TOASTER WITH IMPROVED SAFETY DEVICE

A safety shut-off device for an electric toaster having a food support member includes at least one switch that is movable between a closed position to thereby energize one or more heating elements associated with the toaster and an open position for deenergizing the at least one heating element. A rotatable support beam is pivotally connected to the chassis. An armature is connected to one end of the beam and a first locking member is connected to an opposite end of the beam. A second locking member associated with the food support member engages the first locking member during a toasting operation. During a toasting operation, the beam is rotated to close the at least one switch and an electromagnet is energized to hold the beam, and thus the food support member, in a toasting position. At the end of the toasting operation, the electromagnet is deenergized, causing the beam to rotate and open the switch to deenergize the at least one heating element and release the food support member. Rotation of the beam to open the switch and deenergize of the at least one heating element is independent of movement or non-movement of the food support member. In this manner, the toaster does not continue to operate in the event of a food jam.