U.S. patent application number 10/826699 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-09 for cooking apparatus.
Invention is credited to McLemore, Don, McLemore, John D..
Application Number | 20050121020 10/826699 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46301987 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050121020 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McLemore, Don ; et
al. |
June 9, 2005 |
Cooking apparatus
Abstract
A cooking apparatus that has a support stand having a grill
coupling section and a grill assembly releasably coupled with the
coupling section of the support stand, and the grill assembly
having a stand alone leg assembly which is supported by the support
stand when the grill assembly and support stand are coupled. The
coupling assembly preferably includes a telescoping relationship as
in a projection off the grill assembly received in a pedestal stem
representing the support stand which is at a height suited for
stand up cooking. The leg assembly is preferably provided with an
interconnected linkage and slide assembly which allows for the legs
to expand out and lock in place and to then be collapsed again for
telescopic insertion into the pedestal stem as in a collapsed state
which allows for a free dangling extension in the support stem
while the projection is in sliding contact with the upper cavity
surface of the stem. The coupled grill assembly and the support
stand are also preferably secured in coupled position with a
securement assembly as in hand manipulatable latch(es) and/or
fastener(s). One embodiment features a gas grill with gas burner
and rigid gas supply line attached to a grill base body or the
projection or some other portion of the grill assembly so as to
allow a gas supply source to be maintained fastened to the grill
assembly during coupling or removal of the grill assembly relative
to the support stand.
Inventors: |
McLemore, Don; (Columbus,
GA) ; McLemore, John D.; (Fortson, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Smith, Gambrell & Russell
1850 M Street, N.W., Suite 800
Washington
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
46301987 |
Appl. No.: |
10/826699 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10826699 |
Apr 19, 2004 |
|
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|
29194932 |
Dec 4, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
126/25R ;
126/304R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 37/0704 20130101;
A47J 2037/0795 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/025.00R ;
126/304.00R |
International
Class: |
F24B 003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cooking apparatus, comprising: a support stand having a grill
coupling section; a grill assembly releasably coupled with the
coupling section of said support stand, and said grill assembly
having a stand alone leg assembly which is supported by said
support stand when said grill assembly and support stand are
coupled.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said grill assembly and support
stand are coupled in a telescoping relationship.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said leg assembly is
telescopically received by said support stand.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said grill assembly includes a
coupling projection which extends into a reception cavity formed in
said support stand.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said support stand comprises a
pedestal stand with a base section and a stem, and said stem having
an upper opening which opens into said reception cavity and said
base having a periphery greater than a maximum cross-sectional
periphery of said stem.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said leg assembly has an upper
portion that is radially inward of a peripheral portion of said
projection.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said leg assembly is
collapsible and expandable between a collapsed state wherein all
leg assembly components are radially internal of said peripheral
portion of the projection to an expanded state wherein said leg
assembly extends radially external to said peripheral portion of
said projection.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said leg assembly is
collapsible and expandable between a collapsed state for support
stand reception to an expanded state wherein said leg assembly
extends radially outward into a stand alone grill support
position.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said grill assembly comprises a
grill base housing and said leg assembly includes a plurality of
legs having an upper end coupled to said grill base housing and leg
free ends which rotate between the collapsed and expanded
states.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said legs, when in the
expanded state, slope downwardly and radially outward in an angle
of 30 to 60 degrees from a horizontal plane.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said grill assembly includes a
grill base housing and a slide post extending below said grill base
housing and said leg assembly includes a plurality of legs, a
plurality of link members and connection means supported by said
slide post.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said connection means
includes axially extending sliding slots formed in said post with
insertable engagement slide ends of said link members received in
respective sliding slots and precluded form radial release when in
leg retention mode.
13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said connection means
includes a sliding member slidable along said post.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said sliding member is a ring
member extending about said post and slideable along an axis of
extension of said post, and said link members extending radially
out from a connection end with said ring member into connection
with a respective one of said plurality of legs.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said link members have a
first pivot connection at the ring member connection end and a
second pivot connection at the leg connection end.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said link members extend out
from said ring member in spoke like fashion and said ring member is
adjustable between an upper leg collapsed mode and a lower leg
expanded mode.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein, when said ring member is in
the leg expanded mode, said link members are arranged so as to
extend with 10.degree. of the horizontal or horizontal.
18. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said link members have an
outer end having a first side wall orientation and a radially inner
end having a different side wall orientation.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said link members comprise
bars with twisted intermediate sections.
20. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said legs have a U-shaped
cross section and said link members are pivotably engaged with said
legs and have a portion received within a leg cavity defined by
side walls defining said U-shaped cross sectioned legs.
21. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising coupling means for
coupling the grill assembly and support stand.
22. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of said grill assembly and
said support stand includes a coupling projection and an opposite
one of said grill assembly and support stand includes a projection
reception cavity.
23. The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising securement means
for securing the coupling relationship between said grill assembly
and support stand, and wherein said securement means is a non-tool
required, finger engagable securement device.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said securement means
includes a latch assembly.
25. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said securement means
includes a finger manipulatable fastener.
26. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a grill base body
and a fuel supply line that is arranged such that the same fuel
supply container can be used without detaching or adjusting the
position of the fuel supply container both when said support stand
and grill assembly are coupled and when said grill assembly is
removed from said support stand.
27. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a grill base body
and a fuel supply line having an external section extending
externally to said grill base body and an internal line section
extending within a cavity defined by said grill base body, and said
external section being rigid enough to suspend a fuel source
container out away from an exterior surface of said grill base
body.
28. A cooking apparatus comprising: a grill assembly; a support
stand which supports said grill assembly for stand up cooking;
coupling means for coupling said grill assembly and support stand,
and said grill assembly includes a stand alone support assembly
that is received by said support stand when said grill assembly is
coupled to said support stand and provides a stand alone support to
said grill assembly upon separation of said grill assembly form
said support stand.
29. The cooking apparatus of claim 28 wherein said stand alone
grill support assembly places said grill assembly at a lower height
than said support stand.
30. The cooking apparatus of claim 28 wherein said support stand
includes a reception cavity and said stand alone support assembly
is received within said support stand reception cavity when said
grill assembly and said support stand are coupled.
31. The cooking apparatus of claim 28 wherein said stand alone
support assembly has means for expansion and contraction.
32. The cooking apparatus of claim 31 wherein said stand alone
support assembly includes a leg set and a linkage assembly that is
collapsible and expandable.
33. The cooking apparatus of claim 32 wherein said grill assembly
includes a base body and a post extending below said base body and
said stand alone support assembly includes a leg set and a linkage
assembly that is connected to a slide that is arranged for sliding
along said post.
34. A grill assembly for use alone and in combination with a stand
up cooking support stand, comprising: a grill base body; a leg
assembly; a collapsing and expansion assembly which is connected to
said leg assembly for expansion and contraction of said leg
assembly; and a coupling device for coupling with the grill base
body the stand up cooking support.
35. The grill assembly as recited in claim 34 further comprising a
securement component for use in securing said grill assembly to the
stand up cooking support when the grill assembly is coupled to the
stand up cooking support.
36. The grill assembly of claim 34 wherein said coupling device
includes a projection for telescopic reception by the stand up
cooking support.
37. The grill assembly of claim 36 further comprising a securement
component for use in securing said grill assembly to the stand up
cooking support when the grill assembly is coupled to the stand up
cooking support and said securement component being provided on
said projection.
38. A grill assembly comprising: a base pan having a lower floor
region with a slope, and said lower floor region laving a drain
aperture; a grill base which has a cavity within which said base
pari is posited, said grill base supporting a channeling surface
positioned below said drain aperture and said grill base further
comprising a drop through aperture positioned in cooking waste flow
communication with the channeling surface; and a receptor having a
cavity for receiving waste material falling through the drop
through aperture.
39. The grill assembly as recited in claim 38 further comprising a
flame disk with an outer edge which is upward flange free or has a
downward sloped peripheral flange and has a main floor with covers
positioned to cover protected heat dissipation apertures in the
flame disk.
40. The grill assembly of claim 39 wherein said covers have a
concave cross-section.
41. The grill assembly of claim 38 wherein said receptor is a drip
tray removably supported by the grill base.
42. A method of removing cooking waste by channeling cooking waste
though channeling means of the grill assembly of claim 38.
43. Method of assembling a cooking apparatus, comprising: providing
a support stand; providing a grill assembly having a collapsible
leg assembly in a collapsed state; inserting the collapsible leg
assembly into the support stand and positioning said grill assembly
so as to be supported by said support stand.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application No. 29/194,932 filed Dec. 4, 2003, and which is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed at a cooking apparatus
with a preferred embodiment featuring a self-integrated grill
assembly, and a support and grill assembly combination comprising
the self-integrated grill as well as a support device (e.g., a
stand-up pedestal support which couples or interconnects with the
self-integrated grill assembly).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A variety of supported grill assemblies can be seen in the
prior art such as the pedestal grill assemblies presented in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 3,931,805; 5,404,795; 5,875,772 and EP 018692. These
pedestal supports are intended to provide a grill unit that is at a
desired "stand-up" cooking height relative to a standing person.
They are rather cumbersome and are not generally designed for
mobile transport and hence are not generally deemed mobile in
nature, or, if are utilized in mobile fashion, are not well suited
for easy transport with regard to size, shape, and/or weight.
[0004] There is also seen in the art a variety of smaller,
typically less heavy, low height grills that are versatile in the
sense of being light and of small volume for easy transport (e.g.,
from the garage or house out to the lawn or to a vehicle for use at
a park, campground, sporting event tailgate party or the like).
[0005] There is also a need in the art for improved cooking waste
capture as in grease dripping down to the base of a grill assembly.
There is also room for improvement in the prior art for improved
heat dissipation within a grill assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention includes a cooking apparatus that is
highly versatile in providing the advantages of a supported grill
assembly (e.g., a pedestal supported grill assembly) as well as a
removable grill assembly releasably attachable to a support stand
of the supported grill assembly. A preferred embodiment features a
removal grill assembly that is self-integrated or stand alone
(e.g., can be removed from the support structure and has its own
support structure which is, for example, lighter and/or shorter in
nature as compared to the less mobile "stand-up" support stand).
Preferably the grill assembly is fully integrated with no
additional components needing to be attached or utilized, except
for, perhaps, fuel source means, as in a gas tank or cylinder, fuel
briquettes, etc.). Thus, an embodiment of the invention provides a
cooking apparatus, which includes, in one mode of use, the
combination of a support device and grill supported by the support
device, and, in a second mode of use, involves a removed self
integrated grill assembly, as in "ready for immediate use" without
further grill attachments and/or assembly or disassembly. For
example, a grill housing with integrated, manipulatable leg support
assembly that is adjustable between a storage mode and a grill in
operation mode, as in a collapsing and expanding leg assembly which
remains fixed to the grill's main housing during both states.
[0007] The present inventions cooking apparatus includes a
removable grill assembly and a stand-up grilling embodiment with a
support stand that places the grill assembly at a higher level for
ease in stand-up cooking without environmental height increasing
support structures. For example, under the present invention there
is provided a stand up cooking grill assembly mode and a mobile
grill assembly mode which modes allow for a greater variety of
usage environments as in different location low level ground usage
or environmental higher level support situations, as in a table or
the like for the grill assembly when separated in addition to the
noted stand up mode. In other words, the dual mode capability of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention makes for a highly
versatile, mobile grill well suited for picnic table support or
other typically preferred smaller grill settings as in tailgate
events, campgrounds, and beach usage, while the other mode provides
a more sedimentary, generally non-mobile assembly (outdoor deck,
poolside, or backyard for repeated usage at a common position).
[0008] One embodiment of the present invention includes coupling
means for releasably coupling the grill assembly and support stand,
as in a telescoping relationship with a projection on one and a
caption recess in the other which preferably has a slide contact
relationship and matching peripheral shapes to avoid wobbling of
the grill assembly when installed on the support stand. A preferred
embodiment also includes means for releasably securing the grill
assembly to the support stand once coupled. The means for
releasably securing preferably includes non-tool release securement
means (as is preferably true for the coupling means) with one
example being a releasable securement assembly with a first
securement component on one of the grill assembly and support and a
second securement component on the remaining one of the grill
assembly and support. As one example, there is provided a latch on
one of the two and a catch receptor on the other of the two, as in
one or more over-center latch devices. For example, in a preferred
embodiment a pair of opposing (e.g., diametrically on opposite side
walls) latches are provided on the support stand and a
corresponding number of capture recesses are provided or supported
on, for instance, the base housing of the grill assembly, as in the
aforementioned coupling projection, for engagement by the latches
and releasable securement of the grill assembly to the support
stand. Use of more permanent securement means (e.g., tool required
fasteners) is also featured under another embodiment of the present
invention, either alone or as a supplement to the non-tool
embodiment. For example, dual tool and non-tool securement means
may be provided as when extended periods of usage in assembled
condition are anticipated (pre-purchase, storage, shipping, etc.),
while periods of dual use are also contemplated. However, a
preferred embodiment features a non-tool, hand releasable (and
preferably also hand securing) securement assembly with one
embodiment featuring the aforementioned latch arrangement, and
other examples including thumb screw fasteners, grasping
handle/bolt combinations, spring biased extension pins, circular
rotating latch and clasp assemblies, combinations of the above,
etc. As an additional example, in one embodiment there is provided
a plurality of thumbscrews (or, as another example, threaded
fasteners with associated turn handle) which extend into aligned
apertures formed in mating or adjacent surfaces (e.g., three side
as in the two sides and rear) of the respective grill assembly and
support stand reception section.
[0009] As previously indicated, the grill assembly is preferably of
a "ready-to-use" type once removed from the support stand and upon
completion of any associated expansion or component manipulation
between a support stand reception position and grill assembly stand
alone position. As one example, a grill assembly of the present
invention includes a leg assembly, which is preferably a
collapsible leg assembly, that collapses into a support stand
reception mode which facilitates coupling of the combination via
the coupling means and, upon removal from the support stand, is
manipulatable into a self support mode which can be carried out
with minimal operator assistance, as in pulling, turning, shifting,
etc. of one or more components of the leg expansion assembly.
Alternatively, such action is either facilitated or replaced with
an automatic manipulator means, as in a device for automatically
affecting expansion or movement of the grill assembly self support
components upon removal of the grill assembly form the reception
area of the support stand. For example, in one embodiment of the
invention there is featured a collapsible leg assembly with spring
bias which biases the grill assembly into a leg expansion state and
helps retain that state. However, such an arrangement can make
support stand insertion and attachment more difficult for the
operator who has to work against such an automatic expansion device
(at least until a collapsed leg latching device can be implemented
(e.g., a spring biased pin supported on a slide post that can
retain a sliding ring in a collapse mode until released in umbrella
like fashion)). Accordingly, an embodiment of the invention
includes a device that can be easily manipulated by an operator to
adjust the grill assembly from a collapsed storage state to an
expanded self support stand alone state which is free of any
position biasing device.
[0010] In one embodiment, the contraction/expansion leg assembly
comprises a bottom post, a spoke like lever assembly, and an
adjustable leg set. For example, there is featured a lever assembly
that includes a slide ring slideable along a post extending from or
below a lower bottom housing of the grill assembly. Also, star
extension levers or link members are circumferentially spaced about
the ring and pivotably and/or slideably attached thereto, and the
outer ends of the levers are pivotally and/or slideably attached to
intermediate portions of support legs that extend down from the
lower region of the grill assembly. The upper ends of the stand
alone grill assembly legs are preferably pivotally and/or slideably
secured to a base region of the grill housing assembly and provide
support to the grill assembly cooking enclosure and fuel and/or
heat supply means if present when in use. The legs preferably
diverge outwardly in going down from the bottom of the base housing
of the grill assembly and are of a length and number (e.g., a
single one with largely enlarged footprint (e.g., a shorter
sub-pedestal arrangement), preferably at least two legs (with
intermediate and large footprints), and more preferably three, four
or more legs) to provide a stable platform for the grill assembly
when separated from the support stand. In one embodiment of the
invention, the free ends of the legs (which preferably are flat
bottomed, expanded regions of the legs) extend out to a radial
intermediate region between the central vertical axis of the grill
assembly and the direct down shadow edge of a peripheral edge of
the grill's base cooking enclosure housing and more preferably
radial out to that peripheral edge or radially beyond, as in
radially 25 to 50% farther out from the outer shadow edge location
of the base housing.
[0011] Thus, in use, when the grill assembly is removed from the
support stand, the sliding ring (the ring and post preferably being
circular in shape but other configurations are also possible, as in
matching polygonal configurations) slides or is slid down along the
slide post taking with it the connected interior link members which
cause the legs to expand out as the link members go from a more
vertical state to a more horizontal state. As one example, the
outward extension of the link members cause the legs to adjust from
an initially vertical or close to vertical collapsed state to an
expanded downward and outward sloped grill support state.
Preferably the full expansion state of the legs puts them at about
a 30 to 60.degree. (e.g., 45.degree.) slope arrangement and also
places the legs in a temporary lock-out state, as in each link
member of the spoke link arrangement being moved to a generally
horizontal and/or straight line status which locks out the legs in
their expanded state, particularly with the weight of the base
housing on the outwardly sloping legs. The slide post is thus
preferably made to accommodate a sufficient slide range in the ring
to achieve that temporary lock out state in the leg support levers,
with preferably a degree of additional downward extension in the
slide post to avoid undesirable release. Alternately, there is
featured a post cap placed at the lower end of the post to lock on
the ring.
[0012] The grill assembly also preferably has a main base housing
well suited for encompassing a heat source or heat supply means as
in a gas burner, an assembly of briquettes, coal, wood, electric
heater units, etc. In one embodiment a gas burner is provided as in
a propane burner head which is supported within the interior of the
main base housing as the heat supply means. The gas burner is in
gas flow communication with gas line conduit(s) that work in
conjunction with a fuel source supply means, as in a propane tank.
The grill assembly main base housing also preferably provides
support to the gas supply lines and a gas and air flow control
device (e.g., valve). In addition, the base housing also preferably
supports a lid as in an integrated (rotatably attached) lid,
although a completely removably lid or cover is also featured under
the present invention. An additional embodiment includes a flame
disk insertion with reference being made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,382
sharing at least one common inventor with the present case which
illustrates various flame disk embodiments and is incorporated by
reference, as well as a base pan insert as in one of the base pans
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,566 also sharing at least one
common inventor, and which is also incorporated herein by
reference. The present invention further includes additional
improvement in its flame disk and base pan configuration which is
well suited for cooking waste removal and high efficiency heat
dissipation. A suitable grill rack is also sized for support within
the base housing.
[0013] As noted above, a preferred embodiment features a cooking
apparatus which comprises a ready to use grill assembly which has
the same assemblage of components within the support stand support
mode as it does in the separated from support stand, self standing
self-supporting mode. In one embodiment of the invention there is
provided gas fuel supply assembly which is associated with the
grill assembly such that the same gas supply supply and control
system is utilized both when the grill is in support stand mode and
when on its own. For example, a gas control knob with gas valve
associated with it is featured in one embodiment to provide
variations in the fuel/oxygen(air) mix being fed to a burner head
in the base housing (e.g., a cyclone burner). Furthermore, there is
also preferably included a gas connection device that utilizes a
gas (or in-feed) line (e.g., flexible intermediate gas line) with
gas canister connection free end, or a gas canister by itself
connected directly to a burner in-feed line. A flexible gas line is
connected in one embodiment at one end to a more rigid grill
assembly (e.g., the grill base) supported burner feed line and has
an opposite end suited for connection with a gas source as in a 20
lb propane tank or a smaller embodiment, as in a 1 LP gas cylinder.
The gas connection between the gas source and burner head
preferably includes a grill mounted gas supply pressure regulator
to which is either attached the intermediate (e.g., flexible) gas
line or the gas canister directly due to a common thread
arrangement. In addition, relative to the gas supply means, there
is also preferably provided, in gas communication with the burner
head, a relatively rigid supply line that extends out from the main
grill housing and includes, for example, the noted intermediate gas
line functioning as a propane tank hose line attachment means for
use with a 20 lb LP (9.09 kg) gas cylinder supported on the ground
or like and positioned a distance away from the support stand. In
an alternate embodiment a smaller gas container is provided, as in
a 1 lb LP gas cylinder, that can be attached directly to the rigid
supply line device (e.g., to a threaded port in the regulator) so
as to have the gas cylinder supported/suspended off the ground by
way of its connection to the preferably rigid supply line device
(with or without additional support features such as a holster
support or platform supported on the support stand).
[0014] This direct connection of a smaller gas supply canister is
also preferably applicable to the grill assembly alone mode, and,
in a preferred embodiment, the supply line device is connected to a
part of the grill assembly so the entire supply line device goes
along with the remainder of the grill assembly upon removal of the
grill assembly from the support stand. In view of the removed
grill's typical mobile nature, the use of the 1 lb canister is
deemed to be a desirable combination in that the small canister is
sufficient for most remote cooking usages and is easily mobile like
the grill itself. In the small canister use embodiment, it is
possible to use the gas canister while in the support stand and
then remove both the grill assembly and attached canister away from
the support stand while keeping the combination of the grill
assembly and gas supply container together during the transport to
a location remote from the support stand. This facilitates ease of
use in going from one mode to the other in that the gas supply
remains unaffected during removal and movement away from the
support stand.
[0015] A preferred embodiment of the invention also preferably
includes a drip reception collector, as in a drip tray with a
preferred embodiment featuring a drip tray that is supported by a
component of the grill assembly, as in a slideably supported tray
supported at the lower region of the housing. In one embodiment
there is provided a telescoping bottom portion of the telescoping
projection of the base housing designed to nest within a reception
area of the support stand. The drip collector is preferably
supported so as to be adjustable between a storage state (e.g., a
slid in state) wherein it does not interfere with the insertion of
the grill assembly into the support stand, while also being
adjustable to a collector opening access state to facilitate
removal of collected material (e.g., a sliding drawer arrangement
as in one with complete slide out freedom or a stop with or without
additional multi-positioning capability as in the freedom to pivot
into a dumping orientation following assuming a slide out
state.)
[0016] The present invention also features a waste (e.g., grease)
flow (includes falling solid material and/or liquid flow material)
dispensing arrangement which facilitates the capture and removal of
grilling waste, as in grill food components, ash, etc., in
conjunction with the noted drip tray. To facilitate the grease flow
dispensing the dispensing arrangement of the grill assembly is self
contained relative to the removable grill assembly, and thus avoids
involving or contaminating the support stand. That is, there is
avoided a high degree of pedestal cleaning requirement. The grease
flow dispensing arrangement includes a flame disk having a main
body that is preferably horizontally planar and has a downwardly
curving peripheral end (preferably continuously all around the
periphery, although only some of the sides (if multiple sides
involved) is also featured under the invention). Preferably the
downward flange portion of the flame disk extends essentially about
the entire periphery (e.g., 85 to 100%) as it facilitates heat
retention relative to the heat source below. The flame disk also
preferably has tear dropped shaped apertures covered over by
uplifted covers to provide efficient heat dissipation and with the
covers providing protection from grease falling within the center
area of the grill assembly, which is less suited for waste
removal.
[0017] The grease falling from the flame disk falls into a base pan
having an enlarged, centralized interior aperture through which
extends a burner head and/or through which flows heat from a heat
source below (gas head, fuel briquettes, etc.) and which is
surrounded by an upstanding flange member which helps capture
grease between that flange and an outer slopping wall extending up
off the intermediate floor region of the base pan. The base pan has
a slight slope down from (e.g., 10.degree. or less, as in 2 to
5.degree.) with a smaller drain aperture provided within the
intermediate floor region and preferably closest to the lower most
portion of the intermediate floor region (e.g., the drain aperture
having an edge coincident with the border edge between the base
pan's shaped outer wall and its floor region or just inward by 5
inches or less). Thus, any grease dripping off the flame disk will
first be captured between the flange defining the central burner
head reception aperture and the outer sloped wall of the base pan
(which outer wall can also function to direct grease down to the
intermediate floor region). Further, any grease received by the
intermediate floor region is directed under the force of gravity
toward the lower positioned drain aperture. The floor region
described herein can also include, for example, a continuation of
the outer wall region, as in the lower half of a semi-circular base
pan with the aperture then preferably moved closer to the central
aperture flange, although a preferred embodiment features an
intermediate floor region made distinct from the side wall, as in
the aforementioned planar, sloping downward intermediate floor with
corner break leading into the upwardly extending wall region of the
base pan (e.g., the more radially outward positioned drain
apertures facilitate maintaining the grease away from the burner
head or other heat source more centrally positioned and, as
explained below, provides for usage of the grill base configuration
to help channel grease into a desired location relative to the drip
pan).
[0018] For example, in one embodiment, the base pan is positioned
(e.g., suspended) above the bottom floor of the grill base (e.g.,
above the gas flow piping and ignition components, if gas flow is
involved) and has means for receiving and directing waste into a
desired feed location relative to an aperture in the grill base
bottom leading into the receiving cavity of the drip pan, as in a
sloping side wall section that is integrated with an edge of a
receiving cavity for the drip pan which can be, for example, a
corner edge of the drip pan and/or the grill base's floor aperture.
For example, a welded or otherwise fixed ski-slope insert for
directing grease falling from the (with or without confined upper
extending side edge walls) base pan grease aperture or an
integrally formed section of the grill base itself (e.g., such as a
punched in section via a die or original molding pattern) can be
utilized, which is either planar or has a slight concave
cross-section to facilitate flow directing. The sloping nature of
the receiving and directing means and its relative positioning to
the grease aperture provides for, with the assistance of gravity,
all of the grease captured in the base pan to be properly focused
and directed into the drip tray to avoid waste build up or contact
with other less desirable areas. The receiving and directing means
thus directs the grease dripping out of the grease aperture into
the desired receiving location in the drip tray, where it can be
readily discarded once sufficient build up has occurred, simply by
sliding or otherwise removing the drip tray from the drip tray
receiving aperture provided in the grill assembly. Furthermore,
this waste capturing arrangement is self contained in the grill
assembly and fully functional in both the combination mode and the
grill assembly stand alone mode, and preferably is provided with a
pull out handle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the
cooking apparatus of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 1A shows a top plan view of the grill base shown in
FIG. 1
[0021] FIG. 2A shows a perspective, rear view of the grill assembly
alone, which in FIG. 1 is shown as a component of the combination
grill assembly and stand-up support structure of the cooking
apparatus.
[0022] FIG. 2B shows a front elevational view of a grill assembly
which is a self-integrated, stand alone grill assembly.
[0023] FIG. 2C shows a right side elevational view of the grill
assembly.
[0024] FIG. 2D shows a left side view of the grill assembly.
[0025] FIG. 2E shows a rear elevational view of the grill
assembly.
[0026] FIG. 2F shows a bottom perspective view of the grill
assembly of FIG. 2A.
[0027] FIG. 2G shows the grill assembly of FIG. 2D with its cover
open and its cooking grill surface and heating means
illustrated.
[0028] FIG. 2H shows a left side and bottom perspective view of the
grill assembly.
[0029] FIG. 2I shows a rear corner perspective view of the grill
assembly.
[0030] FIG. 2J shows a rear side and bottom perspective view with
the leg assembly collapsed.
[0031] FIG. 2K shows a cross-sectional view of the grill assembly
taken along cross-section I-I in FIG. 2E.
[0032] FIG. 3 shows the cooking apparatus with the grill assembly
in a collapsed state to provide for insertion and removal of the
grill assembly relative to the stand-up grill support of the
cooking apparatus, and with an alternate grill assembly securement
means than that shown in FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 3A shows a view similar to FIG. 3, but with a person
holding a de-coupled and removed grill assembly.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a front elevational view of the grill assembly
following insertion or placement of the grill assembly into a
coupled position relative to the support stand.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows a rear elevational view of that which is shown
in FIG. 4.
[0036] FIG. 6A shows a right side, perspective view of that which
is shown in FIG. 4.
[0037] FIG. 6B shows a right side elevational of that which is
shown in FIG. 4.
[0038] FIG. 6C shows a left side elevational of that which is shown
in FIG. 4.
[0039] FIG. 7 shows a perspective, upper view of the support stand
following removal of the grill assembly with over-center latch on
two sides.
[0040] FIG. 7A shows an alternate embodiment of the support stand
having a multi-piece stand base shown close to assembly
completion.
[0041] FIGS. 8A to 8E show various views of the cooking apparatus
of FIG. 4 with large container supply gas heater assembly with
heater means (burner) in gas communication with a gas source (20 lb
LP container).
[0042] FIG. 9A provides a close up view of the grill assembly and
support stand combination with releasable securement means which
features a latch arrangement shown in an unlatched state with grill
assembly yet to be separated from the stand.
[0043] FIG. 9B shows the latch in an intermediate grill assembly
securement state.
[0044] FIG. 9C shows the finger manipulatable (no tool required)
latch being manipulated towards its final locking state.
[0045] FIG. 10 shows a side elevational view of the cooking
apparatus with smaller volume fuel supply supported thereby.
[0046] FIG. 11 shows that same fuel supply being used with the
grill assembly following removal from the support stand and
placement at an independent location.
[0047] FIG. 12 shows the fuel source control panel and adjustment
knob that is functional both relative to the combination state and
in the separated grill assembly.
[0048] FIG. 13A shows a top planar view of the flame disk shown in
FIG. 1.
[0049] FIG. 13B shows a cross-sectional view taken along cross
section line II-II in FIG. 13A.
[0050] FIG. 14 shows an alternate upper insertion in the support
stand of FIG. 1.
[0051] FIG. 15A a top plan view of the base pan insert shown in
FIG. 1.
[0052] FIG. 15B shows a cross-section view taken along line IV-IV
in FIG. 15A.
[0053] FIG. 15C shows a cross-sectional view along III-III in FIG.
15A.
[0054] FIG. 15D shows an enlarged view of circled region A in FIG.
15C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a first embodiment of
the cooking apparatus 10 of the present invention comprising a
lower portion 30 and upper portion 20 that is removable from the
lower portion 30 and is represented in FIG. 1 by the cooking
apparatus components in exploded view positioned above the upper,
open end of the lower portion 30.
[0056] Lower portion 30 is shown in FIG. 1 as a grill support
structure, which, in a preferred embodiment, is a support stand of
pedestal design. Support stand 30 includes a base support portion
32 and an elongated stem portion 31. The base support portion 32
and stem portion 31 are preferably rigidly secured to each other as
by way of a weld or nut/bolt connection. Support stand 30 is
further shown in FIG. 1 to have a multi-sided (e.g., square),
rounded corner periphery base 32 from which centrally extends a
hollow post or stem 31. Base 32 preferably presents a larger foot
or contact surface periphery relative to the bottom of stem 31 to
provide a stable platform to the upper portion 20 which in FIG. 1
is represented by a gas burner grill assembly. Base 32 can further
be weighted in ballast like fashion as in providing an interior
cavity for reception of weight material such as sand to further
increase stability and to further avoid knock over. In an alternate
embodiment, there is featured base fixation means as in bolt(s) or
threaded aperture(s) which enable the support stand to be more
rigidly fixed in position for even greater preference location
stability as in a deck or cement pool side. In a preferred
embodiment of stand 30, base 32 is of sufficient inherent weight
and foot pattern to provide the desired degree of comfort relative
to stability from bottom to grill support upper end (e.g., a square
base of 1 to 2.5 feet sides, as in a 2'.times.2' square base), free
of additional hold-down means as in the noted ballast. Alternate
embodiments of the support stand include, for example, support
stems of continuous cross-section (e.g., mounted in the ground or
in a cement or in a cup support placed in the ground or of a
relatively large cross-section along the entire length).
[0057] FIG. 7A shows an alternate "assembly required" version of
the support base 32 featuring four trapezoidal base sub-components
32A, 32B, 32C and 32D having common angled adjacent side edging
with suitable fastener means as in bolt tabs 135 provided on each
for receiving nut and bolt combination 137 (similar tab and nut and
bolt combinations are preferably further provided at the
interfacing edging of the base of stem 31 and the radially interior
edging of the trapezoidal sub-components (one set identified by
reference no. 132 in FIG. 7A)).
[0058] Also, in a preferred embodiment featuring a pedestal design,
as in FIG. 1, the stem has a converging cross-section in going from
its base to its upper edge E, with the base 32 also preferably
having a sloping upward, from out to in, upper surface. In
addition, a preferred embodiment features a stem having an upper
end section which defines an upper grill assembly reception cavity
25. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, stem 31 has upper free edge E
which defines opening O, which leads into cavity 25 with opening O,
having an area sufficient to receive a portion of the grill
assembly (e.g., an insertion section or telescoping portion, as in
the entirety of the collapsible leg assembly and a grill coupling
projection portion as described below). In addition, edge E and the
reception cavity 25 are preferably arranged to provide sufficient
coupling projection and leg assembly insertion depth.
[0059] As shown, grill base 22 preferably has a peripheral
footprint smaller than that of base 32 to facilitate stability and
avoid an overhang relationship relative to the base (e.g., 30% or
less in maximum side length or diameter if circular), although an
overhang relationship is also featured under the present invention,
particularly with a heavier weight, stable support stand.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the stem is hollow from its
exposed bottom edge of engagement (e.g., a weld or underlying
bolting) with base 32 to its upper free edge E (e.g., a seamed or
folded upon itself sheet of metal).
[0061] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the area defined by edge
E is about 9 to 144 square inches with a periphery of about 3
inches to 12 inches (e.g., a square cross-section with sides of 4
inches being illustrative). Edge E preferably includes one or more
straight sections to avoid, for example, relative rotation between
the grill assembly and stand, and to facilitate coupling as well as
attachment of the mating component with securement means. In
addition, there is also preferably provided one or more corners in
edge E to facilitate desired relative alignment and positioning of
the upper portion and lower portion when in an assembled state. The
meshing corners of the support stand and an inserted projection of
the grill assembly also help in alignment during telescopic
insertion and telescoping passage along the stem's central
axis.
[0062] The upper portion 20 and lower portion 30 can be made of
material known to those in the related field. Preferably, the
material used to make the upper portion 20 and lower portions 30
are flame resistant (e.g. flame resistant metals or plastics).
Preferably, the material is also rust resistant, as in stainless
steel or black steel, to be readily usable in an outdoor
environment.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper portion or supported portion
20 of cooking apparatus 10 comprises a grill assembly base housing
and associated independent leg support structure 12 assuming a
ready to use state (e.g., leg assembly expanded out into a larger
periphery foot print coverage than occupied by the upper edge E of
the support stand and sufficient to provide stable support to the
remainder of the grill assembly). This expansion state is derived
from the collapsed state shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A representing the
insertion and support stem reception state of the leg assembly.
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, while in a supported by support stand
31 storage state, leg assembly 12 has a peripheral footprint that
is less than that of upper edge E defining opening O as to provide
for insertion in telescoping fashion of leg assembly 12 into
opening O followed by projection portion 14 used as an insertion or
coupling means during telescopic connection as explained in greater
detail below. This projection is sized in the embodiment shown to
be in sliding contact (e.g., 0.00 spacing or preferably at least
less than an {fraction (1/8)} inch clearance to provide for greater
"no wabble" grill assembly stability).
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A to 2K, grill assembly 20
comprises main grill housing assembly HA which comprises, in
combination, lid 21 which forms an upper cooking enclosure (and is
preferably generally sealed off to provide a cooking enclosure with
the exception, for example, of one or more vents 21a which can be
either permanently opened or provided with adjustable closure
shutters (not shown)) as well as a back vent spacing LV described
below. Main grill housing assembly HA further includes base housing
22, which forms a bottom half, preferably sealed off, cooking
enclosure except, for example, for a drip ash passage aperture PA
(FIG. 21) at its bottom as described in greater detail below. As
shown, grill base housing 22 preferably has sloping downward and
inward walls that merge with the bottom center of the base housing
where the one or more apertures are provided in the bottom floor
region 61 (FIGS. 2F and 2K) of base housing as well as side wall
air intake aperture SW (FIG. 2F). An alternate embodiment of the
invention includes a solid or continuous base of floor wall. In a
preferred embodiment, though, floor region 61 preferably includes
flanging or a wall section closing off the bottom and providing
underlying support for burner 43 on burner stand SS (FIG. 1A). The
combination of lid 21 and base housing 22 provides a suitable
cooking enclosure.
[0065] Additional internal components can also be provided as in
components that are varied depending on the cooking technique
desired such that some or all of the below described interior grill
components might be omitted or replaced with alternate type of
grill components. Most intended usages include the use of one or
more cooking grill racks as in grill rack 52 (FIG. 1) having slide
stop back extension 52a adjacent vent space LV (FIG. 25). Grill
rack 52 is shown supported in the base 22 via the ridge 22a that is
formed in the top of the grill base 22. Also as can be seen from
FIGS. 2H and 2J, the top lid 21 and grill base 22 connection
arrangement preferably features direct, sealing contact along the
sides and front of the grill, while the hinges H1 and H2 are
designed to accommodate rear side venting region LV that has food
grill section 52a providing a food slide off blocking function
while allowing for gas venting and with downward flange section FL
providing for a downward, then further out, and up exhaust gas flow
passage. In a preferred embodiment, there is also provided within
base housing 22, base pan 50 which (and as described in the earlier
noted U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,566) is shown to include a bowl or pan
region having a bottom aperture 50a with an upwardly extending
peripheral flange 50b.
[0066] Base pan or inner bowl 50 is shown in FIG. 1 as including
upper outer extending flange portion 50c sized for reception within
a stepped peripheral zone of ridge 22a in base housing 22 in
sealing fashion (which helps in avoiding undesirable flow leakage
external to the below described grease channeling arrangement).
FIG. 15D provides an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the two step
shoulder arrangement for outer flange portion 50c. The inner flange
step in the double step outer edge of base pan 50 (see FIG. 15D)
provides a grill rack support location.
[0067] Housing assembly HA preferably comprises one or a set of
venting apertures as in the upper lid venting aperture 21a, best
shown in FIG. 2A, which provide for air/gas flow in and out of the
grill enclosure. Additionally, as best shown in FIG. 2B, lid 21
includes a front wall portion 62 (opposite rear wall portion 63
shown in FIG. 2A) with front wall portion 62 having opening handle
66 as well as a temperature gauge 68 to facilitate cooking
temperature control. (See also FIG. 2K). Lid 21 also preferably
features a flange or beaded bottom peripheral edge 64 designed to
overhang and extend over a stepped flange peripheral section 22a of
base housing 22.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 1, flame disk 51 is positioned over
aperture 50a by way of legs 51b to facilitate heat dispersion in a
desirable fashion as explained in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No.
6,012,382. Thus flame disk 51 has a main body suspended over
aperture 50a in base pan 50. Flame disk 51 also has a bottom plate
51e with heat dispersion channels 51a, which, is suspended over the
head of burner 43 to help dissipate heat over a broader range below
the grill rack with burner 43 being connected to the knob via at
least one gas valve line assembly as in one including gas valve 42
shown in FIG. 1.
[0069] FIGS. 13A and 13B provide a top planar and cross-sectional
view of flame disk 51 and as can be seen include tear drop or
radially inward converging heat dissipation apertures DA which are
covered over with concave cross-sectioned covers 51a. An additional
feature not illustrated in the embodiments featured in the
aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,382 is the inclusion of
downwardly directed peripheral edging PE that is preferably
continuous about the entire main plate siding of flame disk 51, and
has a relatively short radial length (e.g., less than 10% of a
flame disk main plate edge length (or diameter) but sufficient to
help hold in some degree of heat to a location under the flame disk
to facilitate the heating up of the flame disk and use of its
dissipation apertures DA.
[0070] Extending below grill housing assembly HA is combination or
coupling section 14 which preferably includes a downwardly
extending projection that has a periphery corresponding to the edge
between the bottom wall 61 and sloping side walls (e.g., wall 48)
of base housing 22. Projection 14 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as
comprising a vertical flange with a lower projection wall section
which provides one or more interior or upper sliding surface(s) on
which receptacle drawer or drip tray 27 (FIG. 2A) slides. As shown
in FIGS. 3 and 3A, projection 14 is shaped and sized for insertion
into opening O defined by edge E so as to provide a snug fit
(preclude rotation and preferably provide a degree of stability by
way of the male/female connection). For example, a range of actual
sliding contact to less than a {fraction (1/8)} inch clearance
between the telescoping or coupling surfaces of grill assembly 20
and stand 30, is illustrative of a snug or stabilizing coupling fit
with the periphery of the edge E and projection 14 preferably being
of the same shape.
[0071] In FIG. 1 there is further illustrated a first embodiment of
securement means for securing grill assembly 20 to support stand 30
following coupling. Projection 14 is shown as having apertures 23A
designed to align with stem holes 33 formed in the upper end of
stem 31 with the apertures 23a, holes 33 and thumbscrews 34 working
together to provide tool less securement means. Thumbscrews on the
rear and opposing sides illustrates a preferred three sided
arrangement. Threaded thumb screws 34 are designed to extend into
threaded apertures 23A to secure grill assembly 20 to support
pedestal 30. A set of three is illustrated although less or more
than that numbered are options under the present invention. Thus,
the combination of the aligned holes in the respective components
and connecting fasteners 34 provide a means for releasable securing
the mobile grill assembly 20 to the support stand. In an alternate
embodiment, the securement means is represented by latch assembly
62 as shown in FIGS. 6C and 9A to 9C which includes first latch
component 64 comprising latch base 66 attached to the upper region
of stem 31. Latch assembly 62 can be used alone or in combination
with other securement means as in the aforementioned thumbscrews.
In addition, under the present invention, reliance can be placed
solely on the coupling arrangement (e.g., a frictional, telescoping
relationship), although, the inclusion of the securement means
provides an added factor of safety in ensuring the combination
remains combined. A preferred embodiment features back, left and
right thumbscrew fasteners and opposite side latch assemblies
designed to latch into reception holes 102 shown in FIG. 9A formed
on opposing side walls of projection 14. Once latched, if present,
the thumbscrew holes are in a proper location for connection or
reliance can be placed solely on the latches.
[0072] Grill assembly 20 is shown in FIG. 1 in an exploded view
near its support location relative to stand 30. FIGS. 2A to 21 show
grill assembly 20 alone or separated from support stand in a ready
to use state. FIGS. 2J and 3 show grill assembly 20 with its self
support assembly (e.g., collapsible/expandable set of supports
legs) in a collapsed state. In a preferred embodiment, the grill
assembly is designed to combine or couple with stand 30 via an
assembly means for combination or coupling as in the telescoping
male projection 14 and female stem reception cavity 25. In
utilizing a telescoping arrangement as the means for coupling, the
self support grill leg set 12 is designed to be collapsible for
reception into reception cavity 25 at the upper end of stem 31
together with a lower combination section 14 of base housing 22,
which is also designed for insertion past opening O into reception
cavity 25 in telescoping fashion. For a preferred embodiment, the
coupling section is a projection extending down from the bottom of
the grill's base housing 22 and has a peripheral configuration that
conforms to that of edge E. While an arrangement wherein the grill
assembly projection 14 is inserted internal to the stem in a
telescoping relationship is preferred, other arrangements are also
featured under the present invention as in having the grill and
assembly means for combination being of a capping nature relative
to either or both of the independent grill support structure 12 and
combination section 14 over the upper end of support stem 31.
Examples include, an arrangement where one of the projection member
and leg assembly extends to the exterior of the support stem and
the other internally as in a spider like leg assembly received in
reception grooves or conduits external to the opening O and the
projection extending into cavity 25; or the collapsible leg set
into cavity 25 and projection 14 housing a vertical flange
peripherally designed to cap stem 31. The coupling means of the
present invention further comprises, for example, a non-telescoping
flange to flange arrangement with, for example, the connector
portion or projection 14 being flush on the upper end of stem 31.
Also, while a preferred embodiment features collapsible, downwardly
extending legs as the grill assembly's self support structure,
other arrangements are also featured under the present invention as
in legs that collapse upwardly either internal to the base housing
22 or external to the base housing 22, or stick radially out to
some extent. However, the arrangement wherein the collapsed legs
and the coupling means are received within the stem is preferred as
there is ample room in the stem, there is facilitated an expansion
of those legs into self support mode, and a lower center of gravity
is provided. Also, having projection 14 arranged to telescope
internally within the stem, is a preferably easily "hidden away"
embodiment.
[0073] Grill assembly 20 includes a base 22 and a dome lid 21 which
is removable or retractable from the base 22. Preferably the dome
lid 21 is attached to the base 22 at one side of each via at least
one hinge as in the left and right bracketed hinge supports H1 and
H2 as shown in FIGS. 2C to 2E, featuring a U-shaped bracket
component having an outer surface supporting a pivot post PI (FIG.
2H) and arranged flush relative to a lid tab LT completing the
hinge joint with the hinge connection, the dome lid 21 can be
lifted into an open position with the dome lid 21, when in the open
position, being preferably substantially perpendicular to the base
22. The dome lid 21 and base 22 can also be of any convenient
peripheral or volumetric shape (e.g., round, square, triangular or
other polygonal shape) and are preferably square in peripheral
shape. The volume of the dome lid can have a variety of shapes as
in the illustrated sloping, somewhat flat lid walls, a
semi-spherical dome or other arrangement as in specific shapes
(e.g., a football helmet shape).
[0074] In a preferred embodiment where a form of gas is used as a
source of fuel (e.g., propane), a control knob 41 is attached to a
control panel 40 (see also FIGS. 2B and 2C) which is attached to a
front side wall 48 of the base 22. The control knob 41 can be
manipulated by the user to control the amount of fuel or the size
of the cooking flame while the cooking apparatus 10 is in use. The
control knob is also preferably used in conjunction with a gas
supply and ignition assembly gi such as that shown in FIG. 2F
having an ignition unit which is known, per se, in the art (e.g., a
push into ignite and rotation to control gas flow system as shown
in FIG. 12).
[0075] The coupling portion 14 shown in FIG. 1 further includes
means for securing the grill assembly S to the support stand which
comprises at least one connection hole 23a, and preferably a
plurality of connection holes 23a, as in one for one or more of the
stem walls such as one for three or each of the four abutting or
adjacent connector portion wall surface, and stem portion receiving
wall surface combinations (see multiple holes 23a illustrated in
FIG. 1). When the grill assembly 20 and support stand 30 are
coupled, the hole(s) 23a in the connector portion 14 meet with
corresponding hole(s) 33 in the stem portion 31 of the base portion
30 such that an insert 34 (e.g. a thumb screw) can be inserted in
the matched hole(s) 23, 33 to thereby secure the upper portion 20
to the lower portion 30.
[0076] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2E to 2J and 3, a discussion of
an embodiment of the stand alone grill support means 12 is
provided. In the illustrated embodiment, stand alone grill support
means 12 is in the form of an expandable/collapsible leg support
assembly 12, having a leg sub-assembly (e.g., two or more legs 24
preferably with increased contact foot pads 24a). FIG. 1
illustrates legs 24 diverging outward from a more centralized
connection location with the remainder of the grill assembly as in
upper pivot connection 70 (e.g., single flange pivot post or a
double flange trunnion pivot connection). For example, in FIG. 2F
there is shown the upper and more radially internal leg end 24e
pivotable secured to the double flange with pivot trunnion
arrangement 70, while the twisted radially interior section 24C
received a pivot pin therethrough arranged in equally
circumferentially spaced series around post 25 on the bottom wall
72 of projection 14 as shown in FIG. 2F (e.g., four legs at
90.degree. intervals). As seen from a comparison of FIGS. 2F and 3,
the pivot connections 70 are spaced in close proximity (generally
at or slightly vertically upward or below) relative to the bottom
edge of the outer flange defining the exterior of projection 14
such that the upper leg pivot connection 70 is generally hidden
from view in normal use. Legs 24 each also have an intermediate
linkage connection pivot attachment 76 generally positioned at
about a halfway point along the length of each leg (e.g., a pivot
post extending through) a U-shaped leg main body portion 78 with
underlying cavity for receiving the transverse pivot post and
radial outer end of leg expansion levers 24c as can be seen from
the bottom view shown in FIG. 2F. The U-shaped cross-sectional legs
24 further include no-scratch pads 80, as in the horseshoe shape
plastic or elastometric material pads shown in FIGS. 2C and 2F
secured to the free ends of the U-shaped main body of the legs
24.
[0077] Expansion links 24c extend radially inward from their pivot
connection with respective pivot posts 76 with the U-shaped leg
cross-section providing a degree of clearance for the radial
external tip of links 24c to rotate while the opposite legs provide
bridge support to the pivot shaft providing pivot point 76. The
interior most ends of links 24c are secured to slide member 82.
Slide member 82 is shown to have an annular or ring shape and to
conform in configuration with slide post 25 (e.g., a low friction
concentric ring about post arrangement). In addition, expansion
links 24c are connected at their radial interior ends to slide
member 82 as in an interior pivot connection or coupling. Further,
a preferred embodiment utilizes a twisted link (FIG. 2D) having a
generally horizontally planar exterior link section 84, on
intermediate twist section 86 and a generally vertically oriented
link section 88. In this way, the desired pivot axis orientation is
attainable (both pivot axis extending horizontally) but relative to
vertical and horizontally oriented link sections. Furthermore, the
vertical extension of post 25 is shown in a preferred embodiment to
be less than the vertical component of the outwardly sloping legs
24 (the rise aspect of the sloping legs) when in a grill stand
alone support setting, but greater than a portion of that rise
taken at a horizontal plane intersection of the common height leg
to link pivot posts 76. This horizontal plane also preferably
extends through ring 82 as a horizontal "lock-out" arrangement when
the grill assembly is in its ready to use independent from the
support stand mode. When in the lock-out arrangement, the legs
slope downwardly and outwardly from their upper grill connection
point at, for example, an angle of 30.degree. to 60.degree.. The
slide post 25, as in the illustrated cylindrical tube shown, also
preferably has a length which places at least 10% or more,
preferably 25% or more, of the post length below the above noted
horizontal cross-sectional plane taken at pivot locations 76. The
run or horizontal component of the slope preferably extends out to
at least 60% of a circle touching the exterior most peripheral
points of the lid (e.g., 4 points for a square lid configuration)
and more preferably in an 80 to 130% range along a horizontal. As
to the vertical rise, the height that the legs lift the grill off a
support surface is preferably within at least 75% of the horizontal
run (e.g., to conform with a desirable 30 to 60.degree. slope and
with a 45.degree. slope being illustrative). A height D of 3 inches
to 1.5 feet (e.g., 6 to 8 inches) is preferred between the bottom
flange edge 82 in FIG. 2D to the ground support surface G is
(illustrative of a preferred stand alone grill height range). This
is used in conjunction with a support stand 30 having, for example,
a 2.0 to 3.5 feet (e.g., a 2.5 foot height) to provide an elbow
level association relative to a person within a 5 to 6 feet height
range. This relationship can be seen in FIG. 3A.
[0078] FIGS. 2J and 3 illustrate grill assembly 20 with its stand
along leg assembly 12 in a collapsed state and ready for insertion
of post opening 0 into the reception cavity 25 of stem 31. The
collapsed state for leg assembly is achieved upon ring 82 being
shifted upward along post 25 to preferably an abutment position
relative to bottom wall 61 provided at the base portion of base
grill component 22 (or a bottom wall of projection 14 is drawer
cavity 27' (FIG. 2J) is designed to be closed off by providing a
horizontal close off wall at lower projection edge 14e. As shown in
FIG. 2C, in going from a expanded self support position to a
collapsed storage state, legs 24 rotate inward about pivot
connection point 76 as shown by rotation arrow R, while links 24c
each rotates in direction Sp about their inward pivot connection
with ring 82. Once the ring reaches its end of travel the legs are
arranged in a vertical or convergent configuration as shown in FIG.
2J to facilitate insertion into stem 31 as well as later removal in
the manner shown in FIG. 3.
[0079] FIG. 3 also illustrates, in dashed lines, carrying bag B
with handle 90 and zipper access opening Z (e.g., a zippered
opening). When in the collapsed state, the grill assembly is easily
insertable into bag B or other carrying case, as there is avoided
any outstanding volume increasing components such as legs that can
easily catch on the bag opening edge when the grill is being
inserted into the bag or against the walls of a confinement area
such as a vehicle back seat.
[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the cooking apparatus, a gas
burner system is included. To supply the gas burner with gas, there
is provided grill gas flow line 60, best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2D.
Gas flow line 60 is preferably a rigid gas line supported by the
grill assembly as in securement to base housing 22 and/or
projection 14. As shown in FIG. 21, gas line 60 is shown having an
exposed, outer line section 60a with pressure (low pressure
maintenance) regulator 60b and threaded connect portion 60t. The
above noted control knob 41 provides an on/off and rate adjustment
gas supply control means between gas burner 43 and a gas supply
source (e.g., directly from a gas cylinder screwed onto connection
assembly 60b of the regulator or via an intermediate line as in a
flexible line to a gas tank). For example, FIG. 2A shows a flexible
gas line 26 with flow valve securement end 26a and gas supply
connecting end 26c. End 26a thus includes means for attachment to
the exposed gas line section 60a, while its opposite end 26c
includes means for attachment to a gas supply canister, as in a 1
lb or 20 lb gas container (e.g., a standard 20 lb propane gas
tank).
[0081] FIGS. 2A and 2D further illustrate gas line 60 preferably
being at least in part a rigid gas line (e.g., thick walled metal
tubing that is not designed for bending, as in steel or thick
copper piping) that extends through an aperture (Ap--FIG. 2I) in
the grill assembly (e.g., the bottom right hand corner of the
receiver wall 49, within an inch or two of the base grill bottom
wall 61 of base grill component 22 or a connection assembly
bottom). Line 60 is preferably rigidly fixed to the grill assembly,
as in a clamping or aperture fit arrangement between the line and
the grill assembly, etc., with a preferred rigid securement means
including aperture wall contact as in W just inward of or clamping
at the point of entry at aperture Ap for the rigid gas line 60. As
shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2F the rigid gas line 60 feeds into the
burner supply line (BS-FIG. 2F) with gas valve controlled by
control knob 41 and valve 42 and with ignition system gi.
[0082] The illustrated embodiment of the present invention reveals
a versatility in the choice of gas supply arrangement for both the
stand alone grill assembly mode and the stand up support
stand/grill combination mode. For example, FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D,
and 8E provide various views as to a large or extended use (e.g.,
week(s) or month(s) of typical use as in above 20 hours of use at
typical burner settings) gas supply source. In FIGS. 8A to 8E there
is illustrated a 20 LP tank T as the illustrated extended use
length gas source. FIG. 8C illustrates flexible gas supply line 26
in a detached state relative to tank T while FIG. 8B shows tank T
in an attached state to flexible gas supply line 26. As noted
above, supply line 26 is in gas supply communication with a rigid
gas line component of line 60 having 60b and exposed rigid gas pipe
60a extending to the grill base housing where the interior portion
of gas line 60 extends. Upon connection of threaded connecting end
26c to the threaded gas exit conduit of tank T, and turning on the
tank's gas flow valve, gas is fed from the tank T to burner 43 via
flexible line 26 and more rigid gas line 60 with control valve 42.
A suitable flexible gas line link is at least 11/2 feet and
preferably two to four feet.
[0083] FIG. 10 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention
wherein a smaller gas supply source is utilized such that the
cooking apparatus is free of any intermediate gas lines between the
rigid gas line 60 and the gas supply source. In FIG. 10, a smaller
gas supply source is provided (e.g., one which provides about 2
hours of use during typical flow settings). FIG. 10 also shows the
smaller canister (e.g., a 1 lb propane canister) C being connected
and freely suspended from its threaded connection with regulator
60b (i.e., the rigid nature of the gas line 60a and its stable
connection with the grill assembly allows for sufficient strength
to support at least lighter weight canister, as in the 1 lb gas
tank). In an alternate embodiment there is added an additional
small tank support unit ST such that a platform or holster design
arranged in conformation with the central thread access not being
askewed while ST tank is in support position.
[0084] FIG. 11 shows grill assembly 20 detached and removed away
from support stand 30. As seen, gas supply source C is coupled with
the grill assembly. For example, the same canister can be
maintained attached both during an insertion sequence (going from a
stand alone grill set up to an insertion (following collapse, for
instance) and securement relative to the support stand) as well as
vice versa (going from a grill being in secured support
relationship with the stand to a stand alone state (e.g., following
leg assembly expansion, for instance)) with the tank ST either
supported by the support substrate (ground or table, for example)
or suspended with rigid line.
[0085] The securement means S of the present invention can take on
a variety of forms with a preferred embodiment featuring a non-tool
(hand manipulatable as to release from a final securement state and
preferably also to reach a final desired state of securement) as in
the illustrated thumb screw assembly, wing nuts, turn handle(s),
relative to a threaded securement means sub-category or other
sub-categories as in non-threaded fasteners such as spring biased
pop-out pins which are, for example, manually pushed in during the
time of desired release, Velcro patch sets, rotating cam handle and
ear clasp, latch assemblies, hybrid arrangements of the above,
etc.
[0086] With reference to FIGS. 6A, 7, and 9A to 9C, there is
illustrated an alternate securement means S which is of a non-tool
type and which comprises over center latch assembly 62. FIG. 9B
illustrates latch assembly 62 having latch base 64, which provides
a foundation for the latch assembly and is preferably mounted on a
side of stem 31. Latch assembly includes finger handle 92 having a
first end 94 pivotally secured to latch base 64 and a flange
engagement second end 96. Clasp or hook member 98 is pivotally
secured between these two ends with a preferred embodiment
featuring hook securing opposite side apertures provided at an
intermediate portion of the clasp handle 92 thorough which
extend(s) the bar shaped hook handle clasp member(s) of hook member
98 at a lower height over center position. The opposite end of hook
member 98 includes clasping end (male member) 100 (e.g., a bent bar
hook section) which is dimensional for receipt within an aperture
(female portion) 102 provided in a side wall of the projection
portion 14 (e.g., forming a cut and then a die forced inward region
above that cut to form a reception cavity for the hook end.
Preferably there is provided two such over center latches an
opposing stem side walls with corresponding hook reception recesses
in side walls of the projection with a sliding friction fit
therebelow (the clasping means pushing down the telescoping
embodiments into their final state. The projection part can be
nestled within the receiving part, the hook inserted into recess
102 on opposite side and then the handles finger manipulated down
(e.g., simultaneously) to opposite sides to further move the upper
component 20 and lower component 30 into a final secured
combination state (see the finger manipulation shown on one side in
FIG. 9C). A reversed of the recess aperture/clasp section is also
featured under the present invention, but providing the handle hook
and base combination on the stem is preferred in most usages as the
grill assembly is designed to be more mobile and stored in a
container and thus extra hanging extending components on the grill
assembly itself is less preferable.
[0087] For detachment of grill assembly 20 from support stand the
handle 92 can be toggled up to loosen hook component 98 for release
from recess 102. Once hook component 102 is moved outwardly away
from its grasping relationship with aperture 102 as shown in FIG.
9A whereupon the grill assembly can be lifted up from its
telescoping relationship and separated from the pedestal stem 31.
FIG. 7 illustrates the opposite side wall positioning of the latch
assembly with grill assembly 20 removed.
[0088] FIG. 12 illustrates gas igniter and flow control knob
housing 40 with aperture instructions as well as a schematic view
of knob 41, which is used in conjunction with a gas grill
embodiment of the present invention, although a variety of
alternate heat source based grill assemblies are also featured
under the present invention including charcoal, wood, and other
component type fuel sources, as electrical heat sources, etc.
[0089] FIG. 14 illustrates a support stem with a substitute member
20', which can be utilized when the grill assembly 20 is removed
for use and it is desired to come over the stem opening O. For
example, if there is anticipated an extended usage of the portable
grill assembly (e.g., vacation), alternate cover 20' can be placed
over stem 31 as a substitute for the grill assembly. In FIG. 14,
the replacement upper component is an ornamented insert, although
other covering means are also contemplated, either using common
type coupling 14 and/or securement means S or alternate covering
means as in a plastic cover cap or alternate outdoor pedestal
supported components, as in colored shining spheres, bird baths
etc. Also, the grill assembly is formed of a material to handle the
associated high heat levels involved in grilling, as in preferably
at least the support region of stem 31, although a variety of
materials are available, particularly for the support stand (e.g.,
metallic, preferably weather resistant either through coating or
inherently, as in stainless steel, plastic, composite material,
etc.).
[0090] With reference particularly to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2I, 2K, 13B,
there is described the grease or cooking waste flow channeling
means of the present invention designed to channel cooking waste
derived from food resting on grill rack 52 or hanger GR (FIG. 2K)
down into drip pan 27 with minimized degrading contact with
components less easily cleanable as in the burner and associated
piping when gas is used while also providing a readily removable
capture device.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 2K when grease or the like falls down off
rack 52 it comes in direct contact with either the inwardly and
downwardly sloping walls of base pan 50 (shown alone in FIGS.
15A-15C) whereupon it will travel down onto floor 50e) or it comes
in contact with flame disk 51. If the cooking waste comes in
contact with flame disk 51 it contacts either the main plate or the
covers 51a covering over apertures DA and preferably having a dome
shaped configuration (convex vertical cross-section) such that he
waste is deflected onto flame disk floor 51e whereupon the rising
heat and gases traveling through aperture DA will tend to move out
the waste to an exterior portion of flame disk floor 51e whereupon
it will flow or fall off in view of the downwardly sloping
peripheral edging PE. Once it flows off edging 51e it again falls
on the downwardly sloping side walls of base pan 50.
[0092] With reference to FIGS. 15A-15C there can be seen that floor
50e of base pan 50 has a sloped bottom as in a higher front to
lower rear planar floor slope about the flanged central aperture
50a. Thus, any grease or the like received in base pan will be
maintained on the floor area as upward flange 50b is of sufficient
height to provide an internal block while the side walls function
as an outer block. FIG. 15B illustrates the slope in floor 50(e)
having an angle X which preferably is a smaller angle (e.g.,
<10.degree.) as time, heat and gravity tend to accumulate waste
at the lowest region of floor 50e. Accordingly, at this lowest
region of floor 50(e) there is provided drain aperture 50(f) which
can be made relative to small (e.g., less then 2 inch diameter) to
promote focused drain exit locating relative to the grill base 22
below.
[0093] In this regard, reference is made to FIGS. 1A, 2I and 2K
showing the grill base 22 lower wall 62 with an outlet aperture
such as the moon shaped aperture MS in FIG. 2I (covered over by the
burner head 43 schematic depiction in FIG. 1A). As seen from the
cross-sectional depiction of 2K there is provided a sloping wall
surface 175 providing a ski slope like underlying support for waste
dropping from waste aperture 50f in the suspended base pan above.
Once received on sloped surface 175 (e.g., a separate plate
component as shown in FIG. 2K or an integrated (mold or punch
formed) configuration in the grill base body. The sloping surface
175 is shown as extending from a border region with the inner
surface of the rear wall of grill base 62 down to the edge of an
aperture formed in the floor 62 of grill base 22 such that the
flowing waste does not settle on floor 62 but drops through waste
aperture (WA--FIG. 2I) and into the receiving drip tray 27. Thus,
drip tray 27 (which is preferably of a drawer type configure) can
be readily withdrawn from the bottom region of grill base 22 (e.g.,
the projection 14 region) as in FIG. 2A and the waste discarded. A
slope angle for surface 175 of 15 to 45.degree. is illustrative and
the interior edge of surface 175 preferably conforms to whatever
edge shape defines the drop down into drip tray aperture in grill
base 22.
[0094] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
of the present invention, particularly, and "preferred"
embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations,
merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the
invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the
above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing
substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. For
example, rather than a sliding ring on the post, each leg may have
a slide projection received in a slide slot in the post. All such
modifications and variations are intended to be included herein
within the scope of the disclosure and the present invention and
protected by the following claims.
* * * * *