U.S. patent application number 11/031110 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-06 for grill cart assembly for use with a barbecue grill.
Invention is credited to Brian Coleman, Scott Dobias, Andrew Kahler, Robert J. JR. Schwing.
Application Number | 20060144385 11/031110 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36638949 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060144385 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Coleman; Brian ; et
al. |
July 6, 2006 |
Grill cart assembly for use with a barbecue grill
Abstract
A cart assembly is disclosed for use with a barbecue grill,
where the barbecue grill includes a support structure and a side
shelf with an edge attached thereto. The cart assembly may include
both a cover configured to be removably secured to the barbecue
grill and a cart configured to be slidably received under the
cover. Also disclosed is a barbecue grill and cart assembly, the
cart configured to be removably secured to the barbecue grill.
Inventors: |
Coleman; Brian; (Columbus,
GA) ; Schwing; Robert J. JR.; (Columbus, GA) ;
Dobias; Scott; (Columbus, GA) ; Kahler; Andrew;
(Fortson, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS, KAYDEN, HORSTEMEYER & RISLEY, LLP
100 GALLERIA PARKWAY, NW
STE 1750
ATLANTA
GA
30339-5948
US
|
Family ID: |
36638949 |
Appl. No.: |
11/031110 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/25R ;
126/304R |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24B 1/207 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/025.00R ;
126/304.00R |
International
Class: |
F24C 15/08 20060101
F24C015/08 |
Claims
1. A cart assembly for use with a barbecue grill, the barbecue
grill including a support structure and a side shelf with an edge
attached thereto, said cart assembly comprising: a cover configured
to be secured to the barbecue grill; and a cart configured to be
slidably received under said cover.
2. The cart assembly of claim 1, wherein said cover is secured to
the side shelf.
3. The cart assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a pair of
opposed tracks disposed on said cover; a pair of rails disposed on
said cart; and wherein said pair of rails is slidably received by
said pair of tracks.
4. The cart assembly of claim 3, wherein said pair of tracks depend
downwardly from an underside of said cover and said rails depend
outwardly from a front portion and a rear potion of said cart.
5. The cart assembly of claim 3, wherein said cart is configured to
be slidably received under both said cover and the side shelf.
6. The cart assembly of claim 2, further comprising a clamp
assembly configured to secure an edge of said cover to the side
shelf edge.
7. The cart assembly of claim 6, wherein said cart is slidably
received under the side shelf.
8. The cart assembly of claim 7, further comprising: a pair of
opposed tracks disposed on said cover; a pair of rails disposed on
said cart; and wherein said pair of tracks slidably receive said
pair of rails.
9. The cart assembly of claim 7, wherein said clamp assembly
further comprises: a first member secured to said cover; a second
member hingably secured to said first member; and a threaded member
received by said second member, said threaded member including an
abutment end configured to engage the side shelf edge such that
said cover edge and the side shelf edge are urged together as said
abutment end is urged toward said first member.
10. The cart assembly of claim 9, wherein said clamp assembly
further comprises: an abutment plate disposed on said first member,
said abutment plate being mounted adjacent said cover edge; an end
plate disposed on said second member, said end plate configured to
receive said threaded member; and wherein urging said abutment end
toward said abutment plate secures said cover edge and the side
shelf edge therebetween.
11. The cart assembly of claim 1, wherein said cover is secured to
said support structure.
12. The cart assembly of claim 11, further comprising: a pair of
opposed tracks disposed on said cover; a pair of rails disposed on
said cart; and wherein said pair of tracks slidably receive said
pair of rails.
13. The cart assembly of claim 12, wherein said pair of tracks
depend downwardly from an underside of said cover and said rails
depend outwardly from a front and a rear of said cart.
14. The cart assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of
opposed tracks disposed on said cart; a pair of rails disposed on
said cover; and wherein said cover is secured to the side shelf and
said pair of tracks slidably receive said pair of rails.
15. A method of attaching a cart assembly to a barbecue grill, the
cart assembly including a cart, a cover, and a clamp assembly
attached thereto, the barbecue grill including a support structure
and a side shelf, the method comprising: positioning the cover
adjacent the side shelf; engaging the side shelf with a portion of
the clamp assembly; and securing the side shelf adjacent the
cover.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the portion of the clamp
assembly engaging the side shelf further comprises a threaded
member.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein securing the side shelf further
comprises securing a distal edge of the cover to a distal edge of
the side shelf.
18. A method of attaching a cart assembly to a barbecue grill, the
cart assembly including a cart and a cover, the barbecue grill
including a support structure and a shelf, the method comprising:
positioning the cover adjacent the barbecue grill; and securing the
cover adjacent the barbecue grill.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein positioning further comprises
positioning the cover adjacent the shelf; and securing further
comprises securing the cover adjacent the shelf.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein positioning further comprises
positioning the cover adjacent the support structure; and securing
further comprises securing the cover adjacent the support
structure.
21. A cart assembly for use with a barbecue grill, the barbecue
grill including a support structure and a side shelf having a
distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being attached to
the support structure, said cart assembly comprising: a cart; a
cover configured to be secured to the barbecue grill and to
slidably receive said cart; and means for securing said cover to
the barbecue grill.
22. The cart assembly of claim 21, wherein said means for securing
is configured to secure said cover to the support structure.
23. The cart assembly of claim 21, wherein said means for securing
is configured to secure said cover to the side shelf.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cart assemblies
for use with barbecue grills. More specifically, the present
disclosure relates to cart assemblies that can be used in a stand
alone fashion or with an existing barbecue grill.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Recently, outdoor cooking has experienced tremendous growth.
This is due in large part to the fact that barbecue grills,
especially gas grills, have become much easier to use and more
efficient at cooking a wide range of food items. Although barbecue
grills have seen improvements in recent years, users continue to
desire additional amenities, such as those found in a typical
kitchen. At present, barbecue grill owners are often faced with the
choice of either purchasing a barbecue grill including the desired
amenities or constructing a barbecue grill system, or "grill
island," that includes the desired amenities.
[0003] Grill islands are permanent structures constructed of brick,
wood, etc., with the barbecue grill either built into the island or
positioned in a recess provided for the barbecue grill. In that
grill islands tend to be rather complex structures, often requiring
gas lines, water lines, masonry and/or carpentry work, most
barbecue grill purchasers utilize a second party for their
construction. As such, the construction of a grill island can be
rather expensive and time consuming. Grill islands are stationary,
meaning they cannot be moved out of the elements for their
protection. This is problematic in that various components of the
grill island, such as the barbecue grill, become degraded over
time. As with the initial construction, replacement of degraded
components frequently requires the additional time and expense
related to having a second party perform the required work on the
grill island. Similarly, when additional upgrades of the grill
island are desired, the second party is frequently contacted as
well.
[0004] As noted, barbecue grill systems are available including a
wide variety of options. Based on the number of amenities desired,
these barbecue grill systems tend to be rather large. As such, the
display, storage, and transportation of these barbecue grill
systems is problematic for both the retailer and the end user.
Depending on the number of features included, these barbecue grill
systems can be rather expensive. As such, there can be a disparity
between the features a purchaser desires and the cost of the
barbecue grill system that the purchaser can afford. Because the
barbecue grill system is a one-time purchase, the purchaser is
often left with the decision of whether to forego some of the
desired options and buy the less expensive system, or to wait until
the purchase of the desired system is financially possible. It is
possible, or even likely, that the purchaser already possesses a
barbecue grill that is still serviceable. As noted, existing
barbecue grill systems are of unitary construction and do not
permit the user to merely upgrade the existing barbecue grill with
the desired features. Rather, to obtain the desired system, the
purchaser must buy the barbecue grill system that includes the
barbecue grill and the desired amenities although the existing
barbecue grill has not reached the end of its service life.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for improved assemblies and
methods that address these and other shortcomings of the prior
art.
SUMMARY
[0006] Briefly described, the present disclosure relates to a cart
assembly for use with a barbecue grill, the barbecue grill
including a support structure and a side shelf with an edge
attached thereto. The cart assembly includes a cover configured to
be removably secured to the barbecue grill and a cart configured to
be slidably received under the cover.
[0007] A further embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a
cart assembly for use with a barbecue grill, the barbecue grill
including a support structure and a side shelf having a distal edge
and a proximal end, the proximal end being attached to the support
structure. The cart assembly includes a cart, a cover configured to
be secured to the barbecue grill and to slidably receive the cart,
and means for securing the cover to the barbecue grill.
[0008] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to
a method of attaching a cart assembly to a barbecue grill, the cart
assembly including a cart, a cover, and a clamp assembly attached
thereto, the barbecue grill including a support structure and a
side shelf The method includes positioning the cover adjacent the
side shelf, engaging the side shelf with a portion of the clamp
assembly, and securing the side shelf adjacent the cover.
[0009] A further embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a
method of attaching a cart assembly to a barbecue grill, the cart
assembly including a cart and a cover, the barbecue grill including
a support structure and a shelf. The method includes positioning
the cover adjacent the barbecue grill and securing the cover
adjacent the barbecue grill.
[0010] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following
specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Many aspects of the cart assembly for use with a barbecue
grill can be better understood with reference to the following
drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to
scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the
principles of the present cart assembly for use with a barbecue
grill. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a bottom perspective view of a representative
cart assembly for use with a barbecue grill including the disclosed
clamp assembly;
[0013] FIGS. 2A-2D show varying representative views of the clamp
assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0014] FIGS. 3A-3C are side views of the clamp assembly of the cart
assembly as shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIGS. 4A and 4B are top and front views, respectively, of
the barbecue grill and cart assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the cart
assembly in the stowed position;
[0016] FIGS. 5A and 5B are top and front views, respectively, of
the barbecue grill and cart assembly shown in FIG. 1, with the cart
assembly in the extended position;
[0017] FIGS. 6A and 6B are front and rear perspective views,
respectively, of an alternate embodiment of a cart assembly for use
with a barbecue grill; and
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the cart assembly
shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, attached to a barbecue grill.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to representative
embodiments of the disclosed cart assembly for use with a barbecue
grill as illustrated in the drawings. While the cart assembly for
use with a barbecue grill will be described in connection with
these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or
embodiments disclosed therein. On the contrary, the intent is to
cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included
within the spirit and scope of the cart assembly for use with a
barbecue grill as defined by the appended claims.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1, a cart assembly 100 is shown
attached to a barbecue grill 200. The cart assembly 100 may include
a cover 110 having a downwardly depending pair of rails 122 and a
clamp assembly 170, the cover 110 being slidably mounted to a pair
of outwardly depending rails 122 located on the cart 120. Note,
however, embodiments are envisioned wherein the tracks 114 are
located on the cart 120 and they receive rails 122 that depend
inwardly from the underside of the cover 110. Preferably, the clamp
assembly 170 is mounted to the underside of the cover 110 adjacent
to an outer edge of the cover 110. As such, the clamp assembly 170
facilitates securing the cover 110 to a side shelf 220 of the
barbecue grill 200. Typically, the side shelf 220 extends outwardly
from the support structure 210 that supports a fire box 202 at a
desirable height for use. The cart assembly 100 may also include
wheels 129 mounted thereto by a pair of stationary casters 128 and
a pair of rotatable casters 126. Stationary casters 128 are
disposed on the side of the cart assembly 100 closest to the
barbecue grill 200 to facilitate moving the cart 120 from its
stowed position adjacent the barbecue grill 200 (FIGS. 4A and 4B)
to the extended position (FIGS. 5A and 5B), and back again.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2D, a perspective view, a side
view, a top view, and a rear view, respectively, of the clamp
assembly 170 of the present disclosure are shown. The clamp
assembly 170 may include a first member 172 configured for mounting
to the underside of the cover 110 and a second member 174 pivotally
connected thereto. The second member 174 includes a threaded member
180 for securing the cover 110 of the cart assembly 100 to the side
shelf 220 of the barbecue grill 200. As best seen in FIGS. 3A-3C,
the threaded member 180 is received in an end plate 175 of the
second member 174 such that tightening the threaded member 180
causes the threaded member 180 to be urged toward an abutment plate
173 of the first member 172. As shown in FIG. 3A, the first member
172 is mounted to the underside of the cover 110, such as by
welding, so that the abutment plate 173 is adjacent the outer edge
of the cover 110. After the respective outer edges of the cover 110
and side shelf 220 are adjacent one another, the second member 174
is rotated upwardly into position such that the threaded member 180
is positioned under the side shelf 220. So positioned, a user
rotates the threaded member 180 such that an abutment end 182 of
the threaded member 180 is urged inwardly toward the abutment plate
173, thereby securing the outer edges of the side shelf 220 and
cover 110 adjacent each other, as shown in FIG. 2C. The threaded
member 180 may include a grip 184 such that the user can secure the
cart assembly 110 to the side shelf 220 of the barbecue grill 200
without the use of additional tools. The user merely rotates the
threaded member 180 in the opposite direction to release the cart
assembly 100 from the barbecue grill 200.
[0022] Note, the clamp assembly 170 need not be permanently mounted
to the underside of the cover 110. For example, embodiments are
envisioned where the clamp assembly 170 is provided as an
independent feature, separable from both the cover 110 and the side
shelf 220. Moreover, embodiments are envisioned wherein the cover
110 is secured to the side shelf 220 by fasteners that are passed
through mounting apertures (not shown) located in the outer edges
of both the cover 110 and the side shelf 220.
[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cart 120 is shown in
its stowed position adjacent the barbecue grill 200, under both the
side shelf 220 and cover 110. As shown, the cart assembly 120
includes a pair of shelves 132 mounted on the front door 130 of the
cart. Further, the cart assembly 120 may include a bottle opener
143, cup holders 145, an umbrella holder 140, and a hose fitting
142 such that water can be provided to a sink 147 (FIG. 7). A
handle 123 is also provided to facilitate moving the cart 120 from
its stowed position adjacent the barbecue grill 200 to the extended
position, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Note, in the extended
position, the rails 122 located on the cart 120 are visible. Covers
146 provide additional work space for the grill user when it is not
necessary for the user to access those features of the cart 120
located under the covers 146. In order to return the cart 120 to
the stowed position, the user merely pushes inwardly on the handle
123, thereby causing the rails 122 to slide within the tracks 114
(FIG. 1) located on the cover. The outermost edge of the side shelf
220 is configured such that the top of the cart 120 clears the edge
and can be placed in the fully stowed position.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, an alternate embodiment of a
cart assembly 100a includes a beverage dispenser 134, as would be
used to dispense carbonated beverages, a storage bin 135 for
receiving various articles, hooks 144 for receiving grilling
implements, and a drain fitting 149 for the removal of waste water
from the sink 147 (FIG. 7).
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 7, the cart assembly 100a shown in
FIGS. 6A and 6B is secured to a barbecue grill 200. As shown, the
covers 146 (FIG. 5A) have been removed and the front door 130 of
the cart 120 is in the open position. As shown, the cart includes
additional storage bins 135, a sink 147, a water faucet 148, and an
ice chest 153. Drainage from the ice chest 153 exits the cart
assembly 100a through drain fitting 149. As shown, the cart 120
further includes a cabinet 150 having a trash receptacle 151 and
storage trays 152 slidably received within the cabinet 150.
[0026] Alternately, embodiments of the cart assembly 110 are
envisioned wherein the cover 110 is secured to the support
structure 210 of the barbecue grill 200 rather than to a side shelf
220. In these embodiments, the cover 110 is large enough such that
the entire cart 120 can be slidably received thereunder. In
addition, embodiments are envisioned wherein the height of the cart
assembly 110 is adjustable such that the cart assembly 100 can be
used with barbecue grills 200 of varying heights. One such
embodiment includes replaceable casters such that wheels or
supports of varying diameters can be placed on the cart assembly
100, thereby adjusting the overall height, or adjustable height
casters to raise or lower the supports.
[0027] Although embodiments of the cart assembly for use with a
barbecue grill have been disclosed in detail herein, it will be
obvious to those skilled in the art that variations and
modifications of the disclosed embodiments can be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the cart assembly for use
with a barbecue grill as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *