of the outer wall 136.

The adapter layer 24 is generally configured to transfer heat to the high-thermal mass layer 20. The adapter layer 24 may transfer heat from the cooktop 44 and/or the cooking cavity 42 to the high-thermal mass layer 20. Additionally, the adapter layer 24 may be configured to interact with an induction burner, which allows for the cooking stone 16 to be heated by the induction burner. The adapter layer 24 may be constructed of a variety of materials allowing for the heat transfer to the high-thermal mass layer 20. In some implementations, the adapter layer 24 is a single layer including a single material. In other implementations, the adapter layer 24 is multiple layers of at least two or more materials. Implementations of the adapter layer 24 including multiple layers may be constructed of the same number of materials as layers or may include more layers than materials used (i.e., two or more layers are constructed of the same materials).

Referring to FIG. 9A, a first exemplary implementation of an adapter layer 24a is illustrated. The adapter layer 24a includes an aluminum layer 150, a cast iron layer 152, and a stainless-steel layer 154. The aluminum layer 150 may be coupled to the lower surface 26 of the high-thermal mass layer 20. The cast iron layer 152 may be coupled to a lower surface 156 of the aluminum layer 150. The stainless-steel layer 154 may be coupled to a lower surface 158 of the cast iron layer 152. Each of the layers 150, 152, 154, of the adapter layer 24a may be received or partially received within the recess 142 or the high-thermal mass layer 20.

Referring to FIG. 9B, a second exemplary implementation of an adapter layer 24b is illustrated. The adapter layer 24b is an aluminum layer 160 coupled to the lower surface 26 of the high-thermal mass layer 20 and a stainless-steel layer 162 coupled to a lower surface 164 of the aluminum layer 160. The aluminum layer 160 includes a plurality of raised portions 166 distributed over an upper surface 168 of the aluminum layer 160. The raised portions 166 of the aluminum layer 160 are received in a corresponding plurality of recessed portions 170 of the high-thermal mass layer 20. The raised portions 166 of the aluminum layer 168 and the recessed portions 170 of the high-thermal mass layer 20 increase the area of contact between the adapter layer 24b and the high-thermal mass layer 20, allowing for increase heat transfer therebetween. Each of the layers 160, 162, 164, of the adapter layer 24b may be received or partially received within the recess 142 or the high-thermal mass layer 20.

Referring to FIG. 9C, a third exemplary implementation of an adapter layer 24c is illustrated. The adapter layer 24c includes an aluminum layer 172, a cast iron layer 174, and a stainless-steel layer 176. The aluminum layer 172 is coupled to the lower surface 26 of the high-thermal mass layer 20, the cast iron layer 174 is coupled to a lower surface 178 of the aluminum layer 172, and the stainless-steel layer 162 is coupled to a lower surface 180 of the cast iron layer 174. The aluminum layer 172 includes a plurality of raised portions 182 distributed over an upper surface 184 of the aluminum layer 172. The raised portions 182 of the aluminum layer 172 are received in a corresponding plurality of recessed portions 186 of the high-thermal mass layer 20. The raised portions 182 of the aluminum layer 172 and the recessed portions 186 of the high-thermal mass layer 20 increase the area of contact between the adapter layer 24c and the high-thermal mass layer 20, allowing for increase heat transfer therebetween. Each of the layers 172, 174, 176, of the adapter layer 24c may be received or partially received within the recess 142 or the high-thermal mass layer 20.

Referring to FIG. 9D, a fourth exemplary implementation of an adapter layer 24d is illustrated. The adapter layer 24c includes an aluminum layer 192 and a stainless-steel layer 194. The aluminum layer 192 is coupled to the lower surface 26 of the high-thermal mass layer 20. The stainless-steel layer 194 is disposed within the aluminum layer 192. Stated differently, the aluminum layer 192 encompasses or extends around the stainless-steel layer 194. By encompassing the stainless-steel layer 194 with the aluminum layer 192, the stainless-steel layer 194 and the aluminum layer 192 have a large surface area for heat transfer. The large surface area allows for the stainless-steel layer 194 when interacting with an induction burner to transfer heat to the aluminum layer 192 efficiently. The aluminum layer 192 of the adapter layer 24d may be received or partially received within the recess 142 or the high-thermal mass layer 20.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9D, the adapter layer 24 is not limited to the materials discussed. The adapter layer 24 may be constructed of one or more materials having a high thermal conductivity, which allows for efficient heat transfer from the cooktop 44 and/or the cooking cavity 42 to the high-thermal mass layer 20. For example, materials for the adapter layer 24 having a high thermal conductivity may include aluminum, copper, or other metals and metal alloys. Additionally, or alternatively, the adapter layer 24 may be constructed of one or more materials that interact with the induction burner. For example, materials for the adapter layer 24 that interact with an induction burner may include steel, stainless-steel, cast iron, or other metals and metal alloys.

Additionally, the adapter layer 24 is not limited to the configuration of layers discussed. The adapter layer 24 may include one layer of material, two layers of material, or three or more layers of material. For example, the adapter layer 24 may include an aluminum layer similar to the second exemplary adapter layer 24b and a cast iron layer similar to the first exemplary adapter layer 24a. Further, when the adapter layer 24 includes multiple layers, the layers may not have a distinct break or delineation, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9D, but may include a transition gradient between the layers. Further, the layers of the adapter layer 24 are not limited to the materials discussed specifically and may be a variety of materials configured for each of the layers discussed.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the cooking apparatus 10 may also include the lid 28 to selectively dispose over the cooking surface 22 of the cooking stone 16. The lid 28 may include a handle 210 and a gasket 212 extending around the lid 28. The handle 210 is coupled to the lid 28 and may be configured to move the lid 28 between a first position disposed over the cooking surface 22 (as illustrated in FIG. 11) and a second position that does not cover the cooking surface 22. The lid 28 may be constructed of glass, metal, metal alloys, polymers or other materials allowing for the heating of the cooking surface 22.

Referring to FIG. 12, in a second implementation of a lid 230 for the cooking apparatus 10, the lid 230 may include a top wall 232, a side wall 234, and a heating element 236. The side wall 234 may be coupled to the top wall 232. The side wall 234 may extend around a perimeter 238 of the top wall 232. The lid 230 may be disposed over the cooking surface 22. The side wall 234 may space the top wall 232 from the cooking surface 22 when the lid 230 is disposed over the cooking surface 22. A cooking cavity 240 may be defined between the cooking surface 22 and the top wall 232 when the lid 230 is disposed over the cooking surface 22. The heating element 236 may be coupled to the top wall 232.

The heating element 236 is generally configured to heat the cooking cavity 240. The heating element 236 may be an electric heating element, a gas heating element, or an induction heating element. When the heating element 236 is an induction heating element, the heating element 236 is configured to interact with an induction cooktop to heat the cooking cavity 240. The lid 230 may also include a handle 242 coupled to the top wall 232. The handle 242 may be configured to move the lid 230 between a first position disposed over the cooking surface 22 (as illustrated in FIG. 12) and a second position that does not cover the cooking surface 22.

Referring to FIG. 13, with reference to FIGS. 1-11, a flow diagram for a method 300 for heating or cooking a food item with the cooking apparatus 10. The method 300 includes step 304 of providing the cooking apparatus 10. The cooking apparatus 10 may include the tray 12, the cooking stone 16, and the lid 28. The cooking stone 16 may be disposed within the receiving aperture 14 of the tray 12 (i.e., the cooking stone 16 is in the engaged position 100).

In step 308, the cooking stone 16 may be disposed over the heat source 18. The cooking stone 16 may extend through the receiving aperture 14 of the tray 12 (i.e., the cooking stone 16 is in the disengaged position 102). The heat source 18 may be the cooktop 44 of the appliance 40. The cooking stone 16 may be positioned over the heat source 18 by using the tray 12 to adjust and move the cooking stone 16. In step 312, the lid 28 may be positioned over the cooking surface 22. The lid 28 may assist with the heating of the cooking stone 16 by reducing or preventing heat from radiating away from the stone into an environment.

In step 316, the cooking stone 16 may be heated to a first temperature using the heat source 18 of the cooktop 44. The heat source 18 may be an induction burner, a gas burner, or a radiant electric burner. The induction burner may interact with the adapter layer 24 the cooking stone 16 to heat the cooking stone 16. The gas burner and the radiant burner may heat the adapter layer 24 of the cooking stone 16. When the tray 12 is disengaged from the cooking stone 16, the tray 12 may have a lower or a substantially lower temperature than the first temperature of the cooking stone 16.

In step 320, the cooking cavity 42 of the appliance 40 may be heated to an operating temperature. The cooking cavity 42 may be heated using an electric heating element or a gas heating element disposed in the cooking cavity 42. The cooking cavity 42 may begin heating the cooking cavity 42 to the operating temperature at the same time or substantially the same time as the heating of the cooking stone 16 to the first temperature is initiated. In some implementations, the heating of the cooking cavity 42 to the operation temperature in step 320 and the heating of the cooking stone 16 to the first temperature in step 316 may be controlled by a user. In other implementations, the heating of the cooking cavity 42 to the operation temperature in step 320 and the heating of the cooking stone 16 to the first temperature in step 316 may be controlled by a controller of the cooking appliance 40. The controller may be configured to determine times to initiate heating of the cooking stone 16 in step 316 and heating of the cooking cavity 42 in step 320 such that the cooking stone 16 reaches the first temperature and the cooking cavity 42 reaches the operating temperature at the same time or substantially the same time. In step 324, the lid 28 may be removed from covering or over the cooking surface 22.

In step 328, disposing the cooking apparatus 10 within the cooking cavity 42. The cooking stone 16 may be received in the receiving aperture 14 of the tray 12 when disposed in the cooking cavity 42 (i.e., the cooking stone 16 is in the engaged position 100). The tray 12 may be slidably engaged with the supports 88 of the cooking cavity 42 when disposing the receiving aperture 14 in the cooking cavity 42. Step 328 may be performed before or after the cooking cavity reaches the operating temperature.

In step 332, the cooking stone 16 may be heated to a second temperature within the cooking cavity 42. The cooking stone 16 may be heated from the first temperature to a second temperature within the cooking cavity. The first temperature may be lower than the second temperature. The second temperature may be equal or substantially equal to the operating temperature of the cooking cavity 42. However, in some instances, the first temperature of the cooking stone 16 may be greater than or equal to the operating temperature of the cooking cavity 42 from the heating in step 316. In such instances, the cooking stone 16 does not require additional heating since the cooking stone 16 has reached the highest temperature the cooking cavity 42 may heat the cooking stone 16 to. In step 336, the food item may be disposed on the cooking surface 22 of the cooking stone 16. The food item may be disposed on the cooking stone 16 before or after the cooking stone 16 is disposed in the oven.

Referring to FIG. 14, with reference to FIGS. 1-11, a flow diagram for a method 400 for heating or cooking a food item with the cooking apparatus 10. The method 400 includes step 404 of providing the cooking apparatus 10. The cooking apparatus 10 may include the tray 12, the cooking stone 16, and the lid 28. The cooking stone 16 may be disposed within the receiving aperture 14 of the tray 12 (i.e., the cooking stone 16 is in the engaged position 100).

In step 408, the cooking stone 16 may be disposed over the heat source 18. The cooking stone 16 may extend through the receiving aperture 14 of the tray 12 (i.e., the cooking stone 16 is in the disengaged position 102). The heat source 18 may be the cooktop 44 of the appliance 40. The cooking stone 16 may be positioned over the heat source 18 by using the tray 12 to adjust and move the cooking stone 16. In step 412, the lid 28 may be positioned over the cooking surface 22. The lid 28 may assist with the heating of the cooking stone 16 by reducing or preventing heat from radiating away from the stone into an environment.

In step 416, the cooking stone 16 may be heated to an operating temperature using the heat source 18 of the cooktop 44. The heat source 18 may be an induction burner, a gas burner, or a radiant electric burner. The induction burner may interact with the adapter layer 24 the cooking stone 16 to heat the cooking stone 16. The gas burner and the radiant burner may heat the adapter layer 24 of the cooking stone 16. When the tray 12 is disengaged from the cooking stone 16, the tray 12 may have a lower or a substantially lower temperature than the first temperature of the cooking stone 16.

In step 420, the lid 28 may be removed from covering or over the cooking surface 22. In step 424, a food item may be disposed on the cooking stone 16. In step 428, the lid 28 may be positioned over the cooking surface 22 and the food item disposed on the cooking stone 16 during cooking of the food item.

Referring to FIG. 15, with reference to FIGS. 1-10 and 12, a flow diagram for a method 400 for heating or cooking a food item with the cooking apparatus 10. The method 500 includes step 504 of providing the cooking apparatus 10. The cooking apparatus 10 may include the tray 12, the cooking stone 16, and the lid 230. The cooking stone 16 may be disposed within the receiving aperture 14 of the tray 12 (i.e., the cooking stone 16 is in the engaged position 100). In step 508, the cooking stone 16 may be disposed over the heat source 18. The cooking stone 16 may extend through the receiving aperture 14 of the tray 12 (i.e., the cooking stone 16 is in the disengaged position 102). The heat source 18 may be the cooktop 44 of the appliance 40. The cooking stone 16 may be positioned over the heat source 18 by using the tray 12 to adjust and move the cooking stone 16. In step 512, the lid 230 may be positioned over the cooking surface 22. By positioning the lid 230, the cooking cavity 240 between the lid 230 and the cooking surface 22.

In step 516, the cooking stone 16 may be heated to a first temperature using the heat source 18. The heat source 18 may be an induction burner, a gas burner, or a radiant electric burner. The cooking stone 16 may also be heated to the first temperature using the heating element 236 of the lid 230. The heating element 236 may interact with the heat source 18 configured as an induction burner. In step 520, the cooking cavity 240 may be heated to an operating temperature using the heating element 236. The first temperature and the operating temperature may be equal or substantially equal.

In step 524, the food item may be disposed on the cooking surface 22 of the cooking stone 16. The food item may be disposed on the cooking stone 16 before or after the cooking stone 16 reaches the first temperature and/or the cooking cavity 240 reaches the operating temperature. The food item may be partially or fully cooked while disposed over the heat source 18 and using the heating element 236 of the lid 230. The food item may also be partially and fully cooked while disposed in the cooking cavity 42.

In step 528, the cooking cavity 42 of the appliance 40 may be heated to an operating temperature. The cooking cavity 42 may be heated using an electric heating element or a gas heating element disposed in the cooking cavity 42. The cooking cavity 42 may begin heating the cooking cavity 42 to the operating temperature at the same time or substantially the same time as the heating of the cooking stone 16 to the first temperature is initiated. The cooking cavity 42 may be heated to the operating temperature in a similar manner as discussed with reference to the method 300. In step 532, the lid 28 may be removed from covering or over the cooking surface 22. In step 424, a food item may be disposed on the cooking stone 16. In step 536, the cooking stone 16 may be heated to a second temperature within the cooking cavity 42. The cooking stone 16 may be heated from the first temperature to a second temperature within the cooking cavity.

Use of the present device may provide a variety of advantages. The cooking stone 16 being selectively received by the tray 12 allows for the cooking stone 16 to be preheated while minimizing heating of the tray 12. The tray 12 may also be used to move the cooking stone 16 after heating of the cooking stone 16 with the heat source 18. Further, by being able to preheat the cooking stone 16 with the heat source 18, such as the cooktop 44, the time the cooking cavity 42 is active may be reduced because heat transfer from the heat source 18 to the cooking stone 16 may be more efficient than from the cooking cavity 42 to the cooking stone 16. The more efficient heating of the cooking stone 16 may also allow for more efficient cooking of food items because of a reduction in preheating time of the cooking stone 16. Additionally, the lid 28 disposed over the cooking stone 16 during heating with the heat source 18 may improve heating efficiency of the cooking stone 16.

Furthermore, the adapter layer 24 may increase the efficiency of heating the cooking stone 16 by having varied materials having different heat transfer characteristics. The adapter layer 24 may also include materials that interact with the heat source 18 configured as an induction burner, which allows for the heating of the cooking stone 16 with the induction burner. When the raised portions 166, 182 of the adapter layer 24 and the recessed portions 170, 186 of the high-thermal mass layer 20 are included, there may be more efficient heat transfer between the adapter layer 24 and the high-thermal mass layer 20. Moreover, the high-thermal mass layer 20 retaining heat allows for the cooking stone 16 to maintain a consistent or substantially consistent temperature while cooking or heating the food time. Additional benefits or advantages may be realized and/or achieved.

The device disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described herein.