Collapsible Pedestal Attachment for a Portable Cooking Device and Associated Methods
A pedestal for a cooking device comprises a main body including a base having a plurality of leg receiving passageways formed therein, sidewalls extending upwardly from the base, a passageway formed in a medial portion of the base and fastener receiving passageways formed in at least one of the sidewalls. The pedestal also includes a plurality of legs to be detachably connected to the base of the main body. The base and the sidewalls of the main body are adapted to engage a bottom portion of a cooking device to elevate the cooking device. The pedestal is moveable between an assembled position and a collapsed position. The assembled position of the pedestal is defined as the plurality of legs being connected to the main body. The collapsed position of the pedestal is defined by the plurality of legs being detached from the main body and being carried by the main body so that the main body and the plurality of legs are arranged in a substantially flat configuration.
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/330,031 titled Cooking Device And Associated Methods filed on Dec. 8, 2008 by the inventor of the present invention, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/074,371 titled Backpacker Oven filed on Jun. 20, 2008 by the inventor of the present invention, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to the field of cooking devices and, more particularly, to the field of attachments to portable cooking devices, and related methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn the field of camping, there is a need for a lightweight, portable, folding cooking device. This is particularly necessary for backpacking applications. More specifically, when engaging in the activity of backpacking, space for transporting items necessary during wilderness camping comes at a premium. In addition to the size of an item, the weight of an item may also play a major role in determining whether or not the item may be carried in the backpack.
It is especially essential when engaging in the activity of backpacking to reduce weight to be carried by the user. Equipment should generally be compact when not in use so as to fit into the confines of a backpack. Of course, when backpacking, certain foods have not generally been available due to the need to bake such foods. For example, pizzas, biscuits, cookies, muffins or any other foods that could be baked at home are normally difficult to be baked in the wilderness, especially without use of a stove.
Most devices used for camping stove applications include a single burner oven apparatus. Other devices used for wilderness cooking applications may use wood as a heating fuel. In most wilderness areas, however, open fires are not permitted. Accordingly, several portable devices that may normally have been used for cooking applications may be prohibited in some wilderness areas.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,604 to Deichler, Jr. discloses a collapsible smoker and oven device. The device includes a center assembly having a rear panel and two side panels hingedly connected thereto. A front panel having a lower door, a medial door, and an upper door is hingedly connected to one of the side panels. The side panels include a plurality of vents and the unit may be collapsed flat. The fire box may be moved to various positions so that the device may be used as a grill, smoker or oven. This device, however, includes several loose pieces that may require a complicated assembly process.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,591,828 to Schneider discloses a collapsible camp oven, stove top and grill. More specifically, the unit includes a top, a bottom and sidewalls that are adapted to be positioned between the top and the bottom. Once collapsed, the device may be taken apart into several pieces and positioned to be contained within the top and bottom which interlock with one another. Similar to the device disclosed in the Deichler, Jr. '604 patent, this device may include several loose pieces and require a somewhat complicated assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,229 to Blake discloses a portable cooking and heating device. The device includes a center assembly, and an external burner positioned adjacent the center assembly. The center assembly must be taken apart into several pieces in order to be collapsed. U.S. Pat. No. 6,546,845 to Lanzilli discloses a collapsible rotisserie grill and oven combination. The unit includes folding side panels that may be collapsed, but does not lie flat, and is likely not suitable for backpacking applications.
Many portable cooking devices are adapted to be positioned adjacent the ground, or upon a surface that it is being used. Depending on the fuel source that is used to heat the portable cooking device, it may be difficult to use the cooking device if it is not elevated. Accordingly, there is a need for a lightweight, functional cooking device for backpacking applications. More specifically, there exists a need for a collapsible cooking device that may be readily transported in a relatively small storage space and easily assembled with little complications and in a short amount of time. Further, there exists a need for a portable cooking device that may be assembled and disassembled while minimizing the possibility of losing loose parts. There also exists a need to elevate a portable cooking device when in use with a device that also takes up minimal space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a lightweight cooking device that is readily collapsible and may be stored in a small storage space. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a collapsible and portable cooking device that may be readily assembled and disassembled in a short period of time. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a cooking device that may be readily assembled and disassembled without the need of excessive loose parts. It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a pedestal to elevate a cooking device when in use.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are provided by a pedestal for a cooking device comprising a main body and a plurality of legs. The main body may include a base having a plurality of leg receiving passageways formed therein, and sidewalls extending upwardly from the base. The plurality of legs are preferably detachably connected to the base of the main body.
The base and the sidewalls of the main body may be adapted to engage a bottom portion of the cooking device to elevate the cooking device. The plurality of legs may extend through the base of the main body so that a top portion thereof may be positioned above the base of the main body when each of the plurality of legs is connected to the base. A portion of the main body and a portion of each of the plurality of legs are adapted to detachably engage a lower portion of the cooking device. The pedestal may be moveable between an assembled position and a collapsed position. The assembled position may be defined as the plurality of legs being connected to the main body. The collapsed position may be defined by the plurality of legs being detached from the main body and being carried by the main body so that the main body and the plurality of legs are arranged in a substantially flat configuration.
The base of the main body may include a passageway formed therethrough. The passageway may be centered in the base and adapted to be positioned adjacent a bottom portion of the cooking device. Accordingly, when the cooking device is positioned to overlie the pedestal, the cooking device may advantageously be elevated, and the passageway advantageously provides access for a fuel source to provide heat the cooking device.
The plurality of legs may be threadably connected to the base of the main body. The pedestal may also include a respective plurality of threaded inserts carried by the base of the main body to threadably receive the respective plurality of legs. Accordingly, the plurality of legs may advantageously be connected to the main body in a number of different ways.
The pedestal may also advantageously have fastener receiving passageways formed in the sidewalls of the main body. The fastener receiving passageways may each be adapted to receive a fastener therethrough. The fastener preferably engages the fastener receiving passageway and a vent of the cooking device to fasten the cooking device to the pedestal.
The pedestal may be adapted to be carried by the cooking device in a substantially flat configuration when the cooking device is in a collapsed position and the pedestal is in the collapsed position. Accordingly, the pedestal of the present invention advantageously provides a user the ability to elevate a cooking device without the need for additional storage space in a backpack, i.e., the pedestal may advantageously be carried by the cooking device when in the collapsed position, thereby eliminating any need for additional space within a backpack.
A method aspect of the present invention is for using a pedestal to elevate a cooking device. The method may include moving the pedestal from a collapsed position defined by a plurality of legs being detached from the base of the main body, to an assembled position defined by the plurality of legs being connected to the main body. The method may also include fastening the pedestal to the cooking device when the pedestal is in the assembled position. The pedestal may be fastened to the cooking device using a plurality of fasteners to be passed through the fastener receiving passageways and engage a portion of the cooking device.
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout and prime notation is used to refer to like elements in alternate embodiments.
Referring now to
The center assembly 12 is advantageously movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. In the expanded position, the side panels 20 of the center assembly 12 may be folded outwardly from the rear panel 18, and in the collapsed position, the side panels may be folded inwardly so that the side panels may be positioned adjacent the rear panel. The front panel 14 may be removably connected to the center assembly 12. More specifically, portions of the front panel 14 connect to end portions of the side panels 20 of the center assembly 12. The front panel is preferably defined by a front portion 46, and opposing side portions 48 connected to and extending outwardly from the front portion.
A lower portion of the side portion 48 of the front panel 14 preferably includes a passageway 50 formed therein. Similarly, an adjacent lower portion of each of the side panels 20 of the center assembly 12 includes respective pins 52 connected thereto. The passageways 50 formed on the side portions 48 of the front panel 14 preferably align with the pins 52 on the side panels 20 of the center assembly when the front panel is connected to the center assembly 12. Accordingly, when connecting the front panel 14 to the center assembly 12, a user may align the pins 52 with the passageways 50, and may engage the pins with the passageways so that the pins and passageways align and matingly connect with one another. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the front panel 14 may be connected to the center assembly 12 by other means as well. For example, fasteners may be used to fasten the front panel to the center assembly.
As illustrated, for example, in
The cooking device 10 may also include a plurality of supports 28. The plurality of supports may be connected to the side panels 20 of the center assembly 12 using a permanent connection, such as a welded connection, for example. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the plurality of supports 28 may be fastened to the side panels 20 of the center assembly 12 using removable connections. As perhaps best illustrated in
The cooking device may also include a diffuser plate 24. The diffuser plate 24 may be carried by the center assembly 12 when the center assembly is in the expanded position. The diffuser plate 24 is preferably positioned adjacent a lower portion of the center assembly 12. The supports 28 are preferably arranged along the side panels 20 of the center assembly 12 to support the diffuser plate 24. The diffuser plate 24 is, therefore, preferably carried by the lower most supports 28 that are fastened to the side panels 20 of the center assembly 12.
The cooking device 10 also illustratively includes a plurality of cooking surfaces 26 carried by the center assembly 12. The plurality of cooking surfaces 26 may, for example, be provided by cooking screens as understood by those skilled in the art. The cooking surfaces 26 are preferably positioned to overlie the diffuser plate 24. More specifically, and as perhaps best illustrated in
Referring now additionally to
As perhaps best illustrated in
The rear panel 18 and side panels 20 of the center assembly 12, as well as the front panel 14 illustratively include a plurality of vents 34. More particularly, each of the side panels 20 of the center assembly 12 preferably includes a lower side panel vent 40 and a plurality of upper side panel vents 42. The lower side panel vent 40 is preferably larger than the upper side panel vents 42. As illustrated, the lower side panel vent 40 is preferably positioned adjacent a lower portion of the side panel 20 of the center assembly 12. Further, the upper side panel vents 42 are preferably provided by cylindrical passageways positioned to overlie the lower side panel vent 40.
Further, the rear panel 18 of the center assembly 12 preferably includes a lower rear panel vent 74 and a plurality of upper rear panel vents 76. The lower rear panel vent 74 is preferably larger than the upper rear panel vents 76. As illustrated, the lower rear panel vent 74 is preferably positioned adjacent a lower portion of the rear panel 18 of the center assembly 12. The upper rear panel vents 76 are preferably provided by cylindrical passageways positioned to overlie the lower rear panel vent 74.
Similarly, the front panel 14 of the cooking device 10 includes a lower front panel vent 36 and a plurality of upper front panel vents 38. The lower front panel vent 36 is preferably positioned adjacent a lower portion of the front panel 14, and the upper front panel vents 38 are preferably provided by cylindrical passageways and positioned to overlie the lower front panel vent 36. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any number of vents 34 may be provided in the front panel 14 and side panels 20, and that the vents may be any shape or size to accomplish the goals and features of the present invention.
Referring now additionally to
As perhaps best illustrated in
The cooking device of the present invention 10 advantageously enhances ease of use and longevity by minimizing the number of parts necessary for assembly and use. For example, the plurality of supports 28 preferably include pins that matingly connect to passageways formed in the side panels 20 of the center assembly 12. As disclosed above, the supports 28 may also be permanently connected to the side panels. Similarly, the front panel 14 is preferably connected to the center assembly 12 using pins connected to the center assembly to also advantageously minimize the number of parts necessary to assemble and use the cooking device.
The present invention contemplates the use of fasteners to fasten the supports 28 to the side panels 20 of the center assembly 12 and to connect the front panel 14 to the center assembly. In such cases, the fasteners may, for example, be provided by thumb screws. Thumb screws are advantageously easily transportable and may be readily replaced should any be lost. Further, thumb screws may advantageously be used to fasten the supports 28 and the front panel 14 to the center assembly 12 without the use of tools.
The components of the cooking device 10 are preferably made of an aluminum material. More specifically, the preferred material is 0.025 aluminum alloy, but those having skill in the art will appreciate that any other aluminum alloy bearing similar characteristics ma also be used. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the use of aluminum is advantageous as it is light in weight. Accordingly, any other similar lightweight material having properties similar to aluminum may also be used to accomplish the goals and features of the present invention. As illustrated in
As perhaps best illustrated in
A method aspect of the present invention is for using a cooking device 10. The method may include moving the center assembly 12 from the collapsed position to an expanded position and connecting the front panel 14 to the center assembly 12 using a plurality of fasteners 30. The method may also include connecting the top panel 16 to upper portions of the center assembly 12. The method may further include disassembling the top panel 16 and the front panel 14 from the center assembly 12, and collapsing the center assembly 12 so that the collapsed center assembly, front panel, top panel, diffuser plate, and cooking surfaces may be transported in a substantially flat configuration.
Referring now additionally to
The base 104 of the main body 102 is adapted to engage a bottom portion of a cooking device 10 to elevate the cooking device. It is desirable to elevate the cooking device so that a fuel source may be positioned beneath the cooking device to provide heat thereto. As perhaps best illustrated in
As illustrated in
Accordingly, and with specific reference to
Referring now more specifically to
As illustrated in
The threaded inserts 118 preferably extend above the base 104 of the main body 102. This configuration advantageously allows a top portion of each of the threaded inserts 118 to illustratively engage a portion of the cooking device 10. More specifically, a bottom portion of the cooking device 10 may include pedestal receiving passageways formed therein to receive the threaded inserts 118. When the cooking device 10 is positioned to overlie the pedestal 100, the top portion of the threaded inserts 118 may engage the pedestal receiving passageways. This configuration advantageously enhances a connection between the pedestal 100 and the cooking device 10.
Although a threaded connection is illustrated in appended figures, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any other connection may be used to connect the plurality of legs 108 to the base 104 of the main body 102. For example, it is contemplated that a top portion of each of the legs may include a passageway formed therein and a key, or lock, may engage the passageway to fix the leg in place after It has been engaged with the base 104 of the main body 102. The top of each of the legs 108 may also include a snap lock that is spring loaded to allow for the legs to be fixed in place after engaged to the base 104 of the main body. In such a configuration, it is desirable for a user to unlock the leg 108 by disengaging the snap lock so that the leg can be disengaged from the base 104 of the main body 102.
Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 18 and 21-22, additional features of the pedestal 100 according to the present invention are now described in greater detail. More specifically, the sidewalls 106 of the main body 102 of the pedestal 100 preferably include a plurality of fastener receiving passageways 120 formed therein. As illustrated, it is preferable that one fastener receiving passageway 120 be formed in each of the sidewalls 106 of the main body 102 of the pedestal 100. Those having skill in the art, however, will appreciate that any number of fastener receiving passageways 120 may be formed in the sidewalls 106 of the main body 102 of the pedestal 100. The fastener receiving passageways 120 are each adapted to receive a fastener 122 there through. The fastener 122 preferably engages the fastener receiving passageway 120 formed in the sidewalls 106 of the main body 102 of the pedestal 100 and also a vent of the cooking device 10. This configuration advantageously enhances a connection between the cooking device 10 and the pedestal 100.
Referring now additionally to
A method aspect of the present invention is directed to using a pedestal 100 to elevate a cooking device 10. The method may include moving the pedestal 100 from the collapsed position to an assembled position. The step of moving the pedestal 100 from the collapsed position to the assembled position includes connecting the plurality of legs 108 to the main body 102. As previously discussed, the plurality of legs 108 may have a top portion 110 that is threaded. The threaded portion 12 of the legs 108 may be used to threadably connect the legs to the main body 102 of the pedestal 100 through the leg receiving passageways 114 formed therein. Further, the plurality of legs 108 may be threadably connected to threaded inserts 118 carried by the base 104 of the pedestal 100.
The method may also include fastening the pedestal 100 to the cooking device 10 when the pedestal is in the assembled position. The step of fastening the pedestal 100 to the cooking device 10 includes passing a fastener 122 through a fastener receiving passageway 120 formed in the sidewall 106 of the main body 102 of the pedestal and engaging the fastener 122 with a portion of the cooking device 10. More specifically, it is desirable that the fastener 122 engages a vent of the cooking device 10 to secure the cooking device to the pedestal 100. Accordingly, when the cooking device 10 is carried by the pedestal 100, the cooking device is advantageously elevated to provide an area for a fuel source to be positioned there under to heat an interior portion of the cooking device.
The components of the pedestal 100 are preferably made of an aluminum material. More specifically, the preferred material is 0.025 aluminum alloy, but those having skill in the art will appreciate that any other aluminum alloy bearing similar characteristics may also be used. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the use of aluminum is advantageous as it is light in weight. Accordingly, any other similar lightweight material having properties similar to aluminum may also be used to accomplish the goals and features of the present invention.
Referring now additionally to
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A pedestal for a cooking device comprising:
- a main body including a base having a plurality of leg receiving passageways formed therein, and sidewalls extending upwardly from the base; and
- a plurality of legs to be detachably connected to the base of said main body;
- wherein the base and the sidewalls of said main body are adapted to engage a bottom portion of the cooking device to elevate the cooking device;
- wherein said plurality of legs extend through the base of said main body so that a top portion thereof is positioned above the base of said main body when each of said plurality of legs is connected to the base;
- wherein a portion of said main body and a portion of each of said plurality of legs are adapted to detachably engage a lower portion of the cooking device; and
- wherein the pedestal is moveable between an assembled position and a collapsed position, the assembled position being defined as said plurality of legs being connected to said main body, the collapsed position being defined by said plurality of legs being detached from said main body and being carried by said main body so that said main body and said plurality of legs are arranged in a substantially flat configuration.
2. A pedestal according to claim 1 wherein the base of said main body includes a passageway formed therethrough.
3. A pedestal according to claim 2 wherein the passageway is centered in the base and adapted to be positioned adjacent a bottom portion of the cooking device.
4. A pedestal according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of legs are threadably connected to the base of said main body.
5. A pedestal according to claim 4 further comprising a respective plurality of threaded inserts carried by the base of said main body to threadably receive the respective plurality of legs.
6. A pedestal according to claim 1 further comprising fastener receiving passageways formed in the sidewalls of said main body.
7. A pedestal according to claim 6 wherein the fastener receiving passageways are each adapted to receive a fastener therethrough and wherein the fastener engages the fastener receiving passageway and a vent of the cooking device to fasten the cooking device to the pedestal.
8. A pedestal according to claim 1 wherein the pedestal is adapted to be carried by the cooking device in a substantially flat configuration when the cooking device is in a collapsed position and the pedestal is in the collapsed position.
9. A pedestal for a cooking device comprising:
- a main body including a base having a plurality of leg receiving passageways formed therein, sidewalls extending upwardly from the base, a passageway formed in a medial portion of the base and fastener receiving passageways formed in at least one of the sidewalls; and
- a plurality of legs to be detachably threadably connected to the base of said main body;
- wherein the base and the sidewalls of the main body are adapted to engage a bottom portion of a cooking device to elevate the cooking device; and
- wherein the pedestal is moveable between an assembled position and a collapsed position, the assembled position being defined as said plurality of legs being connected to said main body, the collapsed position being defined by said plurality of legs being detached from said main body and being carried by said main body so that said main body and said plurality of legs are arranged in a substantially flat configuration.
10. A pedestal according to claim 9 further comprising a respective plurality of threaded inserts carried by the base of said main body to threadably receive the respective plurality of legs.
11. A pedestal according to claim 10 wherein said respective plurality of threaded inserts extend upwardly from the base of said main body to engage a portion of the cooking device when the cooking device is carried by the pedestal.
12. A pedestal according to claim 9 wherein the fastener receiving passageways are each adapted to receive a fastener therethrough and wherein the fastener engages the fastener receiving passageway and a vent of the cooking device to fasten the cooking device to the pedestal.
13. A pedestal according to claim 9 wherein the pedestal is adapted to be carried by the cooking device in a substantially flat configuration when the cooking device is in a collapsed position and the pedestal is in the collapsed position.
14. A pedestal according to claim 9 wherein the base and the sidewalls of said main body are adapted to engage a bottom portion of a cooking device to elevate the cooking device.
15. A method of using a pedestal to elevate a cooking device, the pedestal comprising a main body including a base having a plurality of leg receiving passageways formed therein, sidewalls extending upwardly from the base, a passageway formed in a medial portion of the base and fastener receiving passageways formed in at least one of the sidewalls, the method comprising:
- moving the pedestal from a collapsed position defined by a plurality of legs being detached from the base of the main body and carried by the main body, to an assembled position defined by the plurality of legs being connected to the main body; and
- fastening the pedestal to the cooking device when the pedestal is in the assembled position, wherein fastening the pedestal to the cooking device includes passing at least one fastener through at least one fastener receiving passageway to engage a portion of the cooking device.
16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the plurality of legs are connected to the main body when the pedestal is in the assembled position using a threaded connection.
17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the base of the main body includes a respective plurality of threaded inserts to threadably receive the respective plurality of legs.
18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the respective plurality of threaded inserts extend upwardly from the base of the main body to engage a portion of the cooking device when the cooking device is carried by the pedestal.
19. A method according to claim 15 wherein fastening the pedestal to the cooking device includes engaging the fastener with a vent of the cooking device to fasten the cooking device to the pedestal.
20. A method according to claim 15 wherein the pedestal is adapted to be carried by the cooking device in a substantially flat configuration when the cooking device is in a collapsed position and the pedestal is in the collapsed position.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 8, 2009
Publication Date: Dec 24, 2009
Inventor: Brian E. Marsh (Lancaster, CA)
Application Number: 12/420,113
International Classification: F24C 15/08 (20060101);