US3602130A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Continuous taco molding and frying machine
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-04-22
•
Granted: 1971-08-31
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Expires: 1990-04-22
Abstract
Abstract Taco dough holders secured in spaced relation along a pair of continuously moving adjacent endless chains are each composed of a central dough-receiving inverted V portion with outer edges. Side wings are hingedly connected at these edges and are adapted to cooperate with guide rods positioned along the path of the chains for selectively rotating the wings to an open position for receiving the taco dough or discharging taco shells. Springs selectively urge the wings to a closed position for retaining the dough in folded condition during cooking.
Inventors
- 👤 Jesse J Perez
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 22:23
CPC Classifications
A; A21; A21B; A21B5/00; A21B5/08; A47; A47J; A47J37/00; A47J37/12; A47J37/1214
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
189 words
Apparatus for converting taco dough into cooked taco shells comprising in combination: a. a frame having a receiving section and a cooking section, b. a cooking vessel in said cooking section and adapted to contain heated cooking oil, c. driven endless chain means movably supported on said frame and adapted to continuously travel between said receiving section and said cooking vessel, d. a plurality of taco dough holders mounted on said chain means in spaced-apart relation, said holders respectively comprising central plate portions forming an inverted V with outer edges, e. a pair of sideplates each having an edge hingedly connected to one of said outer edges for selective pivotal folding of said sideplates adjacent said central plate portions and unfolding away from said central plate portions, f. cam follower members secured to said sideplates, guide means mounted on said frame-receiving section and adapted to selectively slidably engage said cam follower members for unfolding said sideplates away from said central plate portions, and g. means for selectively folding said sideplates adjacent said central plate portions to secure taco dough in said holders during said passage to said cooking vessel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
189 words
Apparatus for converting taco dough into cooked taco shells comprising in combination: a. a frame having a receiving section and a cooking section, b. a cooking vessel in said cooking section and adapted to contain heated cooking oil, c. driven endless chain means movably supported on said frame and adapted to continuously travel between said receiving section and said cooking vessel, d. a plurality of taco dough holders mounted on said chain means in spaced-apart relation, said holders respectively comprising central plate portions forming an inverted V with outer edges, e. a pair of sideplates each having an edge hingedly connected to one of said outer edges for selective pivotal folding of said sideplates adjacent said central plate portions and unfolding away from said central plate portions, f. cam follower members secured to said sideplates, guide means mounted on said frame-receiving section and adapted to selectively slidably engage said cam follower members for unfolding said sideplates away from said central plate portions, and g. means for selectively folding said sideplates adjacent said central plate portions to secure taco dough in said holders during said passage to said cooking vessel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: a. said means for folding said sideplates adjacent said central plate portions includes yieldable springs associated with said outer edges.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including: a. a discharge section associated with the path of travel of said chain means from said cooking vessel to said receiving section, b. said discharge section including guide means for unfolding said sideplates during inversion of said holder.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: a. said chain means comprises a pair of spaced-apart chains.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 including: a. a pair of elongated members slidably supporting said respective chains thereon during a portion of the engagement between said guide means and said cam follower members.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: a. said guide means are elongated rods.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-30 | 1975-03-01 | 1975-08-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-30 | 1979-03-01 | 1979-08-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-30 | 1983-03-01 | 1983-08-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |