Field of the invention

The present invention is in the field of food preparing accessories. More specifically, the invention relates to a tool, utilized for achieving a uniform heating / baking / cooking of products, in particular food products such as pastry food (e.g., pizza) in an oven. Moreover, the present invention relates to a tool that is capable of being operated near or externally to a heat source / direct flame, near or outside an oven or other appliance that produces heat or direct flame into which the tool can be inserted, etc. In particular, the tool is designed for resistance to high working temperatures, around 500 degrees Celsius.

Background of the invention

While a significant quality parameter for which food products are examined by its consumers is the uniform baking of the dough, many of the existing baking ovens in bakeries and other food shops are provided with a single directional heat source, such as a pile of burning wood/hot coal or Gas burner / duct, requiring the person who prepares the food to repeatedly turn the heated food within the oven by using a suitable tool, for obtaining a uniform baking of the food. For example, the cooking of a pizza in a wood-fired oven (i.e., reaching temperatures of 400°C-500°C and even higher temperatures) is less than two minutes, during which the pizza is being repeatedly rotated with a pizza peel, so it gets brown on all sides, where the rotation is essential task for keeping the pizza from burning in one side while being uncooked on the other side.

Moreover, the food rotation operation, being repeatedly performed in front the hot oven (i.e., several times along its baking process) forms extreme working conditions for people that use the oven for baking / cooking purposes, hence said people practice and getting skilled in special techniques of using the existing accessories in the market for rotating the food in a timely manner, striving for shortening as much as possible the required work in front of the hot oven.

The abovementioned challenges also appear in applications of different fields, in which the processing of products involves heating within oven's having directional heat source while the processed products requires uniform heating. Of course, various solutions are offered by the market, such as ovens with multiple heat sources, or with rotatable platforms, yet these solutions are available with high-end expensive ovens, adding complex routine maintenance tasks which in many cases require the shutting down of the oven, hence impeding the business performance and reducing process equipment's availability. Furthermore, the abovementioned solutions are available as build-in or as new installations.

Another significant challenge is the rotation driving mechanism which is exposed to direct flames and / or transmitted heat induced by the high temperatures in the oven's cavity. Existing solutions employ longer and thicker driving shafts between the rotated platform and the driving motor, allowing the differential temperature to be sufficiently reduced near the driving motor however such solutions consume larger space and comprise cumbersome components to install and maintain.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tool, which enables a uniform baking/cooking of food products in an oven.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a tool, which enables the rotation of a food product inside an oven to be controlled externally to the oven.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a tool, which enables the baker / piccolo (pizza baking expert) to make the food product (e.g., a pizza) without any interference with the supervision or rotation of the pastry while baking.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a tool, which is remotely operated, thus eliminating the need to use special techniques by a skilled person in order to achieve a uniformly baked/cooked product, such as a pizza.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a tool, which is portable, namely, enabling an effortless insertion, retrieval and transition between different ovens, while being suitable for operation with a wide range of existing ovens that can be used also for baking/cooking non-rotatable food products.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds. Summary of the Invention

The invention relates to a tool for enabling an even heating/cooking/baking of at least one product, comprising: at least one rotatable surface having a top side and a bottom side, wherein said top side is adapted to support the at least one product; and bearing arrangement located at the bottom side of said at least one rotatable surface for enabling the rotation of said the at least one rotatable surface upon applying force by an activation means.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the activation means are configured for remotely rotating of the at least one rotatable surface through the transmission means.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tool has an essentially flat body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the activation means are located at the proximal end and the at least one rotatable surface located at the distal end.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmission means are arranged in an essentially flat formation in accordance with the essentially flat body.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one rotatable surface having placement means for engaging with the transmission means.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the activation means are a rotation drive mechanism configured to rotate the transmission means, wherein the rotation of the transmission means results with the rotation of the at least one rotatable surface, thus enabling a uniform baking/cooking of food products within the oven.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmission means comprises a sprocket-based mechanism, wherein the activation means is engaged with a drive sprocket of said sprocket-based mechanism. According to an embodiment of the invention, the sprocket-based mechanism comprises a drive chain. According to an embodiment of the invention, the sprocket-based mechanism comprises one or more counter-rotating interconnecting sprockets.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmission means comprises a pulley- based mechanism with a drive belt, wherein the activation means is engaged with a drive pulley of said pulley-based mechanism. According to an embodiment of the invention, the drive belt is a stainless-steel belt, in particular a stainless-steel timing belt. According to an embodiment of the invention, the activation means is a manually operated mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the manually operated mechanism comprises rotation means selected from the group consisting crank wheels, crank handles, rotation knobs, or any combination thereof.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the activation means is motorized. According to an embodiment of the invention, the motorized activation means is operated by a direct operation means selected from the group consisting of a switch, a push button, a touch button and a combination thereof. According to an embodiment of the invention, the motorized activation means further comprises a communication module for enabling a remote controlling of said activation means.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the remote controlling is performed by remote station selected from the group consisting of: a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a programmable controller, a simple remote controller, a wearable device or any combination thereof.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tool further comprises coupling means, correspondingly adapted for a supported insertion/extraction of at least the rotatable surface of the tool with respect to an interior of a heating/baking chamber of an oven.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the coupling means are selected from the group consisting of: slits, sockets, rails, grooves, or any combination thereof.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tool is constructed with heat resistant materials suitable for being operated within a heated and/or direct flame environment and is designed for continuous operation at high temperatures and direct flame (e.g., inserted into a heated oven to 500 Celsius degrees). According to an embodiment of the invention, the heat resistant materials are selected from the group consisting of: stainless steel SS304, stainless steel SS310, SS316, stainless steel SS310S, stainless steel SS321S, Bronze alloys, Titanium alloys, ceramic materials, or any other materials designed for continuous operation at high temperatures and direct flame, or any combination thereof.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tool further comprises a non-rotatable surface, thus providing additional/extension surface for placing product(s), e.g., at lower heat sections of an oven. According to an embodiment of the invention, further comprises a deflected section for enabling the activation means to be positioned at a desired angle with respect to the location of the rotatable surface, in particular aside to a location of a direct flame or heat (e.g., aside to an aperture of an oven). According to an embodiment of the invention, the deflected section is adjustable.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmission means comprises a driving rod and an orthogonal transmission arrangement. According to an embodiment of the invention, the orthogonal transmission comprises bevel gears.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tool is adapted to be used as a turning peel of food product(s).

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tool further comprises one or more sensors adapted to provide data relative to the heat level at the surrounding of the rotatable surface (e.g., within a baking chamber of an oven).

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tool further comprises one or more handling means selected from the group consisting of: grippers, handles, heat isolation means, ergonomic means, or any combination thereof.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tool further comprises a self-heating arrangement adapted to heat the at least one rotating surface and/or additional surfaces/sections of the tool, thereby enabling to heat the food after the tool has been removed out of the oven. For example, the heating arrangement may comprise heating element such as a spiral wire and a heating source suitable for heating the spiral wire. The heating arrangement can be embedded with the body of the tool.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmission means is a ratchet arrangement, wherein the pulling and pushing of a driving rod results with the rotation of the at least one surface, thus enabling a uniform baking/cooking of food products within the oven.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the food preparing tool further comprises one or more heat dispersion means for reducing the temperature, which the motorized activation means are exposed to.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the one or more heat dispersion means are constructed of steel. According to an embodiment of the invention, the one or more heat dispersion means are partially hollow and comprise peripheral flexible straps. According to an embodiment of the invention, the one or more heat dispersion means are partially hollow and comprise peripheral steel wires.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the food preparing tool further comprises one or more heat isolation means for reducing the temperature, which the motorized activation means are exposed to. According to an embodiment of the invention, the one or more heat isolation means are constructed of materials selected from the group consisting of: silicone, Teflon, toughened foam, or any combination thereof.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the proposed tool further comprises a flat bearing arrangement to enable the rotation of the rotatable surface while transferring the weight of said rotatable surface to be supported by a surface onto which the rotatable surface is being placed (e.g., to be supported by a baking surface of an oven.

Brief Description of the Drawings

- Fig. 1A schematically illustrates a top perspective view of a food preparing tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig. IB schematically illustrates a bottom perspective view of the food preparing tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig. 1C schematically illustrates a semi-transparent perspective view of an assembled food preparing tool, thus exposing its internal flat arrangement of the transmission means, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig. 2A schematically illustrates an exploded view of the food preparing tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig. 2B schematically illustrates tensioning sprockets, clamped around a spindle with a retaining circlip;

- Fig. 2C schematically illustrates a support ball chain, being employed in lieu of placement supports, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a semi-transparent perspective view of a food preparing tool, comprising more than one rotating surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a semi-transparent perspective view of a food preparing tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Figs. 5A-5B schematically illustrate a semi-transparent perspective view of a food preparing tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention; - Figs. 6A-6B, schematically illustrate a perspective view of a food preparing tool provided with a telescopic guiding rail, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Figs. 7A-7B schematically illustrate a semi-transparent perspective view of a food preparing tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Figs. 8A-8B schematically illustrate a perspective view of a food preparing tool, designated for manipulating pastry products inside an oven, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Figs. 9A-9C schematically illustrate a manual ratchet operated food preparing tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Figs. 10A-10B schematically illustrate a motorized food preparing tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Figs. 11A-11C schematically illustrate a motorized food preparing tool with termal isolation means, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig. 12 shows a motorized food preparing tool installed below an oven's baking surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Figs. 13A-13B show installation of multiple units of motorized food preparing tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig. 13C illustrates use of further thermal protection means according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Figs. 14A-14D schematically illustrate some more design options of the proposed food preparing tool, according to embodiments of the present invention;

- Fig. 15 schematically illustrates an orthogonal configuration of the proposed food preparing tool, according to embodiments of the present invention; and

- Fig. 16 schematically illustrates an exemplary application of tool of Fig. 15, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the drawings

The present invention relates to a heat resistance tool, which enables an even baking / cooking or heating of products (e.g., food products or other products which their preparation involve the usage of direct heat / flame or the application of other heat-related process). According to an embodiment of the invention, the tool comprises at least one rotatable surface adapted to support one or more products (e.g., a food product such as a pizza) and activation means that are configured to rotate the at least one rotatable surface through corresponding transmission means. In addition, the tool enables the product rotation (i.e., essential for an even baking) to be performed externally to the hot oven and aside from the oven's aperture (e.g., by remotely rotating the rotatable surface). Moreover, this remote operation may shortening the working time in front of the oven's aperture, hence, the exposure of a user (e.g., a baker) to the high heat conditions.

The disclosed tool having an essentially flat body (e.g., such as a flat shaft), which is adapted to accommodate suitable transmission means, wherein the proposed tool comprises activation means (e.g. that can be located at its proximal end), and at least one rotatable surface (e.g., that can be located at the distal end of the essentially flat body) which is engaged with the transmission means in such a manner that the operation of the activation means drives the transmission means, which rotates the rotatable surface.

Reference will now be made to several embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the comprising elements herein may be employed without departing from the principles of claimed invention.

Fig. 1A schematically illustrates a top perspective view of a food preparing tool 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which tool 100 is comprised of an essentially flat body 110 which is suitably shaped to enable a stable placement of tool 100 on the baking surface of a common baking oven, and to accommodate an essentially flat transmission means 111 (as further described and illustrated hereinafter with respect to Figs. 2A-2B). Tool 100 further comprises a manual rotation drive mechanism 120 with crank handle 121 as an activation means and a rotatable surface 130 (e.g., in form of a plate or a tray), e.g., onto which a food product can be placed for baking, wherein the operation of mechanism 120, results with the rotation of rotatable surface 130, as will be further illustrated in the following description.

While the embodiment of Fig. 1A illustrates a relatively short body 110, one skilled in the art will realize the plurality of embodiments of the proposed tool which can be provided with body 110 of different dimensions and shapes, suitable for different applications (e.g., different ovens, different transmissions). For example, tool 100 can be provided in form of a common pizza turning peel. Furthermore, multiple different handling means such as ergonomic heat isolating grippers and handles may be added at the proximal end and/or along body 110, to provide a comfortable firm grip of the proposed tool. According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more temperature sensors are integrated with tool 100, thus enabling the monitoring of the heat level within the oven, e.g., for indicating when an initially operated oven reaches a desirable heat level, hence being ready for food insertion.

Fig. IB schematically illustrates a bottom perspective view of the food preparing tool 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which tool 100 further comprises tensioning sockets 112 and corresponding affixing bolts 113 for adjusting the essentially flat transmission (shown in Figs. 2A-2B), placement supports 114 (further shown in Fig. 2A), within corresponding sockets of body 110), and a affixing bolt 115 for rotatably affixing a tray rotation sprocket (shown in Fig. 2A) to body 110.

Figs. 1A-1B multiple corresponding fastening means 111a and 111b, such as bolts and nuts, are utilized for fastening top part 110a and bottom part 110b of body 110.

Fig. 1C schematically illustrates a semi-transparent perspective view of an assembled food preparing tool 100, thus exposing its internal flat arrangement of the transmission means, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which tool 100 comprises an essentially flat body 140 (which is a variation of body 110), having a more rounded contour and fasteners distribution, where mechanism 120 comprises a rotation knob 121a in lieu of crank handle 121 (of Fig. 1A).

Fig. 2A schematically illustrates an exploded view of a food preparing tool 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which tool 200 is comprised of an essentially flat body 210, a rotation drive mechanism 220 (shown semi-transparent) with crank handle 221, a rotatable surface 230 having placement depressions 230a, and an essentially flat transmission 240, where top part 210a of body 210 is shown as transparent thus exposing fastening threads 211 through which fastening means, similar to fastening means 111a and 111b of Figs. 1A-1B are threaded to fasten top part 210a and bottom part 210b of body 210.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, transmission 240 comprises an array of sprockets comprising a drive sprocket 241, one or more tensioning sprockets 242, a tray rotation sprocket 243, and a drive chain 244, wherein rotation drive mechanism 220 is engaged with drive sprocket 241 through a drive shaft 223 which is coupled with drive sprocket 241, while being supported by corresponding means in body 210 (e.g., having compression bearings 223a which are supported within corresponding sockets 212 of body 210), and wherein tray rotation sprocket 243 comprises stable placement means such as placement studs 243a which protrude from opening 213 (i.e., of body 210), onto which placement depressions 230a of rotatable surface 230 are threaded, preferably in a detachable manner, thus enabling a simple removal of rotatable surface 230 (e.g., for cleaning).

In the assembled state, transmission 240 is installed within body 210, having tray rotation sprocket 243 being supported by placement supports 114 and rotatably affixed to body 210 (e.g., having tray rotation sprocket 243 rotatably clamped around spindle 243b with a retaining circlip, where spindle 243b is affixed to body 210 with affixing bolt 115 of Fig. IB, running through a drill 214), and having tensioning sprockets 242 rotatably affixed to body 210.

Fig. 2B schematically illustrates tensioning sprockets 242 (shown semi-transparent for illustrating spindle 242a) clamped around a spindle 242a with a retaining circlip 242b, where spindle 242a is affixed to body 210 with a tensioning bolt 113 of Fig. IB, running through tensioning sockets 112.

The smooth operation of transmission 240 can be maintained by keeping drive chain 244 properly tightened around sprockets 241 and 243, by desirably adjusting tensioning sprockets 242 to apply pressure onto drive chain 244.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, transmission 240 comprises a drive belt and an array of pulleys and, which are assembled and operates in a similar manner as the illustrated transmission 240 of Figs 2A-2B. According to some other embodiments of the present invention, transmission 240 comprises an arrangement of counter-turning sprockets in lieu of drive chain 244, which are utilized for interconnecting between drive sprocket 241 and tray rotation sprocket 243.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, rotation drive mechanism 220 is a manually operated hand-crank mechanism comprising rotation means such as a handle 221, and a cavity 222 into which a propulsion shaft 223 is connected. According to other embodiments, rotation drive mechanism 220 is motorized while being operated directly (e.g., by a push or touch sensitive button or switch), or remotely by utilizing a communication tool for receiving operational signals from at least one optional remote station (e.g., a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a programmable controller, a simple remote controller, or a combination thereof). Furthermore, multiple different manual rotation mechanisms (e.g., crank wheels, crank handles, rotation knobs etc.) and motorized rotation mechanisms (e.g., DC servo motors, step motors, AC motors, spring loaded mechanisms etc.) which can be specifically selected by a person skilled in the art for providing adapted embodiments of the proposed tool 200, to specific applications.

Of course, each of the abovementioned manual or motorized embodiments of rotation drive mechanism 220 provides respective advantages and preferable applications.

Although specific connections and coupling arrangements are illustrated in Figs. 2A-2B, one skilled in the art will realize alternative arrangements that can be selected in accordance with different desirable applications of the proposed portable, food preparing tool, without departing from the principles of the present invention. For example, Fig. 2C schematically illustrates a support ball chain 250, which freely travels in a corresponding groove of body 210 (not shown), and being employed in lieu of placement supports 114 (of Fig. 2A), for supporting a rotatable surface 230 that can be made of stone or other heavy material (e.g., a stone plate that can weight about 5-10 Kg).

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a semi-transparent perspective view of a food preparing tool 300 which is essentially intended for rotating multiple food products simultaneously, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which tool 300 comprises a main body portion 310 which is similar to body 210 of Fig. 2A (i.e., yet having a greater length), thus being suitable for use with deeper and larger baking ovens), a rotation drive mechanism 220 and multiple rotatable surfaces 230 which are interconnected by an essentially flat extension shaft 320, comprising an essentially flat transmission comprised of corresponding sprockets 330 and drive chain 340, (i.e., and may alternatively comprise corresponding pulleys and drive belts) with tensioning means 350.

Fig. 3 illustrates main body portion 310 and extension shaft 320 as a single continuous unit, yet according to another embodiment of the present invention, extension shaft 320 is a separate unit being suitably hinged to main body portion 310. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the respective alignment angle between main body portion 310 and extension shaft 320 is adjustable, thus enabling the adaption of tool 300 to multiple differently designed ovens. Furthermore, extension shaft 320 may be comprised of more than one hinged shafts with an adjustable alignment angle.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a semi-transparent perspective view of a food preparing tool 400, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a tool 400 is used with a compact baking oven 401 (shown transparent for the sake of illustration), while utilizing an extension plate 402 for adding a flat surface which is exposed to lower heat levels, hence can be utilized, for example, for warming premade food. According to an embodiment of the invention, the extension plate 402 is a non-rotatable surface.

Food preparing tool 400 comprises a body 403 having a deflected section 403a, which positions rotation knob 404 aside to the heat radiating aperture of oven 401, thereby allowing the rotation of a rotatable surface 405 to be performed externally and aside from the aperture of oven 401. This configuration enables multiple tasks of food baking and heating operations to be performed simultaneously, for example, rotating a pastry on top of rotatable surface 405, by one person rotating knob 404, while another person places a bowl with suitable gravy for warming on top of extension plate 402.

Figs. 5A-5B schematically illustrate a semi-transparent perspective view of a food preparing tool 500, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which body 403 comprises an adjustable deflected section 403a and a guiding socket 501, wherein adjustable deflected section 403a comprises an affixing means, such as a threaded stud (not shown) and corresponding affixing knob 502 (Fig. 4B). Further shown in Fig. 4B is transmission means 503 which comprises multiple counter-rotating sprockets, utilized for transferring the rotation motion of rotation knob 404 to rotatable surface 405.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the essentially flat body (e.g., a shaft-like body as formed by body 110 of Fig. 1A, body 210 of Fig. 2A, or body 403 of Figs. 4- 5) comprises coupling means such as slits/sockets or guided base, correspondingly designed for a supported insertion/extraction of at least the rotatable surface of the tool into/from a designated oven. Figs. 6A-6B schematically illustrate a supported insertion/extraction of at least the rotatable surface of the tool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in which body 403 is coupled with a telescopic guiding rail 601, comprising telescopic sections 601a-601c, where telescopic section 601a is attached to body 403 and telescopic section 601c is adapted to be installed within the interior of a heating/baking chamber of an oven. For example, telescopic section 601c can be installed within an oven interior (not shown) into which tool 600 can be inserted at the retracted state of rail 601 (Fig. 6A) and from which tool 600 is extended at the extracted state of rail 601 (Fig. 6B).

Figs. 7A-7B schematically illustrate a semi-transparent perspective view of a food preparing tool 700, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which tool 700 comprises a transmission 701, which is essentially comprised of a rotatable driving rod 701a, a support rod 701b, an orthogonal transmission arrangement such as bevel gears 701c (Fig. 7B), and a rotatable base 701d, onto which rotatable surface 405 is placed, wherein the rotation of rotation knob 704, rotates driving rod 701a of which rotation results with the rotation of base 701d and rotatable surface 405.

Figs. 8A-8B schematically illustrate a perspective view of a food preparing tool 800 designated for manipulating food products inside an oven, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which tool 800 comprises a lightweight rotatable surface 801 with sockets 801a (e.g., for allowing redundant flour to drop down, thereby avoiding burnt flour adhering to a pastry product). Furthermore, tool 800 may comprise an elongated shaft-like body 802 having a driving mechanism 803 desirably positioned along shaft-like body 802, thereby being capable of manipulating food products placed in deeper locations of an oven's cavity. The elongated and lightweight tool 800 may be used, for example, as a turning peel of food products.

Figs. 9A-9C schematically illustrate a manual ratchet operated food preparing tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which pulling and pushing a knob 901 at one end of a driving rod 902, shifts back and forth (i.e., through rotatably connected transmission members 904) a ratchet tooth 903 which is detachably engaged with a toothed rotation sprocket 905 (i.e., supported by base 906) onto which a rotatable surface 907 is connected, where tool 900 can be configured with various respective sizes, weights and shapes of ratchet tooth 903, transmission members 904 and toothed rotation sprocket 905 to enable a desirable rotation duration of rotatable surface 907 by each operation of knob 901 (e.g., 30 seconds rotation of rotatable surface 907 can be enabled by a first configuration, where a second configuration achieved by adding weights to sprocket 905 may provide a 40 seconds rotation of rotatable surface 907). The manual actuation of tool 900 provides may be preferably utilized in small scale applications such as transportable gas/woods baking ovens, not requiring electric power supply and enabling flexible use of device 900 in multiple differently designed ovens.

Figs. 10A-10B schematically illustrate a motorized food preparing tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which tool 1000 employs a small sized electric motor 1001 which rotates an essentially flat sprocket transmission 1002 (i.e., enclosure of which is not shown for the sake of illustration) to rotate rotatable surface 1003, where various dimensions of tool 1000 (e.g., length of transmission 1002) may be suitable for use within different ovens (e.g., longer transmissions 1002 are suitable for deeper ovens).

While motor 1001 of device 1000 illustrated to be external to oven 1004, the components of transmission 1002 are exposed to the combustion compartment of the oven, in which the temperatures can be very high. Therefore heat isolation means may be required to thermally isolate motor 1001 from transmission 1002.

Figs. 11A-11C schematically illustrate a motorized food preparing tool with thermal isolation means, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which tool 1000 is provided with isolation coupler 1005 which thermally protects motor 1001 from heat being transmitted through transmission 1002 and reduce undesirable vibrations in the mechanism of tool 1000. Coupler 1005 is partially hollow (i.e., for allowing the drive shaft of motor 1001 to pass through) and comprises peripheral flexible straps 1005a being designed to provide a maximal contact area with the ambient air, and hence, an improved heat dispersion, thus exposing motor 1001 to significantly reduced temperatures, while being strong enough for supporting the weight of motor 1001. Furthermore, the elastic structure of coupler 1005 reduces mechanical vibrations in the driving mechanism of tool 1000. According to some embodiments, coupler 1005 is clamped onto the drive shaft of motor 1001 and being utilized to transfer the rotation of motor 1001 to a driving sprocket 1002a of transmission 1002. Tool 1000 can be provided with further thermal isolating means such as isolation disc 1006 and coupling adapter 1007, further reducing the heat motor 1001 is exposed to.

While coupler 1005 can be constructed of various conductive materials (e.g., steel), disc 1006 and adapter 1007 can be constructed of various isolating materials (e.g., silicone, Teflon, toughened foam etc.). Moreover, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate alternative designs of coupler 1005, disc 1006, and adapter 1007, in accordance with the desirable loading (i.e., motor weight and rotation moment) and thermal requirements. For example, a coupler 1008 (i.e., shown in Fig. 11C) comprising stainless-steel wires 1008a can be used, the total section area of which is equal to the section area of the drive shaft of motor 1001 (e.g., 12 wires each of which is of a 1 mm diameter, where the diameter of the drive shaft of motor 1001 is 12 millimeters) thus being capable of transferring the rotation loading and of carrying the weight of motor 1001) while having an improved heat dispersion with respect to coupler 1005. Furthermore, a variety of heat resistant materials that can endure as much as 1000 Celsius degrees (°C) are used for manufacturing the comprising parts of the proposed tool (e.g., stainless steels SS304, SS310, SS310 SS316 and SS321, Bronze alloys, Titanium alloys, and heat resistant ceramic materials), where a specific combinations of suitable materials can be selected by a person skilled in the art, in accordance with desirable applications (e.g., for use with differently sized and shaped ovens, or ovens producing desirable heat levels, etc.).

The abovementioned structure and construction materials provide a slim heat processing tool, being durable at high temperatures. For example, where dough foods ovens commonly produce 500°C, the use of coupler 1008 may provide temperature reduction of 500°C to 100°C, utilizing a silicone disc 1006 can isolate motor 1001 from heat levels of 250°C.

As being provided with thermal protection means, the proposed motor 1001 can also be installed below an oven's baking surface 1009 as shown in Fig. 12. According to some embodiments multiple units of the proposed food preparation tool are installed in large ovens, thus enabling simultaneous preparation of multiple foods on top of rotatable surfaces 1003 such as shown in Figs. 13A-13B, whereas the proposed tool is used with ovens producing higher temperatures, a combination of multiple thermal protection means can be used such as shown in Fig. 13C, for providing significantly improved heat dispersion and/or isolation capabilities. Such combinations also provide improved vibrations absorption. Further illustrated in Figs. 13A-13B is another advantage of installation below the oven's baking surface, which while enabling a direct rotation of surfaces 1003 it further enables a flat installation of coupling means 1010 within drill 1009a of baking surface 1009, thereby any of surfaces 1003 can be desirably lifted and removed, leaving a flat surface, e.g., for various baking trays. Furthermore, the use of the abovementioned heat reducing means in parallel or in lieu of a section of the driving shaft of motor 1001 provides sufficient temperature reduction, rather than adding mass (e.g., longer drive shaft).

Figs. 14A-14D schematically illustrate some more design options of the proposed food preparing tool, according to embodiments of the present invention, in which flat bearing arrangements 1020 are employed to enable the rotation of surfaces 1003, while the weight of surfaces 1003 is supported by the oven's baking surface 1009, thus reducing the load from the other moving parts of the proposed tool (e.g., the drive shaft of motor 1001). Surface 1003 having a top side 1003a and a bottom side 1003b, wherein the top side 1003a is adapted to support one or more products (e.g., a pizza), and bearing arrangement 1020 that is located at bottom side 1003b is adapted for enabling the rotation of surface 1003 upon applying force by an activation means (e.g., by a motor).

Bearing arrangement 1020 comprises a top rotatable member 1021 onto which surface 1003 is placed, and a bottom fixed member 1022 fixedly placed on the oven's baking surface 1009 (or any other suitable supporting surface) while being in a connection with top member 1021 through a support ball chain 1023 which is suitable to roll within corresponding circular grooves of members 1021 and 1022 (e.g., groove 1021a shown in Fig. 14B). According to an embodiment of the invention, ball chain 1023 is made of Silicon Nitride Si3N4 ceramic balls or other suitable material(s) that their strength and hardness properties are almost constant at relatively high temperatures such as about 800 Celsius degrees.

The rotation of motor 1001 is transmitted through a drive shaft thereof (not shown) to coupling means 1010 and therefrom to a corresponding adapter 1030, which is slideably threaded through corresponding central drill in bottom member 1022 and firmly connected to top member 1021 (e.g., by corresponding radial protrusions and depressions at the top of adapter 1030 and at the bottom of surfaces 1003). Thereby, the flat arrangement 1020 enables the transmission of vertical load (i.e., the weight of surface 1003) through top member 1021, ball chain 1023 and bottom member 1022 to the oven's baking surface 1009, while the rotation of motor 1001 is transmitted to rotatable surface 1003, while consuming significantly limited space of the baking cell of oven 1004 and allowing a fast placement and removal of surface 1003 from oven 1004.

Fig. 14B further illustrates additional coupling arrangements that can be selected by a person skilled in the art, such as a bottom depression 1003a of surface 1003 correspondingly shaped to the end protrusion 1030a of adapter 1030, and placement protrusions 1021b on top member 1021, onto which surface 1003 is stably placed (e.g., by corresponding placement depressions at the bottom of surface 1003. Furthermore, alternate designs and combinations of members 1021 and 1022 can be used, such as a triangle form as shown in the figures by member 1021, a circular form as shown in the figures by member 1022 or any other geometrical shape suitable to provide the required support and rotations capabilities of surface 1003).

Fig. 15 schematically illustrates an orthogonal configuration of the proposed food preparing tool, according to embodiments of the present invention, in which tool 2000 utilizes an orthogonal transmission such as bevel gears 2005 arrangement, as well as corresponding anchoring arrangement 2001 (further shown in Fig. 16) for affixing the motor and transmission components to the bottom of an oven, or other surface as will be illustrated in Fig. 16.

Exemplary construction materials selections for tool 2000 are: Rotatable surface 1003 - made of stone durable at 800 Celsius degrees; Plates 1021 and 1022 (also shown in Figs. 14A-D), anchoring arrangement's 2001 components, various adaptors and bearing housings 2004, orthogonal bevel gears 2005 and shafts thereof, coupler 1008 - made of stainless steel, bronze C90700 alloy, or Titanium alloy providing durability at 800 Celsius degrees; and Ball chain 1023 (also shown in Figs. 14A-D) and ball chains 2003 of additional bearings - made of Silicon Nitride Si3N4 durable at 800 Celsius degrees.

Also illustrated in Fig. 15 is a flexible coupling adapter 2006, comprising two interconnected components 2006a being separated with a silicone isolation component providing improved vibrations reduction as well as additional temperature reduction (e.g., from 200 to 50 Celsius degrees). Furthermore, interconnecting rod 2001a of anchoring arrangement's 2001 is designed as a thin-wall tube for reduced heat transfer to a motor enclosure 2007 of device 2000.

Fig. 16 schematically illustrates an exemplary application of tool of Fig. 15, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an extendable-retractable tool 3000 comprises a storage enclosure 3001, an extendable-retractable plate 3002 slidably connected to storage enclosure 3001 through corresponding telescopic brackets 3003, wherein tool 2000 (of Fig. 15) is anchored to extendable-retractable plate 3002 by anchoring arrangement's 2001, while rotatable surface 1003 is installed above extendable-retractable plate 3002, being confined by a flat surface 3004, forming a continuous flat surface, portion of which is rotatable. The drawing-like tool 3000 can be installed in either retrofitted or designated ovens, while providing an easy handling for installation and maintenance operations of tool 2000.

Although embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be understood that the invention may be carried out with many variations, modifications, and adaptations, without exceeding the scope of the claims.