Abstract: A portable outdoor cooker for cooking foods is provided. The cooker comprises a substantially circular heat transfer plate, a plurality of individually controllable burners disposed beneath the heat transfer plate, and a frame assembly for supporting the heat transfer plate and burners above the ground and in relation to one another. The heat transfer plate has a center and a perimeter, and includes a cooking surface. The plurality of burners includes an inner burner and an outer burner, the outer burner being positioned adjacent the perimeter of the heat transfer plate and the inner burner being positioned closer to the center of the heat transfer plate than the outer burner such that the cooking surface can be made hotter adjacent the perimeter of the heat transfer plate than adjacent the center of the heat transfer plate.

Abstract: A covering system includes a frame, a cover pivotally coupled to the frame and a stop surface pivotally coupled to the frame. The cover pivots between a closed position, a substantially open position and at least one intermediate position. The stop surface pivots between a first position in which the stop surface engages the cover when the cover is in the at least one intermediate position to retain the cover in the at least one intermediate position and a second position permitting the cover to be pivoted to at least one of the substantially open position and the closed position. The stopper includes a counterweight which biases the stop surface towards the first position as a result of gravity.

Abstract: A stove apparatus includes a frame having an interior opening. A burner is mounted within the opening. A liquid fuel container is mounted on the frame within the opening. A fuel conduit extends between the container and the burner. A heat shield extends about the burner and separates the burner from the fuel container. Preferably the apparatus has a manually operable device which simultaneously regulates a valve controlling a flow of fuel from the fuel container to the burner and a control device controlling the output of a compressor supplying compressed air to the burner. The compressor may have a suction port. The apparatus then includes a suction conduit connecting the suction port to the fuel container, whereby the compressor can selectively draw fuel into the container. The fuel container may have a vent body mounted thereon. The suction conduit is connected to the vent body. The body has a valve for preventing fuel from entering the conduit from the container.

Abstract: A collapsible, portable outdoor fireplace with a fire screen assembly is easily broken down into its constituent components, which are stored in a space between the cover and bottom members of the fireplace. A fire screen assembly is supported between the cover and bottom members and includes a series of individual screen panels that are hinged together. The fireplace has a support structure that supports it off the ground and includes pairs of legs that are attached to the bottom member. The legs may extend either up through the cover and bottom members or alongside the bottom member. These support legs terminate in handle portions. The legs include moveable joints that permit the handles to be collapsed upon the cover member to retain the cover and base member together.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus enables a user to cook (boiling, steaming or frying). The apparatus includes a burner having a base that is specially shaped to cradle a pot. An upper section above the support surface of the burner for engaging the sidewall of the pot should the pot be tipped inadvertently. The burner can include upper members that are supported above the bottom of the pot and a lower member that engages an underlying supporting surface. Alternatively, the burner frame can have a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending legs. Struts are shaped and cradle the bottom of the pot and its sidewall respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is a multifunctional portable barbecue grill that is designed and configured to expand in order to increase and/or decrease the total size the cooking surface of the particular grill. The grill includes a mainframe that supports the housing. Located in the housing is a grate. The mainframe, housing and grate include a slideably extension system for increasing or decreasing the length of the grill. In addition, for convenience and added comfort, the mainframe of the grill can be altered in height to provide for a comfortable height for the cook as well as provide for an easy means for storage and transportability.

Abstract: Filling-type simple gas oven structure including a top board, an oven seat, an upper oven body, a separating pad member, a lower oven body and a gas-filling device. The upper and lower oven bodies are mated with each other to form an oven body. Multiple gas reservoirs are continuously arranged in the oven body and communicate with each other via gas ways. The total capacity of the oven body for reserving the gas is increased so that the combustion time is prolonged. The gas-filling device provides double checking effect and prevents the gas from leaking out of the oven body so as to ensure security.

Abstract: A barbeque grill arrangement is provided having a grill unit removably mounted on a rack which attaches to an exterior vehicle wall to form a stable grill support solely by the vehicle connection. At least part of that connection can utilize a standard indoor/outdoor stove support bracket. The rack maintains all elements of the grill at least predetermined distance from the vehicle wall, sufficient to avoid heat-induced damage to the wall. The grill is connectable to the same fuel supply as is used by an interior stove. Grill heat is vented away from the vehicle. A cover stop is mounted within the cover hinge.

Abstract: An apparatus adaptable for holding, and burning gas fuels from, different containers, the different containers including at least a first container and a second container. The apparatus preferably comprises: a housing sized such that each of the different containers is removably receivable in the housing; a burner assembly for receiving and burning gas fuel from each of the different containers; a stand or other elevating structure positionable in the housing for elevating and retaining the first container in the housing in an operating position, the elevating structure being removable from the housing for placing the second container in the housing in its operating position; and an adaptor removably attachable between the second container and the burner assembly.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid container for use with a cam-activated fluid outlet connector. The container includes a canister, for containing pressurized fluid and a canister cap sealing an end of the canister. The cap includes (i) a base, (ii) a pedestal protruding from the base, the pedestal including a non-cylindrical camming surface adapted to engage a corresponding surface of the cam-activated connector, (iii) a fluid outlet disposed through the pedestal, and (iv) an annular perimeter wall extended from the base around the pedestal, the perimeter wall having a groove therein.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus comprising a burner (2) and a cylindrical casing (10) which is arranged round the burner and extends upwardly therefrom. A cooking vessel (40) may be placed in the casing (10), its upper portion hanging on the casing's upper edge. On the cooking vessel there is placed a lid (50) which rests on the cooking vessel (40). In the upper portion of the casing (10) there are provided therein radially through-going openings (32). The lid (50) has a through-going hole and between the lid (50) and the cooking vessel (40) there extend passages (66) via which the space outside the casing (10) can communicate with the space (82) in the cooking vessel (40). A tubular jacket (70) of a fireproof, flexible material extends over the lid (50) and on the outside of the casing (10).

Abstract: A miniature outdoor cooking unit for burning alcohol fuels consisting of a two piece Stove Bottom/Stove Top assembly, pot stand clips which act to support the Stove Bottom/Stove Top assembly as well as support the item(s) to be heated, and a burner Pre-Heat Pad on which the entire assembly rests. The intended design and operation of this stove results in self-pressurization of the Stove Bottom/Stove Top assembly. This self-pressurization perpetuates stove operation through continuous fuel vaporization in the Stove Bottom/Stove Top assembly and eliminates the need for any wick or fuel absorbing mass, thus differentiating it from any known designs.

Abstract: A kit, from which a stove, a heater, and a lantern can be assembled from a minimum of components. Toward accomplishing this, components of the kit can be used in the assembly of more than one of the options stove, heater, and lantern. Thus, a straight valve/aspirator unit of the kit serves for all three options, and a burner and elbow serves in both of the options stove and heater.

Abstract: A burner case (14) has at least one burner (11) therein and has an upper surface (12) formed with at least one opening (13). A flame produced by the burner (11) is introduced externally through the opening (13) for heating an object put on the upper surface (12) of the burner case (14). The upper surface (12) of the burner case (14) is formed along the opening (13) with an upwardly projecting louver (15). The louver acts as a windshield for the flame. For instance, the opening (13) is an annular opening, and the louver (15) is formed in inclination along the annular opening at an outer edge of the annular opening.

Abstract: A warming device having a base plate on which is positioned a heat source. A plurality of carrier struts are pivotally mounted with respect to the base plate and are circumferentially arranged and each have a part surface. The part surfaces together form a standing surface. On the carrier struts are arranged lugs which each has an eccentric platelet and a lug pin. An actuation element, such as an annular disk, has radial slots into which the lug pins engage. By rotating the actuation element all carrier struts can be pivoted with the part surfaces to vary a size of the standing surface.

Abstract: A food service system for supporting a tray includes a frame, a pair of legs pivoted to the frame, and a pair of heater supports pivoted to the legs. In a non-deployed state, the legs and heater supports lie in a common plane for compact transport and storage. In the deployed state, the legs diverge from the frame, and the heater supports extend in a plane below the frame.

Abstract: A barbecue grill with multiple functions has a base, a body securely mounted on the top face of the base, at least one barbecue holder detachably held in the body, a main frame mounted on the top edge of the body and a heater pivotally mounted in the main frame. A thermo-conductive pan is detachably mounted on the main frame and abuts the heater. By such an arrangement, the barbecue grill can cook on the pan or roast foods in the body by the heater when the heater is rotated relative to the main frame upward or downward. Consequently, the functional use of the barbecue grill will be improved.

Abstract: A portable outdoor cooker is provided which includes a round, sheet-like heat transfer plate adapted for easy movement between operative and inoperative positions by a single person. The heat transfer plate has an upwardly facing convex cooking surface with a downwardly directed outer rim around the periphery. The convex cooking surface is smooth and continuous and has sufficient slope to cause any juices produced by cooking food to run off the outer rim. A drip pan is disposed under the outer rim to collect the juices. The portable outdoor cooker also includes a frame assembly with a stand, a suspension device and a shell. The frame assembly is configured to support and position the heat transfer plate, drip pan and burner in relation to one another. The shell includes open top and bottom ends and a sidewall. The sidewall surrounds and deflects wind from the burner. The heat transfer plate rests upon the suspension device and is thereby positioned over the burner in the operative position.

Abstract: There is provided a portable gas cooking stove, including (a) a mixture gas pipe having an open end through which a mixture gas of combustible gas and air is exhausted, (b) a burner head connected to the mixture gas pipe in a hermetically sealed condition and having at least one opening at a surface thereof, the mixture gas blowing out through the opening, (c) an igniter igniting the mixture gas blowing out through the opening of the burner head, and (d) a windscreen surrounding the burner head and formed with a flame hole facing the opening of the burner head, the igniter being located outside the windscreen in facing relation to the flame hole. The portable gas cooking stove makes it no longer necessary to provide a net to an inner wall of a burner head, which was necessary to do in a conventional gas cooking stove, ensuring reduction in a period of time necessary for fabricating a flame hole and simplification in steps of fabricating a flame hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the amount of fuel in a fuel tank for a barbecue grill is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first housing member having indicator marks on an indicator wall thereof, a second housing member slidably engaging the first housing member and further securing the fuel tank, and a spring member connected to the first and second housing members to provide a resistive force to oppose the downward movement force of the fuel tank. The second housing member has a gauge wall with openings such that the gauge wall at least partially overlies the indicator wall of the first housing member to progressively expose indicator marks through the openings. The exposed indicator marks provide a readout of the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A supporting device used to securely mount a selectively removable portable stove and a fuel tank to a planar supporting structure without the use of hand tools. A base which includes an upper surface, lower surface, stove receiving region and tank receiving region has positioned above the stove receiving region a stove mounting plate. The stove mounting plate is positioned a fixed distance above the upper surface of the base. The spacing insulates the base from the heat of the stove.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking stove assembly includes a burner tube, a plurality of support legs and a fuel supply pipe. The burner tube is adapted to receive fuel from the fuel supply pipe through an open lower end portion of the burner tube. The fuel is ignitable within a combustion chamber of the burner tube such that a sustained flame projects upwardly through the burner tube and out from an upper end portion thereof. One support leg is fixedly mounted to the burner tube while the other support legs are pivotally mounted thereto. Each pivotally mounted support leg is pivotally movable relative to the burner tube and fixedly mounted support leg between first and second angularly-spaced positions. Each pivotally mounted support leg in the first position is disposed adjacent and in a generally parallel relationship to the fixedly mounted support leg such that the assembly is in a collapsed condition for storage and transport of the assembly.

Abstract: A portable gaseous fuel heated cooker which connects via flexible hose to a pressurized gas source such as a propane bottle. The cooker as such comprises four parts, a round bottom wok-like disk, a burner unit, a tubular post and a coplanar base. The disk has a threaded stud depending therefrom which is threadably received in the top of the burner unit, the bottom of the burner unit is similarly connectable to the tubular post which, in turn, is similarly connectable to the base. The burner unit has radial flanges which extend a short distance above a cylindrical shield of the burner unit, the overall unit is about thirty-two inches in height but with the tubular post removed is about twelve inches in height.

Abstract: A patio table and outdoor barbecue combination in which a burner pit is positioned in the upper section of a table central, hollow-core pedestal, and can be covered when not in use by a lid flush with the upper surface of the table slab. In the charcoal-fuel embodiment, the cooking griddle, charcoal plate, and ash-collecting bucket are held at successively space-apart levels within the inner wall of the burner pit which has an inverted frusto-conical shape. In the gas-fired embodiment, a small propane canister is conveniently located under the table top.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus enables a user to cook (boiling, steaming or frying). The apparatus includes a burner having a base that is specially shaped to cradle a pot. An upper ring extends above the support surface of the burner for engaging the sidewall of the pot should the pot be tipped inadvertently. A table removably attaches to the burner frame, preferably at the upper ring. The burner can include an upper ring member that is supported above the bottom of the pot and a lower ring member that engages an underlying supporting ground surface. Alternatively, the burner frame has a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending legs. Struts are shaped and cradle the bottom of the pot and its sidewall respectively.

Abstract: An open grill assembly, with a radiant heating sheet, can be assembled together into a rigid grill, with rods forming a frame supporting the radiant sheet and the grid in a spaced apart relationship. The components can be disassembled into a compact bundle, preferably a flat bundle. When assembled, in a preferred embodiment, the radiant heating sheet is adapted to rest on the top of the burner, so that the rods forming the frame need not touch the ground, allowing a single, economical design to be used with most, and perhaps all, commercially available burners. In operation, the burner heats the radiant heating sheet and radiant heat from the sheet cooks food on the grid.

Abstract: The wire stand of the present invention includes an upper rim of wire steel in a substantially rectangular configuration, a lower rim of wire steel of similar configuration and a plurality of wire legs affixed at one end thereof to the upper rim and affixed to the lower rim such that the upper rim and lower rim lie in substantial parallel alignment to one another with the wire legs extending below the lower rim to maintain the lower rim a fixed distance above the support upon which the stand is placed. Each wire leg includes an offset for forming a substantially horizontal displacement of the wire leg relative to its point of attachment to the upper rim so that the wire legs of one wire stand can readily nest within another wire stand without significant wedging.

Abstract: The present invention is an outdoor cooking rack apparatus. The invented outdoor cooking rack apparatus comprises a grooved support post for support of cooking platforms, and a cooking platform for supporting a pot, grill or other device over a campfire. Additionally, the invented apparatus may also comprise a kettle hook attached to the apparatus for holding a kettle or other pot over a campfire. The cooking platforms contain a leveling bend in their attachment arm allowing them to hold pots and other utensils in a level position.

Abstract: A portable gas burner which is usable in remote areas without electricity is provided for use as a fire place burner, or as a camp fire burner or as a stove burner or as a grill burner. The novel gas burner comprises a base unit onto which is mounted a hollow ceramic fiber top which is connected to the base unit so as to form a gas manifold therebetween for receiving a mixture of gas and air. A manually operable gas valve means in said base unit is connected to a gas supply. The valve when opened allows a mixture of gas and air to flow through a gas line into the gas manifold until such time as a temperature thermocouple sensing element is heated sufficiently to hold manually operable gas valve open.

Abstract: A collapsible fuel-burning stove includes a burner assembly and a collapsible frame for supporting the burner assembly, the frame including a plurality of support members, the support members being pivotal relative to one another about a common axis on which the burner assembly is supported.

Abstract: The wire stand of the present invention includes an upper rim of wire steel in a substantially rectangular configuration, a lower rim of wire steel of similar configuration and a pair of wire legs with each formed as an integral unit with each wire leg affixed at one end thereof to the upper rim and affixed to the lower rim such that the upper rim and lower rim lie in substantial parallel alignment to one another and extending below the lower rim to maintain the lower rim a fixed distance above the support upon which the stand is placed.

Abstract: A miniature gas stove support mainly including lower seat and upper locating ring distantly connected to one another by vertical bars, three equally spaced outward inclined legs connected to a bottom of the seat, and multiple petal-shaped wind shielding members connected to and along a top of the locating ring. Bolts are threaded downward to screw the locating ring and the vertical bars together while head portions of the bolts project from the locating ring to adjustably support a cooking utensil above a burner of the miniature gas stove. The petal-shaped wind shielding members fixed along the locating ring effectively shield the burner from wind to avoid undesired extinguishment of fire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable stove mounting apparatus used to securely mount a removable portable stove to a planar supporting structure without the use of hand tools. The portable stove mounting apparatus includes a planer base supporting structure wherein connecting devices secure the portable stove and fuel supply to the planer base supporting structure. Insulation is disposed between the connecting devices and the planar supporting structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable stove. The portable stove comprises a body member which contains burners. The portable stove includes shelves which lock into place onto the body member during use and storage. A griddle having a heat dispersement plate is removably mounted to the body member above the burner. Legs are hingedly and slidingly attached to the body member. The legs may be folded to either a standing position or a carrying position. Accordingly, the shelves, griddle and legs may be secured to the stove during storage.

Abstract: A retrofitable wind screen for portable gas cookers. The device, made of sheet metal, readily adjusts to fit almost any portable gas cooker and fits around the outside of the cooker frame extending a minimum of three inches above the cooker grate. The device shields the gas flame from the effects of wind and increases the overall cooking efficiency of a gas cooker. Finally, because the device extends above the cooking surface, it provides a measure of safety by preventing the accidental movement of a cooking utensil from the cooking surface.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus enables a user to cook either by steaming or by boiling. The apparatus includes a burner having a base that is specially shaped to cradle a pot. An upper ring extends above the support surface of the burner for engaging the sidewall of the pot should the pot be tipped inadvertently. A removable basket fits the pot interior, the basket having a base that registers against the bottom of the pot and a vertically extending portion that includes hooks for receiving a bail that can then removably attach to the basket at the periphery of the pot. The burner includes an upper ring member that is supported above the bottom of the pot and a lower ring member that engages an underlying supporting ground surface. Struts extend between the rings are shaped and cradle the bottom of the pot and its sidewall respectively.

Abstract: A connector is provided for securing a conduit to a fluid source, which source includes a noncircular cylindrical pedestal having a fluid source outlet extending therethrough and an annular groove surrounding the pedestal. The connector includes an inlet port engageable with the fluid source outlet and an outlet port in fluid communication with the inlet port and engageable with the conduit. A collet includes a base, and a plurality of fingers extending from the base substantially parallel to an axis of the inlet port, each finger being disposed a common radial distance from the axis of the inlet port and including a radially extending pawl spaced from the base. An annular cam has a noncircular cylindrical receptacle correspondingly engageable with the noncircular cylindrical pedestal of the fluid source and having an axis coincident with the axis of the inlet port.

Abstract: The wire stand of the present invention includes an upper rim of wire steel in a substantially rectangular configuration, a lower rim of wire steel of similar configuration and a plurality of wire legs affixed at one end thereof to the upper rim and affixed to the lower rim such that the upper rim and lower rim lie in substantial parallel alignment to one another with the wire legs extending below the lower rim to maintain the lower rim a fixed distance above the support upon which the stand is placed. Each wire leg includes an offset for forming a substantially horizontal displacement of the wire leg relative to its point of attachment to the upper rim so that the wire legs of one wire stand can readily nest within another wire stand without significant wedging.

Abstract: The invention provides a table accessory to an outdoor grill accessory, which is a pair of opposed work surfaces in the form of side tables. The accessory is easily retrofitted to the fire bowl of a conventional kettle type grill. In an illustrated embodiment, novel clips hook into the rim slot of the bowl to advantageously prevent air leaks. One or both of the side tables can be folded down when not in use. The accessory, when installed on the grill, does not impede the portability of the grill.

Abstract: An LPG canister connector for a combustion appliance having a flow path from a canister containing liquid fuel and having a cap with outlet means at the upstream end of the flow path, a valve assembly adapted to be connected to the cap and equipped with a conduit adapted to be connected to a combustion appliance at the downstream end of the flow path, and promoters for vaporization of said fuel being located intermediate the ends of the flow path.

Abstract: A safety device for a portable stove having a bottom portion, a mounting apparatus for removably securing the portable stove to a substrate of a vehicle, wherein the portable stove having a generally rectangular bottom portion, and a box-shaped frame with a rear side and sidewalls, and at least one burner mounted in the box-shaped frame; a safety/fastening means operably connected between the portable stove and substrate for removably fastening the portable stove and the substrate together and preventing the portable stove from sliding off the substrate; and the safety/fastening means being selected from the group consisting of suction cups, tangs, magnets and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A portable stand supports both a lighting device and a heating device, such as a lantern and a space heater or stove, and directs fuel to these devices from a single source. The lighting device and heating device are both quickly and easily mountable on the stand, enabling easy assembly and one-piece transport to an outdoor site where both heat and illumination are desired. The stand preferably is a unitary assembly with easy connection and disconnection of fuel lines, and is compact and allows close mounting against a wall or other structure, such as the wall of an ice-fishing house. Embodiments of the invention have application to fishing, particularly ice fishing, as well as to other outdoor activities such as photography, maintenance, farming, construction and utility work, to name a few.

Abstract: A lightweight stove stand for a portable backpack stove is provided with a thin base plate constructed from a thin sheet of polycarbonate resin with anchor clips on one end for attaching a stove base and hold-down means on the other end for attaching a fuel tank to the top surface. A cut-out area is provided in the base plate beneath the stove mounting and a thin aluminum heat shield is attached to the top surface of the base plate surrounding the stove. The heat shield is attached to the base plate by pop rivets or the like which extend through the base plate and provide anti-skid protrusions on the bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: A rugged, flatly folding, portable chafing dish assembly is comprised of a cover, food pan, water pan, collapsible stand and heat source. The collapsible stand is rectangular and is comprised of four rigid plates forming the sides of the rectangular stand which are rotatably coupled together by means of a flatly folding piano hinge. The hinge is integrally formed with the sides and can be disassembled for cleaning. The two lateral sides of the stand are identical and interchangeable, as are the two end sides. The rectangular stand is provided with apertures through the lateral and end sides, both for air access to create a heat draft for the burner source when placed within the stand, as well as access to the burners when the chafing dish assembly is assembled. A rigid rectangular tray extends the length of the stand and connects to the end sides along an access aperture edge thereby rendering the otherwise collapsible rectangular stand rigid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning a fuel delivery system contained within a lightweight, portable, liquid fuel component stove comprising a weighted needle contained within a fuel transmission chamber wherein shaking the chamber causes a cleaning end of the weighted needle to move in and out of an orifice in the chamber, so that the orifice is cleaned and fuel may be effectively transmitted from a fuel source through the orifice and to a burner.

Abstract: A portable gas cooking device for use outdoors, includes a cooking container, a gas burner, and a gas tank disposed within and stacked up from the top to the bottom of an insulated housing for cooking during transportation thereof without safety and leakage problems.

Abstract: A chafing dish assembly which contains a pair of rings that support a pair of heating elements located below a water tray. The water tray is elevated above the heating elements by a frame supported by a pair of pivoting legs. Located within the water tray are a pair of food dishes. The heating elements heat the water within the tray, which heats the food within the dishes. The frame has a bent top edge which provides a ledge for the water tray. The rings are cantilevered from the frame so that the weight of the heating elements deflect the rings away from the water tray. The height of the flame and the weight of the heating elements decrease as the fuel within the elements becomes expended. The reduction in the weight of the heating element induces an upward movement of the rings toward the water tray, wherein the smaller flame is moved into closer proximity with the tray to provide a more uniform heating process of the food.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for removably securing a portable stove to a fixture of a motor vehicle or boat includes a portable stove having a generally rectangular box shaped frame, a fileting board having a flat, generally rectangular upper surface portion and at least one side wall portion extending upward from one edge of the surface portion of the board. A first fastening means operably connects between the stove and the fileting board for removably fastening the stove and board together and preventing said stove from sliding off of the fileting board. The first fastening means includes a pair of elongated tang members each having one end fastened to the stove and another end extending through one of two apertures in the one side wall portion. A second fastening means operably connects between the fileting board and the boat fixture for removably securing said board to the fixture.

Abstract: The invention is a very lightweight pad or base for use with a small portable stove such as those used by backpackers or mountaineers. It provides a stable bearing surface when the stove is used on unstable surfaces such as snow or sand. The pad comprises an exterior frame which completely encloses a spider-like structure on which the stove rests. Preferably two legs of the spider have upstanding cleats to engage the base of the stove. A third leg has an attached spring which also engages the stove base to bias it firmly against the cleats and hold the stove in place. These legs are preferably spaced about 120.degree. apart. The spider may contain additional legs to increase strength and bearing surface. Since the cleats are of very low profile the pad is essentially planar and takes up little space in a backpack.

Abstract: A multi-purpose gas heated cooking apparatus has a framework rack for holding a cooking container to be heated to cook the container's contents. The cooking apparatus has a shelf which can be positioned in a plurality locations within the framework rack for supporting a cooking container and the cooking apparatus has a centrally positioned hook at the top of the framework for hanging a cooking container such as a hanging kettle. A cooking container supported within the apparatus can be heated with propane gas burned in a specially adapted propane gas burner which itself can at least partially support a cooking container. The shelf and the specially adapted propane burner can be positioned in several different ways depending upon the type of cooking to be done and cooking container to be used. The apparatus can be alternately used for frying, stewing in an old-fashioned type kettle, deep-frying in an old-fashioned type kettle, steaming, or grilling.