Kidde Consumer Durables Corporation

Matthew A Thoben

Earl R Clowers

Al S Rummelsburg

Dean Ball

Guy Cihi

Jack L McCurdy

A toaster is mountable on a heat reflective overhead support which is adapted to be secured to a supporting surface such as the underside of a cabinet. The support is recessed from the front of the toaster so as to accomodate the lip of the cabinet. The toaster is provided with a shelf or grill which is movable between a first, heating position and a second, delivery position below and forward of the heating position. The grill is lockable in the heating position by a locking mechanism which comprises a releasable latch bar. An infrared (IR) sensor senses IR radiation produced by a food article supported on the grill. The IR sensor is part of an electrical circuit which controls the heater elements as well as an electromechanical element which releases the latch bar. When the latch bar is released, a spring assisted parallelogram linkage transfers the grill by gravity from the heating position to the delivery position. At the same time, the linkage pivots a front door between closed and open positions to provide access to the toasted food article.

Growing community of inventors

Atlanta, GA, United States of America

Matthew A Thoben