Patent Publication Number: US-2006016447-A1

Title: Apparatus and method for grill

Description:
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates generally to grill assemblies for tailgating events, and relates more particularly to grill assemblies that include both a vehicle support structure when the grill assembly is attached to the vehicle and an independent support structure when the grill assembly is detached from the vehicle.  
     2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Tailgate parties at sporting events or other occasions have largely become an American tradition. Grill assemblies toward the rear of a truck or other vehicle are often used at such tailgaters for grilling food for party patrons. Various grill assemblies have been used to offer convenience to tailgaters, including grill assemblies utilized external to the vehicle.  
      In the prior art, grill assemblies have been connected to the rear of the vehicle through an arm frame extension assembly that may be connected to the trailer hitch receiver of a truck or sport utility vehicle. This prior version offered the convenience of keeping the grill external to the vehicle at all times, both while driving and when the vehicle is parked. Mounting the grill external to the vehicle saves valuable space inside the vehicle for passengers and for tailgating supplies.  
      A need exists in the art, however, for a grill assembly that may serve dual functions of attaching to a truck or vehicle, while at the same time detaching from the vehicle and operating as a stand-alone grill with an independent support structure.  
      A need also exists in the art for the aforementioned dual function grill assembly that both attaches and detaches from the vehicle, and including a structure for securing a cover tightly to the top of the grill, whereby the cover may include a printed indicia to provide for an enhanced tailgating experience.  
     3. SUMMARY  
      Disclosed is an outdoor cooking apparatus including a grill having a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion of the grill has a metal curved top surface, and is hinged to the lower portion of the grill. The lower portion of the grill is releasably mounted to a support frame, which is in turn releasably mounted to the rearward portion of a vehicle. A metal cover, which contains printed indicia thereon, releasably mounts to the upper portion of the grill. The printed indicia cover overlies the top surface of the upper portion of the grill, and is substantially parallel to the top surface of the upper portion of the grill.  
      Optionally, the grill contains a retainer lip on the upper portion of the grill positioned adjacent an edge of the upper portion of the grill. The printed indicia cover features a hook member which engages the retainer lip. Additionally, a set of leg segments may be mounted on the grill, extending downward below the grill. A set of legs may releasably connect to the leg segments for supporting the grill when the legs are attached to the leg segments, and when the grill lower portion is detached from the vehicle.  
    
    
     4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the grill assembly according to the invention.  
       FIG. 2  shows a sectional view of the grill assembly of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  shows a sectional view of the frame of the grill assembly.  
       FIG. 4  shows a side view of the grill assembly with leg supports according to the invention.  
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the grill of  FIG. 1 , including an exploded view of the top portion of the grill.  
       FIG. 6  shows a sectional view of a retainer securing the printed indicia cover on the top portion of the grill of  FIG. 5 .  
       FIG. 7  shows a sectional view of a bolt securing the printed indicia cover on the top portion of the grill of  FIG. 5 .  
    
    
     5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      Although the following detailed description contains many specific details for purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiment of the invention described below is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations thereon, the claimed invention.  
       FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  illustrate a grill assembly  10  according to the invention. Some embodiments of the grill assembly  10  may include a grill  12  mounted to a truck  15  or other vehicle  15  by way of a frame  25 . The frame  25  may include a vertical arm  47 , a horizontal arm  48 , and an extension tube  46  into which the horizontal arm  48  co-axially extends. The frame  25  is preferably mounted to a trailer hitch receiver  42  at the rear of the truck  15 . Trailer hitch receiver  42  comprises a square tube with an open rearward end for receiving a trailer ball hitch.  
       FIG. 2  shows a sectional view of the grill assembly  10  of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the structural assembly of the grill  12  to the truck  15 . At the bottom portion  20  of the grill  12 , a square receptacle  52  extends downward from the grill  12 . The receptacle  52  mounts onto a vertical arm  47  of the frame  25 . The receptacle  52  receives the top end of the vertical arm  47 , and the receptacle  52  is pinned, bolted, or otherwise secured to the vertical arm  47  through a hole  54  extending through both the receptacle  52  and the top end of the vertical arm  47 .  
      The vertical arm  47  of the frame  25  connects with a horizontal arm  48 , which preferably intersect at a right angle. A triangular support piece  56  bridges the vertical arm  47  and the horizontal arm  48  at the junction and offers additional strength to support the grill  12  upon the vertical arm  47 .  
      Extension tube  46  fits within the trailer hitch receiver  42  at the rear end of the truck  15 . The hitch  42  receives the end of the extension tube  46 , and the extension tube  46  is pinned, bolted, or otherwise secured to the hitch  42  through a hole  44  extending through both the hitch  42  and the extension tube  46 . The extension tube  46  may include a swivel  43  near the point of contact with the hitch  42 . The swivel  43  allows the extension tube  46  to swing laterally from one side of the truck  15  toward the other side of the truck  15  while the extension tube  46  remains at a constant distance from the ground.  
      The horizontal arm  48  may extend from the extension tube  46  to position the grill  12  farther from the truck  15 , or the extension tube  46  may be removed to position the grill  12  closer to the truck  15 . At the end of the extension tube  46 , a fastener  50  may screw through a hole at the end of the extension tube  46  and interface with the outer perimeter of the horizontal arm  48  to secure the horizontal arm  48  in place relative to the extension tube  46 . The fastener  50  may be a set screw, a T-handle, or other locking apparatus that imparts a locking force against the horizontal arm  48  to secure it in place.  
      The extension tube  46  and horizontal arm  48  are preferably rectangular in shape, but may alternatively be pentagonal, hexagonal, cylindrical, or an otherwise suitable shape. The extension tube  46  and the horizontal arm  48  preferably comprise the same shape to ensure proper mating when extending and retracting the horizontal arm  48  from the extension tube  46 . The perforated tray  30  may be mounted upon the extension tube  46  for holding an ice chest, cooler, or other tailgate accessory  32 . As such, when the extension tube  46  is removed, perforated tray  30  is also removed.  
      Some embodiments of the frame  25 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , may feature the horizontal arm  48  secured within the trailer hitch receiver  42 , without utilizing the extension tube  46 . In this embodiment, the horizontal arm  48  fits within the hitch  42  at the rear end of the truck  15 . The hitch  42  receives the end of the horizontal arm  48 , and the horizontal arm  48  is pinned, bolted, or otherwise secured to hitch  42  through a hole  44  extending through both the hitch  42  and the horizontal arm  48 .  
      A perforated tray  30  or other support mechanism may be mounted on the frame  25  in front of the grill  12  for supporting an ice chest, cooler, or other tailgating accessory  32 . Additionally, some embodiments of the frame  25  may insert a lock (not shown), for example, through holes  54  and  44 . The locks through the holes  54 ,  44  would allow tailgaters to leave the truck or vehicle  15  periodically for a sporting event or other event without concern that the grill assembly  10  will be stolen.  
      The frame  25  extends outward from the truck  15  and supports the bottom portion  20  of the grill  12 . The grill  12 , as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , may include a bottom portion  20  and a top portion  22  which opens and closes about hinge  24 . The grill  12  may include side handles  27  mounted to bottom side portion  21  and a front handle  28  mounted to top portion  22 . In this embodiment, bottom side portion  21  and top portion  22  are semi-cylindrical such that when closed define a barrel with closed side ends.  
      On either side of the grill  12 , leg supports  35  may be secured to sides  21  of the grill  12 . Each leg support  35  comprises a pair of leg segments  37  joined by a cross member  39 . Leg segments  37  extend at inclined angles and diverge from each other in a downward direction. Leg segments  37  terminate slightly below the bottom of the bottom portion  20  of grill  12 .  
      An individual may detach the grill  12  from the frame  25  and utilize the grill  12  as a stand-alone appliance separate from the truck  15 . In this manner, an individual may detach the grill  12  from the frame  25  and place the grill  12  on the ground or inside the back end of a truck or other vehicle with the leg supports  35  offering support and balance to the stand-alone grill  12 . The leg supports  35  extend downward from the grill  12  past the bottom portion  20  of the grill  12  so that the bottom portion  20  of the grill  12  does not touch the ground or other surface upon which the grill  12  is placed.  
       FIG. 4  shows a side view of the grill  12  with leg supports  35  and leg extensions  60 . The leg extensions  60  slide into each end of the leg segments  37  to raise grill  12  to a convenient height for use apart from frame  25 . Leg supports  35  and leg extensions  60  may be secured to the grill  12  to provide stability to the grill  12  if an individual desires to detach the grill  12  from the grill assembly  10  and utilize the grill  12  as a stand-alone appliance separate from the truck  15 . In this manner, an individual may detach the grill  12  from the grill assembly  10  and place the grill  12  on the ground or inside the back end of a truck or other vehicle with the leg supports  35  and legs  60  offering support and balance to the stand-alone grill  12 .  
      The extended support legs  60  may be necessary for optimizing user convenience. For example, if an individual desires to stand while using the grill  12  for cooking or cleaning, the extended support legs  60  enable the grill  12  to rise to the most convenient height for the user. The extended support legs  60  may comprise various lengths intended for use by individuals of various heights. Shorter individuals may attach shorter length extended support legs  60  to the leg supports  35  to raise the grill  12  to a convenient height. Taller individuals may attach longer extended support legs  60  to the leg supports  35  similarly for their convenience.  
      The leg supports  35  extend downward parallel to the side of the grill  12 . The leg supports  35  may widen at an angle B as they extend downward from the grill  12 . Also, the extended support legs  60  may widen at an angle B when extending downward from the leg supports  35 . The widening of the leg supports  35 ,  60  ensures stability when the center of gravity of the grill  12  shifts due to the opening and closing of the top portion  22  of the grill  12  about hinge  24 . In this manner, the leg supports  35 ,  60  preferably widen to a width W such that the grill  12  will not tip over when the top portion  22  of the grill  12  is fully opened about hinge  24 .  
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the grill  12  of  FIG. 1 , including an exploded view of the top portion  22  of the grill  12 . The top portion  22  of the grill  12  is shown closed upon the bottom portion  20  of the grill  12 . A retainer  65  may be mounted on the front end of the top portion  22  of the grill  12 , near the point where the top portion  22  interfaces with the bottom portion  20  when the grill  12  is closed. The retainer  65  is used to secure the printed indicia cover  40  tightly against the top portion  22  of the grill  12 .  
      On the back of the top portion  22  of the grill  12 , a series of bolts  67  may be inserted through a series of holes  68 . The bolts  67  extend through the back end of the printed indicia cover  40  and into the holes  68  to secure the printed indicia cover  40  tightly against the top portion  22  of the grill  12 .  
      Several holes  29  may also be positioned on the front and sides of the grill  12  for receiving the handles  28 ,  27 . The front handle  28  provides for convenient opening and closing of the top portion  22  of the grill  12  upon the bottom portion  20  of the grill. The side handles  27  are utilized for lifting the entire grill  12  from the frame  25  when an individual desires to detach the grill  12  from the frame  25  of the grill assembly  10  and use the grill  12  as a stand-alone appliance.  
      A cover  40  may be secured to the top portion  22  of the grill  12  which features a printed indicia to enhance the tailgating experience.  FIG. 6  shows a sectional view of a retainer  65  securing the printed indicia cover  40  onto the front end of the top portion  22  of the grill  12  of  FIG. 5 . The retainer  65  is preferably welded to the top portion  22  of the grill  12 , but may alternatively be bolted, pinned, or otherwise mounted onto the grill  12 . The retainer  65  is a flat strip secured to convey an open space near the front edge of the grill  12 . The bottom part of the retainer  65  is offset from the grill  12 , creating a space  70  between the retainer  65  and the top portion  22  of the grill  12 . The printed indicia cover  40  is introduced into the space  70  between the retainer  65  and the grill  12 .  
      The printed indicia cover  40  preferably surrounds the top portion  22  of the grill  12 . The cover  40  is a sheet preferably made from steel or aluminum, or other flexible material capable of withstanding heat from the grill  12 . The front end portion of the printed indicia cover  40  has a tab  41  that fits underneath and inside the retainer  65 . The tab  41  of the printed indicia cover  40  forms a hook shape, thus intruding into the space  70 .  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , several bolts  67  secure the printed indicia cover  40  onto the back end of the top portion  22  of the grill  12  of  FIG. 5 . The printed indicia cover  40  curves over the top metal portion  22  of the grill  12 , from the retainer  65  at the front end to the bolts  67  at the back end. The end portion of the printed indicia cover  40  is preferably bolted to the grill  12 , but may alternatively be fastened or otherwise mounted onto the grill  12 . The inside face of the bolts  67  and the outside of the grill  12  exert a pressure force against the sides of the printed indicia cover  40  to secure the cover  40  between the bolts  67  and the grill  12 .  
      The invention has several important advantages. The invention provides the ability to attach the grill assembly  10  to the trailer hitch receiver  42  of a truck or other sport utility vehicle. In addition, the printed indicia cover  40  enables for an enhanced tailgating experience. The flexible tabs  41  on the cover  40  provide for a secure fit in the space  70  within the retainer  65 . Further, if the user desires to change from one cover  40  to a different cover  40 , the retainer  65  on the grill easily enables an individual to replace an existing cover  40  and employ a new cover  40  in its place. The legs  60  that attach to the leg supports  35  enable the user to detach the grill  12  from the frame  25  and utilize it remote from the vehicle as a stand-alone grill.  
      Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made hereupon without departing from the principle and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the following claims and their appropriate legal equivalents.