Abstract:
An apparatus to assist in cooking over a campfire is herein disclosed, comprising a generally “Y”-shaped support that rests over an open fire by means of three (3) legs. An adjustable steel cable, controlled by a mechanically-operated winch, is provided at the center of the “Y”-shaped support, which depends downward and connects centrally to four (4) chains, each of which connects to a corner of a rectangular grilling surface. The grilling surface comprises a heat-resistant material and can be made in varying dimensions. The grilling surface is height-adjustable to accommodate cooking needs and fire output permits. Once cooled, the apparatus can be disassembled and transported in a supplied pouch or hard case.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Jun. 13, 2007, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an apparatus to assist in cooking over a heat source and, more particularly, to said apparatus comprising a generally “Y”-shaped support that rests over an open fire by means of three (3) legs, and an adjustable steel cable controlled by a mechanically-operated winch provided at the center of the “Y”-shaped support which depends downward and connects centrally to four (4) chains, each of which connects to a corner of a rectangular grilling surface. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Whether cooked on a grill or over a campfire, food cooked outdoors just always seems to taste better than food cooked indoors. It could be the outdoor air, cooking procedures or a hundred other items, but one&#39;s taste buds just seem to explode. Many people who cook outdoors as part of a camping trip use a grill, which must be brought along for the trip, including fuel, legs, cooking surfaces and the like. Even those who cook on a campfire must bring a complicated stand with multiple legs that seem to collapse, and are never long enough to place food high above a fire. Another option is a complicated tripod arrangement which is difficult to set up and then can only be used with a kettle. All of these solutions are either complicated, difficult to store, hard to transport, and/or require many solutions depending on the type of food being cooked. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which virtually any type of food can be cooked over a campfire without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the invention herein fulfills this need. 
     The present invention is an apparatus to assist in cooking over a campfire. The apparatus comprises a generally “Y”-shaped fitting supported over an open fire by use of three (3) leg assemblies. Each leg assembly is approximately four (4) feet tall. An adjustable steel cable, controlled by a mechanically operated winch, is provided at the center of the “Y”-shaped support. This steel cable then hangs down and connects centrally to four (4) connection chains, each of which connects to the corner of a rectangular shaped grilling surface. As such, the height of the grilling surface can easily be adjusted up and down over the open flame as cooking needs or fire output permits. The grilling surface is made of a heat resistant material and is approximately twenty-four (24) by thirty-four (34) inches, although other sizes are envisioned as well. When finished, the apparatus is allowed to cool and then is easily disassembled and transported in a supplied travel bag, thereby providing a means to cook almost any type of food over an open campfire in a manner which is quick, easy and effective. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to provide portable grill assemblies. U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,138, issued in the name of Vos, describes a campfire cooker assembly including a tripod and grill structure, a fire bowl, and a smoker. However, unlike the present invention, the Vos cooker is not collapsible. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,534, issued in the name of Louden, discloses a barbecue grill apparatus arranged for selective rotation and positioning over an associated barbecue grill pit structure. However, unlike the present invention, the Louden grill only has one (1) leg secured to the ground and swings on a pivot. Furthermore, the Louden grill does not have an adjustable cable controlled by a mechanically-operated winch. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,026, issued in the name of Forst, discloses a portable vertical rotary grill that includes a support structure, a power source, a motor, and a grill. However, unlike the present invention, the Forst grill has a power source and a motor. Furthermore, the Forst grill is not collapsible, and it does not have an adjustable cable controlled by a mechanically-operated winch. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,085, issued in the name of Benzschawel, discloses a portable adjustable grill apparatus for cooking over a source of heat that includes at least three (3) grill legs. However, unlike the present invention, the Benzschawel grill is adjustable by a cable with a slide lock on a leg. Furthermore, the Benzschawel grill does not have an adjustable cable controlled by a mechanically-operated winch. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,009, issued in the name of Scheller, discloses a portable outdoor grill which permits adjustment of a food support platform in three (3) dimensions. However, unlike the present invention, the Scheller grill only has one (1) leg staked to a ground and it uses a chain lock to raise and lower the cooking platform. Furthermore, the Scheller grill does not have an adjustable cable controlled by a mechanically-operated winch. 
     Additionally, various ornamental designs for portable grill assemblies have been provided, particularly, U.S. Pat. Nos. D 271,740, D 315,846, D 337,933. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     The prior art appears to disclose various portable grill assemblies. However, none of the prior art particularly describes an apparatus to assist in cooking over a campfire comprising a generally “Y”-shaped support that rests over an open fire by means of three (3) legs, an adjustable steel cable controlled by a mechanically-operated winch provided at the center of the “Y”-shaped support which depends downward and connects centrally to four (4) chains, each of which connects to a corner of a rectangular grilling surface that the instant invention possesses. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which virtually any type of food can be cooked over a campfire without the disadvantages as described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for an apparatus to assist in cooking over a campfire comprising a generally “Y”-shaped support that rests over an open fire by means of three (3) legs, an adjustable steel cable controlled by a mechanically-operated winch provided at the center of the “Y”-shaped support which depends downward and connects centrally to four (4) chains, each of which connects to a corner of a rectangular grilling surface. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable and adjustable outdoor cooking apparatus comprising a “Y”-shaped base, a first leg assembly extending vertically downward therefrom the base, a second leg assembly extending vertically downward therefrom the base, a third leg assembly extending vertically downward therefrom the base, a mechanically-operated winch mounted on the stem of the base, an adjustable cable controlled by the winch and connected at a first end to the winch and traverses along the base therethrough an aperture and connects at a second end to a grill surface wherein the cable provides a means of transferring horizontal adjustment from the winch to vertical adjustment of the grill surface. 
     It is an object of the present invention that the apparatus provides a means for vertical adjustability thereby enabling a user to control an amount of heat thereto a grill surface when cooking over an open heat source. 
     A further object of the present invention is having the “Y”-shaped base comprise a stem, a first base arm that extends horizontally outward at an angle therefrom the stem, and a second base arm that extends horizontally outward at an angle therefrom the stem. 
     Another object of the present invention is having the first leg assembly extend vertically downward therefrom the base and comprises a first upper leg section removably attached to the first base arm of the base and a first lower leg section movably attached to the first upper leg section thereby allowing a user to adjust a length of the first leg assembly allowing the apparatus to be used on uneven surfaces. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is having the second leg assembly extend vertically downward therefrom the base and comprises a second upper leg section removably attached to the second base arm of the base and a second lower leg section movably attached to the second upper leg section thereby allowing a user to adjust a length of the second leg assembly allowing the apparatus to be used on uneven surfaces. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is having the third leg assembly extend vertically downward therefrom the base and comprises a third upper leg section removably attached to the stem of the base and a third lower leg section movably attached to the third upper leg section thereby allowing a user to adjust a length of the first leg assembly allowing the apparatus to be used on uneven surfaces. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is having the apparatus further comprise a first mounting bracket comprising a first locking mechanism located along a lower surface of an end portion of the first base arm of the base which removably attaches the first base arm of the base to the first upper leg section, a second mounting bracket comprising a second locking mechanism located along a lower surface of an end portion of the second base arm of the base which removably attaches the second base arm of the base to the second upper leg section, and a third mounting bracket comprising a third locking mechanism located along a lower surface of an end portion of the stem of the base which removably attaches the stem of the base to the third upper leg section. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is having the apparatus further comprise a first leg assembly locking mechanism that locks the first lower leg section and the first upper leg section at a desired length, a second leg assembly locking mechanism that locks the second lower leg section and the second upper leg section at a desired length, and a third leg assembly locking mechanism that locks the third lower leg section and the third upper leg section at a desired length. 
     Still another object of the present invention is having the apparatus further comprise a connection plate comprising a hook which enables a user to removably attach the connection plate to an end portion of the cable and at least one (1) connection chain that removably attaches the connection plate to outside edges of the grill surface. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is having the apparatus further comprise a first folding extension having a first lip pivotally connected to the first base arm of the base at a first pivot point by a first fastener, wherein the first lip provides a horizontal rigidity to the first folding extension and the base and a second folding extension having a second lip pivotally connected to the second base arm of the base at a second pivot point by a second fastener, wherein the second lip provides a horizontal rigidity to the second folding extension and the base. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is having the apparatus further comprise a winch crank that operates the winch and a locking notch which secures the winch crank in a locked position when a desired vertical position of the grill surface is obtained. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is having the first lower leg section, the second lower leg section, and the third lower leg section each comprise a pointed tip at an extended end thereby allowing the apparatus to sit on top of ground or pierce said top of ground as appropriate for use. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is having the apparatus comprise four (4) connection chains. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is having the first leg assembly, the second leg assembly, and the third leg assembly each are approximately four (4) feet long when completely extended. 
     Still another object of the present invention is having the grill surface approximately eighteen (18) inches by thirty four (34) inches. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is having the base made of heat resistant metal channeling. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is having the grill surface made of heat resistant material. 
     Still another object of the present invention is having the cable made of a heat resistant material. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is having the mounting brackets attached thereto the base by welding, soldering, brazing, or a similar attachment method. 
     Still another object of the present invention is having the apparatus further comprise a travel bag wherein the apparatus fits therein when the apparatus is in a collapsed and folded state for convenient storage and transport. 
     Still another object of the present invention is having the travel bag comprise a length of approximately thirty-four (34) inches, a width of approximately eighteen (18) inches, a thickness of approximately four (4) inches, an opening that allows the apparatus to be inserted therethrough, a draw string that pulls close the opening, a clamp that holds the draw string tight, at least one (1) tote handle for carrying the travel bag. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is having the clamp a spring loaded clamping mechanism. 
     Still another object of the present invention is having the travel bag made of burlap. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is providing a method for using a portable and adjustable apparatus for cooking. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a portable adjustable outdoor grill  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of a base  20  and a grill surface  50 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a travel bag  80 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  portable adjustable outdoor grill 
               20  base 
               21  folding extension 
               22  pivot point 
               23  lip 
               24  winch 
               25  winch crank 
               26  cable 
               27  aperture 
               28  notch 
               30  mounting bracket 
               31  upper leg section 
               32  lower leg section 
               33  first leg assembly 
               34  second leg assembly 
               35  third leg assembly 
               36  first base arm 
               37  second base arm 
               38  base stem 
               40  connection plate 
               41  connection chain 
               42  hook 
               50  grill surface 
               60  locking mechanism 
               80  travel bag 
               81  opening 
               82  draw string 
               83  clamp 
               84  tote handles 
               100  heat source 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an apparatus and method for a portable adjustable outdoor grill (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , providing a means for vertical adjustability thereby enabling a user to control an amount of heat thereto the contents on a grill surface  50  when cooking over an open heat source  100 . The apparatus  10  comprises a generally “Y”-shaped base  20  supported by a first leg assembly  33 , a second leg assembly  34 , and a third leg assembly  35 , which rest over a campfire  100 , an adjustable cable  26  controlled by a mechanically-operated winch  24 , and four (4) connection chains  41  each of which connect to a corner of a rectangular grill surface  50  and are operated by said winch  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a generally “Y”-shaped base  20  which comprises a first base arm  36 , a second base arm  37 , and a base stem  38 . The base  20  is preferably made of square heat resistant metal channeling; however, it is understood the base  20  can be made of other material such as but not limited to: “U”-shaped channeling, metal tubing, or the like providing equal benefit, and as such should not be viewed as a limiting factor of the invention  10 . The base  20  further comprises a folding extension  21 , envisioned to be made of “U”-shaped heat resistant metal channeling which flattens as it extends outwards and is located on a radial end of the first base arm  36  and the second base arm  37  of the “Y”-shaped base  20 . The folding extension  21  provides an attachment means thereat a pivot point  22  using common fasteners such as a bolt, rivet, or the like. The folding extension  21  is envisioned to envelop the first base arm  36  and the second base arm  37  of the base  20  when folded, allowing for more convenient storage. The folding extension  21  comprises a lip  23  which is envisioned to provide horizontal rigidity thereto the extension  21  and the base  20  when unfolded. The apparatus  10  comprises a mechanically-operated winch  24  which is envisioned to be mounted on the base stem  38 . The winch  24  is envisioned to be attached to the base  20  via an attachment means such as welding, soldering, brazing, or the like. The winch  24  is envisioned to be operated using a “Z”-shaped winch crank  25 . The apparatus  10  also comprises a locking notch  28  which is envisioned to engage and secure the winch crank  25  and provide a means for locking the movement of the winch  24  thus locking a desired vertical position of the grill surface  50 . The apparatus  10  also comprises a cable  26  which is attached to the winch  24  in a normal manner and provides a means for vertical adjustment of the grill surface  50 . The cable  26  is envisioned as being a heat resistant material. The cable  26  is envisioned to traverse through the base  20  therethrough an aperture  27  providing a means of transferring horizontal adjustment from the winch  24  to vertical adjustment of the grill surface  50 . The apparatus  10  provides three (3) hollow, tubular mounting brackets  30  providing a means to attach the base  20  to the upper leg sections  31 . The mounting bracket  30  is envisioned to have a female end and be located along a lower surface along end portions of the base  20 . The mounting brackets  30  are envisioned to be attached thereto the base  20  by an attachment means such as welding, soldering, brazing, or the like. Each mounting bracket  30  comprises a locking mechanism  60  which is envisioned to lock an upper leg section  31  into the mounting bracket  30 . The locking mechanism  60  is preferably a common lockbolt or the like; however, it is understood that other locking mechanisms may be provided such as, but not limited to: a common bolt, a spring pin, or the like, offering equal benefit and as such should not be viewed as a limiting factor of the invention  10 . The apparatus  10  also comprises a lower leg section  32  envisioned to be smaller in diameter than the upper leg section  31  thereby allowing the lower leg section  32  to telescope from the upper leg section  31  adjusting the overall length of the leg assembly thereby allowing the apparatus  10  to be used on uneven surfaces. The lower leg section  32  is envisioned to have a pointed tip on the extended end allowing the apparatus  10  to sit on top of the ground or pierce the top of the ground as appropriate for use. The upper leg sections  31  are envisioned to have a male end which is inserted into the female end of the mounting bracket  30 . The upper leg sections  31  and lower leg sections  32  are envisioned to be approximately four (4) feet long when completely extended and collapse for convenient storage. The lower leg section  32  is locked to the upper leg section  31  at an appropriate length using the locking mechanism  60 . The apparatus  10  also comprises a connection plate  40 . The connection plate  40  is attached to an end portion of the cable  26 . The connection plate  40  comprises a hook  42  which enables the cable  26  to be attached to and removed from the connection plate  40  allowing for convenient storage. The apparatus  10  comprises four (4) connection chains  41  each comprised of heat resistant, light weight chain, however, it is understood the connection chains  41  may be introduced using a variety of materials such as heat resistant cable and, as such, should not be viewed as a limiting factor of the invention  10 . The connection chain  41  joins the connection plate  40  thereto outside edges of a grill surface  50 . The grill surface  50  is envisioned to be approximately eighteen (18) inches by thirty-four (34) inches and made of heat resistant material; however, it is understood that the grill surface  50  may be introduced in a variety of other dimensions and materials such as, but not limited to: copper, aluminum, stainless steel, non-stick coated, or the like, and as such should not be viewed as a limiting factor of the invention  10 . The grill surface  50  is envisioned to be removable to allow for easy cleaning. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a side perspective view of the base  20  and the grill surface  50 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The base  20  is illustrated here being connected to the grill surface  50  via the cable  26  (leg sections  31 ,  32  are omitted).  FIG. 2  also shows one (1) of the folding extensions  21  in a collapsed position such as when the apparatus  10  is being stored. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a front perspective view of a travel bag  80 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is envisioned to fold and collapse for ease of storage in a travel bag  80 . The travel bag  80  is preferably made of a durable material such as, but not limited to: burlap or the like. The travel bag  80  is envisioned having suitable dimensions to adequately store the apparatus  10  when collapsed, as well as commonly associated cooking utensils and implements. The apparatus  10  is envisioned to have the dimensions of approximately four (4) inches thick by eighteen (18) inches wide by thirty-four (34) inches long when stored. The travel bag  80  comprises an opening  81  in which the apparatus  10  is inserted once collapsed. The opening  81  is pulled closed using a draw string  82 . The draw string  82  is held tight using a clamp  83 . The clamp  83  comprises a common spring loaded clamping mechanism. The travel bag  80  also comprises two (2) tote handles  84 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 through 3 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: removing the apparatus  10  from a travel bag  80 ; unfolding each of the folding extension portions  21  of the base  20 ; inserting the male end of each of the upper leg portions  31  into the female end of each of the mounting brackets  30  thus creating a tripod set-up; locking each of the upper leg portions  31  into each of the mounting brackets  30  by tightening the locking mechanism  60 ; extending each of the telescoping lower leg sections  32  from the upper leg sections  31  to the appropriate length according to the terrain slope thereby creating a level grill surface  50 ; locking each of the lower leg sections  32  and the upper leg sections  31  in position by tightening the locking mechanism  60 ; attaching the grill surface  50  thereto each of the four (4) connection chains  41 ; connecting the cable  26  to the connection plate  40 ; building and lighting a fire  100  under the grill surface  50 ; placing food to be cooked on the grill surface  50 ; rotating the winch crank  25  which provides mechanical power to operate the winch  24 , rotating the winch crank  25  clock-wise to wind the cable  25  around the winch  24  thus raising the grill surface  50  during cooking; rotating the winch crank  25  counter clock-wise to unwind the cable  25  from the winch  24  thus lowering the grill surface  50  during cooking; raising and lowering the grill surface  50  enables a user to control the amount of heat from the flame  100  when cooking; placing the winch crank  25  into the notch  28  providing a lock for the movement of the winch  24 ; cooking food for desired time; removing food from the grill surface  50  once cooked; letting the grill surface  50  cool; detaching the connection plate  40  from the cable  26 ; detaching each of the connection chains  41  from the grill surface  50 , providing ease in cleaning; loosening each of the locking mechanisms  60  which lock the upper leg sections  31  to the mounting brackets  30 ; removing the upper leg sections  31  from the mounting brackets  30 ; loosening each of the locking mechanisms  60  thus unlocking the upper leg sections  31  from the lower leg sections  32 ; collapsing the leg sections  31 ,  32  to the shortest position; folding each of the folding extensions  21  so said extension  21  collapses in on the first base arm  36  and the second base arm  37 ; rotating the winch crank  25  clock-wise thus raising the cable  25 ; and placing apparatus  10  in the travel bag  80 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.