PORTABLE COOKING DEVICE

Abstract

A portable cooking device (2) has a base (4) with at least one heating unit (3) and a cover (5) hingedly connected to the back of the base (4). The cover is movable between a closed position and an open position in relation to the base (4). At least one flap (1) is hingedly coupled to a lateral edge of the base (4). The at least one flap (1) is movable between a first horizontal position and a second vertical position in relation to the base. At least one of the cover (5) or the flap (1) comprises a magnetic element (10) by which the cover positioned in its open position is magnetically attachable to the at least one flap (1) positioned in its second vertical position to form a windshield.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of cooking devices with special adaption for travelling outdoor and more particularly, to a portable cooking device comprising a base with at least one heating unit, a cover and at least one flap, wherein a windshield can be created by the use of the cover and the at least one flap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cooking meals outdoors is a popular way to enjoy fresh air, have a barbeque and meet friends or during outdoor hiking. The outdoor site can be a campsite, a park, beach or riverside for fishing, hiking, rock climbing or any other kind of outdoor recreation. Since open fires are not allowed everywhere or due to humid conditions not always possible, portable camping cookers, with special adaption for easily being carried around have been proven a valuable tool. For portable and foldable cookers it is often necessary to protect the heating means from wind and gusts. By means of a windshield the flames can be kept alive, fuel or gas can be saved and the food does not cool.

The prior art includes an outdoor cooking device as shown in FIG. 1 comprising a hinged cover and a base with two heating devices. There are two flaps hingeably coupled to the sides of the cover. As shown these flaps serve mainly as two stabilizing side elements supporting the cover in its opened position. Furthermore, the flaps can serve as a wind protection when folded perpendicularly in relation to the cover and the base. However, there is no fixation of the flaps provided such that once the cover is opened the foldable flaps hang loose due to gravity. Scratching of surfaces of the base can hardly be prevented.

Furthermore the flaps need to be positioned at the lateral sides of the base in order to enable cooking. If there is no further locking mechanism of the cover, it is only possible to pose the flaps and the cover to the backside. However, in this position another use of the cover in combination with the flaps is not possible. Therefor this known cover-flap combination can be used for creating a windshield only.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a portable cooking device with a multifunctional flap that can be easily attached while being capable of being folded compactly and easy to store. A further object of the present invention resides in the provision of a foldable flap capable of being used in various positions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above presented prior art there is a need to optimize the performance of portable cooking devices. These objects are solved by the present invention directed to a portable cooking device comprising a base with at least one heating unit and a cover hingedly coupled to the back of the base. The cover is movable between a closed and an open position in relation to the base. At least one flap is hingedly coupled to a lateral side edge of the base. The at least one flap is movable at least between a first horizontal position and a second vertical position in relation to the base. At least one of the cover or the flap comprises a magnetic element by which the cover positioned in its open position is magnetically attachable to the at least one flap positioned in its second vertical position to form a windshield.

The inventive portable cooking device provides at least one heating unit in a base section that can be easily covered by the cover. In the closed position of the cooking device, components as one or two heating units stay in the interior of the case built by the cover and the base. Before closing the cooking device the at least one flap can be easily folded inwardly to be compactly stored. The cooking device can be shaped as a suitcase with a handle, which is easy to be transported.

The heating units may use fuel or gas as well as wood or charcoal or any other heat source that may be sensitive to the influence of wind. Since portable cooking devices are usually used outdoors, wind is often a traveling companion.

In the open position of the cooking device, the at least one flap can be pivoted to the second vertical position. This position can reversibly secured by a magnetic attachment to the cover. The substantially vertical position can prevent wind to enter from the side to the flame section of the heating unit as well as cooling down of the heated foods and pots, respectively. Depending on the windiness fuel or gas can be saved by using one or two side flaps as a windshield. By using a magnetic attachment between the flap and a corresponding cover portion a stable support of the cover in its opened position is created and the flap can also be easily detached from the cover.

The terms “magnet” or “magnetic” used herein refer to a material that is capable of asserting an attractive or repulsive force on another material. Magnets and magnetic materials include but are not limited to permanent magnets such as rare earth magnets e.g. neodymium-iron-boron and samarium-cobalt. The materials to be used have ferromagnetic material properties and may include e.g. iron, nickel or cobalt.

The term “first horizontal position” means the inwardly folded position of the flap. On the one hand this position is necessary for storing the flap in order to close the portable cooking device. On the other hand said horizontal flap can be used in the open position of the cooking device as a cover of the heat unit. Depending on the size of the flap the cover can be partial or complete with respect to one heating unit. If the stove comprises two heating units the covered part of the other heating unit can be used as storage surface or protection against dirt or liquids. Thus a multifunctional two position flap is provided.

According to another aspect of the invention the cover and/or the flap is attachable as a magnetic element itself. Alternatively the cover or the flap have a corresponding magnetic element at the cover interior or flap interior. In this manner either or both surfaces can be magnetic in order to be attached. One possible configuration is the use of an entire ferromagnetic flap which can be coupled to a magnetic element of the cover. The flap may have at least a partial rim at the side facing the cover, the partial rim being attachable as the magnetic element itself or having a corresponding magnetic element at the cover interior. One advantage of the at least partial rim is that the surface to be attached is enlarged, thus optimizing the magnetic coupling.

According to another aspect of the invention the magnetic element is provided with a tape or an adhesive layer in order to be attached to the cover and/or flap. Thus a secure attachment of the magnetic element itself can be provided. A tape can be used between the base surface of the magnetic element and the surface to be attached as well as above and besides the magnetic element. The latter arrangement provides a protection against scraping the engaging surfaces.

According to another aspect of the invention a retainer is coupled to an inner side wall of the cover and the magnetic element is attached to the retainer such that said magnetic element meets an upper region of the flap in the vertical position. By using a retainer e.g. shaped as a right angle with flat legs the cover can be positioned substantially vertically while magnetically attaching the flap. Thus the use of the retainer prevents that the base surface of the cover is inclined towards the heating units. The retainer may be screwed or riveted to the side walls of the circumferential border.

According to another aspect of the invention the retainer is attached to at least one side wall of the cover by at least one rivet. By using rivets for fixation of the retainer to the cover, the retainer can easily be aligned and positioned during the production process. Furthermore riveting can also be used for the attachment of other components as a base-cover-locking mechanism.

According to another aspect of the invention the retainer is positioned at an angle less than 90° in relation to the surface of the cover in order to meet the corresponding angle of the flap. Based on the correct inclination of the retainer the magnetic coupling can be optimized. The inclination of the angle can be adapted to the specific shape of the flap and rim respectively.

According to another aspect of the invention the magnetic element is covered by a plastic material in order to prevent scratching. One advantage of the use of a plastic material as a foil or a flexible snap-on plastic coverage is, that the surface to be attached will not be worn out as common metallic connections.

According to another aspect of the invention the plastic material is formed as a tube in order to secure the magnetic element. The tube can be elastic and thus be slipped over the free end of an angled retainer. To prevent slipping of the magnetic element, the latter may be secured by an adhesive. However, if using for example shrinkage tubes the magnet can easily be attached without further attachment means.

According to another aspect of the invention the flap is movable outwardly to a third horizontal position and is adapted to be mechanically attached to an adjacent side wall of the base in order to provide an extension of an upper base surface. Combining the first horizontal position, with the second and third horizontal positions of the flap, a multifunctional three position flap can be made available for the user of portable cooking devices. The first horizontal position can be used for covering at least part of the heat unit for protection as well as to store the flap for closing the foldable cooking device, whereas the third horizontal position enlarges the upper base surface, which can be used for various cooking or drying purposes. This surface can be used for example for flatware, dishes or food. Depending on the size of the flap one or more mechanical attachments can be used to stabilize the surface.

According to another aspect of the invention the flap comprises at least one outwardly protruding hinge pocket and a bracket being pivotally and removably coupled to the hinge pocket. The bas comprises a snap-lock at the side wall of the base into which the bracket can be snapped in. This snapping mechanism can be utilized to facilitate the rapid assembly and dis-assembly of the components. If the bracket to be snapped has two spaced apart arms, one bracket in the middle of the flap may be sufficient for the support of the flap.

According to another aspect of the invention the flap comprises a snap-lock. The free end of the bracket can be secured to the flap by the snap-lock of the flap. Thus the free end of the flap bracket can be easily fixated and rattle noise can be avoided, while carrying the portable cooking device around.

According to another aspect to the invention the flap comprises at least two ribs and a circumferential rim delimited by a drainage opening in order to provide a drainage surface. The ribbed surface enables wet dishes or flatware to dry faster. Whereas the raised rim is provided to hold the liquid back, the relatively small drainage opening enables an outflow of any collected liquid in a targeted manner. These functions are especially useful for camping trips and the like, since clean storage place is rare and the travelers often have to limit their luggage to a minimum.

The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art portable cooking device in the open position.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an open portable cooking device with a foldable flap on each side according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is detailed view of FIG. 2 showing the foldable flap in the second vertical position attached to the cover of the portable cooking device.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the magnetic attachment device for the flap.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view showing the flap in the first horizontal position according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the portable cooking device with each flap locked in a different position according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a lateral view of the portable cooking device shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a closed portable cooking device.

Skilled persons in the art will appreciate that the Figures have not necessarily be drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a foldable cooking device of the prior art. This structure includes a horizontal base 4 with two heat units 3 and a foldable cover 5. Furthermore a flap 1, which is hingedly coupled to the cover 5, is shown on each side of the cooking device 2. In the unfolded position these flaps 1 may serve as windshields. However, these flaps 1 have no other function.

FIG. 2 shows a cooking device 2 according to the invention comprising two heating units 3 and a cover 5. The cover 5 is hinged to the back of the base 4 by hinges 22. In this embodiment the heating units are gas-powered and each heating unit 3 can be regulated by a regulating knob 24 being integrated at the front side of the base 4. The cover 5 and its circumferential border 6 fits to the base 4 in the closed position (see FIG. 8), such that the heating units 3 are safely stored and can be easily carried around by the handles 19. Optionally a storage box 23 may be attached to the cover 5.

Furthermore FIG. 2 shows at each side of the upper base surface 25 a flap 1, which is hingedly connected to the base by hinges 9. The flap 1 further comprises a nearly closed circumferential rim 17. According to the FIG. 1 the left flap 1 is positioned in the second vertical position and the upper part of the rim 17 is secured by a magnetic element 10 attached to the retainer 7. The retainer 7 is attached to the circumferential border 6. Another retainer 7 for the second flap 1 is positioned on the opposite side of the circumferential border 6.

The second flap 1 on the right side is shown after being folded outwardly into the third horizontal position. Thus this flap is parallel to the upper base surface 25 and may be used for various purposes. The ribs 16 on the surface facilitate drying washed dishes or receiving used cooking tools. This horizontal flap can also be used for foodstuffs. Any liquid can be collected by the rim 17, which is limited by a drainage opening 18 on the front side of the flap 1. If enough liquid reaches the front edge of the flap, the flap can be drained in a targeted manner by the drainage opening 18.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show details of the magnetic attachment system shown in the previous FIG. 2, wherein FIG. 3 shows the magnetic attachment with the flap and FIG. 4 without it. FIG. 3 shows the flap 1 pivoted via the hinge 9 into the second vertical position. Close to the upper corner of the rim 17 the magnetic element 10 of the retainer 7 attaches the flap 1. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show that the retainer 7 is riveted to the circumferential border 6 of the cover 5. The more detailed view of the retainer 7 in FIG. 4 shows that the retainer 7 is not oriented perpendicular in relation to the cover surface but has an angle of less than 90° in order to optimally meet the angle of the corresponding rim 17 portion.

The magnetic element 10 has a circular shape, but may also be formed as a rectangular plate or otherwise. The relatively thin magnetic element 10 may have a diameter of 10 mm and a height of a few mm, e.g. about 2 mm. The magnetic element 10 may be a permanent magnet such as rare earth magnet e.g. comprising neodymium.

Furthermore the magnetic element 10 is covered by a plastic material, which in the shown embodiment is formed as a plastic tube 11. The plastic tube 11 has the advantage to simultaneously secure the magnetic element 10 and eliminating scraping of the corresponding engaging surface. Additionally or alternately the magnetic element 10 can be secured by any suitable adhesive material or tape.

FIG. 5 shows a detail of a further embodiment of the invention illustrating the left side of the portable cooking device 2, when the flap 1 is positioned in the first horizontal position. This position has to be maintained before closing the cover 5 and connecting the base 4 to the cover 5 by the locking mechanism 20. The flap 1 is pivotally connected to the base 4 via the hinges 9. The rim 17 faces the heat unit 3 and partly covers the latter. According to this embodiment the potential maximum vertical height of the flap 1 is limited by the inward indentation of the cover border for the cover-base-locking mechanism 20. However, in another embodiment of the invention the height may vary from the embodiment shown. Furthermore the shape of the flap 1 can vary e.g. forming triangular, if the function of a windshield is of primary interest. Depending on the shape of the flap 1 the position of riveted retainer 7 has to be adapted as well.

Furthermore FIG. 5 shows a preferred mechanical attachment system for a secure lock to the side wall of the base 4. This attachment system is shown in the closed position and comprises a hinge pocket 13 and a bracket 12. The hinge pocket 13 receives the inwardly protruding hinge posts of the free ends of the bracket 12. The distal part the bracket 12 is snapped in the snap-lock 14 of the flap. Optionally other forms of brackets or hinges can be employed.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of an open cooking device 2 according to the invention, wherein the left flap 1 is positioned in the second vertical position for the use as a windshield and the right flap 1 is positioned in the third horizontal position having the function of an extension of the upper base surface 25. In this third horizontal position the snap-lock 14 is not used, since the bracket 12 is snapped into the snap-lock 15 of the side walls 21 of the base 4 (see also FIG. 7). The corresponding mechanical attachment system on the left flap 1 positioned in the second vertical position has a bracket 12 being snapped in the snap-lock 14 of the flap.

Based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 each of the two flaps 1 can be positioned according to the primary wind direction. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6 the wind is mainly coming from the left or back. If the wind will turn around to the other side the right hand flap 1 can be pivoted to the substantially vertical position and be reversibly attached to the magnetic element 10, which is hold by the retainer 7. When there is no wind at all both flaps 1 can be pivoted to the third horizontal position in order to enlarge the upper base surface 25. After turning down the heating devices and washing the dishes, the user can even take advantage of the wind and accelerate drying by posing the washed dishes or flatware on the flaps stably attached in the second horizontal position. These horizontally positioned flaps provide optimal drainage surfaces being ideal for drying various items.

FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of FIG. 6 viewed from the right side. In this perspective, the surface of the left flap 1, being in the second vertical position, can be seen in the background. With respect to the flap 1, which is mechanically secured in the third horizontal position, only the rim 17, hinges 9, bracket 12 and snap-lock 14 can be seen. The bracket 12 hinged to the flap 1 is snapped in the snap-lock 15 at the side wall 21 of the base. The position of the snap-lock 12 in relation to the side wall 21 of the base 4 is selected such, that a horizontal position of the flap 1 can be achieved.

Furthermore two corresponding components of locking mechanism 20 for securing the cover 5 to the base 4 are shown on the one hand left from the snap-lock 15 of the side wall 21 and on the other hand on the circumferential border 6 of the cover 5. Furthermore the front side walls of the base 4 and the cover 5 comprise carrying handles 19, which meet if the cooking device 2 is closed. The closed position of the portable cooking device 2 is shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the cooking device 2 wherein the regulating knobs 24 are not covered in the closed position. The circumferential border and the cover 5 are shaped accordingly. Another indentation is foreseen for the base-cover-locking mechanism 20 located at the side walls 21 of the base 4. The elevation in the middle of the cover surface is due to the mount for the storage box 23 shown in FIG. 1. However, the cover can alternatively be shaped as a plane surface, if the option of a storage box 23 is not desired.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention is herein set forth and described, it is to be understood that various modifications and changes may be made therein including but not limited to construction and arrangement of elements as well as their composition without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims and reasonable equivalents thereof.

It should be noted that the term “comprising” does not exclude other elements and the term “a” and “an” preceding an element does not exclude plurality. The terms “first”, “second” and “third” are only used to distinguish different positions but do not limit the positions to a specific order.

Further it should also be noted that reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

• 1 flap
• 2 portable cooking device
• 3 heating device
• 4 base
• 5 cover
• 6 cover border
• 7 retainer
• 8 rivet
• 9 flap hinge
• 10 magnetic element
• 11 plastic tube
• 12 bracket
• 13 hinge pocket
• 14 snap-lock of flap
• 15 snap-lock of base
• 16 rib
• 17 flap rim
• 18 drainage opening
• 19 handle
• 20 base-cover-locking mechanism
• 21 side wall of base
• 22 cover hinge
• 23 storage box
• 24 regulating knob
• 25 upper base surface

Claims

1. A portable cooking device (2) comprising

a base (4) with at least one heating unit (3);

a cover (5) hingedly coupled to the back of the base (4), the cover (5) being movable between a closed and an open position in relation to the base (4); and

at least one flap (1) being hingedly coupled to a lateral side edge of the base (4), the at least one flap being movable at least between a first horizontal position and a second vertical position in relation to the base (4);

wherein at least one of the cover (5) or the flap (1) comprises a magnetic element (10) by which the cover (5) positioned in its open position is magnetically attachable to the at least one flap (1) positioned in its second vertical position to form a windshield.

2. The cooking device of claim 1, wherein the cover (5) and/or the flap (1) being attachable as a magnetic element (10) itself or having a corresponding magnetic element (10) at the cover interior or flap interior.

3. The cooking device of claim 2, wherein the magnetic element (10) is provided with a tape or an adhesive layer in order to be attached to the cover (5) and/or flap (1).

4. The cooking device of claim 1, wherein a retainer (7) is coupled to an inner side wall of the cover (5) and the magnetic element (10) is attached to the retainer (7) such that said magnetic element (10) meets an upper region of the flap (1) in the vertical position.

5. The cooking device of claim 3, wherein the retainer (7) is attached to at least one side wall of the cover (5) by at least one rivet (8).

6. The cooking device of claim 4, wherein the retainer (7) is positioned at an angle less than 90° in relation to the surface of the cover (5) in order to meet the corresponding angle of the flap (1).

7. The cooking device of claim 1, wherein the magnetic element (10) is covered by a plastic material in order to prevent scratching.

8. The cooking device of claim 6, wherein the plastic material is formed as a tube in order to secure the magnetic element (10).

9. The cooking device of claim 1, wherein the flap (1) is movable to a third horizontal position and is adapted to be mechanically attached to an adjacent side wall (21) of the base (4) in order to provide an extension of an upper base surface (25).

10. The cooking device of claim 8, wherein the flap (1) comprises at least one outwardly protruding hinge pocket (13) and a bracket (12) being pivotally and removably coupled to the hinge pocket (13), and wherein the base comprises a snap-lock (15) at the side wall (21) of the base (4) into which the bracket (12) can be snapped in.

11. The cooking device of claim 9, wherein the flap (1) comprises a snap-lock (14) and the free end of the bracket (12) can be secured to the to the flap (1).

12. The cooking device of claim 8, wherein the surface of the flap (1) comprises at least two ribs (16) and a circumferential rim (17), the rim providing a drainage opening (18).