 24, wherein the third, fourth, and
fifth heat sources are each positioned within the upper level.
26. The cooking range of claim 24, wherein the maximum thermal
output of at least one of the third and fourth heat sources is at
least about 18,000 British thermal units (BTUs).
27. The cooking range of claim 25, wherein the maximum thermal
output of each of the third and fourth heat sources is at least
about 18,000 British thermal units (BTUs).
28. The cooking range of claim 25, wherein the maximum thermal
output of each of the second, third, and fourth heat sources is at
least about 23,000 British thermal units (BTUs), and the maximum
thermal output of the first heat source is at least about 30,000
BTUs.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/610,644 filed on Dec. 27, 2017, the entirety of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to the field of cooking
and more specifically to a cooking range.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Traditionally, a cooking range includes two or more heat
sources (e.g., gas burners) positioned adjacent to each other.
These heat sources may be utilized to cook food on the cooking
range. Such traditional cooking ranges, however, may be
deficient.
SUMMARY
[0004] In a first example, a cooking range comprises: a frame
having an upper rim surrounding an upper opening of a cavity; a pan
coupled to the frame, the pan extending downward into the upper
opening of the cavity, the pan having an upper level and a lower
level, the lower level being positioned vertically lower than the
upper level, the pan further having one or more upward extending
ridges that separate the upper level from the lower level, wherein
the top-most portion of each of the ridges is positioned vertically
higher than the upper level; and a plurality of heat sources,
wherein a first heat source of the plurality of heat sources is
positioned within the lower level, wherein a second heat source of
the plurality of heat sources is positioned within the upper level,
wherein a third heat source of the plurality of heat sources is
positioned within the upper level, wherein a fourth heat source of
the plurality of heat sources is positioned within the upper level,
wherein the first heat source is positioned vertically lower than
each of the second, third, and fourth heat sources, wherein the
first heat source is configured to provide a higher maximum thermal
output than each of the second, third, and fourth heat sources,
wherein the maximum thermal output of the first heat source is at
least about 26,000 British thermal units (BTUs), and wherein the
maximum thermal output of each of the second, third, and fourth
heat sources is at least about 18,000 BTUs.
[0005] In a second example, a cooking range comprises a frame
having an upper rim surrounding an upper opening of a cavity; a pan
coupled to the frame, the pan extending downward into the upper
opening of the cavity, the pan having an upper level and a lower
level, the lower level being positioned vertically lower than the
upper level; and a plurality of heat sources, wherein a first heat
source of the plurality of heat sources is positioned within the
lower level, wherein a second heat source of the plurality of heat
sources is positioned within the upper level, wherein the first
heat source is positioned vertically lower than the second heat
source, wherein the first heat source is configured to provide a
higher maximum thermal output than the second heat source.
[0006] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
first and second heat sources are gas burners; and gas outlet
orifices of the first heat source are positioned vertically lower
than gas outlet orifices of the second heat source.
[0007] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
upper level comprises two upper level portions; and the two upper
level portions are positioned on opposing sides of the lower
level.
[0008] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
upper level surrounds the lower level.
[0009] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
pan further comprises one or more upward extending ridges that
separate the upper level from the lower level, wherein the top-most
portion of each of the ridges is positioned vertically higher than
the upper level.
[0010] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
maximum thermal output of the first heat source is at least about
30,000 British thermal units (BTUs).
[0011] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
maximum thermal output of the first heat source is at least about
28,000 British thermal units (BTUs).
[0012] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
maximum thermal output of the first heat source is at least about
26,000 British thermal units (BTUs).
[0013] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
maximum thermal output of the second heat source is at least about
18,000 British thermal units (BTUs).
[0014] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
maximum thermal output of the first heat source is greater than the
maximum thermal output of the second heat source by at least about
5,000 British thermal units (BTUs)-7,000 BTUs.
[0015] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein at
least two additional heat sources of the plurality of heat sources
are positioned within the upper level; and the first heat source is
further configured to provide a higher maximum thermal output than
each of the at least two additional heat sources.
[0016] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
second heat source and the at least two additional heat sources
surround the first heat source.
[0017] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
top-most portion of the first heat source is positioned vertically
lower than the upper level.
[0018] In a third example, a cooking range pan comprises an upper
flange configured to be coupled to a frame of a cooking range; an
upper level coupled to the upper flange and comprising one or more
heat source holes that extend through a depth of the upper level;
and a lower level coupled to the upper level and comprising one or
more additional heat source holes that extend through a depth of
the lower level, wherein the lower level is positioned vertically
lower than the upper level, wherein each of the heat source holes
and the additional heat source holes are configured to surround a
portion of a respective heat source of the cooking range.
[0019] Another example includes any such cooking range pan, wherein
the upper level comprises two upper level portions; and the two
upper level portions are positioned on opposing sides of the lower
level.
[0020] Another example includes any such cooking range pan, wherein
the upper level surrounds the lower level.
[0021] Another example includes any such cooking range pan, wherein
the pan further comprises one or more upward extending ridges that
separate the upper level from the lower level, wherein the top-most
portion of each of the ridges is positioned vertically higher than
the upper level.
[0022] Another example includes any such cooking range pan, wherein
the one or more additional heat source holes of the lower level
comprises a single additional heat source hole.
[0023] Another example includes any such cooking range pan, wherein
the one or more heat source holes of the upper level comprise at
least three heat source holes that surround the one or more
additional heat source holes of the lower level.
[0024] In a fourth example, a cooking range comprises: a frame; a
cooking vessel support grate coupled to the frame to provide an
upper surface to support a plurality of cooking vessels; a pan
coupled to one of the cooking vessel support grate and the frame to
have an upper surface disposed below the cooking vessel support
grate and projected laterally under the area of the cooking vessel
support grate, the pan comprising: an upper level comprising one or
more heat source holes that extend through a depth of the upper
level; and a lower level coupled to the upper level and comprising
one or more additional heat source holes that extend through a
depth of the lower level, wherein the lower level is positioned
vertically lower than the upper level, wherein each of the heat
source holes and the additional heat source holes are configured to
accommodate a conduit to a respective heat source of the cooking
range; a plurality of heat sources, each heat source having a
burner with a plurality of orifices for providing a flame, wherein
a first heat source of the plurality of heat sources is positioned
within the lower level, wherein a second heat source of the
plurality of heat sources is positioned within the upper level; a
source of fuel in fluid communication with each of the burners of
the respective heat sources via the associated conduit thereof, in
which each of the burners is configured with a control of the fuel
to the heat source to provide a flame having a maximum upper height
when the control is providing a maximum quantity of fuel to each
burner to provide a maximum thermal output of the burner; and
wherein the first heat source is configured to provide a higher
maximum thermal output than the second heat source.
[0025] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
first heat source is configured to have at least one of the
orifices of the burner and the flame maximum upper height disposed
more distal from the upper surface of the cooking vessel support
grate than a corresponding one of the orifices of the burner and
flame maximum upper height of the second heat source is distal from
the upper surface of the food support grate.
[0026] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
maximum thermal output of the first heat source is at least about
25,000 British thermal units (BTUs).
[0027] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
maximum thermal output of the second heat source is at least about
18,000 British thermal units (BTUs), and wherein the maximum
thermal output of the first heat source is greater than the maximum
thermal output of the second heat source by at least about 5,000
BTUs.
[0028] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
maximum thermal output of the second heat source is at least about
18,000 British thermal units (BTUs) and the first heat source has a
maximum thermal output of 5,000 BTU more than the second heat
source.
[0029] Another example includes any such cooking range, further
comprising a third, a fourth, and a fifth heat source of the
plurality of heat sources, wherein each of the second, third,
fourth, and fifth heat sources surround the first heat source.
[0030] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
third, fourth, and fifth heat sources are each positioned within
the upper level.
[0031] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
maximum thermal output of at least one of the third and fourth heat
sources is at least about 18,000 British thermal units (BTUs).
[0032] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
maximum thermal output of each of the third and fourth heat sources
is at least about 18,000 British thermal units (BTUs).
[0033] Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the
maximum thermal output of each of the second, third, and fourth
heat sources is at least about 23,000 British thermal units (BTUs),
and the maximum thermal output of the first heat source is at least
about 30,000 BTUs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0034] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure
and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the
following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0035] FIG. 1A is a side view illustration of an example cooking
range having an example pan, where components of the cooking range
are shown partially in a section view;
[0036] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a kitchen appliance having
the example cooking range and the example pan of FIG. 1A;
[0037] FIG. 1C is a top view of the range portion of the kitchen
appliance of FIG. 1B;
[0038] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the example pan of FIGS.
1A-1C;
[0039] FIG. 2B is a top view of the example pan of FIG. 2A;
[0040] FIG. 2C is a front view of the example pan of FIG. 2A;
[0041] FIG. 2D is a side view of the example pan of FIG. 2A;
[0042] FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of the example pan of FIG.
2B, taken along section line E-E of FIG. 2B;
[0043] FIG. 3A is a top view of a portion of an example cooking
range having another example pan;
[0044] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the example pan of FIG.
3A, taken along section line B-B of FIG. 3A;
[0045] FIG. 3C is another cross-sectional view of the example pan
of FIG. 3A, taken along section line C-C of FIG. 3A;
[0046] FIG. 4A is a top view of a portion of an example cooking
range having another example pan;
[0047] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the example pan of FIG.
4A, taken along section line B-B of FIG. 4A;
[0048] FIG. 4C is another cross-sectional view of the example pan
of FIG. 4A, taken along section line C-C of FIG. 4A;
[0049] FIG. 5A is a top view of a portion of an example cooking
range having another example pan;
[0050] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the example pan of FIG.
5A, taken along section line B-B of FIG. 5A;
[0051] FIG. 5C is another cross-sectional view of the example pan
of FIG. 5A, taken along section line C-C of FIG. 5A;
[0052] FIG. 6A is a top view of a portion of an example cooking
range having another example pan;
[0053] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the example pan of FIG.
6A, taken along section line B-B of FIG. 6A;
[0054] FIG. 6C is another cross-sectional view of the example pan
of FIG. 6A, taken along section line C-C of FIG. 6A;
[0055] FIG. 7A is a top view of a portion of an example cooking
range having another example pan;
[0056] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the example pan of FIG.
7A, taken along section line B-B of FIG. 7A;
[0057] FIG. 7C is another cross-sectional view of the example pan
of FIG. 7A, taken along section line C-C of FIG. 7A;
[0058] FIG. 8A is a top view of a portion of an example cooking
range having another example pan;
[0059] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the example pan of FIG.
8A, taken along section line B-B of FIG. 8A; and
[0060] FIG. 8C is another cross-sectional view of the example pan
of FIG. 8A, taken along section line C-C of FIG. 8A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] Embodiments of the present disclosure are best understood by
referring to FIGS. 1A-8C of the drawings, like numerals being used
for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
[0062] Traditionally, a cooking range includes two or more heat
sources (e.g., gas burners) positioned adjacent to each other.
These heat sources may be utilized to cook food on the cooking
range. Such traditional cooking ranges, however, may be deficient.
For example, a user may desire to have a cooking range with a heat
source that has high maximum thermal output, such as a maximum
thermal output of at least 20,000 British thermal units (BTUs) in
order to more quickly boil water, more quickly heat liquids in
cooking, or for providing a very hot cooking vessel (e.g., pot,
pan, griddle, skillet, wok) to rapidly sear food or stir fry meals.
Such heat sources, however, may run the risk of overheating other
components, may interfere with the functioning of other heat
sources (e.g., may restrict the air flow to another gas burner), or
may increase the risk of starting a fire in the kitchen (e.g.,
rising hot air from the heat sources may overheat surrounding
surfaces to dangerous levels). Additionally, the ability to utilize
a heat source that has high maximum thermal output may be limited
by how much air might be needed by adjacent and surrounding heat
sources to also achieve complete combustion. In residential
kitchens, users may need to compromise between excessive clearances
from potentially flammable materials (e.g., such as walls and
cabinets) and a desired high maximum thermal output. As such,
typical cooking ranges do not include a heat source having a high
maximum thermal output.
[0063] Furthermore, the few cooking ranges that do include a heat
source having a high maximum thermal output tend to require a large
footprint (and/or heat resistant upper panels) so that the heat
sources can be positioned further way from each other, and so that
the heat sources can also be positioned further away from
surrounding walls or cabinets. Such a large footprint may not be
desirable, especially in residential settings where kitchen space
may be at a premium. Additionally, even with the large footprint,
typical cooking ranges may have been prevented from having a heat
source with a high maximum thermal output because the heat source
would need to be positioned too close to a support grate in the
vertical direction. This lack of distance in the vertical direction
tends to restrict the flow of air reaching the cooking gases of a
gas burner, preventing the cooking gas from being combusted
completely. Complete combustion of cooking gas is required to avoid
health hazards (such as from carbon monoxide, or from the soot
created by partially combusted fuel), and is further required to
meet health and safety standards.
[0064] Contrary to these traditional cooking ranges, the cooking
range 1000 and/or pan 200 of FIGS. 1A-8C may address one or more of
these deficiencies. For example, the cooking range 1000 may include
a pan 200 that has an upper level 205 and a lower level 210, both
of which may include one or more heat sources 300 (e.g., 300',
300''). The lower level 210 may be positioned vertically lower than
the upper level 205. Also, the heat source(s) 300'' within the
lower level 210 may be positioned vertically lower than the heat
source(s) 300' within the upper level 205. In some examples, the
vertical distance between the lower level 210 and the upper level
205 (and/or between the heat source(s) 300'' and the heat source(s)
300') may allow the heat source 300'' to be a heat source having a
high maximum thermal output (e.g., a maximum thermal output of at
least 20,000 BTUs), without overheating components that would be
placed in a cavity below the cooking range and/or without
interfering with the operation of the other heat sources 300, in
some examples. Also, the vertical distance may allow the heat
source 300'' to have a higher maximum thermal output than that of
the heat sources 300'. In such examples, the vertical distance may
provide an air gap between the heat sources 300', 300'' that allows
a sufficient amount of air to reach the heat source(s) 300'', even
when, for example, the heat sources 300', 300'' are all emitting
their maximum thermal output, in some examples. Furthermore, in
such examples, the vertical distance may prevent cooking range 1000
from requiring an undue amount of spacing between the heat sources
300', 300'' and/or between adjacent surfaces (e.g., cabinetry) and
the heat sources 300', 300''.
[0065] It should be understood that the vertical distance (e.g.,
the vertical distance between the lower level 210 and the upper
level 205 and/or between the heat source(s) 300'' and the heat
source(s) 300') is generally referred to as relative distance from
the ground, or a relative distance from a top surface of a cooking
vessel support grate (discussed below). An example function of the
lower level 210 of the pan 200 is to provide more air flow to the
heat sources 300'' (e.g., burners) therein and enable high thermal
output when adjacent or surrounding heat sources 300' (e.g.,
burners) in the upper level 205 also operate at a relatively high
output, such as 1, 2, or 4 adjacent heat sources 300' having a
thermal output of at least 5,000 BTUs less than the heat source(s)
300'' in the lower level 210.
[0066] To achieve this and other beneficial functions, the heat
source(s) 300'' in the lower level 210 may be configured in several
ways relative to the heat sources 300' in the upper level 205 of
the pan 200. For example, the top most portion of the gas
orifice(s) of the heat sources 300'' within the lower level 210 may
be vertically lower (e.g., vertically offset) than the top most
portion of the gas orifice(s) of the heat sources 300' within the
upper level 205. As another example, the maximum upper height of a
flame emitted by the heat source(s) 300'' (when emitting the flame
at the maximum thermal output) within the lower level 210 may be
vertically lower (e.g., vertically offset) than the maximum upper
height of a flame emitted by the heat source(s) 300' (when emitting
the flame at the maximum thermal output) within the upper level
205. Generally, the benefits are achieved when the heat source(s)
300'' within the lower level 210 are configured to either have at
least one (i.e., one, the other, or both) of: (1) its gas orifices
disposed more vertically distal from the upper surface of the
cooking vessel support grate (or disposed more vertically closer to
the ground) than the gas orifices of the heat source(s) 300' within
the upper level 205; and (2) its flame having a maximum upper
height that is disposed more vertically distal from the upper
surface of the cooking vessel support grate (or disposed more
vertically closer to the ground) than the maximum upper height of
the flame emitted by the heat source(s) 300' within the upper level
205.
[0067] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an example cooking range 1000 having
an example pan 200. The cooking range 1000 may be any range used
for cooking. As an example, the cooking range 1000 may be a gas
cooking range, an electric cooking range, any other cooking range,
or any combination of the preceding. The cooking range 1000 may be
integrated with an oven, a kitchen appliance that sits on the
floor, any other kitchen appliance (e.g., a warming drawer,
microwave oven, etc.), any similar cooking equipment, or any
combination of the preceding. An example of such an integrated
cooking range 1000 is illustrated in FIGS. 1B-1C, which illustrates
the cooking range 1000 being integrated with an appliance having an
oven 1001. Alternatively, the cooking range 1000 may be a
self-contained unit that fits inside of (and is supported by) an
upper rim surrounding an opening or cavity (e.g., a rectangular
hole) in a counter, counter top, cabinet unit, or cabinet top. The
oven, appliance, counter, counter top, cabinet unit, or cabinet top
of the cooking range 1000 (e.g., an integrated or self-contained
cooking range 1000) may be referred to as a frame 100 for the
cooking range 1000.
[0068] As is illustrated in FIG. 1A, the frame 100 for the cooking
range 1000 may have an upper rim 110 that surrounds an upper
opening 122 of a cavity 120 within the frame 100. The cavity 120
may contain other components of the cooking range 1000 (or of the
integrated appliance), such as gas valves, gas lines, supply tubes,
and/or venturi devices to control the flow and pressure of the gas
to heat sources 300. The cavity 120 may also contain electronic
devices, such as digital or analog controls for an oven 1001 below
the cooking range 1000, or transceivers used to communicate with
external controllers (e.g., wireless devices like Smart Phones and
Tablet computers with Wi Fi or near field communication
hardware).
[0069] The cooking range 1000 may include one or more heat sources
300 (e.g., 300' and 300'') that generate heat for cooking. The heat
sources 300 may be any type of heat sources for use in a cooking
range. For example, the heat sources 300 may be gas burners that
emit a flame when turned on. Such gas burners may include gas
orifices 310 that release combustion gas, emanating flames from the
gas burners. As another example, the heat sources 300 may be
electric resistance heating coils. Each of the heat sources 300 may
have a maximum thermal output, which refers to the maximum amount
of thermal energy that can be provided by the heat source. The
maximum thermal output of a heat source 300 may be the maximum
thermal output advertised by the manufacturer/seller/installer of
the heat source 300. In other examples, the maximum thermal output
of a heat source 300 may be the maximum thermal output that is
actually output by the heat source 300 when in operation in the
cooking range 1000. In further examples, the maximum thermal output
of a heat source 300 may be the maximum thermal output that is
advertised or actually output by the heat source 300 when the heat
source 300 is provided with the maximum quantity of fuel by a
controller (e.g., the gas line or gas knob is fully turned on).
This maximum thermal output may emit a flame having a maximum upper
height (e.g., the top-most portion of the flame). In some examples,
this maximum thermal output may correspond to the number of
orifices 310 in the heat source 300 that provide flames. The heat
sources 300 may increase in diameter to provide more orifices 310
and/or use an inner and outer gas manifold to provide concentric
rings of small adjacent flames from adjacent orifices 310 in each
ring of the heat source 300. Further details regarding the maximum
thermal output of example heat sources 300 are discussed below.
[0070] The cooking range 1000 may include any number of heat
sources 300. For example, the cooking range 1000 may include 1 heat
source 300, 2 heat sources 300, 3 heat sources 300, 4 heat sources
300, 5 heat sources 300, 6 heat sources 300, or any other number of
heat sources 300. As is seen in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the illustrated
cooking range 1000 includes 5 gas burners 300 (e.g., gas burners
300' and 300''). As is further illustrated, the gas burners 300 are
spaced apart from each other, so as to provide a hot flame under
the desired portions of the cooking vessel support grate 600. This
causes the flame regions to not overlap. Additionally, as is seen
in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the gas burners 300' surround the centralized
gas burner 300''. To control the cooking range 1000 (or other
aspects of the appliance, such as the oven 1001), the cooking range
1000 may include a control panel 130 and/and or heat source control
knobs 140, as is illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C. Further details
regarding examples of the heat sources 300 are discussed in detail
below.
[0071] The cooking range 1000 may further include a pan 200 coupled
to the frame 100 (and/or the cooking vessel support grate 600). The
pan 200 may provide a cleanable surface to catch and contain food
drippings, food splatters, accidental spills, fluid boiling over
from a pot, spilt food, or any combination of the preceding. The
pan 200 may be coupled to the frame 100, and may extend downward
into the upper opening 122 of the cavity 120. To couple the pan 200
to the frame 100, the pan 200 may include an upper flange 202 that
is positioned on (e.g., rested on) the upper rim 110 of the frame
100. This may cause the pan 200 to be suspended from the upper rim
100 of the frame 100. The pan 200 may be made of stainless steel
(e.g., highly polished stainless steel), porcelain, any other
cooking material, or any combination of the preceding.
[0072] The upper flange 202 of the pan 200 may surround a pan body
204. The pan body 204 may include an upper level 205 and a lower
level 210. One or more heat sources 300' may be positioned within
the upper level 205 (as is illustrated in FIG. 1C) and one or more
heat sources 300'' may be positioned within the lower level 210 (as
is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C). The upper level 205 may include any
number of heat source 300 positioned within the upper level 205
(where heat sources 300 positioned within the upper level 205 are
referred to as heat sources 300'). For example, the upper level 205
may include one heat source 300', two heat sources 300', three heat
sources 300', four heat sources 300', five heat sources 300', six
heat sources 300', or any other number of heat sources 300'. The
lower level 210 may also include any number of heat source 300
positioned within the lower level 210 (where heat sources 300
positioned within the lower level 210 are referred to as heat
sources 300''). For example, the lower level 210 may include one
heat source 300'', two heat sources 300'', three heat sources
300'', four heat sources 300'', five heat sources 300'', six heat
sources 300'', or any other number of heat sources 300''. As is
illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, the upper level 205 includes four heat
source 300' and the lower level 210 includes one heat source
300''.
[0073] In order for the heat sources 300 to be positioned within
the upper level 205 and lower level 210, the levels 205 and 210 may
include heat source holes 211 that extend entirely through the
corresponding depth of the pan body 204. The heat source holes 211
may allow the heat source 300 to extend upward from the cavity 120
and into the pan 200, causing the pan 200 to surround the heat
sources 300. In some examples, the pan 200 may surround the sides
and bottom of the heat source 300, causing the heat source 300 to
be disposed proximal to a bottom of the pan 200. In such examples,
the heat sources 300 (or the orifices 310 of the heat sources 300)
may be positioned upward from the bottom surface of levels 205, 210
to allow for the flow of air to react with combustibles gas (e.g.,
propane or natural gas). In some examples, each of the heat source
holes 211 may accommodate a conduit of a respective heat source
300. This conduit may deliver a source of fuel to the heat source
300 (e.g., it may deliver gas to a gas burner), thereby allowing a
source of the fuel (e.g., a gas line) to be in fluid communication
with the heat source 300 through the depth of the pan 200.
[0074] As is illustrated in FIG. 1A, the lower level 210 of the pan
200 may be positioned vertically lower than the upper level 205 of
the pan 200 (e.g., in relation to the cooking vessel support grate
600, in relation to the upper flange 202 of the pan 200, etc.). In
FIG. 1A, this difference in vertical height between the lower level
210 and the upper level 205 is illustrated by arrow 212. The
difference in vertical height between the lower level 210 and the
upper level 205 (i.e., arrow 212) may be any amount. For example,
the difference in vertical height may be, or may be about (i.e.,
where "about" refers to +/-10 percent), 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 2
inches, 3 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, any other amount, a range of
(or a range of about) 0.5 inches-6 inches, 0.5 inches-5 inches, 0.5
inches-3 inches, 0.5 inches-2 inches, at least 0.5 inches, at least
1 inch, at least 1.5 inches, at least 2 inches, at least 3 inches,
or any other range.
[0075] In some examples, the difference in vertical height between
the lower level 210 and the upper level 205 may cause the top-most
portion of the heat source(s) 300'' positioned within the lower
level 210 to be positioned vertically lower than the upper level
205, as is seen in FIGS. 1A and 3B. In some examples, the
difference in vertical height between the lower level 210 and the
upper level 205 may cause the heat source(s) 300'' positioned
within the lower level 210 to be positioned vertically lower than
one or more (or all) of the heat source(s) 300' positioned within
the upper level 205. This difference in vertical height is
illustrated by arrow 213 (an example of which is shown in FIG. 3B,
which shows the vertical height difference between a top-most
portion of a heat source 300'' and a top-most portion of a heat
source 300'). The difference in vertical height between the heat
source(s) 300'' positioned within the lower level 210 and the heat
source(s) 300' positioned within the upper level 205 (e.g., between
the top most portions of the heat sources 300', 300'', between the
orifices 310 of the heat sources 300', 300'', between a maximum
upper height of flames emitted by heat sources 300', 300'') may be
any amount. For example, the difference in vertical height may be,
or may be about, 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 5 inches,
6 inches, any other amount, a range of (or range of about) 0.5
inches-6 inches, 0.5 inches-5 inches, 0.5 inches-3 inches, 0.5
inches-2 inches, at least 0.5 inches, at least 1 inch, at least 1.5
inches, at least 2 inches, at least 3 inches, or any other range.
In a preferable example, the difference in vertical height may be
any height difference that causes the orifices 310 of the heat
source(s) 300'' to be positioned vertically lower than the orifices
310 of the heat source(s) 300'. In another preferable example, the
difference in vertical height may be any height difference that
causes the top-most portion of the heat source(s) 300'' to be
positioned vertically lower than the top-most portion of the heat
source(s) 300' (e.g., when considered relative to the top 601 of
the grate 600).
[0076] The lower vertical positioning of the heat source(s) 300''
within the lower level 210 may allow these heat sources 300'' to be
heat sources having a high maximum thermal output, in some
examples. As such, each of the heat sources 300'' may have a high
maximum thermal output of, or about, 20,000 BTUs, 26,000 BTUs,
28,000 BTUs, 30,000 BTUs, 35,000 BTUs, any other amount over 20,000
BTUs, a range of (or a range of about) 20,000-35,000 BTUs,
20,000-30,000 BTUs, 20,000-28,000 BTUs, 20,000-26,000 BTUs, at
least 20,000 BTUs, at least 26,000 BTUs, at least 28,000 BTUs, at
least 35,000 BTUs, or any other range above 20,000 BTUs. The
cooking range 1000 may include one or more of these heat sources
300'' having a high maximum thermal output because the lower
vertical positioning of the heat source(s) 300'' (in relation to
the heat source 300') may create an air gap between the heat
sources 300', 300'' that allows a sufficient amount of air to reach
the heat source(s) 300''. This sufficient amount of air may allow a
heat source 300'' having a high maximum thermal output to be
positioned in the cooking range 1000 (in the lower level 210)
without unduly affecting the other heat sources 300, and without
being unduly affected by the other heat source 300. As such, the
air gap may prevent the heat sources 300', 300'' from competing
with each other for sufficient oxygen, and may thereby allow the
heat source 300'' to emit its high maximum thermal output, even
when the other heat sources 300 are also emitting their maximum
thermal output. Instead, the air gap between the heat sources 300',
300'' may help create a wide vertical annulus surrounding the heat
source 300'' which may provide more opportunity for air to flow to
the orifices 310 of the heat source 300''.
[0077] The cooking range 1000 may also include one or more of these
heat source 300'' having a high maximum thermal output because the
lower vertical positioning of the heat source(s) 300'' (in relation
to the heat sources 300') may create a larger vertical air gap
between the heat sources 300'' and an upper surface 601 of a
cooking vessel support grate 600 (discussed further below). This
vertical air gap between the heat source(s) 300'' and the cooling
vessel support grate 600 may also help create a wide vertical
annulus surrounding the heat source 300'' which may provide more
opportunity for air to flow to the orifices 310 of the heat source
300''. Also, because the heat source 300'' has a high maximum
thermal output, it may emit a larger diameter flame "crown" (e.g.,
from a ring of orifices 310), which may reduce one or more
disadvantages caused by the larger vertical air gap between the
heat source 300'' and the cooling vessel support grate 600. For
example, typically it is desirable to space the flames of a heat
source closer to a cooking vessel support grate, so as to increase
the transfer efficiency from the flames. However, in some examples,
the heat source 300'' may emit larger flames because the heat
source 300'' may generally have a larger diameter gas ring and
wider and/or more numerous orifices 310 to accommodate a larger gas
flow. These larger flames emitted by the heat source 300'' may
allow for sufficient transfer efficiency despite the larger
vertical air gap.
[0078] The lower vertical positioning of the heat source(s) 300''
within the lower level 210 (in comparison to the higher vertical
positioning of the heat source(s) 300' within the upper level 205)
may allow the heat source(s) 300', 300'' to be positioned closer
together in the horizontal direction (saving kitchen counter space,
for example), while still allowing the heat source(s) 300', 300''
to each provide their maximum thermal output, in some examples.
This spacing between adjacent heat source(s) 300', 300'' is
illustrated by arrow 214 (an example of which is shown in FIG. 3B,
which shows the horizontal distance between the center-point of a
heat source 300'' and the center-point of an adjacent heat source
300'). This horizontal distance between adjacent heat source(s)
300', 300'' may be (or may be about) 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches,
12 inches, 14 inches, 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches, 24 inches,
any other amount greater than 8 inches, a range of (or a range of
about) 8 inches-20 inches, 10 inches-20 inches, 8 inches-10 inches,
at least 8 inches, at least 10 inches, at least 20 inches, less
than 20 inches, less than 15 inches, or any other range greater
than 8 inches. In some examples, the smaller spacing between
adjacent heat sources 300', 300'' may be able to accommodate
typical size cooking vessels (e.g., pots, pans, and griddles) used
in either industrial, commercial, or consumer kitchens.
[0079] The lower vertical positioning of the heat source(s) 300''
within the lower level 210 (in comparison to the higher vertical
positioning of the heat source(s) 300' within the upper level 205)
may allow these heat sources 300'' to have a higher maximum thermal
output than that of the heat source(s) 300' positioned within the
upper level 205, in some examples. The maximum thermal output of
the heat source(s) 300'' positioned within the lower level 210 may
be higher than that of the heat source(s) 300' positioned within
the upper level 205 by any amount. For example, one or more (or
all) of the heat source(s) 300'' may each have a maximum thermal
output that is higher than that of each of one or more (or all) of
the heat source(s) 300' by (or by about) 500 BTUs, 1,000 BTUs,
2,000 BTUs, 5,000 BTUs, 7,500 BTUs, 10,000 BTUs, any other amount,
by a range of (or by a range of about) 500-10,000 BTUs,
1,000-10,000 BTUs, 5,000-10,000 BTUs, 5,000-7,000 BTUs, or any
other range.
[0080] As a preferable example of this, each of the heat sources
300'' (e.g., a single centralized heat source 300'') positioned
within the lower level 210 may have a maximum thermal output of at
least about 25,000 BTUs (and more preferably at least about 28,000
BTUs), while each of the heat sources 300' (e.g., two or more heat
sources 300') positioned within the upper level 205 may have a
maximum thermal output of at least about 18,000 BTUs (but less than
that of the heat sources 300''). As another preferable example of
this, each of the heat sources 300'' (e.g., a single centralized
heat source 300'') positioned within the lower level 210 may have a
maximum thermal output of at least 28,000 BTUs or at least about
28,000 BTUs, while each of the heat sources 300' (e.g., four
adjacent heat sources 300', as is seen in FIG. 1B) positioned
within the upper level 205 may have a maximum thermal output of at
least 15,000 BTUs or at least about 15,000 BTUs (but less than that
of the heat sources 300'').
[0081] As a further preferable example, each of the heat sources
300'' (e.g., a single centralized heat source 300'') positioned
within the lower level 210 may have a maximum thermal output of at
least 26,000 BTUs or at least about 26,000 BTUs, while each of the
heat sources 300' (e.g., three or more heat sources 300', or three
or more adjacent heat source 300') positioned within the upper
level 205 may have a maximum thermal output of at least 18,000 BTUs
or at least about 18,000 BTUs (but less than that of the heat
sources 300''). As another preferable example, each of the heat
sources 300'' (e.g., a single centralized heat source 300'')
positioned within the lower level 210 may have a maximum thermal
output of about 30,000 BTUs (or at least about 30,000 BTUs), while
each of the heat sources 300' (e.g., three or more heat sources
300', or three or more adjacent heat source 300') positioned within
the upper level 205 may have a maximum thermal output of about
23,000 BTUs (or at least about 23,000 BTUs, but less than that of
the heat sources 300'').
[0082] Although heat source(s) 300'' positioned within the lower
level 210 of the pan 200 have been described above as having a
maximum thermal output that is higher than the maximum thermal
output of the heat source(s) 300' positioned within the upper level
205, in some examples, the heat source(s) 300'' may have a maximum
thermal output that is not higher than the maximum thermal output
of the heat source(s) 300'. For example, the heat source(s) 300',
300'' may have the same maximum thermal output, or the heat
source(s) 300'' may have a maximum thermal output that is lower
than that of one or more (or all) of the heat sources 300'.
[0083] As is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, the cooking range 1000 may
also include one or more cooking vessel support grates 600 disposed
over and resting on the pan 200. The cooking vessel support grate
600 may be a support structure that supports a cooking vessel
(e.g., a cooking pan, a cooking pot, etc.) over one or more of the
heat sources 300 (e.g., gas burners), allowing the cooking vessel
to be heated by the heat emitted by the heat sources 300. The
cooking vessel support grate 600 may expand over an entire width of
the pan 200, allowing it to support cooking vessels over the entire
width of the pan 200. An upper surface (e.g., the upper surface of
the upper level 205) of the pan 200 may be disposed below the
cooking vessel support grate 600, and the pan 200 may project
laterally underneath the area of the cooking vessel support grate
600.
[0084] The cooking range 1000 may include any number of cooking
vessel support grates 600. For example, the cooking range 1000 may
include 1 cooking vessel support grate 600, 2 cooking vessel
support grates 600, 3 cooking vessel support grates 600, 4 cooking
vessel support grates 600, or any other number of cooking vessel
support grates 600. In examples where the cooking range 1000
includes multiple cooking vessel support grates 600, the cooking
vessel support grates 600 may be positioned adjacent to each other
on the pan 200. As is illustrated in FIGS. 1B-1C, the cooking range
1000 includes 3 cooking vessel support grates 600 (e.g.,
600a-600c).
[0085] The cooking vessel support grate 600 may include an upper
surface (or plane) 601 that supports the cooking vessel over one or
more of the heat source 300. The upper surface 601 may be defined
by an expanse of interconnected support members. The interconnected
support members may be shaped in any manner, and connected in any
configuration that allows the support members to support one or
more cooking vessels. In addition to supporting the cooking vessel
above the heat sources 300, the interconnected support members of
the upper surface 601 may also provide for the flow of air to react
with the combustible gas of the heat source 300 (if any), and may
allow various elements of the cooking process (e.g., hot combustion
gas products, heated air, water vapor and carbon dioxide) to escape
upward out of the cooking range 1000.
[0086] The cooking vessel support grate 600 may further include two
or more legs 602 that extend downward from the upper surface 601
(e.g., extend downward from the interconnected support members that
define the upper surface 601). When the cooking vessel support
grate 600 is positioned on the cooking range 1000, the downward
extending legs 602 may rest on the pan 200, holding the upper
surface 601 a desired distance above pan 200 and/or the heat
sources 300.
[0087] FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate various views of the example pan 200
of FIGS. 1A-1C. As is seen in FIGS. 2A-2E, the pan 200 may include
an upper level 205 (which may be shallow and planar), and may
further include a lower level 210. The upper level 205 may include
two (or more) upper level portions 205', 205''. In FIGS. 2A-2E, the
upper level 205 includes two upper level portions (i.e., a first
upper level portion 205' and a second upper level portion 205'')
that are positioned on opposing sides of the lower level 210.
[0088] The upper level 205 may include 4 heat sources 300' (not
illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E), with 2 of these heat sources 300'
being positioned in the first upper level portion 205' and the
other 2 heat sources 300' being positioned in the second upper
level portion 205''. These heat sources 300' may extend into the
pan 200 through the heat source holes 211. The lower level 210 may
include a single centralized heat source 300'', which may extend
into the pan 200 through the respective heat source hole 211. The
heat source 300'' in the lower level 210 may be the highest output
heat source. That is, it may have a higher maximum thermal output
than any of the other heat sources 300. As an example of this, the
heat source 300'' positioned in the lower level 210 may have a
maximum thermal output of at least about 26,000 BTUs, while the
four heat sources 300' positioned in the upper level 205 may each
have a maximum thermal output of at least about 18,000 BTUs (but
also less than the maximum thermal output of heat source 300''). As
a result of being positioned in the lower level 210 of the
otherwise planar pan 200, the heat source 300'' may have orifices
310 that are positioned vertically lower (e.g., disposed below) the
orifices 310 of the other heat sources 300'. Such positioning may
avoid competition for oxygen to support combustion when it is
desirable to energize each of the heat sources 300', 300'' at the
maximum thermal output.
[0089] The pan 200 may also include one or more upward extending
ridges 220 (e.g., 220', 220'') that separate the upper level 205
from the lower level 210. As is seen in FIGS. 2A-2E, the pan 200
may include two upward extending ridges 220', 220'', where the
upward extending ridge 220' separates the first upper level portion
205' from the lower level 210, and the upward extending ridge 220''
separates the second upper level portion 205'' from the lower level
210. The upward extending ridges 200 may prevent fluid spilled in
the upper level 205 from flowing into the lower level 210 and the
heat source 300''. The upward extending ridges 200 may also
facilitate cleaning of the upper level 205 and lower level 210 with
cleaning fluids (e.g., soap or detergent, and water), as this fluid
can be retained in each level 205, 210 as it is cleaned or soaked
separately from other levels 205, 210. The upward extending ridges
220 may each include a top-most portion that is positioned
vertically higher than the upper level 205, so as to prevent fluid
from flowing into lower level 210. This difference in vertical
height between the top-most portion of the upward extending ridge
220 and the upper level 205 is illustrated as arrow 215. The
difference in vertical height may be any amount. For example, the
difference in vertical height may be (or may be about) 0.1 inches,
0.2 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 1.5 inches,
a range of (or a range of about) 0.1-1 inch, 0.2-1 inch, 0.4-1
inch, or any other range greater than 0.1 inches.
[0090] The pan 200 may also include one or more raised rims 230
that each pass through a heat source hole 211 and surround a
portion of a heat source 300', 300'' (e.g., surround a gas flow
tube 320 of the heat source 300). The gap or margin between each
heat source 300 (or a portion of the heat source 300) and the inner
periphery of each heat source hole 211 may be sealed with a gasket
or compression type fitting to prevent the flow of liquid into the
cavity 120 below the pan 200.
[0091] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate various views of a portion of an
example cooking range 1000 having another example pan 200. The
cooking range 1000 and pan 200 of FIGS. 3A-3C may be substantially
similar to the cooking range 1000 and pan 200 of FIGS. 1A-2E.
However, the pan 200 of FIGS. 3A-3C may include only a single upper
level 205 (as opposed to an upper level 205 having multiple upper
level portions 205', 205''), and the upper level 205 may surround
the lower level 210. Additionally, the pan 200 of FIGS. 3A-3C may
include a lower level 210 having a different shape than that in
FIGS. 1A-2E. Also, while not illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, the pan
200 of FIGS. 3A-3C may include one or more upward extending ridges
220 and/or raised rims 230.
[0092] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate various views of a portion of another
example cooking range 1000 having a further example pan 200. The
cooking range 1000 and pan 200 of FIGS. 4A-4C may be substantially
similar to the cooking range 1000 and pan 200 of FIGS. 1A-2E.
However, the pan 200 of FIGS. 4A-4C may include only a single upper
level 205 (as opposed to an upper level 205 having multiple upper
level portions 205', 205''), and the upper level 205 may surround
the lower level 210. Additionally, the pan 200 of FIGS. 4A-4C may
include a lower level 210 having a different shape than that in
FIGS. 1A-2E. Also, while not illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, the pan
200 of FIGS. 4A-4C may include one or more upward extending ridges
220 and/or raised rims 230.
[0093] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various views of a portion of another
example cooking range 1000 having a further example pan 200. The
cooking range 1000 and pan 200 of FIGS. 5A-5C may be substantially
similar to the cooking range 1000 and pan 200 of FIGS. 1A-2E.
However, the pan 200 of FIGS. 5A-5C may include only a single upper
level 205 (as opposed to an upper level 205 having multiple upper
level portions 205', 205''), and the upper level 205 may surround
the lower level 210. Additionally, the pan 200 of FIGS. 5A-5C may
include a lower level 210 having a different shape than that in
FIGS. 1A-2E. Also, while not illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, the pan
200 of FIGS. 5A-5C may include one or more upward extending ridges
220 and/or raised rims 230.
[0094] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate various views of a portion of another
example cooking range 1000 having a further example pan 200. The
cooking range 1000 and pan 200 of FIGS. 6A-6C may be substantially
similar to the cooking range 1000 and pan 200 of FIGS. 1A-2E.
However, the pan 200 of FIGS. 6A-6C may include only a single upper
level 205 (as opposed to an upper level 205 having multiple upper
level portions 205', 205''), and the upper level 205 may surround
the lower level 210. Additionally, the pan 200 of FIGS. 6A-6C may
include a lower level 210 having a different shape than that in
FIGS. 1A-2E. Also, while not illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C, the pan
200 of FIGS. 6A-6C may include one or more upward extending ridges
220 and/or raised rims 230.
[0095] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate various views of a portion of another
example cooking range 1000 having a further example pan 200. The
cooking range 1000 and pan 200 of FIGS. 7A-7C may be substantially
similar to the cooking range 1000 and pan 200 of FIGS. 1A-2E.
However, the pan 200 of FIGS. 7A-7C may include only a single upper
level 205 (as opposed to an upper level 205 having multiple upper
level portions 205', 205''), and the upper level 205 may surround
the lower level 210. Additionally, the pan 200 of FIGS. 7A-7C may
include a lower level 210 having a different shape than that in
FIGS. 1A-2E. Also, while not illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C, the pan
200 of FIGS. 7A-7C may include one or more upward extending ridges
220 and/or raised rims 230.
[0096] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate various views of a portion of another
example cooking range 1000 having a further example pan 200. The
cooking range 1000 and pan 200 of FIGS. 8A-8C may be substantially
similar to the cooking range 1000 and pan 200 of FIGS. 1A-2E.
However, the lower level 210 (and heat source 300'', such as a heat
source 300'' having a high maximum thermal output) may be
positioned in the front right corner of the pan 200 (as opposed to
being positioned in the center, as is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-2E).
Furthermore, while FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate the lower level 210 (and
heat source 300'') being positioned in the front right corner of
the pan 200, the lower level 210 (and heat source 300'') may be
positioned in back right corner of the pan 200, the front left
corner of the pan 200, the front right corner of the pan 200, or
any other location on the pan 200. Additionally, the pan 200 may
include multiple separate lower levels 210, such as a first lower
level 210 (and heat source 300'') positioned in the front right
corner of the pan 200 and a second lower level 210 (and heat source
300'') positioned in the front left corner of the pan 200.
[0097] Also, the pan 200 of FIGS. 8A-8C may include only a single
upper level 205 (as opposed to an upper level 205 having multiple
upper level portions 205', 205''), and the upper level 205 may
surround the lower level 210. Additionally, the pan 200 of FIGS.
8A-8C may include a lower level 210 having a different shape than
that in FIGS. 1A-2E. Also, while not illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C,
the pan 200 of FIGS. 8A-8C may include one or more upward extending
ridges 220 and/or raised rims 230.
[0098] Modifications, additions, and/or substitutions may be made
to the cooking range 1000, the components of the cooking range
1000, the functions of the cooking range 1000, the pan 200, the
components of the pan 200, and/or the functions of the pan 200
without departing from the scope of the specification. For example,
the cooking range 1000 and/or the pan 200 may have any dimensions,
may include additional components, and/or may not include one or
more of the components discussed above. Furthermore, it should be
appreciated that the heat sources 300', 300'' may have multiple
concentric manifolds or singular circular manifolds, may have any
shape manifold, and may have any placement or combination of heat
source 300', 300''. As such, the heat sources 300', 300'' are not
limited to the size, shape, placement, or combination that may be
inferred from the drawings and description of the various
examples.
[0099] This specification has been written with reference to
various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments or examples.
However, it will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in
the art that various substitutions, modifications, or combinations
of any of the disclosed embodiments or examples (or portions
thereof) may be made within the scope of this specification. Thus,
it is contemplated and understood that this specification supports
additional embodiments or examples not expressly set forth in this
specification. Such embodiments or examples may be obtained, for
example, by combining, modifying, reorganizing, or removing any of
the disclosed components, elements, features, aspects,
characteristics, limitations, and the like, of the various
non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments or examples described
in this specification.
* * * * *