Patent Publication Number: US-2023132862-A1

Title: Outdoor cooker and kit of parts for assembling outdoor cooker

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present patent application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/813,436 entitled “OUTDOOR STOVE,” and filed 28 Oct. 2021, of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to fire pits, and more specifically, to a fire pit-based outdoor cooker that facilitates cooking over an open fire and/or communal gathering around the fire. 
     Fire pit-based outdoor cookers have increased in popularity over the past several years. Many of the currently available fire pit-based outdoor cookers are associated with a number of problems. For example, the design of these outdoor cookers typically do not provide for efficient combustion of fuels. This can lead to the formation of hazardous byproducts such as smoke and embers. Additionally, the design of many fire pit-based outdoor cookers have durability and dependability issues that limit the life span of the cookers. Further, many of these fire pit-based outdoor cookers lack versatility in that their cooking grates are fixed in position with respect to the fire. Cooking over an open fire comes with its own nuances and challenges, and a grate that is fixed in its position with respect to the fire makes it difficult to create multiple zones of heating, which can be beneficial in controlling how food is cooked over the fire. Another challenge with many of the currently available fire pit-based outdoor cookers is that these cookers are difficult to transport to and from different locations. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosed subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the various embodiments described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview of the various embodiments. It is not intended to exclusively identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter set forth in the Claims, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a streamlined form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, an outdoor cooker is provided. The outdoor cooker of this embodiment comprises a fire pit including a fire pit body having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall extending from the top wall to the bottom wall, the fire pit body defining an opening in an interior of the fire pit body that extends through the top wall and the bottom wall between the sidewall to form a bottomless fire pit; a vertical support mechanism secured to the fire pit at the sidewall of the fire pit body, the vertical support mechanism extending upward beyond the top wall; a cooking grill coupled to the vertical support mechanism above the fire pit, the cooking grill rotatable about the vertical support mechanism with a rotatable displacement that ranges from a position where the cooking grill is in vertical alignment with the opening of the fire pit body to a position where the cooking grill extends beyond a periphery of the top wall of the fire pit body; and means for selectively moving and securing the cooking grill to a position along the vertical support mechanism, the selectively moving and securing means coupled to the vertical support mechanism with the cooking grill placed thereon, wherein the selectively moving and securing means is configured to slidably move along the vertical support mechanism uninhibited and engage with the vertical support mechanism to lock the selectively moving and securing means in place against the vertical support mechanism. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, an outdoor cooker is provided. The outdoor cooker of this embodiment comprises a fire pit including a fire pit body having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall extending from the top wall to the bottom wall, the fire pit body defining an opening in an interior of the fire pit body that extends through the top wall to the bottom wall between the sidewall; a pole secured to the fire pit at the sidewall of the fire pit body near the bottom wall, the pole extending vertically upward from the sidewall to beyond the top wall; a pole clamp configured for slidable movement and engagement with the pole, the pole clamp vertically slidable along the pole in an unclamped state and secured in a fixed position with the pole in a clamped state; and a cooking grill configured for placement on the pole clamp, wherein the pole clamp is configured to translate the cooking grill along the pole and secure the cooking grill to the pole at a desired height in relation to the fire pit 
     In accordance with third embodiment, a kit of parts for assembling an outdoor cooker is provided. The kit of parts in this embodiment comprises a fire pit including a fire pit body having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall extending from the top wall to the bottom wall, the fire pit body defining an opening in an interior of the fire pit body that extends through the top wall and the bottom wall between the sidewall to form a bottomless fire pit; a pole configured for coupling to the fire pit at the sidewall of the fire pit body near the bottom wall, the coupled pole extending vertically upward from the sidewall to beyond the top wall; a pole clamp configured for coupling to the pole, the coupled pole clamp operative to slidably move and engage with the pole, wherein the pole clamp is vertically slidable along the pole in an unclamped state and secured in a fixed position with the pole in a clamped state; and a cooking grill configured for placement on the pole clamp coupled to the pole, wherein the pole clamp is configured to translate the cooking grill along the pole and secure the cooking grill to the pole at a desired height in relation to the fire pit. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be better understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an outdoor cooker according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the fire pit depicted in the outdoor cooker of  FIG.  1    with the pole and pole clamp removed according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of an optional fire grate that is suitable for use with the outdoor cooker depicted in  FIG.  1    according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of an outdoor cooker utilizing the fire grate depicted in  FIG.  3    according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the pole and pole clamp depicted in the outdoor cookers of  FIGS.  1  and  4    removed therefrom according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the cooking grill depicted in the outdoor cookers of  FIGS.  1  and  4    removed from the pole and pole clamp according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 D  show various views of the pole clamp with further details according to embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  8    shows a cross-sectional side view of the pole clamp and the pole with the pole clamp in an unclamped state according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  9    shows a cross-sectional side view of the pole clamp and the pole with the pole clamp in a clamped state according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  10    shows a perspective view of a cooking grill/fire grate handling implement for use with the outdoor cookers depicted in  FIGS.  1  and  4    according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  11    shows an example of the cooking grill/fire grate handling implement depicted in  FIG.  10    used to assist in adjusting the height of the cooking grill of an outdoor cooker according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG.  12    shows an example of the cooking grill/fire grate handling implement depicted in  FIG.  10    used to assist in removing a fire grate from the fire pit of an outdoor cooker according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments of the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. For like numbers may refer to like elements throughout. 
     Turning now to the figures,  FIG.  1    shows a perspective view of an outdoor cooker  10  according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the outdoor cooker  10  can include a fire pit  12 , a vertical support mechanism  14  secured to the fire pit, a cooking grill  16  coupled to the vertical support mechanism, and means or mechanism for selectively moving and securing  18  the cooking grill to a position along the vertical support mechanism. The fire pit  12  is sized to receive a fuel source that can include, but is not limited to firewood, charcoal, and combinations thereof. The fire pit  12  can hold a fire after Ignition of the fuel source. The open flame from the fire can cook food directly placed on the cooking grill  16  that is suspended over the fire by the vertical support mechanism  14 , and secured in place by the moving and securing means  18 . In addition to carrying food directly thereon, the cooking grill  16  can hold pots, pans, kettles and the like containing food that can be cooked by the open flame of the fire in the fire pit  12 . In one embodiment, the cooking grill  16  is rotatable about the vertical support mechanism  14 , and the moving and securing means  18  can be used to increase or decrease the height of the cooking grill with respect to the fire in the fire pit  12 . In this manner, a person cooking food with the outdoor cooker  10  can control the cooking of the food by moving the cooking grill  16  in and out of the fire by rotating the grill away from the fire in the fire pit  12 , and moving the cooking grill closer to or further away from the flame of the fire by raising or lowering the moving and securing means  18 . 
     Additional details of the fire pit  12  are now described in relation to  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  2    which shows the fire pit with the vertical support mechanism  14  and the moving and securing means  18  removed. As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the fire pit  12  includes a fire pit body  20  having a top wall  22 , a bottom wall  24 , and a sidewall  26  extending from the top wall to the bottom wall. The fire pit body  20  defines an opening  28  in an interior  30  of the fire pit body that extends through the top wall  22  to the bottom wall  24  between the sidewall  26 . In one embodiment, the opening  28  extends through the top wall  22  and the bottom wall  24  to form a bottomless fire pit. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the top wall  22  of the fire pit body  20  can comprise an outer rim  25  that extends laterally outward beyond a periphery of the sidewall. In this manner, the outer rim  25  can be useful in lifting and moving the outdoor cooker  10  to desired locations of use. 
     In one embodiment, the bottom wall  24  of the fire pit body  20  can comprise at least one upward extending region  32  that extends upwards into the sidewall  26 . To this extent, the at least one upward extending region  32  defines a ventilation flue  33  that facilitates air flow in the fire pit  12 . This allows the fire pit  12  to attain a hot fire with less smoke. Consequently, charcoal and wood can burn more completely in the fire pit  12  resulting in minimal ash. The number of upward extending regions  32  in the fire pit body  20  of the fire pit  12  that form a ventilation flue  33  can vary. In one embodiment, the fire pit body  20  can include three upward extending regions  32  that form a ventilation flue, however, it is understood that the fire pit  12  can include more or less. Further, it is understood that the location of the upward extending regions  32  can vary from the depictions  FIGS.  1  and  2   , as can the size of the regions including the width and height. 
     Portions of the bottom wall  24  of the fire pit body  20  that are adjacent the upward extending region  32  can form a leg  34 . The number and location of the legs  34  can be dependent upon factors such as the number of upward extending regions  32  in fire pit body  20 , the spacing between the upward extending regions  32 , the weight of the fire pit  12 , and the size of the fire pit. In one embodiment, each portion of the bottom wall  24  of the fire pit body  20  that is adjacent an upward extending region  32  can comprise at least one leg  34 . To this extent, the legs  34  can facilitate stabilization of the fire pit  12  upon its placement in a desired location. As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the legs  34  can project inward from an inner portion of the sidewall  26  of the fire pit body  20  toward its interior  30 . It is understood that the legs can be arranged in another configuration including, but not limited to, projecting outward from the sidewall  26  of the fire pit body  20 , projecting both inward and outward from the sidewall, or projecting immediately below the bottom wall  24  of the fire pit body, as well as inward and outward from the sidewall in a tripod-like design. Further, it is understood that the size of the legs  34  can vary in order to accommodate different locations of placement. For example, the legs  34  can facilitate placement and stabilization on the ground including even and uneven terrain. Other locations of placement for the outdoor cooker  10  can include, but are not limited to patios and decks. However, it should be appreciated that patios and decks may not be ideal locations for placement of the outdoor cooker  10 , and thus, an intermediary protective barrier may be placed between the patios/decks and the outdoor cooker. 
     In one embodiment, the fire pit body  20  can comprise a multi-segmented fire pit body formed from individual fire pit body sections  36 . Each individual fire pit body section  36  can have a top wall  22  section, a bottom wall  24  section, and a sidewall  26  section. In addition, each of the individual fire pit body sections  36  can include at least one region with a plurality of spaced apart holes  38  that extend vertically from the bottom wall section to the top wall section along the sidewall section. The plurality of spaced apart holes  38  can receive a plurality of fasteners  40  that are adapted for placement in aligned holes of the individual fire pit body sections for coupling the fire pit body sections to form the fire pit body  12 . In one embodiment, the fasteners  40  can include bolts and the holes  38  can be complementary to receive the bolts. In this manner, nuts can be used to secure the bolts in the holes.  FIGS.  1  and  2    show that a vertical support mechanism alignment feature  42  can be interleaved with the holes  38  and fasteners  40  to provide structural support to the coupled individual fire pit body section used to form the fire pit  12 . It is understood that other fastener configurations can be utilized, and the embodiments of the invention are not meant to be limited to any one particular arrangement. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the fire pit body  20  can comprise a flange  44  that extends about an inner surface of the sidewall  26  of the fire pit body. In one embodiment, the flange  44  projects inward toward the opening  28  in the interior  30  of the fire pit body  20 . The flange  44  can be located at the bottom wall  24  of the fire pit body  20  Instead of locating the flange  44  at the bottom wall  24 , it is contemplated that the flange can be positioned a predetermined distance above the bottom. The size and shape of the fire pit  12  are illustrative of some of the factors that can have a role in where the flange  44  is located. 
     In one embodiment, a fire grate can be placed on the flange  44 . In this manner, fuel such as the firewood, charcoal, and the like can be placed on top of the fire grate. Placement of the fire grate on the flange  44 , as opposed to on the ground with the bottomless fire pit, will complement the flue ventilations and facilitate even more flow air flow to obtain a hot fire with less smoke.  FIG.  3    shows an example of a fire grate  46  that can be placed on the flange  44 , and  FIG.  4    shows an outdoor cooker  48  according to an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the fire grate is in use with the fire pit  12 . As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the fire grate  46  can include a plurality of openings  50  to promote air flow during burning of the fuel source. Although the fire grate  46  is depicted with openings  50 , it is understood that other configurations can be utilized including, but are not limited to, aperture, slits, slots, and the like. Further, it is understood that the pattern and spacing of the openings that are associated with the fire grate  46  are illustrative of one example and are not meant to be limiting to the embodiments described herein. In one embodiment, the fire grate  46  can have a diameter that is about 18.75 inches. In one embodiment, the fire grate  46  can be made of solid cast iron. It is understood that the sizes and material used to form the fire grate are variable. 
     It is appreciated that the fire pit  12  can be made from any of a number of materials, and sized and shaped according to a multiple of arrangements in order to attain a configuration that is suitable for cooking various amounts of food and cooking accessories, as well providing heat to those that gather around the outdoor cooker for warmth as in a campfire scenario. In one embodiment, the fire pit  12  can comprise solid cast iron with a baked enamel finish. In one embodiment, the fire pit  12  of the outdoor cookers  10  and  48  can have a height of 10 inches, an inner diameter of 21.5 inches, and an outer diameter of 24 inches. Although the fire pit  12  of the outdoor cookers  10  and  48  are depicted in the figures as round, it is understood that other shapes, such as for example, square, octagonal, etc., can be utilized. These materials, dimensions and shapes are only illustrative and it is understood that these characteristics may be varied to the extent they preserve the ability of the outdoor cookers described herein to cook and be utilized in a camp fire scenario for communal gathering and socialization. 
     As shown with the outdoor cookers  10  and  48  depicted in  FIGS.  1  and  4   , respectively, the vertical support mechanism  14  is secured to the fire pit  12  at the sidewall  26  of the fire pit body  20 . In this arrangement, the vertical support mechanism  14  can extend upward from the bottom wall  24  of the fire pit  12  adjacent the sidewall  26  and beyond the top wall  22 . The vertical support mechanism  14  can take the form of any of a number of structures that can be coupled to the fire pit  12  and that have the capability to support the cooking grill  16  and any food and cooking accessories including but not limited to, pots, pans and kettles. A non-exhaustive list of structures that are suitable for use as a vertical support mechanism  14  with the outdoor cookers  10  and  48  include, but are not limited to, a pole, a post, a bar, a rod, a pipe, and the like. These structures can be made from any of a number of materials and can be sized with height and thickness criteria as desired. In one embodiment as illustrated in the figures, the vertical support mechanism  14  can comprise a pole. For purposes of clarity in corresponding with the figures, the description that follows will equate the pole with reference element  14  used to designate the vertical support mechanism. It is understood that the above list of structures and equivalents thereof can be interchanged with the pole to represent the vertical support mechanism  14 . Further, these structures can be formed from any of a number of materials including, but not limited to, stainless steel, and can be sized with a desired length such as for example 31 inches. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  4   , the pole  14  can be mounted in the interior of the fire pit  12 , secured to the top wall  22 , the bottom wall  24 , and the sidewall  26  of the fire pit body  20 .  FIG.  5   , which illustrates the pole  14  and the moving and securing means  18  removed from the outdoor cookers  10  and  48  of  FIGS.  1  and  4   , respectively, shows that the pole can have a region that includes a pole hole  52  formed therethrough. One of the spaced apart holes  38  in one of the fire pit body sections  36  can serve as a pole mating hole that is configured to facilitate mounting of the pole  14  with the fire pit body  20  of the fire pit  12 . Any of the aforementioned fasteners (e.g., a bolt and nut assembly) can be used in conjunction with the pole hole  52  and the hole  38  serving as the pole mating hole to secure the pole  14  to the sidewall  26  of the fire pit body  20 . For example, upon aligning the holes, the fastener can be inserted through the holes and fastened to secure the pole  14  to the fire pit body  20 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  4   , instead of using a nut to secure the bolt inserted through the holes of the pole  14  and the sidewall  26 , a built-in hex wrench tool  54  can be used that is configured to receive the bolt therein and be tightened to engage with the bolt. In this manner, the built-in hex wrench tool  54  can be complementary to receive the bolt and used to tighten the bolt as it engages with the bolt in order to secure the pole  14  to the fire pit  12 . In one embodiment, the built-in hex wrench tool  54  can be made with a 9/16 hex machined into the working surface and formed of brass, however, it is understood other materials can be used. 
     With the pole  14  coupled to the fire pit  12 , the cooking grill  16  can be secured to the pole via the moving and securing means  18  placed above the fire pit  12 . For example, in one embodiment, the cooking grill  16  can be placed on top of the moving and securing means  18  and suspended over the fire pit  12 . In this manner, the flame of any fire contained in the fire pit  12  can be used to cook any food on the cooking grill  16  or in any pots, pans, kettles, and the like placed on the grill. Further details of the cooking grill  16  are now described in relation to  FIGS.  1  and  4   , and  FIG.  6    which shows the grill removed from the pole  14  and the moving and securing means  18 . In one embodiment, the cooking grill  16  can comprise a rotatable support sleeve  56  configured for fitting over the pole  14  and a grate  58  coupled to an outer surface  60  of the rotatable support sleeve. The rotatable support sleeve  56  can rotate about the circumference of the pole  14 . In this manner, the grate  58  can be displaced in and out of a flame associated with any fire in the fire pit  12 . This range of displacement covers a position where the cooking grill  16  is in vertical alignment with the opening  28  of the fire pit body  20  to a position where the cooking grill extends beyond a periphery of the top wall  22  of the fire pit body. Also, the grate  58  can be rotated and flipped about the support sleeve  56 . With all this range of motion that is provided, the grate  58  can swing out and away from the fire, so that one can load, flip and serve the food away from the direct heat of the fire. 
     The grate  58  can be configured in any of a number of designs that facilitate the heating and cooking of food and cooking implements placed thereon. In one embodiment, the grate  58  defines a plurality of openings  62 . The openings  62  of the grate  58  can take the form of one of a number of designs including, but not limited to, a welded grid of spaced bars, sections of expanded metal, and the like. In one embodiment, the grate  58  can comprise solid cast iron, however, it is understood that other materials may be utilized. 
     As noted above, the selectively moving and securing  18  means can move the cooking grill  16  up and down the pole  14  to a desired position or positions on the pole to accommodate the nuances and complexities of controlling the cooking under a flame of an open fire in the fire pit  12 . In one embodiment, the moving and securing means  18  is configured to slidably move along the pole  14  uninhibited and engage with the pole to lock the moving and securing means in place against the pole. The moving and securing means  18  can take the form of any of a number of structures that can be used to translate up and down the pole  14 , as well as support the cooking grill  16  while moving up and down the pole, and further be secured and locked in placed in a desired position with the pole, all while being able to support any food and implements placed on the grill. A non-exhaustive list of structures that are suitable for use as the moving and securing means  18  include, but are not limited to, a pole clamp, a cam device, locking pins, a fastening device and the like. These structures can be made from any of a number of materials and can be sized as appropriate for the design. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  4 , and  5   , the moving and securing means  18  can comprise a pole clamp configured for slidable movement and engagement with the pole  14 . For purposes of clarity in corresponding with the figures, the description that follows will equate the pole clamp with reference element  18  that is used to designate the moving and securing means  18 . It is understood that the above list of structures and equivalents thereof can be interchanged with the pole clamp to represent the moving and securing means  18 . Further, these structures can be formed from any of a number of materials including, but not limited to, stainless steel, and be sized as deemed appropriate for the particular design. 
     In operation, the pole clamp  18  is vertically slidable along the pole  14  in an unclamped state and secured in a fixed position with the pole in a clamped state. With the cooking grill  16  placed on the pole clamp  18 , the clamp can translate the cooking grill along the pole and secure the grill to the pole at a desired height in relation to the fire pit  12 .  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D,  8  and  9    depict further details of the pole clamp  18 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the pole clamp  18  is a clamp assembly that can comprise a clamp bracket  64  that is operative to receive the pole  14 , slidably move about the pole and engage therewith. A clamp handle  66  can be coupled to the clamp bracket  64  to translate the clamp bracket along the pole  14  in an unclamped state and secure the clamp bracket in a fixed position with the pole in a clamped state. 
     The clamp bracket  64  can include a clamp bracket body  68  having a top wall  70 , a bottom wall  72 , and sidewalls  74  extending from the top wall to the bottom wall. As shown in  FIG.  7 A , the clamp bracket body  68  can have an opening  76  that extends through the top wall  70  and the bottom wall  72  between the sidewalls  74  to define a bore that is operative to receive the pole  14  therethrough. In one embodiment, the clamp bracket body  68  comprises a plurality of clamp bracket body openings  78  formed in a pair of opposing sidewalls  74  of the clamp bracket body. Each of the clamp bracket body openings  78  in a sidewall can be in alignment with corresponding clamp bracket body openings in the opposing sidewall of the clamp bracket body. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  7 A  and  FIG.  7 B , a clamp spacer bar  80  can extend through one of the pairs of aligned clamp bracket body openings  78  in the sidewalls  74 . A clamp cam  82  can be coupled to the clamp spacer bar  80  with rotatable engagement therewith. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  7 D , the clamp cam  82  can have a hole  83  through which the clamp spacer bar  80  extending from one sidewall  74  of the clamp bracket body  68  to the opposing sidewall passes through. A bushing  85  in the hole of the clamp cam  82  can facilitate rotation of the cam about the clamp spacer bar  80  during movement of the clamp handle  66 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 A,  7 B and  7 C , one of the sidewalls  74  of the pair of opposing sidewalls of the clamp bracket body  68  can comprise a slot  84  adjacent one of the openings  78 . In one embodiment, the slot  84  is adjacent an opening  78  that receives the clamp spacer bar  80 . In this manner, a spring  86  can be located in the slot  84  so that the spring is adjacent the clamp spacer bar  80  and the clamp cam  82 . In one embodiment, the spring  86  can include a die spring. It is understood that other types of springs are possible, and the choice of such other springs can depend on the size of the slot in the clamp. 
       FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  show that one of the sidewalls  74  of the clamp bracket body  68  is open-ended. As shown in these figures, the open-ended sidewall  74  of the clamp bracket body  68  is transversely oriented to the pair of opposing sidewalls of the clamp bracket body having the plurality of clamp bracket body openings  78 . The clamp handle  66  can be coupled to the clamp cam  82  and the clamp spacer bar  80  through the open-ended sidewall  74  of the clamp bracket body  68 . In this manner, the clamp handle  66  can project outward from the open-ended sidewall  74  of the clamp bracket body  68 . As shown in  FIGS.  7 A,  7 B,  7 C,  7 D,  8  and  9   , a clamp handle spring  88  can be placed over the clamp handle  66  to reduce handle operating temperatures. In one embodiment, the clamp handle spring  88  can extend axially over and circumferentially around the clamp handle  66 . 
     The clamp bracket  64  can further include at least one clamp pin  90  adapted for placement through one of the pairs of aligned clamp bracket body openings  78  in the sidewalls  74  of the clamp bracket body  68 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  7 A,  7 B,  7 D,  8  and  9   , the clamp bracket  64  can include two clamp pins  90 . For example, the clamp pins  90  can be located about the pair of opposing sidewalls  74  at a region that is distal to the open-ended sidewall  74  through which the clamp handle is coupled to the clamp spacer bar  80 . The clamp pins  90  can also be transversely oriented to the opening  76  in the clamp bracket body  68 , proximal the sidewall  74  of the clamp bracket body  68  that opposes the open-ended sidewall. In this manner, the clamp pins  90  can facilitate up and down translation of the pole clamp  18  to the pole  14  that is imparted by the clamp handle  66  in the unclamped state. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  7 B and  7 C , clips  92  can be placed around one end of the clamp pins  90 , as well as one end of the clamp spacer bar  80  to facilitate the retention of the pins and the spacer bar with the sidewalls  74  of the clamp bracket body  68 . For example, the clips  92  can include circlips such as e-clips, c-clips, and the like. It is understood that the use of the pins  90  and the clips  92  are illustrative of only one configuration and those skilled in the art will appreciate that other elements may be used to effectuate the design of the pole clamp  18 . 
     Operation of the pole clamp  18  in relation to the pole  14  is now described with respect to  FIGS.  8  and  9   . As noted above, the clamp handle  66  can place the pole clamp  18  in the unclamped state or the clamped state with respect to the pole  14 . In  FIG.  8   , which shows the pole clamp  18  in the unclamped state, the clamp handle  66  moves the clamp cam  82  away from the pole  14 . In this manner, a flat surface region  94  of the clamp cam is moved away from the pole  14 . This allows the pole clamp  18  to translate up or down the pole  14 , letting a user lift and lower the cooking grill  16  that can be supported by the pole clamp to maintain desired cooking temperature, a necessity when cooking over an open flame fire. Once a desired location for the pole clamp  18  has been reached, the clamp handle  66  can put the pole clamp in the clamped state so that the clamp is held in place securely against the pole  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , which depicts the pole clamp  18  in the clamped state, the clamp handle  66  rotates the clamp cam  82  to have contact with the pole  14 . In this manner, the clamp cam  82  compresses the spring  86  as the clamp cam contacts the pole  14 . In one embodiment, the flat surface region  94  of the clamp cam  82  abuts against the pole  14 . As a result, further rotation of the clamp cam  82  is impeded upon the flat surface region  94  abutting against the pole  14 , locking the pole clamp  18  in place against the pole. During the clamped state, the compressed spring  86  applies a constant force to the pole  14  through the clamp cam  82 . This allows the pole clamp  18  to compensate for any tolerances or irregularities of the pole  14 . 
     Although the description heretofore has been generally directed to the outdoor cookers  10  and  48  depicted in  FIGS.  1  and  4   , and their corresponding components which are discussed in relation to  FIGS.  2 ,  3 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 A- 7 D,  8  and  9   , another embodiment of the present invention can include a kit of parts for assembling an outdoor cooker. The kit of parts can include the components that an end user can assemble at a time of use to yield an operational ready outdoor cooker. In one embodiment, the kit of parts for assembling an outdoor cooker can comprise a fire pit  12 , a pole  14  configured for coupling to the fire pit, a pole clamp  18  configured for coupling to the pole, and a cooking grill  16  configured for placement on the pole clamp coupled to the pole. As noted above with respect to  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  4   , the fire pit  12  can include a fire pit body  20  having a top wall  22 , a bottom wall  24 , and a sidewall  26  extending from the top wall to the bottom wall. In one embodiment, the fire pit body can define an opening  28  in an interior  30  of the fire pit body  20  that extends through the top wall  22  and the bottom wall  24  between the sidewall  26  to form a bottomless fire pit. 
     The pole  14 , when coupled to the sidewall  26  of the fire pit body  20  near the bottom wall  24 , can extend vertically upward and beyond the top wall  22 . With the pole clamp  18  coupled to the pole  14 , the pole clamp is vertically slidable along the pole in an unclamped state and secured in a fixed position with the pole in a clamped state. In this manner, the cooking grill  16  when placed on the pole clamp  18 , can be translated up and down the pole  14 . Adjusting the pole clamp  18  and thus the height of the cooking grill  16 , allows the end-user to maintain a desired cooking temperature during the cooking or heating of any food or food implements may be placed on the cooking grill. 
     The kit of parts for assembling the outdoor cooker can also include a fire grate  46  configured for placement in the interior  30  of the fire pit body  20  of the fire pit  12 . In one embodiment, the fire grate  46  which is depicted in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , can be placed on the flange  44  that extends about the interior of the fire pit  12 . This allows the user to place a fuel source such as charcoal on the fire grate  46  with or without any fire wood. The openings  50  in the fire grate  46  along with the ventilation flue  33  promote a hotter fire with less smoke. This allows the charcoal and the wood to burn more completely with minimal resultant ash. 
     The aforementioned components of the kit of parts for assembling the outdoor cooker are illustrative of only a sample of components and is not meant to be limiting as it is understood that the kit could include other components that can facilitate the use of the assembled outdoor cooker for either cooking purposes or gathering around the cooker for warmth and socialization. For example, in one embodiment, the kit can include a cooking grill/fire grate handling implement. 
       FIG.  10    shows a perspective view of a cooking grill/fire grate handling implement  96  that can facilitate the lifting and lowering of the cooking grill  16  along with the pole clamp  18 , and removal of the fire grate  46  from the fire pit  12 . In one embodiment, the cooking grill/fire grate handling implement  96  for use with the outdoor cookers depicted in  FIGS.  1  and  4    can include a grate hook that is configured for securing to the grate  58  of the cooking grill  16  and the fire grate  46 . As shown in  FIG.  10   , the grate hook can include a barb  98 , a shank portion  100 , and a handle portion  102 . To this extent, the grate hook can be secured to the grate  58  of the cooking grill  16  or to any of the openings  62  in the grate  58  via the barb  98 .  FIG.  11    shows an example of a user with the grate hook secured to the grate  58  of the cooking grill  16  in one hand, while the other hand is adjusting the height of the pole clamp  18  on the pole  14 . In this manner, the user can securely adjust the height of the cooking grill  16  with respect to a flame of a fire in a fire pit below the grill.  FIG.  12    shows an example of a user grasping the handle portion  102  (not shown in  FIG.  12   ) of the grate hook with the barb  98  secured to one of the openings  50  in the fire grate  46 . In this manner, the grate hook facilitates the removal of a hot fire grate  46  from the fire pit  12 . 
     In one embodiment, the cooking grill/fire grate handling implement  96  can be formed from stainless steel. It is understood that the cooking grill/fire grate handling implement  96  can be formed from other materials. Furthermore, it is understood that the cooking grill/fire grate handling implement  96  depicted in  FIG.  10    represents one option and is not meant to be limiting as it is appreciated that other designs are possible. 
     The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subject disclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible that are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples, as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize. For example, parts, components, steps and aspects from different embodiments may be combined or suitable for use in other embodiments even though not described in the disclosure or depicted in the figures. Therefore, since certain changes may be made in the above-described invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all of the subject matter of the above description shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be construed as limiting the invention. 
     In this regard, while the disclosed subject matter has been described in connection with various embodiments and corresponding figures, where applicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute function of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below. For example, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. 
     In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” may be used, and if so, are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “upper,” “lower,” “bottom,” “top,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their objects. The terms “substantially,” “generally,” and “about” indicate conditions within reasonably achievable manufacturing and assembly tolerances, relative to ideal desired conditions suitable for achieving the functional purpose of a component or assembly. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted as such, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. 
     What has been described above includes examples of systems and methods illustrative of the disclosed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every combination of components or methodologies here. One of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “possesses,” and the like are used in the detailed description, claims, appendices and drawings, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. That is, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. Moreover, articles “a” and “an” as used in the subject specification and annexed drawings should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.