Kitchen oven

According to one embodiment, an oven includes an oven chamber operable to be heated and having a front opening. The oven further includes a frame coupled to and at least partially surrounding the oven chamber. The oven further includes a door operable to seal the front opening of the oven chamber, and a pair of hinges pivotally coupling the door to the frame. Each hinge is positioned on opposing sides of the oven chamber. The oven further includes a pair counterweights that are each coupled to the rear portion of a respective hinge, and a pair of dampers. Each damper is coupled to the frame and operable to resist movement of the door in a single direction opposite that of the other damper.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to the field of cooking and more specifically to a kitchen oven.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, ovens include a door that may be opened to add/remove food from the oven, and closed to cook food that has been added to the oven. Such traditional ovens, however, may be deficient.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention is achieved by providing an oven, comprising an oven chamber operable to be heated, the oven chamber having a front opening; a frame coupled to and at least partially surrounding the oven chamber, the frame including a pair of vertical portions each being positioned on opposing lateral sides of the front opening; a door operable to seal the front opening of the oven chamber, the door extending laterally to at least the vertical portions of the frame; a pair of hinges pivotally coupling the door to the frame, the hinges each being positioned on opposing sides of the oven chamber, each hinge having a front portion disposed in-between a front surface and a back surface of the door; and a rear portion that extends rearward away from the door and through an opening in a respective vertical portion of the frame; a pair of counterweights that are each coupled to the rear portion of a respective hinge; and a pair of dampers, each damper coupled to the frame and operable to resist movement of the door in a single direction opposite that of the other damper.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, wherein the oven chamber is selected from a group consisting of a gas oven chamber; an electric oven chamber; a wood-burning oven chamber; a charcoal-burning oven chamber; and a convection oven chamber.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, wherein a first damper of the pair of dampers is an extension damper.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, wherein a second damper of the pair of dampers is a compression damper.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, wherein a first damper of the pair of dampers couples a first counterweight of the pair of counterweights to the frame.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, further comprising a second pair of dampers, each damper of the second pair of dampers being coupled to the frame and operable to resist movement of the door in a single direction opposite that of the other damper of the second pair of dampers, a first damper of the second pair of dampers coupling a second counterweight of the pair of counterweights to the frame.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, wherein each damper of the pair of dampers is positioned on the same side of the oven chamber.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, wherein each damper of the pair of dampers is positioned on opposing sides of the oven chamber.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, wherein the pair of counterweights have a combined weight that is approximately equal to a weight of the door.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, wherein the front portion of each hinge is positioned orthogonal to the rear portion.

A second aspect of the invention is achieved by performing a method, comprising coupling a frame to an oven chamber so that the frame at least partially surrounds the oven chamber, the oven chamber being operable to be heated, the oven chamber having a front opening, the frame having a pair of vertical portions that are each positioned on opposing lateral sides of the front opening; pivotally coupling a door to the frame using a pair of hinges, the door being operable to seal the front opening of the oven chamber, the door extending laterally to at least the vertical portions of the frame, the hinges each being positioned on opposing sides of the oven chamber, each hinge having a front portion disposed in-between a front surface and a back surface of the door; and a rear portion that extends rearward away from the door and through an opening in a respective vertical portion of the frame; coupling each of a pair of counterweights to the rear portion of a respective hinge; and coupling a pair of dampers to the frame, each damper being operable to resist movement of the door in a single direction opposite that of the other damper.

Another aspect of the invention is any such method, wherein the oven chamber is selected from a group consisting of a gas oven chamber; an electric oven chamber; a wood-burning oven chamber; a charcoal-burning oven chamber; and a convection oven chamber.

Another aspect of the invention is any such method, wherein a first damper of the pair of dampers is an extension damper.

Another aspect of the invention is any such method, wherein a second damper of the pair of dampers is a compression damper.

Another aspect of the invention is any such method, further comprising coupling a first counterweight of the pair of counterweights to the frame using a first damper of the pair of dampers.

Another aspect of the invention is any such method, further comprising coupling a second pair of dampers to the frame, each damper of the second pair of dampers being operable to resist movement of the door in a single direction opposite that of the other damper of the second pair of dampers; and coupling a second counterweight of the pair of counterweights to the frame using a first damper of the second pair of dampers.

Another aspect of the invention is any such method, wherein each damper of the pair of dampers is positioned on the same side of the oven chamber.

Another aspect of the invention is any such method, wherein each damper of the pair of dampers is positioned on opposing sides of the oven chamber.

Another aspect of the invention is any such method, wherein the pair of counterweights have a combined weight that is approximately equal to a weight of the door.

A third aspect of the invention is achieved by providing an oven, comprising an oven chamber operable to be heated, the oven chamber having a front opening; a frame operatively coupled to support and at least partially surround the oven chamber; a door operable to seal the front opening of the oven chamber, the door extending laterally to at least a pair of vertical portions of the frame; a pair of hinges pivotally coupling the door to the frame, the hinges each being positioned on opposing sides of the oven chamber and in-between respective side portions of the frame and the oven chamber, each hinge having a front portion disposed in-between a front surface and a back surface of the door; and a rear portion that extends rearward away from the door and through an opening in a respective vertical portion of the frame; a first counterweight coupled to the rear portion of a first hinge of the pair of hinges; and a first damper coupled to the frame and operable to resist movement of the door in at least a first direction.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, further comprising a second counterweight coupled to the rear portion of a second hinge of the pair of hinges.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, further comprising a second damper coupled to the frame and operable to resist movement of the door in a direction opposite of that resisted by the first damper.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, wherein the first damper and the second damper are each disposed in-between a side portion of the frame and the oven chamber.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, wherein the first damper is an extension damper pivotally coupled to a portion of the frame and a portion of at least one of the first counterweight and the rear portion of the first hinge of the pair of hinges, and wherein the second damper is a compression damper.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, wherein the extension damper and compression damper are disposed on the same side of the oven chamber.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, wherein the first damper is disposed in-between a side portion of frame and the oven chamber.

Another aspect of the invention is any such oven, wherein the first damper is an extension damper pivotally coupled to a portion of the frame and a portion of at least one of the first counterweight and the rear portion of the first hinge of the pair of hinges.

A fourth aspect of the invention is achieved by providing an oven, comprising an oven chamber operable to be heated, the oven chamber having a front opening; a frame coupled to the oven chamber, the frame having a pair of vertical portions that are each positioned on opposing lateral sides of the front opening, the vertical portions extending upward, the frame further having a pair of horizontal portions that are each coupled to a respective vertical portion, the horizontal portions each being positioned on opposing sides of the oven chamber at a location adjacent a bottom of the oven chamber, the horizontal portions extending rearward; a door operable to seal the front opening of the oven chamber, the door extending laterally to at least the vertical portions of the frame; a pair of hinges pivotally coupling the door to the frame, the hinges each being positioned on opposing sides of the oven chamber, each hinge having a front portion disposed in-between a front surface and a back surface of the door; and a rear portion that extends rearward away from the door and through an opening in a respective vertical portion of the frame; a pair of counterweights that are each coupled to the rear portion of a respective hinge; and a pair of dampers, each damper coupled to the frame and operable to resist movement of the door in a single direction opposite that of the other damper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are best understood by referring toFIGS. 1-2of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

Traditionally, ovens include a door that may be opened to add/remove food from the oven, and closed to cook food that has been added to the oven. Such traditional ovens, however, may be deficient. For example, traditional ovens in the food service industry may have doors without any mechanisms to control the motion or speed of the door. As such, the doors in such traditional ovens may slam open or shut. As another example, traditional residential ovens may have mechanisms to control the motion or speed of the door, but these mechanisms are deficient. In particular, if these mechanisms break, the door may no longer work until the mechanisms are fixed or replaced. Furthermore, even when the mechanisms are working, they may be unable to handle the stress loads required in the food service industry. For example, the food service industry may utilize ovens with oven doors that may need to withstand 400 pounds of weight, so that dishes can be stacked on the oven door and/or so that kitchen personnel may stand on the oven door to reach high up shelving units. Contrary to such typical deficiencies, the oven100ofFIGS. 1A-1Emay provide one or more advantages.

FIGS. 1A-1Eillustrate an example kitchen oven. In particular,FIG. 1Aillustrates an exploded perspective view of the oven100with a door130;FIG. 1Billustrates an enlarged view of reference portion A inFIG. 1A;FIG. 1Cillustrates a perspective view of the oven100with the door130closed;FIG. 1Dillustrates a perspective view of the oven100with the door130open; andFIG. 1Eillustrates an enlarged view of reference portion B inFIG. 1D. As illustrated, the oven100includes an oven chamber120, a frame110coupled to the oven chamber120, and a door130coupled to the frame110. Furthermore, the oven100may include dampers161. The dampers161may control the motion or speed of the door130. As such, the dampers161may slow down the speed of the door130as it is opening and/or closing, which may prevent the door130from slamming open or shut.

As is illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1E, the oven100includes an oven chamber120(illustrated in broken lines). An oven chamber120may be any chamber that may be heated. For example, the oven chamber120may be a gas oven chamber, an electric oven chamber, a wood-burning oven chamber, a charcoal-burning oven chamber, any other solid fuel-burning oven chamber, a convection oven chamber, a chamber that may be heated using any other burnable or heat able substance, fuel, or energy source, any other chamber that may be heated, or any combination of the preceding.

The oven100may include any number of oven chambers120. For example, the oven100may include 1 oven chamber120, 2 oven chambers120, 3 oven chambers120, 4 oven chambers120, or any other number of oven chambers120. Furthermore, the oven chambers120may be positioned in any location with respect to each other in the oven100. For example, the oven chambers120may be side-by-side horizontally, side-by-side vertically, side-by-side horizontally and vertically, diagonal to each other, or positioned in any other location with respect to each other. As illustrated, the oven100includes a single oven chamber120

The oven chamber120may have any shape. For example, the oven chamber120may have a side or cross-section that is shaped as a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a circle, an oval, an irregular shape, any other shape, or any combination of the preceding. As illustrated, the oven chamber120has a cross-section that is shaped as a rectangle. The oven chamber120may further have any size. For example, the oven chamber120may have a capacity size of 2 cubic feet, 3 cubic feet, 4 cubic feet, 5 cubic feet, 6 cubic feet, 7 cubic feet, 8 cubic feet, 10 cubic feet, 12 cubic feet, 15 cubic feet, 20 cubic feet, or any other size. The oven chamber120may be made of any material. For example, the oven chamber120may be made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, iron, brass, cast-iron, any other metal or metal alloy (including coated, plated and clad metal), any insulated metal or metal alloy, any metal or metal alloy lined with a refractory material (such as cement, brick, or clay), any other material, or any combination of the preceding.

As illustrated, the oven chamber120includes a front opening121that may allow food to be inserted and/or removed from the oven chamber120. The front opening121may have any shape and/or size for insertion and/or removal of food from the oven chamber120.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1E, the oven100further includes a frame110. The frame110may be any support structure for the oven chamber120. For example, the frame100may be any structure that generally surrounds and supports all or a portion of the oven chamber120(including any heating elements and sidewalls). Furthermore, the frame110may have multiple parts. For example, as illustrated, the frame110includes a front surface111a, a back surface111c, two side surfaces111bandd, a top surface111e, and a bottom surface111f. The surfaces111may be coupled to each other to form the frame110. The surfaces111may be coupled to each in any manner. For example, the surfaces111may be bolted to each other, screwed to each other, riveted to each other, clipped to each other, welded to each other, formed integral with each other, coupled to each other in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding.

The surfaces111of the frame110may encapsulate the oven chamber120, so that the oven chamber120may be disposed entirely within the frame110. Although the surfaces111of the frame110may encapsulate the oven chamber120, the front opening121of the oven chamber120may remain unblocked by the surfaces111of the frame110. Furthermore, the frame110(and the surfaces111) may be coupled to the oven chamber120disposed entirely within the frame110. The frame110may be coupled to the oven chamber120in any manner. For example, the frame110may be bolted to the oven chamber120, screwed to the oven chamber120, riveted to the oven chamber120, clipped to the oven chamber120, welded to the oven chamber120, formed integral with the oven chamber120, coupled to the oven chamber120in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding.

The surfaces111of the frame110may have any shape. For example, a surface111may be shaped as a rectangle, a square, a circle, an irregular shape, any other shape, or any combination of the preceding. The surfaces111of the frame110may also have any size. For example, the surfaces111may have a size big enough to encapsulate the oven chamber120. The surfaces111of the frame110may be made of any material. For example, a surface111may be made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, iron, brass, cast-iron, any other metal or metal alloy (including coated, plated and clad metal), any insulated metal or metal alloy, any metal or metal alloy lined with a refractory material (such as cement, brick, or clay), any other material, or any combination of the preceding.

As illustrated, the front surface111amay include multiple parts. For example, the front surface111amay include vertical portions112aand112b. Vertical portions112may be portions of the front surface111a. For example, the front surface111amay be a surface that includes portions identified as vertical portions112aand112b. Alternatively, the vertical portions112may be additional reinforcements that may be added to the front surface111a. For example, the vertical portions112may be additional sections of steel (or any other material discussed above, for example) that are coupled to a portion (or all of) the front surface111ain order to reinforce portions (or all) of the front surface111a.

The vertical portions112may be positioned in any manner. For example, as is illustrated, the vertical portions112may be positioned on opposing lateral sides of the front opening121. The vertical portions112may also extend upward along the front surface111aof the frame110, as is also illustrated. The vertical portions112may extend upward for all (or a portion) of the height of the frame110. Additionally, the vertical portions112may also extend horizontally, so as to wrap around onto additional surfaces. In such an example, the vertical portions112may wrap around onto top surface ille and/or bottom surface111f, as is illustrated inFIG. 1A.

As is also illustrated, the bottom surface111fmay include multiple parts. For example, the bottom surface111fmay include horizontal portions113aand113b. Horizontal portions113may be portions of the bottom surface111f. For example, the bottom surface111fmay be a surface that includes portions identified as horizontal portions113aand113b. Alternatively, horizontal portions113may be additional reinforcements that may be added to the bottom surface111f. For example, horizontal portions113may be additional sections of steel (or any other material discussed above, for example) that are coupled to a portion (or all of) the bottom surface111fin order to reinforce portions (or all) of the bottom surface111f.

The horizontal portions113may be positioned in any manner. For example, as is illustrated, the horizontal portions113may be positioned within the frame110on opposing sides of the oven chamber120. Additionally, as a result of the horizontal portions113being a portion of the bottom surface111f(or as a result of the horizontal portions113reinforcing all or a portion of the bottom surface111f), the horizontal portions113may be located adjacent the bottom of the oven chamber120. Furthermore, the horizontal portions113may be coupled to the vertical portions112. For example, the horizontal portion113amay be coupled to the vertical portion112a, and the horizontal portion113bmay be coupled to the vertical portion112b. The horizontal portions113may be coupled to the vertical portions112in any manner. For example, the horizontal portions113may be bolted to the vertical portions112, screwed to the vertical portions112, riveted the vertical portions112, clipped the vertical portions112, welded the vertical portions112, formed integral with the vertical portions112, coupled the vertical portions112in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding. The horizontal portions113may also extend rearward along the bottom surface111fof the frame110, as is also illustrated. The horizontal portions113may extend rearward for all (or a portion) of the depth of the frame110.

As illustrated, the oven100further includes a door130. A door130may be any structure that may seal the front opening121of the oven chamber120. This sealing of the front opening121may prevent at least a portion of the heat in the oven chamber120from escaping the oven chamber120, and may further prevent at least a portion of the cooler air outside of the oven chamber120from entering the oven chamber120. In addition to sealing the oven chamber120, the door130may further be opened and closed to allow food to be inserted into and/or removed from the oven chamber120. The door130may be opened and closed in any manner. For example, the door130may be opened by pivoting the door130downward, and closed by pivoting the door upward (as is illustrated inFIG. 1D).

The oven100may include any number of doors130. For example, the oven100may include 1 door130, 2 doors130, 3 doors130, 4 doors130, or any other number of doors130. The number of doors130included on the oven100may be based on the number of oven chambers120included in the oven100. For example, the oven100may include 1 door130for every 1 oven chamber120included in the oven100. As another example, the oven100may include 1 door130for every 2 oven chambers120included in the oven. In such an example, the 2 oven chambers120may share the same door130. The doors130may be positioned in any location with respect to each other in the oven100. For example, the doors130may be side-by-side horizontally, side-by-side vertically, side-by-side horizontally and vertically, diagonal to each other, or positioned in any other location with respect to each other. As illustrated, the oven100includes a single door130.

The door130may have any shape. For example, the door130may be shaped as a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a circle, an oval, an irregular shape, any other shape, or any combination of the preceding. As illustrated, the door130is shaped generally as a rectangle. The door130may further have any size. For example, the door130may be sized to cover all of the front surface111a. As another example, the door130may be sized to cover all of the front opening121of oven chamber120. In such an example, the door130may extend laterally to at least the vertical portions112of the front surface111aof the frame100, thereby covering the lateral edges of the front opening121. Furthermore, the door130may also extend vertically to at least cover the bottom and top edges of the front opening121. The door130may be made of any material. For example, the door130may be made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, iron, brass, cast-iron, any other metal or metal alloy (including coated, plated and clad metal), any insulated metal or metal alloy, any metal or metal alloy lined with a refractory material (such as cement, brick, or clay), any other material, or any combination of the preceding.

As is also illustrated, the door130may include multiple parts. For example, the door130may include a door front surface131and a door back surface132. The door front surface131and the door back surface132may be coupled together to form the door130. Additionally, a portion of hinges141(discussed below) may be disposed in-between the door front surface131and the door back surface132, thereby coupling the hinges141to the door130.

As illustrated, the oven100further includes hinges141. A hinge141may be any structure that may couple the door130to the frame110, and that may further allow the door130to be opened and/or closed. For example, the hinge141may be coupled to the frame110in a manner that allows the hinge141to pivot around an axis. In such an example, the hinge141may pivotally couple the door130to the frame110. The hinge141may allow the door to be opened and/or closed in any manner.

The oven100may include any number of hinges141. For example, the oven100may include 1 hinge141, 2 hinges141, 3 hinges141, 4 hinges141, or any other number of hinges141. The number of hinges141included on the oven100may be based on the number of doors130included on the oven100. For example, the oven100may include 1 hinge141for every 1 door130included on the oven100. As another example, the oven100may include 2 hinges141for every 1 door130included on the oven130. As illustrated, the oven100includes two hinges141coupled to the door130, and positioned on opposing sides of the oven chamber120.

The hinge141may have any shape and/or size. Additionally, the hinge141may be made of any material. For example, the hinge141may be made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, iron, brass, any other metal or metal alloy, any insulated metal or metal alloy, plastic, any other material, or any combination of the preceding.

As is also illustrated, the door hinge141may include multiple parts. For example, the hinge141may include a front portion142, a rear portion143, and a pivoting portion144, as is illustrated inFIG. 1B. The front portion142may be disposed in-between the door front surface131and the door rear surface132, so as to be coupled to the door130. As such, the front portion142may couple the door130to the hinge141. The front portion142may be coupled to the door130(thereby coupling the door130to the hinge141) in any manner. For example, the front portion142may be bolted to the door130, screwed to the door130, riveted to the door130, clipped to the door130, welded to the door130, formed integral with the door130, inserted into one or more brackets included within the door130, coupled to the door130in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding.

The rear portion143of the hinge141may extend rearward away from the door130(and the front portion142). Furthermore, the rear portion143may extend rearward through an opening145in the vertical portions112, as is illustrated inFIG. 1B. As such, the rear portion143may extend into the frame110of the oven100. The pivoting portion144of the hinge141may couple the hinge141to the frame110(thereby coupling the door130to the frame110). For example, the pivoting portion144may be an axle or pin such as a vertical axle) that may be inserted into a matching bore116in a tab115of the opening145of the front surface111a, as is illustrated inFIG. 1B. Insertion of the pivoting portion144into the matching bore116may allow the hinge141to pivot around an axis of the matching bore116. As such, the door130(and the hinge141) may pivot downward in order for the door130to be opened, and the door130(and the hinge141) may pivot upward in order for the door130to be closed.

The front portion142and the rear portion143may be positioned in any configuration with regard to each other. For example, the front portion142may be positioned at an angle147to the rear portion143. The angle147may be any angle. For example, the angle147may be 90 degrees (i.e., orthogonal), 80 degrees, 70 degrees, 45 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, 135 degrees, or any other angle. As another example, the angle147may be approximately (i.e., +/−5 degrees) 90 degrees (i.e., approximately orthogonal), approximately 80 degrees, approximately 70 degrees, approximately 45 degrees, approximately 100 degrees, approximately 110 degrees, approximately 135 degrees, or approximately any other angle. As is illustrated, the front portion142is positioned at an angle147of 90 degrees (i.e., orthogonal) to the rear portion143.

The pivoting portion144may be positioned in any configuration with regard to the front portion142and the rear portion143. For example, the pivoting portion144may be positioned on the front portion142, the rear portion143, or a combination of both the front portion142and the rear portion143.

The front portion142, the rear portion143, and the pivoting portion144may be coupled to each other to form the hinge141. The front portion142, the rear portion143, and the pivoting portion144may be coupled to each other in any manner. For example, the front portion142, the rear portion143, and the pivoting portion144may be bolted to each other, screwed to each other, riveted to each other, clipped to each other, welded to each other, formed integral with each other, coupled to each other in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding.

As illustrated, the oven100further includes counterweights151. A counterweight151may be any weighted structure that may be coupled to the hinges141. The counterweight151may assist the door130in opening and/or closing. For example, when the door130is partially open (such as more than 50% open), the weight of the counterweight151may provide a turning moment about the hinges141to complete the opening of the door130. As such, the counterweight151may complete the opening of the door130without any additional pressure being applied by a user. As another example, when the door130is partially closed (such as more than 50% closed), the weight of the counterweight151may provide a turning moment about the hinges141to complete the closing of the door130. As such, the counterweight151may complete the closing of the door130without any additional pressure being applied by a user.

The counterweight151and/or the rear portion143of the hinge141may further prevent the door130from being opened too far. For example, when the door130is fully opened, the counterweight151and/or the rear portion143of the hinge141may be positioned against a back side of the front surface111aof the frame110(as a result of the counterweight151and the rear portion143of the hinge141pivoting upward). The strength of the frame110at this contact point (in addition to the strength of the counterweight151and/or the strength of the rear portion143of the hinge141) may prevent the counterweight151(and the rear portion143of the hinge141) from pivoting upward any further because such movement may be blocked by the back side of the front surface111a. As such, the door130may be prevented from being opened any further.

Furthermore, this positioning of the counterweight151(and the strength of the front surface111a) may prevent the door130from being forced further past the fully open position even when, for example, 400 pounds of weight (or more) is positioned on the door130. As such, the door130(and the hinge141) may have the strength to be used in the food service industry. The door130may be fully opened when it is positioned at (or opened to) any angle to the front surface111aof the frame110. For example, the door130may be fully opened when the door130is positioned at (or opened to) an angle of 90 degrees (i.e., a horizontal orientation) to the front surface111aof the frame110, an angle of 80 degrees to the front surface111aof the frame110, an angle of 110 degrees to the front surface111aof the frame110, or any other angle. As another example, the door130may be fully opened when the door130is positioned at (or opened to) an angle of approximately (i.e., +/−5 degrees) 90 degrees (i.e., approximate horizontal orientation) to the front surface111aof the frame110, an angle of approximately 80 degrees to the front surface111aof the frame110, an angle of approximately 110 degrees to the front surface111aof the frame110, or any other approximate angle.

The oven100may include any number of counterweights151. For example, the oven100may include 1 counterweight151, 2 counterweights151, 3 counterweights151, 4 counterweights151, or any other number of counterweights151. The number of counterweights151included on the oven100may be based on the number of hinges141included on the oven100. For example, the oven100may include 1 counterweight151for every 1 hinge141included on the oven100. As another example, the oven100may include 1 counterweight151for every 2 hinges141included on the oven130. As illustrated, the oven100includes two counterweights151positioned on opposing sides of the oven chamber120, with each counterweight151coupled to opposing hinges141.

The counterweight151may have any shape and/or size. In one example, the counterweight is preferably sized to fit in-between the oven chamber120and the frame110. Additionally, the counterweight151may have any weight. For example, the combination of all counterweights151included on the oven100may be equal to the weight of the door130. As another example, the combination of all counterweights151included on the oven100may be approximately (i.e., +/−5 pounds) equal to the weight of the door130. Each counterweight151included on the oven100may have the same weight, or one or more counterweights151included on the oven100may have different weights. Furthermore, the counterweight151may be made of any material. For example, the counterweight151may be made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, iron, cast-iron, lead, brass, any other metal or metal alloy, including plated, coated and clad metal and any insulated metal or metal alloy, any other material, or any combination of the preceding.

The counterweight151may be coupled to the hinge141. For example, as is illustrated, the counterweight151amay be coupled to the hinge141a, and the counterweight151bmay be coupled to the hinge141b. The counterweight151may be coupled to the hinge141in any manner. For example, the counterweight151may be bolted to the hinge141, screwed to the hinge141, riveted to the hinge141, clipped to the hinge141, welded to the hinge141, formed integral with the hinge141, coupled to the hinge141in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding. Additionally, the counterweight151may be coupled to any portion of the hinge141. For example, the counterweight151may be coupled to the rear portion143of the hinge141, as is illustrated. Furthermore, the counterweight151may be coupled to the rear portion143at a location on the rear portion143that causes the counterweight151to be located inside of the frame110. It should be appreciated that the center of gravity of the combination of the counterweight151and the hinge141can be modified by changing the size and/or shape of either member so that the door130may self-open and self-close at predetermined angles, taking into account the center of gravity of the door130.

As illustrated, the oven100further includes dampers161. A damper161may be any device or mechanism that may control the motion or speed of the door130as the door130is being opened and/or closed. For example, the damper161may be an extension damper that controls speed when the rod of the damper161is being extended out of the tube of the damper161, a compression damper that controls speed when the rod of the damper161is being compressed into the tube of the damper161, a dual direction damper that controls speed when the rod of the damper161is both being extended out of the tube of the damper161and being compressed into the tube of the damper161, any other device or mechanism that may control the motion or speed of the door130as the door130is being opened and/or closed, or any combination of the preceding. Furthermore, the damper161may operate in any manner (or include any components) to control the motion or speed of the door130as the door130is being opened and/or closed. For example, the damper161may be a hydraulic damper, a spring-operated damper, an air-filled dash pot damper, a damper that may operate in any other manner (or include any other components) to control the motion or speed of the door130as the door130is being opened and/or closed, or any combination of the preceding. The damper161may have any shape and/or size. Additionally, the damper161may have any maximum/minimum load.

As is discussed above, the damper161may control the motion or speed of the door130as the door130is being opened and/or closed. As such, the damper161may slow down the speed of the door130as it is opening and/or closing, which may prevent the door130from slamming open or shut. The damper161may control the motion or speed of the door130by resisting movement of the door130. For example, the damper161may resist movement of the door130in a direction of the opening of the door130(thereby preventing the door130from slamming open), in a direction of the closing of the door130(thereby preventing the door130from slamming shut), or in both the direction of the opening of the door130and the direction of the closing of the door130(thereby preventing the door130from slamming open or shut).

The damper161may be designed to fail in a mode (or manner) that does not preclude opening and/or closing of the door130, for example. Alternatively (or additionally), the oven100may include multiple redundant dampers161that may allow opening and/or closing of the door130even if one or more dampers161fail, for example.

The oven100may include any number of dampers161. For example, the oven100may include 1 damper161, 2 dampers161, 3 dampers161, 4 dampers161, 6 dampers161,8dampers161, or any other number of dampers161. The number of dampers161included on the oven100may be based on the number of doors130included on the oven100. For example, the oven100may include 1 damper161(e.g., a dual direction damper161) for every 1 door130included on the oven100. As another example, the oven100may include dampers161for every 1 door130included on the oven100. As a further example, the oven100may include 4 dampers161for every 1 door130included on the oven130. As illustrated, the oven100includes two dampers161. When the oven100includes multiple dampers161, all of the dampers161may resist movement of the door130in the same direction (e.g., open, closed, and/or both open and closed). Alternatively, one or more of the dampers161may resist movement of the door in an opposite direction of the other dampers161. For example, one or more dampers161may resist movement of the door130in the direction of the opening of the door130(thereby preventing the door130from slamming open), and one or more of the other dampers161may resist movement of the door in the direction of the closing of the door130(thereby preventing the door130from slamming shut).

The damper161may be coupled to the frame110. For example, the damper161may be coupled to the horizontal portion113of the bottom surface111fof the frame110(as is illustrated with regard to damper161a), the vertical portion112of the front surface111aof the frame110(as is illustrated with regard to damper161b), the side surfaces111band/or111d, the top surface111e, any other portion of the frame110, or any combination of the preceding. The damper161may be coupled to the frame110in any manner. For example, the damper161may be bolted to the frame110, screwed to the frame110, riveted to the frame110, clipped to the frame110, welded to the frame110, formed integral with the frame110, coupled to the frame110in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding. The damper161may further be pivotally coupled to the frame110, thereby allowing the damper161to pivot upward and downward (as is seen inFIG. 1E) as the counterweight151and the rear portion143of the hinge141pivot.

The damper161may further be coupled to the counterweight151. For example, as is illustrated, the damper161amay be coupled to the counterweight151a, thereby coupling the counterweight151ato the frame110. The damper161may be coupled to the counterweight151in any manner. For example, the damper161may be bolted to the counterweight151, screwed to the counterweight151, riveted to the counterweight151, clipped to the counterweight151, welded to the counterweight151, formed integral with the counterweight151, coupled to the counterweight151in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding. The damper161may further be pivotally coupled to the counterweight151, thereby allowing the damper161to pivot upward and downward (as is seen inFIG. 1E) as the counterweight151and the rear portion143of the hinge141pivot. Although the damper161is described as being coupled to the counterweight151, the damper161may alternatively (or additionally) be coupled to the rear portion143of the hinge141.

The damper161may be coupled to the frame110in any position on the frame110. For example, the damper161may be positioned on either side of the oven chamber120. In such an example, when the oven100includes multiple dampers161, all of the dampers161may be positioned on the same side of the oven chamber120, as is illustrated inFIG. 1A. Alternatively, when the oven100includes multiple dampers161, one or more of the dampers161may be positioned on different sides of the oven chamber120. In one example, it is preferable that all of the dampers161(such as dampers161aand161bofFIGS. 1A-1E) be positioned on the same side of the oven chamber120(as is illustrated inFIG. 1A). This may allow the lateral spacing (in-between the oven chamber120and the frame110) that may be used to house the dampers161to be included on a single side of the oven chamber120(as opposed to divided up in-between two different sides). This may create a bigger lateral spacing on the frame110, which may be used for a side control panel of the oven100. It may also provide a single wide access service panel that may be used to access the dampers161, if replacement of one or more dampers161is desired (or required). In such an example, all of the dampers161may, be accessed by, for example, removing the same side panel from the frame110, or pulling the frame110and/or the oven100out of a cabinet (or other enclosure).

As is illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1E, the oven100includes 2 dampers161. The first damper161amay be a hydraulic extension damper coupled to the horizontal portion113aof the bottom surface111fof the frame110, and further coupled to the counterweight151a. For example, as is illustrated inFIG. 1E, the first damper161amay include a first portion162coupled to the horizontal portion113aof the bottom surface111fof the frame110, and a second portion163coupled to the counterweight151a. The first portion162may be pivotally coupled to the horizontal portion113aand the second portion163may be pivotally coupled to the counterweight151, thereby allowing the damper161to pivot upward and downward (as is seen inFIG. 1E) as the counterweight151and the rear portion143of the hinge141pivot. As a hydraulic extension damper, the first damper161may resist movement of the door130in a direction of the opening of the door130(thereby preventing the door130from slamming open). In particular, as the door130opens, the counterweight151amay pivot upwards, causing the pin of the first damper161ato extend out of the tube of the first damper161a. Furthermore, the first damper161amay resist this extension, thereby resisting the movement of the door130in the direction of the opening of the door130.

Alternatively, the second damper161bmay be a hydraulic compression damper coupled to the front surface111aof the frame110. For example, the second damper161bmay include a first portion165that is coupled to the front surface111aand that extends from the front surface111atowards the door130. Furthermore, the second damper161bmay further include a second portion166that is coupled to the front surface111aand that extends from the front surface111arearward away from the door130so as to be located within the frame110. As a hydraulic compression damper, the second damper161bmay resist movement of the door130in the direction of the closing of the door130(thereby preventing the door130from slamming closed). In particular, as the door130closes, the door130may pivot upwards to contact the pin of the second damper161b, causing the pin to compress into the tube of the second damper161b. Furthermore, the second damper161bmay resist this compression, thereby resisting the movement of the door130in the direction of the closing of the door130.

Modifications, additions, combinations, or omissions may be made to the oven100ofFIGS. 1A-1Ewithout departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the oven100may not include one or more of the features discussed above with regard toFIGS. 1A-1E. As another example, although the oven100has been illustrated as including only a first damper161aand a second damper161bpositioned on the same side of the oven chamber120, the oven100may also include a third damper and a fourth damper positioned on an opposite side of the oven chamber120from the first damper161aand the second damper161b. In such an example, the third damper may be coupled to the counterweight151band may resist movement of the door130in the direction of the opening of the door130, and the fourth damper may resist movement of the door130in the direction of the closing of the door130. As another example, although the second damper161bhas been illustrated as being coupled to the first surface111aof the frame110, the second damper161bmay additionally (or alternatively) be coupled to any of the other surfaces111of the frame110, such as the horizontal portion113aof the bottom surface111fof the frame110.

FIG. 2illustrates an example method of manufacturing, installing, and/or using a kitchen oven. One or more of the steps (such as all of the steps) of method200may be performed using the oven100ofFIGS. 1A-1E. Furthermore, one or more of the steps (such as all of the steps) of method200may be performed by a manufacturer of a kitchen oven, a re-seller of a kitchen oven, a shipper of a kitchen oven, an installer of a kitchen oven, a repairer of a kitchen oven, and/or a user of a kitchen oven. Additionally, one or more of the steps of method200may be performed by different entities. For example, a first entity (such as a manufacturer) may perform one or more of the steps, while a second entity (such as a user) may perform the remainder of the steps, for example.

The method200begins at step205. At step210, a frame110may be coupled to an oven chamber120. The frame110may be coupled to the oven chamber120in any manner. For example, the frame110may be bolted to the oven chamber120, screwed to the oven chamber120, riveted to the oven chamber120, clipped to the oven chamber120, welded to the oven chamber120, formed integral with the oven chamber120, coupled to the oven chamber120in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding. By coupling the frame110to the oven chamber120, the surfaces111of the frame110may encapsulate the oven chamber120, so that the oven chamber120may be disposed entirely within the frame110. Although the surfaces111of the frame110may encapsulate the oven chamber120, the front opening121of the oven chamber120may remain unblocked by the surfaces111of the frame110.

At step215, a door130may be pivotally coupled to the frame110. The door130may be pivotally coupled to the frame110using one or more hinges141. The door130may be pivotally coupled to the frame110in any manner. For example, a front portion142of a hinge141may be disposed in-between (and coupled to) a door front surface131and a door rear surface132, as is discussed above with regard toFIGS. 1A-1E. Additionally, a rear portion143of the hinge141may be inserted into (and extend rearward through) an opening145in a vertical portion112of the front surface111aof the frame110. Furthermore, a pivoting portion144of the hinge141may be coupled to the frame110, thereby coupling the door130to the frame110. For example, the pivoting portion144may be an axle or pin (such as a vertical axle) that may be inserted into a matching bore116in a tab115of the opening145of the front surface111aof the frame110. Insertion of the pivoting portion144into the matching bore116may allow the hinge141to pivot around an axis of the matching bore116. As such, the door130(and the front portion142of the hinge141) may pivot downward in order for the door130to be opened, and the door130(and the front portion142of the hinge141) may pivot upward in order for the door130to be closed, for example.

At step220, a counterweight151may be coupled to a hinge141. For example, a counterweight151may be coupled to a rear portion143of a hinge141. The counterweight151may be coupled to the hinge141in any manner. For example, the counterweight151may be bolted to the hinge141, screwed to the hinge141, riveted to the hinge141, clipped to the hinge141, welded to the hinge141, formed integral with the hinge141, coupled to the hinge141in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding. Additionally, any number of counterweights151may be coupled to any number of hinges141in accordance with step220. For example, the counterweight151amay be coupled to the hinge141a, and the counterweight151bmay be coupled to the hinge141b.

At step225, a damper161may be coupled to the frame110. For example, the damper161may be coupled to the horizontal portion113of the bottom surface111fof the frame110(as is illustrated with regard to damper161a), the vertical portion112of the front surface111aof the frame110(as is illustrated with regard to damper161b), the side surfaces111band/or111d, the top surface111e, any other portion of the frame110, or any combination of the preceding. The damper161may be coupled to the frame110in any manner. For example, the damper161may be bolted to the frame110, screwed to the frame110, riveted to the frame110, clipped to the frame110, welded to the frame110, formed integral with the frame110, coupled to the frame110in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding. The damper161may further be pivotally coupled to the frame110, thereby allowing the damper161to pivot upward and downward (as is seen inFIG. 1E) as the counterweight151and the rear portion143of the hinge141pivot.

The damper161may be coupled to the frame110in any position on the frame110. For example, the damper161may be positioned on either side of the oven chamber120. In such an example, when the oven100includes multiple dampers161all of the dampers161may be positioned on the same side of the oven chamber120, as is illustrated inFIG. 1A. Alternatively, when the oven100includes multiple dampers161, one or more of the dampers161may be positioned on different sides of the oven chamber120.

In addition to coupling the damper161to the frame110, step225may further include coupling the damper161to a counterweight151. For example, as is illustrated, the damper161amay be coupled to the counterweight151a, thereby coupling the counterweight151ato the frame110. The damper161may be coupled to the counterweight151in any manner. For example, the damper161may be bolted to the counterweight151, screwed to the counterweight151, riveted to the counterweight151, clipped to the counterweight151, welded to the counterweight151, formed integral with the counterweight151, coupled to the counterweight151in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding. The damper161may further be pivotally coupled to the counterweight151, thereby allowing the damper161to pivot upward and downward (as is seen inFIG. 1E) as the counterweight151and the rear portion143of the hinge141pivot.

Any number of dampers161may be coupled to the frame110(and/or to any number of counterweights151). For example, a first damper161a(such as a hydraulic extension damper) may be coupled to the horizontal portion113aof the bottom surface111fof the frame110, and further coupled to the counterweight151a. As such, the first damper161amay resist movement of the door130in a direction of the opening of the door130(thereby preventing the door130from slamming open). Furthermore, a second damper161b(such as a hydraulic compression damper) may be coupled to the front surface111aof the frame110, so that a first portion165of the second damper161bextends from the front surface111atowards the door130. As such, the second damper161bmay resist movement of the door130in the direction of the closing of the door130(thereby preventing the door130from slamming closed). At step230, the method200ends.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to method200. For example, the method200may further include coupling one or more surfaces111together so as to form the frame110. Additionally, the steps of method200may be performed in parallel or in any suitable order.

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, or reorganizing any of the disclosed steps, components, elements, features, aspects, characteristics, limitations, and the like, of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments or examples described in this specification. In this manner, Applicant reserves the right to amend the claims during prosecution to add features as variously described in this specification.