U.S. patent application number 10/772942 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-04 for portable kitchen for preparing and storing foods or the like.
Invention is credited to Lightbourne, Dilton A..
Application Number | 20050166906 10/772942 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34711826 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050166906 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lightbourne, Dilton A. |
August 4, 2005 |
PORTABLE KITCHEN FOR PREPARING AND STORING FOODS OR THE LIKE
Abstract
A portable kitchen, which includes a case having at least one
cover movable between closed and open positions, the closed
position being for compact containment of contents therein, and the
open position exposing the contents for use. A plurality of
functional food preparation and storage devices are supported
within the case, including: a refrigerator unit capable of
containing and storing foods a conventional refrigerator storage
temperatures; and a microwave power unit for microwave heating of
foods; a cooking unit having cooking burners for heating cookware
or the like for preparing heated foods. A power connecting device
is provided for connecting an outside source of power to the food
preparation and storage devices to provide functioning power to the
devices.
Inventors: |
Lightbourne, Dilton A.;
(Warwick, BM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ABELMAN, FRAYNE & SCHWAB
150 East 42nd Street
New York
NY
10017-5612
US
|
Family ID: |
34711826 |
Appl. No.: |
10/772942 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/9R ;
126/38 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 7/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/009.00R ;
126/038 |
International
Class: |
F24C 001/16 |
Claims
1. A portable kitchen, which comprises: a) a case having at least
one cover movable between closed and open positions, the closed
position being for compact containment of a plurality of functional
food preparation and storage devices supported within said case and
entirely hidden by the at least one cover when in the closed
position, and the open position being for exposing at least one of
the plurality of functional food preparation and storage devices
from the compact containment and exposing the plurality of
functional food preparation and storage devices for use: b) the
plurality of functional food preparation and storage devices
supported within said case, including: 1) a refrigerator unit for
containing and storing foods, said refrigeration unit cooling and
maintaining the foods at conventional refrigerator storage
temperatures; 2) a microwave power unit to microwave heat foods;
and 3) a cooking unit having cooking burners for heating cookware
and foods for preparation thereof; and c) a power connecting device
connectable to an outside source of power to said food preparation
and storage devices to provide functioning power to said
devices.
2. The portable kitchen according to claim 1, wherein said power
alternating current (i.e., A.C.) connecting device.
3. The portable kitchen according to claim 2, wherein said
refrigerator unit is capable of maintaining food items at between
about 34.degree. F. and about 46.degree. F., when supplied with
power.
4. The portable kitchen according to claim 3, wherein said
microwave power unit includes at least one pivotable access door
for gaining access to a central food heating section.
5. The portable kitchen according to claim 4, wherein each said
microwave access door has a glass viewing panel which permits
viewing of an internal microwavable heating section.
6. The portable kitchen according to claim 5, wherein said
microwave power unit includes at least two pivotable access doors
for gaining access to a central food heating section, each said
access door having a glass viewing panel.
7. The portable kitchen according to claim 6, further comprising a
toaster device supported by said case for toasting food items.
8. The portable kitchen according to claim 7, wherein said
refrigerator unit is positioned adjacent said microwave unit, each
being insulated from the other by a heat insulating wall.
9. The portable kitchen according to claim 8, wherein said
microwave unit is positioned adjacent said cooking unit, each
separated from the other by a heat insulating wall.
10. The portable kitchen according to claim 9, further comprising a
storage space and a plurality of support shelves for supporting
utensils, equipment, or food.
11. The portable kitchen according to claim 10, wherein said power
connecting device is a power inverter having a power cord for
connection to a direct current (i.e., D.C.) source.
12. The portable kitchen according to claim 11, wherein said power
cord includes a device for connection to a cigarette/cigar lighter
of a motorized unit.
13. The portable kitchen according to claim 12, wherein said
motorized unit is an automobile, SUV, RV, mini-van, or a boat.
14. The portable kitchen according to claim 10, wherein said power
connecting device is a power connection device having a power cord
adapted for connection to a conventional alternating current (i.e.,
A.C.) power source.
15. The portable kitchen according to claim 14, wherein said power
cord includes a connection device at one end for insertion into an
alternating current (i.e., A.C.) power source.
16. The portable kitchen according to claim 15, wherein said A.C.
power source is a standard wall duplex outlet.
17. A portable kitchen, which comprises: a) a case having at least
a pair of covers pivotably movable between closed and open
positions, the closed positions of said covers being for compact
containment of a plurality of functional food preparation and
storage devices supported within said case and entirely hidden by
said covers when in the closed positions, and the open positions
being for exposing the plurality of functional food preparation and
storage devices from the compact containment and exposing the
plurality of functional food preparation and storage devices for
use: b) the plurality of functional food preparation and storage
devices supported within said case, including: 1) a refrigerator
unit for containing and storing foods, said refrigeration unit
cooling and maintaining the foods at conventional refrigerator
storage temperatures; 2) a microwave power unit to microwave heat
foods; and 3) a cooking unit having cooking burners for heating
cookware and foods for preparation thereof; and c) a power
connecting device connectable to an outside source of power to said
food preparation and storage devices to provide functioning power
to said devices.
18. A portable suitecase type kitchen, which comprises: a) a
portable case having a carry handle and at least a pair of hinged
covers pivotably movable between closed and open positions, the
closed positions of said covers being for compact containment of a
plurality of functional food preparation and storage devices
supported within said case and entirely hidden by said covers when
in the closed positions, and the open positions being for exposing
the plurality of functional food preparation and storage devices
from the compact containment and exposing the plurality of
functional food preparation and storage devices for use: b) the
plurality of functional food preparation and storage devices
supported within said case, including: 1) a refrigerator unit for
containing and storing foods, said refrigeration unit cooling and
maintaining the foods at conventional refrigerator storage
temperatures; 2) a microwave power unit to microwave heat foods,
said microwave power unit having a front glass viewing panel and
being positioned adjacent said refrigerator unit and separated
therefrom by an insulating wall; and 3) a cooking unit having
cooking burners for heating cookware and foods for preparation
thereof, said cooking unit positioned adjacent said microwave unit
and separated therefrom by an insulating wall; and c) a power
connecting device connectable to an outside source of power to said
food preparation and storage devices to provide functioning power
to said devices.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a portable
kitchen for preparing and storing food products of the like,
contemplated primarily for use in the field. The kitchen is
contained within a portable suitcase-type carry bag and includes
power adapters which render the kitchen operable away from the home
as well as in the home.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] In the past attempts have been made to provide kitchen
devices in portable units for purposes of availability and
convenience, primarily away from home, but also for use within the
home, when needed. Certain attempts included actual certain kitchen
utilities such as burners for cooking and preparing hot foods and
utensils used for preparing and serving the foods. Many of such
attempts have included portable containers for supporting the
storage of the functional items used for preparing and serving the
food.
[0005] One example of a portable kitchen is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,079,400 wherein a portable camp kitchen comprises a cooker
unit with a burner and a container member adapted to contain the
cooking unit integrally with the latter. The cooker unit is mounted
on a frame which is in turn supported on rotatable support members.
Another example of a camper style kitchen caddy is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,914 which relates to a camper kitchen caddy
having a carrying case which includes various food preparation
items mounted thereon. U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,509 relates to a
convertible briefcase, food and beverage carriage, and mini-cooler
in which a container is convertible between a briefcase, a food and
beverage carriage, and a mini-cooler. U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,817
relates to a portable food holding device comprising a table
section with foldable legs and a cover attached thereto. U.S. Pat.
No. 3,489,267 relates to a cooking unit for campers and the like
intended to enable the use of various utensils in combination with
other utensils and compact packing of the whole. The combination of
elements disclosed include at least one first utensil, a second
utensil, and a third utensil, whereby the third utensil can serve
as a cover for the first utensil and so can a second utensil, and a
second utensil can also serve as a cover for a third utensil, and
the three can be put together with the second utensil sandwiched
between the first utensil and the third utensil. Lastly, U.S. Pat.
No. 3,171,700 relates to a bar cabinet of the type having hinge
means pivotally connecting two sections which form an enclosure for
bar implements, bottles and the like.
[0006] While the prior art includes various attempts to provide
kitchen-type devices with portability, none relate to a device
which provides the scope of function and utility to prepare and
store foods with efficiency, away from the home, as well as within
the home, and with various power adapter capabilities to provide
the requisite heating and cooling functions for preparation and
storage of foods. I have invented a portable mini-kitchen which
includes kitchen-type appliances generally needed for the
preparation and storage of foods, with multiple energy adapters for
use with various power sources within and away from the home.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to a portable kitchen, which
comprises a case having at least one cover movable between closed
and open positions, the closed position being for compact
containment of contents therein, and the open position exposing the
contents for use. A plurality of functional food preparation and
storage devices are supported within the case, including a
refrigerator unit capable of containing and storing foods at
conventional refrigerator storage temperatures, a microwave power
unit for microwave heating of foods, and a cooking unit having
cooking burners for heating cookware or the like for preparing
heated foods. The invention further comprises a power connecting
device for connecting an outside source of power to the food
preparation and storage devices to provide functioning power to the
devices.
[0008] The power connecting device is preferably at least one of a
direct current (i.e., D.C.) connecting device and an alternating
current (i.e., A.C.) connecting device. The refrigerator unit is
capable of maintaining food items at conventional refrigeration
temperatures, i.e., between about 34.degree. F. and about
46.degree. F., and more particularly, between about 36.degree. F.
and about 40.degree. F., when supplied with power.
[0009] The microwave power unit includes at least one pivotable
access door for gaining access to a central food heating section,
the access door having a glass viewing panel which permits viewing
of an internal microwavable heating section. The microwave power
unit may also include at least two pivotable access doors for
gaining access to a central food heating section, each said access
door having a glass viewing panel.
[0010] The portable kitchen further comprises a toaster device
supported by the case for toasting food items. Further the
refrigerator unit is preferably positioned adjacent the microwave
unit, each being insulated from the other by a heat insulating
wall. The microwave unit may be positioned adjacent the cooking
unit, each separated from the other by a heat insulating wall.
[0011] The portable kitchen further comprises a storage space and a
plurality of support shelves for supporting utensils, equipment,
food or the like. Further, the power connecting device is
preferably a power inverter having a power cord for connection to a
direct current (i.e., D.C.) source. The power cord preferably
includes a device for connection to a cigarette/cigar lighter of a
motorized unit.
[0012] The motorized unit may be an automobile, SUV, RV, mini-van,
boat or the like. Further, the power connecting device may also be
a power connection device having a power cord adapted for
connection to a conventional alternating current (i.e., A.C.) power
source. Further, the power cord may also include a connection
device at one end for insertion into an alternating current (i.e.,
A.C.) power source, such as a standard wall duplex outlet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top and right side perspective view of a
portable kitchen for preparing and storing foods or the like
constructed according to the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top and right side perspective view of the
portable kitchen shown in FIG. 1 in the open condition,
illustrating the functional food preparation and storage
facilities, the device being ready for use in preparing and/or
storage of foods; and
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top and right side perspective view of the
portable kitchen shown in FIG. 2 illustrating the incorporation and
use of an alternative source of power for food preparation and
storage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Referring initially to FIG. 1 there is shown a portable
kitchen 10 for preparing and storage of foods or the like
constructed according to the present invention. The portable
kitchen 10 is contained within a carry case 12 having a structure
and functional arrangement similar to the structure of a suitcase
or briefcase, wherein a main case 14 has a cover 16 pivotably
attached thereto by hinge 18 as shown. Front cover 20 is also
pivotably attached by hinge 22 as shown in FIG. 1. The function and
arrangement of each of these items will be more fully described in
connection with FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 2 there is illustrated the portable
kitchen shown in FIG. 1 with the covers pivotably rotated to the
operative position. In particular, the case 14 includes pivotable
support tray 20 which may be rotated 90.degree. (degrees)
downwardly about hinge 22 and supported on a pair of vertical
support members 24,26 placed on the ground, as shown. Support
members 24,26 may be attached to the front surface of support shelf
20 by threaded connections with female threaded collar members
28,30, or otherwise be made to support tray 20. The top cover 16 is
shown pivotably rotated upwardly approximately 90 degrees relative
to the main case 14 about hinge 18 so as to permit full display of
the kitchen appliances and utensils as shown in the drawings, as
well as an array of storage units as shown.
[0018] Referring once again to FIG. 2, the main case 14 includes a
microwave unit 32 and refrigerator unit 34. The microwave unit is
accessible through vertical front door 36 or horizontal top door
38. Each door 36,38 of the microwave unit respectively includes a
glass viewing panel 44,46 as shown. The refrigerator unit 34 is
accessible by a vertical front door 40 or alternatively by a
horizontal top door 42.
[0019] A cooking unit 48 is provided adjacent and immediately to
the right of the microwave unit 32, and separated by a wall 50
which is preferably provided with an insulating medium (not shown)
to separate the cooking element from the microwave unit. In
addition, an insulating wall is provided between the microwave unit
32 and the refrigerator unit 34, but is not shown.
[0020] Referring once again to the cooking unit 48, there are
provided several burners 52, 54 for heating cookware to prepare
foods. In addition, toaster 56 for preparing toast or the like, is
provided behind burner 54.
[0021] As can be seen in the drawings, each of the powered units,
including the microwave 32, the refrigerator 34, the cookware unit
48, and the toaster unit 56 are powered by a connecting device in
the form of an inverter 58 which in turn is provided with a power
source from a cigarette lighter of a motor vehicle by a power
connection cord 60 as shown. Power connection cord 60 includes an
appropriate jack 62 which may be inserted into the cigarette/cigar
lighter of a motor vehicle (not shown). The power inverter unit 58
is shown schematically in dash lines and may be one of various
types available on the market which are usable with SUV's, RV's,
mini-vans, automobiles, boats or the like. Power inverters
available on the market are provided under the trademark Prosine
Wave Inverters. Power inverters such as Prosine Power and X Power
Inverters 1750 plus marketed by Xantrex are also contemplated.
Alternative power jacks and power sources are also contemplated,
depending upon local availability and designs.
[0022] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the power connector cord 60 which
includes cigarette lighter adapter 62 is connected to the power
inverter and provides the appropriate internal power source for the
cookware unit, the microwave, the refrigerator and the toaster.
[0023] As can also be seen from FIG. 2, an alternative source of
power can be provided by way of a bottled gas 64 which is shown in
dash lines and which can alternatively be connected as a power
source to the appliance units in a known manner. In FIG. 2 there is
also illustrated an alternating current outlet adapter which is
denoted "A.C. (i.e., alternating current) outlet" which will be
further described in conjunction with the embodiment shown in FIG.
3.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is disclosed a portable
kitchen similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, wherein most or
all of the elements and components are identically numbered to
those of FIG. 2. The distinction between the embodiment of FIG. 2
and that of FIG. 3 is that the embodiment of FIG. 2 utilizes an
A.C. adapter power cord 66 which includes an appropriate jack or
connector 68 at one end for insertion into the A.C. outlet opening
in the portable kitchen case 14, and at the other end, an A.C. plug
70 adaptable for use in conjunction with a conventional wall
mounted A.C. duplex unit 72 of the type generally found in homes,
garages or the like. In use, where conventional power sources are
available through an alternating current outlet 72 as shown in FIG.
3, the appropriate A.C. connecting wire is inserted into the A.C.
outlet opening 68 of the portable kitchen after the connector cord
60 (which is used in conjunction with a vehicle power source and
inverter 58) is removed from the device. The appropriate internal
power connections are incorporated for conversion either by a
switch (switch not shown) or by directing the power units directly
to the appropriate connections in each of the appliances. In all
other respect the embodiment of the portable kitchen is the same as
in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.
[0025] Referring now once again to the portable kitchen shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3, there is illustrated a pair of storage cabinets
74,76 mounted on cover 16, each storage cabinet respectively
including a pivotable door 78,80 as shown for pivotable movement
downwardly about respective hinge 79,81, to an open position
whereby access to the storage cabinet is available. The storage
cabinet also includes a shelf 82 for supporting food, utensils or
the like during and after food preparation. An additional storage
unit or well-type opening 84 is included in the main case 14
immediately behind the microwave unit 32 and refrigerator unit
34.
[0026] As can be seen from the drawings, the suitcase type cover 16
can be pivotably rotated downwardly, while the shelf 20 can be
pivotably rotated upwardly so that they meet and join and are
connected by appropriate locking mechanisms 86,88,90 and 92 as
shown, to connect and return the suitcase to the closed compact
condition shown in FIG. 1.
[0027] In operation the portable kitchen can be utilized to prepare
and store foods in locations away from home as well as within the
home, if required, through the usage of a power supply from an SUV,
RV, mini-van, automobile, boat or the like, or thorough a
conventional source of power is shown in FIG. 3. The portable
kitchen storage space 84, as well as the cabinets 74,76, can be
utilized to include storage of utensils, pots, pans or the like
when kitchen is not in use. Alternatively, the space 84 can be used
to store foods.
[0028] It can be seen that the portable kitchen of the present
invention is a self-contained unit which can be made to store
utensils, kitchen equipment or the like, and can be readily powered
for use as a whole or for use as a substitute of a full-size
kitchen away from the home or within the home.
* * * * *