U.S. patent application number 17/138631 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-22 for barbecue cooking apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Simpson. Invention is credited to Robert Simpson.
Application Number | 20210113018 17/138631 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005358065 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-22 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20210113018 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Simpson; Robert |
April 22, 2021 |
Barbecue Cooking Apparatus
Abstract
A barbecue cooking apparatus is an apparatus used to cook food
items by utilizing different barbecue smoking methods. The
apparatus includes a barrel, a lid, a frame, a shelved cooking
system, a venting system, a winch mechanism, a lip, and a firebox
gasket. The barrel provides a thermal enclosure for cooking the
food items. The lid serves to close the barrel and to support the
shelved cooking system. The lip and the firebox gasket seal the lid
on the barrel when closed. The shelved cooking system holds both
the food items within the barrel during the cooking process and the
fuel source utilized to generate the heat energy to cook the food
items. The frame holds the winch mechanism offset from the barrel.
The winch mechanism facilitates the retrieval of the shelved
cooking system from the barrel as well as the reintroduction of the
shelved cooking system into the barrel.
Inventors: |
Simpson; Robert; (Pine
Grove, CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Simpson; Robert |
Pine Grove |
CA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
1000005358065 |
Appl. No.: |
17/138631 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16386066 |
Apr 16, 2019 |
10905283 |
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17138631 |
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29764316 |
Dec 29, 2020 |
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16386066 |
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62658280 |
Apr 16, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B66D 1/26 20130101; A23B
4/052 20130101; A23V 2002/00 20130101; A47J 37/0786 20130101; B66D
1/04 20130101; A47J 2037/0795 20130101; A47J 2202/00 20130101; A47J
36/06 20130101; A47J 37/0704 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47J 37/07 20060101
A47J037/07; A47J 36/06 20060101 A47J036/06; A23B 4/052 20060101
A23B004/052; B66D 1/04 20060101 B66D001/04; B66D 1/26 20060101
B66D001/26 |
Claims
1. A barbecue cooking apparatus comprises: a barrel; a lid; a
frame; a shelved cooking system; a venting system; a winch
mechanism; a lip; a firebox gasket; the barrel comprising a base, a
lateral wall, and a rim; the frame being externally mounted to the
lateral wall; the winch mechanism being mounted offset from the rim
by the frame; the winch mechanism being tethered to the lid; the
lid being slidably mounted along the frame; the shelved cooking
system being mounted onto the lid, opposite the winch mechanism;
the shelved cooking system being configured to traverse into the
barrel; the venting system being integrated into the lateral wall;
the lip being perimetrically connected to the lid; and, the firebox
gasket being attached onto the lip, opposite to the winch
mechanism.
2. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further
comprises: the frame comprising a first length-adjustable rail and
a second length-adjustable rail; the first length-adjustable rail
and the second length-adjustable rail being mounted onto the
lateral wall; the first length-adjustable rail and the second
length-adjustable rail being positioned parallel to each other;
and, the first length-adjustable rail and the second
length-adjustable rail being positioned opposite to each other
about the lateral wall.
3. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 2 further
comprises: the first length-adjustable rail and the second
length-adjustable rail each comprising a lower rail end and an
upper rail end; the lower rail end being positioned adjacent to the
base; and, the upper rail end being positioned offset from the
rim.
4. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 2 further
comprises: the first length-adjustable rail and the second
length-adjustable rail each comprising an upper pole, a lower pole,
a spring mechanism, and a locking mechanism; the lower pole being
mounted parallel to the lateral wall; the upper pole being
telescopically engaged to the lower pole; the spring mechanism
being operatively coupled between the lower pole and the upper
pole, wherein the spring mechanism is used to apply a continuous
force to push the upper pole away from the lower pole; and, the
locking mechanism being operatively integrated between the lower
pole and the upper pole, wherein the locking mechanism is used to
lock the upper pole in place along the lower pole.
5. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 2 further
comprises: the frame further comprising a crossbar; the crossbar
being perpendicularly connected between the first length-adjustable
rail and the second length-adjustable rail; and, the crossbar being
positioned adjacent to the winch mechanism.
6. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further
comprises: the winch mechanism comprising at least one hoisting
cable, a main axle, a crank mechanism, a ratcheting mechanism, and
at least one spool; the at least one hoisting cable comprising a
first cable end and a second cable end; the main axle being
rotatably connected between a first length-adjustable rail of the
frame and a second length-adjustable rail of the frame; the crank
mechanism being torsionally connected to the main axle; the at
least one spool being laterally connected around the main axle; the
first cable end being laterally connected to the at least one
spool; the second cable end being connected onto the lid; and, the
ratcheting mechanism being operatively integrated between the frame
and the main axle, wherein the ratcheting mechanism is used to
selectively allow rotation of the main axle in one direction and to
selectively prevent rotation of the main axle in an opposite
direction.
7. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 6 further
comprises: at least one cable deflector; the at least one cable
deflector being mounted onto the frame; the at least one cable
deflector being positioned adjacent the at least one spool; and,
the at least one hoisting cable being operatively coupled to the at
least one cable deflector, wherein the at least one cable deflector
is used to guide the at least one hoisting cable onto and off the
at least one spool.
8. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 6 further
comprises: a deadbolt mechanism; the crank mechanism being a crank
handle; the crank handle being laterally positioned to the frame;
the deadbolt mechanism being integrated into the frame; and, the
deadbolt mechanism being positioned adjacent to the crank
handle.
9. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further
comprises: the shelved cooking system comprising at least one
support member, a plurality of cooking shelves, and a plurality of
releasable pin locks; the at least one support member being
connected normal to the lid; each of the plurality of cooking
shelves being attached to the at least one support member by a
corresponding lock from the plurality of releasable pin locks; the
plurality of cooking shelves being positioned normal to the at
least one support member; and, the plurality of cooking shelves
being distributed along the at least one support member.
10. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 7 further
comprises: the plurality of cooking shelves comprising a plurality
of racks, at least one catching tray, and at least one
fuel-retaining tray; the at least one fuel-retaining tray being
positioned offset from the lid; the plurality of racks being
positioned in between the lid and the at least one fuel-retaining
tray; and, the at least one catching tray being positioned in
between the plurality of racks and the at least one fuel-retaining
tray.
11. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further
comprises: the venting system comprising at least one intake vent
and at least one exhaust vent; the at least one intake vent being
integrated into the lateral wall; and, the at least one exhaust
vent being integrated into the lateral wall, opposite the at least
one intake vent.
12. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 9 further
comprises: the at least one intake vent and the at least one
exhaust vent each comprising a vent body and a vent hatch; the vent
body comprising a first open end and a second open end; the first
open end being positioned adjacent to the lateral wall; the second
open end being positioned offset from the lateral wall; and, the
vent hatch being attached onto the second open end.
13. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further
comprises: a drive wheel assembly; the drive wheel assembly being
mounted onto the lateral wall; and, the drive wheel assembly being
positioned adjacent to the base.
14. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further
comprises: a first rail guide; a second rail guide; the first rail
guide and the second rail guide being peripherally connected to the
lid; the first rail guide and the second rail guide being
positioned opposite to each other across the lid; the first rail
guide being movably engaged along a first length-adjustable rail of
the frame; and, the second rail guide being movably engaged along a
second length-adjustable rail of the frame.
15. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 12 further
comprises: the first rail guide and the second rail guide each
comprising a guide body and a guide roller; the guide body being
mounted onto the lid; the guide roller being rotatably mounted to
the guide body; the guide roller of the first rail guide being
rollably engaged to the first length-adjustable rail of the frame;
and, the guide roller of the second rail guide being rollably
engaged to the second length-adjustable rail of the frame.
16. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further
comprises: a plurality of food-hanging fixtures; the plurality of
food-hanging fixtures being connected to the lid, opposite the
winch mechanism; and, the plurality of food-hanging fixtures being
distributed across the lid.
17. The barbecue cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further
comprises: at least one temperature gauge; the at least one
temperature gauge being mounted onto the lid, opposite the shelved
cooking system; and, the at least one temperature gauge being in
thermal communication with the barrel.
Description
[0001] The current application is a continuation-in-part (CIP)
application of a U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No.
16/386,066 filed on Apr. 16, 2019. The U.S. non-provisional
application Ser. No. 16/386,066 claims a priority to a U.S.
provisional application Ser. No. 62/658,280 filed on Apr. 16,
2018.
[0002] The current application is also a CIP application of a U.S.
design application Ser. No. 29/764,316 filed on Dec. 29, 2020.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention generally relates to food cooking
devices. More specifically, the present invention is a
vertical-rise versatile barbecue smoking apparatus which can accept
a wide variety of fuel sources.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Barbecuing has become a favorite means of cooking meats and
vegetables, especially during the summertime when people gather
together outdoors to enjoy the warm weather and summer festivities.
Barbecuing has become so ingrained in present society that
individuals can expect to find a barbecue grill installed at almost
every park, beach, or other similar outdoor locations. Barbecuing
can be considered a serious hobby or art by many people, and there
are a wide variety of barbecue apparatuses for a variety of
barbecuing needs and styles. For instance, a popular choice among
the serious barbecue enthusiasts is the barbecue smoker. Barbecue
smokers resemble barbecue grills in most features but differentiate
in key areas. For example, barbecue smokers better constrain and
circulate the heat within the apparatus to slowly cook the food,
whereas grills allow the food to be cooked only from beneath and
allow heat to escape to the surroundings. Furthermore, barbecue
smokers often only allow the food to be laid flat on its side like
the way barbecue grills function; however, this is inefficient as a
user would need to constantly flip the lid open to turn over the
food which can unnecessarily prolong the cooking process. These
barbecue smokers also do not allow for hanging the food vertically
so that all sides of the food can be cooked evenly. On the other
hand, there are some barbecue smokers that are vertically aligned
and allow for the foods to be hung. However, these vertical
barbecue smokers are not versatile in allowing for the foods to be
hung on hooks or placed on a grill. Also, these vertical barbecue
smokers often provide a side door which is not efficient for
constraining and promoting the circulation of heat within the
barbecue smoker.
[0005] An objective of the present invention is to provide a
barbecue cooking apparatus that is versatile for all barbecue
smoking needs. The present invention provides a barbecue cooking
apparatus which more efficiently cooks food items by reducing the
amount of heat escaping from the apparatus. The present invention
further provides users a versatile barbecue smoker that allows
users to cook food items by either hanging the foods or by laying
the food items down on a grill, or both. Another objective of the
present invention is to provide a vertical barbecue cooking
apparatus which can raise and lower the food items along the
apparatus in a controlled manner so that food items can be cooked
more efficiently without losing too much heat. The present
invention further provides users with a barbecue cooking apparatus
that is easy to transport, store, maintain, and clean.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of the present
invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a bottom rear perspective view of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a left elevated view of the present invention in
an expanded configuration.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a left elevated view of the present invention in a
contracted configuration.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a top front perspective view of the present
invention with the shelved cooking system retrieved from the
barrel.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a bottom rear perspective view of the present
invention with the shelved cooking system retrieved from the
barrel.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a top rear perspective view of the barrel and the
venting system of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the barrel and the venting
system of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional perspective view of the
barrel and the venting system of the present invention taken along
line 9-9 in FIG. 8.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a bottom front perspective view of the frame and
the winch mechanism of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a right elevated view of the frame and the winch
mechanism of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional elevated view of the
frame and the winch mechanism of the present invention taken along
line 12-12 in FIG. 11.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a top front perspective view of the lid and the
shelved cooking system of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a bottom rear perspective view of the lid and the
shelved cooking system of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 15 is a front elevated view of the lid and the shelved
cooking system of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 16 is a right elevated view of the lid and the shelved
cooking system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of
describing selected versions of the present invention and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0023] As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the present invention
is a barbecue cooking apparatus. The barbecue cooking apparatus
enables users to cook food items by utilizing different barbecue
smoking methods. A preferred embodiment of the present invention
comprises a barrel 1, a lid 5, a frame 18, a shelved cooking system
36, a venting system 6, a winch mechanism 26, a lip 52, and a
firebox gasket 53. The barrel 1 comprises a base 2, a lateral wall
3, and a rim 4. The barrel 1 provides a thermal enclosure for
cooking the food items. The lid 5 serves to close the barrel 1 and
to support the shelved cooking system 36. The lip 52 and the
firebox gasket 53 serve to seal the lid 5 on the barrel 1 during
the cooking process. The shelved cooking system 36 holds the food
items within the barrel 1 during the cooking process in a desired
orientation. The shelved cooking system 36 further holds the fuel
source utilized to generate the heat energy to cook the food items.
The frame 18 serves to hold the winch mechanism 26 offset from the
rim 4. The winch mechanism 26 facilitates the retrieval of the
shelved cooking system 36 from the barrel 1 as well as the
reintroduction of the shelved cooking system 36 into the barrel 1
as desired.
[0024] The general configuration of the aforementioned components
allows the present invention to cook food items utilizing different
barbecue smoking methods. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
frame 18 is externally mounted to the lateral wall 3 to support the
winch mechanism 26 above the barrel 1. The winch mechanism 26 is
mounted offset from the rim 4 by the frame 18 to facilitate the
vertical movement of the lid 5 along the frame 18. In addition, the
winch mechanism 26 is tethered to the lid 5 to convert the
torsional movement of the winch mechanism 26 to the vertical
movement of the lid 5 along the frame 18. As can be seen in FIGS.
1, 5, and 6, the lid 5 is slidably mounted along the frame 18 to
prevent any non-vertical movement of the lid 5. The shelved cooking
system 36 is mounted onto the lid 5 and positioned opposite the
winch mechanism 26 to insert the food items into the barrel 1 for
cooking. Further, the shelved cooking system 36 is configured to
traverse into the barrel 1 to promote even cooking of the food
items supported by the shelved cooking system 36. The venting
system 6 is integrated into the lateral wall 3 to promote air flow
within the barrel 1. The lip 52 is perimetrically connected to the
lid 5 so that the lip 52 is positioned on the outer edge of the lid
5, matching the position of the rim 4. The firebox gasket 53 is
attached onto the lip 52, opposite to the winch mechanism 26 so
that firebox gasket 53 is pressed against the rim 4 when the barrel
1 is closed with the lid 5. In some embodiments of the present
invention, the barrel 1 and lid 5 of the present invention are
preferably made from durable, rigid, weather-proof, impact
resistant materials which can resist a varied range of temperatures
and pressures. As can be seen in FIG. 7 through 9, the barrel 1
further preferably comprises a thin-walled cylindrical design with
the height being longer than the outer diameter of the barrel 1.
Alternatively, the barrel 1 can comprise non-cylindrical designs
with different sizes.
[0025] The frame 18 enables the integration of the winch mechanism
26 to facilitate the placement of food items prior to cooking on
the shelved cooking system 36 as well as the removal of food items
after the cooking process is finished. As can be seen in FIGS. 1
and 2, the frame 18 comprises a first length-adjustable rail 20 and
a second length-adjustable rail 21. The first length-adjustable
rail 20 and the second length-adjustable rail 21 are mounted onto
the lateral wall 3 to form a single unit. The first
length-adjustable rail 20 and the second length-adjustable rail 21
are also positioned parallel to each other. Further, the first
length-adjustable rail 20 and the second length-adjustable rail 21
are positioned opposite each other about the lateral wall 3. Thus,
the first length-adjustable rail 20 and the second
length-adjustable rail 21 safely and securely support the winch
mechanism 26 and the load carried by the winch mechanism 26. The
first length-adjustable rail 20 and the second length-adjustable
rail 21 are preferably made from the same material as the barrel
1.
[0026] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first length-adjustable
rail 20 and the second length-adjustable rail 21 extend past the
rim 4 to support the winch mechanism 26 that is offset from the rim
4. The first length-adjustable rail 20 and the second
length-adjustable rail 21 each comprises a lower rail end 49 and an
upper rail end 50. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the lower rail end 49
is positioned adjacent to the base 2 to align the lower rail end 49
with the base 2. The upper rail end 50 is positioned offset from
the rim 4 to extend the first length-adjustable rail 20 and the
second length-adjustable rail 21 past the rim 4. A height of the
first length-adjustable rail 20 and the second length-adjustable
rail 21 are preferably equal to double the height of the barrel 1.
A width of the first length-adjustable rail 20 and the second
length-adjustable rail 21 are preferably smaller than the width of
the barrel 1.
[0027] As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, some embodiments of the
first length-adjustable rail 20 and the second length-adjustable
rail 21 comprise telescopic mechanisms of length adjustment. As can
be seen in FIG. 10 through 12, the first length-adjustable rail 20
and the second length-adjustable rail 21 each comprises an upper
pole 22, a lower pole 23, a spring mechanism 24, and a locking
mechanism 25. The lower pole 23 is mounted parallel to the lateral
wall 3 to mount the length-adjustable rail to the barrel 1. The
upper pole 22 is telescopically engaged to the lower pole 23 to
enable the overlapping sliding of the upper pole 22 along the lower
pole 23. The spring mechanism 24 is operatively coupled between the
lower pole 23 and the upper pole 22, wherein the spring mechanism
24 is used to apply a continuous force to push the upper pole 22
away from the lower pole 23. The locking mechanism 25 is
operatively integrated between the lower pole 23 and the upper pole
22, wherein the locking mechanism 25 is used to lock the upper pole
22 in place along the lower pole 23. Some embodiments of the
locking mechanism 25 comprise a locking-pin system to enable the
manual locking of the desired position of the upper pole 22 along
lower pole 23. In some embodiments of the present invention, the
first length-adjustable rail 20 and the second length-adjustable
rail 21 may each comprises mechanical engagement of length
adjustment which enables the automatic adjustment of the desired
working lengths of the first length-adjustable rail 20 and the
second length-adjustable rail 21.
[0028] Some embodiments of the frame 18 comprise additional
reinforcement. As can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 12, the frame 18
further comprises a crossbar 19. The crossbar 19 is perpendicularly
connected between the first length-adjustable rail 20 and the
second length-adjustable rail 21 to reinforce the frame 18. The
crossbar 19 is further positioned adjacent to the winch mechanism
26 to reinforce the mounting of the winch mechanism 26 to the frame
18.
[0029] The winch mechanism 26 facilitates the vertical sliding of
the lid 5 along the frame 18. The winch mechanism 26 comprises at
least one hoisting cable 27, a main axle 30, a crank mechanism 31,
a ratcheting mechanism 32, and at least one spool 33. The at least
one hoisting cable 27 further comprises a first cable end 28 and a
second cable end 29. As can be seen in FIG. 10 through 12, the main
axle 30 is rotatably connected between the first length-adjustable
rail 20 and the second length-adjustable rail 21 to enable the
rotation of the at least one spool 33. The crank mechanism 31 is
torsionally connected to the main axle 30 to transfer torsional
forces from the crank mechanism 31 to the main axle 30. The at
least one spool 33 is laterally connected around the main axle 30
to simultaneously rotate with the main axle 30. As can be seen in
FIG. 1, the first cable end 28 is laterally connected to the at
least one spool 33 to enable the winding of the at least one
hoisting cable 27 onto the at least one spool 33. The second cable
end 29 is connected onto the lid 5 to enable the hoisting of the
lid 5. As can be seen in FIG. 10 through 12, the ratcheting
mechanism 32 is operatively integrated between the frame 18 and the
main axle 30, wherein the ratcheting mechanism 32 is used to
selectively allow rotation of the main axle 30 in one direction and
to selectively prevent rotation of the main axle 30 in an opposite
direction. As can be seen in FIG. 10 through 12, some embodiments
of the ratcheting mechanism 32 comprise a ratchet wheel 46, a pawl
47, and a mounting bracket 48. The ratchet wheel 46 is rotatably
connected to the main axle 30. The mounting bracket 48 is mounted
to the frame 18 adjacent to the ratchet wheel 46 to hold and
support the pawl 47. The pawl 47 is pivotally connected to the
mounting bracket 48 to engage with the ratchet wheel 46 to impart
forward rotation of the ratchet wheel 46 or prevent backward
rotation of the ratchet wheel 46. Further, some embodiments of the
crank mechanism 31 comprises a crank handle 45. As can be seen in
FIG. 10, the crank handle 45 is rotatably connected to the main
axle 30, opposite the ratchet wheel 46 and along the main axle 30
to allow manual operation of the winch mechanism 26. In some
embodiments of the present invention, the winch mechanism 26 may
comprise motorized systems of operation to allow automatic
operation of the winch mechanism 26.
[0030] To prevent the at least one hoisting cable 27 from
derailing, the present invention further comprises at least one
cable deflector 54. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the at least
one cable deflector 54 is mounted onto the frame 18 so the frame 18
supports the at least one cable deflector 54. The at least one
cable deflector 54 is positioned adjacent to the at least one spool
33 to guide the recoiling at least one hoisting cable 27 back onto
the at least one spool 33. Further, the at least one hoisting cable
27 is operatively coupled to the at least one cable deflector 54,
wherein the at least one cable deflector 54 is used to guide the at
least one hoisting cable 27 onto and off the at least one spool 33.
For example, the at least one cable deflector 54 is positioned
above the at least one spool 33 so that the at least one hoisting
cable 27 does not move past the at least one spool 33, as can be
seen in FIGS. 1 and 5. Thus, when the at least one hoisting cable
27 is being recoiled or the frame 18 is collapsed, the at least one
hoisting cable 27 will not move past the at least one spool 33.
[0031] In addition, to prevent harm to the user due to the failure
of the ratcheting mechanism 32 or accidental moving of the crank
handle 45, the present invention further comprises a deadbolt
mechanism 55. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the crank mechanism
31 is a crank handle 45 which is manually operated. The crank
handle 45 is laterally positioned to the frame 18 to not obstruct
with the operation of the winch mechanism 26. Likewise, the
deadbolt mechanism 55 is integrated into the frame 18 so the
deadbolt mechanism 55 can be deployed towards the crank handle 45.
Further, the deadbolt mechanism 55 is positioned adjacent to the
crank handle 45. Thus, when the deadbolt mechanism 55 is deployed,
the deadbolt mechanism 55 will prevent the rotation of the crank
handle 45.
[0032] The shelved cooking system 36 enables the cooking of food
items utilizing different barbecue smoking methods. As can be seen
in FIGS. 13 and 14, the shelved cooking system 36 comprises at
least one support member 37, a plurality of cooking shelves 38, and
a plurality of releasable pin locks 42. The at least one support
member 37 is connected normal to the lid 5 to introduce the
plurality of cooking shelves 38 into barrel 1. The at least one
support member 37 preferably comprises a bracket-like design with
specialized areas to support the plurality of cooking shelves 38.
Each of the plurality of cooking shelves 38 is attached to the at
least one support member 37 by a corresponding lock from the
plurality of releasable pin locks 42. The plurality of cooking
shelves 38 is positioned normal to the at least one support member
37 to prevent food items placed on the plurality of cooking shelves
38 from falling off. Further, the plurality of cooking shelves 38
is distributed along the at least one support member 37 to maintain
a space between the food items placed on the plurality of cooking
shelves 38. Some embodiments of the at least one support member 37
comprises multiple support members, preferably three support
members, arranged in a cross-like arrangement to form a rack-like
support structure.
[0033] Some embodiments of the plurality of cooking shelves 38
comprise different shelves adapted to receive various food items or
fuel sources. As can be seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, the plurality of
cooking shelves 38 comprises a plurality of racks 39, at least one
catching tray 40, and at least one fuel-retaining tray 41. The at
least one fuel-retaining tray 41 is positioned offset from the lid
5 to create a cooking area between the lid 5 and the at least one
fuel-retaining tray 41. The at least one fuel-retaining tray 41 is
adapted to support various fuel sources including, but not limited
to, solid fuel sources such as charcoal or wood. Furthermore, the
barrel 1 can be adapted to operate with alternate fuel sources. In
some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one
fuel-retaining tray 41 is releasably mounted onto the at least one
support member 37 without the use of the plurality of releasable
pin locks 42. The plurality of racks 39 is positioned in between
the lid 5 and the at least one fuel-retaining tray 41 to separate
the food items placed on the plurality of racks 39 from the fuel
sources placed on the fuel-retaining tray 41. The at least one
catching tray 40 is positioned in between the plurality of racks 39
and the at least one fuel-retaining tray 41 to prevent food waste
from the food items placed on the plurality of racks 39 from
falling to the at least one fuel-retaining tray 41. As can be seen
in FIG. 15, some embodiments of the at least one fuel-retaining
tray 41 comprise a raised ledge 43 to prevent fuel sources from
falling off the at least one fuel-retaining tray 41 while the at
least one fuel-retaining tray 41 is being transported. The raised
ledge 43 is perimetrically integrated onto the rim 4 of the at
least one fuel-retaining tray 41. The raised ledge 43 is preferably
positioned adjacent the drive wheel assembly 13 so fuel sources on
the at least one fuel-retaining tray 41 do not fall off onto the
base 2 during transportation of the present invention.
[0034] The venting system 6 facilitates the air flow within the
barrel 1 during the cooking process. As can be seen in FIG. 7
through 9, the venting system 6 comprises at least one intake vent
7 and at least one exhaust vent 8. The at least one intake vent 7
is integrated into the lateral wall 3 to enable air inflow into the
barrel 1. The at least one exhaust vent 8 is integrated into the
lateral wall 3, opposite the at least one intake vent 7 to enable
air outflow out of the barrel 1. The at least one intake vent 7 and
the at least one exhaust vent 8 are preferably made from the same
material as the barrel 1. In some embodiments of the present
invention, the at least one intake vent 7 comprises multiple intake
vents distributed around the lateral wall 3. The at least one
exhaust vent 8 comprises multiple exhaust vents distribute around
the lateral wall 3, opposite the multiple intake vents.
Furthermore, the at least one exhaust vent 8 is preferably
non-perpendicularly integrated into the lateral wall 3.
[0035] Some embodiments of the at least one intake vent 7 and the
at least one exhaust vent 8 comprise sealable mechanism to
selectively enable air flow into and out of the barrel 1. As can be
seen in FIG. 9, the at least one intake vent 7 and the at least one
exhaust vent 8 each comprises a vent body 9 and a vent hatch 12.
The vent body 9 further comprises a first open end 10 and a second
open end 11. The first open end 10 is positioned adjacent to the
lateral wall 3 to integrate the vent body 9 to the lateral wall 3.
The second open end 11 is positioned offset from the lateral wall
3. The vent hatch 12 is attached onto the second open end 11 to
enable the selective sealing of the vent body 9. The vent body 9
preferably comprises a thin-walled cylindrical design. In some
embodiments of the present invention, the vent hatch 12 is attached
to the second open end 11 in a swing-like manner. The vent hatch 12
further comprises a hatch handle 44 that insulates the vent hatch
12 to prevent burns. In addition, the vent body 9 comprises a vent
screen 51 which prevents debris or ash sparks generated by the
consumption of the fuel source on the at least on fuel-retaining
tray 41 from escaping the barrel 1. The vent screen 51 is
integrated within the vent body 9, adjacent the second open end
11.
[0036] Some embodiments of the present invention comprise at least
one transportation system. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the present
invention further comprises a drive wheel assembly 13. The drive
wheel assembly 13 is mounted onto the lateral wall 3. The drive
wheel assembly 13 is further positioned adjacent to the base 2 in
order to enable the transportation of the present invention when
the present invention is in a tilted configuration and to prevent
movement when the present invention is in a vertical configuration.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the drive wheel
assembly 13 is located centrally on the rear portion of the barrel
1.
[0037] Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a guiding
assembly for the vertical movement of the lid 5 along the frame 18.
As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention further
comprises a first rail guide 14 and a second rail guide 15. The
first rail guide 14 and the second rail guide 15 is peripherally
connected to the lid 5. Further, the first rail guide 14 and the
second rail guide 15 is opposite each other across the lid 5. The
first rail guide 14 is movably engaged along the first
length-adjustable rail 20. Likewise, the second rail guide 15 is
movably engaged along a second length-adjustable rail 21.
[0038] Some embodiments of the first rail guide 14 and the second
rail guide 15 further comprise rolling means which facilitate the
sliding movement of lid 5 along the frame 18. As can be seen in
FIG. 13, the first rail guide 14 and the second rail guide 15 each
comprises a guide body 16 and a guide roller 17. The guide body 16
is mounted onto the lid 5. Further, the guide roller 17 is
rotatably mounted to the guide body 16 to reduce the friction
between the frame 18 and the guide body 16. As can be seen in FIG.
6, the guide roller 17 of the first rail guide 14 is rollably
engaged to the first length-adjustable rail 20 of the frame 18. The
guide roller 17 of the second rail guide 15 is rollably engaged to
the second length-adjustable rail 21 of the frame 18.
[0039] Some embodiments of the present invention further provide
various fixtures adapted for specific barbecue smoking methods. As
can be seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, the present invention comprises a
plurality of food-hanging fixtures 34. The plurality of
food-hanging fixtures 34 is connected to the lid 5, opposite the
winch mechanism 26. In addition, the plurality of food-hanging
fixtures 34 is distributed across the lid 5 to hang food items
separate from each other.
[0040] Some embodiments of the present invention further provide a
temperature gauging system to monitor different conditions within
the barrel 1 during the cooking process. As can be seen in FIG. 13,
the present invention comprises at least one temperature gauge 35.
The at least one temperature gauge 35 is mounted onto the lid 5,
opposite the shelved cooking system 36. Further, the at least one
temperature gauge 35 is in thermal communication with the barrel 1
to monitor the temperature within the barrel 1 at various points
during the cooking process.
[0041] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its
preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other
possible modifications and variations can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter
claimed.
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