U.S. patent application number 10/694293 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-28 for portable grill with fold out wheels.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Coleman Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Schulte, Clyde R..
Application Number | 20050087182 10/694293 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34522576 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050087182 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schulte, Clyde R. |
April 28, 2005 |
Portable grill with fold out wheels
Abstract
A portable grill having fold out wheels. A separate handle may
also be provided that folds out from the grill so that a user. may
grasp the handle and pull the grill about on the wheels. The wheels
may be moved from a first position in which they are stored
underneath the grill to a second position in which they extend
outward from the grill and are locked so that the grill may be
transported with the wheels in this configuration. In an
embodiment, when the wheels are in the second position, the wheels
and an edge of the grill can support a grill at a tilted
configuration so that a user may easily grasp the handle. In an
embodiment, the handle extends upward and is located at a height so
that it may be easily grasped by a user.
Inventors: |
Schulte, Clyde R.; (Wichita,
KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEYDIG, VOIT & MAYER, LTD.
(SEATTLE OFFICE)
TWO PRUDENTIAL PLAZA
SUITE 4900
CHICAGO
IL
60601-6780
US
|
Assignee: |
The Coleman Company, Inc.
Wichita
KS
|
Family ID: |
34522576 |
Appl. No.: |
10/694293 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/9R ;
126/38 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 2037/0777 20130101;
A47J 37/0704 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/009.00R ;
126/038 |
International
Class: |
F24C 001/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A portable grill, comprising: a firebox; fold out legs connected
to the firebox; and fold out wheels connected to the firebox;
wherein the grill may be configured in a first position where fold
out legs are extended to support the grill and the fold out wheels
are stored underneath the grill to a second position in which the
fold out legs are folded under the grill and the fold out legs
extend outward from the grill and are locked so that the grill may
be transported on the wheels.
2. The portable grill of claim 1, wherein the fold out legs and the
fold out wheels are connected to a base upon which the firebox is
mounted.
3. The portable grill of claim 2, wherein when the grill is in the
second position, the wheels and an edge of the base are configured
to support the grill at a tilted configuration.
4. The portable grill of claim 3, further comprising a handle
connected to the base for leading the grill on the fold out
wheels.
5. The portable grill of claim 4, wherein the handle is foldable
under the base.
6. The portable grill of claim 4, wherein the handle is received
within the fold out legs when the fold out legs and the handle are
folded under the base.
7. The portable grill of claim 2, further comprising a locking
mechanism for releasably locking the fold out wheels when in the
second position.
8. The portable grill of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism is
configured to releasable lock the fold out wheels when in the first
position.
9. The portable grill of claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a spring biased latch that biases a protrusion into a
separate notch when in each of the first and second positions.
10. The portable grill of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a spring biased latch that biases a protrusion into a
notch when in the first position.
11. The portable grill of claim 2, further comprising a latching
mechanism for releasably attaching the firebox and the base.
12. The portable grill of claim 11, further comprising a handle
connected to the firebox, and wherein the latching mechanism is
configured and arranged so that a user may simultaneously actuate
the latching mechanism and grasp the handle.
13. The portable grill of claim 12, further comprising a second
handle connected to the firebox, and a second latching mechanism
for releasably attaching the firebox and the base, and wherein each
latching mechanism is configured and arranged so that a user may
simultaneously actuate. an adjacent latching mechanism and grasp
the handle.
14. The portable grill of claim 1, wherein when the grill is in the
second position, the wheels and an edge of the grill are configured
to support the grill at a tilted configuration.
15. The portable grill of claim 1, further comprising a handle
connected to the firebox for leading the grill on the fold out
wheels.
16. The portable grill of claim 15, wherein the handle is foldable
under the firebox.
17. The portable grill of claim 16, wherein the handle is
received-within the fold out legs when the fold out legs and the
handle are folded under the firebox.
18. The portable grill of claim 1, further comprising a locking
mechanism for releasably locking the fold out wheels when in the
second position.
19. The portable grill of claim 18, wherein the locking mechanism
is configured to releasable lock the fold out wheels when in the
first position.
20. The portable grill of claim 19, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a spring biased latch that biases a protrusion into a
separate notch when in each of the first and second positions.
21. The portable grill of claim 20, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a spring biased latch that biases a protrusion into a
notch when in the first position.
22. A portable grill, comprising: a firebox; a base; and a latching
mechanism for releasably attaching the firebox and the base.
23. The portable grill of claim 22, further comprising a handle
connected to the firebox, and wherein the latching mechanism is
configured and arranged so that a user may simultaneously actuate
the latching mechanism and grasp the handle.
24. The portable grill of claim 23, further comprising a second
handle connected to the firebox, and a second latching mechanism
for releasably attaching the firebox and the base, and wherein each
latching mechanism is configured and arranged so that a user may
simultaneously actuate an adjacent latching mechanism and grasp the
handle.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to grills, and more
specifically to outdoor grills that are portable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Camping and tailgating are popular recreational activities
enjoyed by many. Some people camp so that they may enjoy the
outdoors, and others use camping as an inexpensive alternative to
staying in hotels. Tailgating is a great way to meet and eat before
ballgames, and has become quite the ritual for many season ticket
holders.
[0003] Although many campers enjoy being in the outdoors, often
campers like to enjoy the luxuries of home while camping. For
example, many campers bring lounge chairs or hammocks, portable air
mattresses or cots, and similar accoutrements to make a camping
experience more comfortable.
[0004] One thing that most individuals enjoy while camping or
tailgating is cooking on a grill or campstove. Typically, at home,
an individual is accustomed. to the luxuries of an indoor stove and
a large outdoor grill. However, many conventional grills are bulky
and oversized, so their portability and thus use for camping or
tailgating is limited.
[0005] The assignee of the present invention, The Coleman Company,
Inc., has addressed the portability of grills by its product sold
under the trademark "ROADTRIP." The ROADTRIP grill is a highly
portable gas grill (a charcoal model is also available) that folds
to a compact configuration for transport and storage. The ROADTRIP
grill includes a separate base having legs. The legs fold into the
base for compact storage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The following presents a simplified summary of some
embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic
understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive
overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify
key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of
the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of
the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description that is presented later.
[0007] An embodiment of the invention provides fold out wheels for
a portable grill. A separate handle may also be provided that folds
out from the grill so that a user may grasp the handle and pull the
grill about on the wheels.
[0008] In accordance with an embodiment, the wheels may be moved
from a first position in which they are stored underneath the grill
to a second position in which they extend outward from the grill
and are locked so that the grill may be transported with the wheels
in this configuration. In an embodiment, when the wheels are in the
second position, the wheels and an edge of the grill can support a
grill at a tilted configuration so that a user may easily grasp the
handle. In an embodiment, the handle extends upward and is located
at a height so that it may be easily grasped by a user.
[0009] In accordance with an embodiment, the wheels and handle are
mounted on a base that is separate from the grill. The base may
also include legs that fold outward to support the grill.
[0010] In accordance with an embodiment, legs provided on the grill
may be folded underneath the grill, and the wheels may be folded
within the legs. In addition, the handle may be folded into and
stored within the folded legs.
[0011] Other features of the invention will become apparent from
the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with
the drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a base for a grill in
accordance with the present invention with a grill shown in phantom
mounted on top of the base;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded side perspective view of the base of
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the base of FIG. 1, with legs
folded under the base;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a front view of the base of FIG. 1, with a grill
mounted thereon, showing steps for storage of the legs under the
base;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a partial cut-away side perspective view of a
latching mechanism that may be used to attach to the grill of FIG.
4 to the base;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view, similar to FIG. 5,
showing the latching mechanism in a closed or attached
position;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front view of the base and grill of FIG. 4
showing the base in a folded configuration and wheels and a handle
extended;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a wheel for the base of
FIG. 1; and
[0020] FIG. 9 is a partial cut-away side perspective view of the
wheel of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] In the following description, various embodiments of the
present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation,
specific configurations and details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it
will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without the specific details.
Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in
order not to obscure the embodiment being described.
[0022] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference
numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1
shows a side perspective view of a base 22 incorporating an
embodiment of the present invention. The base 22 is configured to
be utilized with a grill 20, shown in phantom in FIG. 1, and shown
in detail in FIGS. 4 and 7. Although shown as used with a
particular grill, the base 22 may be used with many different
cooking devices. To this end, as used herein, "grill" is meant to
mean grills, stoves, griddles, or any other cooking device having a
fire box; i.e., a chamber that contains a fire. As such, a "grill"
as used herein typically includes some type of fuel source, such as
propane, charcoal, wood burning, gas, and the like. The grill 20
shown in the drawings includes a firebox 24 having a lid 25, and
control knobs 26 for controlling the flow of fuel to a cooking
surface (not shown). However, other configurations for a grill may
be used. An example of such a grill is disclosed in commonly owned
U.S. Design Pat. No. D464,843.
[0023] Although the base 22 is shown separate from the firebox 24
in the drawings, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,
many or all of the features of the base 22 could be incorporated
with or formed integrally to the firebox 24. However, for the
particular embodiment disclosed, the base 22 is formed separately
from the firebox 24 so that the firebox 24 may be utilized without
the base 22, permitting the firebox 24 to be placed, for example,
on a table.
[0024] The base 22 provides further functionality for the grill 20
in that it includes legs 28, 30 for supporting the grill 20 at a
height at which a user may easily access the firebox 24 for
cooking. In the embodiment shown, the legs 28, 30 are mirror images
of one another, so only a single one, leg 28, is described here.
The leg 28 includes a lower pedestal 32. The lower pedestal 32 is
attached to a lower section 34 of the leg 28, and lower rods 36, 38
extend upward from the lower pedestal 32. An upper section 40 of
the leg 28 includes upper rods 42, 44. Detents 46, 48 are provided
on the distal ends of the upper rods 42, 44. The lower rods 36, 38
fit into the upper rods 42, 44, and can slide into the upper rods
42, 44 for storage (FIG. 2). The detents 46, 48 are released (e.g.,
depressed) to permit the sliding action. Other configurations may
be used for the legs 28, 30.
[0025] A spring clip 47 is attached to a bottom side 52 of the base
22, and includes arms 49 (FIG. 2) at distal ends. The ends of the
arms 49 extend into slots 50 in the upper rods 42, 44 when the legs
28 are in an outwardly extended position such as is shown in FIGS.
1 and 2.
[0026] To store the legs 28, 30 the detents 46, 48 are depressed.
The spring clip 47 is released from the slots 50 and is positioned
against the underside of the base 22, for example by rotating the
spring clip 47 until the arms 49 of the two spring clips 47 are
adjacent to one another (FIG. 3). The lower rods 36, 38 of one of
the legs 28, 30 are pressed upward into the upper rods 42, 44 (FIG.
4.). The shortened leg 28 or 30 may then be folded under the base
22, as is shown by the arrow in FIG. 4. This process can be
repeated with the other side, so that the two legs 28, 30 are
stored underneath the base 22 as is shown in FIG. 3. In the
embodiment shown in the drawings, the legs 28, 30 are recessed
under the base 22 for compact storage.
[0027] The base 22 thus far described is known in the art, and has
been sold with assignee's ROADTRIP grills. However, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention, a handle 60 is provided on the
base 22. The handle 60 is configured to lock underneath the base
22, for example in a clip 61 (FIG. 3), and to release from the clip
61 and to rotate about a pin 62, in the direction shown in the
drawing in FIG. 4. The pin 62 may, for example, be the same pin
about which the leg 28 rotates. In addition, the handle 60 may be
received within and between the upper rods 42, 44 when the legs 28,
30 and the handle 60 are stored, such as is shown in FIG. 3.
[0028] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, fold out
wheels 70 are provided on the base 22. The fold out wheels 70 are
mounted at the end of wheel legs 72. A locking mechanism 74 is
provided for locking the fold out wheels 70 underneath the base 22
(i.e., in the stored position). The locking mechanism 74 may also
releasable lock the fold out wheels 70 in the deployed position.
The locking mechanism 74 releasably locks the fold out wheels 70
under the base 22, and, for example, may be a spring-biased latch,
a catch, a lock, a latch, or other mechanism that is capable of
holding the fold out wheels 70 in place.
[0029] In accordance with an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the
fold out wheels 70 and wheel legs 72 are attached to the base 22 by
a U-shaped bracket 76. The U-shaped bracket 76 includes two ends
having rounded outer edges 78. Two notches 80 are cut into the
outer edges 78. A fixed pin 82 extends through each wheel leg 72,
creating protrusions on either side of each wheel leg 72. A sliding
pin 86 extends through each wheel leg 72 toward the distal end of
the wheel leg 72 and through slots 88. A spring 90 is connected to
the fixed pin 82 and the sliding pin 86, and biases the sliding pin
86 toward the fixed pin 82.
[0030] For storage, the fold out wheels 70 are positioned such as
is shown in FIGS. 3 and 8. The protrusions on the fixed pin 82
extend into a first set of notches 80 on the rounded outer edge 78
of the U-shaped bracket 76. The engagement of the protrusions on
the fixed pin 82 and the notches 80 permits the fold out wheels 70
from releasing and moving relative to the base 22. Thus, this
engagement of the protrusions on the fixed pin 82 and the notches
80 serves as the mechanism that releasably locks the fold out
wheels 70 under the base.
[0031] When the fold out wheels 70 are positioned as shown in FIGS.
3 and 8, the fold out wheels 70 are folded underneath the bottom
side 52 of the base 22 and are received within a bottom portion of
the base 22 for efficient storage. Thus, both the handle 60 and the
fold out wheels 70 may be conveniently stored underneath the base
22.
[0032] To move the fold out wheels 70 to a transport position, a
user grasps one of the fold out wheels 70 and pulls outward on the
fold out wheel 70 relative to the U-shaped bracket 76. Pulling out
on the fold out wheel 70 causes the sliding pin 86 to move along
the slot 88 against the bias of the spring 90. When the fold out
wheel 70 has been pulled out an adequate amount, the protrusion on
the fixed pin 82 releases from the notch 80, and the user is free
to rotate the wheel leg 72 and the fold out wheel 70 about the
sliding pin 86.
[0033] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, an
additional notch 92 is provided on a second location around the
rounded outer edge 78. The second notch 92 is for locking the fold
out wheel 70 and the wheel leg 72 in a transport position, shown in
FIG. 7. A user, once rotating the wheel leg 72 so that the
protrusions on the fixed pin 82 reach the notch 92, may release the
fold out wheel 70 and it will lock into place by the protrusions on
the fixed pin 82 engaging the notch 92.
[0034] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, as shown
in FIG. 7, when the fold out wheels 70 are in a transport position,
the grill 20 and the base 22 may be supported by placing the grill
20 and base 22 on the fold out wheels 70 and an outer edge 96 of
the base 22. This feature permits the grill 20 and the base 22 to
be positioned in the manner shown in FIG. 7, wherein the handle 60
is presented upward and outward for easy grasping by a user. A user
may grasp the handle 60 and lower it, along with the outer ends of
the base 22 and the grill 20 slightly downward so that the combined
weights of the grill 20 and the base 22 are solely on the fold out
wheels 70. At this position, the user may roll the grill 20 and the
base 22 to a desired location. The user may then raise the handle
60 to place the grill 20 back in the upright position shown in FIG.
7 or may store the handle .60 and the fold out wheels 70 so that
the grill 20 and base 22 may be stored, or the legs 28, 30 may be
folded outward to position the grill 20 in a upright position.
[0035] As described above, the handle 60 may be folded out for use.
If desired, a catch, such as a spring clip 98 (FIG. 3) may be
provided for locking the handle 60 in the outer position. Another
mechanism, such as a stop, a spring, or a hook may be used to
releasably lock the handle 60 in the outer position.
[0036] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the
firebox 24 and the base 22 include two latching mechanisms 100 (one
of which is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) for releasably locking the
firebox 24 onto the base 22. The latching mechanisms 100 are
located on the sides of the firebox 24, but may alternatively be
placed in other locations, and may not be directly attached to the
firebox at all. Each latching mechanism 100 may be any structure
that temporarily locks the firebox 24 to the base 22, including,
but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, ties, hooks, snaps,
locks, and catches.
[0037] In accordance with an embodiment shown in the drawing, the
latching mechanism 100 includes a bracket 102 attached to the base
22 and having teeth 104 extending outward from the top portion. The
latching mechanism 100 further includes a spring latch 108 attached
to the firebox 24. The spring latch 108 includes a base 110 having
a pair of indentations 112 on outer edges and a handle 114 that
bends around and upward.
[0038] To install the firebox 24 on the base 22, a user may simply
press the firebox 24 down onto the base 22. To this end, the teeth
104 include an inclined front surface 116 that engages a bottom
edge 118 of the spring latch 108 to move the spring latch 108
outward as the firebox 24 is lowered. A user aligns the spring
latch 108 with the bracket 102 in a position similar to the
position shown in FIG. 5. The user then lowers the firebox 24. When
the firebox 24 has been lowered an amount so that the teeth 104
engage the indentations 112, the spring latch 108 snaps inward to
lock the bottom edge of the indentations 112 underneath the bottom
edge of the teeth 104 (FIG. 6). The firebox 24 is then locked into
position on the base 22.
[0039] To release the latching mechanism 100, a user simply pulls
outward on the handle 114, releasing the indentations 112 from
underneath the teeth 104. The handle 114 is preferably located so
that it may be grasped by a user who extends hands on opposite
sides of the firebox 24. In this manner, the user may release the
latching mechanisms 100 and lift the firebox 24 at the same
time.
[0040] If desired, the latching mechanism 100 of the present
invention may be reversed, in that the bracket 102 may be mounted
on the grill 22, and the spring latch 108 may be mounted on the
base 22. In addition, as described, other mechanisms may be used
for releasably locking the firebox 24 onto the base 22.
[0041] Thus, in accordance with an embodiment, the firebox 24 and
base 22 are easily transported utilizing the handle 60 and the fold
out wheels 70. Moreover, as described above, these features may be
provided on the bottom of the firebox 24, without use of a separate
base 22. In either event, the fold out wheels 70 and the handle 60
provide a convenient way to transport the grill 20.
[0042] If the firebox 24 and the base 22 are provided as separate
components, the latching mechanism 100 provides a convenient way
for releasably locking the two components together. Also, in
accordance with an embodiment, the latching mechanism 100 is
arranged so that a user may grasp latching mechanisms 100 on
opposite sides of the firebox 24 and the base 22 at the same time
the user grasps the firebox 24 to lift the firebox 24 from the base
22. This feature permits a one step operation of release of the
firebox 24 from the base 22 and lifting of the firebox 24 from the
base 22. (0043) The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and
similar referents in the context of describing the invention
(especially in the context of the following claims) are to be
construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless
otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The
terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to
be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not
limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be
construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or
joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation
of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a
shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value
falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and
each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it
were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can
be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated
herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any
and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided
herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the
invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the
invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the
specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed
element as essential to the practice of the invention.
[0043] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *