Patent ID: 6244167
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: A21C

Abstract:
A tortilla forming machine for molding dough into a tortilla shell having a top, a bottom, a peripheral edge, and a thickness, said forming machine comprising a base member having an upwardly facing forming surface; a vertical extending hinge block connected to said base and having a first front surface; an elongated member having a front end and a rear end, said elongated member being pivotally connected to said hinge block at a first hinge point between said front and rear ends and said front end extending over said base, said pivotal connection allowing said front end of said elongated member to pivot between a lowermost and an uppermost position; and an upper push plate pivotally connected at a second hinge point to said elongated member between said front end and said first hinge point, said upper pushing plate having a downwardly facing forming surface opposite said upwardly facing forming surface; said upwardly facing forming surface and said downwardly facing surface being substantially parallel but spaced from one another when said elongated member is in said lowermost position, said first front surface extending upwardly away from said upper push plate to provide clearance between said hinge block and said upper push plate as said elongated member pivots toward said uppermost position.