Patent ID: 8069776

Claim:
A toaster for toasting at least one food slice comprising: A) a base including an integral basket assembly for receiving and positioning each of the at least one food slice in a toasting slot for being toasted, B) a cover forming an internal cavity with a bottom facing opening, C) hinge means attached to said cover and said base thereby to allow said cover to pivot between first and second spatial relationships with said base, D) latch means for retaining said cover in said second position thereby to maintain said second spatial relationship, and E) a plurality of spaced, substantially planar heating elements attached to said cover in said cavity to be offset from each of the at least one toasting slot, whereby said cover, upon assuming the first spatial relationship, displaces said heating elements away from said toasting slots for clear access thereto and whereby said cover, upon assuming the second spatial relationship, positions a heating element on each side of the at least one toasting slot, said base and cover, when in the second spatial relationship, forming a closed volume about said at least one toasting slot for establishing a toasting environment.