Patent Description:
Cookware and bakeware are types of food preparation articles commonly found in a kitchen. Bakeware comprises cooking vessels, such as saucepans and frying pans, intended for use on a stove or range cooktop. Bakeware comprises cooking vessels and trays intended for use inside an oven. Some articles are considered both bakeware and bakeware.

Of particular significance is flexible bakeware, light, flexible bakeware constructed of silicone or silicone/fiberglass. Flexible bakeware is commonly found in a variety of forms including, for example, loaf pans, muffin/cupcake pans, cake pans, and mats, which are placed in or on baking dishes and trays to prevent sticking. Although flexible bakeware is popular for domestic and professional use, each form of flexible cookware is inherently designed for a single purpose. As a result, those who favor flexible cookware customary accumulate it in numerous forms to meet various needs, which is costly and inherently clutters cupboard and countertop spaces. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a flexible convertible multipurpose cooking article in the nature of a flexible mat that is simple in design, simple in structure, inexpensive, and easily and quickly convertible for multiuse purposes.

<CIT> describes baking tins and the like made up of a first stamping in the form of a sheet-like band that can formed into a sidewall and a second stamping in the form of a base for the baking tin. <CIT> describes a cooking article in the form of springform molds that include a ring or sheet-like structure made of silicone closed by male-female connecting elements.

According to the invention there is provided a convertible multipurpose cooking article for food products, said convertible multipurpose cooking article comprising a mat for receiving food products, the mat including a first surface, a second surface, a first side and a second side extending between a first end and a second end, an enlargement, extending outwardly from the second surface proximate to the first end and formed with a female profile that opens outwardly to the first surface, a male profile proximate to the second end extending outwardly from the second surface, and is foraminate, being full of holes or openings dispersed throughout the mat and extending through the mat from the first surface to the second surface, the mat being sufficiently flexible to be repeatedly flexed between an open configuration in which the mat is flat, and a closed configuration in which the mat defines a continuous sidewall encircling a volume by the first surface, the first side and the second side encircle opposed upper and lower openings to the volume and the second surface proximate to the first end and the male profile overlaps the first surface proximate to the second end and the female profile, the female profile is configured to repeatedly receive and releasably secure the male profile for repeatedly securing the first end to the second side when the mat is in the closed configuration, and the holes or openings enabling gases and fluids to pass therethrough when the mat is in the open configuration and the closed configuration.

In any embodiment, the enlargement and the male profile are integral with the mat.

In any embodiment, the enlargement, including the female profile, and the male profile each extend from proximate to the first side to proximate to the second side.

In any embodiment, the convertible multipurpose cooking article additionally comprises:.

In any embodiment, the convertible multipurpose cooking article further comprises:.

While not specifically claimed also described is a convertible multipurpose cooking article for food products includes a mat for receiving food products, the mat including a first side and a second side extending between a first end and a second end, openings disposed throughout the mat, the mat being sufficiently flexible to be repeatedly flexed between an open configuration in which the mat is flat, and a closed configuration juxtaposing the first end and the second end in which the mat defines a continuous sidewall encircling a volume and the first side and the second side encircle opposed upper and lower openings to the volume, and a fastener assembly configured to be repeatedly secured, for securing the first end to the second end when the mat is in the closed configuration, and separated, the fastener assembly including a structure thereof proximate to the first end and a complemental structure thereof proximate to the second end. The structure and the complemental structure are integral with the mat. The structure includes one of a male profile and a female profile and the complemental structure includes the other one of the male profile and the female profile, wherein the female profile is configured to receive and releasably secure the male profile. The mat includes a first surface and a second surface, and the first surface between the first side and the second side defines the volume when the mat is in the closed configuration. The male profile extends outwardly from the second surface, and the female profile opens outwardly to the first surface. The second surface proximate to the first end and the male profile overlaps the first surface proximate to the second end and the female profile when the mat is in the closed configuration. The male profile and the female profile each extend from proximate to the first side to proximate to the second side. A central pull-tab protrudes from the male profile, a central opening extends through the mat to the female profile, and the pull-tab extends through and beyond the central opening when the mat is in the closed configuration and the male profile is received and releasably secured by the female profile. The male profile includes protrusions, and the female profile includes indentations.

While not specifically claimed also described is a convertible multipurpose cooking article for food products includes a mat for receiving food products, the mat including a first side and a second side extending between a first end and a second end, openings disposed throughout the mat, the mat being sufficiently flexible to be repeatedly flexed between an open configuration in which the mat is flat, and a closed configuration juxtaposing the first side and the second side in which the mat defines a continuous sidewall encircling a volume and the first side and the second side encircle opposed upper and lower openings to the volume, and a fastener assembly configured to be repeatedly secured, for securing the first end to the second end when the mat is in the closed configuration, and separated, the fastener assembly including a structure thereof proximate to the first end and a complemental structure thereof proximate to the second end, the mat being in the closed configuration and the structure and the complemental structure being secured, a first lid releasably applied over the first side closing the first opening to the volume, and a second lid releasably applied over the second side closing the second opening to the volume. The structure and the complemental structure are integral with the mat. The structure includes one of a male profile and a female profile and the complemental structure includes the other one of the male profile and the female profile, wherein the male profile is received and releasably secured by the female profile. The mat includes a first surface and a second surface, and the first surface between the first side and the second side defines the volume. The male profile extends outwardly from the second surface, and the female profile opens outwardly to the first surface. The second surface proximate to the first end and the male profile overlaps the first surface proximate to the second end and the female profile. The male profile and the female profile each extend from proximate to the first side to proximate to the second side. A central pull-tab protrudes from the male profile, a central opening extends through the mat to the female profile, and the pull-tab extends through and beyond the central opening. The male profile includes protrusions, and the female profile includes indentations.

While not specifically claimed also described is a convertible multipurpose cooking article for food products includes a mat for receiving food products, the mat including a first surface, a second surface, a first side and a second side extending between a first end and a second end, openings disposed throughout the mat, an enlargement, extending outwardly from the second surface proximate to the first end, formed with a female profile that opens outwardly to the first surface, a male profile proximate to the second end extending outwardly from the second surface, the mat being sufficiently flexible to be repeatedly flexed between an open configuration in which the mat is flat, and a closed configuration in which the mat defines a continuous sidewall encircling a volume by the first surface, the first side and the second side encircle opposed upper and lower openings to the volume and the second surface proximate to the first end and the male profile overlaps the first surface proximate to the second end and the female profile, and the female profile is configured to repeatedly receive and releasably secure the male profile for repeatedly releasably securing the first end to the second side when the mat is in the closed configuration, the mat being in the closed configuration and the male profile received and releasably secured by the female profile, a first lid releasably applied over the first side closing the first opening to the volume, and a second lid releasably applied over the second side closing the second opening to the volume. The enlargement and the male profile are integral with the mat. The enlargement, including the female profile, and the male profile each extend from proximate to the first side to proximate to the second side. A central pull-tab protrudes from the male profile, a central opening extends through the enlargement to the female profile, and the pull-tab extends through and beyond the central opening. The male profile includes protrusions, and the female profile includes indentations.

Specific objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:.

Disclosed is a multipurpose convertible multipurpose cooking article for food products in the nature of a mat that is sufficiently flexible to be easily and repeatedly converted by being flexed between an open configuration in which the mat is flat, and a closed configuration in which the mat is a continuous sidewall, and which is configured with openings, which are dispersed throughout the mat, and an integrated fastener assembly useful for releasably securing the mat in the closed configuration. The mat is useful for receiving food products thereon, such as for baking, when the mat is in the open configuration, and is useful for receiving food products therein, such as for steaming or storage, when the mat is in the closed configuration. Opposed ends of the continuous sidewall defined by the mat when it is in the closed configuration can be closed by opposed lids for enclosing food products.

Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to <FIG> illustrating a convertible multipurpose cooking article <NUM> in the nature of a mat <NUM> constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention. Mat <NUM> is a substrate, being a broad, generally flat piece of material having inherently food safe, nontoxic, flexible, elastic, durable, long-lasting, tear-resistant, non-stick and easy to clean material characteristics and which is heat resistant, being capable of withstanding bitter cold and intense heat, from -<NUM> °F to up to <NUM> °F in a preferred embodiment. Exemplary materials having at least these inherent material characteristics include silicone and a silicone/fiberglass hybrid construction, both of which are commonly used in a variety of readily-available conventional silicone-type baking mats. Mat <NUM> is unitary, being an integral body.

Referring in relevant part to <FIG>, mat <NUM> includes opposed upper and lower surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>, opposed ends <NUM> and <NUM>, and opposed sides <NUM> and <NUM>. Ends <NUM> and <NUM> are parallel to one another, sides <NUM> and <NUM> are parallel to one another, ends <NUM> and <NUM> are perpendicular relative to sides <NUM> and <NUM>, ends <NUM> and <NUM> extend from side <NUM> to side <NUM>, and sides <NUM> and <NUM> extend from end <NUM> to end <NUM>. In this example, mat <NUM> has a uniform thickness of approximately from <NUM> to <NUM> from upper surface <NUM> to lower surface <NUM>. The thickness of mat <NUM> can vary, being somewhat thicker or thinner, in alternate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and without disabling the inherently flexible, non-stick, and heat-resistant material characteristics of mat <NUM>.

In this example, ends <NUM> and <NUM>, the end marginal edges of mat <NUM>, are equal in length, and sides <NUM> and <NUM>, the side marginal edges of mat <NUM>, are equal in length. The length of each of ends <NUM> and <NUM> is smaller than the length of each of sides <NUM> and <NUM>. As a result, mat <NUM> is relatively thin and substantially rectangular body in this illustrative embodiment. In this example, ends <NUM> and <NUM> are each <NUM>-<NUM> inches long, and sides <NUM> and <NUM> are each <NUM>-<NUM> inches long, and this arrangement can be reversed in an alternate embodiment. Mat <NUM> can be formed of other dimensions and corresponding shapes consistent with this disclosure.

Mat <NUM> additionally includes beads <NUM> and <NUM>, and beads <NUM> and <NUM>. Each of beads <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> is a projecting rim, profile, or molding of mat <NUM>. Beads <NUM> and <NUM> are enlargements and are identical, and beads <NUM> and <NUM> are enlargements and are identical. Beads <NUM> and <NUM> are proximate to side <NUM>, and beads <NUM> and <NUM> are proximate to side <NUM>. Bead <NUM> projects outwardly from upper surface <NUM> adjacent to side <NUM>, and extends along substantially the entire length of mat <NUM> adjacent to side <NUM> between ends <NUM> and <NUM>. Bead <NUM> projects outwardly from upper surface <NUM> adjacent to side <NUM>, and extends along substantially the entire length of mat <NUM> adjacent to side <NUM> between ends <NUM> and <NUM>. Bead <NUM> projects outwardly from lower surface <NUM> adjacent to side <NUM>, and extends along substantially the entire length of mat <NUM> adjacent to side <NUM> between ends <NUM> and <NUM>. Bead <NUM> projects outwardly from lower surface <NUM> adjacent to side <NUM>, and extends along substantially the entire length of mat <NUM> adjacent to side <NUM> between ends <NUM> and <NUM>. Beads <NUM> and <NUM> are uniformly shaped between ends <NUM> and <NUM>, and project outwardly from the thickness of mat <NUM> from upper surface <NUM>. Beads <NUM> and <NUM> are uniformly shaped between ends <NUM> and <NUM>, project outwardly from the thickness of mat <NUM> from lower surface <NUM>, and are somewhat larger than beads <NUM> and <NUM>.

Mat <NUM> is a foraminate mat, being full of holes or openings <NUM> for the passage of gases and fluids. Openings <NUM> extend through mat <NUM> from upper surface <NUM> to lower surface <NUM>, and are dispersed throughout mat <NUM>. Openings <NUM> are spaced apart and formed substantially uniformly throughout mat <NUM> within the perimeter of mat <NUM> defined by ends <NUM> and <NUM> and sides <NUM> and <NUM>. Openings <NUM> are arranged in a predetermined pattern throughout <NUM>, and the chosen pattern can be a regular pattern or an irregular or random pattern. The density of openings <NUM> can vary in different embodiments.

Mat <NUM> is sufficiently flexible to be easily and repeatedly converted by being flexed between an open configuration in <FIG>, in which mat <NUM> is flat, and a closed configuration in <FIG>, in which mat <NUM> is arranged in a form of a continuous sidewall denoted generally at <NUM>. Mat <NUM> is additionally configured with an integrated fastener assembly, denoted generally at <NUM>. Fastener assembly <NUM> is re-closable, being specifically configured to be repeatedly secured and released for repeatedly securing mat <NUM> into and releasing mat <NUM> from its closed configuration in <FIG>.

Fastener assembly <NUM> includes cooperating structures, including a structure <NUM> and a complemental structure <NUM>, both of which are integral with mat <NUM> and formed of the same material as mat <NUM>. Structure <NUM> is proximate to end <NUM> and is a profile denoted at <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. Complemental structure <NUM> is proximate to end <NUM> and is a profile denoted at <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. Profile <NUM> extends along the length of end <NUM> from proximate to side <NUM> to proximate to side <NUM>, and profile <NUM> similarly extends along the length of end <NUM> from proximate to side <NUM> to proximate to side <NUM>. Profiles <NUM> and <NUM> are parallel relative to each other and to ends <NUM> and <NUM> of mat <NUM>, and are perpendicular relative to sides <NUM> and <NUM> of mat <NUM>. Profiles <NUM> and <NUM> are cooperating, interlocking profiles, in which they correspond in shape and size and are configured to be repeatedly interlocked and released to thereby repeatedly and releasably secure ends <NUM> and <NUM>. In particular, profile <NUM> corresponds in shape and size to profile <NUM>, being thereby configured to repeatedly receive and releasably secure via an interlocking engagement profile <NUM> to thereby repeatedly and releasably secure ends <NUM> and <NUM>. In an illustrative embodiment, profile <NUM> is a male profile and may be referred to as such herein, and profile <NUM> is a female profile and may be referred to as such herein.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, male profile <NUM> is a tongue <NUM>, an elongate projection that projects outwardly from upper surface <NUM> proximate to end <NUM> and extends along the length of end <NUM> from proximate to side <NUM> to proximate to side <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. Tongue <NUM> defines male profile <NUM> and is configured with protrusions <NUM>, which extend outwardly from either side of tongue <NUM> along its length. Central pull-tab <NUM> protrudes outwardly from structure <NUM>, i.e. tongue <NUM>, at an intermediate position thereof between sides <NUM> and <NUM>. Pull-tab <NUM> is integral with structure <NUM>, i.e. tongue <NUM>, and is suitably equidistant between sides <NUM> and <NUM>.

Female profile <NUM> is a groove <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, which opens outwardly to lower surface <NUM> proximate to end <NUM> and extends along the length of end <NUM> from proximate to side <NUM> to proximate to side <NUM> in <FIG>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, groove <NUM> defines female profile <NUM> and is configured with indentations <NUM>, which extend outwardly on either side of groove <NUM> along its length. The female profile <NUM> defined by groove <NUM> and its indentations <NUM> relates in size and shape male profile <NUM> defined by tongue <NUM> and its protrusions <NUM>. Accordingly, male and female profiles <NUM> and <NUM> are cooperating profiles enabling them to be repeatedly interlocked to and released from one another.

Groove <NUM> and its indentations <NUM> that define female profile <NUM> are formed in an enlargement <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. Enlargement <NUM> is integral with mat <NUM> and formed of the same material as mat <NUM> and is a projecting rib that projects outwardly from upper surface <NUM> proximate to end <NUM> and extends along the length of end <NUM> from proximate to side <NUM> to proximate to side <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, groove <NUM> formed in enlargement <NUM> opens outwardly to lower surface <NUM>. Central opening <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> extends through enlargement <NUM> of mat <NUM> to groove <NUM>, i.e. complemental structure <NUM>, at an intermediate position thereof between sides <NUM> and <NUM>. Central opening <NUM> is suitably equidistant between sides <NUM> and <NUM>, and is configured to accept the previously-described pull-tab <NUM>.

As previously described, mat <NUM> is sufficiently flexible to be easily and repeatedly flexed and thereby converted between its open configuration in <FIG>, in which mat <NUM> is flat, and its closed configuration in <FIG>, in which mat <NUM> is in a form of continuous sidewall denoted at <NUM>. Fastener assembly <NUM> is re-closable and thereby specifically configured to be repeatedly secured, for securing end <NUM> to end <NUM> when mat <NUM> is in the closed configuration to secure mat <NUM> in it closed configuration, and separated for releasing mat <NUM> from its closed configuration.

When fastener assembly <NUM> is released, i.e. when structure <NUM> is released from complemental structure <NUM>, mat <NUM> is unsecured in <FIG> and can automatically become flat when placed upper surface <NUM> or lower surface <NUM> down on a flat surface. The ability of mat <NUM> to do this is a direct result of the inherently flexible and elastic material characteristics of mat <NUM>. Mat <NUM> is repeatedly useful for baking food thereon when mat <NUM> is flat in its open configuration in <FIG>. Mat <NUM> can be selectively placed lower surface <NUM> down onto a baking sheet or tray and food placed on upper surface <NUM>, or can be placed upper surface <NUM> down onto a baking sheet or tray and food placed on lower surface <NUM>. Mat <NUM> is equally useful in both instances.

To convert mat <NUM> from its open configuration in <FIG> to its closed configuration in <FIG>, ends <NUM> and <NUM> are folded inwardly toward one another in the respective directions of arrows A and B in <FIG> to register upper surface <NUM> along end <NUM> with lower surface <NUM> along end <NUM>, tongue <NUM> that extends outwardly from upper surface <NUM> with groove <NUM> that opens outwardly to lower surface <NUM>, and pull-tab <NUM> with central opening <NUM> through enlargement <NUM> of mat <NUM>, and tongue <NUM> and groove <NUM> are pressed together to interlock them in <FIG>, in which male profile <NUM> defined by tongue <NUM> and its protrusions <NUM> extends into female profile <NUM> defined by groove <NUM> and indentations <NUM> and protrusions <NUM> and indentations <NUM> of the respective male and female profiles <NUM> and <NUM> interlock. The inherently elastic and flexible material characteristics of mat <NUM> enable tongue <NUM> and enlargement <NUM> to suitably deflect when tongue <NUM> and groove <NUM> are pressed together and to assume their original shapes when tongue <NUM> is seated in and interlocked to groove <NUM>. At the same time, pull-tab <NUM> inserts into and through central opening <NUM>. The shape of tongue <NUM> and its protrusions <NUM> that male profile <NUM> of structure <NUM> interlocks with female profile <NUM> of complemental structure <NUM> as defined by groove <NUM> and its indentations <NUM>, pull-tab <NUM> extends through and beyond central opening <NUM>, and upper surface <NUM> of mat <NUM> proximate to end <NUM> and structure <NUM> overlaps lower surface <NUM> of mat <NUM> proximate to end <NUM> and complemental structure <NUM>, when structure <NUM> and complemental structure <NUM> interlock in <FIG> and <FIG> when mat <NUM> is in the closed configuration. Pull-tab <NUM> can be taken up by hand and pulled to facilitate seating male profile <NUM> of structure <NUM> as defined by tongue <NUM> and its protrusions <NUM> into female profile <NUM> of complemental structure <NUM> as defined by groove <NUM> and its indentations <NUM>.

Cylindrical sidewall <NUM> that mat <NUM> forms when it is secured by fastener assembly <NUM> in its closed configuration in <FIG> includes an outer surface defined by upper surface <NUM>, an inner surface defined by lower surface <NUM> that encircles volume V for receiving contents therein, side <NUM> that defines a continuous lower edge at a lower end of continuous sidewall <NUM> that encircles a lower opening <NUM> to volume V and side <NUM> that defines a continuous upper edge at an upper end of continuous sidewall <NUM> that encircles upper opening <NUM> to volume V. Volume V extends from lower opening <NUM> at the lower end of continuous sidewall <NUM> to upper opening <NUM> at the upper end of continuous sidewall <NUM>.

Continuous sidewall <NUM> is repeatedly useful for steaming food contents placed into volume V, either from lower opening <NUM> or upper opening <NUM>. After applying food contents to be steamed into volume V, the readied continuous sidewall <NUM> can be placed into a chosen steamer for steaming food contents placed in volume V in the presence of heat and steam, i.e., vaporized water. Openings <NUM> through the thickness of mat <NUM> suitably enable steam and ambient air to circulate relative to volume V to enable an efficient steaming of food placed in volume V.

Beads <NUM> and <NUM> formed in side <NUM> and beads <NUM> and <NUM> formed in side <NUM> inherently and advantageously reinforce the respective open lower and upper ends of continuous sidewall <NUM> thereby imparting a structural rigidity to continuous sidewall <NUM> enabling it to retain and hold its cylindrical shape. At the same time, beads <NUM> and <NUM> of side <NUM> define suitable lower engagement points for the attachment of a lower cap or lid <NUM> in <FIG> to side <NUM> defining the lower end of continuous sidewall <NUM> to close lower opening <NUM> to volume V and beads <NUM> and <NUM> of side <NUM> similarly define suitable upper engagement points for the attachment of an upper cap or lid <NUM> in <FIG> to side <NUM> defining the upper end of continuous sidewall <NUM> to close upper opening <NUM> to volume <NUM> for containing food contents placed in volume V, whether for steaming or storage. <FIG> illustrates lower and upper lids <NUM> and <NUM> detached from the respective sides <NUM> and <NUM> defining the respective lower and upper ends of continuous sidewall <NUM> in which lower and upper openings <NUM> and <NUM> are open. <FIG> illustrates lower and upper lids <NUM> and <NUM> applied over sides <NUM> and <NUM> (not shown because they are concealed by the attached lids <NUM> and <NUM>) defining the respective lower and upper ends of continuous sidewall <NUM> in which lower and upper openings <NUM> and <NUM> (not shown because they are concealed by the attached lids <NUM> and <NUM>) are closed to thereby enclose volume V (not shown) and any food contents placed therein and thereby forming a container assembly denoted generally at <NUM>. Lower lid <NUM> can be repeatedly applied over and removed from end <NUM> as needed to close and open lower opening <NUM> and upper lid <NUM> can be similarly repeatedly applied over and removed form end <NUM> as needed to close and open upper opening <NUM>. Lower and upper lids <NUM> and <NUM> are identical and interchangeable in the illustrative embodiment disclosed herein, and can be used independently from one another.

Container assembly <NUM> formed by the assembly of continuous sidewall <NUM> and lids <NUM> and <NUM> is useful for entrapping food contents placed in volume V, which can be placed into a chosen steamer for steaming the food contents in volume V of container <NUM> in the presence of heat and steam. Openings <NUM> through the thickness of mat <NUM> enable steam and ambient air to circulate relative to volume V for enabling an efficient steaming of the food contents in volume V. The container assembly <NUM> and its food contents can be removed from the steamer and one or both of the attached lids <NUM> and <NUM> detached to enable the withdrawal of the food contents from volume V after the steaming process is complete. Container assembly <NUM> is also useful for food storage, in which openings <NUM> through mat <NUM> enable air to circular relative to volume V for enabling food contents placed in volume V to remain fresh when stored therein.

According to the invention, profiles <NUM> and <NUM> are cooperating, interlocking profiles, being male and female profiles in the illustrative embodiment disclosed herein, in which they correspond in shape and size and are configured to be repeatedly interlocked and released to thereby repeatedly and releasably secure ends <NUM> and <NUM>. Those having regard for the art will appreciate that varying cooperating, interlocking profiles can be used in structure <NUM> and complemental structure <NUM> of fastener assembly <NUM> without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims, including cooperating, interlocking strips, detents, and the like.

The present invention is described above with reference to illustrative embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made in the described embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims. Various further changes and modifications to the embodiment herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

Claim 1:
A convertible multipurpose cooking article (<NUM>) for food products, said convertible multipurpose cooking article comprising a mat (<NUM>) for receiving food products, the mat (<NUM>) including a first surface (<NUM>), a second surface (<NUM>), a first side (<NUM>) and a second side (<NUM>) extending between a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>), an enlargement (<NUM>), extending outwardly from the second surface (<NUM>) proximate to the first end (<NUM>) and formed with a female profile (<NUM>) that opens outwardly to the first surface (<NUM>), a male profile (<NUM>) proximate to the second end (<NUM>) extending outwardly from the second surface (<NUM>), and is foraminate, being full of holes or openings (<NUM>) dispersed throughout the mat and extending through the mat (<NUM>) from the first surface (<NUM>) to the second surface (<NUM>), the mat (<NUM>) being sufficiently flexible to be repeatedly flexed between an open configuration in which the mat (<NUM>) is flat, and a closed configuration in which the mat (<NUM>) defines a continuous sidewall (<NUM>) encircling a volume V by the first surface (<NUM>), the first side (<NUM>) and the second side (<NUM>) encircle opposed upper and lower openings (<NUM>, <NUM>) to the volume V and the second surface (<NUM>) proximate to the first end (<NUM>) and the male profile (<NUM>) overlaps the first surface (<NUM>) proximate to the second end (<NUM>) and the female profile (<NUM>), the female profile (<NUM>) is configured to repeatedly receive and releasably secure the male profile (<NUM>) for repeatedly securing the first end (<NUM>) to the second side (<NUM>) when the mat (<NUM>) is in the closed configuration, and the holes or openings (<NUM>) enabling gases and fluids to pass therethrough when the mat (<NUM>) is in the open configuration and the closed configuration.