Abstract:
Systems and methods are disclosed for cooking one or more food items by vertically suspending each food items inside a container; placing a heat source under the vertically suspended food items; and cooking the one or more food items without rotating, flipping or turning to avoid unwanted searing on a hot grate surface.

Description:
The present application claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/344,049, filed May 13, 2010, the content of which is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to outdoor cooking devices and more specifically it relates to outdoor cooking devices such as a barbeque or smoker but not limited to such. 
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     Barbeque/smokers are commonly used to cook foods. Typical barbeque/smokers cook food such as meat, poultry, fish and the like on systems using horizontal grates. It is understandable that these methods are inadequate at times because food resting on a horizontal grate system requires constant movement such as flipping and/or turning to avoid burning, charring. This results in significant loss of moisture. The placement of food on a horizontal grate system demands constant monitoring by the person(s) barbequing. Typical barbecue/smoker users must remain close by or return in short time intervals to monitor the status of food being cooked so as to avoid overcooking and/or burning. Over the years, many auxiliary devices have been introduced to solve this problem. 
     Barbeque accessories such as rotisserie kits have been devised to rotate food in an effort to promote even cooking. While they have positive results, rotisseries require energy such as electricity to create the rotation. Certain accessory products such as those included with Weber®, Char-Broil®, Traeger® grills/smokers, among others, have not lessened the need for constant monitoring of food placed on generally horizontal grates, nor have they lessened demand for energy to power their accessories. 
     An additional problem associated with typical barbeques is that placing meats and other food items on a hot grate surface puts them in direct contact with carcinogens. Known carcinogens, particularly heterocyclic amines or HCA&#39;s, develop in meat, poultry and fish and are embedded into the char and burnt food portions as a result of direct contact with a scorching hot grate. HCA&#39;s are byproducts of a reaction between a substance found in muscle tissue and the food&#39;s natural amino acids. If foods, and more specifically meat poultry and fish in contact with a hot grate, are not closely observed or frequently monitored during the cooking process, charring develops across the entire contact surface increasing the opportunity for carcinogens being embedded, later to be consumed and digested in the human body. This is true for both gas and briquette barbeque/smokers. 
     All these problematic issues apply currently available barbeque/smoker systems, making otherwise pleasant task of outdoor cooking a relatively difficult and high maintenance “job” for those responsible for the “cooked” food. What is sorely needed is a barbeque/smoker system that overcomes problems associated with prior art systems, greatly reducing the problematic drying-out, scorching, charring, and so forth—and certainly addressing the issue of unwanted carcinogens such as HCA&#39;s. The present invention introduced in detail herebelow comprises a novel suspension system for foods being prepared in a barbeque/smoker device. The improvement allows the person(s) cooking, at home or in the trade, to be free from enslavement to the demanding barbeque/smokers of the past. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, systems and methods are disclosed for cooking one or more food items by vertically suspending each food items inside a container; placing a heat source under the vertically suspended food items; and cooking the one or more food items without rotating, flipping or turning to avoid unwanted searing on a hot grate surface. 
     In another aspect, the barbeque/smoker system incorporating the food suspension features of the present invention overcomes the problems associated with prior art. The barbeque/smoker system includes a generally vertical hanging or suspension arrangement to keep meat and other foods from touching a hot grate; thus, significantly reducing carcinogen levels typically found in charred or burnt meats and foods that are permitted to reside on a hot grate. This inventive system further provides a predictable cooking methodology that makes it easy for inexperienced users to properly cook meats and other foods. It frees users from constant monitoring of the barbequing/smoking of food. 
     Advantages of the preferred embodiments may include one or more of the following. The generally vertical hanging or suspension system permits cooking the meat and/or other foods from all directions. Further shown herein, the present suspension system avoids food/grate contact as well as the need for an external energy source, such as electricity, to rotate the food being cooked. The improved barbeque/smoker also includes accessories that make the cooking more convenient. The reason carcinogens are greatly reduced in the present invention is because charring is essentially avoided since there is no direct contact to a scorching, searing hot grate. The present invention is typically made of steel but may be made of any other type of material suitably resistant to high temperature damage associated with the cooking, smoking or barbequing of foods. An additional benefit to the present invention is that it will substantially eliminate requirement for constant movement, as by turning or flipping of barbequing/smoking meats and other foods. The present invention is seen as greatly reducing any need for constant monitoring. As will be described herein, the barbeque/smoker deploys a system and method of hanging meat or other foods instead of direct placement on grates. 
     Embodiments of the system can provide:
         1) a barbeque/smoker that uses a generally vertical system of hanging meat and foods;   2) means of using a suspension or hanging system to elevate or suspend the meat and other foods above an optional grate;   3) means of using the hanging system to elevate or suspend the meat and foods above an open flame;   4) means of utilizing natural rotating forces of circular heat to move suspended foods;   5) means to reduce the constant monitoring of the barbequing/smoking of meats and other foods;   6) means of cooking the meat or other foods without rotating, flipping or turning to avoid unwanted searing on a hot grate surface;   7) means of reducing carcinogen intake due to direct food contact with the grate;   8) means enabling a cooking device to have dual use as a barbeque or smoker as determined by optional fuel selection, ventilation and temperature control.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that such embodiment(s) may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more embodiments. 
       In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the “present invention” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “present invention” throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s). 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating the barbeque/smoker suspension system; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the present invention showing the components and accessories and how the present invention functions. 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view revealing the interior of the present invention, showing the components and accessories and how the present invention functions. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A. Overview 
     In  FIG. 1  the present invention  10  is seen to comprise container  20  with an internal catch grate  30  (dash lines), a lid  40 , two folding side tables  50   a  and  50   b . The essentially round container  20  with adjustable lid  40  enables heat to circulate around hanging meat and/or other foods to cook from all directions. Internal catch grate  30  acts as a barrier to keep meat and other foods from accidentally falling into the heat source. Grate  30  may also be used to support certain foods for warming purposes within the high-temperature container  20 . The two tables  50   a  and  50   b  (which may of course be more or less in number) may be rigidly affixed and/or pivotally mounted for folding, as shown herein. These table surfaces  50   a ,  50   b  are conveniently attached to substantially round container  20  providing a food preparation area and/or work area. 
     B. Detail Description of Main Components and Method of Use 
     In  FIGS. 2 and 3  the present invention  10  is more clearly illustrated as comprising container  20  standing generally vertically, thus accommodating its array of generally vertical hanging system elements. Container  20  may be made with any material suitable for cooking and its prefabricated configuration may be produced in any size and/or shape. In fact, production models of the present invention may range from relatively small sized units easily stored and managed by a single user or small family, to very large size more suitable to commercial or large scale use.  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  illustrate an example of a generally round shaped drum configured to stand substantially vertically as opposed to generally horizontal commonly found in pre-existing cooking containers of this type. The generally vertical disposition of container  20  is critical to the barbecue/smoker&#39;s suspension system of cooking and its functionality. 
     Charcoal (or the like fuel) elements C are placed in/near bottom  22  of container  20  and ignited in a conventional manner. An access hole covered by door  32  is cut or otherwise formed into a side surface of container  20  at a lower location thereon to afford intake ventilation, fuel element ignition and stirring, and to accommodate adding and removing fuel as desired. The fuel may include wood chips or any other form of suitable fuel for advantageous cooking effects. Embodiments of this invention may include propane or natural gas feed via generally conventional interconnections as a heat source. 
     A variable height grate  30  is typically placed at a generally midway location and is supported, for example, by adjustable height tabs  31   a ,  31   b  and  31   c  (not shown). Grate  30  typically serves several purposes. Example 1: Grate  30  acts as a catch grate to prevent hanging meat or other suspended foods from falling into the fuel source. Example 2: The variable height grate  30  may serve as a cooking shelf to cook or heat up condiments such as foil-wrapped corn, potatoes and bread. Example 3: Lowering grate  30  to rest on tabs  33   a ,  33   b  and  33   c  (not shown) allows the user to cook longer or taller foods, for example, a “rack of ribs.” Example 4: With grate  30  resting on tabs  31   a ,  31   b  and  31   c  (not shown); adding an additional grate below catch grate  30  resting on tabs  33   a ,  33   b  and  33   c  (not shown) allows the user to put in place a container filled with liquid such as beer or wine. Evaporating liquid is absorbed into the meat and/or other foods thereabove. Example 5: Adding another grate below grate  30  so as to support the fuel elements above the container  20  floor  22  enables the user elevate the fuel, allowing ash to fall through to the bottom  22 , lengthening the life span of present invention  10 . 
     Lid  40  may have at least one and perhaps up to three or more tabs  42   a ,  42   b  and  42   c  (not shown) that rest upon corresponding inclined rails depicted for example at  24   a ,  24   b  and  24   c . By slightly rotating lid  40  on inclined rails  24   a ,  24   b  and  24   c  a gap is created between container  20  and lid  40  creating an adjustable air ventilation system. The inclination of the three (more or less) rails  24   a  (not shown),  24   b  and  24   c  (inclination not shown but similar to that of rail  24   a ) illustrates a vertically inclining/declining disposition that allows for the gap in the lid to be increased or decreased as desired. Other equivalent gap controls are, of course, acceptable. 
     Controlling of a gap between lid  40  and container  20  allows the present invention  10  to act as a smoker or a barbeque. For example, a smaller gap lends itself toward a slow cooking process with temperature ranging from 100 to 225 degrees Fahrenheit, as would a smoker. A larger gap allows more air flow resulting in higher temperatures from 225 degrees Fahrenheit, a range more typical of barbeques. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 2   a  container  20  includes three removable, generally horizontal rods  26   a ,  26   b  and  26   c  resting respectively in six supports  28   a ,  28   b ,  28   c ,  28   d  though  28   f  (not shown). Substantially S-shaped hooks  29   a ,  29   b , and  29   c  are suspended on horizontal rods  26   a ,  26   b  and  26   c  respectively. These hooks, constructed of stainless steel or the like, serve to suspend meat and other foods above internal catch grate  30  and fuel source. As shown, meat M is suspended from hook  29   b , thus allowing heat H (as illustrated by arrows) to circulate around meat M for an even cooking result. This avoids the flipping or rotating action or movement required in typical horizontal grate system barbeque and/or rotisserie systems. 
     Tables  50   a  and  50   b  are mounted onto brackets  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c  and  52   d  respectively. Tables  50   a  and  50   b  may be lowered or raised as desired and locked into place with pin/cable  54   a ,  54   b ,  54   c  and  54   d  or any other means necessary such as a ram or shock (not shown) to keep tables  50   a  and  50   b  in outwardly raised or inwardly lowered position. Brackets  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c  and  52   d  may also be made with a notch/knock-out  56   a ,  56   b ,  56   c  (not shown) and  56   d  (not shown) located at near midway points to allow for mounting onto typical oil drum barrels that have a circular outwardly disposed strengthening ribs. 
     It is important to note that the even flow of heat substantially reduces burning and charring and provides a slow cooking system that requires little to no monitoring or maintenance. It is the combination of the vertical hanging and ventilation system described above that gives present invention  10  a distinct advantage in ease of use and frees up the users to enjoy their event and not become a slave to the barbeque as is commonly the case with prior art, horizontal cooking systems. 
     The ease of use and moist food produced by present invention  10  (with some experience) is consistent whether one piece of meat, or twenty pieces of meat, are being hung in container  20  for a small or large gathering. As shown, this method is a proven system for reducing unwanted side effects associated with standard barbeques, including a significant and consistent reduction of known carcinogens. 
     C. Method of Transporting 
     In  FIG. 2  barbeque/smoker  10  method of transportation is shown with container  20  supported by a suitable number of wheel casters depicted for example as  23   a ,  23   b ,  23   c  and  23   d  (not shown), thus supporting barbeque/smoker  10  in a level disposition. The wheel casters (again, in suitable numbers and depicted for example as)  23   a ,  23   b ,  23   c  and  23   d  (not shown) and their configuration provide for maximum mobility for transportation of the barbeque/smoker  10 . Wheel casters  23   a ,  23   b ,  23   c  and  23   d  (not shown) in combination with the (up to two or more) folding tables  50   a  and  50   b  (in a lowered or closed and locked position) allow the user to push or pull the barbeque/smoker  10  into the desired location and position for cooking or storage. 
     In addition to mobility, wheel casters  23   a ,  23   b ,  23   c  and  23   d  provide stability for the barbeque/smoker when being used. Stability becomes critically important to the function and safety of barbeque/smoker  10  when the two folding tables  50   a  or  50   b  are raised to an open and locked working surface position. Wheel casters  23   a ,  23   b ,  23   c  and  23   d  (not shown) are configured and located so as to resist easy rotation or tipping of barbeque/smoker  10  as food weight is placed on only one side table  50   a  or  50   b.    
     D. Variations 
     The spirit of the present invention provides a breadth of scope that includes all methods of making and using it. Any variation on the theme and methodology of accomplishing the same that are not described herein would be considered under the scope of the present invention. 
     Various modifications and alterations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the accompanying claims. It should be noted that steps recited in any method claims below do not necessarily need to be performed in the order that they are recited. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize variations in performing the steps from the order in which they are recited. In addition, the lack of mention or discussion of a feature, step, or component provides the basis for claims where the absent feature or component is excluded by way of a proviso or similar claim language. 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that may be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features may be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations may be implemented to implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein may be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise. 
     Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead may be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. 
     Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future. 
     A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. 
     The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, may be combined in a single package or separately maintained and may further be distributed across multiple locations. 
     Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives may be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration. 
     The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.