Abstract: A one-piece, integral metallic cantilever-mounted shelf unit (10) for kettle-type barbeque grills (14) is provided which provides a sturdy, stable work surface which can be readily attached and detached from a grill (14) without grill modification or use of fasteners. The shelf unit (10) includes opposed upper and lower panels (22, 24) interconnected by an outermost bight section (26). Mounting structure (28) in the form of a lip (30) and flange (34) form a part of the upper and lower panels (24, 26), respectively, and allow attachment of the shelf unit (10) to a grill unit (14) in a cantilever fashion while still permitting use of the grill lid. The upper and lower panels (24,26) are preferably provided with stamped depressions (36) and corresponding slots (38); this provides additional strength, allows liquid drainage and facilitates air cooling of the shelf unit (10). A series of hook bodies (44) are preferably formed in the lower panel (24), allowing storage of barbeque utensils.

Abstract: A collapsible camping range for use in a camping environment. The camping range can utilize a collapsible wall structure that facilitates portability. In addition, a multi-purpose cover to the camping range can be utilized to serve as a cover for the oven, a griddle for the cooking of food, a wash basin or basin for boiling water, and a receptacle in which the other parts of the camping range can be stowed. The camping range can be fabricated with oven walls that allow the oven chamber to be expanded for the cooking of large foods, such as for use as a pig roaster. Removable fuel containers can be utilized to facilitate the portability of the camping range as well as in a plurality of positions for heating purposes.

Abstract: An adjustable grill grid construction 10 including at least one generally rectangular open framework member 20 having a pair of opposed side channel elements 21, 22 and a centerline brace element 23 provided with a plurality of spaced transverse recesses 24 which are dimensioned to at least partially receive the intermediate portion 33 of a plurality of rod members 30 which are moveable relative to the framework member 20 and adapted to be captively engaged relative to the centerline brace element 23 by a bar clamp member 40 to vary the spacing of the rod members 30 relative to the framework member 20.

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 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: Four rectangular, planar, hingedly connected first walls are adapted to close around an appliance, such that each of the first walls is oriented vertically. Each of the first walls has a susbtantially triangular, substantially planar second wall hingedly connected thereto. The second walls are configured to rest in a substantially horizontal position extending from tops of the first walls when the enclosure is in use, the second walls forming an enclosure lid having an opening adapted to permit the appliance to extend there-through.

Abstract: A charcoal igniter which has a thermal barrier attached to the top of the charcoal ignition chamber. The thermal barrier restricts airflow though the charcoal chamber and retains heat within the chamber to accelerate the burning process. The thermal barrier is perforated to allow air to flow through at a reduced rate to retain hot gas from ignition within the charcoal chamber. The thermal barrier may contain thermally resistive material, such as granulated or crushed lava roc which both retains heat to accelerate the ignition and improves safety by filtering exhaust gases to prevent ash and sparks from escaping. The thermally resistive material also acts to re-radiate heat back into the charcoal chamber to further accelerate the ignition of the charcoal. The charcoal igniter has a central charcoal chamber to hold charcoal and a top mounted thermal barrier to prevent heat from escaping.

Abstract: A portable grill which permits adjustment of a food support platform in three dimensions. A ground support accepts a trussed stanchion and permits rotation of the stanchion. The ground support can be a tubular ground stake or may comprise a support stand. A swing arm is reciprocally mounted to the stanchion and supports one or more couplers having support hooks, a chain and an "S" hook. A harness is suspended from the S hook and secured to a cooking platform.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable device which is placed inside an oven to improve the cooking properties and contain splatter from food products. The interior surface of the cube is heat reflective material. Venturi holes are critically placed to circulate air flow and to improve the cooking characteristics and browning of food products.

Abstract: An alcohol fuel burner which comprises a fuel container having a base and a side wall, a cover for the upper portion of the container, the covering having a plurality of inlet apertures as well as a central aperture, draft control means to control the amount of air permitted through the air inlet apertures, an inner chimney extending upwardly from the centrally located aperture and an outer chimney extending upwardly from the fuel container with the outer chimney being spaced from the inner chimney. The device permits efficient burning of the fuel in the container.

Abstract: A tray for use with a barbecue having one or more griddles partly or wholly outlying or able to outlie the base of the barbecue wherein the tray is locatable beneath the griddles or the parts of griddles outlying the base to direct fat falling therefrom to the base is described. The tray is particularly suitable for use with multi-level hooded barbecues.

Abstract: A portable cooking device is disclosed that includes a main housing having an open top and an insulation layer attached to the inner surface of the main housing, a burner housing having an insulation layer attached to the outer surface of the main housing, and wherein the burner housing is disposed within the burner housing to define an air passage between the main housing and the burner housing. The base of the burner housing includes a plurality of apertures. The main housing includes a plurality of apertures near its upper edge. Air flows through the apertures of the main housing down through the air passage and into the apertures at the base of the burner housing. A cooking grate is disposed on top of the burner housing. The cooking grate and the burner housing include mounting features that provide two additional distinct cooking heights. The cooking grate includes a cooking surface offset from its mounting ring which permits the grate to be turned upside down and achieve two distinct cooking heights.

Abstract: A portable cooking grill assembly includes a ground penetratable base which is essentially a screw mechanism, a support shaft which is detachably mounted to the screw mechanism, a ground stabilizer member which mounts about the support shaft and which has an extended portion which rests upon the ground to help prevent tipping over of the ground penetratable base, a grill bracket mounted upon and adjustable along the support shaft, and a grill member having two grill sections hingedly attached to each other, the grill member being detachably mounted to the grill bracket and being suspended above the ground at selected heights and being disposed generally horizontally. The portable cooking grill assembly can be quickly and easily set up and taken apart and stored in a carrying case which takes up very little space and can be stored in places where conventional cooking grills are too big and can be taken anywhere.

Abstract: A collapsible multi-level baking rack assembly includes a plurality of racks, at least one connector leg and at least one leg retainer. Each rack includes at least one horizontally projecting lug. Each connector leg defines a plurality of substantially horizontal, vertically spaced slots for removably receiving a lug of one of the racks to support and space apart the plurality of racks. The retainer leg mutually engages a lug of each rack and the connector leg to retain each lug in each slot of the connector leg.

Abstract: A barbecue adapted for portability and being gas-fired. A parallel smoker plate assembly intermediate a gas burner and a cooking plane enhances heat transfer to provide even cooking heat across the entire cooking area. Each of two parallel plates in the smoker plate assembly have offset aperture patterns that facilitate the transfer of heat while preventing the accumulation of liquids from any food in the combustion chamber. A burner assembly with an open-ended tube receives fuel from a pressurized gas bottle having a regulator and discharge tube that readily connects to a detaches from one end of the barbecue. When detached, the gas bottle, regulator and discharge tube stow readily within the barbecue. Integral, pivotal leg structures lying within the combustion chamber shift between stowed positions where they are positioned interiorly of the exterior surface of a barbecue and supporting positions where they stably support the barbecue on a surface.

Abstract: A foldable outdoor cooking device having wall assemblies which are hinged and foldable and when erected form an enclosure. Hangers are detachably securable to the enclosure to support a cooking grill above the enclosure. The device may be used with gaseous fuels or may be positioned on a pan so wood or charcoal may be used as a fuel. The grill has handles which may be extended to assist the user in moving the grill.

Abstract: A heat radiator for an outdoor cooking unit having a base. Formed in the upstanding walls of the base are openings for the entry of combustion air. Within the base and seated on the base above the combustion air openings is a fire grate. Above the fire grate and supported by the base is a cover. The cover includes a generally flat, horizontal top plate that is formed with parallel rows and columns of relatively small openings for the flow of hot air from the heat radiator. The openings formed in the top plate are sufficiently large to inhibit the accumulation of foreign material thereon and are sufficiently small to inhibit the rapid burning of fuel elements on the fire grate.

Abstract: A barbecue grill assembly includes a first bowl, a second bowl disposed on the first bowl, a grate disposed on the second bowl, a bolt and a crank. The first bowl has a first bottom and a first skirt, a central tube extending from the first bottom thereof and two first slots are defined in a periphery of the central tube and each disposed diametrically opposite in the central tube, a second slot is defined in the first skirt. The second bowl has a second bottom and a second skirt, the second bottom for charcoal disposed thereon has a central hole and a plurality of vents defined therein and a long tube has a first end having a receiving hole defined therein for a stud extending downwardly from the grate inserted therein and a second end inserted in the central tube, the second end of the long tube has a U-shaped tunnel defined therein such that the bolt extends through the second slot, the first slots and the U-shaped tunnel to engage to a nut.

Abstract: Portable barbecue apparatus comprising a series of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced grill rods; and laterally extending, longitudinally spaced cables connected to the rods; the cables being flexible, whereby the rods and cables may be rolled up into a bundle for transport, and unrolled to form a cooking grill.

Abstract: The invention relates to an outdoor cooking system which is portable and collapsible, and which is adaptable for use as a fuel ignitor, as a food warmer and as a cook stove. The system includes an upstanding combustion tube which incorporates an elongate, tubular fire chamber and a plurality of flaps extending perimetrically from at least one of the fire chamber's ends. The flaps are pivotally adjustable so as to accommodate control over the fire chamber's intake and outflow of air. Food is cooked using a conventional cooking utensil which rests across the upper opening of the tube. A radial tray extends about the perimeter of the fire chamber.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking unit comprises a hollow, hemispherical base that increases in diameter from top to bottom. Detachably secured to the hemispherical base is a hollow, hemispherical firebox that decreases in diameter from top to bottom. Supported by the firebox is a hollow, hemispherical cover that increases in diameter from top to bottom. Disposed within the firebox is an adjustable fuel element holder, which is contractable and expandable to regulate the concentration and diffusion of heat provided by the fuel elements. A heat sensitive device controls the expansion of the fuel element holder in accordance with the intensity of the heat in the firebox.

Abstract: A portable fire ring comprises a plurality of curved sections which are secured together in an end-to-end relationship to form a semi-circle. A grill extension is then assembled and connected to the ends of the semi-circle. A pivotal grill extends over the grill extension to permit the fire chamber of the grill section to be opened to enable coals to be placed in the fire chamber. Disassembled, the fire ring may be lifted and moved to the desired position or moved to a new location. The portable fire ring is easily assembled and disassembled and may be carried in a bag or the like when disassembled.

Abstract: A roll-up portable table or cooking grill which presents, when in an open first condition for use, a relatively flat, substantially rectangular, upwardly facing table adapted to be supported to define a generally horizontal rigid cooking surface. When in a rolled up second condition for transport or storage, the table is configured to be contained within a generally cylindrical container. The portable table or grill includes a plurality of bars, each having a straight, stiff, longitudinally extending, central rod spaced from and mutually parallel with respect to every other central rod; and two generally J-shaped hook portions, one at each end of that rod. The J-shaped hook portions of each bar each include a shank, a first end of which extends integrally from one end of the rod. These hook portions each include a hook which extends integrally from a second end of the shank.

Abstract: A charcoal starter apparatus for use in combination with a conventional hibachi. A rectangular housing rests on the top perimeter of the hibachi, and is clamped to the underside top edge of the hibachi. The sidewalls of the housing have passageways for air supply ducts, with the outlets of the ducts resting in removable troughs in the interior base of the hibachi. The outlet ends of the ducts and deflectors attached to the troughs support the grates of the hibachi. A removable, truncated, pyramidally shaped cover having a square exhaust inlet with a vertical collar supports a square exhaust stack, with an inverted U-shaped cap attached to the top of the stack.

Abstract: A combustion heater/pot combination for rapid and efficient heating of liquids and foodstuffs comprises a cylindrical shell enclosing both a heat source and a container whereby products of combustion are constrained to flow through an annular flue defined by the shall wall and the container within and spaced from the shell wall by guide elements. The shell is elevated above a support surface, such as the ground or a hearth, by a plurality of struts, whereby air is admitted to a combustion zone. The struts are releasably engaged to the shell by structures which assure stability of attachment. Combustion air preheat and/or draft control shells resting on the support surface may embrace the shell strut combination for improved efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combustion chamber apparatus, particularly for use with covered kettle cookers. The chamber apparatus comprises a hollow open ended chamber arranged to receive a firelighting cake therein, an apertured grill located above the chamber and spaced apart therefrom, an apertured plate mounted on an upper surface of the chamber, the plate and the grill serving to define an upper space in fluid communication with the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: A food warmer unit for use in the field comprises a vessel having walls to form a chamber and a recloseable cover. An inlet port is in communication with the chamber as is an outlet port. The vessel also has a restricting means to hold food canisters in a submerged state within the chamber during use. The food warmer unit is readily connected to a portable heating unit to provide hot water in the chamber and a means to warm food canisters.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking unit in which a foldable pedestal stand supports above the ground a foldable firebox with an inverted, truncated pyramidal configuration. Disposed within the firebox is a fire grate. A cooking grill is disposed above the fire grate. The foldable pedestal stand includes a foldable pillar having an inverted, truncated pyramidal configuration. The firebox is supported by the pillar of the pedestal stand. The pedestal stand also includes a foldable base which supports the foldable pillar. The pillar is detachably secured to the base. A cover plate and a clamping plate are secured to panels of the firebox along the quadrilateral lower perimeter thereof to rigidify the firebox while in the extended state.

Abstract: An improved folding burner apparatus which is characterized by three support legs, two of which legs are each provided with a compression leg fitting for pivotally mounting the support legs on a burner pipe in foldable relationship. Each of the leg fittings is further provided with a leg stop which contacts the burner pipe when the legs are deployed, to prevent the legs from folding excessively when the burner apparatus is oriented in functional configuration. The third leg is fixed to a leg collar which is rigidly attached to the burner pipe and serves to stabilize a gas inlet line which terminates inside the bottom area of the burner pipe.

Abstract: Barbecue apparatus including a housing, a motor having a rotatable output shaft mounted on the housing, and a support shaft for supporting meat within the housing connected to the output shaft. Mechanical interconnects of a specified character are employed to facilitate installation and removal of the support shaft.

Abstract: The accessory shelves are detachably hung on pins, allowing the shelves to be rotated to a folded down and stored position, or to be rotated to a horizontal locked position for use. The shelves are attachable and detachable without the use of tools or fasteners. The optional side burner is detachably held in a similar fashion, but with an additional locking bolt to prevent inadvertent pivotal rotation from the horizontal position.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking unit in which a pedestal stand supports above the ground a firebox with an inverted, truncated pyramidal configuration. Disposed within the firebox is a fire grate. A cooking grill is disposed above the fire grate. The pedestal stand includes a pillar having an inverted, truncated pyramidal configuration. The firebox is supported by the pillar of the pedestal stand.

Abstract: A cooking device including a deep pan having a funnel located centrally in the bottom thereof through which heat may rise and circulate in the interior areas of the pan. The pan may also include a griddle which acts as a cover, the heat funnel being adjacent the bottom surface of the griddle when the griddle is covering the pan. Heat may channel from the heat source through the heat funnel to evenly heat the bottom of the griddle as it evenly heats the interior of the pan. The invention also includes a novel handle arrangement on the griddle and pan. The handles are lockable in their upright position if desired in order to stabilize and prevent rotation of the griddle or pan when being lifted. A heat cone may also be placed over the heat funnel to somewhat insulate food inside the pan from direct contact with the heat funnel. A cover which will fit over the entire griddle surface, or alternatively, directly over the pan itself, is also included.

Abstract: A roll-up cooking grill assembly presents, when in an open condition for use, a relatively flat, substantially rectangular, upwardly facing cooking table; and, when in a rolled up condition for cleaning and for storage, is configured to fit inside of a cylindrical case. The rectangular cooking table is made up of a plurality of mutually parallel, spaced-apart, transversely extending rods. Each side plate of two sets of longitudinally extending overlapping side plates is permanently connected to the ends of two immediately adjacent rods. Each side plate has a leading end portion permanently mounted with respect to an outer end of a first of said rods, an intermediate portion permanently mounted with respect to an immediately adjacent second rod in trailing direction, and a trailing end finger portion extending into interfering relation above a third rod immediately adjacent the second rod in trailing direction. Each end of each rod is permanently mounted to two adjacent side plates.

Abstract: A new type of portable, collapsible wood burning stove that can be easily disassembled and assembled for use with very small pieces of wood or coal and when so used is environmently efficient comprising relatively small front and back metal plates having along both sides a cut out slot extending from the bottom edge, two other plates having along both sides a cut out slot extending from the top edge, the front and back plates being removably joined to the side plates to form a box structure by having the cut out slots of the front and back plates inserted down into the slots of the other plates, the height of the front and back plates being adjust so that their top edges are above the edges of the other plates and air space remains below the bottom edge of the of such plates, a metal grate and ash pan being inserted inside the box structure and held in place by protruding elements from the side plates, and method for using the same.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a pivotable cooker that can be used for smoking food in one position and grilling food in another position. The housing has two open ends and is pivotable about the middle section. When one open end is disposed on top, the grill is constructed so that smoking can take place. Pivoting the grill around the pivot point then allows the cooker to be used for grilling. The slidable components allow smoking and grilling to be performed immediately after the other without danger of burning and the outer housing is made of a plurality of sections that telescopically fit into each other so that a compact device results.

Abstract: A portable cooking apparatus is disclosed having a foldable firebox body made up of a bottom panel, a plurality of side panels sequentially hinged together and hingedly connected to the bottom panel and with each side panel hinged for folding the panel portions in overlapping relationship so that the side panels can be folded into a body closed position with the side panel portions overlapping for enclosing material such as a fuel supply, an igniter for the fuel supply, and utensils between the bottom panel and the folded overlapping side panels. With the side panel portions unfolded the body is in open position for supporting a cooking surface around the top edges of the side panels. The foldable body can include downwardly projecting bosses to position the body on a support surface, upwardly projecting bosses for supporting the fuel member, and apertures for air to aid in combustion.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking unit in which an inverted, truncated pyramidal firebox is supported in nested relation on a truncated pyramidal support member. A bendable, disposable and non-combustible liner is disposed along the inner surfaces of the firebox and contoured to conform to the configuration of the interior of the firebox. In another embodiment of the present invention, an outdoor cooking unit comprises an inverted, truncated pyramidal firebox made of bendable, disposable and non-combustible sheet material that is supported in nested relation on a truncated, pyramidal support member. Optionally, the truncated, pyramidal support member can be made of bendable, disposable and non-combustible sheet material.

Abstract: A portable grill is disclosed. The grill includes a rectangular volume which encloses a heat source with an ash tray for the burned fuel in the base thereof. A grid covers the open cooking surface of the rectangular volume. The housing forming the unit further includes stair-stepped hinged side panels which serve to support food holding accessories. The unit folds in a closed compact unit including carrying handle.

Abstract: A cooking stove useful for all types of cooking, having a semi-conical outer housing and an inverted semi-conical firebox inserted therein. The firebox has a set of openings in its periphery towards the bottom portion thereof which the covered by a ring having similar openings which can be rotated to allow air to flow into the firebox or to prevent the flow of air into the firebox. The housing also has openings which allows air to flow into the area between the housing and the firebox. The interior of the firebox contains a fuel rack upon which fuel such as charcoal briquets or the like may be placed and ignited. The stove can be covered with a grill upon which food may be cooked, or other utensils may be placed on the stove such as wok, a Dutch oven, a steamer, etc.

Abstract: A fire grate is formed with a slot configured to receive a narrow dimensioned section of a briquette. The walls surrounding the slot support the briquette in vertical orientation with the narrow dimensioned section of the briquette extending upwardly. Combustion air or gas flows through the slot for exposing the briquette to the combustion air or gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable trolley barbecue, which is built up to form a trolley barbecue with some table plates provided for allocation of certain articles thereon, and which is collapsed to become a portable configuration for carriage and storage. By way of two lateral curved frames arranged at both sides by slip joint to lock up the base of the oven at the time the component parts been arranged inside the base. The two curved frames are pushed outward to provide a respective handle for hands to push and pull, and for a table plate to place thereon. Four pieces of stands are collapsibly arranged at the four corners of the base of the oven, with one pair of the stands respectively connected with a wheel. A cover plate provided to cover the base of the oven at the time the oven is collapsed, is separated from the oven and connected with the four stands by releasable joints to provide a place below the base of the trolley barbecue for certain articles to arrange thereon.

Abstract: A cooking unit has a frame or a bowl-shaped vessel. Supported by the frame or bowl-shaped vessel is a horizontal support with a center opening therethrough. A firebox vessel with an open top depends from the horizontal support and is disposed in the center opening of the horizontal support. A fire grate on which fuel elements are seated is disposed in the firebox vessel below the center opening of the horizontal support. A cooking grill is disposed over the center opening of the horizontal support. Combustion air enters the firebox vessel through an opening above the fire grate other than the open top of the firebox vessel to supply combustion air to the burning fuel elements. The interior of the firebox vessel reflects the heat produced by the fuel elements toward the food on the cooking grill.

Abstract: A smokestack including an elongated tube means having an open bottom end for receiving smoke emanating from a campfire and an open top end for releasing the smoke into the atmosphere, and a base for supporting the tube means with its open bottom end directly above the campfire and defining openings that provide physical and visual access thereto. The elongated tube comprises a plurality of tube sections distributed along a longitudinal axis and having ends joined to form a composite tube.

Abstract: A fire grate is formed with a slot configured to receive a narrow dimensioned section of a briquette. The walls surrounding the slot support the briquette in vertical orientation with the narrow dimensioned section of the briquette extending upwardly. Combustion air or gas flows through the slot for exposing the briquette to the combustion air or gas.

Abstract: A portable field stove is adapted to assume a collapsed configuration for storage and a set-up configuration for supporting a utensil above a portable heat source. The stove includes self-locking features that wedge a bottom plate against a shoulder and against a front plate to lock the stove into the set-up configuration. The stove also includes cutouts, openings and holes which are arranged and configured to permit only the proper amount of air to flow into the stove and to direct that air so that it does not flow across the heat source. The cutouts, openings and holes are also arranged to establish an air flow pattern through the stove that efficiently uses the heat generated by the heat source. The stove can also be used in an inverted orientation.

Abstract: A portable cooking device having a centrally disposed burner, with utensil support members having short horizontal arms to hold small cooking utensils above the burner as well as having a shoulder configuration to hold a large pot. A removable annular retaining ring encircles the pot to prevent it from sliding. The burner has channels in the inner wall of the burner body to provide better burning of the fuel mixture.

Abstract: A removable ash collector is for use with barbecue grills having a central ash discharge opening, the grill being supported by outwardly and downwardly extending legs. The ash collector includes a conical support ring, having a downwardly and inwardly sloping inner surface, and a catch basin removably mounted beneath the support ring. The support ring has J-shaped slots in its upper edge by which the ring is mounted to the legs. The support ring acts as a guide for ashes discharged from the ash discharge opening and as the support element for the ash catch basin. The catch basin has a number of generally L-shaped hooks extending from its upper rim which engage appropriately shaped hook supports mounted to the support ring. This permits a catch basin filled with ashes to be removed without the mess or bother associated with conventional ash catchers of the type mounted directly to the legs.

Abstract: The invention provides an adjustable wagon for supporting a range of sizes of barbeques, the wagon includes a base and first and second end structures for attachment to the base at selected locations to extend upwardly in parallel from the base. The end structures can be spaced selected distances from one another according to the size of barbeque to be supported, and they include supports for receiving the barbeque between the end structures so that the barbeque becomes a structural element of the total assembly.

Abstract: A barbecue kettle has radially aligned slots in the hemispheroidal bottom thereof. A disc is mounted immediately above the center of the bottom for rotation about a vertical axis and has three arms secured thereto. A handle below the bottom is secured to the disc. The arms are generally triangular in cross-section and have distal edges fitting closely to the bottom. In one position, the arms cover the bowl openings, but may be rotated back and forth to push ash along the bottom of the bowl to the openings where it will fall out. The disc, arms and handle are designed to be assembled without using any tools.