Patent Abstract:
An outdoor cooking appliance, such as a “Barbeque Grill”, having a body and a lid. The lid is connected to the body by a hinge assembly and is movable between a first, closed position and a second, open position. As the lid is moved between the first and second positions, the hinge assembly counterbalances the weight of the lid so that the lid does not close of its own accord and may be positioned at one of plurality of positions intermediate between the closed and the open positions. The hinge assembly includes two arms that are pivotally interconnected. The hinge assembly preferably includes a linkage that interconnects the one of the two arms of the hinge assembly to the lid to permit the hinge to reside in a location that is relatively removed from and remote to the lid so that the hinge assembly. In a further embodiment, the hinge is adjustable.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/512,172 for BARBECUE GRILL AND HINGE, filed Oct. 17, 2003. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to outdoor cooking appliances. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cooking appliance of the type having a body with a receptacle and a lid, with the lid operatively connected to the body and movable with respect thereto, so that it may be moved between a closed position, where it substantially covers the receptacle, and an open position permitting access to the receptacle. Outdoor cooking appliances of this type are often called “Barbeque (BBQ) Grills”.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Outdoor cooking appliances or “barbeques” have been used for many years. Typically, they comprise a freestanding body and a lid. The body has a bottom and sidewalls that define an open ended receptacle into which cooking elements and/or combustible material is placed, and over which a grill, cooking surface, and/or rotisserie is positioned. The lid is configured to substantially cover the open end of the receptacle to form a cooking chamber. Often, the lid is vertically dished or domed so that it may form a cooking chamber that can accommodate large or multiple food items. In some cooking appliances, the lid is configured to be loosely positioned on the body in the manner of placing a lid on a pot, but in most instances, the lid is pivotally hinged to the body and rotatable between closed and opened positions.  
         [0004]     In those outdoor cooking appliances with hinged lids, the lids are often only able to rest in two extreme positions, one extreme being a closed position and the other extreme being an open position, where the open position is one in which the lid is rotated slightly greater than 90 degrees to allow the lid to be pivoted over center. With such lids, if one were rotating the lid from one position to the other and accidentally let go of the lid before completely opening or closing it, it would slam shut under the force of gravity. The force of the lid slamming into the body can jar food items off the grill or cooking surface, damage the lid and/or body, and possibly cause injury to a user or perhaps someone else with their hand on the body. This is especially a possibility if the appliance is a large appliance having a substantial lid that may weigh upwards of about 30 to 40 pounds, perhaps even as much as about 70 pounds. As one may appreciate, these drawbacks become more pronounced with heavier lids.  
         [0005]     It would be appreciated that, it is often desirable to adjust the cooking temperature of the outdoor cooking appliance. This is not always possible with those appliances that are heated by combustible material such as charcoal briquettes and/or wood chips, however, because the lid has to be opened-up and the grill or cooking surface often has to be removed in order to access to the charcoal briquettes and/or wood chips. In view of the difficulties and potential dangers involved with these steps, it is often most expedient for users to adjust the temperature by partially lifting the lid relative to the open end of the receptacle. Unfortunately, most outdoor cooking appliance lids are not capable of being positioned in a partially open position. Thus, using the position of the lid to control the temperature of the cooking chamber is often an inadequate and imprecise activity.  
         [0006]     Therefore, it will be further appreciated that there is a need for an outdoor cooking appliance with a lid that will not close shut with great force under the influence of gravity, that may be easily positioned at one of a plurality of angles relative to the body and that is made in a manner that takes the high temperatures in the immediate vicinity of the lid into account when designing the hinge. The present invention addresses these and other needs.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     Briefly, the present invention comprises a hinge assembly suitable for use with an outdoor cooking apparatus of the type comprising a receptacle having a bottom and sidewalls that define an open end, and a lid configured to substantially cover the open end of the receptacle, the hinge assembly operatively connecting the lid to the receptacle such that the lid is movable with respect thereto between a closed position, wherein the lid substantially covers the open end of the receptacle, and a plurality of open positions in which a gap exists between the lid and at least one sidewall of the receptacle, the hinge assembly comprising: a first arm configured to be operatively connected to either one of said receptacle or said lid; a second arm configured to be operatively connected to the other one of said receptacle or said lid, wherein the first and second arm are movably connected to each other; and, means for counterbalancing the weight of the lid; whereby, when the lid is moved to one of the plurality of open positions, the lid is able to remain in such open position in the absence of external forces acting on the lid.  
         [0008]     The invention also comprises an outdoor cooking appliance comprising: a body comprising a bottom and side walls, with the side walls defining a cooking area; a lid configured to substantially cover the cooking area to form a cooking chamber; and, a hinge assembly operatively connecting the lid to the body such that the lid may be moved from a first position where it substantially covers the cooking area of the body, and a continuum of open positions in which a gap is formed between the lid and at least one sidewall of the receptacle, the hinge assembly comprising: a first arm configured to be operatively connected to either one of said receptacle or said lid; a second arm configured to be operatively connected to the other one of said receptacle or said lid, wherein the first and second arm are movably connected to each other; and, means for counterbalancing the weight of the lid; whereby, when the lid is moved to one of the continuum of open positions, the lid is able to remain in such open position in the absence of external forces acting on the lid.  
         [0009]     Generally, the hinge assembly comprises a first arm and a second arm, with the first and second arms operatively connected to and movable with respect to each other. The hinge assembly includes a means for counterbalancing the weight of the lid as it is rotated between the closed and open positions. The means for counterbalancing is operatively connected to the first and second arms, and is configured and arranged so that the first and second arms are biased in a first rotational direction with respect to each other. This rotational biasing allows the hinge assembly to counterbalance the weight of a lid as it is moved from the closed position to an open position. The rotational biasing also allows the lid to be positioned at a predetermined position.  
         [0010]     To that end, the first arm comprises an elongated generally u-shaped body, an elongated generally u-shaped link, a biasing element, a post, and a follower mechanism. More specifically, the elongated u-shaped body has a first end and a second end, and comprises a rear wall, opposing sidewalls and an end wall. The first end of the body is pivotally attached to the second arm by a pin or pintle, which is inserted through apertures in the sidewalls adjacent the first end of the body and through the first aperture in the second arm. The first end of the u-shaped body also includes a slot that extends partially up the rear wall and which is configured to freely admit a portion of the second arm as the u-shaped body is pivoted relative to the second arm. The second end of the u-shaped body includes a transverse end wall having a slot that is sized to freely admit the post and allow movement with respect thereto. The transverse end wall also serves to support one end of a biasing element. As will be understood, the first arm may be operatively connected to either one of the lid or the body of the cooking appliance.  
         [0011]     The elongate u-shaped link of the hinge assembly also has a first end and a second end, and comprises a front wall and opposing sidewalls. The u-shaped link is pivotally attached to the second arm by a second pin or pintle, which is inserted through apertures in the sidewalls adjacent the first end of the u-shaped link and through the second aperture of the second arm. Note that the second aperture of the second arm is spaced from the first aperture second arm by a predetermined distance. The u-shaped link is also configured so that it may be positioned between the sidewalls of the u-shaped body and movable with respect thereto in a constrained manner as the first and second arms pivot with respect to each other. The sidewalls adjacent the second end of the u-shaped link are provided with apertures or through holes that are configured to receive a crossbar, which is used to engage one end of the post.  
         [0012]     The elongated, generally u-shaped post has a first end and a second ends, and comprises a rear wall and opposing sidewalls. The sidewalls of the first end of the u-shaped post are provided with slots or notches that are configured to engage the crossbar that is inserted into the sidewall apertures of the u-shaped link. The second end of the post includes an enlarged head that is sized to engage an end of the biasing element and prevent passage thereby.  
         [0013]     Alternatively, the elongated u-shaped post may be provided with an adjustment member. The adjustment member comprises an elongated shaft having first and second ends, and is provided with a transverse aperture that is sized to accept a crossbar that is inserted through appropriately sized apertures in the second end of the u-shaped post. The second end of the adjustment member includes an adjustable stop that is used to vary the effective working length the u-shaped post. In use, a spring is positioned over the u-shaped post such that one end abuts the transverse end wall of the u-shaped housing. The adjustable stop is then positioned on the threaded end of the adjustment member and the nut is tightened or loosened to the desired degree. Thus, the hinge may be adjusted to counterbalance differently sized lids.  
         [0014]     The follower mechanism comprises a roller that is operatively connected to a first end of a second post having first and second ends. The follower mechanism is movably retained on the u-shaped body by a transverse tab, through which the second end of the post projects, and a transverse pin, which is movably retained in longitudinal slots in the sidewalls of the u-shaped body, and which also serves as an axle for the roller. The roller is urged away from the tab and towards the first end of the u-shaped body by a biasing element, which is carried by the post, and which extends between the tab and a shoulder on the first end of the second post. In operation, the slots in the sidewalls define the range of motion that is available to the roller.  
         [0015]     The second arm of the hinge assembly comprises an attachment end, a connection end, and a camming surface. The attachment end is configured to be operatively connected to either one of the body or lid of the outdoor cooking appliance, preferably the body, while the connection end is configured to be operatively connected to the first arm of the hinge assembly such that the first and second arms can pivot with respect to each other.  
         [0016]     The camming surface of the second arm is radially spaced from the pivot point of the connection end and is configured to contact and move the roller of the follower as the first and second arms move with respect to each other. It will be appreciated that the particular profile of the camming surface used will affect the motion of the first arm relative to the second arm. For example, the camming surface could have a spiral or involute profile. In such a case, the first arm would be urged in direction that leads to the smallest radius, due to the action of the spring-biased roller of the follower. Preferably, though, the camming surface is not an involute and includes a recess or trough into which the roller is urged as the first and second arms move with respect to each other. The trough in effect captures the roller and allows the lid be positioned at a predetermined angle with respect to the body, where it resists movement in either direction, due to the action of the follower.  
         [0017]     In operation, the hinge assembly counteracts the weight of the lid as the lid is moved between the closed and open positions. Thus, for example, a user may position the lid at any point along a range of angles, and the lid will stay in that position, absent an external force acting there against. Preferably, the range of angles is from about 1 degree to about 65 degrees. The hinge assembly also allows the lid to be positioned at a predetermined angle, where the lid is biased from either direction toward a neutral position. Preferably, the neutral position is in the range of around 65 degrees. When the lid is moved beyond the neutral position of about 65 degrees, it swings open in a normal manner. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an outdoor cooking appliance having a hinge assembly connecting to a lid showing the body of the cooking appliance and the lid in a closed position substantially covering the cooking area of the cooking appliance;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the cooking appliance shown in  FIG. 1 , but showing the lid in an open position and showing the grill partially broken away;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a partial front perspective view of an outdoor cooking appliance that is the same as that shown in  FIG. 1 , except that an alternative lid  31  is shown that includes a cut-out  35  for a rotisserie (not shown) and the protective cover  42  of the hinge assembly  40  is exploded away to expose working parts of the hinge assembly  40 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a partial side plan view of the cooking appliance shown in  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 5  is a partial rear end view of the cooking appliance shown in  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 6A  is an enlarged, partially broken away side plan view of the parts of the hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 4 , with a portion of the first arm broken away to show a follower mechanism, and with alternate positions of the first arm relative to the second arm shown in dashed lines as the first arm is moved from the closed position to rest alternatively at a partially open position and a fully open position at its maximum open extent;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6B  is an enlarged partial side plan view of the follower mechanism as it resides within the housing of the hinge assembly;  
         [0025]      FIG. 6C  is a partial side plan view of an alternate embodiment of a post having an adjustable end so that the spring biasing force counter balancing the weight of the lid can be adjusted;  
         [0026]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a cooking appliance  10 ′, which is the same as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , except that the body  12  has been enlarged and an alternate hinge assembly is provided at a more remote location on the cooking appliance in relation the location of the receptacle  20  and the hinge assembly  188  includes a linkage  182  to interconnect the hinge assembly to the lid  31 ; and,  
         [0027]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , in which the lid has been moved from the closed position to an open position at its maximum open extent. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0028]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2  an outdoor cooking appliance  10  of the type having a body  12  and a movable lid  30  is depicted. Preferably, the outdoor cooking appliance  10  is a barbeque grill of the type shown having a receptacle  20  for receiving and retaining combustible materials such as charcoal or wood (not shown). The receptacle or a cooking area  20  is covered by the lid  30  to form a covered cooking chamber when the lid  30  is in the closed position so that a greater percentage of any heat generated by burning combustible material (not shown) is retained in the cooking chamber. It will be appreciated that while the embodiment of the cooking appliance  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  includes a conventional receptacle  20  for combustible materials (not shown), other common features that are not shown may be included, such as, without limit, a conventional support with an array of apertures, a solid cooking surface, a rotisserie or the like. As shown, the body  12  of the cooking appliance  10  includes a rear cowl  14  that extends upwardly and forwardly relative to the cooking surface to define a cavity, which forms a portion of a cooking chamber. The rear cowl  14  also includes one or more stops  16  attached thereto. Although not shown, preferred embodiments will have a second stop on the side opposite the first stop  16 . The body  12  also includes one or more dials  18  to control heating elements within the interior of the body (not shown). It will be understood, however, that controllable heating elements are not necessary to practice the present invention and that the cooking appliance  10  may be of the type that solely utilizes wood chips, charcoal briquettes or the like to provide a source of heat.  
         [0029]     The lid  30  may be provided with a handle  32  or similar device, so that a user of the grill may manipulate the lid  30  with relative ease and comfort. It will be appreciated that the particular lid configuration depicted is not necessary to practice the invention and that other types of lids may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the lid  30  may be formed with a cutout  34  (shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 1 ) that is configured to accommodate the rotating spit of a rotisserie (also not shown).  
         [0030]     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , hinge assembly  40  is operatively connected both to the rear cowl  14  of the body  12  and a lid  30 . In  FIG. 2 , the lid  30  has been rotated from the closed position to an open position, where the lid has been rotated about pivot axis  36  by about 90 degrees. Note that the lid  30  is prevented from rotating too far over center by the stop  16  attached to a side of the rear cowl  14 . With the lid  30  in the open position the components of the body may be more easily seen. As with conventional cooking appliances, a grill  22 , which supports food (not shown) over a heat source (not shown), is configured to cover the receptacle  20  of the body  12 . The receptacle  20  comprises a plurality of side walls  24 ,  26 , and a bottom  28 , which house a source of heat (not shown) and partially define the receptacle  20 . Although the side walls  24 ,  26 , and bottom  28  are depicted as planar, it will be appreciated that other configurations are possible and that the receptacle  20  may be rounded or concave without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As will be appreciated, the grill  22  may be replaced with a cooking surface such as a griddle, or may include a rotisserie of the type having a horizontal, rotatably mounted spit.  
         [0031]     When the lid  30  is moved between the closed and open positions, the lid is rotated about a pivot axis  36  that is formed by the hinge assembly  40  such that the lid  30  has an angular range of movement  38 . Preferably, the angular range of movement  38  from a closed resting position such as that shown in  FIG. 1  is about 0 degrees when the lid  30  is in the closed position and about 90 degrees when the lid has been moved to the open position shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0032]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3, 4 , and  5 , which show partial views of the same cooking application  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , except that the lid  31 , differs from the lid  30  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  because it includes a cut out  35  for a rotisserie (not shown). The hinge assembly  40  includes a cover  42 , which removably fits over a first arm  44  to protect the first arm from heat, dust and dirt, inclement weather and the like. The cover  42  is removably attached to the first arm by conventional fasteners, such as clips, threaded fastener, or the like (not shown). In this embodiment, the first arm  44  is positioned adjacent a rear end of the lid  31 , in a substantially vertical position. The first arm  44  is operatively connected to a lid  31  by conventional fasteners  51  such as threaded fasteners, clips or the like (see  FIG. 5 );  
         [0033]     As can be seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the hinge assembly  40  also includes a second arm  46 , to which the first arm  44  is operatively connected in a manner in which the first and second arm may rotate relative to each other. The second arm  46  is removably attached to the rear cowl  14  of the body  12  by conventional fasteners  179  such as threaded fasteners, clips, or the like. As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , the lid  30  has larger dimensions than the rear cowl  14 . Thus, the second arm  46  is provided with an offset  174  and a foot  176  that bring the second arm  46  into alignment with the first arm  44 . The foot  176  includes attachment points  178  (see  FIG. 6A ) that are configured to accept conventional fasteners  179  such as threaded fasteners, clips, or the like. It will be appreciated that the positions of the first and second arms may be reversed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, for example, the first arm may be attached to the rear cowl while the second arm may be attached to the lid in a manner that still allows the lid  31  to pivot with respect to the rear cowl  14  and the body  12 .  
         [0034]     Referring now also to  FIG. 6A , the hinge assembly  40  will now be discussed in greater detail, starting with the first arm  44 . The first arm  44  comprises an elongated generally u-shaped body  50 , an elongated generally u-shaped link  80 , a post  110 , a means for counterbalancing the weight of the lid, and a follower  140 . The elongated u-shaped body  50  has a first end  52  and a second end  54 , and comprises a rear wall  56 , opposing sidewalls  58 ,  60  and an end wall  62 . The first end  52  of the body  50  is pivotally attached to the second arm  46  by a pivot pin or pintle  68 , which is inserted through apertures in the sidewalls adjacent the first end  52  of the body  50  and through a first aperture in the second arm  46 . The first end  52  of the body  50  also includes a slot that extends partially up the rear wall  56  and which is configured to freely admit a portion of the second arm  46  as the body  50  is pivoted about the pintle  68 . The second end  54  of the body  50  includes a transverse end wall  62  having a slot that is sized to freely admit a post  110  and allow movement with respect thereto. The transverse end wall  62  also supports one end of the biasing element  132 .  
         [0035]     The elongated generally u-shaped link  80  of the hinge assembly  40  also has a first end  82  and a second end  84 , and comprises a front wall and opposing sidewalls. The u-shaped link  80  is pivotally attached to the second arm  46  by a pintle or pin  96 , which is inserted through apertures in the sidewalls adjacent the first end  82  of the u-shaped link  80  and through a second aperture in the second arm  46 . The u-shaped link  80  is also configured so that it may be positioned between the sidewalls  58 ,  60  of the u-shaped body  50  and movable with respect thereto in a constrained manner as the hinge assembly  40  is pivoted about the pivot pins  68  and  96 . The sidewalls adjacent the second end  84  of the u-shaped link  80  are provided with apertures or through holes that are configured to receive a crossbar, which is used to engage a first end  112  of the post  110 .  
         [0036]     The elongated, generally u-shaped post  110  has a first end  112  and a second end  114 , and comprises a rear wall and opposing sidewalls. The sidewalls of the first end  112  of the u-shaped post  110  are provided with a crossbar engagement member, which comprises slots that are configured to engage a crossbar that is inserted into the sidewall apertures or through holes of the u-shaped link  80 .  
         [0037]     The mechanism for counterbalancing the lid is operatively connected between the first and second arms. Preferably, the means for counterbalancing comprises a biasing element such as a compression spring. However, it is understood that other devices such as counterweights, pneumatic assists, electric motors, and the like, may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0038]     The second arm  46  has two pivot points represented by two transverse apertures. The first aperture is configured to receive pintle  68 , which extends through the side walls of the u-shaped housing, and which allows the first arm  50  to pivot relative to the second arm  46 . The second transverse aperture is configured to receive pintle  96 , which extends through the side walls of the u-shaped link  80 , and which allows the u-shaped link  80  to also pivot relative to the second arm  46 . As the first and second arms rotate, the tip of the post  114  will describe an arc that is off-center with the arc described by the end wall  62  of the u-shaped housing  50 . This causes the distance between the end  62  of the housing and the end  114  of the post to change, which results in the force exerted by the biasing element to change. It will be appreciated that such change will counteract the moment arm generated by the lid as it is pivoted between the closed and open positions.  
         [0039]     The second arm  46  also includes a camming surface  168  that is spaced radially from the first aperture or pintle  68 . The camming surface  168  is configured to contact the roller  142  of the follower mechanism  140  and such that the roller  142  compresses the biasing element  156  in a predetermined manner. The camming surface  168  is primarily used to provide the lid with a set point relative to the horizontal. Preferably, this set point is about 65 degrees with respect to the horizontal and is represented by a trough or capture point  172 , which is bounded by raised areas of the camming surface  168 . As will be appreciated the set point may be located at other angles relative to the horizontal. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the camming surface may be provided with more than one set point, if desired.  
         [0040]     Referring now also to  FIG. 6B , the follower mechanism  140  is operatively connected to the u-shaped housing  50  and is movable in a constrained manner with respect thereto. The follower mechanism  140  comprises a roller  152  that is operatively connected to a first end of a second post  144  having first and second ends  146  and  148 . The follower mechanism  140  is movably retained on the u-shaped body  50  by a transverse tab  74 , through which the second end  148  of the post  144  projects, and a transverse pin  154 , which is movably retained in longitudinal slots  76 , and  78  in the sidewalls of the u-shaped body  50 , and which also serves as an axle for the roller  152 . The roller  152  is urged away from the tab  74  and towards the first end  52  of the u-shaped body  50  by a biasing element  156 , which is carried by the post  144 , and which extends between the tab  74  and a shoulder  158  on the first end  146  of the post  144 . In operation, the slots  76  and  78  in the sidewalls define the range of motion that is available to the roller  152 .  
         [0041]     Referring now also to  FIG. 6C , an alternate embodiment of the elongated, generally u-shaped post  110  shown in  FIG. 6A  is shown that allows the hinge assembly to be adjustable in the same manner as the hinge disclosed in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/263,977 filed Oct. 3, 2002, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The alternate elongated, generally u-shaped post  210  has a first end  212  and a second end  214 , and has a rear wall  216  and opposing sidewalls  218 ,  220  (note that sidewall  220  is obscured by sidewall  218 ). The sidewalls  218 ,  220  of the first end  212  of the u-shaped post  210  are provided with a crossbar engagement member  222  that includes slots  224  and  226  (note that slot  226  is obscured by slot  224 ), which are configured to engage the crossbar  102  that is inserted into the sidewall apertures or through holes  98 ,  100  of the u-shaped link  80 . The u-shaped post  210  is also configured so that it may be positioned between the sidewalls  88 ,  90  of the u-shaped link. The sidewalls  218 ,  220  at the second end  214  of the post  210  likewise are provided with apertures  228  and  230  (note that aperture  130  is obscured by aperture  128 ), which are configured to engage a crossbar  232  that operatively connects an adjustment member  240  to the post  210 .  
         [0042]     The adjustment member  240  includes an elongated shaft  242  having first and second ends  244  and  246 , respectively. The first end  244  is provided with a transverse aperture  248  that is sized to accept the crossbar  232  that is inserted through the apertures  228  and  230  in the second end  214  of the u-shaped post  210 . The second end  246  of the shaft  242  is threaded  250 . The adjustment member  240  also has an adjustable stop  252 , which preferably includes a retainer  254  or washer and a pair of threaded fasteners or nuts  256  and  258 . In use, a biasing element or spring  260  is positioned over the u-shaped post  210  such that it is held between the transverse end wall  62  of the u-shaped housing  50  and the retainer  254  of the adjustable stop  252  (see, for example  FIG. 6A ). As shown in  FIG. 6C , it is notable that the biasing element  260  is loosely positioned about the u-shaped post  210  and is not compressed as it would be in actual use (see,  FIG. 6A ). Preferably, the retainer  254  is held in position by a nut  256  that engages the thread  250  of shaft  242 . As will be appreciated, the nut  256  permits the length of the post  210  to be infinitely varied as it traverses the thread  250 . The nut  156  may be locked into position by drawing a second nut  258  tightly against it. Thus, the hinge may be adjusted to counterbalance an oven door.  
         [0043]     The hinge assembly  40 , as depicted in  FIG. 6A , illustrates a typical range of motion as the arms are pivoted relative to each other. The first arm  44  is shown in a substantially vertical position  39 A as it may appear when attached to a lid of a cooking appliance. In this position, the lid would substantially cover the cooking area of the cooking appliance and would correspond to an angular range of movement from the closed position of 0 degrees. As the lid is moved between the closed position  39 A and the maximum open position  39 C, the hinge assembly  40  counteracts the weight of the lid. Thus, for example, a user may stop the lid at any point along a range (or continuum) of angles, say at intermediate position  39 B, and the lid will remain in that position absent an external force acting there against. Preferably, the range of angles is a continuum from about 1 degree to about 65 degrees. The hinge assembly  40  also allows the lid to be positioned at a predetermined angle, where the lid is biased from either direction toward a neutral position. Preferably, the neutral position is represented by a trough or capture point  172  in the second arm  46 , and is in the range of about 65 degrees. When the lid is moved beyond the trough or capture point  172  of about 65 degrees, it swings open in a normal manner.  
         [0044]     In order to remove the hinge assembly from the receptacle  20  so that the hinge assembly is not subjected to as much heat as it may be when it is located adjacent to the lid and the rear cowl as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the hinge assembly may be located in a position that is further removed from the receptacle  20  and the lid  30 ,  31  and the rear cowl  14  and connected to the lid  31  and body  12  as depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Here, a hinge assembly  188  is attached at a remote location on the alternate cooking appliance  10 ′. The remote location is preferred because during operation of the cooking appliance  10 ′, when the lid  31  is in the closed position, temperatures inside the cooking chamber rise to well over 300 degrees Fahrenheit and can often reach as high as 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This superheated air generally exits the closed cooking chamber between the spacing between the lid  31  and the rear cowl  14  and indirectly heats the hinge assembly  40  in the embodiments of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . As will be appreciated, extended elevated temperatures are detrimental to the hinge assembly because such temperatures shorten the life of lubricants used to reduce friction between moving parts and, most critically, because such temperatures expand the metal parts of the hinge and may weaken the parts. These extended elevated temperatures generally require the parts to be made out of materials that are more expensive than what might otherwise be required if the hinge assembly were more removed from the receptacle  20  so that the temperature in the location of the hinge assembly would remain below about 300° F., preferably about 275° F., more preferably about 250° F.  
         [0045]     As can be seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a first arm  190  of the alternate hinge assembly  188  is operatively connected to the body  12 ′ of the cooking appliance  10 ′, while a second arm  192  is operatively connected to a lid  31  by a linkage  182 . The operative connection between the lid  31  and the second arm  192  is achieved by a bracket  180  and the linkage  182 , wherein the linkage  182  passes through a slot  186  in the body  12  to the second arm  192 . With this embodiment, the lid  31  is pivotally attached to the rear cowl  14  by a pintle  134  having a pivot axis  136 . The first and second arms  190 ,  192  of the hinge assembly  188 , meanwhile, are pivotally connected by pintle  194  having a pivot axis  196 . The connection between the u-shaped link and the second aperture of the second arm is not shown or described because it is substantially the same as shown and described in  FIGS. 6A and 6B .  
         [0046]     It will be appreciated that the drawings are modified for simplicity, but that the first arm  190  is secured to the body  12 ′ by thread fasteners (not shown) or such other means as may be selected. It will also be appreciated, that while the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  show the second arm  192  being interconnected to the lid  31  by the linkage  182 , the hinge assembly  188  can be easily rearranged so that the second arm  192  is secured to the body  12 ′ in a manner similar to the way the second arm  46  is secured to the rear cowl  14  in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , and the first arm  190  can then be interconnected with the lid  31  by the linkage without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention.  
         [0047]     The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims, which form a further part of the present application.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4