Abstract:
A portable and compact grill apparatus can be implemented in the form of free standing portable propane fueled cooking device, which utilizes one or more legs (e.g., four legs) to support the cooking surface. The device permits a standard propane tank to fit between the legs and directly under the cooking surface. The design permits one of the legs to be removed (by rotating it away from the center) to accommodate the exchange of the propane unit (required for refill of fuel). This design creates a very compact unit due to the fact that the fuel tank, burner and cooking surface all fit in a vertical column thus requiring minimal space.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/834,565 titled “Portable and Compact Grill Apparatus” and filed Jul. 28, 2006, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    Embodiments are generally related to grill devices and systems. Embodiments are also related to portable grill devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    It is a common practice to barbecue stakes, chops, hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill over a charcoal fire. More recently, the outdoor cookout has begun to include other foods such as those best cooked in a cooking utensil known as a “wok”. The use of the wok involves cooking techniques incorporating a minimum amount of fats and oils. At times vegetables and meats are cooked for a very short time at high heats. The typical stir-fly recipe calls for a cooking time of less then five minutes. Such rapid cooking combined with the use of small quantities of fat provides substantial health benefits because less fat is absorbed in the food compared with traditional Western style frying. In addition, the wok style of cooking tends to seal the flavor into the food, rendering it more appealing to the palate. 
         [0004]    The wok can be easily cleaned and readily reusable for cooking several items on the same menu. The rounded smooth metal surface may be wiped out or dumped for cleaning with little or no residue. Although the wok has many culinary advantages because of its shape, it has fundamental instability problems because of its generally hemispherical shape and relatively small surface on which to rest. The wok was originally developed to be placed directly on hollowed-out sections of coals on the ground and/or on rings with a wide base fire built below. The wok does not adapt well to cooking on modern ranges and as a result a number of devices have been suggested as a substitute for the above mentioned hollowed-out section of coals on the ground. 
         [0005]    One of the problems with the use of a wok in combination with an outdoor grill is that the wok needs a consistent fuel source, such as a propane tank. The propane tanks may be difficult to move in and out of place for efficient heating operations. The wok should be supported in place in order to provide fuel for heating the wok. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the embodiments disclosed and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole. 
         [0007]    It is therefore, one aspect of the present invention to provide for an improved grill apparatus. 
         [0008]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide for a compact and portable grill apparatus. 
         [0009]    The aforementioned aspects and other objectives and advantages can now be achieved as described herein. A portable and compact grill apparatus is disclosed, which can be implemented in the form of free standing portable propane fueled cooking device, which utilizes one or more legs (e.g., four legs) to support the cooking surface. The device is constructed to permit a standard propane tank to fit between the legs and directly under the cooking surface. The design permits one of the legs to be removed (by rotating it away from the center) to accommodate the exchange of the propane unit (for refill of fuel). This design creates a very compact unit due to the fact that the fuel tank, burner and cooking surface all fit in a vertical column thus requiring minimal space. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the embodiments and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the embodiments disclosed herein. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a portable and compact grill apparatus, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of the portable and compact grill apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a portable and compact grill apparatus depicting the rotation of one leg to allow removal of a fuel source, in accordance with an alternative embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of the base plate depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of a leg, which can be implemented in accordance with an alternative embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates a top view of the top plate depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of a portable and compact grill apparatus including a burner and cooking surface, in accordance with a preferred embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a portable and compact grill apparatus  100 , which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The portable grill apparatus  100  generally includes the use of a removable fuel source  102 , which can be provided as, for example, a portable propane fuel tank. Fuel source  102  can thus be a removable propane tank. The apparatus  100  also includes a cooking surface (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) associated with a burner (also not shown in  FIG. 1 ). The cooking surface and the burner are located proximate to the fuel source  102 , which provides a fuel for heating the cooking surface via the burner. A plurality of legs  104 ,  106  can support the cooking surface and the top plate  108 . Additionally, a base plate  114  can be provided which supports the fuel source  102 . The base plate  114  also supports legs  104 ,  106  and so forth. The apparatus  100 , including its various components and parts, is preferably formed from a steel material, but it can be appreciated that other types of materials may also be utilized depending upon design considerations. 
         [0020]    The fuel source  102  removably sits between the legs  104 ,  106  and directly beneath the cooking surface, which is supported by a top plate  108 . One or more of the legs  104 ,  106  is removable in order accommodate an exchange of the fuel source  102  or refuel the fuel source  102 . Each of the legs  104 ,  106  can be configured to include respective areas  110 ,  112  that provide customized artwork. One or more of the legs  104 ,  106  can include a notch such as notch  111  into which the top plate  108  can slide. The notch  111  allows a removable leg  104  or  106  to latch into a secure position, while the other notches can be used to a “fit up” and weld during the production process. Such a notch  111  secures the top plate  108  into a horizontal position and also assists in maintaining a welded connection between the top plate  108  and the leg  106 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the notch  111  can be formed into the area  112  that is configured for customized artwork or functional art placement or designs (e.g., metal artwork or designs). Although the burner and cooking surface (e.g. a work) are not shown in  FIG. 1 , it can be appreciated that the fuel source  102 , the burner and the cooking surface can be arranged and located in a vertical column in order to limit spacing thereof and provide for a compact configuration for the portable cooking apparatus. 
         [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of the portable and compact grill apparatus  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Note that in  FIGS. 1-2 , identical or similar parts or elements are generally indicated by identical reference numerals. In the top view depicted in  FIG. 2 , the base plate  114  is illustrated with respect to the legs  104 ,  106  which are disposed opposite one another and legs  107 ,  109  which are also disposed opposite one another. Four legs  104 ,  106  and  107 , 109  are thus shown in  FIG. 2 . It can be appreciated that fewer or more legs may be implemented in accordance with alternative embodiments. The top plate  108  is also shown in  FIG. 2  with respect to the base plate  114 . One or more of the legs  104 ,  106  and  107 ,  109  can be removable in order to allow for the installation and removal of the fuel source  102  depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a of a portable and compact grill apparatus  300 , which can be implemented in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The portable grill apparatus  300  generally includes the use of a removable fuel source  302 , which can be provided as, for example, a portable propane fuel tank. Fuel source  302  can thus be a removable propane tank. The apparatus  300  also includes a cooking surface (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) associated with a burner (also not shown in  FIG. 3 ). The cooking surface and the burner are located proximate to the fuel source  302 , which provides a fuel for heating the cooking surface via the burner. A plurality of legs  304 ,  306  can support the cooking surface and the top plate  308 . Note that the legs  304 ,  306  depicted in  FIG. 3  are analogous to the legs  104 ,  106  depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0023]    Additionally, a base plate  314  (which is analogous to the base plate  114  of  FIG. 1 ) can be provided which supports the fuel source  302 . Arrow  313  depicted in  FIG. 3  indicates that the removable legs  304  and/or  306  can be configured to rotate outward from the propane tank or fuel source  302 . Arrow  315  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , on the other hand, indicates that after a leg  304  and/or  306  has cleared the notch in the top plate  308 , the leg  304  or  306  can be pulled up and away from the fuel source  302 . Note that the apparatus  300 , including its various components and parts, is preferably formed from a steel material, but it can be appreciated that other types of materials may also be utilized depending upon design considerations. 
         [0024]    The fuel source  302  removably sits between the legs  304 ,  306  and directly beneath the cooking surface. One or more of the legs  304 ,  306  (which is supported by the base plate  314  and in turn supports the top plate  308 ) is removable in order accommodate an exchange of the fuel source  302  or refuel the fuel source  302 . Each of the legs  304 ,  306  can be configured to include respective areas  310 ,  312  that provide customized artwork (e.g., functional art). Note that the primary difference between the configuration depicted in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3  is in the presentation of the customized artwork in areas  310 ,  312 .  FIG. 3  is provided herein to demonstrate that different customized artwork may be available in areas  310 ,  312 . Although the burner and cooking surface (e.g. a work) are not shown in  FIG. 3 , it can be appreciated that the fuel source  302 , the burner and the cooking surface can be arranged and located in a vertical column in order to limit spacing thereof and provide for a compact configuration for the portable cooking apparatus. 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of the base plate  114  depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Note that in  FIGS. 1-2  and  4 , identical parts or elements are generally indicated by identical reference numerals. The base plate  114  depicted in  FIG. 4  generally includes one or more slots  402 ,  404 ,  406 , and  408 , which receive one or more of the legs  107 ,  104 ,  106 ,  109  depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 . Leg  107 , for example, may slide into slot  402 . The other slots/legs operate with respect to one another in a similar arrangement. Additionally, an area can be provided upon which a company logo  407  or trademark may be placed. Such a logo  407  is, of course, merely optional and is not considered a limiting feature of the disclosed embodiments. Another product logo trademark  409  (e.g., “DISC IT”) can also be cut into the base plate  114 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of a leg  500 , which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred or alternative embodiment. Note that leg  500  can be implemented in place of or in accordance with legs  107 ,  104 ,  106 ,  109  and/or legs  304 ,  306 , depending upon design considerations. Leg  500  generally includes a curved portion  502  that is so shaped to support and the fuel source  102  and/or  302 . Leg  500  includes a tab  506  that can insert into the base plates  114 ,  314 . Leg  500  also can be configured to include a notch  508  for the top plates  108 ,  308 . The note  508  is similar to the notch  111  depicted in  FIG. 1 . A tab  506  generally inserts into the base plate  114 . It can be appreciated that the particular configuration and artwork associated with leg  500  depicted in  FIG. 5  represents merely one possible embodiment. Other configurations and designs or artwork may be implemented in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the overall concept. 
         [0027]      FIG. 6  illustrates a top view of the top plate  108  depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The top plate incorporates slots  601 ,  602  and/or  603 , thereby allowing the burner (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) to be bolted to the top plate  108 . The top plate  108  can also be configured to include notches  604 ,  605 ,  606  and/or  607 , which allow the legs  104 ,  106 ,  107  and  109  to locate and allow one of the legs (e.g., removable leg  104 , which may includes artwork such as artwork  112 ). 
         [0028]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of a portable and compact grill apparatus  700  that includes a burner  704  and a cooking surface  702 , in accordance with an alternative embodiment. Note that in  FIGS. 1-7 , identical or similar parts or elements are generally indicated by identical reference numerals. The apparatus  700  generally includes the fuel source  102  (i.e., removable propane tank) and cooking surface  102  (e.g., a Wok-shaped cooking surface) in association with the burner  704 . 
         [0029]    It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.