U.S. patent application number 13/373184 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-09 for solid fuel cook system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Henry B. Crichlow. Invention is credited to Henry B. Crichlow.
Application Number | 20130112186 13/373184 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48222856 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130112186 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crichlow; Henry B. |
May 9, 2013 |
Solid fuel cook system
Abstract
A vertically disposed charcoal type grill or cook system with an
insulated wall, includes concentric design mechanisms for
completely surrounding the food material by the solid heat source.
The systems provide for a removable fuel basket which carries the
fuel material and a set of interchangeable and removable food
basket that carry the food to be cooked internal to the fuel
system. The grill is covered with a top possessing a reflective
under surface.
Inventors: |
Crichlow; Henry B.; (Norman,
OK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Crichlow; Henry B. |
Norman |
OK |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48222856 |
Appl. No.: |
13/373184 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/30 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 37/0718
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/30 |
International
Class: |
F24B 1/26 20060101
F24B001/26 |
Claims
1) A food cooker for cooking food, said cooker comprising: a main
housing, an insulation element disposed internally adjacent to side
walls of said housing, a lower support element disposed in said
housing, a fuel grate disposed internally adjacent to the
insulation element, a food basket disposed internally adjacent to
the fuel grate, wherein heat emanates from burning of fuel in said
fuel grate and said heat is disseminated to food in said food
basket.
2) The cooker according to claim 1, further comprising a central
small fuel grate to heat the food from inside.
3) The cooker according to claim 1, further comprising a cover with
a curved bottom surface to reflect the heat to the food.
4) The cooker according to claim 1, further comprising a cover with
a bottom surface coated with a reflective material to reflect the
heat to the food.
5) The cooker according to claim 1, wherein the fuel grate is a
tiered fuel grate having said fuel placed at different vertical
intervals.
6) The cooker according to claim 1, wherein the food being
vertically placed does not stick to the fuel grate.
7) The cooker according to claim 1, further comprising at least one
adjustable vent on cover of said cooker to control the flow of air
and hot gases.
8) The cooker according to claim 1, further comprising at least one
ash release vent disposed on bottom of said main housing.
9) The cooker according to claim 1, further comprising an ignition
chamber below the main housing.
10) The cooker according to claim 9, further comprising an ash
collector disposed below the ignition chamber.
11) The cooker according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of fixed or collapsible support legs.
12) The cooker according to claim 10, wherein drippings from food
drop directly onto ash collector or ignition chamber without any
contact with the fuel in the fuel grate.
13) The cooker according to claim 1, wherein the main housing
element is made of one or more of the following materials: cast
iron, steel or an inherently rigid material.
14) The cooker according to claim 1, wherein shape of the main
housing element is cylindrical or polygonal.
15) The cooker according to claim 1, wherein the main housing
element, said insulation element, said fuel grate and said food
basket are disposed concentrically within the cooker.
16) The cooker according to claim 1, wherein the insulation element
is made of a heat resistant material.
17) The cooker according to claim 1, wherein the fuel in the fuel
grate substantially completely surrounds the food material.
18) The cooker according to claim 1, wherein the food basket is
implemented with interchangeable grates capable of holding a
variety of foods including meats, chicken, fish, and
vegetables.
19) The cooker according to claim 1, wherein the lower support
element mechanically disposed adjacent to the bottom of the main
housing, supports the fuel grate, the food basket and ash release
vents.
20) The cooker according to claim 1, wherein the lower support
element is circumferentially disposed and forms mechanical support
for the fuel grate, the food basket and the insulation element.
21) The cooker according to claim 1, wherein the lower support
element is a grate disposed at the bottom of the housing unit and
forms mechanical support for the fuel grate, the food basket and
the insulation element.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to cookers or grills,
specifically to those cooking systems which generate cooking heat
by burning combustible fuels such as charcoal, wood or biomass type
derivatives.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] Grills or cookers have become ubiquitous fixtures for
preparing food in many places of the world, ranging from modern
suburban metropolises to the rural hinterlands in emerging
countries. Generally, grills commonly known as charcoal grills,
cook food over a burning bed of fuel such as bits or briquettes of
charcoal, wood or other combustible biomass material. A lid is
sometimes used to cover the food and keep heat close to the food
material.
[0003] Known grill types fall into three basic groups. Vertically
disposed systems in which the combusting fuel is usually below the
food, heat flow is upwards; horizontal systems in which the food is
lateral to the burning fuel compartment which then allows the hot
gases to flow horizontally over the food material. Finally,
indirect heating in which the heat is reflected from a heat source
to the food via some reflecting medium.
[0004] Grills in general, control the cooking conditions by
controlling the combusting heat rate by the amount of air
contacting the fuel or by changing the distance between the food
material and the charcoal material.
PRIOR ART
[0005] Patent Application 20090199839, describes a typical vertical
food cooker which includes all requirements for fuel, food and for
controlling air into the grill burner.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,128 teaches a portable charcoal cooker
with fuel starting materials and charcoal in separate compartments,
with a grill rack above the compartment.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,769,901 illustrates a horizontal axis type
cooker. The heated gases from a fuel firebox, which is located
laterally at one end of the housing, rise over a baffle, flow
through a cooking region, and exhaust out through a flue at the
other end of the housing.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,866 is a rotisserie type; charcoal
cooker has a cooker bowl and a lid dimensioned to cover the bowl
during cooking. Food is supported within the cooker on a support
grid. A primary grate is disposed within the bowl below the food
support is configured to support a charcoal fire.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,925 illustrates a grill on wheels, which
is a typical backyard charcoal grill, with table-like surfaces, and
adjustable air vents in grill cover, In this grill the user can
adjust the vertical distance between a fuel grate and a cooking
grid by rotating a control knob located on the surface of the
charcoal grill. The charcoal grill further includes a removable ash
collector located at the bottom of the charcoal grill.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,544 relates to a typical vertical
table-like charcoal cooker. The charcoal cooker comprises: a
charcoal burning part, a cooking part for cooking food, an inner
space receiving ash and food residue.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,598 teaches a charcoal grill having a
cool base assembly for preventing burns and damage to a tabletop.
It comprises a casing with a refractory mass, below which has an
upper free air space made by insulators, and a lower free air space
created by a base plate having feet or openings.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,576,140 illustrates a portable charcoal
grill with a tripod leg arrangement with an ash catcher supported
by the legs.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 3,848,577 provides for a charcoal fire starter
and grill incorporating an open ended tubular body with a
perforated grate into a charcoal chamber and a combustion
chamber.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,469,835 discloses a cylindrical apparatus
for igniting charcoal.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,388 describes a charcoal burning grill,
with a coal duct with a vertical U cross sectional form and lateral
air vents, a grease trap tray inserted into the ducts' outer walls,
with tapering guide walls rising upward from the ducts' outer walls
to form a cover.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,469,019 describes a rotisserie type barbecue
grill comprising a fire bowl, legs for supporting the fire bowl, a
cooking grill above the fire bowl rotating about a generally
vertical axis, and a rod which is selectively mountable in a
generally horizontal position above the cooking grill for use as a
spit and in a generally vertical position for use in rotating the
cooking grill.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,084 is a cylindrical type grill with an
extension at its top side, a hollow-cylindrical center part
attached to the base, one or several rests attached to this
hollow-cylindrical center part and several coal pans inserted in
the rests.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,925 teaches a charcoal grill includes an
adjusting mechanism between a fuel grate and a cooking grid. This
mechanism provides a safer and more convenient way of adjusting the
distance between the burning fuel and the food being cooked.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,128 provides for portability. It
portable charcoal cooker includes a housing having side doors for
loading starting materials and charcoal in separate compartments, a
grill rack above the compartment, and a pivoting cover provided
with a handle for transporting the cooker. The cooker is placed on
end with the top door open to lights the starting materials and
ignite the charcoal. After the charcoal is lit, the cooker is
placed on its base and the cover opened to present the cooker rack
for cooking.
[0020] Application 20090199839 describes a complex vertical food
cooker which includes: (a) an open-bottomed upper warming portion;
(b) a cooker base portion including; (c) a cooker mid portion; and
(d) grate brackets attached to the support frame.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,816 shows an oven which utilizes
charcoal as the source of cooking heat is disclosed, the oven
having a thermostatically controlled charcoal ignition means used
only to ignite and then reignite the charcoal in response to any
temperature drop below a predetermined lower limit.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 6,995,340 describes a portable oven includes a
foldable cooker and a chassis, and the foldable cooker has two
symmetric sets of heating boxes. The two heating boxes can be
folded together for an easy carry after its use.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 3,817,164 describes a convection grill device
in which an upstanding heater device which is asymmetrically
implemented in a vertical cylinder jacket circulates air via a
mechanically top driven propeller. Air passing over the grilled
object is drawn through the vertical heater element via the
propeller device.
[0024] There is a universal and important need to heat the food
material more efficiently and more effectively. Making more
productive use of the heat energy produced by the heater device can
increase efficiency. Effectiveness can be improved by making a
device that is more user friendly and one that minimizes
deleterious emissions affecting the human users. Both areas of
needed change can be addressed by either the surrounding the food
with the heat surface which negates the need to rotate the food, or
by allowing the food to rotate or move in front of the heat source.
Typical rotisseries perform the latter process. The subject
invention surrounds the stationary food with the surrounding heat
source.
[0025] Regardless of the mechanical design, most grills today only
cook the food from one side necessitating the need to utilize a
rotating type apparatus to rotate the food while cooking; or to
manually flip the food over to allow cooking on both sides.
[0026] There exists a need in the art for a more capable grilling
system that can allow for efficient heat transfer from the hot
charcoal material to the food material; also for systems that allow
for rapid grilling, as well as provide for safe and clean operation
in diverse environments ranging from suburban backyards to rural
village settings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0027] A grill according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention provides a generally cylindrical grill body, an
internally positioned removable fuel basket which contains the
fuel, an internally positioned removable food basket which contains
the food material and auxiliary systems to allow for efficient
cooking and grilling. The grill top of a preferred embodiment
utilizes a curved reflective surface on the underside.
[0028] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a
removable ash collector located at the bottom of a grill.
[0029] Furthermore a the grill according to an embodiment of the
present invention incorporates an insulation system inside the
outer metal skin which minimizes the heat loss outwardly and keeps
the sensible heat preferentially directed on to the food
material.
[0030] This invention provides an improvement in charcoal grilling
technology whereby greater efficiency is achieved from the heat
energy produced by the combusting fuel. The insulation system in
the invention also minimizes the use of solid fuel since more of
the heat is preferentially directed at the food to be heated by the
radially situated heat sources and by the reflective nature of the
top covering.
[0031] This invention further allows the user to have better
control of the heating process by strategically placing the heat
source at different tier levels inside the grill device, thus
allowing a better distribution of heat energy.
[0032] This invention allows a grill operation with little or no
flare-ups during cooking, since the drippings do not drop directly
onto hot burning solid fuel.
[0033] This invention addresses the need to rapidly interchange
food types by using a simple fuel basket of variable design.
[0034] An objective of this invention is to increase the food
cooking rate by completely and mostly uniformly surrounding the
food material by heat energy.
[0035] Another specific objective is to utilize an insulation
system to limit unproductive heat loss outward away from the grill
heat source.
[0036] Another specific objective is to position the hot fuel
basket in close contact with the heated food mass allowing for
rapid heat transfer and more efficient cooking.
[0037] Another specific objective is to utilize a reflective
polished grill cover to refocus potentially lost vertical radiant
energy back downward into the food basket.
[0038] Another specific objective is to allow for the adjustment of
the heat rate by a simple control of the air flow through the grill
using simple vents.
[0039] Another specific objective is to utilize an outer
cylindrical shape which effectively focuses the heat produced
towards the focal center of the grill.
[0040] Another specific objective is to utilize interchangeable
food baskets thus allowing a variety of foods to be cooked.
[0041] Another specific objective is to utilize tiered food baskets
which can allow a plurality of different types of food to be cooked
simultaneously.
[0042] Another specific objective is to minimize and limit food
sticking to the hot grill surfaces.
[0043] Another specific objective is to minimize flame flare-ups
caused by drippings from the hot food onto hot fuel thus affecting
the food cooking process by burning the food non-uniformly.
[0044] Another specific objective is to optimize and minimize the
quantity of solid fuel needed to achieve comparable levels of
heating as in a conventional oven type grill system.
[0045] Another specific objective is to allow ash to be released by
gravity into an ash collector.
[0046] Another specific objective is to utilize a simple kindle
process to ignite the solid fuel.
[0047] Another specific objective is to simplify grill construction
with the use of simply manufactured circular grid elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] The present invention is explained by means of the
embodiments described in FIGS. 1 to 6.
[0049] FIG. 1 shows a sectioned side view of the grill device. This
figure also shows the top cover and the ash collector in place.
[0050] FIG. 1A is a detailed cross-section of the grill along the
line A-B of FIG. 1.
[0051] FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the device without the top
cover removed.
[0052] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a horizontal cross-section of the
embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a horizontal cross-section showing
an embodiment with an additional internal fuel basket.
[0054] FIG. 5 shows a sectioned side view of the grill device with
an embodiment showing a tiered fuel basket embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b show sectional side view of the
removable and interchangeable food basket variations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0056] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, the Figures illustrate a method of disposing of nuclear
waste in underground rock formations of the present invention. With
regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is
used throughout the various drawing figures.
TABLE-US-00001 Number Description 1 Oven wall element 2 Insulation
element 3 Food basket or food grate 3a Food basket hook 4 Leg
support 5 Ash collector 5a Ash 6 Ash release 7 Cover 7a Curved
reflective surface 8 Adjustable air vents 9 Charcoal briquettes 10
Fuel basket or grate 10a Inner Fuel Basket 11 Support grate 12
Kindle material 13 Flame 14 Ignition chamber 15 Support element
16,16a,16b,16c Food samples 17 Handle 18a,18b Food basket types
[0057] The present invention will be now described, noting that to
one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced
with various modifications and embodiments.
[0058] FIG. 1 illustrates a vertical cross-section side view of a
grill according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the rigid cylindrical grill body
wall 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention provides
the structural member for the support of the grill. Internal to
this support element 1 and affixed thereto, is high temperature
insulation liner system 2 implemented to minimize heat loss and to
maximize heating efficiency within the grill system. Internal to
the insulation system 2 is a removable fuel basket 10, which
contains the solid fuel 9. A ceramic based material would provide
the insulation needed in the embodiment. The overall grill shape is
cylindrical though other polygonal shapes can also implemented in
the invention.
[0059] This fuel basket 10 sits on a support grate 11, which
extends across the base of the grill wall 1. In a preferred
embodiment, the fuel basket 10 can be implemented out of an
expanded metal type cylindrical cage that holds the solid fuel or
charcoal material. Internal to the fuel basket is the food basket
3; also visible in the food basket 3 are shown examples of food 16,
which is being grilled. The food basket has a top hook 3a which
allows it to be lifted out of the grill. Interchangeable food
baskets, 18a, 18b, shown later, for vegetables, corn, and meats are
implemented in various embodiments. The fuel basket 9 completely
surrounds the food basket 3 and allows heat energy to directly
contact all surfaces of the food 16 simultaneously.
[0060] Shown below the grate 11 is an ignition space 14, which
opens downwards converging to an ash collector 5 in which ash 5a
can collect during grill operation. The ash 5a passes through the
ash releases 6 from the base of the fuel basket 10 to drop into the
ash collector 5.
[0061] Attached to and supporting the grill via the grill wall 1
are a plurality of external grill supports or feet 4 which elevate
the grill above the table of other flat working surface. Handles 17
made from plastic or any other poor conductor of heat, may be used
for lifting the grill.
[0062] Capping the grill is a cover 7, which fits snugly over the
top of the grill wall 1. This cover 7 has a plurality of adjustable
vents 8 which allow the manual monitoring and control of the hot
gases by increasing or decreasing the flow of air through the
grill. The underside of the cover 7 has an upwardly curved shape
with a polished surface 7a to reflect back the heat energy radiated
by the hot fuel pieces 9. The grill cover handle 7b is implemented
on the cover and is made of poor heat conducting material like
plastic or wood.
[0063] FIG. 1a illustrates a cross-sectional view along the line
A-B of FIG. 1. It shows, moving the from the outside, radially
inwards, first the grill wall 1, then the insulation material 2,
the outer wall of the fuel basket 10, then the discrete pieces of
the solid fuel briquettes 9, then the inner wall of the fuel basket
10, next to this is the outer wall of the food basket 3, innermost
is shown the food 16. The insulation material 2 is implemented with
a thickness calculated to lower the radial heat loss. A ceramic
material with thickness of between 1/8 inch and 11/2 inch would
provide sufficient heat insulation.
[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an uncovered
grill. Shown below the grill grate 11 is the ignition space 14 in
which the kindle material 12 is ignited to initially ignite the
charcoal or solid fuel 9 in the fuel basket 10. The flames 13 of
the kindle 12 contact the fuel 9 which then begins to burn.
[0065] Another embodiment of the invention allows for the
implementation of a tiered fuel basket which allows the heat to be
disseminated more uniformly across the full vertical height of the
grill.
[0066] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment looking
in plan view. The cylindrical grill support 1 forms the outermost
support system. The inner insulation layer 2, the fuel basket 10
containing the solid fuel 9 and the innermost food basket 3
containing the food 16 are shown in this view.
[0067] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment looking
in plan view. In addition to the grill description above, a central
small fuel basket 10a is shown. This embodiment allows the heating
of the food 16 from both the outside and the inside during the
grill process. The hot charcoal 9 in the interior basket 10a aids
in heating the food 16.
[0068] The ash pan 5 may be made of metal or similar heat resistant
material and collects the ash 5a during the grilling process.
[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates a vertical cross-section of an embodiment
illustrating a tiered fuel basket 10a with the solid charcoal
briquettes 9 distributed at different vertical intervals.
[0070] FIGS. 6a, 6b illustrate a vertical cross-section of an
embodiment illustrating different food baskets 18a, 18b, for
different types of foods.
[0071] In a typical operation of the embodiment, the grill process
is implemented in the following steps: [0072] Remove grill cover 7;
clean the cover reflective surface 7a. [0073] Remove food basket 3
and fuel basket 10 from inside grill unit 1. [0074] Place kindle
material 13 e.g. old newspapers inside the ignition chamber 14 at
bottom of grill housing unit 1. [0075] Load the fuel grate 10 with
charcoal briquettes or other solid fuel 9. [0076] Place the fuel
basket 10 inside the grill 1 on the support grate 11 above kindle
material 12. [0077] Ignite the kindle material 12. [0078] Allow
kindle material 12 to ignite the charcoal fuel 9 with the flames
13. [0079] Put food material 16 in food basket 3. [0080] Insert
food basket 3 into grill after charcoal 9 is ready. [0081] Replace
cover 7 on the grill. [0082] Adjust air vents 8 to regulate the
charcoal 9 heating rate. [0083] Allow food 16 to cook. [0084] Check
on food 16 as required by lifting top 7. [0085] During cooking
process, ash 5a falls under gravity and accumulates in the ash
collector 5. [0086] Clean out ash collector 5 when cool.
[0087] Because of the embodiments illustrated in this application,
oil and grease drippings from the food 16 drop directly onto the
ash 5a and not onto the hot charcoal 9 which can create a flash
burn or flame eruption to burn the food 16. This is an advantage of
the new invention.
[0088] Furthermore, food 16 does not stick to the grill fuel basket
10 in the current embodiment. In the prior art the food usually
rests on a horizontal hot grill and the grilled food stuck to the
surface unless some chemical spray is used to minimize the
sticking. The free standing nature or the vertical food basket 3
used in the current invention reduces or eliminates the prospect of
food sticking on a grill surface.
[0089] Further there is no need to rotate the food 16 since the
food is surrounded completely by the heat source of charcoal as
evidenced by the circular fuel basket 10.
* * * * *