Multi-purpose stovetop grilling and cooking device

• US 20040211406A1
• Filed: 04/24/2003
• Published: 10/28/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/24/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: 3844374 Canada Inc.
• Original Assignee: 3844374 Canada Inc.
• Inventors: Cornfield, Randall
• Granted Patent: US 7,059,318 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 126/274
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 37/067 Horizontally disposed broiling griddles
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 37/0704 with horizontal fire box
• CPC Class Codes: F24B 1/003 on which a removable cooking element is arranged

Abstract

A cooking device for cooking items over a heat source has a base with an annular reservoir having an inside rim defining an opening, a substantially circular cooking plate supported by the base, a rack supported by the base over the cooking plate, and a lid supported by the base over the cooking plate and the rack. The base of the cooking device has an annular cooking plate supporting surface located radially outwardly from an outside rim of the annular reservoir, an annular rack supporting surface located radially outwardly from the cooking plate supporting surface, an annular lid supporting surface located radially outwardly from the rack supporting surface, an outer rim projecting radially outwardly and upwardly from the lid supporting surface, an upwardly-projecting annular sealing portion located intermediate the rack supporting portion and the lid supporting portion, an annular cooking plate retaining surface disposed radially outwardly from the cooking plate supporting surface, and discrete support elements projecting downwardly from the base. A reversible cooking plate has a grilling surface on one side and a griddle surface on an opposite side. In one position, the grilling surface is directed upwardly and is inclined at an angle, in a second position, the griddle surface is directed upwardly and is substantially horizontal. A rim of varying height extends around the periphery of the griddle surface and aligns the griddle surface at an angle when in the first position.

Claims

1. A cooking device for cooking food items over a heat source, comprising:

a base having an annular reservoir, said reservoir having an inside rim defining an opening in said base;

a reversible cooking plate supportable by said base over said reservoir and said opening in said base, said cooking plate having a first cooking surface on a first side and having a second cooking surface on a second side; and

said cooking plate being supportable by said base in a first supported position and in a second supported position, wherein when said cooking plate is in said first supported position, said first cooking surface is directed upwardly in an inclined relationship with respect to said base and, when said cooking plate is in said second supported position, said second cooking surface is directed upwardly and in a substantially parallel relationship relative to said base.

2. A cooking device as in claim 1, wherein:

in said first supported position said cooking plate has a lower end, said cooking plate has a through hole in said lower end;

said through hole being aligned above said reservoir such that fluid flowing down said first cooking surface flows into said reservoir.

3. A cooking device as in claim 2, wherein:

said first cooking surface includes a channel disposed along a periphery of the cooking plate adjacent said lower end thereof,

said channel leading to said through hole.

4. A cooking device as in claim 3, wherein:

said first cooking surface includes a plurality of upwardly-extending, elongated ribs, said ribs being substantially diametrically aligned in a direction extending between said lower end of said cooking plate and a higher end thereof.

5. A cooking device as in claim 1, wherein:

inclined support means extends from said second cooking surface;

said inclined support means has a first height at a first end of said cooking plate and has a second height, greater than said first height, at a second end of said cooking plate, said second end of said cooking plate being opposite said first end;

said inclined support means contacting said base when said cooking plate is in said first supported position.

6. A cooking device as in claim 5, wherein:

when said cooking plate is in said second supported position, said inclined support means forms a contiguous peripheral barrier around said second cooking surface to inhibit a flow of liquid off said second cooking surface.

7. A cooking device as in claim 1, wherein said cooking device further comprises:

a support adaptor releasably attachable to said base,

said support adaptor having a substantially planar base portion having an outsider periphery and having a center opening having an inner periphery;

said support adaptor having a plurality of resilient attachment clips affixed to said base portion, said attachment clips engaging an upper surface of an inside rim of said reservoir of said base; and

said base portion of said support adaptor contacting a bottom of said base.

11. A cooking device for cooking food items over a heat source, comprising:

a base having a circumferential reservoir, said reservoir having an inside rim defining an opening in said base;

a cooking plate supportable by said base;

a lid supportable by said base over said cooking plate;

said base having a circumferential cooking plate supporting surface located radially outwardly from said circumferential reservoir, and having a circumferential lid supporting surface located radially outwardly from said cooking plate supporting surface.

12. A cooking device as in claim 11, further comprising a rack supportable by said base over said cooking plate and said base having an circumferential rack supporting surface located radially outwardly from said cooking plate supporting surface.

13. A cooking device as in claim 11, wherein said cooking plate has a grilling surface with a raised center portion and a plurality of columns of ribs projecting upwardly from said grilling surface;

adjacent ribs of each of said columns are separated by a gap; and

a first set of said columns of ribs are substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to a second set of said columns of ribs.

14. A cooking device as in claim 13, wherein ribs of said second set of columns substantially extend through said gaps between adjacent ribs of said first set of columns, said gaps being substantially wider than a width of said ribs extending therethrough.

15. A cooking device as in claim 11, wherein said cooking plate has an circumferential peripheral region and has a plurality of through holes in said circumferential peripheral region;

a lower surface of said peripheral region is in contact with said cooking plate supporting surface of said base; and

said through holes are aligned above said circumferential reservoir of said base.

16. A cooking device as in claim 15, wherein said cooking plate has a circular drainage channel adjacent a peripheral edge of said cooking plate.

17. A cooking device as in claim 11, wherein said cooking plate has a plurality of heat-conductive projections extending downwardly from a lower surface.

18. A cooking device as in claim 17, wherein said heat-conductive projections comprise a set of spaced-apart substantially parallel elongated flanges.

19. A cooking device as in claim 11, wherein said base has a cooking plate retaining surface disposed radially outwardly from said cooking plate supporting surface, said retaining surface having a wall projecting upwardly from said cooking plate supporting surface and having a radius sized to closely receive a peripheral edge of said cooking plate.

20. A cooking device as in claim 11, wherein said base has discrete support elements projecting downwardly from said base.

21. A cooking device as in claim 11, wherein said base has an upwardly-projecting, circumferential sealing portion located radially inwardly from said lid supporting surface.

22. A cooking device as in claim 11, wherein:

said cooking plate includes a first through hole disposed adjacent a peripheral edge thereof; and

said first through hole is sized and shaped to closely receive tines of an average fork for placement and removal of said cooking plate on and from a support surface.

23. A cooking device as in claim 22, wherein said cooking plate includes a second through hole disposed adjacent a peripheral edge thereof;

said second through hole being sized and shaped to permit pouring of liquid into said reservoir and to permit visual inspection of said liquid in said reservoir without removing said cooking plate from said support surface.

24. A cooking device for cooking food items over a heat source, comprising:

a base;

a reversible cooking plate mountable on said base;

said reversible cooking plate having a first cooking surface on a first side and a second cooking surface on a second side opposite said first side;

said first cooking surface being slanted relative to said base when said cooking plate is mounted on said base with said first cooking surface directed upwardly; and

said second cooking surface being substantially parallel to said base when said cooking plate is mounted on said base with said second cooking surface directed upwardly.

25. A cooking device as in claim 24, further comprising:

a lid sized and shaped to substantially lid 20 said adaptor, said lid having a circumferential side wall and a top wall;

a height of said side wall being sized to allow for the accumulation of a substantial amount of steam within the lid.

26. A cooking adaptor for cooking a piece of food, said cooking adaptor being positionable on a supporting surface and being heatable by a source of heat, said cooking adaptor comprising:

a first cooking surface for receiving said piece of food and allowing the latter to be cooked thereon, said first cooking surface defining a first surface peripheral edge;

first abutment means mechanically coupled to said first cooking surface for abuttingly contacting said supporting surface and allowing said cooking adaptor to stably rest thereon;

said first cooking surface defining apex and nadir sections thereof respectively located more distally and more proximally relatively to said supporting surface when said first abutment means contacts said supporting surface;

a drainage aperture formed in said first cooking surface for draining liquids therefrom when said liquids are forced to flow under the action of gravity in a direction leading generally from said apex to said nadir sections.

27. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 26 further comprising a flow guiding means coupled to said first cooking surface for guiding the flow of said liquids towards said drainage aperture.

28. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 27 wherein said flow guiding means includes at least one rib extending from said first cooking surface, said at least one rib being configured, positioned and sized to assist in guiding the flow of said liquids towards said drainage aperture.

29. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 27 wherein said flow guiding means includes at least one pair of substantially rectilinear ribs extending from said first cooking surface in a substantially parallel relationship relative to each other.

30. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 27 wherein said flow guiding means includes at least one guiding channel formed in said first cooking surface, said at least one guiding channel being in fluid communication with said drainage aperture.

31. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 27 wherein said flow guiding means includes

at least one rib extending from said first cooking surface;

at least one guiding channel formed in said first cooking surface;

said at least one rib being configured, positioned and sized to assist in guiding the flow of said liquids towards said at least one guiding channel and said at least one guiding channel being in fluid communication with said drainage aperture.

32. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 27 further comprising a flow slowing means for slowing the flow of said liquids towards said discharge aperture.

33. A cooking device as recited in claim 32 wherein said flow slowing means includes at least two ribs extending from said first cooking surface, said at least two ribs being configured, positioned and sized so as to alter the direction of flow of said liquids as the latter flow towards said discharge aperture.

34. A cooking device as recited in claim 32 wherein said flow slowing means includes a plurality of ribs extending from said first cooking surface, said ribs forming a rib pattern for meandering the flow of said liquids towards said discharge aperture.

35. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 26 further comprising a heat transfer enhancing means thermally coupled to said first cooking surface for enhancing the transfer of heat from said source of heat to said first cooking surface.

36. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 35 wherein said heat transfer enhancing means includes at least one heat related protrusion mechanically coupled to said first cooking surface and protruding from a portion of said cooking adaptor so as to extend in a direction leading generally towards said source of heat when said first abutment means is resting on said supporting surface.

37. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 36 wherein said heat related protrusion is made out of a material having substantially high heat conductance characteristics.

38. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 36 wherein said heat related protrusion also acts as a thermal inertia enhancing means thermally coupled to said first cooking surface for enhancing the thermal inertia of said first cooking surface, said heat related protrusion being made out of a material having substantially high thermal inertia characteristics.

39. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 26 further comprising

at least one rib extending from said first cooking surface, said at least one rib being configured, positioned and sized to assist in guiding the flow of said liquids towards said drainage aperture;

at least one heat related protrusion mechanically coupled to said first cooking surface and protruding from a portion of said cooking adaptor so as to extend in a direction leading generally towards said source of heat when said first abutment means is resting on said supporting surface, said at least one heat related protrusion being substantially in register and in thermal coupling with said at least one rib so as to facilitate heat transfer between said source of heat and said at least one rib.

40. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 26 further comprising a thermal inertia enhancing means thermally coupled to said first cooking surface for enhancing the thermal inertia of said first cooking surface.

41. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 26 further comprising both

a heat transfer enhancing means thermally coupled to said first cooking surface for enhancing the transfer of heat from said source of heat to said first cooking surface and,

a thermal inertia enhancing means thermally coupled to said first cooking surface for enhancing the thermal inertia of said first cooking surface.

42. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 26 wherein said first cooking surface has a generally flat configuration, said first cooking surface being positioned relative to the remainder of said cooking adaptor so as to be in an angled relationship relative to said supporting surface when said first abutment means contacts said supporting surface, said apex and nadir sections being located substantially adjacent said first surface peripheral edge in a generally opposite relationship relative to each other.

43. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 42 wherein said first cooking surface has a substantially disc-shaped configuration, said drainage aperture being positioned adjacent said first surface peripheral edge in said nadir section, said first cooking surface being provided with at least one guiding channel formed therein, said at least one guiding channel being positioned substantially adjacent said first surface peripheral edge and having a substantially arcuate configuration corresponding substantially to that of said first surface peripheral edge, said at least one guiding channel being in fluid communication with said drainage aperture, said first cooking surface being also provided with at least one rib extending outwardly therefrom, said at least one rib having a substantially rectilinear configuration and being positioned so as to extend at least partially along a secant of said disc-shaped configuration towards said at least one guiding channel.

44. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 43 further comprising manipulation facilitating means operatively coupled to said cooking adaptor for facilitating the manipulation of said cooking adaptor.

45. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 44 wherein said manipulation facilitating means includes a manipulation aperture formed in said first cooking surface.

46. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 45 wherein said manipulation aperture is positioned-in a substantially diametrically opposed relationship relative to said drainage aperture.

47. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 45 wherein said manipulation aperture is configured and sized for allowing at least partial insertion thereinto of at least one tine part of a conventional fork.

48. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 42 further comprising a slanting means extending between said first cooking surface and said first abutment means for slanting said first cooking surface relative to said supporting surface when said first abutment means contacts said supporting surface.

49. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 48 wherein said slanting means includes a substantially beveled mechanically coupled to said first cooking surface and extending in a direction substantially opposite to the latter, said beveled structure defining a beveled structure abutment edge located generally opposite said first cooking surface, said first abutment means including said beveled structure abutment edge.

50. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 49 wherein said beveled structure is substantially continuous.

51. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 49 wherein said beveled structure is formed by discrete and spaced apart beveled structure segments.

52. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 26 wherein said first cooking surface has a substantially convex configuration, said nadir section being located substantially adjacent said first surface peripheral edge.

53. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 52 wherein said first cooking surface has a substantially dome-shaped configuration, said apex being substantially centrally located relative to said first surface peripheral edge.

54. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 53 wherein said first cooking surface includes a substantially centrally disposed and dome-shaped central section and a peripherally disposed and substantially flat peripheral section extending from said dome-shaped section to said first surface peripheral edge.

55. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 54 including a plurality of circumferentially disposed drainage apertures extending through said peripheral section.

56. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 55 further including a plurality of circumferentially disposed manipulation apertures extending through said peripheral section, each of said manipulation apertures being configured and sized for allowing at least partial insertion thereinto of at least one tine part of a conventional fork.

57. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 53 wherein said first cooking surface is provided with a plurality of substantially rectilinear ribs projecting upwardly therefrom, at least a first set of said ribs being in a substantially collinear and spaced relationship relative to each so as to form at least one interrupted and generally rectilinear first rib pattern extending substantially diametrically across at least a portion of said first cooking surface.

58. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 57 wherein at least a second set of said ribs are in a substantially collinear and spaced relationship relative to each other so as to form at least one interrupted and generally rectilinear second rib pattern extending substantially diametrically across at least a portion of said first cooking surface in an angled relationship relative to said first rib pattern.

59. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 53 wherein said first cooking surface is provided with a plurality of substantially rectilinear ribs projecting upwardly therefrom, at least some of said ribs being disposed so as to form a substantially cross-hatched pattern.

60. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 26 further comprising a valve means operatively coupled to said discharge aperture for selectively preventing and allowing the flow of said liquids through said discharge aperture.

61. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 60 wherein said valve means includes an aperture plug releasably mountable over said discharge aperture for selectively obstructing the latter.

62. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 60 wherein said valve means includes a valve plate movably coupled to said cooking adaptor for movement between a first valve position wherein said valve plate is in register with said discharge aperture so as to prevent the flow of said liquids therethrough and a valve second position wherein said valve plate is at least partially retracted from said discharge aperture so as to allow the flow of said liquids therethrough.

63. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 42 further comprising an angle adjustment means for allowing adjustment of the angular relationship between said first cooking surface and said supporting surface when said first abutment means contacts said supporting surface.

64. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 49 wherein said beveled structure has an adjustable configuration allowing for adjustment of the angular relationship between said first cooking surface and said supporting surface when said beveled structure abutment edge contacts said supporting surface.

65. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 26 further comprising

a second cooking surface for receiving said piece of food and allowing the latter to be cooked thereon, said second cooking surface being located substantially opposite said first cooking surface, said second cooking surface defining a second surface peripheral edge;

second abutment means mechanically coupled to said second cooking surface for abuttingly contacting said supporting surface and allowing said cooking adaptor to stably rest thereon;

said second abutment means allowing said second cooking surface to be in a substantially parallel relationship with said supporting surface when said second abutment means contacts said supporting surface.

66. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 65 wherein said second abutment means includes an abutment rim mechanically coupled to said second abutment surface and extending in a direction substantially opposite to the latter.

67. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 65 wherein said cooking adaptor has a substantially dihedral configuration, said cooking adaptor further including a slanting means extending between said first cooking surface and said first abutment means for slanting said first cooking surface relative to said supporting surface when said first abutment means contacts said supporting surface;

said slanting means including a substantially beveled structure extending substantially outwardly from said second cooking surface substantially adjacent said second surface peripheral edge, said beveled structure defining a beveled structure abutment edge, said first abutment means including said beveled structure abutment edge;

said second abutment means including an abutment rim extending substantially outwardly from said first cooking surface substantially adjacent said first cooking surface peripheral edge.

68. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 67 wherein said drainage aperture extends through both said first and second cooking surfaces, said beveled structure being positioned so as to form a flow blocking means for preventing the flow of liquids into said drainage aperture from said second cooking surface when said abutment rim contacts said supporting surface.

69. A cooking device for cooking a piece of food, comprising:

a cooking adaptor positionable on a supporting surface and heatable by a source of heat;

said cooking adaptor having a first cooking surface for receiving said piece of food and allowing the latter to be cooked thereon, said first cooking surface defining a first surface peripheral edge;

said cooking adaptor having first abutment means mechanically coupled to said first cooking surface for abuttingly contacting said supporting surface and allowing said cooking adaptor to stably rest thereon;

said first cooking surface defining apex and nadir sections thereof respectively located more distally and more proximally relatively to said supporting surface when said first abutment means contacts said supporting surface;

said cooking adaptor having a drainage aperture formed in said first cooking surface for draining liquids therefrom when said liquids are forced to flow under the action of gravity in a direction leading generally from said apex to said nadir sections;

a base having a reservoir, said reservoir encompassing an opening in said base

said cooking adaptor being supported by said base and being disposed above said reservoir.

70. A cooking device as recited in claim 69, further comprising a flow guiding means coupled to said first cooking surface for guiding the flow of said liquids towards said drainage aperture.

71. A cooking device as recited in claim 70 wherein said flow guiding means includes at least one rib extending from said first cooking surface, said at least one rib being configured, positioned and sized to assist in guiding the flow of said liquids towards said drainage aperture.

72. A cooking device as recited in claim 70 wherein said flow guiding means includes at least one pair of substantially rectilinear ribs extending from said first cooking surface in a substantially parallel relationship relative to each other.

73. A cooking device as recited in claim 70 wherein said flow guiding means includes at least one guiding channel formed in said first cooking surface, said at least one guiding channel being in fluid communication with said drainage aperture.

74. A cooking device as recited in claim 70 wherein said flow guiding means includes

at least one rib extending from said first cooking surface;

at least one guiding channel formed in said first cooking surface;

said at least one rib being configured, positioned and sized to assist in guiding the flow of said liquids towards said at least one guiding channel and said at least one guiding channel being in fluid communication with said drainage aperture.

75. A cooking device as recited in claim 70 further comprising a flow slowing means for slowing the flow of said liquids towards said discharge aperture.

76. A cooking device as recited in claim 75 wherein said flow slowing means includes at least two ribs extending from said first cooking surface, said at least two ribs being configured, positioned and sized so as to alter the direction of flow of said liquids as the latter flow towards said discharge aperture.

77. A cooking device as recited in claim 75 wherein said flow slowing means includes a plurality of ribs extending from said first cooking surface, said ribs forming a rib pattern for meandering the flow of said liquids towards said discharge aperture.

78. A cooking device as recited in claim 69 further comprising a heat transfer enhancing means thermally coupled to said first cooking surface for enhancing the transfer of heat from said source of heat to said first cooking surface.

79. A cooking device as recited in claim 78 wherein said heat transfer enhancing means includes at least one heat related protrusion mechanically coupled to said first cooking surface and protruding from a portion of said cooking adaptor so as to extend in a direction leading generally towards said source of heat when said first abutment means is resting on said supporting surface.

80. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 79 wherein said heat related protrusion is made out of a material having substantially high heat conductance characteristics.

81. A cooking device as recited in claim 79 wherein said heat related protrusion also acts as a thermal inertia enhancing means thermally coupled to said first cooking surface for enhancing the thermal inertia of said first cooking surface, said heat related protrusion being made out of a material having substantially high thermal inertia characteristics.

82. A cooking device as recited in claim 69 further comprising

at least one rib extending from said first cooking surface, said at least one rib being configured, positioned and sized to assist in guiding the flow of said liquids towards said drainage aperture;

at least one heat related protrusion mechanically coupled to said first cooking surface and protruding from a portion of said cooking adaptor so as to extend in a direction leading generally towards said source of heat when said first abutment means is resting on said supporting surface, said at least one heat related protrusion being substantially in register and in thermal coupling with said at least one rib so as to facilitate heat transfer between said source of heat and said at least one rib.

83. A cooking device as recited in claim 69 further comprising a thermal inertia enhancing means thermally coupled to said first cooking surface for enhancing the thermal inertia of said first cooking surface.

84. A cooking device as recited in claim 69 further comprising both

a heat transfer enhancing means thermally coupled to said first cooking surface for enhancing the transfer of heat from said source of heat to said first cooking surface and,

a thermal inertia enhancing means thermally coupled to said first cooking surface for enhancing the thermal inertia of said first cooking surface.

85. A cooking device as recited in claim 69 wherein said first cooking surface has a generally flat configuration, said first cooking surface being positioned relative to the remainder of said cooking adaptor so as to be in an angled relationship relative to said supporting surface when said first abutment means contacts said supporting surface, said apex and nadir sections being located substantially adjacent said first surface peripheral edge in a generally opposite relationship relative to each other.

86. A cooking device as recited in claim 85 wherein said first cooking surface has a substantially disc-shaped configuration, said drainage aperture being positioned adjacent said first surface peripheral edge in said nadir section, said first cooking surface being provided with at least one guiding channel formed therein, said at least one guiding channel being positioned substantially adjacent said first surface peripheral edge and having a substantially arcuate configuration corresponding substantially to that of said first surface peripheral edge, said at least one guiding channel being in fluid communication with said drainage aperture, said first cooking surface being also provided with at least one rib extending outwardly therefrom, said at least one rib having a substantially rectilinear configuration and being positioned so as to extend at least partially along a secant of said disc-shaped configuration towards said at least one guiding channel.

87. A cooking device as recited in claim 86 further comprising manipulation facilitating means operatively coupled to said cooking adaptor for facilitating the manipulation of said cooking adaptor.

88. A cooking device as recited in claim 87 wherein said manipulation facilitating means includes a manipulation aperture formed in said first cooking surface.

89. A cooking device as recited in claim 88 wherein said manipulation aperture is positioned in a substantially diametrically opposed relationship relative to said drainage aperture.

90. A cooking device as recited in claim 88 wherein said manipulation aperture is configured and sized for allowing at least partial insertion thereinto of at least one tine part of a conventional fork.

91. A cooking device as recited in claim 85 further comprising a slanting means extending between said first cooking surface and said first abutment means for slanting said first cooking surface relative to said supporting surface when said first abutment means contacts said supporting surface.

92. A cooking device as recited in claim 91 wherein said slanting means includes a substantially beveled structure mechanically coupled to said first cooking surface and extending in a direction substantially opposite to the latter, said beveled structure defining a beveled structure abutment edge located generally opposite said first cooking surface, said first abutment means including said beveled structure abutment edge.

93. A cooking device as recited in claim 92 wherein said beveled structure is substantially continuous.

94. A cooking device as recited in claim 92 wherein said beveled structure is formed by discrete and spaced-apart beveled structure segments.

95. A cooking device as recited in claim 69 wherein said first cooking surface has a substantially convex configuration, said nadir section being located substantially adjacent said first surface peripheral edge.

96. A cooking device as recited in claim 95 wherein said first cooking surface has a substantially dome-shaped configuration, said apex being substantially centrally located relative to said first surface peripheral edge.

97. A cooking device as recited in claim 96 wherein said first cooking surface includes a substantially centrally disposed and dome-shaped central section and a peripherally disposed and substantially flat peripheral section extending from said dome-shaped section to said first surface peripheral edge.

98. A cooking device as recited in claim 97 including a plurality of circumferentially disposed drainage apertures extending through said peripheral section.

99. A cooking device as recited in claim 98 further including a plurality of circumferentially disposed manipulation apertures extending through said peripheral section, each of said manipulation apertures being configured and sized for allowing at least partial insertion thereinto of at least one tine part of a conventional fork.

100. A cooking device as recited in claim 96 wherein said first cooking surface is provided with a plurality of substantially rectilinear ribs projecting upwardly therefrom, at least a first set of said ribs being in a substantially collinear and spaced relationship relative to each so as to form at least one interrupted and generally rectilinear first rib pattern extending substantially diametrically across at least a portion of said first cooking surface.

101. A cooking device as recited in claim 100 wherein at least a second set of said ribs are in a substantially collinear and spaced relationship relative to each other so as to form at least one interrupted and generally rectilinear second rib pattern extending substantially diametrically across at least a portion of said first cooking surface in an angled relationship relative to said first rib pattern.

102. A cooking device as recited in claim 96 wherein said first cooking surface is provided with a plurality of substantially rectilinear ribs projecting upwardly therefrom, at least some of said ribs being disposed so as to form a substantially cross-hatched pattern.

103. A cooking device as recited in claim 69 further comprising a valve means operatively coupled to said discharge aperture for selectively preventing and allowing the flow of said liquids through said discharge aperture.

104. A cooking device as recited in claim 103 wherein said valve means includes an aperture plug releasably mountable over said discharge aperture for selectively obstructing the latter.

105. A cooking device as recited in claim 103 wherein said valve means includes a valve plate movably coupled to said cooking adaptor for movement between a first valve position wherein said valve plate is in register with said discharge aperture so as to prevent the flow of said liquids therethrough and a valve second position wherein said valve plate is at least partially retracted from said discharge aperture so as to allow the flow of said liquids therethrough.

106. A cooking device as recited in claim 85 further comprising an angle adjustment means for allowing adjustment of the angular relationship between said first cooking surface and said supporting surface when said first abutment means contacts said supporting surface.

107. A cooking device as recited in claim 92 wherein said beveled structure has an adjustable configuration allowing for adjustment of the angular relationship between said first cooking surface and said supporting surface when said beveled structure abutment edge contacts said supporting surface.

108. A cooking device as recited in claim 69 further comprising

a second cooking surface for receiving said piece of food and allowing the latter to be cooked thereon, said second cooking surface being located substantially opposite said first cooking surface, said second cooking surface defining a second surface peripheral edge;

second abutment means mechanically coupled to said second cooking surface for abuttingly contacting said supporting surface and allowing said cooking adaptor to stably rest thereon;

said second abutment means allowing said second cooking surface to be in a substantially parallel relationship with said supporting surface when said second abutment means contacts said supporting surface.

109. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 108 wherein said second abutment means includes an abutment rim mechanically coupled to said second abutment surface and extending in a direction substantially opposite to the latter.

110. A cooking device as recited in claim 108 wherein said cooking adaptor has a substantially dihedral configuration, said cooking adaptor further including a slanting means extending between said first cooking surface and said first abutment means for slanting said first cooking surface relative to said supporting surface when said first abutment means contacts said supporting surface;

said slanting means including a substantially beveled structure extending substantially outwardly from said second cooking surface substantially adjacent said second surface peripheral edge, said beveled structure defining a beveled structure abutment edge, said first abutment means including said beveled structure abutment edge;

said second abutment means including an abutment rim extending substantially outwardly from said first cooking surface substantially adjacent said first cooking surface peripheral edge.

111. A cooking device as recited in claim 110 wherein said drainage aperture extends through both said first and second cooking surfaces, said beveled structure being positioned so as to form a flow blocking means for preventing the flow of liquids into said drainage aperture from said second cooking surface when said abutment rim contacts said supporting surface.

112. A cooking device as recited in claim 69 wherein said drainage aperture is disposed above said reservoir.

113. A cooking device for cooking a piece of food, comprising:

a cooking adaptor positionable on a supporting surface and heatable by a source of heat;

said cooking adaptor having a first cooking surface for receiving said piece of food and allowing the latter to be cooked thereon, said first cooking surface defining a first surface peripheral edge;

said cooking adaptor having first abutment means mechanically coupled to said first cooking surface for abuttingly contacting said supporting surface and allowing said cooking adaptor to stably rest thereon;

said first cooking surface defining apex and nadir sections thereof respectively located more distally and more proximally relatively to said supporting surface when said first abutment means contacts said supporting surface;

said cooking adaptor having a drainage aperture formed in said first cooking surface for draining liquids therefrom when said liquids are forced to flow under the action of gravity in a direction leading generally from said apex to said nadir sections;

a lid sized and shaped to substantially lid 20 said adaptor, said lid having a circumferential side wall and a top wall;

a height of said side wall being sized to allow for the accumulation of a substantial amount of steam within the lid.

114. A cooking device as recited in claim 113, further comprising a flow guiding means coupled to said first cooking surface for guiding the flow of said liquids towards said drainage aperture.

115. A cooking device as recited in claim 114 wherein said flow guiding means includes at least one rib extending from said first cooking surface, said at least one rib being configured, positioned and sized to assist in guiding the flow of said liquids towards said drainage aperture.

116. A cooking device as recited in claim 114 wherein said flow guiding means includes at least one pair of substantially rectilinear ribs extending from said first cooking surface in a substantially parallel relationship relative to each other.

117. A cooking device as recited in claim 114 wherein said flow guiding means includes at least one guiding channel formed in said first cooking surface, said at least one guiding channel being in fluid communication with said drainage aperture.

118. A cooking device as recited in claim 114 wherein said flow guiding means includes

at least one rib extending from said first cooking surface;

at least one guiding channel formed in said first cooking surface;

said at least one rib being configured, positioned and sized to assist in guiding the flow of said liquids towards said at least one guiding channel and said at least one guiding channel being in fluid communication with said drainage aperture.

119. A cooking device as recited in claim 114 further comprising a flow slowing means for slowing the flow of said liquids towards said discharge aperture.

120. A cooking device as recited in claim 119 wherein said flow slowing means includes at least two ribs extending from said first cooking surface, said at least two ribs being configured, positioned and sized so as to alter the direction of flow of said liquids as the latter flow towards said discharge aperture.

121. A cooking device as recited in claim 119 wherein said flow slowing means includes a plurality of ribs extending from said first cooking surface, said ribs forming a rib pattern for meandering the flow of said liquids towards said discharge aperture.

122. A cooking device as recited in claim 113 further comprising a heat transfer enhancing means thermally coupled to said first cooking surface for enhancing the transfer of heat from said source of heat to said first cooking surface.

123. A cooking device as recited in claim 122 wherein said heat transfer enhancing means includes at least one heat related protrusion mechanically coupled to said first cooking surface and protruding from a portion of said cooking adaptor so as to extend in a direction leading generally towards said source of heat when said first abutment means is resting on said supporting surface.

124. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 123 wherein said heat related protrusion is made out of a material having substantially high heat conductance characteristics.

125. A cooking device as recited in claim 123 wherein said heat related protrusion also acts as a thermal inertia enhancing means thermally coupled to said first cooking surface for enhancing the thermal inertia of said first cooking surface, said heat related protrusion being made out of a material having substantially high thermal inertia characteristics.

126. A cooking device as recited in claim 113 further comprising

at least one rib extending from said first cooking surface, said at least one rib being configured, positioned and sized to assist in guiding the flow of said liquids towards said drainage aperture;

at least one heat related protrusion mechanically coupled to said first cooking surface and protruding from a portion of said cooking adaptor so as to extend in a direction leading generally towards said source of heat when said first abutment means is resting on said supporting surface, said at least one heat related protrusion being substantially in register and in thermal coupling with said at least one rib so as to facilitate heat transfer between said source of heat and said at least one rib.

127. A cooking device as recited in claim 113 further comprising a thermal inertia enhancing means thermally coupled to said first cooking surface for enhancing the thermal inertia of said first cooking surface.

128. A cooking device as recited in claim 113 further comprising both

a heat transfer enhancing means thermally coupled to said first cooking surface for enhancing the transfer of heat from said source of heat to said first cooking surface and,

a thermal inertia enhancing means thermally coupled to said first cooking surface for enhancing the thermal inertia of said first cooking surface.

129. A cooking device as recited in claim 113 wherein said first cooking surface has a generally flat configuration, said first cooking surface being positioned relative to the remainder of said cooking adaptor so as to be in an angled relationship relative to said supporting surface when said first abutment means contacts said supporting surface, said apex and nadir sections being located substantially adjacent said first surface peripheral edge in a generally opposite relationship relative to each other.

130. A cooking device as recited in claim 129 wherein said first cooking surface has a substantially disc-shaped configuration, said drainage aperture being positioned adjacent said first surface peripheral edge in said nadir section, said first cooking surface being provided with at least one guiding channel formed therein, said at least one guiding channel being positioned substantially adjacent said first surface peripheral edge and having a substantially arcuate configuration corresponding substantially to that of said first surface peripheral edge, said at least one guiding channel being in fluid communication with said drainage aperture, said first cooking surface being also provided with at least one rib extending outwardly therefrom, said at least one rib having a substantially rectilinear configuration and being positioned so as to extend at least partially along a secant of said disc-shaped configuration towards said at least one guiding channel.

131. A cooking device as recited in claim 130 further comprising manipulation facilitating means operatively coupled to said cooking adaptor for facilitating the manipulation of said cooking adaptor.

132. A cooking device as recited in claim 131 wherein said manipulation facilitating means includes a manipulation aperture formed in said first cooking surface.

133. A cooking device as recited in claim 132 wherein said manipulation aperture is positioned in a substantially diametrically opposed relationship relative to said drainage aperture.

134. A cooking device as recited in claim 132 wherein said manipulation aperture is configured and sized for allowing at least partial insertion thereinto of at least one tine part of a conventional fork.

135. A cooking device as recited in claim 129 further comprising a slanting means extending between said first cooking surface and said first abutment means for slanting said first cooking surface relative to said supporting surface when said first abutment means contacts said supporting surface.

136. A cooking device as recited in claim 135 wherein said slanting means includes a substantially beveled structure mechanically coupled to said first cooking surface and extending in a direction substantially opposite to the latter, said beveled structure defining a beveled structure abutment edge located generally opposite said first cooking surface, said first abutment means including said beveled structure abutment edge.

137. A cooking device as recited in claim 136 wherein said beveled structure is substantially continuous.

138. A cooking device as recited in claim 136 wherein said beveled structure is formed by discrete and spaced apart beveled structure segments.

139. A cooking device as recited in claim 113 wherein said first cooking surface has a substantially convex configuration, said nadir section being located substantially adjacent said first surface peripheral edge.

140. A cooking device as recited in claim 139 wherein said first cooking surface has a substantially dome-shaped configuration, said apex being substantially centrally located relative to said first surface peripheral edge.

141. A cooking device as recited in claim 140 wherein said first cooking surface includes a substantially centrally disposed and dome-shaped central section and a peripherally disposed and substantially flat peripheral section extending from said dome-shaped section to said first surface peripheral edge.

142. A cooking device as recited in claim 141 including a plurality of circumferentially disposed drainage apertures extending through said peripheral section.

143. A cooking device as recited in claim 142 further including a plurality of circumferentially disposed manipulation apertures extending through said peripheral section, each of said manipulation apertures being configured and sized for allowing at least partial insertion thereinto of at least one tine part of a conventional fork.

144. A cooking device as recited in claim 140 wherein said first cooking surface is provided with a plurality of substantially rectilinear ribs projecting upwardly therefrom, at least a first set of said ribs being in a substantially collinear and spaced relationship relative to each so as to form at least one interrupted and generally rectilinear first rib pattern extending substantially diametrically across at least a portion of said first cooking surface.

145. A cooking device as recited in claim 144 wherein at least a second set of said ribs are in a substantially collinear and spaced relationship relative to each other so as to form at least one interrupted and generally rectilinear second rib pattern extending substantially diametrically across at least a portion of said first cooking surface in an angled relationship relative to said first rib pattern.

146. A cooking device as recited in claim 140 wherein said first cooking surface is provided with a plurality of substantially rectilinear ribs projecting upwardly therefrom, at least some of said ribs being disposed so as to form a substantially cross-hatched pattern.

147. A cooking device as recited in claim 113 further comprising a valve means operatively coupled to said discharge aperture for selectively preventing and allowing the flow of said liquids through said discharge aperture.

148. A cooking device as recited in claim 147 wherein said valve means includes an aperture plug releasably mountable over said discharge aperture for selectively obstructing the latter.

149. A cooking device as recited in claim 147 wherein said valve means includes a valve plate movably coupled to said cooking adaptor for movement between a first valve position wherein said valve plate is in register with said discharge aperture so as to prevent the flow of said liquids therethrough and a valve second position wherein said valve plate is at least partially retracted from said discharge aperture so as to allow the flow of said liquids therethrough.

150. A cooking device as recited in claim 129 further comprising an angle adjustment means for allowing adjustment of the angular relationship between said first cooking surface and said supporting surface when said first abutment means contacts said supporting surface.

151. A cooking device as recited in claim 136 wherein said beveled structure has an adjustable configuration allowing for adjustment of the angular relationship between said first cooking surface and said supporting surface when said beveled structure abutment edge contacts said supporting surface.

152. A cooking device as recited in claim 113 further comprising

a second cooking surface for receiving said piece of food and allowing the latter to be cooked thereon, said second cooking surface being located substantially opposite said first cooking surface, said second cooking surface defining a second surface peripheral edge;

second abutment means mechanically coupled to said second cooking surface for abuttingly contacting said supporting surface and allowing said cooking adaptor to stably rest thereon;

said second abutment means allowing said second cooking surface to be in a substantially parallel relationship with said supporting surface when said second abutment means contacts said supporting surface.

153. A cooking adaptor as recited in claim 152 wherein said second abutment means includes an abutment rim mechanically coupled to said second abutment surface and extending in a direction substantially opposite to the latter.

154. A cooking device as recited in claim 152 wherein said cooking adaptor has a substantially dihedral configuration, said cooking adaptor further including a slanting means extending between said first cooking surface and said first abutment means for slanting said first cooking surface relative to said supporting surface when said first abutment means contacts said supporting surface;

said slanting means including a substantially beveled structure extending substantially outwardly from said second cooking surface substantially adjacent said second surface peripheral edge, said beveled structure defining a beveled structure abutment edge, said first abutment means including said beveled structure abutment edge;

said second abutment means including an abutment rim extending substantially outwardly from said first cooking surface substantially adjacent said first cooking surface peripheral edge.

155. A cooking device as recited in claim 154 wherein said drainage aperture extends through both said first and second cooking surfaces, said beveled structure being positioned so as to form a flow blocking means for preventing the flow of liquids into said drainage aperture from said second cooking surface when said abutment rim contacts said supporting surface.