Portable Compact Cooking System

Abstract

A unique multifaceted cooking system that encompasses a fully integrated windscreen, stove, and stove stand designed to accept various fuel sources such as alcohol, paste, solid, and gas, as well as, a method to provide for an alternative stove platform. A unique method for cradling various angled style cups on the cooking surface, and a unique facial airflow design in the windscreen that provides for a different heat distribution methodology. A unique fuel burner designed to utilize a fuel medium such as Diatomaceous Earth, which converts a liquid fuel into a paste or slurry. A unique method of enclosing all of the components together by utilizing handles to the pots and cup as retainers for the lid and base.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention is a fully integrated compact portable cooking system, which can include an integrated Stove/Stove Stand/Windscreen, Liquid Fuel Burner, Cooking Pots, Cup, Lid/Plate, Handles, Cook Top, Solid Fuel Conversion Insert, and Gas Burner.

Description of the Related Art

There are many known devices for mess kits, stoves, burners, windscreens, cookware, and cups as referenced below; however, the functionality of this product provides: a retention holding method and opening designed to utilize solid fuel, Liquid Fuel burners, piezo igniter, and gas burner; a cook top method designed to cradle various angle styled cups; functional integration between the stove stand and internal cooking pot allowing a secondary method for heating items and/or providing a more stable base while cooking; a functionally integrated stove, stove stand, and windscreen creating the ability to limit certain environmental influences, improved heat distribution; integrated pot handles that retain the base and lid together while providing a clip to location for carrying purposes; an liquid fuel burner designed to be used with a mixing medium; and a gas burner designed to provide this style of quick release and retention to the stove;

In recent years, backpacking stoves, mess kits, solid fuel/liquid fuel burners/gas burners, windscreens, angled styled cups, and cookware have become more sophisticated. However, most of them have only a singular type of focus and design in mind. For example: Most mess kits provide only pots and cups requiring you to obtain a stove, a burner, and a windscreen; Stove Stands are usually designed for integration with a specific type of solid fuel, liquid fuel burner, or gas burner; Stoves and Stove Stands fail to integrate windscreens; Stoves fail to have secondary applications for heating other items while cooking; Cook tops fail to provide anti-tipping methods when using angled style cups. This apparatus seeks to incorporate all of these functional solutions into a compact portable cooking system.

RELATED FACTS: U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS

Cooking System, Mess Kit, Stove, Stove Burner, and Windscreen related facts:

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BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following is intended to be a brief summary of the invention and objectives; it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This portable compact cooking system provides for unique functionalities not found in other mess kits, stoves, stove stands, windscreens, and burners.

Objectives of the Invention

The first objective is to overcome the confines of space required for all the components to functionally fit within the size and space limitations;

The second objective is to provide a more secure method in retaining various styled angled cups to prevent tipping;

The third objective is to provide a method for the stove to utilize and integrate various fuel sources, including liquid fuel burners, solid fuel, and gas burner;

The fourth objective is to provide a secondary method of functionality in dealing with, stove stand stability issues based on surface conditions;

The fifth objective is to provide a functional means for controlling certain external environment influences on the heat source, while improving heat distribution;

The sixth objective is to provide a secondary method of heating other items when using the apparatus while cooking;

The seventh objective is to create a secure method of holding the lid to the base, while providing the ability to clip the apparatus to another object;

The eighth objective is to create a liquid fuel burner designed to utilize a medium paste instead of having a liquid;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 contains a perspective and cross-section view reflecting the assembled unit and basic dimensions;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view reflecting all of the main components including: 1) Lid/Plate, 2) Exterior Pot/Base and Handle, 3) Cup and Handle, 4) Interior Pot and Handle, 5) Cook Top Insert, 6) Solid Fuel Insert, 7) Cook Top, 8) Liquid Fuel Burner, 9) Stove, and 10) Gas Burner;

FIG. 3 is perspective views on the fuel integration with: 1) Liquid Fuel Burner; 2) Solid Fuel Insert; and 3) Gas Burner;

FIG. 4 is perspective views reflecting various component cooking arrangements and methods: 1) Exterior Pot/Base with Handle used for cooking; 2) Lid/Plate used for cooking; 3) Cup cradled in Cook Top; 4) Cup sitting on top of Cook Top Insert; 5) Interior Pot used as a platform; and 6) Interior Pot used as platform showing the Liquid Fuel Burner;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the Cook Top and Interior Pot platform functionality: 1) Cup cradled in Cook Top opening of 3.8″+/−0.75″ reflecting maximum utilization of heat distribution; 2) Unique facial design utilized for controlling airflow; 3) Airflow positioned 180° apart, provides protection against certain external environmental influences; 4) Stove integrates into Interior Pot for improving platform stability, based on surface conditions; 5) Stove operates with either solid or liquid fuel when utilizing the Interior Pot as a platform; 6) Configuration allows for items placed in the Interior Pot to be heated as an example: water placed in the Interior Pot would be heated based on the heat transfer from the Liquid Fuel Burner; 7) Stove and Cook Top design maximizes heat distribution based on air intake and exhaust design; and 8) Air Intake and Exhaust positioned at 180° to help control external environmental influence;

FIG. 6 is a perspective and cross-section view on fuel source retention functionality and methodology: 1) Retention method based on capturing threads, grooves, divots, etc.; 2) Tensioning for retention method can be provided by spring, clip, screw, pneumatic, etc.; 3) Opening that allows for a piezo igniter; 4) Retention method and opening that allows sufficient travel range to capture various style burners;

FIG. 7 is an exploded and cross-section view on Liquid Fuel burner functionality and methodology: 1) Fuel Canister Lid; 2) Fuel Canister Insert; 3) Fuel Canister Base; 4) Fits inside the Stove burner opening, captured and retained on the outside threads; 5) Height does not exceed maximum allowed for assembly; and 6) Liquid Fuel medium absorption and saturation holes are positioned to detour heat source from exterior walls;

REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE DRAWINGS
1) Lid/Plate
2) Exterior Pot/Base with Handle
3) Cup with Cup Handle
4) Interior Pot with Handle
5) Cook Top Insert
6) Solid Fuel Insert
7) Cook Top
8) Liquid Fuel Burner
9) Stove
10) Gas Burner

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective and a cross section view reflecting the compact assembly of components. The functional design of this invention is confined to be within the conventional size mess kit, which ranges from 7.0″+/−1.0″ in diameter and 2.75″+/−1.0″ in height. The lid is secured to the base using a unique method of interlocking handles;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the main components, which can assemble inside the cooking system. The Liquid Fuel burner and gas burner are interchangeable within the assembly area allotted for a burner;

FIG. 3 reflects the Stoves unique functional method of integrating various fuel sources, which includes solid fuel, liquid fuel, and gas fuel. Based on the size of opening and retention methodology this apparatus accepts not only the components provided, but also various other burners on the market;

FIG. 4 reflects some of the various unique ways in which the apparatus can be configured for cooking. The Cook Top provides a method to cradle an angled cup with a Cook Top Insert. By allowing the angled cup to rest in a cradled position, it reduces the ability for the cup to tip over and it positions the cup at an optimum height above the flame to maximize the heat distribution. When utilizing either the Exterior Pot/Base or Interior Pot the Cook Top surface is covered creating a new dynamic heat distribution to occur. Since the heat can no longer escape upward through the Cook Top surface it now is required to escape through the provided exhaust holes, which are placed at optimal locations to maximize heat distribution and minimize external environmental influence on the heat source.

Another unique functional feature of this design is the integration of the Stove to the Interior Pot. The interior Pot can act as a platform in order to eliminate tipping due to various surface conditions, as well as, and secondary heating area. When utilizing the Liquid Fuel Burner as a fuel source, items placed in the Interior Pot will be heated by the radiant or conductive heat provided by the Liquid Fuel Burner. For example, if water were placed in the Interior Pot the water would be heated from the heat transferred by the Liquid Fuel Burner while in use.

FIG. 5 reflects some of the unique functional features associated to the Stove, Cook Top, Interior Pot, and Liquid Fuel Burner. In the cross-section view one can visually see how the angled Cup is cradled in the Cook Top and how the Cup is seated closer to the heat source. Based on the location of the heat source and heat escaping along the side of the Cup this configuration maximizes the heat distribution around the Cup.

However, when utilizing one of the Pots note how the heats escape route is changed. The heat is now forced to travel out the side exhaust holes, thus maximizing the heat distribution to the bottom of the Pot. It is important to note the functional design of the airflow intake and exhaust. The slotted mouth type opening provides a uniform stream of air intake, while the exhaust holes are positioned slightly below the Cook Top requiring the heat to distribute over the base of the Pot before escaping. With the air intake and exhaust positioned at 180° the rest of the wall operates as a windscreen allowing the user to turn the stove in a direction that best controls any negative outside environmental influence.

It is important to note that Liquid Fuel Burners become very hot while in use. To harness this untapped resource of heat, the user can place items inside the Interior Pot while being it is used as a Stove platform in order to utilize the radiant heat of the Liquid Fuel Burner. One of the most functional uses would be the heating of water for cleaning after cooking or for bathing. The side benefit of placing water in the Interior Pot provides for a more rapid removal and storage of the Liquid Fuel Burner after use.

FIG. 6 reflects on how the Burner Retention methodology works. In considering the functionality of this method, it was of critical importance to overcome form, fit, and function. With limited space and items that can cause interference, it required analyzing the functional size and requirements for each type of fuel source. The functional solution is based on several factors: First, the retention method has to be based on capturing the fuel source on threads, grooves, divots, and outside diameters. Secondly, the retention method would need to be driven by spring, clip, screw, cable, or pneumatic means. Third, the Stove opening must be sufficient enough to allow the object to enter, be captured, and retain securely. Fourth, the retention method must have sufficient range of motion to capture a variety of fuel sources currently on the market. The method depicted utilizes a spring-loaded horseshoe shaped retention clip to capture around the outside threads of the Liquid Fuel Burner, an exterior groove of the Gas Burner, and the base of the Solid Fuel Insert.

FIG. 7) is an exploded view of the Liquid Fuel Burner provided with this cooking system. This Liquid Fuel Burner provides a unique approach to utilizing a fuel medium, which assists in controlling fuel leaks, spills, and rapid fuel consumption. In utilizing a fuel medium, the issue focuses around safety concerns by converting a liquid fuel into a fuel paste. In this case, the Liquid Fuel Medium used is Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth based on its use for hydroponics, thermal, and absorption capabilities, as well as, the products safety considerations. Compared to liquid fuel the fuel paste tends to have a more controlled burn.

The important ingredient to the Liquid Fuel Burner is the Fuel Canister Insert. The functional design of this insert allows for all of the liquid fuel to be drawn from the medium up to the burn area without allowing flames to reach the outer walls and canister lip area. The holes in the Fuel Canister Insert are located down far enough that the medium or Diatomaceous Earth in this case to continuously cover the holes, thus preventing any flame from reaching the outer walls or canister lip.

Claims

I. The Stove provides a unique functional method for integrating and retaining: 1) a solid fuel insert, 2) liquid fuel burner, and 3) gas burner, utilizing a tensioned retainer, which is described herein;

II. The Stove incorporates: 1) a stove, 2) stove stand, and 3) windscreen into one functional apparatus providing control over external environmental influences and improving heat distribution, which is described herein;

III. The Cook Top integrates a functional method for accepting angled styled cups which: 1) prevents tipping, and 2) maximizes heat distribution, which is described herein;

IV. The Stove provides a functional method of converting from swivel down legs to sitting on top of the Interior Pot, which provides: 1) improved stability, and 2) a secondary capability of heating items in the Interior Pot while cooking with liquid or solid fuel, which is described herein;

V The Stove provides a unique functional method of: 1) airflow, and 2) heat distribution, which is described herein;

VI. The Liquid Fuel Burner provides a functional method in utilizing a mixing medium for: 1) preventing spilling, and 2) controlling fuel consumption, which is described herein;

VII. All of the components provided with this apparatus have a unique method of integrating into one compact portable cooking system, which is described herein;