Abstract:
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.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/736,847, entitled “Cooking Apparatus” which was filed on Dec. 13, 2000, and which issued on Aug. 19, 2003 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,606,987. 

   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. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention. These drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the cooking apparatus of the present invention showing the first embodiment of the cooking apparatus in its most compact position with the lid being mounted on the fire bowl and the leg assembly of the supporting frame in a retracted position; 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view through the leg assembly of the supporting frame of the first embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the present invention taken along line  2 — 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the first embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the present invention showing the lid removed and also showing a propane tank and utensils being mounted in a stowed position in conjunction with a pair of shelves that are also located in a stowage position on the grill of the first embodiment of the cooking apparatus and with the leg assembly of the supporting frame being located in the extended (usage) position; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view through the leg assembly taken along line  4 — 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the cooking apparatus of this invention showing such in its typical usage position; 
       FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a second embodiment of cooking apparatus of this invention showing the second embodiment of cooking apparatus in its most compact position with the lid being mounted on the fire bowl and the leg assembly of the supporting frame in the retracted position; 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view through the lid latching assembly of the second embodiment of cooking apparatus of this invention taken along line  7 — 7  of  FIG. 6  with this latching assembly being also employed within all embodiments of this invention that utilize a propane tank; 
       FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the second embodiment of cooking apparatus of this invention showing the lid removed and also showing the propane tank and utensils being mounted in a stowed position in conjunction with a pair of shelves that are also located in a stowage position on the grill of the second embodiment of cooking apparatus and with the leg assembly of the supporting frame being located in the extended (usage) position; 
       FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the second embodiment of cooking apparatus of this invention with the pair of shelves being moved to an outwardly extended position and the second embodiment of cooking apparatus in position for usage; 
       FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a third embodiment of cooking apparatus of this invention showing the third embodiment of cooking apparatus in its most compact position with the lid being mounted on the fire bowl and the leg assembly of the supporting frame in a retracted position; 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  11 — 11  of  FIG. 10  showing the mounting arrangement between the fire bowl which is not only used in conjunction with the third embodiment of this invention, but is also used within the first and second embodiments of this invention; 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 11  showing the lid being disengaged from the fire bowl where in  FIG. 11  the lid was engaged with the fire bowl; 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view through the latching mechanism for the leg assembly of the third embodiment of cooking apparatus of this invention taken along line  13 — 13  of  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the third embodiment of cooking apparatus of this invention showing the lid in an open position and the leg assembly in the extended position, which is the normal position for usage of the cooking apparatus; 
       FIG. 15  is an isometric view of the fire bowl of the third embodiment of the cooking apparatus of this invention showing the shelves being moved from the stowage position to an outwardly extended position which would be the normal usage position of the third embodiment of this invention; 
       FIG. 16  is an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of cooking apparatus of this invention showing the fourth embodiment of cooking apparatus in its most compact position with the lid being mounted on the fire bowl and a supporting base being mounted in conjunction about the lid and latched to the handle assembly that is mounted on the fire bowl; 
       FIG. 17  is an exploded isometric view of the fourth embodiment of cooking apparatus of this invention showing the supporting base removed from the lid and placed underneath the fire bowl with the lid disengaged from the fire bowl; and 
       FIG. 18  is an isometric view of-the fourth embodiment of cooking apparatus of this invention showing the lid removed and showing the pair of shelves in conjunction with the fourth embodiment of cooking apparatus being moved to the extended position which is a position of usage and also showing the fire bowl being supported on the supporting base. 
   

   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 
   As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. The figures are not necessary to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
   Referring particularly to the drawings, there is shown the first embodiment of the cooking apparatus  10  of the present invention, which has a fire bowl  12 . The fire bowl  12  has a bottom  14 . Typically, the fire bowl  12  will be constructed of steel or iron. The bottom  14  assumes a smooth, arcuate shape so that the bottom  14  is basically concave relative to the internal chamber  16  of the fire bowl  12 . The fire bowl  12  also includes a front  18  and a back  20 . The sides of the front and back,  18  and  20  respectively, of the fire bowl  12  are slightly curved being convex from the exterior. The bottom  14  is also curved arcuately in the direction from front  18  to back  20 . This forming of the fire bowl  12  is to maximize the reflecting or application of heat from the heating unit  22  that is contained within the internal chamber  16 . Mounted at the upper end of the internal chamber  16  is a cooking grill  24 . It is to be noted that the upper edge of the front  18  and back  20  are substantially flush to the upper edge of the left side  26  and the right side  28  of the fire bowl  12 . 
   The bottom  14  of the fire bowl  12  is fixedly mounted onto a supporting frame  30 . The supporting frame  30  includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart arcuate main members  32  and  34 , which are in a bowl shape resembling a basic cradle configuration. Within that cradle is mounted the fire bowl  12 . Extending between the members  32  and  34  are cross braces  36  and  38 . The fire bowl  12  is fixedly mounted onto the cross braces  36  and  38  by mounts  40 . 
   One end of the supporting frame  30  terminates in a handle  42  with the opposite end of the supporting frame  30  terminating in a handle  44 . The handle  42  is located directly adjacent but slightly spaced from the left side  26 . The handle  44  is located directly adjacent but slightly spaced from the right side  28 . 
   The main member  32 , as well as main member  34 , is basically configured to be channeled shaped having an internal cavity  46 . This cavity  46  is open at the bottom. A leg assembly composed of leg members  48  and  50  is to be mounted between the main members  32  and  34 . The leg member  48  is pivotally mounted by pivot pins,  52  and  54  respectively, to the main members  32  and  34 . The leg member  48  includes legs  56  and  58  with leg  56  being pivotally mounted by the pivot pin  52  to the main member  32  and leg member  58  being pivotally mounted by the pivot pin  54  to the main member  34 . The outer end of the legs  56  and  58  has extending therebetween a cross member  60 . 
   The leg member  50  includes a similar pair of legs with only leg  62  being shown. The leg  62  is pivotally mounted by a pivot pin  64  to the main member  32 . Extending between the legs  62  and the not shown leg of the leg member  50  is a cross member  66 . 
   The leg members  48  and  50  can be located in a retracted position relative to the supporting frame  30  which will locate the cross member  60  in conjunction with a notch  68  formed within the main member  32  and the cross member  66  engaging with a notch  70  formed within the main member  32 . With the leg members  40  and  50  in this retracted position, the leg member  48  includes a pair of leg extensions  72  and  74  which are to be located on a supporting surface  76 . It is to be noted that in this position the main members  32  and  34  will be located also very near the supporting surface  76 , generally no more than a fraction of an inch therefrom. The leg member  50  also includes a similar pair of leg extensions with only leg extension  78  being shown. 
   When the leg member  48  is moved clockwise to an extended position, and the leg member  50  moved counterclockwise to an extended position, the leg member  78  moves within the internal cavity  46  of the main member number  32 . When the leg extension  78  contacts the upper end of the internal cavity  46 , this will define the limit of movement of the leg member  50  to the extended position. Such also is to occur for the leg member  48  with the leg extensions  72  and  74  as well as the not shown leg extension for leg member  50 . It is to be noted when the leg members  48  and  50  are in the retracted position, the shape of the legs  56 ,  58 ,  62  and the not shown leg of leg member  50  will nest within the internal cavity  46  in a close conforming manner of the main members  32  and  34  respectively. It is to be noted that the leg members  40  and  50  will automatically remain in their retracted position until such is moved from the retracted position to the extended position. The extended position of the leg members  48  and  50  locates the outer end of the leg members  48  and  50  against the supporting surface  76 . 
   Fixedly mounted to the fire bowl  12  at the fore end  26  is a mounting bar  80 . A similar mounting bar  82  is fixedly mounted to the fire bowl  12  at the aft end  28 . Mounted on the mounting bar  80  is a pivot rod  84 . A similar pivot rod  86  is pivotally mounted on the mounting bar  82 . Connected to the pivot rod  84  is the inner end of a first shelf  88 . The inner end of a second shelf  90  is connected to the pivot rod  86 . The first shelf  88  is capable of being pivoted from a stowage position located within the confines of the internal chamber  16  shown in  FIG. 3  of the drawings to an extended position, which is shown in  FIG. 5  of the drawings. Similarly, the second shelf  90  is capable of being pivoted one hundred eighty degrees from the stowage position shown in  FIG. 3  to an extended position shown in  FIG. 5 . In the stowage position shown in  FIG. 3 , the shelves  88  and  90  are located in juxtaposition and in alignment. In  FIG. 5 , the shelves  88  and  90  are no longer in juxtaposition but still in alignment. The shelf  88  has a planar working surface  92 , and shelf  90  has a planar working surface  94 . When shelf  88  is in the extended position shown in  FIG. 5 , the underside of the shelf  88  rests on the handle  42 . Similarly, when the shelf  90  is in the extended position shown in  FIG. 5 , the underside of the shelf  90  rests on the handle  44 . 
   The bottom side of the shelves  88  and  90  is what are located in an upward facing direction when the shelves  88  and  90  are in the stowage position shown in  FIG. 3 . The undersurface of the shelves  88  and  90  includes a plurality of spaced-apart brace members  96  each of which includes notches  98 . These notches  98  are to facilitate stowage of utensils, such as a spatula  100 , tongs  102  and a fork  104 . Also, there is provided sufficient space on the underside of the shelves  88  and  90  to accommodate a propane gas tank  106 . The gas tank  106  can be removed and mounted on the supporting surface  76  in close proximity to the fire bowl  12 . The forward end of the gas tank  106  is to be mounted in conjunction with a support  108 , which is to rest on the supporting surface  76 . It is necessary that the forward end of the gas tank  106  be at an elevated position to the rear end of the gas tank  106  in order for the gas tank  106  to supply gas properly through the conduit  110  to the heating unit  22 . Control of the gas from the tank  106  to the heating unit  22  is by a regulator  184 . Igniting of the gas within the heating unit  22  would normally be accomplished by use of an ignition device such as a conventional match, which is not shown. 
   The lid  114  is to be removed by unlatching of a latch mechanism (not shown) in  FIGS. 1–5  by turning of knob  112  and grasping of handle  116  from its position totally enclosing of the internal chamber  16  and separating of the lid  114  completely from the fire bowl  12 , as is shown in  FIG. 3 . Propane tank  106  is then to be removed and placed as shown in  FIG. 5 , and the conduit  110  is connected to an appropriate connection, which is not shown, mounted on the bottom  14  of the fire bowl  12 . The spatula  100 , tongs  102  and fork  104  are then removed and shelf  88  pivoted one hundred eighty degrees to rest on the handle  42 , and shelf  90  then being pivoted one hundred eighty degrees to rest on the handle  44 . The handle of the spatula  100  is to be located within the longitudinal groove  118  formed within the working surface  92  of the shelf  88 . Similarly, the tongs  102  is to be mountable in conjunction with a pair of elongated grooves  120  formed within the working surface  92 . Similarly, the handle of the fork  104  is to be locatable in longitudinal groove  122  formed within the working surface  92 . The depths of the grooves  118 ,  120  and  122  are such that the spatula  100 , tongs  102  and fork  104  are located below the working surface  92  so that the working surface  92  is capable of being used by locating of a plate or other object thereon during performing of cooking on grill  24  even when the utensils are still mounted with the shelf  88 . However, by using the longitudinal grooves  118 ,  120  and  122 , the spatula  100 , the tongs  102  and the fork  104  are ready at hand available for usage. 
   The lid  114  is connectable to the fire bowl  12  which is discussed in relation to the third embodiment of this invention which follows in the specification that permits the lid  114  to move to a tilted position, shown in  FIG. 5 , which provides access into the grill  24  without having the lid  114  separated completely from fire bowl  12 . This position of the lid  114 , which is shown in  FIG. 5 , would be common during cooking of food on the grill  24 . The lid  114  includes a latching pawl  128 , which is to engage with the side  18  in order to lock in position the lid  114  when it is in the completely closed position, which is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   It is to be understood that the initial position of the grill will normally be that of  FIG. 1 . The operator will first put the leg members  48  and  50  to the extended position and then remove the lid  114  from the fire bowl  12 . The propane tank  106  and the utensils  100 ,  102  and  104  are removed from the back side of the shelves  88  and  90 . The shelves  88  and  90  are then moved to the extended position, which is shown in  FIG. 5 . The spatula  100  is located in conjunction with the longitudinal groove  118 , the tongs  102  is located in conjunction with the longitudinal groove  120  and the fork  104  is located in conjunction with the longitudinal groove  122 . The lid  114  can then be located in the tilted position in conjunction with side extensions  124  and  126 . Turning of the knob  112  will initiate the supplying of the gas through conduit  110  to the heating unit  22  and upon ignition of the gas of the heating unit  22 , the cooking apparatus  10  of this invention is now ready for usage. After usage, the procedure is reversed to place the cooking apparatus  10  back in the position shown in  FIG. 1 , which would mean that the cooking apparatus  10  is 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 embodiment  10  of this invention. 
   Referring particularly to  FIGS. 6–9 , there is shown the second embodiment  130  of cooking apparatus of this invention. The second embodiment  130  includes a fire bowl  12 , which has a bottom  14 , an internal chamber  16  and sides  18  and  20 . Mounted within the internal chamber  16  is the heating unit  22  and grill  25 . The fire bowl  26  also has a fore end  26  and an aft end  28 . Turning of knob  112  causes knob  112  to pivot relative to block  132  mounted on the exterior surface of the side  18 . The knob  112  has fixedly connected thereto a rod  134 . Rod  134  extends through a hole formed in the side  18  and is fixed to hook  136 . Hook  136  can be pivoted into engagement with retainer  138 . Retainer  138  is fixedly mounted on the inside surface of the lid  114 . When the control knob  112  is turned counterclockwise to the maximum, the hook  136  will engage with the retainer  138 , as is shown in  FIG. 7  of the drawings. Movement of the control knob  112  ninety degrees in a counterclockwise direction will cause the hook  136  to become disengaged from the retainer  138  which will permit the lid  114  to be pivoted to an almost ninety degree tilted position, which is clearly shown in  FIG. 9  of the drawings. The lid  114  has a peripheral depending lip  140 , which is to overhangingly connect with in a close conforming manner an upstanding free edge  142  of the fire bowl  12 . Mounted on the exterior surface of the lid  114  there may be included a manufacturing identifying emblem  144 . 
   Fixedly mounted to the exterior surface of the bottom  14  is a pair of parallel spaced apart cross braces  146  and  148 . The cross braces  146  and  148  are fixedly mounted to the bottom  14  by means of short rods  150 . The outer end of each cross brace  146  and  148  has an enlarged head  152 . The cross braces  146  and  148  are located transverse to the sides  18  and  20 . 
   An arcuately shaped supporting stand  154  has a pair of parallel oriented spaced apart curved main members  156  and  157 . Connecting between the main members  156  and  157  adjacent their ends thereof are connecting braces  158  and  160 . Within the convex edge  162  of the main member  156  are mounted a pair of spaced apart protruding feet  164 . Also formed within the convex edge  162  is a pair of slots  166 . Cross brace  146  is to connect with a pair of the slots  166  with one slot  166  being in main member  156  and the other slot  166  being in the main member  157  that is parallel to and spaced from main member  156 . Similarly, cross brace  148  is to be connectable with a similar pair of aligned slots  166 . The connection of the cross braces  146  and  148  within the respective slots  166  is in a snug manner so that the support stand  154  will be held in position in conjunction with the cross braces  146  and  148 . When the cross braces  146  and  148  are located within the slots  166 , the support stand  154  is mounted so as to space the fire bowl  12  some distance away from the supporting surface with it being understood that the outer ends of the main members, such as main member  156 , are resting on the supporting surface  168 . 
   Each of the main members  156  and  157  have formed on their inside surface a pair of slots  170  which are similar to slots  166 . Each cross brace  146  and  148  can snugly connect with an aligned set of slots  170  which will locate the support stand  154  in the position shown within  FIG. 6  of the drawings. This is the stowage position of the support stand  154 , which is to be utilized when the second embodiment  130  is not being operated. 
   Pivotally mounted to the fore end  26  is a first shelf  88  with a second shelf  90  being pivotally mounted to the aft end  28 . This pivot mounting is obtained by using pivot rods  84  and  86  respectively. The shelves  88  and  90  can be pivoted to an outward extending position with first shelf  88  resting on handle  161  and shelf  90  resting on handle  163 . The handles  161  and  163  are also to function to physically pick up and transport the second embodiment  186  of cooking apparatus. The inside surface of the first shelf  88  includes a series of recesses which facilitate stowage of utensils, such as the spatula  172  and the fork  174 . Mounted on the undersurface of the shelf  90  is a wire holder in the form of a pair of wire hangers  176  and  178 . The wire hangers  176  and  178  connect with the propane tank  180 . When the shelf  90  is pivoted one hundred eighty degrees from the position shown in  FIG. 8  to the position shown in  FIG. 9 , which is the extended position of the shelf  90 , propane tank  180  will be held in position against the under surface of the shelf  90  but 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 hose  182  to the burner unit, which is not shown. It is to be noted that the second embodiment  130  is of a smaller configuration than the first embodiment  10 . Because of this, it was necessary to fold in half the utensils composing of the spatulas  172  and  174  so as to cut down the length of such in order to achieve stowage against the under surface of the shelf  88 . The shelf  88  in  FIG. 9  has within its working surface  188 , which is the upper surface, a pair of elongated grooves  190  and  192 . When the fork  174  is pivoted about its pivot joint  194  from the collapsed position to the expanded position, it then can be mounted within the groove  190  so that the fork  174  is located totally beneath the working surface and does not interfere with the utilization of the working surface  188 . The same is true for the spatula  172  if it is pivoted from its collapsed position about pivot joint  196  to the expanded position and inserted within the groove  192 . 
   Referring particularly to  FIGS. 10–15  of the drawings, there is shown the third embodiment  186  of cooking apparatus of this invention. The third embodiment  186  is to be the largest of the first three embodiments, and because of its size, it is not easily as portable as the first embodiment  10  and the second embodiment  130 . The fire bowl  12  of the third embodiment  186  is substantially larger in size. The backside of the lid  114  includes a pair of spaced apart protuberances  198  and  200 . Each protuberance  198  and  200  is to connect with a hole formed within the fire bowl  12  with only hole  202  being shown. The holes, such as hole  202 , are formed within the free edge  142  of the fire bowl  12 . The connection arrangement between the protuberances  98  and the holes  202  is such that it will permit the lid  114  to pivot to an upward position and be supported in that position with the lid  114  assuming a tilted position. 
   Fixedly mounted to the bottom  14  of the fire bowl  12  are four in number of short rods  204 . Two of the short rods  204  are fixed to cross brace  206  with the remaining two in number of short rods  204  being fixed to the cross brace  208 . The cross braces  206  and  208  are fixed between a pair of main members  210  and  212  of the supporting frame  214 . The left end of the supporting frame  214  terminates in a handle  216  with the right end of the supporting frame  214  terminating in a handle  218 . Mounted underneath each handle  216  and  218  is a latch plate with only latch plate  220  being shown for handle  216 . The latch plate  220  is forced by a coil spring  222  to an at-rest position. This at-rest position will lock the leg assembly  224  in its upper position, which is shown in  FIG. 10  of the drawings. Connected between the leg members  226  and  228  of the leg assembly  224  is a rod  230 . The latch plate  220  has a pair of pawls  232  and  234  located at opposite ends of the plate  220 . The pawls  232  and  234  are to engage respectively with recesses  236  and  238 , which are formed respectively within spools  240  and  242 , which are fixedly mounted onto the rod  230 . When the latch plate  220  is lifted in the direction of arrow  244 , the pawls  232  and  234  are removed from their respective recesses  236  and  238 , which will permit the leg assembly  224  to be pivoted to the outwardly extending position shown in  FIG. 14 . In this outwardly extending position, knob  236  can be manually tightened so as to fix in position the leg assembly  224  in this outwardly extended position. In a similar manner, knob  238  can be tightened which will further fix in position the leg assembly  224  in this outwardly extended position. 
   In a similar manner, a latch plate which is mounted under the handle  218  is to be moved in the same way in order to permit the leg assembly  250  to be pivoted to an outwardly extended position. Again, knobs  252  are to be tightened which will secure in position the leg assembly  250  in this outward extended position. The leg assembly  250  is to include wheels  254  and  256 . The wheels  254  and  256  facilitate low frictional rolling movement of the third embodiment  186  of this invention by lifting on handle  216  and then rolling of the third embodiment  186  on the wheels  254  and  256 . It is to be noted that the leg assembly  250  assumes a crossed position relative to the leg assembly  224  when in the upper or retracted position shown in  FIG. 10 . The leg assembly  250  is essentially parallel to the leg assembly  224  when in the outwardly extended or usage position shown in  FIG. 14 . 
   Mounted on the grill  24  is a pair of shelves  88  and  90 . The only difference is that because of the size of the fire bowl  12 , there will be normally included two separate burners within the internal chamber of the fire bowl  12 . Therefore, each burner has to have its own separate butane tank with their being two butane tanks  180  hung by wire hangers  176  and  178  with there being a separate butane tank  258  located under each shelf  88  and  90 . 
   Along with the utensils  260  and  262 , which can be mounted in a stowage position between the shelves  88  and  90  when such are mounted on the grill  24 , there also may be included a basting container  262 . This basting container  262  can be disengaged from the backside of shelf  88  and mounted on the shelf  90 , as is shown in  FIG. 15 . The utensils  260  and  262 , which comprise a spatula and fork respectively, can also include tongs  264 . When the shelves  88  and  90  are in an outwardly extended position with shelf  88  being supported on the handle  216  and shelf  90  being supported on the handle  218 , the spatula  260 , the fork  262  and the tongs  264  can be mounted within grooves  266  formed in the upper surface of shelf  88 . Again, the mounting of the spatula  260 , fork  262  and tongs  264  are such that it is located beneath the working surface of the shelf  88 . 
   Referring particularly to  FIGS. 16–18  of the drawings, there is shown a fourth embodiment  268  of cooking apparatus of this invention. The main distinction of the fourth embodiment  268  in relation to the first three embodiments of this invention is that the fourth embodiment  268  is designed to be used in conjunction with charcoal. Therefore, there is no butane tank. Within the fourth embodiment  268 , the fire bowl  270  is bowl shaped having essentially a hemispherically shaped internal chamber  272 . Mounted within the internal chamber  272  is a grill  274 . It is to be understood that charcoal briquets (not shown) are to be placed within the internal chamber  272  underneath the grill  274  and to be ignited by using an appropriate igniter with food to be cooked on the upper surface of the grill  274 . 
   Pivotally mounted to the mounting members  276  and  278  is a shelf  280 . Mounting members  276  and  278  are fixedly secured to the fire bowl  270 . The shelf  280  is capable of being pivoted with the internal chamber  272 , which also defines the interior enclosure of the lid  282 . Lid  282  includes a handle  284  to facilitate picking up and replacing of the lid  282  relative to the fire bowl  270 . The exterior surface of the lid  282  includes a manufacturing identifying emblem  286 . The lid  282  will normally also include an adjustable air vent plate  288 . Adjusting of the air vent plate  288  controls the amount of air that is being supplied within the internal chamber  272  when the lid  282  is mounted on the fire bowl  270 . 
   The shelf  280  will actually rest against shelf  290  in a staggered relationship with shelf  290  actually resting on the grill  274  when in the stowage position. The shelf  290  is pivotally mounted by mounting members  292  and  294  which are secured to the fire bowl  270 . The undersurface of the shelf  290  is to include grooves, which is to facilitate stowage mounting of the utensils  294  which will be similar to the utensils that are shown within the third embodiment  186  of this invention. There can also be stored on the shelf  280  an ash collecting container  296 . This ash collecting container  296  is mounted to a handle  298 . Formed centrally within the fire bowl  270  is a hole, which is not shown. This ash collecting container  296  is to be connectable with that hole with the burned ash from the charcoal to be moved and collected within the collecting container  296  with that collecting container  296  to then be removed and the ash dispensed therefrom in an appropriate disposal container, which is again not shown. 
   Fixedly mounted onto the fire bowl  270  is a pair of diametrically spaced apart handles  300  and  302 . Within the handle  300  is formed an arcuate through slot  304  with a similar arcuate through slot  306  being formed within the handle  302 . When shelf  280  is pivoted to its outwardly extended position shown in  FIG. 18 , the lower surface of the shelf  280  is to rest on the handle  300 . In a similar manner, when the shelf  290  is pivoted to its outwardly extended position, the bottom surface of the shelf  290  also rests on the handle  302 . When the lid  282  is mounted on the fire bowl  270 , the peripheral edge  308  overlaps the upper free peripheral edge  310  of the fire bowl  270 . 
   When the fourth embodiment  268  is being used, it is necessary to space the fire bowl  270  above the supporting surface in order to prevent burning of the supporting surface. Mounted on the undersurface of the fire bowl  270  are four in number of evenly spaced apart feet  312 . Each foot  312  is to engage with a notch  314  formed in the peripheral edge of enlarged opening  316  of a supporting base or stand  318 . The stand  318  is basically domed shaped. The connection between the feet  312  and the notches  314  essentially locks in position the fire bowl  270  with the stand  318  when the fourth embodiment  268  is being used as a cooking apparatus. 
   After usage and the fire bowl  270  has been cooled, the user can manually lift the fire bowl  270  by handles  300  and  302  off of the stand  318 . Prior to this, the shelves  280  and  290  have been pivoted to be in contact with the grill  274 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . The user then places the lid  282  in position onto the fire bowl  270  after the ash collecting container  296  has been removed and placed against the bottom surface of the shelf  280 . The stand  318  is then placed on top of the lid  282 . The stand  318  includes a peripheral lip  320 , which includes a pair of diametrically spaced apart widened areas  322 . The stand  318  is then turned so that the widened areas  322  engage respectively with the grooves  304  and  306  and form a snug locking action therebetween. This will in essence lock the lid  282  to the fire bowl  270 . The user can then grasp handle  284  and readily carry the entire fourth embodiment  268  in 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.