Patent Publication Number: US-2005126556-A1

Title: Convertible outdoor appliance

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates to a convertible apparatus for outdoor use. More specifically, it relates to a barbecue grill that is reversibly convertible to an outdoor fireplace.  
      Use of backyards for family activities is a popular pastime. Barbecue grills are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Small grills are supported upon a tabletop, or other substrate, while larger units generally have an integrated cart, stand, legs or support assembly supporting them at a height convenient for cooking food. Many designs are known to support square, rectangular and round grills. Recently, oval-shaped grills have come on the market. Stands have been provided with three or four legs, or with carts of various styles.  
      Portable outdoor fireplaces have recently entered the marketplace and have been well regarded. The relatively small size of these portable fireplaces permits them to be easily moved from one location to another. Although they may be enjoyed in a backyard, portable fireplaces of this type can also be used in remote locations, such as when camping, picnicking or doing other similar outdoor activities. Sitting around a fire in the evening is relaxing, especially when the temperature drops after the sun goes down.  
      Although both of these types of outdoor appliances are immensely popular, many consumers presently prefer to own one or the other but not both. For some, limited storage is an issue. For others, it is the cost. Still others have small backyards and do not wish all of the green space taken up by these devices. People who enjoy camping may consider taking either a fireplace or a cooking appliance with them, but are not likely to have space to take both. Whatever the reason, sometimes it is detrimental to have separate products for outdoor grilling and fires.  
      One could buy either a barbecue grill or an outdoor fireplace and use it for both purposes, however, doing so is very inconvenient. Full size barbecue grills are relatively tall and have a bowl deep enough to maintain a distance between the charcoal and the food so that the food doesn&#39;t burn easily. When a traditional grill is used for a fire, those sitting around the fire are not able to watch it very well because it sits deep in the bowl. Using a barbecue grill for an outdoor fireplace requires that the lid be removed if the participants are to view any of the fire. Thus, heat is lost which could otherwise have been directed to the users.  
      Attempting to use an outdoor fireplace as a barbecue grill has similar problems. The outdoor fireplace generally has screened sidewalls to contain ash and sparks from the fire. In many cases, it is inconvenient to reach over the sidewalls or use the doors to put food on, turn it or remove it from the heat source. With the screened sidewalls, airflow control is difficult and raises issues of flare-ups and uneven cooking. Even where the sidewalls are removable, an outdoor fireplace is not an ideal cooking appliance. Since an outdoor fireplace typically features a low fire bowl for easy viewing of the fire, it is not at a convenient height for cooking. Constant stooping and bending over would be required to tend the food at such a low height. The shallower bowl of a fireplace would also require frequent turning of the food to prevent burning.  
      Another disadvantage of using a fireplace for cooking is the accumulation of ash in the bottom of the bowl. The shallow bowl of a fireplace makes it relatively easy to scoop ash to remove it from the bowl. Use of an ash-receiving can on a fireplace is inconvenient because the bowl is kept close to the ground.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,138 discloses a campfire cooking apparatus that includes a cooking grate that is suspended by a tripod over a fire bowl. The apparatus provides no walls to contain sparks or ash from the fire. When the cooking assembly is used, the cooking surface will be located close to the fire, which is just above ground level. A cook has to constantly bend over to care for food that is cooking. Although a lid is described for smothering the fire or acting as a rain shield, there no control of the fire during the cooking process.  
      An outdoor fireplace and fire screen assembly is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,298. A traditional outdoor fireplace is fitted with a cooking grill that can be positioned at different locations. The fire screen assembly contains the fire, but it is inconvenient to work around the screen while cooking. Free flow of air through the screen allows the cooking fire to burn uncontrolled, while the low level of the bowl and cooking grate make is uncomfortable for the chef to tend the cooking food.  
      Removable fire screens are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,503 for the purpose of compact storage of an outdoor fireplace. Leg assemblies support the bowl close to the ground then extend upward through the lid to form handles. The removable fire screen assembly attaches to the leg extensions when in use. Disassembly of the leg assemblies is required to remove the lid and the fire screen assembly.  
      Thus, there is a need in the art for a combination barbecue grill and outdoor fireplace that is easy to use and comfortable for the user in either configuration.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      These and other advantages are met or exceeded by the improved convertible outdoor appliance of the present invention that is specifically designed to be used as either a barbecue grill or an outdoor fireplace. Adjustability of the bowl height provides convenience and comfort for the user when the appliance is in either the fireplace or the grill configuration.  
      More specifically, an improved convertible outdoor appliance of the present invention features a bowl that is configured to burn solid fuel mounted to at least one leg or pedestal. At least one screen sidewall is removably supported by the bowl. The appliance includes a means for adjusting the height of the bowl between a barbecue grill position and a fireplace position. A lid is configured to fit atop either the bowl or the sidewall. A barbecue grill configuration is formed when the pedestal is in the barbecue position, the sidewall is removed and the lid removably covers the bowl. An outdoor fireplace configuration is formed when the pedestal is in the fireplace position, the sidewall is releasably supported by the bowl and the lid is positioned atop the sidewall.  
      In a preferred embodiment, the one or more legs form a telescopic pedestal. By lengthening or shortening the pedestal using the telescopic action, the pedestal is adjustable to at least a barbecue grill position and a fireplace position.  
      The apparatus of the present invention is particularly advantageous because a single outdoor appliance is reversibly convertible from a barbecue grill to an outdoor fireplace without the use of tools. For those with limited space, there is now a single apparatus that has the functionality of both the grill and the fireplace, but does not require space to store, transport or use two separate, complete items.  
      Further, this convertible appliance allows the user to adjust the height of the bowl to a level appropriate to each purpose for which it is used. One embodiment uses a telescoping pedestal that lengthens for use when cooking or shortens to view a fire. The backyard chef need not be hunched over a short firepit. The campfire is low enough to radiate warmth to those around it.  
      Because the unit is intended to be used as a fireplace, at least one screen sidewall is included to be able to burn wood safely. Large sparks or pieces of hot ash that may fly from a crackling fire are caught in the screen and fall back into the firebowl to be consumed in the fire. To minimize inconvenience to the cook, the sidewall is easily removable and need not be used when the appliance holds a charcoal fire. Removal of the sidewall also allows for more precise control of the cooking fire by restraining airflow through adjustable vents. By adjusting the vents, the rate of combustion, and thus the temperature, is managed by limiting the amount of available oxygen. Closing the vents essentially stops oxygen flow, allowing the charcoal to be extinguished before it is entirely consumed without drowning it in water. The use of removable sidewall permits control of the charcoal burn similar to that achieved in a conventional charcoal grill.  
      In a preferred embodiment, no disassembly of the one or more legs is required to remove the lid or the screen sidewall of the outdoor appliance. When in place, the fire screen rests inside the top of the bowl and the lid fits atop the screen. The lid fits directly on the top of the bowl when the fire screen has been removed in the barbecue grill configuration.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is an elevated perspective view of an outdoor appliance of the present invention in the fireplace configuration;  
       FIG. 2  is an elevated perspective view of the appliance of  FIG. 1  in the barbecue grill configuration;  
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the base and pedestal of the appliance of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the base and pedestal of  FIG. 2  in the first position; and  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the base and pedestal of  FIG. 1  in the second position. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an outdoor appliance apparatus, generally designated  10 , is convertible between an outdoor fireplace configuration, generally designated  12 , ( FIG. 1 ) and a barbecue grill configuration, generally designed  14 , shown in  FIG. 2 . The appliance  10  includes at least one pedestal or leg  16 , a bowl  20  and at least one removable sidewall  22 . In the preferred embodiment, multiple sidewalls  22  are provided. A lid  24  is configured to fit atop the sidewall  22  in the fireplace configuration  12  and on the bowl  20  in the barbecue configuration  14 . In the discussion that follows, directional references are intended to refer to the appliance  10  when oriented as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
      The one or more legs  16  hold the bowl  20  and the lid  24  off the ground or other substrate. The term pedestal  16  is intended to refer to a single leg used to support the bowl  20 . Although use of a pedestal  16  is a preferred embodiment, other embodiments are contemplated that use a plurality of legs  16 , such as three or four legs. The number of legs  16  is not important as long as the height of the bowl  20  is adjustable. Most commonly, the height of the bowl  20  will vary by changing the length of the legs  16  or by varying the position on the leg where the bowl is supported. Alternate methods are contemplated for varying the height of the bowl  20  regardless of the number of legs  16  involved.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the height of the bowl  20  preferably varies between at least the relatively taller barbecue grill position and the relatively shorter fireplace position. It is contemplated that some embodiments of the apparatus  10  are adjustable to more than two positions, with the additional positions being higher, lower or intermediate to the two positions discussed below. An intermediate position may be useful for cleaning the bowl, or a lower position to compact the apparatus  10  for storage or travel. The apparatus  10  is optionally adjustable to any number of positions in addition to the barbecue grill configuration  14  and the fireplace configuration  12 .  
      In the barbecue grill configuration  14 , the bowl  20  is held off the ground at a distance typically used for conventional barbecue grills and the lid  24  is positionable directly on a rim  26  of the bowl  20 . With the lid  24  positioned directly on the bowl  20 , the amount of combustion air is limited to control the cooking temperature. The height of the bowl  20  should be positioned to be comfortable for a cook to handle the food without having to stoop or bend. Preferably, at least one position of the bowl  20  corresponds to the height of a full size barbecue grill. In some embodiments, the rim  26  is greater than about 26 inches from the substrate in the barbecue grill configuration  14 . Preferably, the rim  26  of the bowl  20  is between about 26 inches and about 32 inches from the substrate, and even more preferably between about 28 inches and about 31 inches.  
      The fireplace configuration  12  is designed to be conducive to sitting around a fire, watching the flames and being warmed by the radiant heat of the embers. In this configuration  12 , the bowl  20  is closer to the substrate so that the fire is comfortably viewed from a sitting position. Preferably, at least one position of the bowl  20  corresponds to a height of a conventional outdoor fireplace, which is typically less than about  26  inches from the ground or other substrate. In this configuration  12 , the rim  26  of the bowl  20  is preferably between about 21 inches and about 26 inches from the substrate, and even more preferably, between about 23 inches and about 25. 5  inches. As is discussed in more detail below, in the fireplace configuration  12 , the sidewall  22  is also present to contain the fire.  
      Although the present embodiments are discussed in terms of converting from a fireplace configuration  12  to a barbecue grill configuration  14 , it is contemplated that an outdoor appliance  10  could be provided having a bowl  20  with an adjustable height for other purposes. For example, this height adjustment mechanism would be useful for use with a barbecue grill designed to provide a cooking surface at a comfortable height for cooks of varying heights. Still other embodiments are contemplated whereby a barbecue grill is adjustable for use by user from either a standing position or a sitting position, as might be useful by a wheelchair-bound cook. Thus, although height ranges are listed above to illustrate the best mode of the invention, the exact number of positions that are desirable or the exact rim heights that are utilized depend upon the specific uses for which the appliance  10  is designed.  
      Any method for adjusting the height of the bowl  20  is suitable for use with this apparatus and method. A preferred method of adjusting bowl  20  height is telescoping the pedestal  16  using a first cylinder  30  within a second cylinder  32 . As shown, a base  34 , discussed below, supports the second cylinder  32  and the first cylinder  30  attaches to the bowl  20 . This is but one embodiment shown and it is contemplated that the pedestal  16  could be configured with the first cylinder  30  supported by the base and the second cylinder  32  attached to the bowl. It is further contemplated that the pedestal  16  need not be cylindrical. Telescoping parts are contemplated having a square, triangular or any cross sectional shape, as long as the parts are configured to slideably adjust the length of the pedestal  16 .  
      Although telescoping of the pedestal or legs  16  is a preferred embodiment, any method of adjusting the bowl  20  height is suitable for use with this appliance  10 . Other methods of adjusting the length of the leg  16  are also usable, including, instead of telescoping inside each other, two portions of a leg  16  being slidably attached beside each other. The bowl  20  height is also adjustable by changing the height of the bowl  20  on the one or more legs  16 . For example, the legs  16  are protrudable through the bowl  20 , attaching to the bowl at various heights. In another contemplated embodiment, the legs  16  are attachable to the bottom of the bowl  20  in the barbecue grill configuration  14 , but the legs attach to the rim  26  of the bowl in the fireplace configuration  12 , allowing the depth of the bowl to reside between the legs rather than atop them. The height of the bowl  20  is also contemplated as being adjustable by varying the angle of the legs  16  with respect to the substrate, mimicking the action of a pair of scissors. It is also contemplated that one or more adjustment methods be combined in a single embodiment.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the second cylinder  32  has an upper portion  40  and a lower portion  42 . One or more cam tracks  44  has a second end  46  in the lower portion  42  of the second cylinder  32  to a first end  50  in the upper portion  40  to guide the first cylinder  30  as it telescopes to change the height of the pedestal  16 . The preferred track  44  rises substantially vertically from the second end  46 , curves around an arc  52  to one side and slopes slightly downward for a short distance to the first end  50 , giving the track an overall shape similar to that of a shepherd&#39;s crook. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of vents  56  are located around the side of the second cylinder  32  to admit fresh air for combustion.  
      At least one cam  60  for each cam track  44  is attached to the first cylinder  30  and positioned for interaction with the cam track. Preferably each cam  60  is located near a lower edge  62  of the first cylinder  30  to allow the first and second cylinders  30 ,  32  to nest compactly in the fireplace configuration  12 . The cam  60  is optionally made of a separate piece that is attachable to the first cylinder  30 , or it can be shaped as an integral part of the first cylinder during its manufacture, as by casting, molding, or any other means known in the art.  
      Interactions of the cam  60  with the cam track  44  and how these components relate to the pedestal  16  length are shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . If the first and second cylinders  30 ,  32  completely separate from each other, it could be inconvenient for the user to replace them, particularly if they fit snugly together. In a preferred embodiment, use of the cam  60  and the cam track  44  prevents separation of the first and second cylinders  30 ,  32  and guides the relative movement of the cylinders. When the cam  60  is at the second end  46  of the cam track  44 , the first and second cylinders  30 ,  32  substantially nest within each other, providing a short pedestal  16  for use with the fireplace configuration. Movement of the first cylinder  30  upward or away from the base  34  lengthens the height of the pedestal  16 . Rotation of the first cylinder  30  with respect to the base  34  allows the cam  60  to negotiate the arc  52 . As shown, rotation is in the counter clockwise direction but is equally suitable in any direction. The first cylinder  30  is then lowered slightly to allow the cam  60  to settle at the first end  50  of the cam track  44  in the barbecue grill configuration  14  where the bowl  20  is held at a height greater than in the fireplace configuration  12 . Downward slope of the cam track  44  near the first end  50  acts as a lock  64  that prevents the pedestal  16  from collapsing to the fireplace configuration  12  unexpectedly as might be possible if the first end  50  of the track  44  were merely a horizontal space. In the barbecue grill configuration  14 , the bowl  20  is at a height comfortable for cooking. Many configurations are contemplated for the cam track  44 . From the second end  46 , the angular configuration of the track is variable. At the cam track  44  position closest to the upper portion  40  of the second cylinder  32 , instead of an arc  52 , a more angular shape is contemplated. The shape of the first end  50  is optionally substantially horizontal rather than sloping. The exact shape of the track  44  is unimportant as long as it guides the telescoping action of the pedestal  16  and holds the pedestal securely in a selected elevated position.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the pedestal  16  optionally includes additional features such as multiple air vents  70  and an opening  72  for access to an ash receiver  74 . Location of the air vents  70  varies with the design of the pedestal  16 . Numerous air vents  70  provide generous airflow through the pedestal  16  to the bowl  20  regardless of the position of the pedestal  16 . As is known in the art, the ash receiver  74  is removably attachable to the bowl  20 , and collects the ash for easy disposal. Preferably, the ash receiver  74  is held within the pedestal  16  in the attached position ( FIG. 2 ). If other leg configurations are used, the ash receiver  74  is optionally placed adjacent or between one or more legs  16 . When the ash receiver  74  needs to be emptied, it is detached from the bowl  20  and removed through the opening  72  in the first cylinder  30 . As shown, the ash receiver  74  is most easily emptied when the pedestal  16  is in the barbecue grill position. The appliance  10  is optionally designed to utilize the ash receiver  74  in both the barbecue grill configuration  14  and the fireplace configuration  12 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 2 , control of the flow of combustion air from the pedestal  16  into the inside of the bowl  20  in the barbecue grill configuration  14  is controllable by use of adjustable vents  76  located on the bowl and/or the ash receiver, as is well known in the art. Any type of vent that controls the inflow of air from outside the bowl is suitable. An alternative vent  77  that is particularly useful on the ash receiver  74  includes an aperatured ring (not shown) that rotates via movement of a handle  78  to align the ring apertures with the vent. Adjustment of the vents  76 ,  77  controls air flow to produce the desired cooking temperature. If it is desired to extinguish combustion in the charcoal briquettes, the vents  76 ,  77  are closed to effectively stop flow of oxygen to the charcoal and smother the fire.  
      Around the top of the pedestal  16  is a flange  80  with which to attach it to the bowl  20 . In the embodiment shown, the flange  80  is positioned on the first cylinder  30 , placing the bowl  20  at the end of the pedestal  16  opposing the base  34 . It is also contemplated that the flange  80  be positioned on the second cylinder  32 .  
      The bowl  20  is configured to accommodate a wood in the form of logs or lumber for burning or charcoal for use in cooking. The rim  26  around the top edge of the bowl  20  engages and receives the lid  24 . The rim  26  also engages, provides a base for, or surrounds the one or more sidewalls  22  in the fireplace configuration  12 . Although the container which holds the fire is referred to as the bowl  20 , it need not be strictly bowl-shaped. The shape of the bowl  20  is concave, such as ovoid, box-shaped or frustoconical, or any other shape having a depth that urges the fuel to remain contained within the rim  26  even when the fuel shifts position, as during burning.  
      Referring back to  FIG. 1 , when it is desirable to use the appliance  10  as an outdoor fireplace  12 , the pedestal  16  is placed in the fireplace position and the sidewall  22  is supported by the bowl  20 , using either direct support or indirect support. Direct support includes resting of the sidewall  22  on or attaching of the sidewall to either the bowl  20  or its rim  26 . It is also contemplated that an intermediate support, such as a pole or flange (not shown), is supported by or attached to either the bowl  20  or its rim  26 . One method of attaching the sidewall  22  or panels  82  to a support pole utilizes a connector (not shown) on the panel to engage a slot on the pole as taught in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0185122-A1, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The sidewall  22  that is held by or attached to the intermediate support may be then indirectly supported by the bowl  20 . Other attachment systems for the sidewalls  22  are contemplated.  
      The sidewall  22  optionally includes a fastening mechanism  81 , such as a latch, to releasably attach the sidewall  22  to the bowl  20  to lock it in place while the fireplace  12  is in use. The preferred latch  81  is similar to that used on a suitcase, and is well known. Many types of fastening mechanisms  81  are suitable to releasably attach the sidewall  22  to the bowl  20 , including friction fitting of the sidewall into a spring clip, opposing mounting brackets connected by a fastener or use of a pin that engages a lock or opening, similar to a deadbolt. A cam and a cam track, similar to those used on the pedestal  16 , are also suitable as the locking mechanism  81 . Use of the locking mechanism  81  prevents movement of the sidewall  22  in the unlikely event that a lateral or upward force is applied to it.  
      In this configuration, the screen sidewall  22  and the lid  24  contain sparks and ash that may fly from inside the fireplace while the fire is burning. The sidewall  22  is suitably any size mesh that is useful in the context of a fireplace screen. It is unimportant whether the sidewall  22  is constructed of a single screen or whether two or more of the panels  82  are joined together to form the sidewall. If a plurality of panels  82  are used, they are connectable by any means known in the art, including one or more tabs that engage an equal number of slots, hooks or teeth that interleave with the teeth of an adjacent panel (not shown). One or more of the panels  82  are preferably movable to form one or more doors  84  through which fuel is conveniently added to the fire. In a preferred embodiment, the sidewall  22  is of unitary construction and the doors  84  are hinged to the sidewall  22  and swing outwardly. A hook, latch or other locking mechanism  86  should be installed on one or more of the doors  84  or the sidewall  22  to hold the door closed when not in use.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 3 , where a single leg or pedestal  16  is used, the appliance  10  preferably rests on the base  34  including a rim  90  and one or more pedestal supports  92 , and is configured to support the appliance  10  on a substrate. As the appliance  10  is intended for outdoor use, a wide ring or frustum is a preferable shape for the rim  90  for stability on uneven surfaces. The base  34  can be any shape, including, but not limited to, a ring, a frustum, a square, a rectangle, an “X” or a cross. In the embodiment shown, the base  34  is in the shape of a shallow frustum. At the outer edge of the frustum is the rim  90  which is finished to provide a safe, smooth surface.  
      Preferably, at the inside of the base  34  is at least one pedestal support  92  which holds the pedestal  16  in place and limits lateral movement of the pedestal on the base. The preferred pedestal supports  92  are tabs that are substantially vertical, oriented upwardly from the base  34 . The pedestal  16  includes the lower portion  42  which rests on the base  34  with the tabs  92  inside it, preventing the pedestal  16  from moving from side to side. Another embodiment includes a recessed surface (not shown) upon which the lower portion  42  of the pedestal rests.  
      Optionally, the lower portion  42  of the pedestal  16  is configurable to be fixed to the base  34 . In this case, any locking mechanism, including a fastener, is useful to hold the base  34  and the pedestal  16  together. The tabs  92  may be fixed with a hook portion that fits into a slot or anchor on the pedestal. In other embodiments, the base  34  is an integral portion of the pedestal  16 , such as where the lower portion flares  42  outward to form a stable base. The number of parts used to form the base  34  and the pedestal  16  are unimportant as long as both functions are present.  
      All components of the appliance  10  are preferably made of materials that are suitable for use with fire and in the out-of-doors. Metals are most suitable, including iron, steel, aluminum and stainless steel. Any or all of the parts are optionally treated with one or more materials to reduce rust or otherwise improve the product performance. Examples include suitable coatings, such as powdered coatings, porcelain or high temperature paints.  
      Additional features are optionally included on the appliance  10  to make it more convenient or useful to the user. Racks or grates (not shown) are usually used to support the food or charcoal at appropriate distances from each other. One or more handles  94  are useful on the bowl  20  to assist in converting between the two configurations  12 ,  14  and to assist when moving the apparatus  10  from one location to another. Preferably, a pair of handles  94  is mounted at diametrically opposing sides of the bowl  20 . Another handle  96  is preferably attached to the lid  24  to assist its removal, particularly when it is hot. One or more exhaust vents  98  are optionally positioned on the lid  24  to promote airflow through the appliance  10 . Warm air rises and collects under the lid  24 . Opening of the exhaust vents  98  allows the warm air to escape, drawing fresh air and oxygen in through the vents  76  on the bowl or the ash receiver  77 . As the air flows though the pedestal  16  and the bowl  20 , it is heated by combustion, wherein it rises to the lid  24  and exits through the exhaust vents  98 .  
      In operation, a preferred embodiment of the outdoor appliance  10  in the barbecue grill configuration  14  has the pedestal  16  in the barbecue grill position and the lid  24  resting directly on the rim  26  of the bowl  20 . To convert the barbecue configuration  14  to the fireplace configuration  12 , the lid  24 , if present, and the food rack is removed. The ash receiver  74  may be removed, if necessary or desired, before the pedestal  16  is shortened. With the base  34  remaining in position, the bowl  20  is raised. During the upward movement of the bowl  20 , the first cylinder  32  slides within the second cylinder  30  to shorten the pedestal  16 . As the cam  60  reaches the arc  52  of the cam track  44 , the bowl is rotated slightly to allow the cam to follow the shape of the cam track. After the cam  60  rounds the arc  52  of the track  44 , the bowl  20  is lowered to the fireplace configuration  12  where the cam comes to rest at the first end  50  of the cam track  44 . The screen sidewall  22  is placed in position on or within the rim  26  of the bowl  20  and the lid  24  is positioned atop the sidewall. The appliance  10  is then ready to accept wood or other combustible materials for a fire.  
      When it is desirable to return the appliance  10  to the barbecue grill configuration  14  from the fireplace configuration  12 , the lid  24  is removed, if present. The sidewalls  22  are removed from the rim  26  of the bowl  20  and stored in preparation for subsequent use. Movement of the pedestal  16  from the fireplace position to the barbecue grill position allows the cam  60  to follow the cam track  44 . In the embodiment shown, the bowl  20  is raised upwards until the cam  60  reaches the arc  52  of the track  44 , then rotated and slightly lowered until the cam  60  rests at the first end  46  of the cam track. If the ash receiver  74  was removed in the fireplace configuration  12 , it is preferably replaced for use in the barbecue grill configuration  14 . The outdoor appliance  10  is then ready to accept solid fuel for cooking use.  
      While a particular embodiment of the improved convertible outdoor appliance has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other configurations are possible in addition to those discussed above. Embodiments are contemplated whereby the ash receiver depends from the bowl, which is supported by three or four adjustable legs. Although the embodiments were discussed in terms of a charcoal grill, the apparatus and method of this invention are adaptable to be used with gas or combination gas/charcoal grills. These and other changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.