Abstract:
A folding camping stove. The folding camping stove may be formed in a clamshell configuration, having two clamshells that fold outward to expose at least two cooking surfaces. A pivot point is provided on the folding camping stove. Each of the clamshells folds about the same pivot point. A fuel train for the clamshells is positioned at the pivot point. A regulator and adaptor assembly is provided for providing gas from a canister to the folding stove. The adaptor guides the gas coming from the regulator and directs it to a fuel train that directs the gas to opposite sides of the folding stove. Each of the clamshells includes a cooking grate. The cooking grates appear symmetrical from a top view, but are slightly offset relative to one another so that the clamshells may be folded inward relative to each other and the grates may nest together.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/122,843, filed May 5, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/577,418, filed Jun. 4, 2004, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to stoves, and more specifically to portable stoves.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Portable stoves are popular cooking appliances, especially for use while camping or picnicking. Portable stoves commonly are powered by combustible gasses, such as propane gas. A typical portable stove includes a stove frame, one or more burner assemblies arranged in the frame, and a gas supply, such as a gas canister, coupled to the burner assembly via a control valve. Smaller versions convenient for backpacking may be not much larger than the gas canister itself, while larger versions designed for group camping may be the size of a large briefcase.  
         [0004]     Larger portable stoves typically are designed to rest on a picnic table and open and close in a manner similar to that of a hard-sided suitcase. As with a suitcase, there may be a handle in the middle of the long, narrow front panel for carrying the portable stove in the closed position.  
         [0005]     While these larger, suitcase-style portable stoves work well for their intended purpose, there are some limitations to their use. Generally, the suitcase-style portable stoves require a separate table on which to rest, and must be level or near level on that table. In addition, although the suitcase-style portable stoves fold into a box configuration, they are still somewhat bulky for travel and storage. Care must be taken with the devices because there are often objects that extend outside the box configuration, such as gas line attachments or control knobs, which may need protection during storage and/or transport.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.  
         [0007]     A folding camping stove is provided. In an embodiment, the folding camping stove is formed in a clamshell configuration, having two clamshells that fold outward to expose at least two cooking surfaces.  
         [0008]     In accordance with an embodiment, two pivot points are provided on the folding camping stove. Each of the clamshells folds about a separate pivot point. In an embodiment, fuel trains for the two clamshells are positioned at the pivot points.  
         [0009]     A regulator and manifold assembly is provided for providing gas from a canister to the folding stove. The manifold splits the gas coming from the regulator and directs it to opposite sides of the folding stove. In an embodiment, the manifold directs fuel to two fuel trains, one each positioned at the two pivot points. Each fuel train may include a fuel conduit that extends the width of the stove and about which the respective clamshell rotates.  
         [0010]     The separate fuel trains and the manifold and regulator assembly provide a single regulator system that is capable of providing fuel to two opposite sides of the folding stove. In addition, the separate fuel trains permit the folding stove to be configured without having a fuel line crossing either pivot location, which permits the folding stove to be manufactured without the need for a flexible fuel line extending through the two pivot points. Moreover, in accordance with an embodiment, the clamshells pivot along their fuel trains, and the couplings attach at the pivot points.  
         [0011]     In an alternate embodiment, a single fuel line connects to a linkage between the two clamshells, and fuel systems for the separate clamshells are connected to the linkage. At least one of the fuel systems is capable of rotation relative to the linkage without fuel loss, and may utilize, for example, o-ring connections to allow leak-proof rotation.  
         [0012]     In accordance with an embodiment, each of the clamshells includes a cooking grate. The cooking grates appear symmetrical from a top view, but are slightly offset relative to one another so that the clamshells may be folded inward relative to each other and the grates may nest together. In this manner, more compact folding of the folding stove is provided.  
         [0013]     In accordance with an embodiment, the folding stove is narrower at a central portion of the stove at which the fuel trains are located. The body of the clamshells extends outward beyond the central portion, and control knobs or any other features extending from this central section are protected by the remainder of the clamshells extending beyond these features.  
         [0014]     In an alternate embodiment, a single fuel line connects to a hinge between the two clamshells, and fuel systems for the separate clamshells are connected to the linkage. At least one of the fuel systems is capable of rotation relative to the hinge without fuel loss, and may utilize, for example, o-ring connections to allow leak-proof rotation.  
         [0015]     Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a folding stove in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the folding stove of  FIG. 1 , folded outward into an open configuration;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the folding stove of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the folding stove of  FIG. 1 , with the stove opened more than 180 degrees;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the folding stove of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along the section lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along the section lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a folding stove in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  is an alternate embodiment of a fuel train system for the folding stove of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a folding stove, folded outward into an open configuration;  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  is a top view of the of the folding stove of  FIG. 12 ; and  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the section lines  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0028]     In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.  
         [0029]     Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  shows a folding stove  20  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The folding stove  20  is designed for use with combustible gasses, such as propane gas, and may be provided fuel by, for example, a gas canister  22 .  
         [0030]     In accordance with an embodiment, the folding stove  20  includes two clamshells  24 ,  26 . In a first configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , the two clamshells  24 ,  26  are folded together in a storage configuration. As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the two clamshells  24 ,  26  may be rotated outward about two pivot points, in the embodiment shown, two fuel trains  28 ,  30 , so that the folding stove  20  is in an opened configuration. In the opened configuration, burner eyes  32 ,  34 , one each in the two clamshells  24 ,  26 , are exposed as cooking surfaces.  
         [0031]     By “fuel trains,” we mean the conduit system through which fuel flows to the burner eyes  32 ,  34 . The numbers  28  and  30  (e.g.,  FIG. 2 ) in the drawings point generally to the area where these are located in the shown embodiment.  
         [0032]     Although a single burner eye  32 ,  34  is shown on each clamshell  24 ,  26 , more than one burner eye may be provided on one or both of the clamshells  24 ,  26 . In the embodiment shown in the drawing, each of the burner eyes  32 ,  34  includes a cooking grate  36 ,  38  mounted around and partly over the respective burner eye  32 ,  34 . As is known in the art, cooking grates, such as the cooking grates  36 ,  38 , provide a platform on which a pot or other cooking vessel may be placed when heated by the respective burner eye  32 ,  34 . In accordance with an embodiment, the platform is provided by a series of prongs  40 ,  42 .  
         [0033]     The prongs  40 ,  42  for each of the burner eyes  32 ,  34  are similar to conventional prongs for burner eyes, but in the embodiment shown, each prong  40  on the clamshell  24  is offset slightly relative to the counterpart prong  42  on the other clamshell  26 . That is, each prong  40  is positioned so that when the folding stove  20  is folded into the compact configuration in  FIG. 1 , the prong does not engage the prong  42  on the opposite clamshell, but instead extends adjacent to the prong  42 , and thus is slightly offset relative to the other prong. The slight offset may be, for example, one quarter of an inch or another sufficient amount to provide nesting of the two cooking grates  36 ,  38 , when the clamshells  24 ,  26  are folded to the compact configuration shown in  FIG. 1 . The slight offset of the prongs  40 ,  42  can be seen from the top view in  FIG. 3 , and the nesting of the prongs  40 ,  42  can be seen in phantom in  FIG. 5 . This nesting effect provides more compact storage of the folding stove  20 , yet, by not providing a significant offset, a symmetrical appearance is maintained for the cooking grates  36 ,  38 , as can be seen in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0034]     The folding stove  20  includes feet  44  on the rearward surfaces of the clamshells  24 ,  26 . In addition, handles, such as handles  46 , may be provided at an outer portion of the clamshells  24 ,  26 . In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the handles  46  are positioned so that they are hinged from a top portion of the folding stove  20  when the folding stove is in the compact configuration of  FIG. 1 . A latch, such as a latch  48 , may be provided for temporarily locking the folding stove  20  in the compact configuration.  
         [0035]     In accordance with an embodiment, a regulator and manifold assembly  50  is provided for supplying gas from a canister, such as the gas canister  22 , to the two fuel trains  28 ,  30 . The regulator and manifold assembly  50  includes a regulator  51 . Regulators are known in the burning appliances art and in general are designed to drop the fuel pressure from the high pressure of a fuel canister, such as the gas canister  22 , to an operating pressure for a stove or another gas-operated appliance.  
         [0036]     The regulator  51  is connected to a manifold  52 . The manifold  52  splits the low pressure fuel stream exiting the regulator  51  into two conduits  54 ,  56 . These two conduits  54 ,  56  each include a coupling  55 ,  57 , for attaching onto appropriate structures (described below) at the ends of the fuel trains  28 ,  30 . The regulator and manifold assembly  50  is shown attached in this manner in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0037]     The two conduits  54 ,  56 , when attached about the couplings  55 ,  57 , are in fluid communication with internal fuel conduits  58 ,  60  that extend along the fuel trains  28 ,  30 . The internal fuel conduits  58 ,  60  in an embodiment are straight pipes that extend co-axially with a rotational axis for each of the clamshells  24 ,  26 . In an embodiment, the couplings  55 ,  57  are attached to the fuel trains  28 ,  30  in a manner such that the fuel trains  28 ,  30  may freely rotate relative to the couplings without gas loss. Such couplings are known in the art, and may be provided, for example by quick release couplings, such as are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,784,987, although many different couplings may be used.  
         [0038]     Control knobs  62 ,  64  are mounted on the ends of the internal fuel conduits  58 ,  60  opposite the attachment of the couplings  55 ,  57 . The control knobs  62 ,  64  are accessible from the outside of the folding stove  20 . The control knobs  62 ,  64  include valves (described below) that open and close and regulate a flow of fuel provided from the internal fuel conduits  58 ,  60 , and into gas flow lines  66 ,  68  which lead to the burner eyes  32 ,  34 , respectively.  
         [0039]     As can be seen in  FIG. 6 , the internal fuel conduits  58 ,  60  attach to probes  72 ,  74 , which are configured for attachment to the couplings  55  of the regulator and manifold assembly  50 . The probes  72 ,  74  are fitted within openings of the outer walls of the clamshells  24 ,  26 , and are permitted to float freely therein. Allowing the probes to float freely permits longitudinal displacement of the fuel conduits  58 ,  60 , allowing for manufacturing tolerances and/or expansion of the metal.  
         [0040]     In accordance with an embodiment, a linkage, in the embodiment shown, a linkage  90 , is provided for spacing the two fuel trains  28 ,  30 , and permitting free rotation of these fuel trains  28 ,  30  relative to one another. In the embodiment shown, the linkage  90  receives the rear portion of the probes  72 ,  74 , and is mounted for free rotation on surfaces  82 ,  84  of the probes  72 ,  74 . The surfaces  82 ,  84  may be defined, for example, between the shoulders  76 ,  78  on the probes  72 ,  74  and a pair of lock nuts  86 ,  88 . However, other structures may be provided that allow free rotation of the linkage  90  relative to the fuel trains  28 ,  30 . For example, in the shown embodiment, the linkage  90  is rotatably mounted to the probes  72 ,  74 , but the linkage may be attached at other locations to the fuel train. In addition to free rotation, the linkage  90  also maintains a constant spacing of the fuel trains  28 ,  30 . To this end, the linkage  90  in one embodiment includes holes for receiving the probes  72 ,  74 , so that the probes and the fuel trains  28 ,  30  may be rotated relative to the linkage but may not be moved outward or inward relative to one another.  
         [0041]     Another linkage  80  ( FIG. 7 ) may be provided at the opposite end for similarly spacing and allowing free rotation of the fuel trains  28 ,  30 . If desired, the internal fuel conduits  58 ,  60  may be attached in a different manner at the opposite end, such as by anchoring the end to the internal fuel conduits  58 ,  60 , because free flotation is not needed at both ends. The linkage  80  may be configured and arranged to recess a portion of the control knobs  62 ,  64 .  
         [0042]     For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the internal fuel conduit  58  may attach to a valve body  91 , which in turn is anchored to the casing for the clamshell  24  by a jam nut  92 . A valve stem  93  is positioned in the valve body  91  and is held in position by a stem nut  94 . As is known, the control knob  62  rotates to move the valve stem  93  and open flow of fuel between the internal fuel conduit  58  and the gas flow line  66 .  
         [0043]     The linkage  80  is positioned between a shoulder  95  on the valve body  91  and the stem nut  94 , and is free to rotate relative to the valve body in much the same manner that the other linkage  90  is free to rotate.  
         [0044]     The linkages  80 ,  90  permit free rotation of the fuel trains  28 ,  30  along with the associated clamshells  24 ,  26 . In this manner, when one of the clamshells, for example the clamshell  24 , is rotated, the associated fuel train  28  and its internal fuel conduit  58  and gas flow line  66  all rotate with, and are fixed for movement with, the clamshell  24 . Thus, there are no parts of the fuel train  28  that have to flex or move relative to the clamshell  24  during pivoting or rotation of the clamshell  24 . Thus, no flexible lines or other structures to accommodate bending are required for the fuel train  28 , reducing costs and simplifying routing of the fuel through the clamshell  24 . Also, as is described above, the connection of the regulator and manifold assembly  50  via the coupling  55  to the fuel train  28  permits rotation without loss of fuel. Thus, the gas canister  22  and the regulator and manifold assembly  50  may remain stationary while rotation of the clamshell  24  is performed, with rotation between the regulator and manifold assembly  50  and the clamshell  24  being performed at the coupling  55 . Similarly, the clamshell  26  and its associated fuel train  30  permit rotation of that side of the folding stove  20 .  
         [0045]     The folding stove  20  provides a variety of options for arrangement of the folding stove  20  during use. For example, one clamshell, such as the clamshell  26 , may be folded upward while the other clamshell  24  extends substantially parallel to the ground. The fuel train  28 , because it is fixed for rotation with the clamshell  24 , allows pivoting of the clamshell  24 , but still consistent combustion from the burner eye  32  in the clamshell  24 .  
         [0046]     The folding stove  20  may be configured in other ways, such as in the configuration shown in  FIG. 4 , where the clamshell  24  is hanging downward relative to a table. This configuration provides stability for the folding stove  20 , but uses a minimal amount of table space. In the embodiment shown, the folding stove  20  extends so that the clamshells  24 ,  26  form an angle greater than  180  degrees. However, if desired, a stop or stops may be provided to prevent rotation beyond 180 degrees.  
         [0047]     Because the two clamshells  24 ,  26  may be pivoted but still provide consistent combustion, the folding stove  20  may be used on an uneven surface. This feature permits great flexibility for use and arrangement of the folding stove  20 .  
         [0048]     The regulator and manifold assembly  50  provides cost savings in that only a single regulator  51  is needed for two separate fuel trains, i.e., the fuel trains  28 ,  30 . Moreover, gas is split outside of the folding stove  20 , at the manifold  52 . In this manner, a gas line does not have to extend between the two pivotable clamshells  24 ,  26 .  
         [0049]     As an example of another alternate embodiment, a fuel train system for both of the clamshells  24 ,  26  may be connected to a single conduit leading from the cylinder  22 . Such an embodiment is shown in  FIG. 9 . A linkage  110  shown in  FIG. 9  includes a single probe  112  mounted at one side. This probe  112  includes an outer portion that is configured for connection to a connector that leads to a regulator, not shown but described in the previous embodiment. A fixed tube  114  extends between the probe  112  and a socket  116  on the opposite side of the linkage  110 . The socket  116  and the probe  112  are fixed within the linkage  110 . The tube  114  is also fixed within the linkage  110 , and provides fluid communication between internal chambers of the probe  112  and the socket  116 .  
         [0050]     Like the previous embodiment, two fuel tubes  118 ,  120  extend along pivot points for the clamshells of this embodiment. Each of the fuel tubes  116 ,  120  includes an end piece  122 ,  124  that is arranged to fit within the socket  116  and the probe  112 , respectively. The end pieces  122 ,  124  each include a pair of o-rings  126 ,  128  that provide a leak-proof connection of the end piece to the respective probe  112  or socket  116 . Nuts  130 ,  132  fit over and outside a portion of the probe  112  and the socket  116  to secure them to the clamshells  140 ,  142 , respectively.  
         [0051]     During use, the o-rings  126 ,  128  permit the fuel tubes  118 ,  120  to rotate relative to the linkage  110  when either of the clamshells is rotated relative to the linkage. During this rotation, the o-rings  126 ,  128  maintain leak-proof fluid communication between the fuel tubes  118 ,  120  and the probe  112  and the socket  116 . In this manner, fuel may be supplied to the probe  112 , and that fuel may travel into the fuel tubes  118 ,  120  regardless of the orientation of the clamshells, and without leakage as a result of movement of the clamshells. Valves (not shown) may be provided on the opposite end of the fuel trains, which may be used to control burners for each of the clamshells.  
         [0052]     The embodiment shown in  FIG. 9  has an advantage over the previously described embodiment in that only a single connection is needed to the fuel canister  22 . This feature permits greater flexibility in connecting a fuel source to the fuel trains.  
         [0053]     Because the clamshells  24 ,  26  pivot along their fuel trains  28 ,  30 , and the couplings  55 ,  57  attach at the pivot points, the connection of the couplings  55 ,  57  is the only portion of the fuel supply chain from the canister  22  to the burners  32 ,  34  that experiences rotation during pivoting of one or both of the clamshells  24 ,  26 . Thus, the fuel trains  28 ,  30  are simplified in that they do not have to be designed to permit rotation with respect to the clamshells.  
         [0054]     The dual pivoting function of the two clamshells  24 ,  26  permits compact storage of the folding stove  20 . In addition, as described above, the offset of the cooking grates  36 ,  38  relative to one another permits compact storage of the folding stove  20 .  
         [0055]     The embodiment shown includes rounded clamshells  24 ,  26 . In accordance with an embodiment, the outer portions of the clamshells  24 ,  26  extend outward beyond the control knobs  62 ,  64  and the rear linkage  90 . In this manner, the outer surfaces of the clamshells  24 ,  26  may provide protection for the fuel trains  28 ,  30  and the control knobs  62 ,  64 . In addition, because the folding stove  20  is more slender in the central portion that includes the fuel trains  28 ,  30  than at outer portions, there is less material for the fuel trains  28 ,  30 , reducing the cost of production of the folding stove  20 .  
         [0056]     Alternate embodiments may be utilized. For example, in  FIG. 8 a  folding stove  100  is shown having a square instead of circular configuration. In this embodiment, tubes  102  extend around the stove  100  and form handles at the upper portion thereof.  
         [0057]     In accordance with an embodiment,  FIG. 10  shows a folding stove  220  that includes two clamshells  224 ,  226 . The two clamshells  224 ,  226  may be folded together in a storage configuration (not shown, but similar to the folded stove  20  in  FIG. 1 ). As can be seen in  FIG. 10 , the two clamshells  224 ,  226  may be rotated outward about an axis, in the embodiment shown, a fuel train (shown generally at the area  228  in the drawings), so that the folding stove  220  is in an opened configuration. In the opened configuration, burner eyes  232 ,  234 , one each in the two clamshells  224 ,  226 , are exposed as cooking surfaces.  
         [0058]     In accordance with an embodiment, an axis of rotation of the two clamshells  224 ,  226  shares a plane with the upper faces of the two clamshells  224 ,  226  when the folding stove  220  is in an open configuration. Locating the axis of rotation at this height allows the folding stove  220  to be put in a closed configuration with the faces of the clamshells  224 ,  226  flush against each other while having only one hinge. Of course, the same effect may be achieved by placing the axis of rotation in other locations. As a nonlimiting example, by having the face of the right clamshell  226  higher than the face of the left clamshell  224 , the axis of rotation may be higher than the face of the left clamshell  224 . As another example, the clamshells may be configured so that the right clamshell  226  is smaller than the left clamshell  224  and the right clamshell  226  is able to fit inside the right clamshell  224  when the folding stove  220  is in the closed configuration. In this latter example, the axis of rotation could be lower than the face of the clamshells  224 ,  226 .  
         [0059]     Although a single burner eye  232 ,  234  is shown on each clamshell  224 ,  226 , more than one burner eye may be provided on one or both of the clamshells  224 ,  226 . In the embodiment shown in the drawing, each of the burner eyes  232 ,  234  includes a cooking grate  236 ,  238  mounted around and partly over the respective burner eye  232 ,  234 .  
         [0060]     As described in the above embodiments, each prong  240  on the clamshell  224  may be offset relative to the counterpart prong  242  on the other clamshell  226 . Other ways of keeping the prongs  240 ,  242  from engaging each other when attempting to put the folding stove  220  into a closed configuration may be used. For example, the prongs may be recessed into the clamshells  224 ,  226 . Prongs may also be configured such that they are recessed into the clamshells  224 ,  226  when the folding stove  220  is in the closed position and raised when the folding stove  220  is in the open position. If a symmetrical appearance is not desired, the prongs may have a substantial offset. Other alternatives include making at least one of the cooking grates  236 ,  238  rotatable so that a user may rotate one of the cooking grates  236 ,  238  to a position such that the prongs  240 ,  242  do not engage each other when the stove  220  is put into a closed configuration. In addition, one or more of the cooking grates  236 ,  238  may be invertible so that a user may invert one or more of the cooking grates  236 ,  238  so that the prongs of the inverted grate(s) are below the face of its clamshell or otherwise in a configuration so as not to engage the prongs of the other clamshell when the stove  220  is put into a closed configuration. Of course, alternative configurations for keeping prongs from engaging each other are applicable to a stove with two axes, as described above, in general, with any folding stove.  
         [0061]     The folding stove  220  includes feet  244  on the rearward surfaces of the clamshells  224 ,  226 . In addition, handles, such as handles  246 , may be provided at an outer portion of the clamshells  224 ,  226 . In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the handles  246  are positioned so that they are hinged from a top portion of the folding stove  220  when the folding stove is in the compact configuration A latch, such as a latch  248 , may be provided for temporarily locking the folding stove  220  in the compact configuration.  
         [0062]     In accordance with an embodiment, a regulator and adaptor assembly  250  ( FIG. 10 ) is provided for supplying gas from a canister, such as the gas canister  222 , to the fuel train  228 . The regulator and adaptor assembly  250  includes a regulator  251 .  
         [0063]     The regulator  251  is connected to an adaptor  252 . The adaptor  252  channels the low pressure fuel stream exiting the regulator  251  into a conduit  254 . The conduit  254  includes a coupling  255  for attaching onto the appropriate structure (described below) at the end of the fuel train  228 . The regulator and adaptor assembly  250  may attach in a manner similar to that in which the coupling  55  attaches as shown in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the regulator  251  and the adaptor  252  are two separate pieces. However, the regulator  251  may also be configured to accept the conduit  254  directly.  
         [0064]     The conduit  254  when attached about the coupling  255  is in fluid communication with internal fuel conduit  270  ( FIG. 12 ) that extends along the fuel train  228 . The internal fuel conduit  270  in an embodiment is a straight pipe that extends co-axially with the rotational axis for the clamshells  224 ,  226 . In an embodiment, the coupling  255  is attached to the fuel train  228  in a manner such that the fuel train  228  may freely rotate relative to the coupling  255  without gas loss. Such couplings are known in the art, and may be provided, for example, by quick release couplings, such as are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,784,987, although many different couplings may be used.  
         [0065]     As can be seen in  FIG. 12 , the internal fuel conduit  270  attaches to a probe bushing  210  which is configured for attachment to the coupling  255  of the regulator and adaptor assembly  250 . The probe bushing  210  is fitted within openings of the outer walls of the clamshells  224 ,  226 . The probe bushing  210  may be permitted to float freely in the openings of the outer walls of the clamshells  224 ,  226 . Allowing the probes to float freely permits longitudinal displacement of the fuel conduit  270 , allowing for manufacturing tolerances and/or expansion of the metal or other materials, and permits rotation of the probe bushing relative to the openings of the clamshells  224 ,  226 .  
         [0066]     In an embodiment, the clamshells  224 ,  226  include openings that receive a portion of a probe bushing  210 . In the embodiment shown, the probe bushing  210  is secured in the openings in a manner allowing for free rotation of the clamshells  224 ,  226  co-axially about the fuel train  228 . For example, in accordance with an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the probe bushing  210  may be wider on one end than openings extending through the clamshells  224 ,  226 . The probe bushing is extended through the openings in the clamshells  224 ,  226 , with the wider end against one side of the clamshells (in the embodiment shown in the drawings, the inside), and a nut  212  is placed on the bushing on the other side of the clamshells. The nut  212  does not tighten against the side of the clamshells  224 ,  226 , but instead is spaced slightly from the clamshells, allowing for free rotation of the clamshells on the bushing. The nut  212  may be a lock nut to prevent accidental rotation off the bushing. In addition, a cap  202  may be provided for covering the nut  212 .  
         [0067]     When we talk about an axis of the fuel train  228 , we mean an axis around which the two clamshells  224 ,  226  are able to rotate. In an embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 11 , a portion of the fuel train  228  is located on this axis and portions of the fuel train  228 , such as the conduits  200 ,  266 ,  366 , are able to rotate about it.  
         [0068]     Other structures may be provided that allow free rotation of at least one of the clamshells  224 ,  226  with respect to the fuel train  228 . For example, a cap similar to the cap  202  may include an opening for receiving the probe bushing  210  and may be situated between a nut (not shown) attached to the probe bushing  210  and the clamshells  224 ,  226 .  
         [0069]     In accordance with an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 12 , openings in the clamshells  224 ,  226  in the side of the clamshells opposite the probe bushing  210  receive a portion of a blind bushing  218 . In the embodiment shown, the blind bushing  218  is secured in the openings of the clamshells  224 ,  226  by a nut  208  in a manner allowing for free rotation of the clamshells  224 ,  226  co-axially about the fuel train  228 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the blind bushing may be wider than the openings of the clamshells  224 ,  226  on the end of the blind bushing  218  opposite the nut  208  further securing the blind bushing  218  in the openings. Other structures may be provided that allow for free rotation of the clamshells  224 ,  226  co-axially with the fuel train  228 .  
         [0070]     As shown in  FIG. 12 , in accordance with an embodiment, the conduit  270  extends between the probe bushing  210  and a sleeve  216 . A second conduit  200  extends from the sleeve  216  to the blind bushing  218 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the conduit  270  may connect to the probe bushing  210  by fitting into a recession configured to receive the conduit  270  tightly. Other configurations may be used to connect the conduit  270  to the probe bushing  270 . For example, both the conduit  270  and the probe bushing  210  may be threaded so that the conduit may be screwed into the probe bushing, there may be a weld between the conduit  270  and the probe bushing  210 , or the probe bushing  210 .  
         [0071]     Also shown in  FIG. 12 , the interior of the sleeve  216  may have grooves for accepting o-rings  206  and an opening (fuel tap)  204  in one side for accepting a conduit  366 . The o-rings ensure that the connection between the conduit  270  and the sleeve  216  is leak proof and permit the sleeve  216  to rotate relative to the conduits  200 ,  270 . The conduit  200  provides a fluid connection between the sleeve  216  and the blind bushing  218 . The ends of the conduits  200 ,  270  may have a chamfer to allow the conduits  200 ,  270  to be inserted into the sleeve  216  past the o-rings  206  without damaging or dislodging the o-rings  206 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the sleeve  216  is situated co-axially with the rotational axis of the two clamshells  224 ,  226 .  
         [0072]     In accordance with an embodiment, the fuel train  228  is configured so that there is a gap between the conduits  200 ,  270  allowing fuel to flow freely into the sleeve  216 , thus allowing the fuel to pass from the conduit  270  to both the conduit  200  and to the conduit  366  via the fuel tap  204 . The gap between the conduits  200 ,  270  also allows extra space for manufacturing tolerances and/or expansion of the metal or other materials. The end of the conduit  200  opposite the sleeve  216  may be connected to the blind bushing  218  in a manner similar to the connection of the conduit  270  to the probe bushing  210 . In addition, the sleeve  216  may be configured with one or more internal lips or other stops for preventing the conduits  200 ,  270  from abutting each other and closing the gap.  
         [0073]     Other connections, such as the connection of the conduit  200  to the blind bushing  218  or the connection of the conduit  270  to the probe bushing  210  may also be configured to allow rotation of the conduits to the bushings. For example, the probe bushing  210  may contain grooves and o-rings similar to the grooves and o-rings  206  of the sleeve  216  in order to receive the conduit  270  which may also have a chamfer at one or both ends. The blind bushing  218  may also be configured similarly.  
         [0074]     As shown in  FIG. 12 , a conduit  266  provides a fluid connection between a valve body  291  for the clamshell  226  and the blind bushing  218 , and a conduit  366  provides a fluid connection between the sleeve  216  and a valve body  391  for the clamshell  224 . A mechanism, such as a valve, for opening and closing a passage between the conduits  266 ,  258  and between the conduits  366 ,  358  may function similarly to the valve shown in  FIG. 7  and described above and may be included in each of the valve bodies  291 ,  391 .  
         [0075]     As can be seen in  FIG. 11 , the clamshells  224 ,  226  may be rotated with respect to each other about the axis of the fuel train  228 . This may be achieved, for example, by fixing sets of parts of the fuel stove  220  together and providing a rotatable connection between the sets. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the valve body  291 , conduit  266 , blind bushing  218 , conduit  200 , and clamshell  224  are fixed for movement together. Likewise, the valve body  291 , the conduit  366 , the sleeve  216 , and the clamshell  226  are fixed for movement together and the conduit  270  and the probe bushing  210  are fixed for movement together. The sleeve  216  provides a rotatable and leakproof connection between the conduits  266 ,  270 ,  366 . Such a configuration allows the clamshells  224 ,  226  to rotate relative to each other without leakage in the fuel train. Accordingly, a user wishing to place the fuel stove  220  in the storage configuration from an open configuration may do so by rotating one clamshell relative to the other until the folding stove  220  is in a configuration similar to that show in  FIG. 1 . Likewise, a user wishing to put the stove in an open configuration can simply rotate one clamshell relative to the other until the stove is in a configuration such as that shown in  FIG. 10  or similar to that shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0076]     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the conduits  200 ,  270  are each able to rotate relative to the sleeve  216 . As described above, this allows the clamshells  224 ,  226  to rotate co-axially with the axis of the fuel train  228 . Other mechanisms for achieving this result may also be utilized. For example, the conduits  200 ,  270 ,  366  and the sleeve  216  may comprise a single rigid piece, chamfered at the ends, that is able to rotate relative to the probe bushing  210  and the blind bushing  218 . This could be achieved, for example, by having o-rings in the probe bushing  210  and the blind bushing  218  configured to accept the ends of the single rigid piece. In addition, part or all of the fuel train may comprise flexible material, such as plastic or other tubing, which would allow the fuel train to flex with the rotation of the clamshells  224 ,  226  while maintaining a closed piping system between the canister  222  and the burners  232 ,  234 .  
         [0077]     In addition, even though the drawings show a connection (fuel supply connector) whereby fuel enters the fuel train  228  via a probe bushing  210  located at the rotational axis of the two clamshells  224 ,  226 , different configurations may be used. For example, because the clamshells  224 ,  226  each contain a portion of the fuel train  228  and are able to rotate relative to one another without fuel leakage, fuel may enter the fuel train at a different location, such as through the walls of one of the clamshells  224 ,  226  or through the blind bushing  218 .  
         [0078]     Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.  
         [0079]     All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.  
         [0080]     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.  
         [0081]     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.