Variable Distance From Heat Source Patents (Class 126/25A)
  • Patent number: 6131560
    Abstract: A portable grill having telescoping legs is disclosed. The grill includes a substantially rectangular grate and two pairs of telescoping legs. Each pair of telescoping legs is pivotally attached to one end of the rectangular grate. The grill can be used to cook food over an open fire, or the grill can be used to cook with charcoal with the aid of a charcoal tray that can be hung below the rectangular grate using S-hooks. The invention also includes a carrying case for allowing the grill to be carried in a backpack without the grill soiling other items in the backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Dennis Healy
  • Patent number: 6125836
    Abstract: A multi-functional barbecue grill arrangement which includes a charcoal support rack that enables the grilling arrangement to be used for searing, as well as a conventional barbecue cooking. A barrel-type grilling chamber is supported by a sturdy, A-shaped support frame. A layer of insulating, heat-resistant material, such as cement, lines the lowermost portion of the interior surface of the grilling chamber. Charcoal can be placed on the cement lining and/or on a charcoal support rack disposed above the cement lining, but below one or more food grills. The charcoal support rack, which has a length less than the food grill(s), is translatable on rails to enable the user to position ignited charcoal in close proximity to food on the grilling surface so that the food is seared from the rapid and intense application of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Felton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6105569
    Abstract: A campfire grill for cooking foods over an open fire. The campfire grill includes a sleeve and an elongate post that slidably extends through the sleeve. The lower end of the post is adapted for insertion in a ground surface. The sleeve has a guide shaft outwardly extending therefrom generally perpendicular the shaft. A grate is slidably coupled to the shaft. The grate is positionable along the shaft. A stopping device prevents downward sliding of the sleeve along the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Eugene E. Andress
  • Patent number: 6070571
    Abstract: An outdoor portable grill is provided having a cooking assembly comprising a food support, a handle for the food support and a handle holder interconnecting the food support with the handle. A support assembly is also provided comprising a upstanding slider post extending from an attachment bracket. The attachment bracket is used to secure the post to an outdoor heat source fixture such as a campground grill or fire pit ring. The handle holder is provided with an engagement opening having multiple inner edges that engage corresponding surfaces on the slider post. The weight of the food support causes the edges to frictionally engage the post exterior. This action allows the food support to be locked into an infinite variety of vertical and radial positions. The handle is pivotally attached to the handle holder for enabling the handle to be rotated against the food support for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: James H. Bradbury
  • Patent number: 6058925
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Mack Patterson
  • Patent number: 6029646
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Milan D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6006740
    Abstract: A portable campfire grill assembly includes a support post insertable into the ground and having a first tubular sleeve and engaging screw mountable on the post to establish the vertical height of the grill. The grill is a rectangular metal unit having a second sleeve welded thereon and mountable on the post with an engaging screw to establish the position of the grill as it is rotated around the post to be either over a fire or removed therefrom. A planar flange is welded around the post at the lower end to provide stability for the post and to provide a foot plate for driving the post into the ground. The flange fits against one end of the grill when the assembly is taken apart for ease of carrying. The support post is mounted through two loops welded to one side of the grill and secured into place using the first sleeve. The entire grill can then be carried by grasping the support post at a point between the two loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventors: George G. Ulrickson, George G. Ulrickson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5989012
    Abstract: A candle snuffer having a handle, a body and a hook. The hook submerges a lit candle wick into the adjacent melted wax channel thereby extinguishing said wick. The hook is then used to retrieve the extinguished wick from the melted wax and returning it to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Robert Michael Umfleet
  • Patent number: 5983882
    Abstract: A barbecue grill apparatus is provided for cooking food items, including a housing having a housing bottom wall and a housing side wall, an upright grill support member extending centrally within the housing, and at least two food supporting grid sections mounted one above the other on the grill support member, at least one of the food supporting grid sections being mounted rotatably relative to the other food supporting grid section, so that one of the grid sections is rotatable to a position underneath another of the food supporting grid sections. The apparatus preferably additionally includes a fuel supporting grid mounted to the grill support member below the at least two food supporting grid sections and spaced above the housing bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Frank J. Ceravolo
  • Patent number: 5944008
    Abstract: An outdoor cooking apparatus (10) for use over an open fire pit. The cooking apparatus has three legs (12, 14 and 16 or 216) mounted together by a connector plate (18) in a tripod shape. The third leg of the apparatus includes a top portion (16A), a middle portion (16B) and a bottom portion (16C or 216C). The top and bottom portions extend downward at an angle and are connected by the horizontal middle portion. The middle portion extends horizontally away from the first and second legs such that the bottom portion of the third leg is spaced farther apart from the first and second leg than the top portion of the leg. A screw mechanism (36 or 236) is mounted on the bottom portion of the third leg to move the cooking surface (56) vertically. The cooking surface is mounted by a telescoping arm (58 or 258) to the sleeve (38 or 238) of the screw mechanism. The telescoping arm can be extended or retracted to horizontally move the cooking surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: David M. Winkel
  • Patent number: 5938428
    Abstract: A spark igniter mechanism is provided for a torch having a burn tube. The spark igniter mechanism includes a one-piece housing and an igniter which is held against the burn tube by the housing. The igniter includes a spark wire which extends through an opening formed in a wall of the burn tube. The spark igniter mechanism further includes a fastener which secures the housing is to the burn tube. In addition, an adhesive may help to further secure the housing to the burn tube. The spark igniter mechanism of the present invention facilitates the use of a single igniter design with a plurality of torches. Furthermore, the mechanism is inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Roger Palmer, Mike Ridley, Al Hyde
  • Patent number: 5931148
    Abstract: A food shelf attached to the lower end of a vertical threaded rod engages a nut that is attached to the summit of an arch that rises from a horizontal frame. The frame may be removably set onto a receptacle containing a source of heat, or the same frame can be supported above a source of heat on a set of removable legs. In each case, the height of the food shelf above the source of heat may be adjusted by turning the vertical threaded rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Universal Grills
    Inventor: Maynard A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 5931085
    Abstract: A portable, adjustable grill apparatus for cooking over a source of heat, including at least three grill legs having respective upper ends and lower ends, the grill legs being interconnected at the upper ends and angularly spaced relative to each other, and the lower ends being adapted to rest on the ground. A grill extends generally horizontally and has a perimeter connected to the grill legs for sliding movement therealong. A height adjusting mechanism selectively adjusts the height of the grill relative to the legs. The height adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of flexible members that are each routed inside an interior passage of a respective one of the grill legs, the flexible members having inner ends connected to the grill and outer ends connected to a securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Grate Mate Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas R. Benzschawel
  • Patent number: 5887581
    Abstract: A barbeque assembly comprising a vertically disposed heating bed with one or more aerating faces and both attached and emplaceable hanger rods upon which one or more food clamping grills and baskets may be hung for outdoor barbeque cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Edward Stanley Wasko
  • Patent number: 5884554
    Abstract: The invention relates to a barbecue with a flat barbecue food carrier swiveling by means of a motor and a lifting and/or lowering device for changing the spacing of the barbecue food carrier from a heating device at least while turning the barbecue food carrier, with a combined turning as well as lifting device consisting of a lifting arm and swivel arms swiveling by means of a drive being provided, which are connected with the barbecue food carrier, the fulcrums of the swivel and lifting arms being spaced from each other in favor of a swiveling and rotary movement of the barbecue food carrier with simultaneous movement of the lifting and swivel arms, the lifting and swivel arms being provided with guide elements engaged with each other for at least part of the path of motion of the lifting and swivel arms in foavour of the force guidance of the swivel arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Hermann-Josef Sprick
  • Patent number: 5878739
    Abstract: A combined gas and charcoal grill having an adjustable height burner. A combined gas and charcoal grill are provided in which the burner element is pivotably mounted within the grill enclosure so as to permit location adjustment of the burner relative to the grid which supports the food to be cooked. The burner element is configured along with a charcoal tray to form a burner/tray assembly which is vertically movable. Flame height from the burner is also adjustable independent of burner location. A deflector shield is provided to prevent grease and food debris from coming into contact with the burner itself. A removable tray also permits the use of water for steaming and wood chips for smoking. A self-cleaning feature is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Percy Guidry, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg A. Guidry
  • Patent number: 5862797
    Abstract: An outdoor cooking apparatus including first angular framed member. The first angular framed member has a pair of front legs and a rear leg. The pair of front legs of the first angular framed member have a plurality of rungs fixedly attached and horizontally extending between the pair of front legs. Included is a second angular framed member that has a pair of front legs and rear leg. The rear leg is spaced an equal distance from the pair of front legs. The pair of front legs of the second angular framed member have a plurality of rungs fixedly attached thereto and horizontally extending between the pair of front legs. Finally, a pair of support poles are provided. Each support pole is positioned between the first angular frame and the second angular frame when the front legs of the first angular member face the front legs of the second angular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Ray A. Taylor, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5850829
    Abstract: A camping fire cooking and utility stand is provided including at least one leg. A cross bar is mounted to a top of the leg and extends therefrom with a plurality of hangers spacedly coupled thereto for hanging various utensils therefrom. Further provided is a grill plate coupled to the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventors: Diana Taylor, Bob Taylor
  • Patent number: 5809988
    Abstract: A grill for using combustible material to cook food items. The grill includes a body member defining a compartment and having a primary opening; a hood member for selectively covering the primary opening of the body member; a grate member mounting within the compartment of the body member for supporting the food items; a fire box for holding the combustible material; an ash pan for holding ashes produced when the combustible material held by the fire box is burned; a framework for holding the fire box and for holding the ash pan a fixed distance below the fire box; and a lifting mechanism for selectively moving the framework toward and away from the grate member, and for moving the fire box and the ash pan toward and away from the grate member with the ash pan held a fixed distance below the fire box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Larry C. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5797386
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Max Stroble Orr
  • Patent number: 5771877
    Abstract: A plurality of separable racks for stacking vertically within a sheet metal enclosure of a field barbecue apparatus. The racks permit optimum utilization of a body of still hot air within the enclosure and above the fire box of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas E. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5758635
    Abstract: In its broadest context, the present invention relates to an adjustment mechanism for the firebox of a grill. The adjustment mechanism includes both an adjustment crank and a clutch brake. The adjustment crank, by way of a pulley, can be used to raise and lower the height of the firebox within the grill frame. Additionally, the clutch brake is used to lock the firebox in position once a desire height is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Roy V. Petersen
  • Patent number: 5752497
    Abstract: A portable outdoor solid fueled cooking assembly including a metal shell with a pair of side walls and top and bottom opposing walls defining an interior combustion chamber. The cooking assembly also includes an air inlet protruding from a bottom portion of one of the side walls and a flue gas outlet detachably secured to the top wall. The flue gas outlet has a sliding damper mechanism attached thereto. The cooking assembly further includes an adjustable air register plate affixed to the air inlet and a removable, vertically adjustable ash and fuel pan entirely contained within the interior combustion chamber. A metal grill is removably supported inside the chamber. The grill has a grease drippings pan detachably secured to a portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventors: Glenn A. Combs, James Michael Axen
  • Patent number: 5730114
    Abstract: A charcoal grill is described having an adjustable grate with an electric heating element that supports charcoal briquettes underneath a cooking grill. The grate is adjustable between a lower cooking position and an upper position in contact with the cooking grill which allows cleaning of the cooking grill by heating the adjustable grate to a temperature sufficient to burn off food residue on the cooking grill or cooking of food on the cooking grill in the absence of charcoal briquettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventors: Marvin Fabrikant, Patricia Fabrikant
  • Patent number: 5676045
    Abstract: An outdoor grill has a firebox positioned in a corner at the intersection of the sidewall and bottom of the grill. The firebox has a heat directing surface oriented at an angle to match the angle of the cooking rack which has a handle extending through the sidewall to position the cooking area of the cooking rack over the firebox. Supports are mounted on the bottom for adjusting the cooking rack to vary distance between the cooking area of the rack and the heat directing surface of the firebox. A second firebox with a vertically oriented heat directing surface heats one side of the rack while the first firebox heats the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Abdul-Razzak Faraj
  • Patent number: 5666940
    Abstract: A barbecue assembly including a ground penetrator that is forced into the ground. A relatively rotatable hollow standard fits over the upper end of the penetrator, with the base of the standard resting on the upper surface of the knee which projects out to one side of the standard. An adjustor is vertically positionable on the standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: James H. Kreiter
    Inventor: James H. Kreiter
  • Patent number: 5660101
    Abstract: A rotatable cooking apparatus of five main parts: a fire box, a charcoal grill, a rotary transmission system, a cam mechanism, and a food basket. The food basket comprises two grills foldable on top of one another so that food can be secured between them. The charcoal grill is comprised of a wire framework and is attached above the cam mechanism by a support bracket so that the charcoal grill can be raised and lowered. The cam mechanism is attached to the fire box by a cam shaft coupled to the rotary transmission system of four gears connected by two linked chains attached to the food basket by a basket shaft that is connected to a crank shaft. The rotary transmission system is geared so that the charcoal grill can be raised when cooking food on one side of the food basket, lowered so the food basket can be rotated 180.degree., then raised again in order to cook both sides of the food in the basket at a distance closely adjacent to the heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Larry Cirigliano
  • Patent number: 5458053
    Abstract: A barbecue grill including a lifting mechanism controlled to lift the cooking grid thereof, the lifting mechanism including a transmission rod having two reversed worms and driven by a crank handle, two driven gear wheels respectively meshed with the reversed worms and having a respective coupling hole at the center, and two links each having one end fixedly fastened to said coupling of either worm gear and an opposite end pivoted to either side of said cooking grid respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Yung-Fang Hsiao
  • Patent number: 5458054
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Ali Yu
  • Patent number: 5447096
    Abstract: A gridiron (1) is movable both vertically and horizontally and can thus be moved in space with a single handle. A locking device consisting of a simple screw or clampdevice may be provided to securely hold the gridiron in a determined position. The movability of the gridiron (1) is achieved using a parallelogram device (9-16) by means of which the gridiron (1) remains horizontal in all positions. The disclosed gridiron design allows food to be placed and removed from the gridiron much more easily and also the cooking stage of individual parts of the grilled foods to be checked. In addition, the grilled foods can be swivelled to a serving, so that the guest may choose the piece they wish. The gridiron (1) is provided with a holding device (17-20) which can be mounted either directly on a garden grill or on a separate stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventors: Philippe Burge, Patricia Burge
  • Patent number: 5421318
    Abstract: A portable pit cooking apparatus includes a heat distributing assembly which permits controlled burning of a solid fuel material and substantially uniform distribution of heat across the cooking region of the apparatus, a towing assembly which supports the heat distributing assembly above a support surface for rendering it mobile for transport over the support surface to a desired cooking site and for retaining a stationary once the desired site has been reached, a fire height adjusting assembly which permits tailoring of the position of the fire to the type of cooking to be carried out, a rotisserie assembly which provides for uniform and slow cooking of a large quantity of food and permits easy and quick removal and disassembly to clean the parts thereof and to convert to other cooking options, an adjustable hood assembly for covering the cooking chamber, and an ash collection and removal assembly which permits easy washout and cleanup of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventors: Dennis L. Unruh, Marlin Unruh, Randal A. Koehn
  • Patent number: 5307789
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Liva M. Newby
  • Patent number: 5303691
    Abstract: A low profile portable wind resistant Camp Stove that is small enough, pint size, to fit inside a small SIERRA MUG mess kit, for use with HEXAMINE, a solid chemical fuel. Variations are provided for altitude adjustment and two or more heat ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: James H. Armistead
  • Patent number: 5297534
    Abstract: A barbecue pit is arranged to include a rotary shaft mounted in adjacency to the pit having an extension shaft, wherein a mesh basket is arranged for selective positioning over the barbecue pit for ease of access to the basket and for food components positioned thereon. A rotisserie housing is mounted to the basket structure in an intercommunication to permit selective rotation of the basket over the pit structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: William R. Louden
  • Patent number: 5293859
    Abstract: A grill, which may be portable, includes an open support lattice surrounded by upright walls. The support lattice forms a plurality of adjoining bays each dimensioned to receive and support a fuel module in the form of a disposable non-flammable tray and charcoal briquettes within the tray. Various food supporting devices may be used to support items of food to be cooked on the upper edges of the walls or at selected lower levels by use of terraced steps cut out in the walls. By placing fuel modules in less than all the bays, both the size and the shape of the cooking area can be selected. When no fuel modules are used a flat plate can be placed on top of the support lattice on which conventional briquettes can be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Mikhail Lisker
  • Patent number: 5279214
    Abstract: A barbecue or outdoor grill or cooking assembly structured from a plurality of interlocking and cooperative components which are readily assembled and disassembled at a given site so as to allow the subject assembly to be easily installed and removed from a given location. The plurality of components define a substantially enclosed interior in which a grill assembly is adjustably positioned such that the grill portion thereof may be raised or lowered relative to a platform designed to support a fire bed or other heat generating source so as to regulate the heat applied to the food being cooked which is positioned on the adjustable grill portion of the grill assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Inventor: Jose V. Lamendola
  • Patent number: 5253634
    Abstract: An outdoor grill apparatus, comprising four side walls, a floor portion, and a cover portion hingedly moveable between open and closed positions, the container defined by the walls and floor portion and cover defining the grilling area therein. Further there is provided a tray positioned adjacent the floor of the container for housing a quantity of coals or other heating elements for producing heat during grilling. The tray is moveable via a handle member positioned exterior to the container, which allows the tray to be positioned at various distances from the grilling surface, to regulate the amount of heat radiating to the meat to be grilled. There is further provided air channels positioned in the walls of the container so as to allow adequate air flow to the coals when the coals are in the various positions established by the exterior handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Darrell LeBeouf
  • Patent number: 5213027
    Abstract: A barbecue grill assembly including a main cooking chamber, a removable cooking grid positioned within the main chamber above a primary heat source, a frame for supporting the cooking grid and a drawer element connected to and supporting the frame for rollably withdrawing the cooking grid from the main chamber. The assembly also includes an elevator mechanism for raising and lowering the frame and cooking grid without the need to remove any elements from within the main chamber. A rotisserie is also provided removably supported on the frame which facilitates withdrawal of the spit and cooking food held on the spit from the main chamber for attending without the need for handling hot food or spit. An overhead infrared heating element, side grill elements, a warming chamber and other features are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: The Alexander Oven Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Tsotsos, Robert L. Bundschuh
  • Patent number: 5179932
    Abstract: A collapsible picnic cook-stove comprising, in combination with a disposable pan-shaped fuel holding member for burning fuel, a first ring-shaped support defining an opening and to which are pivotally connected three or more circumferentially spaced legs. The legs function in an extended position to support the cook-stove in spaced relation to the surface on which the cook-stove is to be used and in a collapsed position lie substantially parallel with the plane of the opening and radially inwards of said first ring-shaped support. A comestible support is pivotally connected to the first ring-shaped support to overlie in one position the opening for cooking. A second ring-shaped support is constructed and arranged to receive and support the fuel holding member in suspension below the opening of the first ring-shaped support by three or more flexible chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Donald J. DeCarlo
  • Patent number: 5178126
    Abstract: An adjustable grill assembly for a barbeque grill having outwardly extending support projections supportingly engaged in notches of four corner support brackets that extend upward from the firebox and are attached therebelow to the front and rear walls of the firebox. A pivoting hood covers the barbeque grill and provides cut-out apertures at opposite ends whereby the handles of the grill extend grill outwardly of the hood to facilitate grill-height adjustment while the hood is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Flame King, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank W. Beller
  • Patent number: 5154159
    Abstract: A portable barbecue cooker for use without solvent ignition means or impregnated charcoal briquets. A turbo air blower communicates with ignited briquets through a distributive port plenum chamber and brings ignited briquets to operating temperature rapidly. A vertically and rotationally movable elevator brings the briquets, at operating temperature, to the char grill, and by conveying rotary movement to the char grill, distributes the briquets evenly thereupon. The elevator engages the char grill for vertical movement and for variable spacing with respect to the cook grill. The char grill is equipped with a support cage and plough blades which rotate with the char grill to move ashes from the cooker bowl bottom for transport to an ash collector. Either paper kindling or piezoelectric means provide initial ignition for the briquets in an ignition chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Frank M. Knafelc, Ronald E. Heiskell, Ezra E. Theys
  • Patent number: 5133333
    Abstract: A portable cooking area liner for all types of outdoor grills. The device comprises a frame with necessary supports to allow cooking on said liner, yet preventing food from touching the original grid area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Inventor: Everett L. Stout
  • Patent number: 5103799
    Abstract: A collapsible charcoal grill has two frames pivoted together at one end. One frame is retained in a vertical position by struts and the other frame has folding support means. A broiling grill has hooks at one end for engagement over one of a number of spaced horizontal rods on the second frame and legs at that same end engage a lower horizontal rod to support the broiling grill in cantilever fashion over the other frame which is designed to support a receptacle for burning charcoal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Star Wire Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacinto Atanasio
  • Patent number: 5099821
    Abstract: A multi-chambered barbecue grill having a main chamber, a cooking grill located in the main chamber, a fire source located in the main chamber below the cooking grill, an ash chamber attached to the main chamber below the fire source for catching ashes, and a reversible top chamber located above the main chamber, adapted for receiving the cooking grill in its reversed position. Various mechanisms are provided for raising and lowering the cooking grill to desired elevations above the fire source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventor: Frank J. Ceravolo
  • Patent number: 5070857
    Abstract: A convertible food preparation/holding apparatus includes an open bottom cabinet supported on legs above the ground. The cabinet is adapted to selectively receive a charcoal pan for charcoal firing and a gas burner assembly for gas firing. The apparatus also includes a hot/cold serving assembly that may be positioned in the cabinet to convert the apparatus to a hot or cold serving table. The cabinet is provided with a series of cooperating F-shaped slots in opposing sidewalls that allow the desired positioning of the charcoal pan in various cooking positions. The lower edge of the cabinet also includes an inwardly directed flange about its entire periphery. When the charcoal pan is moved to its lowermost position the pan rests on this flange cutting off air flow from beneath the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventor: Stephen O. Sarten
  • Patent number: 5069196
    Abstract: An auxiliary rack assembly (60) that is fastened to the bottom (11) of a barbecue kettle (10) is disclosed. The assembly (60) includes an auxiliary grid (61) for holding items above or to the side of a cooking grid (42). The auxiliary grid (61) has a plurality of posts (62) connected its perimeter for supporting a rail (63). The assembly (60) also includes a rigid articulating arm (90) with two ends (91,93) and a cantilever section (92) disposed therebetween and separated therefrom by elbows (94,95). The arm (90) is interconnected at one end by a kettle bracket member (80) and at the other end to the auxiliary grid (61). The kettle bracket (80) is fastened to the kettle (11) and permits rotation of the articulating arm (90) interconnected thereto. The grid (60) can also be interconnected to a rack bracket member (85) which permits further rotation of the articulating arm (90) interconnected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Weber-Stephen Products Co.
    Inventors: Erich J. Schlosser, J. Michael Alden
  • Patent number: 5042451
    Abstract: A barbeque grill having a closable hood and a firebox having opposite ends wherein one of the ends is a pivotable clean out door, which allows access to the interior of the firebox while the hood is closed. An adjustable grill assembly is provided with grill support plates residing interiorly of the barbeque grill and spaced independently from the ends of the firebox. The hood includes cut out gaps for handlebars of the grill whereby the grill may be adjusted on the grill support plates while the hood is closed and independently of the clean out door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Flame-King, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank W. Beller
  • Patent number: 5033449
    Abstract: The electronic grill control employs a microprocessor-based circuit which monitors cooking temperature, cooking time, fuel level and the presence or absence of flame. The fuel level may be displayed alternately as a percentage or fraction of the full tank capacity or in terms of the burning time remaining in the tank. A dual electrode ignition circuit eliminates noise problems in the microprocessor circuitry by establishing the appropriate sparking voltage between the two electrodes instead of between a single electrode and the casting ground. A fuel presence sensor comprising one of the two electrodes measures resistance or conductance of the ionized gases within the flame to provide the microprocessor with an indication that the flame has failed to ignite or has blown out. All information is displayed on an alphanumeric display with audible alarms provided for certain conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: The Thermos Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Hanagan
  • Patent number: 5002036
    Abstract: A field barbecue apparatus for preparing large quantities of food. The apparatus includes a rectangular enclosure that maintains a hot air cooking and warming environment around the food. The enclosure in cross section has a height approximately equal to its width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Inventor: Thomas E. Kelly
  • Patent number: 4996969
    Abstract: This invention includes a trailer mounted barbecue and dispenser device. The barbecue device is mounted on a trailer deck and has a support means which supports a lower base compartment in which a fuel grill is mounted and on which a food grill is suspended. The fuel grill can be vertically adjustably positioned within the compartment. A cover means is pivotally secured to the lower base compartment by means of a friction hinge whereby the pivotal attitude of the cover is maintained in any pivotal position in which it is manually placed. The food grill on the lower base compartment can be pivoted upwardly about its lower edge to provide access to the fuel grill there below. The food grill has a plurality of small openings therein to permit fuel to be inserted therein at the pleasure of the operator. A duct extends downwardly from the lower base compartment through the deck of the trailer, and a damper is mounted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Inventor: John N. Dodgen