Portable cooking apparatus

A portable cooking apparatus is provided comprising a fire bowl comprising an exterior undersurface and an internal chamber; a lid removably engagable with the fire bowl; and a stand to be locatable against the exterior undersurface of the fire bowl for support during a usage position, and during a non-use position, the stand is situated atop the lid while the lid is situated atop the fire bowl to thereby enclose the internal chamber of the fire bowl.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable cooking apparatus and more particularly, a cooking apparatus comprising a fire bowl having an exterior undersurface; a lid removably engagable with the fire bowl; and a stand located against the undersurface of the fire bowl during a usage position, and the stand being situated atop the lid, which is situated atop the fire bowl during a non-use position.

2. Description of the Related Art

Fixed outdoor fireplaces or barbecues have been known for many years. Typically, these fireplaces or barbecues are constructed of brick, masonry and/or metal. In recent years, portable outdoor fireplaces or barbecues have entered the marketplace. Such portable barbecues are compact and are readily movable from one location to another such a beach or park, and readily transportable within a vehicle, such as an automobile.

Traditional barbecues included a fire bowl, a grill and a bag of charcoal, and most recently, gas tanks and separate utensils. The barbecues in the marketplace do not provide sufficient workspace during the cooking process. In addition, the barbecues are not specifically designed to be compact and to incorporate all the above components into the fire bowl during storage or transport of the barbecue and at the same time, being conveniently removable from the fire bowl prior to usage of the barbecue.

Additionally, cooking apparati of the prior art that have planar or slightly bowed sidewalls (as opposed to having a bowl shape) have not been designed to be an effective cooking instrument. If a fire bowl has an arcuate curved bottom wall, it will facilitate the reflection of heat toward the cooking grill. Previously, fire bowls of cooking apparati that have planar or slightly bowed sidewalls have not been properly designed in order to maximize the application of heat of the cooking grill.

The present invention provides a portable cooking apparatus and system designed to be compact and functional during storage and transport and to provide convertible workspace during usage of the barbecue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a cooking apparatus comprising a fire bowl and at least one shelf pivotally mounted to the fire bowl, wherein the shelf is movable between a stowage position within the fire bowl to a usage position located externally of the fire bowl. In another embodiment, the fire bowl has an internal chamber and the apparatus further comprises a grill located within the internal chamber. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a second shelf pivotally mounted to the fire bowl, wherein the second shelf is movable between a stowage position within the fire bowl to a usage position located exteriorly of the fire bowl. In still another embodiment, the first shelf is aligned with the second shelf in both the stowage position and the usage position. In yet another embodiment, fire bowl terminates into at least one end portion and the shelf is pivotally mounted to the end portion.

In still yet another embodiment, the fire bowl is mounted on a supporting frame and the apparatus further comprises at least one leg. In a further embodiment, the fire bowl is mounted on a supporting frame, and the supporting frame has at least one handle, and the shelf rests on the handle when the shelf is in the usage position. In still a further embodiment, the supporting frame includes a pair of leg members, each of the leg member are pivotally movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and the leg members are adapted to be in contact with the supporting surface in both the retracted position and the extended position, and the fire bowl is located further from the supporting surface when the leg members are in the extended position as opposed to the retracted position.

In yet a further embodiment, the shelf in the usage position has a working surface. In still yet a further embodiment, the shelf comprises at least one utensil retaining groove. In another embodiment, the shelf has a working surface in the usage position and a utensil is to be located within the utensil retaining groove so the utensil is located beneath the working surface when the shelf is in the usage position. For purposes of the invention, a utensil includes, but is not limited to, spatula, forks, and tongs. In still another embodiment, the first and second shelves have utensil storage grooves, which function to provide utensil storage locations when the first and second shelves are in the storage position.

In yet another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a lid mountable on the fire bowl. In still yet another embodiment, the lid is pivotally mounted to the fire bowl, and the lid being movable in a closed position wherein the lid covers the grill to an open position wherein the lid allows access to the grill. In a further embodiment, the supporting frame of the apparatus includes a pair of main frame members, each the main frame member are channel shaped defining an internal cavity, and the leg is mounted within the internal cavity.

In another embodiment, the first shelf is situated atop the second shelf in a staggered position during the stowage position. In still another embodiment, the shelf rests upon the grill during the stowage position.

In still a further embodiment, the barbecue cooking system comprises a fire bowl having an internal chamber, a grill located within the internal chamber; a lid mountable on the fire bowl; a stand for supporting the fire bowl; and at least one shelf pivotally mounted to the fire bowl, the shelf being foldable into the fire bowl during a storage position and extendable from the fire bowl during a usage position.

In one embodiment, the system is a stationary cooking system. In another embodiment, the system is a portable cooking system. The cooking apparatus and system of the present invention may be used for indoor and outdoor use.

In still another embodiment, the system further comprising a second shelf pivotally mounted to the fire bowl, the second shelf being foldable into the fire bowl during a stowage position and extendable from the fire bowl during a usage position. In yet another embodiment, the first shelf is aligned with the second shelf in both the storage position and the usage position.

In still yet another embodiment, the shelf comprises at least one working surface and at least one utensil retaining grooves. In a further embodiment, the stand comprises at least one movable leg. In still a further embodiment, the leg is retractable and extendable. In yet a further embodiment, the leg terminates into a wheel. In another embodiment, the fire bowl is situated upon the stand during a usage position and the stand being designed to fit onto the lid during a stowage position.

In still yet embodiment, the lid is pivotally mounted onto the fire bowl, the lid being movable from a closed position wherein the lid covers the grill to an open position wherein the lid allows access to the grill. In still yet another further embodiment, the internal chamber comprises a compartment for retaining burnable material such as coal.

In a further embodiment, the system further comprises a manually operated tightening device and a latching device. In another further embodiment, the tightening device is any device designed for securing the leg when the leg is an extended position. For purposes of this invention, tightening device include, but is not limited to, screws, bolts and other fasteners. In still a further embodiment, the latching device is any device designed for cocking the leg in the retracted position. For purposes of this invention, latching devices is any device designed for locking the leg in the retracted position.

In another embodiment, the system further comprising a propane tank, the tank is situated within the fire bowl during the stowage position and externally of the fire bowl during the usage position. In still another embodiment, the system further comprising at least one utensil, the utensil is positioned within the utensil retaining groove of the shelf. In yet another embodiment, the fire bowl having a bottom which is connected to a pair of planar sidewalls with the bottom being located between the sidewalls, the bottom has an arcuate shape which extends from a fore end to an aft end, the sidewalls having a free upper edge which is substantially flush with the fore end and the aft end. In another embodiment, the shelf is foldable into the internal chamber of the fire bowl.

In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a cooking apparatus comprising: a fire bowl having an internal chamber, a grill located within the internal chamber; a lid mountable on the fire bowl; and at least two shelves, each of the shelves are pivotally mounted to the fire bowl, each of the shelves being movable between a stowage position within the fire bowl to a usage position located exteriorly of the fire bowl. In another further embodiment, the first shelf is situated atop the second shelf in a staggered position during a stowage position. In still a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprising a stand, the fire bowl being situated upon the stand during a usage position, the stand being design to fit onto the lid during a stowage position. In yet a further embodiment, at least one of said shelves of the apparatus of present invention rests upon the grill during the stowage position.

In still anther embodiment, the present invention relates to a cooking apparatus comprising: a fire bowl; and a supporting frame being mounted on the fire bowl, at least one pair of leg members being pivotally mounted on the supporting frame and movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the leg members adapted to be in contact with a supporting surface in both the retracted and extended positions, the fire bowl being located further from the supporting surface when the leg members are in the extended position as opposed to the retracted position. In yet another embodiment, the leg members are crossed when in the retracted position. In still yet another embodiment, the leg members are located parallel and spaced apart when in the extended position.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a cooking apparatus, the method comprising: providing a fire bowl having an internal chamber; positioning a grill within the internal reservoir; and pivotally mounting at least one shelf onto the fire bowl, the shelf being movable between a stowage position within the fire bowl to a usage position located exteriorly of the fire bowl.

In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to portable cooking apparatus comprising: a fire bowl comprising an exterior undersurface and an internal chamber; a lid removably engagable with the fire bowl; and a stand to be locatable against the exterior undersurface of the fire bowl for support during a usage position, and during a non-use position, the stand is situated atop the lid while the lid is situated atop the fire bowl to thereby enclose the internal chamber of the fire bowl.

In yet a further embodiment, the stand during the non-use position, is attached and secured onto the fire bowl. In still a further embodiment, the lid during the non-use position, is attached and secured onto the fire bowl and the stand is secured onto the lid. In still yet a further embodiment, the fire bowl comprises at least one groove and the lid comprises a peripheral lip with widened areas, the widened areas of the lid are designed to engage the groove during the non-use position and thereby form a locking action therebetween.

In another further embodiment, the fire bowl comprises at least one handle and the groove is situated on the handle. In yet another further embodiment, the fire bowl comprises an external protrusion and the groove is situated on the protrusion. In still another further embodiment, the lid comprises at least one handle and the stand comprises an aperture designed to fit over the handle when the stand is situated atop the lid during the non-use position and thereby allowing user access to the handle. In still yet another further embodiment, the fire bowl comprises a plurality of legs situated on the external undersurface.

In another embodiment, the cooking apparatus further comprises at least one shelf, the shelf being movable between a stowage position within the fire bowl to a usage position located externally of the fire bowl. In still another embodiment, the shelf is pivotably mounted to the fire bowl. In yet another embodiment, the fire bowl comprises at least one handle and the shelf is pivotably mounted to the handle. In still yet another embodiment, the cooking apparatus further comprises a first and second shelf, the shelves are foldable into the fire bowl during a storage position and extendable from the fire bowl during a usage position, the first shelf is aligned with the second shelf in both the storage position and the usage position.

In a further embodiment, the shelf comprises at least one working surface and at least one undersurface for retaining utensils. In yet a further embodiment, the undersurface of the shelf comprises at least one groove for retaining the utensil. In still a further embodiment, the undersurface of the shelf comprises a means for securing the utensil to the undersurface. For purposes of this invention, the means can be an mechanism or device that can retain and secure the utensils on the undersurface of the shelf including, but not limited to, straps, metal bars, grooves, cut-outs, elastics, etc.

In a further embodiment, the fire bowl comprises a convex undersurface and a concave internal chamber, the stand comprises a convex outer surface and a concave internal cavity, and during the usage position, the convex undersurface of the fire bowl is in contact with the convex outer surface of the stand. In another further embodiment, the lid comprises a convex outer surface, and during the non-use position, the concave internal cavity of the stand is situated atop the convex outer surface of the lid. In yet a further embodiment, the cooking apparatus of the present invention further comprises at least one adjustable air vent plate and an ash collecting container.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a portable cooking apparatus comprising: a fire bowl comprising an exterior undersurface and an internal chamber; a lid removably engagable with the fire bowl; and a stand to be locatable against the exterior undersurface of the fire bowl for support during a usage position, and during a non-use position, the lid is situated atop the fire bowl to thereby enclose the internal chamber of the fire bowl while the stand is situated underneath the fire bowl.

In a further embodiment, the present invention also relates to a portable cooking apparatus comprising: a fire bowl comprising an exterior undersurface and an internal chamber; a lid removably engagable with the fire bowl; and a stand to be locatable against the exterior undersurface of the fire bowl for support during a usage position, and during a non-use position, the stand is situated atop the fire bowl while the lid is situated underneath the stand thereby enclosing the stand within the internal chamber of the fire bowl.

Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring particularly to the drawings, there is shown the first embodiment of the cooking apparatus10of the present invention, which has a fire bowl12. The fire bowl12has a bottom14. Typically, the fire bowl12will be constructed of steel or iron. The bottom14assumes a smooth, arcuate shape so that the bottom14is basically concave relative to the internal chamber16of the fire bowl12. The fire bowl12also includes a front18and a back20. The sides of the front and back,18and20respectively, of the fire bowl12are slightly curved being convex from the exterior. The bottom14is also curved arcuately in the direction from front18to back20. This forming of the fire bowl12is to maximize the reflecting or application of heat from the heating unit22that is contained within the internal chamber16. Mounted at the upper end of the internal chamber16is a cooking grill24. It is to be noted that the upper edge of the front18and back20are substantially flush to the upper edge of the left side26and the right side28of the fire bowl12.

The bottom14of the fire bowl12is fixedly mounted onto a supporting frame30. The supporting frame30includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart arcuate main members32and34, which are in a bowl shape resembling a basic cradle configuration. Within that cradle is mounted the fire bowl12. Extending between the members32and34are cross braces36and38. The fire bowl12is fixedly mounted onto the cross braces36and38by mounts40.

One end of the supporting frame30terminates in a handle42with the opposite end of the supporting frame30terminating in a handle44. The handle42is located directly adjacent but slightly spaced from the left side26. The handle44is located directly adjacent but slightly spaced from the right side28.

The main member32, as well as main member34, is basically configured to be channeled shaped having an internal cavity46. This cavity46is open at the bottom. A leg assembly composed of leg members48and50is to be mounted between the main members32and34. The leg member48is pivotally mounted by pivot pins,52and54respectively, to the main members32and34. The leg member48includes legs56and58with leg56being pivotally mounted by the pivot pin52to the main member32and leg member58being pivotally mounted by the pivot pin54to the main member34. The outer end of the legs56and58has extending therebetween a cross member60.

The leg member50includes a similar pair of legs with only leg62being shown. The leg62is pivotally mounted by a pivot pin64to the main member32. Extending between the legs62and the not shown leg of the leg member50is a cross member66.

The leg members48and50can be located in a retracted position relative to the supporting frame30which will locate the cross member60in conjunction with a notch68formed within the main member32and the cross member66engaging with a notch70formed within the main member32. With the leg members40and50in this retracted position, the leg member48includes a pair of leg extensions72and74which are to be located on a supporting surface76. It is to be noted that in this position the main members32and34will be located also very near the supporting surface76, generally no more than a fraction of an inch therefrom. The leg member50also includes a similar pair of leg extensions with only leg extension78being shown.

When the leg member48is moved clockwise to an extended position, and the leg member50moved counterclockwise to an extended position, the leg member78moves within the internal cavity46of the main member number32. When the leg extension78contacts the upper end of the internal cavity46, this will define the limit of movement of the leg member50to the extended position. Such also is to occur for the leg member48with the leg extensions72and74as well as the not shown leg extension for leg member50. It is to be noted when the leg members48and50are in the retracted position, the shape of the legs56,58,62and the not shown leg of leg member50will nest within the internal cavity46in a close conforming manner of the main members32and34respectively. It is to be noted that the leg members40and50will automatically remain in their retracted position until such is moved from the retracted position to the extended position. The extended position of the leg members48and50locates the outer end of the leg members48and50against the supporting surface76.

Fixedly mounted to the fire bowl12at the fore end26is a mounting bar80. A similar mounting bar82is fixedly mounted to the fire bowl12at the aft end28. Mounted on the mounting bar80is a pivot rod84. A similar pivot rod86is pivotally mounted on the mounting bar82. Connected to the pivot rod84is the inner end of a first shelf88. The inner end of a second shelf90is connected to the pivot rod86. The first shelf88is capable of being pivoted from a stowage position located within the confines of the internal chamber16shown inFIG. 3of the drawings to an extended position, which is shown inFIG. 5of the drawings. Similarly, the second shelf90is capable of being pivoted one hundred eighty degrees from the stowage position shown inFIG. 3to an extended position shown inFIG. 5. In the stowage position shown inFIG. 3, the shelves88and90are located in juxtaposition and in alignment. InFIG. 5, the shelves88and90are no longer in juxtaposition but still in alignment. The shelf88has a planar working surface92, and shelf90has a planar working surface94. When shelf88is in the extended position shown inFIG. 5, the underside of the shelf88rests on the handle42. Similarly, when the shelf90is in the extended position shown inFIG. 5, the underside of the shelf90rests on the handle44.

The bottom side of the shelves88and90is what are located in an upward facing direction when the shelves88and90are in the stowage position shown inFIG. 3. The undersurface of the shelves88and90includes a plurality of spaced-apart brace members96each of which includes notches98. These notches98are to facilitate stowage of utensils, such as a spatula100, tongs102and a fork104. Also, there is provided sufficient space on the underside of the shelves88and90to accommodate a propane gas tank106. The gas tank106can be removed and mounted on the supporting surface76in close proximity to the fire bowl12. The forward end of the gas tank106is to be mounted in conjunction with a support108, which is to rest on the supporting surface76. It is necessary that the forward end of the gas tank106be at an elevated position to the rear end of the gas tank106in order for the gas tank106to supply gas properly through the conduit110to the heating unit22. Control of the gas from the tank106to the heating unit22is by a regulator184. Igniting of the gas within the heating unit22would normally be accomplished by use of an ignition device such as a conventional match, which is not shown.

The lid114is to be removed by unlatching of a latch mechanism (not shown) inFIGS. 1–5by turning of knob112and grasping of handle116from its position totally enclosing of the internal chamber16and separating of the lid114completely from the fire bowl12, as is shown inFIG. 3. Propane tank106is then to be removed and placed as shown inFIG. 5, and the conduit110is connected to an appropriate connection, which is not shown, mounted on the bottom14of the fire bowl12. The spatula100, tongs102and fork104are then removed and shelf88pivoted one hundred eighty degrees to rest on the handle42, and shelf90then being pivoted one hundred eighty degrees to rest on the handle44. The handle of the spatula100is to be located within the longitudinal groove118formed within the working surface92of the shelf88. Similarly, the tongs102is to be mountable in conjunction with a pair of elongated grooves120formed within the working surface92. Similarly, the handle of the fork104is to be locatable in longitudinal groove122formed within the working surface92. The depths of the grooves118,120and122are such that the spatula100, tongs102and fork104are located below the working surface92so that the working surface92is capable of being used by locating of a plate or other object thereon during performing of cooking on grill24even when the utensils are still mounted with the shelf88. However, by using the longitudinal grooves118,120and122, the spatula100, the tongs102and the fork104are ready at hand available for usage.

The lid114is connectable to the fire bowl12which is discussed in relation to the third embodiment of this invention which follows in the specification that permits the lid114to move to a tilted position, shown inFIG. 5, which provides access into the grill24without having the lid114separated completely from fire bowl12. This position of the lid114, which is shown inFIG. 5, would be common during cooking of food on the grill24. The lid114includes a latching pawl128, which is to engage with the side18in order to lock in position the lid114when it is in the completely closed position, which is shown inFIG. 1.

It is to be understood that the initial position of the grill will normally be that ofFIG. 1. The operator will first put the leg members48and50to the extended position and then remove the lid114from the fire bowl12. The propane tank106and the utensils100,102and104are removed from the back side of the shelves88and90. The shelves88and90are then moved to the extended position, which is shown inFIG. 5. The spatula100is located in conjunction with the longitudinal groove118, the tongs102is located in conjunction with the longitudinal groove120and the fork104is located in conjunction with the longitudinal groove122. The lid114can then be located in the tilted position in conjunction with side extensions124and126. Turning of the knob112will initiate the supplying of the gas through conduit110to the heating unit22and upon ignition of the gas of the heating unit22, the cooking apparatus10of this invention is now ready for usage. After usage, the procedure is reversed to place the cooking apparatus10back in the position shown inFIG. 1, which would mean that the cooking apparatus10is in a position for transportation and storage.

The following discussion is going to be in relation to the second embodiment, third embodiment and fourth embodiment of this invention. Like numerals will be utilized to refer to like parts in reference to the first embodiment10of this invention.

Referring particularly toFIGS. 6–9, there is shown the second embodiment130of cooking apparatus of this invention. The second embodiment130includes a fire bowl12, which has a bottom14, an internal chamber16and sides18and20. Mounted within the internal chamber16is the heating unit22and grill25. The fire bowl26also has a fore end26and an aft end28. Turning of knob112causes knob112to pivot relative to block132mounted on the exterior surface of the side18. The knob112has fixedly connected thereto a rod134. Rod134extends through a hole formed in the side18and is fixed to hook136. Hook136can be pivoted into engagement with retainer138. Retainer138is fixedly mounted on the inside surface of the lid114. When the control knob112is turned counterclockwise to the maximum, the hook136will engage with the retainer138, as is shown inFIG. 7of the drawings. Movement of the control knob112ninety degrees in a counterclockwise direction will cause the hook136to become disengaged from the retainer138which will permit the lid114to be pivoted to an almost ninety degree tilted position, which is clearly shown inFIG. 9of the drawings. The lid114has a peripheral depending lip140, which is to overhangingly connect with in a close conforming manner an upstanding free edge142of the fire bowl12. Mounted on the exterior surface of the lid114there may be included a manufacturing identifying emblem144.

Fixedly mounted to the exterior surface of the bottom14is a pair of parallel spaced apart cross braces146and148. The cross braces146and148are fixedly mounted to the bottom14by means of short rods150. The outer end of each cross brace146and148has an enlarged head152. The cross braces146and148are located transverse to the sides18and20.

An arcuately shaped supporting stand154has a pair of parallel oriented spaced apart curved main members156and157. Connecting between the main members156and157adjacent their ends thereof are connecting braces158and160. Within the convex edge162of the main member156are mounted a pair of spaced apart protruding feet164. Also formed within the convex edge162is a pair of slots166. Cross brace146is to connect with a pair of the slots166with one slot166being in main member156and the other slot166being in the main member157that is parallel to and spaced from main member156. Similarly, cross brace148is to be connectable with a similar pair of aligned slots166. The connection of the cross braces146and148within the respective slots166is in a snug manner so that the support stand154will be held in position in conjunction with the cross braces146and148. When the cross braces146and148are located within the slots166, the support stand154is mounted so as to space the fire bowl12some distance away from the supporting surface with it being understood that the outer ends of the main members, such as main member156, are resting on the supporting surface168.

Each of the main members156and157have formed on their inside surface a pair of slots170which are similar to slots166. Each cross brace146and148can snugly connect with an aligned set of slots170which will locate the support stand154in the position shown withinFIG. 6of the drawings. This is the stowage position of the support stand154, which is to be utilized when the second embodiment130is not being operated.

Pivotally mounted to the fore end26is a first shelf88with a second shelf90being pivotally mounted to the aft end28. This pivot mounting is obtained by using pivot rods84and86respectively. The shelves88and90can be pivoted to an outward extending position with first shelf88resting on handle161and shelf90resting on handle163. The handles161and163are also to function to physically pick up and transport the second embodiment186of cooking apparatus. The inside surface of the first shelf88includes a series of recesses which facilitate stowage of utensils, such as the spatula172and the fork174. Mounted on the undersurface of the shelf90is a wire holder in the form of a pair of wire hangers176and178. The wire hangers176and178connect with the propane tank180. When the shelf90is pivoted one hundred eighty degrees from the position shown inFIG. 8to the position shown inFIG. 9, which is the extended position of the shelf90, propane tank180will be held in position against the under surface of the shelf90but permitted to be located at approximately a thirty degree inclined angle. This inclination is necessary in order for the propane to move the flow in a desirable manner through the connecting hose182to the burner unit, which is not shown. It is to be noted that the second embodiment130is of a smaller configuration than the first embodiment10. Because of this, it was necessary to fold in half the utensils composing of the spatulas172and174so as to cut down the length of such in order to achieve stowage against the under surface of the shelf88. The shelf88inFIG. 9has within its working surface188, which is the upper surface, a pair of elongated grooves190and192. When the fork174is pivoted about its pivot joint194from the collapsed position to the expanded position, it then can be mounted within the groove190so that the fork174is located totally beneath the working surface and does not interfere with the utilization of the working surface188. The same is true for the spatula172if it is pivoted from its collapsed position about pivot joint196to the expanded position and inserted within the groove192.

Referring particularly toFIGS. 10–15of the drawings, there is shown the third embodiment186of cooking apparatus of this invention. The third embodiment186is to be the largest of the first three embodiments, and because of its size, it is not easily as portable as the first embodiment10and the second embodiment130. The fire bowl12of the third embodiment186is substantially larger in size. The backside of the lid114includes a pair of spaced apart protuberances198and200. Each protuberance198and200is to connect with a hole formed within the fire bowl12with only hole202being shown. The holes, such as hole202, are formed within the free edge142of the fire bowl12. The connection arrangement between the protuberances98and the holes202is such that it will permit the lid114to pivot to an upward position and be supported in that position with the lid114assuming a tilted position.

Fixedly mounted to the bottom14of the fire bowl12are four in number of short rods204. Two of the short rods204are fixed to cross brace206with the remaining two in number of short rods204being fixed to the cross brace208. The cross braces206and208are fixed between a pair of main members210and212of the supporting frame214. The left end of the supporting frame214terminates in a handle216with the right end of the supporting frame214terminating in a handle218. Mounted underneath each handle216and218is a latch plate with only latch plate220being shown for handle216. The latch plate220is forced by a coil spring222to an at-rest position. This at-rest position will lock the leg assembly224in its upper position, which is shown inFIG. 10of the drawings. Connected between the leg members226and228of the leg assembly224is a rod230. The latch plate220has a pair of pawls232and234located at opposite ends of the plate220. The pawls232and234are to engage respectively with recesses236and238, which are formed respectively within spools240and242, which are fixedly mounted onto the rod230. When the latch plate220is lifted in the direction of arrow244, the pawls232and234are removed from their respective recesses236and238, which will permit the leg assembly224to be pivoted to the outwardly extending position shown inFIG. 14. In this outwardly extending position, knob236can be manually tightened so as to fix in position the leg assembly224in this outwardly extended position. In a similar manner, knob238can be tightened which will further fix in position the leg assembly224in this outwardly extended position.

In a similar manner, a latch plate which is mounted under the handle218is to be moved in the same way in order to permit the leg assembly250to be pivoted to an outwardly extended position. Again, knobs252are to be tightened which will secure in position the leg assembly250in this outward extended position. The leg assembly250is to include wheels254and256. The wheels254and256facilitate low frictional rolling movement of the third embodiment186of this invention by lifting on handle216and then rolling of the third embodiment186on the wheels254and256. It is to be noted that the leg assembly250assumes a crossed position relative to the leg assembly224when in the upper or retracted position shown inFIG. 10. The leg assembly250is essentially parallel to the leg assembly224when in the outwardly extended or usage position shown inFIG. 14.

Mounted on the grill24is a pair of shelves88and90. The only difference is that because of the size of the fire bowl12, there will be normally included two separate burners within the internal chamber of the fire bowl12. Therefore, each burner has to have its own separate butane tank with their being two butane tanks180hung by wire hangers176and178with there being a separate butane tank258located under each shelf88and90.

Along with the utensils260and262, which can be mounted in a stowage position between the shelves88and90when such are mounted on the grill24, there also may be included a basting container262. This basting container262can be disengaged from the backside of shelf88and mounted on the shelf90, as is shown inFIG. 15. The utensils260and262, which comprise a spatula and fork respectively, can also include tongs264. When the shelves88and90are in an outwardly extended position with shelf88being supported on the handle216and shelf90being supported on the handle218, the spatula260, the fork262and the tongs264can be mounted within grooves266formed in the upper surface of shelf88. Again, the mounting of the spatula260, fork262and tongs264are such that it is located beneath the working surface of the shelf88.

Referring particularly toFIGS. 16–18of the drawings, there is shown a fourth embodiment268of cooking apparatus of this invention. The main distinction of the fourth embodiment268in relation to the first three embodiments of this invention is that the fourth embodiment268is designed to be used in conjunction with charcoal. Therefore, there is no butane tank. Within the fourth embodiment268, the fire bowl270is bowl shaped having essentially a hemispherically shaped internal chamber272. Mounted within the internal chamber272is a grill274. It is to be understood that charcoal briquets (not shown) are to be placed within the internal chamber272underneath the grill274and to be ignited by using an appropriate igniter with food to be cooked on the upper surface of the grill274.

Pivotally mounted to the mounting members276and278is a shelf280. Mounting members276and278are fixedly secured to the fire bowl270. The shelf280is capable of being pivoted with the internal chamber272, which also defines the interior enclosure of the lid282. Lid282includes a handle284to facilitate picking up and replacing of the lid282relative to the fire bowl270. The exterior surface of the lid282includes a manufacturing identifying emblem286. The lid282will normally also include an adjustable air vent plate288. Adjusting of the air vent plate288controls the amount of air that is being supplied within the internal chamber272when the lid282is mounted on the fire bowl270.

The shelf280will actually rest against shelf290in a staggered relationship with shelf290actually resting on the grill274when in the stowage position. The shelf290is pivotally mounted by mounting members292and294which are secured to the fire bowl270. The undersurface of the shelf290is to include grooves, which is to facilitate stowage mounting of the utensils294which will be similar to the utensils that are shown within the third embodiment186of this invention. There can also be stored on the shelf280an ash collecting container296. This ash collecting container296is mounted to a handle298. Formed centrally within the fire bowl270is a hole, which is not shown. This ash collecting container296is to be connectable with that hole with the burned ash from the charcoal to be moved and collected within the collecting container296with that collecting container296to then be removed and the ash dispensed therefrom in an appropriate disposal container, which is again not shown.

Fixedly mounted onto the fire bowl270is a pair of diametrically spaced apart handles300and302. Within the handle300is formed an arcuate through slot304with a similar arcuate through slot306being formed within the handle302. When shelf280is pivoted to its outwardly extended position shown inFIG. 18, the lower surface of the shelf280is to rest on the handle300. In a similar manner, when the shelf290is pivoted to its outwardly extended position, the bottom surface of the shelf290also rests on the handle302. When the lid282is mounted on the fire bowl270, the peripheral edge308overlaps the upper free peripheral edge310of the fire bowl270.

When the fourth embodiment268is being used, it is necessary to space the fire bowl270above the supporting surface in order to prevent burning of the supporting surface. Mounted on the undersurface of the fire bowl270are four in number of evenly spaced apart feet312. Each foot312is to engage with a notch314formed in the peripheral edge of enlarged opening316of a supporting base or stand318. The stand318is basically domed shaped. The connection between the feet312and the notches314essentially locks in position the fire bowl270with the stand318when the fourth embodiment268is being used as a cooking apparatus.

After usage and the fire bowl270has been cooled, the user can manually lift the fire bowl270by handles300and302off of the stand318. Prior to this, the shelves280and290have been pivoted to be in contact with the grill274, as shown inFIG. 17. The user then places the lid282in position onto the fire bowl270after the ash collecting container296has been removed and placed against the bottom surface of the shelf280. The stand318is then placed on top of the lid282. The stand318includes a peripheral lip320, which includes a pair of diametrically spaced apart widened areas322. The stand318is then turned so that the widened areas322engage respectively with the grooves304and306and form a snug locking action therebetween. This will in essence lock the lid282to the fire bowl270. The user can then grasp handle284and readily carry the entire fourth embodiment268in one compact unit.

Although the subject matter of this invention is shown and described in relation to cooking apparatuses that are portable, it is considered to be within the scope of this invention to use the inventive concepts in conjunction with stationary cooking apparatuses.

Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the attendant claims attached hereto, this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically disclosed herein.