Temperature sensitive timing device for toaster appliance

Abstract

A temperature sensitive timing control device for a toaster appliance includes a main bimetal element and a compensating bimetal element, both mounted on a support member mounted for pivotal movement in first and second directions, but biased toward the first direction. The main bimetal element includes a trigger arm normally engaging a latch release member to maintain the member in a set position. The latch release member when released by the trigger arm, in turn releases the bread carrier latch mechanism. The free end of the compensating bimetal element rests on a limiting screw which determines the extent of movement of the support member in the first direction. A locking member, operated by the toaster bread carrier when the latter is moved into a toasting position, engages the support member to secure it against movement in the first direction. When the bread carrier is moved to the toasting position, the bimetal elements are heated. The main bimetal element moves the trigger arm in a direction opposite the first direction of movement of the support member, out of engagement with the latch release member, permitting the latter to release the bread carrier latch mechanism for movement of the bread carrier to the nontoasting position and to cause the locking member to be disengaged from the support member. The compensating bimetal when heated, moves away from the limiting screw to permit the released support member to move in the first direction, repositioning the trigger arm of the main bimetal into engagement with the latch release member which is reset by the bread carrier as it returns to the nontoasting position, thereby permitting virtually immediate initiation of the next toasting cycle.