BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to outdoor cooking apparatus, such as may be used to cook over an open fire.
People love the taste of outdoor cooking. However, outdoor cooking is not easy for a number of reasons. The cooking apparatus should preferably be portable, yet sturdy and able to withstand abuse and long term use. Also, outdoor cooking is not easy since temperatures of the fire and coals vary widely, resulting in burned food unless the food is constantly turned and tended.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, an outdoor cooking apparatus includes a support frame with horizontal section adapted for positioning over a fire pit, a motor including an upper end attached to the horizontal section and a lower end, and a grate hanging from the lower end, the motor being operable to rotate the grate.
In another aspect of the present invention, an outdoor cooking apparatus includes a multi-piece support frame configured to stably engage an area of ground, a bracket for hanging from the support frame over a fire pit, a grate, and a grate support for hanging the grate below the support frame. The apparatus also includes a carry case including pockets for receiving each of the support frame, the bracket, the grate, and the grate support for dense and compact storage when taken apart. In a narrower form, the carry case is at most about 4 inches thick, and more preferably is only about 3 inches thick.
These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present apparatus for outdoor cooking positioned over a fire pit.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present apparatus of FIG. 1 broken down and stored in an open carry case.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carry case from FIG. 2 but folded closed.
FIGS. 4-7 are enlarged views of the lower section, the vertical tube section, the upper U-shaped section, and the handle from FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 is a side view of a modified upper U-shaped section that is telescopingly extendable.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present cooking apparatus 20 is configured to support a grate 23 over an open outdoor fire at an adjustable height, with the grate 23 being rotatable to help evenly cook food on the grate. The apparatus 20 breaks down into sections that fit flat into a shallow plastic case.
More specifically, the apparatus 20 (FIGS. 1-2) includes a lower section 21, an upper section 22, a grate 23, a rotisserie motor 24, and a handle 25. The lower section 21 includes a spade 27 and lower rod 28. The rod 28 is sufficiently solid to allow the lower section 21 to be pounded into the ground with a hammer or mallet. The upper section 22 includes a pair of linear tubes 29 and 30 that telescopingly fit into each other and onto the lower rod 28, and further includes a U-shaped tube 31 shaped to fit into a top of the top tube 30, with the sections 21-22 combining to form a support frame for holding the grate 23 over a fire. The upper section 22 also includes an internal cable 32 that extends out both ends of the section 22. The motor 24 is self contained and includes a battery (potentially a rechargeable battery) within its casing compartment. Thermal shielding can be provided on the battery casing or below the motor (such as a heat-deflector panel) if desired. A first S hook 33 secures the motor 24 to an end 32A of the cable 32. The grate 23 is attached to a second S hook 34 on the other end of the motor 24, and supports the grate 23 by use of three (or more) chains 35 attached to its edges. The other end 32B of the cable 32 hooks to the handle 25. The handle 25 includes a hole for fitting over the tube 29 (or 30). The marginal material around the hole in the handle 25 includes an edge configured to bite into the tube 29 (or 30) when the cable 32 is tensioned by the grate 23. The handle 25 can be easily and rapidly adjusted up or down the tube 29 by pivoting the handle 25 to a release position, relocating the handle, and then letting go (which causes a weight of the grate to bias the handle 25 back into a locking position on the tube 29).
The apparatus 20 (FIG. 2) breaks apart into multiple pieces that can be laid flat for compact storage. A briefcase-like carry case 40 includes front and rear portions 41 and 42 with pockets for receiving the various parts 21-25, 29-30, 34-35. Hinges 43 (potentially integrally-formed living hinges) are provided on one side, and a pair of latches 44 (FIG. 3) are provided on the other side. The latches 44 each include an integrally molded buckle 45 and integrally molded stub 46 for engaging the associated buckle for releasable retention. A U-shaped handle 47 is also molded onto the portion 41. The carry case is preferably at most about 4 inches thick, and more preferably is only about 3 inches thick.
It is contemplated that the upper section 22 can be supported by a pair of lower sections 21, one being on each side of the fire, if desired. It is also contemplated that some aspects of the present invention can be used on different support frames.
A modified adjustable-length U-shaped tube 31A (FIG. 8) is configured to replace the tube 31. The modified tube 31A includes first and second L-shaped sub-tubes 60 and 61 with tubular end sections 62 and 63, respectively, shaped to telescopingly adjustably fit together in a nested position. A series of holes 64 and 65 are formed in the end sections 62 and 63 of the sub-tubes 60 and 61. An interlock 66 includes a pull ring 67 and a shaft 68 for extending through an aligned pair of the holes 64 and 65 for interlock connection. The shaft 68 is sized to provide a friction fit to prevent inadvertent release. This arrangement allows the overhang distance provided by the adjustable tube 31A to be adjusted for different sized fire pits. The carry case can be modified to accept the modified tube 31A, including the interlock 66.
It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Patent Application
20080271725
