U.S. patent application number 10/973308 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-27 for camping stove with convertible baffle and shelf.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Coleman Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mtichell L. Wilgus, Joshua M. Wright.
Application Number | 20060086351 10/973308 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35841752 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060086351 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilgus; Mtichell L. ; et
al. |
April 27, 2006 |
Camping stove with convertible baffle and shelf
Abstract
A camp stove is provided having a convertible baffle and shelf.
In an embodiment, a convertible baffle and shelf is hinged to one
side of a firebox of the camp stove. The convertible baffle and
shelf is folded upward and attached to a lid for the camp stove to
serve as a baffle. The convertible baffle and shelf is folded
downward, to a position horizontal with the ground, so that it may
be used as a shelf. In an embodiment, the baffle extends outward
away from the camping stove when it serves the shelf function.
However, in an alternate embodiment, the baffle may fold inward
relative to the stove surface to serve the shelf function.
Inventors: |
Wilgus; Mtichell L.;
(Andover, KS) ; Wright; Joshua M.; (Hoboken,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEYDIG, VOIT & MAYER, LTD.;(SEATTLE OFFICE)
TWO PRUDENTIAL PLAZA
SUITE 4900
CHICAGO
IL
60601-6780
US
|
Assignee: |
The Coleman Company, Inc.
Wichita
KS
|
Family ID: |
35841752 |
Appl. No.: |
10/973308 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/9R ; 126/25R;
126/38 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 2037/0777 20130101;
A47J 37/0786 20130101; A47J 37/0713 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/009.00R ;
126/038; 126/025.00R |
International
Class: |
F24C 3/14 20060101
F24C003/14 |
Claims
1. A camp stove, comprising: a structure that is convertible
between: a first position where the structure may serve as a
baffle; and a second position where the structure may serve as a
shelf.
2. The camp stove of claim 1, wherein in the first position the
structure extends substantially vertically.
3. The camp stove of claim 2, wherein in the second position the
structure extends substantially horizontally.
4. The camp stove of claim 1, wherein in the second position the
structure extends substantially horizontally.
5. The camp stove of claim 1, further comprising a lid, and wherein
the structure is attachable to the lid in the first position.
6. The camp stove of claim 5, wherein one of the lid and the
structure includes a projection, and the other of the lid and the
structure includes an opening that fits onto the protrusion when
the structure is in the first position.
7. The camp stove of claim 5, wherein the lid extends along a back
of the camp stove when in an opened position, and wherein the
structure extends along a side of the camp stove when in the first
position.
8. The camp stove of claim 1, wherein the structure is hinged to
the camp stove.
9. The camp stove of claim 8, wherein the structure includes a
surface that contacts the camp stove when in the second position to
prevent rotation past the second position.
10. The camp stove of claim 9, wherein the surface comprises a
rounded bottom of the structure.
11. The camp stove of claim 1, further comprising a firebox, and
wherein the structure extends beyond the firebox when in the second
position.
12. The camp stove of claim 1, further comprising a firebox, and
wherein the structure extends over the firebox when in the second
position.
13. A camp stove, comprising: a firebox; and a structure that is
hinged to the fire box so that it is convertible between: a first
position where the structure may serve as a baffle; and a second
position where the structure may serve as a shelf.
15. The camp stove of claim 13, wherein in the first position the
structure extends substantially vertically.
16. The camp stove of claim 15, wherein in the second position the
structure extends substantially horizontally.
17. The camp stove of claim 13, wherein in the second position the
structure extends substantially horizontally.
18. The camp stove of claim 13, further comprising a lid, and
wherein the structure is attachable to the lid in the first
position.
19. The camp stove of claim 18, wherein one of the lid and the
structure includes a projection, and the other of the lid and the
structure includes an opening that fits onto the protrusion when
the structure is in the first position.
20. The camp stove of claim 18, wherein the lid extends along a
back of the camp stove when in an opened position, and wherein the
structure extends along a side of the camp stove when in the first
position.
21. The camp stove of claim 13, wherein the structure includes a
surface that contacts the camp stove when in the second position to
prevent rotation past the second position.
22. The camp stove of claim 21, wherein the surface comprises a
rounded bottom of the structure.
23. The camp stove of claim 13, wherein the structure extends
beyond the firebox when in the second position.
24. The camp stove of claim 13, wherein the structure extends over
the firebox when in the second position.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to stoves, and more
particularly relates to camp stoves.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Portable camp stoves are often used by campers for preparing
foods at a camp site. Typically, such camp stoves include a pair of
burners, a fuel supply, a collapsible lid, and baffles to screen
sides of the stove from wind. The baffles typically attach to the
lid and are folded against the lid for storage. To store a camp
stove, the baffles are folded to the lid, and the lid is folded
over the stove burners. The burners are usually mounted within a
firebox, and closing the lid over the firebox forms a box-like
enclosure around the burners. The enclosure may then be stored in a
cardboard box, or may be stored as is.
[0003] The fuel supply for conventional camp stoves is typically
either kerosene or propane. If kerosene is utilized, the kerosene
tank is typically mounted to the stove, for example along the front
of the stove. The tank is typically disconnected during storage.
For camp stoves that utilize propane, a propane bottle is typically
attached to the camp stove, for example, at the front, back, or one
of the sides of the camp stove. Again, like the kerosene tank, the
propane bottle is typically removed during storage.
[0004] Although camp stoves work well for their intended purpose,
often there is little-to-no storage space for items used in
connection with the camp stove during operation of the camp stove.
For example, in general, there is no place on a conventional camp
stove to place cooking utensils, food, and food preparation items,
absent placing the items directly on a cooking surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of some
embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic
understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive
overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify
key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of
the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of
the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description that is presented later.
[0006] In accordance with an embodiment, a camp stove is provided
having at least one convertible baffle and shelf that may be
positioned in one configuration to be used as a baffle and in
another configuration to be used as a shelf. In an embodiment, a
convertible baffle and shelf is hinged to one side of a firebox of
the camp stove. The convertible baffle and shelf is folded upward
and attached to a lid for the camp stove to serve as a baffle. The
convertible baffle and shelf is folded downward, to a position
horizontal with the ground, so that it may be used as a shelf. In
an embodiment, the baffle extends outward away from the camping
stove when it serves the shelf function. However, in an alternate
embodiment, the baffle may fold inward relative to the stove
surface to serve the shelf function.
[0007] Other features of the invention will become apparent from
the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with
the drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a camp stove
incorporating an embodiment of the invention, the camp stove shown
in a closed configuration; and
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the camp stove of FIG.
1, with the camp stove opened.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] In the following description, various embodiments of the
present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation,
specific configurations and details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it
will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without the specific details.
Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in
order not to obscure the embodiment being described.
[0011] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference
numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1
shows a camp stove 20 incorporating an embodiment of the present
invention. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the camp stove 20 includes a
firebox 22, having situated along its upper surface a grill 24 and
a griddle 26. In the embodiment shown, the stove 20 includes two
burners 28, only one of which is shown in FIG. 2. However, aspects
of the present invention may be utilized in a camp stove having one
burner, or more than two burners. Moreover, aspects of the present
invention may be utilized in a camp stove having just one or more
grill surfaces, just one or more griddle surfaces, any combination
of grill and griddle surfaces, and/or a camp stove having cooking
surfaces other than grills or griddles.
[0012] The camp stove 20 includes a pair of control knobs 30, 32
mounted on the front of the firebox 22. In the embodiment shown, a
propane bottle 34 is attached to a right rear section of the
firebox 22. However, aspects of the present invention may be
utilized with a camp stove using other fuel sources, including but
not limited to kerosene, other liquid or gas sources, and/or
charcoal grills.
[0013] In the embodiment shown, the camp stove 20 includes a lid 40
connected to the firebox 22 by a latch 42 and hinges (not shown,
but known in the art). The lid 40 may be closed when the burners 28
are off, and provides protection for the burners. Closing the lid
40 over the firebox 22 forms a box-like enclosure around the
burners 28. The box-like enclosed camp stove 20 may then be stored
in a cardboard box, or may be stored as is.
[0014] The camp stove 20 also includes left and right convertible
baffles and shelves 44, 46. In the embodiment shown, the
convertible baffles and shelves 44, 46 are substantially planar,
and each includes a rounded bottom 48. Angled brackets 50 extend
from the bottom edge of the rounded bottom 48 into slots 52, 54 at
outer, upper edges of the firebox 42. The angled brackets 50 are
received in the slots 52, 54 in such a manner so that the
convertible baffles and shelves 44, 46 may be rotated about an axis
extended parallel with the rounded bottom 48 of the convertible
baffles and shelves 44, 46.
[0015] A rear upper edge of each of the baffles 44, 48 includes a
slotted opening 56. The slotted opening 56 is arranged and
configured to fit onto protrusions 58 on the underside of the lid
40.
[0016] In use, the convertible baffles and shelves 44, 46 are
stored in a flat position against the top of the grill 24 and the
griddle 26. This position is shown in phantom in FIG. 1 for both of
the convertible baffles and shelves 44, 46 and again is shown in
phantom in FIG. 2 for the right convertible baffle and shelf
46.
[0017] To utilize the convertible baffles and shelves 44, 46 as
wind blocks (i.e., baffles), the lid 40 is raised, and each of the
convertible baffles and shelves is raised so that it extends
vertically. The left convertible baffle and shelf 44 is shown in
this position in FIG. 2. To lock the convertible baffles and
shelves 44, 46 in this position, the slotted openings 56 are fitted
onto the protrusions 58. In this manner, the convertible baffles
and shelves 44, 46 may both be raised and attached to the lid 40 so
that the three elements serve as a three-sided wind block for the
cooking surface of the camp stove 20, i.e., in the embodiment
shown, the grill 24 and the griddle 26.
[0018] To utilize one of the convertible baffles and shelves, such
as the convertible baffle and shelf 46, as a shelf, the convertible
baffle and shelf may be folded inward to the position shown in
phantom in FIG. 2. In this position, the shelf extends over the
griddle 26. It is not recommended that the stove 20 be operated
with the griddle 26 hot and the convertible baffle and shelf 46 in
the folded inward position, but the convertible baffle and shelf 46
may be used in its folded inward position when, for example, only
the grill 24 of the stove 20 is in operation. In this
configuration, items may be placed on the back side of the
convertible baffle and shelf 46, such as food, food preparation
items, cooking utensils, or other items.
[0019] In another shelf configuration, the convertible baffle and
shelf 46 is folded outward to the position shown in FIG. 2. In this
position, the angled brackets 50 and the rounded bottom 48 engage
the top and outer surfaces of the firebox 22, and prevent further
rotation of the convertible baffle and shelf 46 downward. Thus, the
convertible baffle and shelf 46 extends outward, in a horizontal
direction. The convertible baffle and shelf 46 may thus be used as
a shelf, and may receive many items, such as the items listed
above. The convertible baffle and shelf 44 may similarly be
utilized as a shelf in this manner.
[0020] Although one type of convertible baffle and shelf is shown
in the drawings, other configurations are contemplated. For
example, convertible baffle and shelf may include a lock for
locking the baffle into the shelf position, and may include a chain
or some other member that suspends the baffle in the open position.
In addition, although a single type of hinge is shown, alternate
hinge systems may be used. Further, a convertible baffle and shelf
may be used in which the convertible baffle and shelf does not
hinge to the firebox 22, but instead connects or is otherwise
rearranged to provide baffle and shelf functions. As one example, a
baffle may be removable, and may be connected in a first vertical
position to act as a baffle, and in a second horizontal position to
act as a shelf.
[0021] Other variations are within the spirit of the present
invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated
embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described
above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no
intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms
disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the
appended claims.
[0022] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0023] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as
partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together,
even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of
values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention
and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless
otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be
construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the
practice of the invention.
[0024] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *