U.S. patent application number 13/197224 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-07 for portable cooking device.
This patent application is currently assigned to FENIX OUTDOOR AB. The applicant listed for this patent is Urban KIHLSTROEM. Invention is credited to Urban KIHLSTROEM.
Application Number | 20130032138 13/197224 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47626143 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130032138 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIHLSTROEM; Urban |
February 7, 2013 |
PORTABLE COOKING DEVICE
Abstract
A portable cooking device (2) has a base (4) with at least one
heating unit (3) and a cover (5) hingedly connected to the back of
the base (4). The cover is movable between a closed position and an
open position in relation to the base (4). At least one flap (1) is
hingedly coupled to a lateral edge of the base (4). The at least
one flap (1) is movable between a first horizontal position and a
second vertical position in relation to the base. At least one of
the cover (5) or the flap (1) comprises a magnetic element (10) by
which the cover positioned in its open position is magnetically
attachable to the at least one flap (1) positioned in its second
vertical position to form a windshield.
Inventors: |
KIHLSTROEM; Urban;
(Enebyberg, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KIHLSTROEM; Urban |
Enebyberg |
|
SE |
|
|
Assignee: |
FENIX OUTDOOR AB
Oernskoeldsvik
SE
|
Family ID: |
47626143 |
Appl. No.: |
13/197224 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/9R |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 15/12 20130101;
F24C 3/14 20130101; F24C 5/20 20130101; F24C 1/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/9.R |
International
Class: |
F24C 1/16 20060101
F24C001/16 |
Claims
1. A portable cooking device (2) comprising a base (4) with at
least one heating unit (3); a cover (5) hingedly coupled to the
back of the base (4), the cover (5) being movable between a closed
and an open position in relation to the base (4); and at least one
flap (1) being hingedly coupled to a lateral side edge of the base
(4), the at least one flap being movable at least between a first
horizontal position and a second vertical position in relation to
the base (4); wherein at least one of the cover (5) or the flap (1)
comprises a magnetic element (10) by which the cover (5) positioned
in its open position is magnetically attachable to the at least one
flap (1) positioned in its second vertical position to form a
windshield.
2. The cooking device of claim 1, wherein the cover (5) and/or the
flap (1) being attachable as a magnetic element (10) itself or
having a corresponding magnetic element (10) at the cover interior
or flap interior.
3. The cooking device of claim 2, wherein the magnetic element (10)
is provided with a tape or an adhesive layer in order to be
attached to the cover (5) and/or flap (1).
4. The cooking device of claim 1, wherein a retainer (7) is coupled
to an inner side wall of the cover (5) and the magnetic element
(10) is attached to the retainer (7) such that said magnetic
element (10) meets an upper region of the flap (1) in the vertical
position.
5. The cooking device of claim 3, wherein the retainer (7) is
attached to at least one side wall of the cover (5) by at least one
rivet (8).
6. The cooking device of claim 4, wherein the retainer (7) is
positioned at an angle less than 90.degree. in relation to the
surface of the cover (5) in order to meet the corresponding angle
of the flap (1).
7. The cooking device of claim 1, wherein the magnetic element (10)
is covered by a plastic material in order to prevent
scratching.
8. The cooking device of claim 6, wherein the plastic material is
formed as a tube in order to secure the magnetic element (10).
9. The cooking device of claim 1, wherein the flap (1) is movable
to a third horizontal position and is adapted to be mechanically
attached to an adjacent side wall (21) of the base (4) in order to
provide an extension of an upper base surface (25).
10. The cooking device of claim 8, wherein the flap (1) comprises
at least one outwardly protruding hinge pocket (13) and a bracket
(12) being pivotally and removably coupled to the hinge pocket
(13), and wherein the base comprises a snap-lock (15) at the side
wall (21) of the base (4) into which the bracket (12) can be
snapped in.
11. The cooking device of claim 9, wherein the flap (1) comprises a
snap-lock (14) and the free end of the bracket (12) can be secured
to the to the flap (1).
12. The cooking device of claim 8, wherein the surface of the flap
(1) comprises at least two ribs (16) and a circumferential rim
(17), the rim providing a drainage opening (18).
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cooking
devices with special adaption for travelling outdoor and more
particularly, to a portable cooking device comprising a base with
at least one heating unit, a cover and at least one flap, wherein a
windshield can be created by the use of the cover and the at least
one flap.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Cooking meals outdoors is a popular way to enjoy fresh air,
have a barbeque and meet friends or during outdoor hiking. The
outdoor site can be a campsite, a park, beach or riverside for
fishing, hiking, rock climbing or any other kind of outdoor
recreation. Since open fires are not allowed everywhere or due to
humid conditions not always possible, portable camping cookers,
with special adaption for easily being carried around have been
proven a valuable tool. For portable and foldable cookers it is
often necessary to protect the heating means from wind and gusts.
By means of a windshield the flames can be kept alive, fuel or gas
can be saved and the food does not cool.
[0003] The prior art includes an outdoor cooking device as shown in
FIG. 1 comprising a hinged cover and a base with two heating
devices. There are two flaps hingeably coupled to the sides of the
cover. As shown these flaps serve mainly as two stabilizing side
elements supporting the cover in its opened position. Furthermore,
the flaps can serve as a wind protection when folded
perpendicularly in relation to the cover and the base. However,
there is no fixation of the flaps provided such that once the cover
is opened the foldable flaps hang loose due to gravity. Scratching
of surfaces of the base can hardly be prevented.
[0004] Furthermore the flaps need to be positioned at the lateral
sides of the base in order to enable cooking. If there is no
further locking mechanism of the cover, it is only possible to pose
the flaps and the cover to the backside. However, in this position
another use of the cover in combination with the flaps is not
possible. Therefor this known cover-flap combination can be used
for creating a windshield only.
[0005] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a
portable cooking device with a multifunctional flap that can be
easily attached while being capable of being folded compactly and
easy to store. A further object of the present invention resides in
the provision of a foldable flap capable of being used in various
positions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In view of the above presented prior art there is a need to
optimize the performance of portable cooking devices. These objects
are solved by the present invention directed to a portable cooking
device comprising a base with at least one heating unit and a cover
hingedly coupled to the back of the base. The cover is movable
between a closed and an open position in relation to the base. At
least one flap is hingedly coupled to a lateral side edge of the
base. The at least one flap is movable at least between a first
horizontal position and a second vertical position in relation to
the base. At least one of the cover or the flap comprises a
magnetic element by which the cover positioned in its open position
is magnetically attachable to the at least one flap positioned in
its second vertical position to form a windshield.
[0007] The inventive portable cooking device provides at least one
heating unit in a base section that can be easily covered by the
cover. In the closed position of the cooking device, components as
one or two heating units stay in the interior of the case built by
the cover and the base. Before closing the cooking device the at
least one flap can be easily folded inwardly to be compactly
stored. The cooking device can be shaped as a suitcase with a
handle, which is easy to be transported.
[0008] The heating units may use fuel or gas as well as wood or
charcoal or any other heat source that may be sensitive to the
influence of wind. Since portable cooking devices are usually used
outdoors, wind is often a traveling companion.
[0009] In the open position of the cooking device, the at least one
flap can be pivoted to the second vertical position. This position
can reversibly secured by a magnetic attachment to the cover. The
substantially vertical position can prevent wind to enter from the
side to the flame section of the heating unit as well as cooling
down of the heated foods and pots, respectively. Depending on the
windiness fuel or gas can be saved by using one or two side flaps
as a windshield. By using a magnetic attachment between the flap
and a corresponding cover portion a stable support of the cover in
its opened position is created and the flap can also be easily
detached from the cover.
[0010] The terms "magnet" or "magnetic" used herein refer to a
material that is capable of asserting an attractive or repulsive
force on another material. Magnets and magnetic materials include
but are not limited to permanent magnets such as rare earth magnets
e.g. neodymium-iron-boron and samarium-cobalt. The materials to be
used have ferromagnetic material properties and may include e.g.
iron, nickel or cobalt.
[0011] The term "first horizontal position" means the inwardly
folded position of the flap. On the one hand this position is
necessary for storing the flap in order to close the portable
cooking device. On the other hand said horizontal flap can be used
in the open position of the cooking device as a cover of the heat
unit. Depending on the size of the flap the cover can be partial or
complete with respect to one heating unit. If the stove comprises
two heating units the covered part of the other heating unit can be
used as storage surface or protection against dirt or liquids. Thus
a multifunctional two position flap is provided.
[0012] According to another aspect of the invention the cover
and/or the flap is attachable as a magnetic element itself.
Alternatively the cover or the flap have a corresponding magnetic
element at the cover interior or flap interior. In this manner
either or both surfaces can be magnetic in order to be attached.
One possible configuration is the use of an entire ferromagnetic
flap which can be coupled to a magnetic element of the cover. The
flap may have at least a partial rim at the side facing the cover,
the partial rim being attachable as the magnetic element itself or
having a corresponding magnetic element at the cover interior. One
advantage of the at least partial rim is that the surface to be
attached is enlarged, thus optimizing the magnetic coupling.
[0013] According to another aspect of the invention the magnetic
element is provided with a tape or an adhesive layer in order to be
attached to the cover and/or flap. Thus a secure attachment of the
magnetic element itself can be provided. A tape can be used between
the base surface of the magnetic element and the surface to be
attached as well as above and besides the magnetic element. The
latter arrangement provides a protection against scraping the
engaging surfaces.
[0014] According to another aspect of the invention a retainer is
coupled to an inner side wall of the cover and the magnetic element
is attached to the retainer such that said magnetic element meets
an upper region of the flap in the vertical position. By using a
retainer e.g. shaped as a right angle with flat legs the cover can
be positioned substantially vertically while magnetically attaching
the flap. Thus the use of the retainer prevents that the base
surface of the cover is inclined towards the heating units. The
retainer may be screwed or riveted to the side walls of the
circumferential border.
[0015] According to another aspect of the invention the retainer is
attached to at least one side wall of the cover by at least one
rivet. By using rivets for fixation of the retainer to the cover,
the retainer can easily be aligned and positioned during the
production process. Furthermore riveting can also be used for the
attachment of other components as a base-cover-locking
mechanism.
[0016] According to another aspect of the invention the retainer is
positioned at an angle less than 90.degree. in relation to the
surface of the cover in order to meet the corresponding angle of
the flap. Based on the correct inclination of the retainer the
magnetic coupling can be optimized. The inclination of the angle
can be adapted to the specific shape of the flap and rim
respectively.
[0017] According to another aspect of the invention the magnetic
element is covered by a plastic material in order to prevent
scratching. One advantage of the use of a plastic material as a
foil or a flexible snap-on plastic coverage is, that the surface to
be attached will not be worn out as common metallic
connections.
[0018] According to another aspect of the invention the plastic
material is formed as a tube in order to secure the magnetic
element. The tube can be elastic and thus be slipped over the free
end of an angled retainer. To prevent slipping of the magnetic
element, the latter may be secured by an adhesive. However, if
using for example shrinkage tubes the magnet can easily be attached
without further attachment means.
[0019] According to another aspect of the invention the flap is
movable outwardly to a third horizontal position and is adapted to
be mechanically attached to an adjacent side wall of the base in
order to provide an extension of an upper base surface. Combining
the first horizontal position, with the second and third horizontal
positions of the flap, a multifunctional three position flap can be
made available for the user of portable cooking devices. The first
horizontal position can be used for covering at least part of the
heat unit for protection as well as to store the flap for closing
the foldable cooking device, whereas the third horizontal position
enlarges the upper base surface, which can be used for various
cooking or drying purposes. This surface can be used for example
for flatware, dishes or food. Depending on the size of the flap one
or more mechanical attachments can be used to stabilize the
surface.
[0020] According to another aspect of the invention the flap
comprises at least one outwardly protruding hinge pocket and a
bracket being pivotally and removably coupled to the hinge pocket.
The bas comprises a snap-lock at the side wall of the base into
which the bracket can be snapped in. This snapping mechanism can be
utilized to facilitate the rapid assembly and dis-assembly of the
components. If the bracket to be snapped has two spaced apart arms,
one bracket in the middle of the flap may be sufficient for the
support of the flap.
[0021] According to another aspect of the invention the flap
comprises a snap-lock. The free end of the bracket can be secured
to the flap by the snap-lock of the flap. Thus the free end of the
flap bracket can be easily fixated and rattle noise can be avoided,
while carrying the portable cooking device around.
[0022] According to another aspect to the invention the flap
comprises at least two ribs and a circumferential rim delimited by
a drainage opening in order to provide a drainage surface. The
ribbed surface enables wet dishes or flatware to dry faster.
Whereas the raised rim is provided to hold the liquid back, the
relatively small drainage opening enables an outflow of any
collected liquid in a targeted manner. These functions are
especially useful for camping trips and the like, since clean
storage place is rare and the travelers often have to limit their
luggage to a minimum.
[0023] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the
present invention will become more readily appreciated and
understood from consideration of the following detailed description
of a preferred embodiment of the present invention when taken
together with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art portable cooking
device in the open position.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a front view of an open portable cooking device
with a foldable flap on each side according to a first embodiment
of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 3 is detailed view of FIG. 2 showing the foldable flap
in the second vertical position attached to the cover of the
portable cooking device.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the magnetic attachment device
for the flap.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a detailed view showing the flap in the first
horizontal position according to a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a front view of the portable cooking device with
each flap locked in a different position according to the first
embodiment of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a lateral view of the portable cooking device
shown in FIG. 6.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a closed portable cooking
device.
[0032] Skilled persons in the art will appreciate that the Figures
have not necessarily be drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a foldable cooking device of the prior art.
This structure includes a horizontal base 4 with two heat units 3
and a foldable cover 5. Furthermore a flap 1, which is hingedly
coupled to the cover 5, is shown on each side of the cooking device
2. In the unfolded position these flaps 1 may serve as windshields.
However, these flaps 1 have no other function.
[0034] FIG. 2 shows a cooking device 2 according to the invention
comprising two heating units 3 and a cover 5. The cover 5 is hinged
to the back of the base 4 by hinges 22. In this embodiment the
heating units are gas-powered and each heating unit 3 can be
regulated by a regulating knob 24 being integrated at the front
side of the base 4. The cover 5 and its circumferential border 6
fits to the base 4 in the closed position (see FIG. 8), such that
the heating units 3 are safely stored and can be easily carried
around by the handles 19. Optionally a storage box 23 may be
attached to the cover 5.
[0035] Furthermore FIG. 2 shows at each side of the upper base
surface 25 a flap 1, which is hingedly connected to the base by
hinges 9. The flap 1 further comprises a nearly closed
circumferential rim 17. According to the FIG. 1 the left flap 1 is
positioned in the second vertical position and the upper part of
the rim 17 is secured by a magnetic element 10 attached to the
retainer 7. The retainer 7 is attached to the circumferential
border 6. Another retainer 7 for the second flap 1 is positioned on
the opposite side of the circumferential border 6.
[0036] The second flap 1 on the right side is shown after being
folded outwardly into the third horizontal position. Thus this flap
is parallel to the upper base surface 25 and may be used for
various purposes. The ribs 16 on the surface facilitate drying
washed dishes or receiving used cooking tools. This horizontal flap
can also be used for foodstuffs. Any liquid can be collected by the
rim 17, which is limited by a drainage opening 18 on the front side
of the flap 1. If enough liquid reaches the front edge of the flap,
the flap can be drained in a targeted manner by the drainage
opening 18.
[0037] FIGS. 3 and 4 show details of the magnetic attachment system
shown in the previous FIG. 2, wherein FIG. 3 shows the magnetic
attachment with the flap and FIG. 4 without it. FIG. 3 shows the
flap 1 pivoted via the hinge 9 into the second vertical position.
Close to the upper corner of the rim 17 the magnetic element 10 of
the retainer 7 attaches the flap 1. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show that the
retainer 7 is riveted to the circumferential border 6 of the cover
5. The more detailed view of the retainer 7 in FIG. 4 shows that
the retainer 7 is not oriented perpendicular in relation to the
cover surface but has an angle of less than 90.degree. in order to
optimally meet the angle of the corresponding rim 17 portion.
[0038] The magnetic element 10 has a circular shape, but may also
be formed as a rectangular plate or otherwise. The relatively thin
magnetic element 10 may have a diameter of 10 mm and a height of a
few mm, e.g. about 2 mm. The magnetic element 10 may be a permanent
magnet such as rare earth magnet e.g. comprising neodymium.
[0039] Furthermore the magnetic element 10 is covered by a plastic
material, which in the shown embodiment is formed as a plastic tube
11. The plastic tube 11 has the advantage to simultaneously secure
the magnetic element 10 and eliminating scraping of the
corresponding engaging surface. Additionally or alternately the
magnetic element 10 can be secured by any suitable adhesive
material or tape.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows a detail of a further embodiment of the
invention illustrating the left side of the portable cooking device
2, when the flap 1 is positioned in the first horizontal position.
This position has to be maintained before closing the cover 5 and
connecting the base 4 to the cover 5 by the locking mechanism 20.
The flap 1 is pivotally connected to the base 4 via the hinges 9.
The rim 17 faces the heat unit 3 and partly covers the latter.
According to this embodiment the potential maximum vertical height
of the flap 1 is limited by the inward indentation of the cover
border for the cover-base-locking mechanism 20. However, in another
embodiment of the invention the height may vary from the embodiment
shown. Furthermore the shape of the flap 1 can vary e.g. forming
triangular, if the function of a windshield is of primary interest.
Depending on the shape of the flap 1 the position of riveted
retainer 7 has to be adapted as well.
[0041] Furthermore FIG. 5 shows a preferred mechanical attachment
system for a secure lock to the side wall of the base 4. This
attachment system is shown in the closed position and comprises a
hinge pocket 13 and a bracket 12. The hinge pocket 13 receives the
inwardly protruding hinge posts of the free ends of the bracket 12.
The distal part the bracket 12 is snapped in the snap-lock 14 of
the flap. Optionally other forms of brackets or hinges can be
employed.
[0042] FIG. 6 shows a front view of an open cooking device 2
according to the invention, wherein the left flap 1 is positioned
in the second vertical position for the use as a windshield and the
right flap 1 is positioned in the third horizontal position having
the function of an extension of the upper base surface 25. In this
third horizontal position the snap-lock 14 is not used, since the
bracket 12 is snapped into the snap-lock 15 of the side walls 21 of
the base 4 (see also FIG. 7). The corresponding mechanical
attachment system on the left flap 1 positioned in the second
vertical position has a bracket 12 being snapped in the snap-lock
14 of the flap.
[0043] Based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 each of the two
flaps 1 can be positioned according to the primary wind direction.
In the illustrated example of FIG. 6 the wind is mainly coming from
the left or back. If the wind will turn around to the other side
the right hand flap 1 can be pivoted to the substantially vertical
position and be reversibly attached to the magnetic element 10,
which is hold by the retainer 7. When there is no wind at all both
flaps 1 can be pivoted to the third horizontal position in order to
enlarge the upper base surface 25. After turning down the heating
devices and washing the dishes, the user can even take advantage of
the wind and accelerate drying by posing the washed dishes or
flatware on the flaps stably attached in the second horizontal
position. These horizontally positioned flaps provide optimal
drainage surfaces being ideal for drying various items.
[0044] FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of FIG. 6 viewed from the right
side. In this perspective, the surface of the left flap 1, being in
the second vertical position, can be seen in the background. With
respect to the flap 1, which is mechanically secured in the third
horizontal position, only the rim 17, hinges 9, bracket 12 and
snap-lock 14 can be seen. The bracket 12 hinged to the flap 1 is
snapped in the snap-lock 15 at the side wall 21 of the base. The
position of the snap-lock 12 in relation to the side wall 21 of the
base 4 is selected such, that a horizontal position of the flap 1
can be achieved.
[0045] Furthermore two corresponding components of locking
mechanism 20 for securing the cover 5 to the base 4 are shown on
the one hand left from the snap-lock 15 of the side wall 21 and on
the other hand on the circumferential border 6 of the cover 5.
Furthermore the front side walls of the base 4 and the cover 5
comprise carrying handles 19, which meet if the cooking device 2 is
closed. The closed position of the portable cooking device 2 is
shown in FIG. 8.
[0046] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the cooking device 2 wherein
the regulating knobs 24 are not covered in the closed position. The
circumferential border and the cover 5 are shaped accordingly.
Another indentation is foreseen for the base-cover-locking
mechanism 20 located at the side walls 21 of the base 4. The
elevation in the middle of the cover surface is due to the mount
for the storage box 23 shown in FIG. 1. However, the cover can
alternatively be shaped as a plane surface, if the option of a
storage box 23 is not desired.
[0047] While a preferred embodiment of the invention is herein set
forth and described, it is to be understood that various
modifications and changes may be made therein including but not
limited to construction and arrangement of elements as well as
their composition without departing from the spirit and scope of
this invention as defined by the appended claims and reasonable
equivalents thereof.
[0048] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not
exclude other elements and the term "a" and "an" preceding an
element does not exclude plurality. The terms "first", "second" and
"third" are only used to distinguish different positions but do not
limit the positions to a specific order.
[0049] Further it should also be noted that reference signs in the
claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the
claims.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0050] 1 flap [0051] 2 portable cooking device [0052] 3 heating
device [0053] 4 base [0054] 5 cover [0055] 6 cover border [0056] 7
retainer [0057] 8 rivet [0058] 9 flap hinge [0059] 10 magnetic
element [0060] 11 plastic tube [0061] 12 bracket [0062] 13 hinge
pocket [0063] 14 snap-lock of flap [0064] 15 snap-lock of base
[0065] 16 rib [0066] 17 flap rim [0067] 18 drainage opening [0068]
19 handle [0069] 20 base-cover-locking mechanism [0070] 21 side
wall of base [0071] 22 cover hinge [0072] 23 storage box [0073] 24
regulating knob [0074] 25 upper base surface
* * * * *