Patent Description:
In vehicles such as recreational vehicle or caravans (collectively RVs) and watercraft that provide for a cooking area, space is restricted and as a result the corresponding functionality may be compromised. Space is similarly restricted in watercraft, boats and the like which provide for a cooking area. Explaining further, conventional cooking hobs require a fixed installation that occupies a horizontal space within a vehicle that could otherwise be dedicated to multi-purpose counter space. Such conventional cooking hobs also need specific clearance dimensions in a vertical direction. This increases the dependency on inconvenient cabinet and drawer space that is lower and deeper, particularly in space restricted environments such as presented in RVs, watercraft, and the like.

While known cooking systems for vehicles and like may have proven to be generally successful for their intended purposes, a continuous need for improvement remains in the pertinent art. From document <CIT>, an assembly comprising a hob is known, which, when in use, is located at a determined elevation, and a hideaway hood (<NUM>) receivable within a space provided below said use elevation, wherein the hob is hinged to the hood such that, when not in use, the hob can be tilted against the hood when this latter is in its use position, said receiving space being dimensioned to receive the assembly when the hob is in its non-use position. In document <CIT>, a device and method for the storage and retrieval of a variety of cooking utensils is disclosed. Further cooking systems are known from documents <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

The present teachings are generally related to various aspects of a space efficient and modular cooking system for a vehicle or the like.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cooking system for a space restricted environment with the features of claim <NUM> that includes one or more cooking devices in the form of cooking hobs that may be quickly and easily deployed from a storage area and flexibly used both within and outside the space restricted environment. The cooking devices may be stored below a countertop when not in use.

It is related object of the present invention to provide a cooking system for a space restricted environment that includes at least one modular cooking unit having a cooking device.

It is another related object of the present invention to provide a cooking system for a space restricted environment that provides a user with flexibility to create various desired cooking setups for different cooking sessions.

The present invention particularly provide a cooking system for a space restricted environment having at least one cooking device. As used herein, the term "cooking device" will be understood to mean a cooking hob or both a cooking hob and an air filter unit. The at least one cooking device is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position such that in the stowed position the cooking device is located either behind or below a corresponding surface of a countertop and in the deployed position the cooking device extends through an opening in the corresponding surface.

According to aspects of the disclosure not defined by the claims, it is provided a self-contained cooking unit for a cooking system of a space restricted environment that includes a housing, a lid assembly and a cooking device. The housing includes an open upper end. The lid assembly includes a lid for closing the open upper end of the housing. The lid is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The cooking device is removable from the housing. Additionally, the cooking unit may incorporate an air filter unit that may be removable from the housing or an air filter unit that is integrated within the housing.

The cooking system according to the invention also includes an elevator. The elevator may be disposed in the housing, for example, for movement between a stowed or lower position and a deployed or upper position. The cooking device is carried by the elevator such that the cooking device is in a stowed position within the housing when the elevator is in the stowed position and the cooking device is in a deployed position at least partially extending from the housing when the elevator is in the deployed or extended position.

The cooking system according to the invention further includes a cord retraction mechanism. The cord retraction mechanism may be disposed in the housing, for example, for guiding the cooking device cords in and out of the housing during movement from lower position to an upper position and vice versa. Additional cord guidance is facilitated by the retraction during the removal of the cooking hob or air filter unit from the housing for operation within space restricted environment and vice versa.

According to an aspect of the disclosure not defined by the claims, it is provided a method of operating a cooking system within a space restricted environment. The space restricted environment may include a countertop, for example. The method includes providing at least one self-contained cooking unit. Each cooking unit includes a housing, a lid assembly and a cooking device. Each cooking unit may optionally include an elevator and / or a cord retraction mechanism that may be is disposed within the housing. The method additionally includes mounting the self-contained cooking unit to the countertop proximate an opening in the countertop. The method further includes using the elevator to move the cooking device from a stowed position disposed within the housing to a deployed position at least partially extending from the housing. From the deployed position, the cooking device may be removed from the self-contained unit for flexible cooking use on the countertop or remotely therefrom. The method also optionally includes using the cord retraction mechanism to guide the cooking device cords in and out of the housing during deployment, removal from housing, and vice versa where a cord is needed.

In this regard, the following description uses specific embodiments that are just examples of particular structure that fall within the scope of the present teachings. It will also be understood that common reference characters have been used throughout the drawings to indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

With initial reference to <FIG> of the drawings, a cooking system for a space restricted environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated and identified at reference character <NUM> (hereinafter simply the "cooking system <NUM>"). The present teachings are particular adapted for enabling efficient usage and storage within a vehicle such a recreational vehicle ("RV"), caravan, or the like. It will be understood, however, that the present teachings may be readily adapted for other applications such as boats and the like within the present scope. In this regard, and without limitation, the present teachings may be readily extended to other mobile or non-mobile applications.

As particularly shown in the environmental view of <FIG>, the cooking system <NUM> includes one or more cooking units <NUM>. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the cooking system <NUM> includes a plurality of cooking units <NUM> having a first cooking unit 12A, a second cooking unit 12B, and a third cooking unit 12C. It will be understood, however, a cooking system <NUM> within the scope of the present invention may include a greater or lesser number of cooking units <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, each cooking unit <NUM> is shown to include a corresponding cooking hob <NUM> and optionally including a corresponding air filter unit 18A. As will be discussed below in connection with <FIG>, the optional air filter units 18A may be movable between stowed positions below the countertop <NUM> and deployed positions at least partially extending through openings <NUM> in the countertop <NUM>. The air filter units 18A may route air in a conventional manner down and out of the vehicle to vent the air from the vehicle. For certain applications within the scope of the present teachings, the system <NUM> may only include cooking hobs <NUM> (i.e., no air filter units <NUM>). In other words, the present teachings may be used in environments incorporating independent air filtering.

Each cooking unit <NUM> for both cooking system <NUM> and cooking system 10B will be understood to be a self-contained unit. Explaining further, the cooking units <NUM> may be packaged and shipped and as self-contained units that may be readily and independently mounted relative to a countertop. Alternative, the components of the cooking units <NUM> may be connected together (forming different shapes) and sent as one complete solution for single installation. In the embodiment illustrated, the functional components of the cooking unit <NUM> are housed within the housing <NUM> during shipping and when the cooking unit <NUM> is stored within the countertop <NUM>. The housing <NUM> includes an open upper end and contains all functional components of the cooking unit <NUM>. The upper end of the housing <NUM> is closed by the lid assembly <NUM>.

As will become better understood below, <FIG> illustrates the first cooking unit 12A in first functional position, the second cooking unit 12B in a second functional position and the third cooking unit 12C in a third functional position. The cooking unit 12A may be further operated in a fourth functional position in which the cooking hob 14is removed from the space restricted environment for remote use. In the first functional position, the cooking hob <NUM> and the air filter unit 18A of the first cooking unit 12A are stored below a corresponding surface (e.g., the countertop <NUM>), a lid <NUM> of a lid assembly <NUM> is articulated to a closed position, and the lid <NUM> is flush with an upper surface of the countertop <NUM> such that a corresponding portion of the countertop <NUM> may be alternatively used. In the second functional position, the lid <NUM> of the lid assembly <NUM> is articulated to an open position, while the cooking hob <NUM> and an air filter housing <NUM> of the second cooking unit 12B are linearly displaced (e.g., upwardly in the embodiment illustrated) to deployed positions. In this second functional position, the cooking hob <NUM> and air filter unit 18A partially extends from a corresponding opening <NUM> in the countertop <NUM>. In the third functional position, the cooking hob <NUM> of the third cooking unit 12C is placed on the countertop <NUM> and ready for use.

Another cooking system 10B in accordance with the present teachings will be introduced with reference to Figure <NUM> prior to a further description of various detail that may be common to both cooking systems <NUM> and 10B. As compared to the cooking system <NUM> of <FIG>, each cooking unit <NUM> of the cooking system 10B is shown to only include a cooking device in the form of a cooking hob <NUM> or in the form of an air filter unit 18A. Explaining further, the second cooking unit 12B and the third cooking unit 12C include cooking hobs <NUM> and a fourth cooking unit 12D includes an air filter unit 18B. This allows a flexible selection in the number of cooking hobs <NUM> and air filter units 18B in one cooking system 10B. In order to facilitate this flexibility in a modular manner, cooking hob <NUM> and air filter unit 18B may be of similar dimensions and / or shape. This allows a common housing <NUM> to be utilized for either the cooking hob <NUM> or air filter unit 18B in a cooking unit <NUM>.

Before further addressing certain details of the cooking systems <NUM> and 10B, a description of some common features and advantages will be described. Significantly, and as will be more fully appreciated hereinafter, the cooking units <NUM> may be located such that otherwise desirable storage area is not consumed by the system <NUM> or 10B. For example, the cooking units <NUM> may be located proximate a rear side of the countertop <NUM> (e.g., proximate a wall of the RV). Such an arrangement is shown in <FIG> and <FIG> and schematically in <FIG>, for example. As such, the vertical space occupied by the cooking units <NUM> is restricted to a less desirable storage area. In this regard, the cooking units <NUM> do not impede upon the more convenient cabinet and drawer space located at the forward side of the countertop <NUM>. In <FIG>, a simplified view of a countertop <NUM> incorporating a number of cooking units <NUM> in various locations is provided. <FIG> is illustrative of the flexibility of the system <NUM> of the present teachings. It will be understood that the cooking units <NUM> may be located anywhere on the countertop <NUM>.

In addition to locating the cooking units <NUM> relative to the countertop <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the cooking units may be located in other convenient areas as desired. According to an embodiment not covered by the claims, <FIG> schematically illustrates downward vertical deployment of a cooking unit <NUM> from a lower side of an upper cabinet. <FIG> schematically illustrates horizontal deployment of a cooking until from a wall positioned between an upper cabinet and a lower cabinet. According to an embodiment not covered by the claims, <FIG> schematically illustrates horizontal deployment of a cooking unit from a stowed position within an upper cabinet. These and other applications will be understood to be within the scope of the present teachings.

The cooking hobs <NUM> of cooking systems <NUM> and 10B will be understood to be similar. The size and configuration of the cooking hobs <NUM> may be readily adapted for specific uses within the scope of the present invention. As illustrated, the cooking hobs <NUM> may include at least one induction heating element <NUM>. While generally illustrated in the drawings to include a single induction heating element <NUM>, the cooking hob <NUM> may also include two or more induction heating elements <NUM>. The induction heating element <NUM> may be powered by either a rechargeable battery <NUM> or through a power cord <NUM>, or by both a rechargeable battery <NUM> and a power cord <NUM>. The power cord <NUM> may be a detachable power cord. In other applications, the present teachings may be adapted to include a gas or other powered heating element.

In the first functional position, the power cord <NUM> is connected to the rechargeable battery <NUM> for charging of the battery, thereby ensuring a full charge upon cooking hob deployment. As shown in the third function position, the power cord <NUM> of the third cooking unit 12C may extend from the cooking hob <NUM>, through the opening <NUM> in the countertop <NUM> and to a power source (not particularly shown). The power cord <NUM> may be a self-retracting power cord. Some examples are provided below.

The power cord <NUM> may serve to both power the cooking hob <NUM> and recharge the battery <NUM>. The power cord <NUM> may unplug from the cooking hob <NUM> such that the cooking hob <NUM> may be used remotely from rest of the cooking system <NUM>, either within the space restricted environment, or outside the space restricted environment. When the cooking hob <NUM> is detached, the cooking hob <NUM> may be powered by an electrical cord, an internal battery, or an external battery. For example, a caravan user may desire to take a charged cooking hob <NUM> outside the caravan for cooking purposes. It will be understood that other charging means may be used with the present teachings, including but not limited to wireless and docking charging means.

As further detailed in <FIG>, the cooking units <NUM> may include a frame <NUM> having a first frame component <NUM> and a second frame component <NUM>. The first frame component is an upper frame component <NUM> proximate an upper end or proximal end of the cooking unit <NUM>. The first frame component <NUM> may be mounted to an underside of the countertop <NUM> and may support the components of the lid assembly <NUM>, as will be addressed below. The second frame component is a lower frame component <NUM> proximate a lower or distal end of the cooking unit <NUM>. A pair of vertically extending guide members <NUM> extends between the first and second frame components <NUM> and <NUM>.

The lid assembly <NUM> includes the lid <NUM>, a lid assembly frame <NUM> and a cosmetic trim member <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is coupled to the lid assembly frame <NUM> for articulation between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis <NUM>. The open position is shown in <FIG> for example. The closed position in shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example.

The cosmetic trim member <NUM> upwardly extends through the hole <NUM> in the countertop <NUM> to a position flush with an upper surface of the countertop <NUM>. The upper surface of the countertop <NUM>, the upper surface of the lid <NUM> and the uppermost surface of the cosmetic trim member <NUM> are generally within the same common horizontal plane. As noted above, such a relationship allows for a corresponding portion of the countertop <NUM> to be alternatively used when the hob <NUM> is stored. One or more springs <NUM> may upwardly bias the lid assembly frame <NUM> relative to the first frame component <NUM>.

The elevator and air filter unit assembly <NUM> may include an elevator <NUM> and an air filter unit 18A. The elevator <NUM> is operative for moving the hob <NUM> between the stowed position and the deployed position. Explaining further, the elevator <NUM> includes an elevator frame <NUM> moveable between corresponding stowed and deployed positions. It will be understood that the shape, size and other characteristics of the elevator frame <NUM> may be readily adapted within the scope of the present teachings provided that the general function is retained. The stowed position is shown in <FIG> for example. The deployed position of the elevator frame <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, for example. In the stowed position, the hob <NUM> and air filter unit 18A are completely recessed below the upper surface of the countertop <NUM>. In the deployed position, the hob <NUM> and air filter unit 18A partially extend above the countertop <NUM>. Vertical movement of the elevator <NUM> between the stowed position and the deployed position is guided by the vertically extending guide members <NUM>.

Movement of the elevator frame <NUM> from the stowed position to the deployed position may be provided by a biasing mechanism <NUM>. In one particular form, the biasing mechanism may include a plurality of constant-force springs <NUM>. As will be addressed in detail below, may be used within the scope of the present teachings to move the elevator frame between the stowed and deployed positions.

The speed at which the elevator frame <NUM> moves may be regulated by a speed control mechanism <NUM>. The speed control mechanism <NUM> may include a rack and pinion arrangement <NUM> having a rotational damper <NUM> in the form of a pinion and a cooperating rack <NUM>. The rack <NUM> may extend between the first and second frame components <NUM> and <NUM>.

A linear damper <NUM> is carried by the elevator frame <NUM>. The linear damper <NUM> engages a lower side of the first frame component <NUM> as the elevator frame <NUM> approaches its deployed position. Such engagement provides a smooth stop of the elevator and air filter unit <NUM>.

The cooking unit <NUM> further includes a push-push activated retraction mechanism <NUM>. It will be understood that the particular type of retraction member is beyond the scope of the present teachings. In this regard, other retraction mechanism may be readily incorporated, including but not limited to an electronic button, a touch button, a movement sensor, a light sensor and a sound sensor. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the retraction mechanism <NUM> includes a first component or retraction mechanism capture geometry <NUM> and a second component or retraction mechanism <NUM>. The first component <NUM> may be carried by the elevator frame <NUM>. The second component <NUM> may be carried by the second frame component <NUM>.

The air filter unit housing <NUM> of the air filter unit 18A may include a filter <NUM>. The air filter unit housing <NUM> functions to purify the space restricted environment of odors. The air filter unit housing <NUM> defines a vent path containing the filter <NUM>. The vent path fluidly communicates an upper end of the air filter unit housing <NUM> with an area below the elevator frame <NUM>. In this manner, odors can be withdrawn from the space restricted environment and expelled from the vehicle, for example, in a known manner. The air filter unit 18A is carried by the elevator frame <NUM> such that the air filter unit correspondingly moves between stowed and deployed positions. It will be understood that the cooking unit <NUM> of the present invention may be adapted such that it does not include an air filter unit 18A.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG> the drawings, operation of one of the cooking units <NUM> of cooking system <NUM> of the present teachings will be further described. With the cooking unit <NUM> in its stowed position, (as represented in <FIG> by the first cooking unit 12A), the user initiates deployment of the elevator and air filter unit assembly <NUM> by pressing down on the lid <NUM>. Downward movement of the lid <NUM> correspondingly downwardly displaces the elevator and air filter unit assembly <NUM>, including the elevator frame <NUM>. As a result, the push-push release mechanism <NUM> releases the elevator and air filter unit assembly <NUM> from the stowed position. The constant-force springs <NUM> of the biasing mechanism <NUM> now moves the constant-force springs <NUM> upwardly. The speed of movement is regulated by the speed control mechanism <NUM>. The elevator and air filter unit <NUM> continues to the deployed position, as shown in <FIG>, for example. In this position, the cooking hob <NUM> may be removed by the user for use on the countertop <NUM> or remotely. After such use, the hob <NUM> is returned to the elevator and air filter unit <NUM>. When the elevator and air filter unit <NUM> is pressed down by the user, the components of the push-push release mechanism <NUM> engage to retain the elevator and air filter unit assembly <NUM> in the stowed position.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the system 10B will be further described. In addition to the cooking device (e.g., either a cooking hob <NUM> or an air filter unit 18B), it will be understood that each of the cooking units 12A-12D generally includes a housing <NUM>, an elevator <NUM>, a cord retraction mechanism <NUM> and a lid assembly <NUM>. As above, each cooking unit 10B will continue to be understood to be a self-contained unit and it will also be understood that a greater or lesser number of cooking units <NUM> may be incorporated within the scope of the present teachings.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the air filter unit 18B for cooking units <NUM> of the system 10B differs from that for cooking units <NUM> of the system <NUM> by recycling air rather than venting it out of the space restricted environment and expelling it from the vehicle. In air filter unit 18B of cooking units <NUM> of the system 10B, the air filter unit housing <NUM> functions to purify the space restricted environment of odors. Small differences may be noted between the air filter unit 18B shown in <FIG> and the air filter unit shown in <FIG>. For example, the handle of <FIG> is not shown in <FIG>. These differences, however, simply reflect two exemplary embodiments consistent with the present teachings.

The air filter unit 18B in cooking system 10B of the present teachings may include at least one fan <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM>. While generally illustrated in the drawings to include a single fan <NUM> and single filter <NUM>, the air filter unit 18B may also include two or more fans <NUM> and / or filters <NUM>. The fan <NUM> may be powered by either a rechargeable battery <NUM> or through a power cord <NUM>, or by both a rechargeable battery <NUM> and a power cord <NUM>. The air filter unit 18B operates by forcing air through the filter <NUM> by means of the fan <NUM>. The filtered air is then expelled from an opening (not particularly shown) in the air filter unit 18B, back into the space restricted environment. In this manner, the space restricted environment can be purified from odors.

Similar to the functional positions of the cooking devices discussed above with respect to the system <NUM>, the cooking hob <NUM> and the air filter unit 18B of the system 10B may both operate in first, second, third and fourth functional positions.

In the first functional position, the power cord <NUM> is connected to the rechargeable battery <NUM> for charging of the battery, thereby ensuring a full charge upon air filter unit deployment. As shown in the fourth function position, the power cord <NUM> of the fourth cooking unit 12D may extend from the air filter unit 18B, through the opening <NUM> in the countertop <NUM> and to a power source (not particularly shown). The power cord <NUM> may be a self-retracting power cord. Some examples are provided below.

The power cord <NUM> may serve to both power the air filter unit 18B and recharge the battery <NUM>. The power cord <NUM> may unplug from the air filter unit 18B such that the air filter unit 18B may be used remotely from rest of the cooking system <NUM>. When the air filter unit 18B is detached, the air filter unit 18B may be powered by an electrical cord, an internal battery, or an external battery. For example, a caravan user may desire to take a charged air filter unit 18B away from the cooking system <NUM> and to the dining area of the caravan for odor purification purposes. It will be understood that other charging means may be used with the present teachings, including but not limited to wireless and docking charging means.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG> the drawings, one cooking unit <NUM> of the cooking system 10B will be further described. With the cooking unit <NUM> in its stowed position, (as represented in <FIG> by the first cooking unit 12A), the user initiates deployment of the elevator assembly <NUM> by pressing down on the lid <NUM>. Downward movement of the lid <NUM> correspondingly downwardly displaces the stored cooking hob <NUM> or air filter unit 18B. As a result, the push-push release mechanism <NUM> is activated so that the retraction mechanism <NUM> releases the retraction mechanism capture geometry <NUM> (in the cooking units <NUM> of the system 10B, this is embedded within the cooking hob <NUM> and the air filter unit 18B body which is not necessarily shown in the figures), hence, releasing the elevator assembly <NUM> from the stowed position.

The elevator assembly <NUM> includes a biasing mechanism in the form of extension springs <NUM> which normally bias the associated cooking device to the deployed position. The cooking device sits on the elevator frame <NUM>. Upon releasing the retraction mechanism <NUM>, the extension springs advance the elevator assembly <NUM> to the deployed position. During the deployment of the elevator assembly <NUM>, the cord retraction mechanism <NUM> start its engagement. In this regard, an elastic member <NUM> of the cord retraction mechanism <NUM> may be employed. The cooking hob <NUM> or air filter unit 18B may be removed by the user for use on the countertop <NUM> or remotely. After such use, the cooking hob <NUM> or air filter unit 18B is returned to the elevator assembly <NUM>. When the elevator assembly <NUM> is pressed down by the user, extension springs <NUM> are moved downwardly and the components of the push-push release mechanism <NUM> engage to retain the elevator assembly <NUM> in the stowed position. During the removal of the cooking hob <NUM> or the air filter unit 18B, the cord retraction mechanism <NUM> is engaged to ensure no excess cord is present on the countertop <NUM> during use within the restricted environment. Furthermore, the retraction mechanism <NUM> engagement ensures that no excess cord is present in the cooking unit 10B housing <NUM> both during removal and placement of cooking hob <NUM> or air filter unit 18B, hence, smooth operation of the elevator assembly <NUM> is allowed. Once the elevator assembly <NUM> is in stowed position again, the cord retraction mechanism <NUM> is disengaged.

With reference to <FIG>, the various cord retraction mechanism in accordance with the present invention, including the cord retraction mechanism <NUM> introduced above are illustrated. The first cord retraction mechanism <NUM> of <FIG> includes a tensioning element in the form of the elastic member <NUM>. The second cord retraction mechanism 300A of <FIG> includes a tensioning element in the form of an extension spring <NUM>. The extension spring <NUM> may be connected to a guide wheel <NUM> for guiding the cord <NUM>. The third cord retraction mechanism 300B of <FIG> includes a tensioning element in the form of a flat metal spring <NUM>. The cord <NUM> may be guided by a guide mechanism <NUM> including a pair of guide wheels <NUM> connected by a pair of plates <NUM>. The flat metal spring <NUM> may be wound around a central spigot or hub <NUM>. A channel <NUM> defined by the spigot <NUM> may provide a cable connection point for power. A drum <NUM> circumferentially surrounds the wound spring <NUM>.

It will now be appreciated that the cooking systems <NUM> and 10B of the present teachings both provide an arrangement particularly adapted for storage and flexibility of use within a restricted space environment. The cooking systems <NUM> and 10B of the present teachings also provides a rechargeable hob <NUM> that can be taken outside the flexible use environment of the vehicle for remote use. As noted elsewhere, outside the space restricted environment, the cooking hob <NUM> may be powered by an electrical cord, an internal battery or an external battery.

A variant of the cooking system not defined by the claims does not require an elevator mechanism. In this regard, the cooking hob <NUM> may simply be manually removed from the housing <NUM>. It will still also be understood that various other elevator mechanisms may be used in connection with the teachings of the present invention. In this regard, any other elevator mechanism known in the art or developed hereafter may be employed with present teachings.

Claim 1:
A cooking system (<NUM>) comprising:
at least one cooking device movable carried by an elevator (<NUM>) between a stowed position and a deployed position such that in the stowed position the cooking device is located either behind or below a corresponding surface of a countertop (<NUM>) and in the deployed position the cooking device upwardly extends through an opening (<NUM>) in the corresponding surface, characterized in that the at least one cooking device is a cooking hob (<NUM>), the cooking hob (<NUM>) being removable from the elevator, and by a cord retraction mechanism (<NUM>) for guiding one or more cooking device cords.