Abstract:
An adjustable support device is disclosed generally comprising a support post having an internal channel an arm slidable within the internal channel. The arm is generally shaped such that, gravitational bias of the arm under the influence of its own weight will cause the arm to lock within the internal channel. In certain embodiments, the arm is pivotable within the internal channel. The arm is freely slidable within the internal channel when the arm is pivoted so that it is substantially perpendicular to the support post, and locks within the internal channel when it is pivoted so that it is not substantially perpendicular to the support post. In further embodiments, the support device is used in connection with a conventional turkey deep-fryer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority benefits under 35 § U.S.C. 119(e) of the U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/927,948 filed on May 7, 2007. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a support device, and more specifically to a support device having an adjustable arm designed to support a load in a fixed position when acted upon by the force of gravity. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The deep-fried turkey has considerably grown in popularity in recent years. The apparatus for frying the turkey or other food item generally consists of a kettle for containing the oil, a supporting stand for holding the kettle, a basket or rack for mounting the turkey, and a burner. Several examples of this apparatus are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,049 to Johnston; U.S. Pat. No. 6,941,857 to McLemore; U.S. Pat. No. 6,711,992 to McLemore; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,321 to Bourgeois. 
         [0004]    While these deep-fryers are simple in design and generally easy to use, they harbor potentially destructive and life-threatening consequences. With a conventional turkey-fryer, the user mounts a turkey on a rack and manually lowers this rack into a kettle of oil heated by a burner. In the current state of the art, there is no mechanism for preventing the turkey from falling rapidly into the kettle of hot oil if the user suddenly releases the turkey. This can cause hot oil to splash outside of the kettle where it can come into contact with the open flame of the burner and cause a grease fire. These grease fires are difficult to extinguish and can cause severe personal injury and significant property damage if the deep-fryer is used in or in close proximity to one&#39;s home. 
         [0005]    Additionally, once the turkey has finished frying, it is preferable to allow any excess oil remaining on or in the turkey to drain off before consumption. Currently, the user must manually hold the turkey over the kettle while the oil drains from the turkey which can be a time consuming and physically arduous task. 
         [0006]    One example of a device that attempts to address these problems is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US 2006/0144246/A1 to Holliday. The Holliday patent relates to a portable utility stand for supporting and suspending the inner basket of a fryer and its contents, such as a turkey, over a cooking vessel. The utility stand comprises a wide base assembly, a vertical support assembly, and a hanger assembly with a main hook. The vertical support assembly comprises a vertical extension that fits telescopingly into the vertical support member. 
         [0007]    One disadvantage of this device, however, is that there are multiple assemblies and parts, each connected together with fasteners, which must be adjusted in order to lower a turkey into the cooking vessel. The height of the vertical support assembly can only adjusted by manually raising or lowering the vertical extension and securing it to the vertical support member in the desired position by a detent or thumb wheel. Furthermore, the position of the hanger assembly itself is difficult to adjust. In one embodiment, the user positions the hanger assembly by inserting a retainer into a fixed slot located on the vertical support member. In another embodiment, the hanger assembly is mounted on expanded band, which fits telescopingly around the vertical support assembly and is secured by means of a detent or thumb wheel. 
         [0008]    In either embodiment of this invention, lowering the inner basket into the cooking vessel involves several steps and requires the user to release/tighten a particular fastening means and often to adjust the structure of the utility stand itself. This can be a cumbersome task, particularly if there is a turkey or some other food item in the basket. Furthermore, if the user drops the basket during adjustment, there is no restraint that would prevent the turkey from rapidly falling into the kettle of hot oil. 
         [0009]    What is desired, therefore, is a support device that allows a user to smoothly and securely lower a turkey or other food item into the kettle of a conventional turkey-fryer without having to adjust any fasteners or the structure of the device itself. It is also desired to have a support device that will automatically prevent a turkey from falling into the kettle if the user prematurely releases the basket or rack. It is further desired to have a support device that provides a means for suspending the turkey above the fryer so that excess oil may drain once frying is done. 
         [0010]    Additionally, adjustable support devices known in the storage, shelving, and hardware industries suffer from similar downfalls as the utility stand disclosed by Holliday. Thus, what is desired is a simple and adjustable, yet secure support device that can be used in a variety of applications. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a secure, yet adjustable device for supporting a load without the use of fasteners. 
         [0012]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a versatile support device that may be used in several configurations and has applications in many different fields of art. 
         [0013]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for supporting a load that will automatically hold the load in a fixed position when acted upon by gravity. 
         [0014]    It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a device for supporting a turkey or other food item above a conventional turkey fryer that provides the ability to safely lower the turkey into the fryer. 
         [0015]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for supporting a turkey or other food item above a conventional turkey fryer that will automatically prevent it from falling into the hot oil if a user releases the weight of the turkey. 
         [0016]    In order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and to achieve at least some of the objects and advantages listed, the invention comprises a support post having an internal channel and an arm slidable within said internal channel, the arm being shaped such that, gravitational bias of said arm under the influence of its own weight causes said arm to lock within the internal channel. In one embodiment, the arm is pivotable within the internal channel. The arm may be freely slidable within the internal channel when the arm is pivoted so that it is substantially perpendicular to the support post. Also, the arm may lock within the internal channel when the arm is pivoted so that it is not substantially perpendicular to the support post. The internal channel may have a rear surface and at least one forward surface and the arm may comprise a head portion having a rear surface and a forward surface, and may be shaped to be slidably received within the internal channel. The rear surface and the forward surface of the head portion may be arranged such that, when the arm is pivoted so that it is not substantially perpendicular to the support post, the rear surface of the head portion engages the rear surface of the internal channel and the forward surface of the head portion engages the at least one forward surface of the internal channel. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment, the at least one forward surface of the internal channel may comprise a first forward surface and a second forward surface. The rear surface and the forward surface of the head portion may be arranged such that, when the arm is pivoted so that it is not substantially perpendicular to the support post, the rear surface of the head portion may engage the rear surface of the internal channel and the forward surface of the head portion may engage the first forward surface and the second forward surface of the internal channel. 
         [0018]    The support device may further comprise a tooth located on the rear surface of the head portion and a plurality of grooves on the rear surface of said internal channel shaped to accept the tooth. The arm may further comprise a body portion positioned adjacent to said head portion. In one embodiment, the body portion may comprise a handle. A connecting member may also be provided at an end of the handle remote from the support member. The connecting member may be a hook. 
         [0019]    In addition, the support post may further include at least one notch shaped to accept the rim of a deep-fryer kettle. A strap and a latch for securing the support device around a kettle may also be provided. The strap may be connected to the support post. The support post may also include a stopping mechanism within the internal channel to prevent the head portion from advancing past. This stopping mechanism may be a pin. 
         [0020]    In yet another embodiment, the support device may further include a splash guard. The splash guard may be a substantially circular member having an opening to accept the connecting member. The splash guard may also be two substantially domed portions connected together on a side by a hinge and may also have an opening to accept the connecting member. Alternatively, the splash guard may also be a substantially cone-shaped collar being open on a side. 
         [0021]    The objects of the present invention are further met by providing a support device comprising a support post having an internal channel including a rear surface and at least one forward surface, and an arm comprising a body portion and a head portion, the head portion having a rear surface and a forward surface and being shaped to be slidably received within the internal channel of the support post. The rear surface of the head portion may be arranged such that, gravitational bias of the arm under the influence of its own weight causes the rear surface of the head portion to engage the rear surface of the internal channel and the forward surface of the head portion to engage the at least one forward surface of the internal channel. 
         [0022]    The at least one forward surface of the internal channel may comprise a first forward surface and a second forward surface. The rear surface and the forward surface of the head portion may be arranged such that, gravitational bias of the arm under influence of its own weight causes the rear surface of the head portion to engage the rear surface of the internal channel and the forward surface of the head portion to engage the first forward surface and the second forward surface of the internal channel. 
         [0023]    In addition, the body portion may comprise a handle. The handle may also include a connecting member, which may be provided as a hook, at an end remote from the support member. The support post may further include a notch. The support device may further comprise a strap with a latch, which may be connected to the support post. The support post may also include a stopping mechanism within the internal channel to prevent the head portion from advancing past. This stopping mechanism may be a pin. 
         [0024]    In yet another embodiment, the support device may further include a splash guard. The splash guard may be a substantially circular member having an opening to accept the connecting member. The splash guard may also be two substantially domed portions connected together on a side by a hinge and may also have an opening to accept the connecting member. Alternatively, the splash guard may also be a substantially cone-shaped collar being open on a side. 
         [0025]    The objects of the present invention may further be met by providing a turkey deep-fryer comprising a support post having an internal channel and an arm slidable within the internal channel of the support post, a kettle, and a turkey mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus may be a rack, or alternatively, a basket. The arm may be shaped such that, gravitational bias of the arm under the influence of its own weight causes the arm to lock within the internal channel. The internal channel may also comprise a rear surface and at least one forward surface and the arm may comprise a body portion and a head portion, the head portion having a rear surface and a forward surface. The rear surface and the forward surface of the head portion may be arranged such that, gravitational bias of the arm under the influence of its own weight causes the rear surface of the head portion to engage the rear surface of the internal channel and the forward surface of the head portion to engage the at least one forward surface of the internal channel. 
         [0026]    In another embodiment, the at least one forward surface of the internal channel may comprise a first forward surface and a second forward surface. The rear surface and the forward surface of the head portion may be arranged such that, gravitational bias of the arm under the influence of its own weight causes the rear surface of the head portion to engage the rear surface of the internal channel and the forward surface of the head portion to engage the first forward surface and the second forward surface of the internal channel. 
         [0027]    In addition, the handle may have a connecting member at an end remote from the support member for connecting the handle to the turkey mounting apparatus. The connecting member may be a hook. The kettle may have a rim and the support post may further include at least one notch shaped to accept the rim. A strap and a latch for securing the support device around a kettle may also be provided. The strap may be connected to the support post. The support post may also include a stopping mechanism within the internal channel to prevent the head portion from advancing past. This stopping mechanism may be a pin. 
         [0028]    In yet another embodiment, the support device may further include a splash guard. The splash guard may be a substantially circular member having an opening to accept the connecting member. The splash guard may also be two substantially domed portions connected together on a side by a hinge and may also have an opening to accept the connecting member. Alternatively, the splash guard may also be a substantially cone-shaped collar being open on a side. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the support device showing the arm disposed within the internal channel of the support post. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2(   a ) is a front view of the support post of the support device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 2(   b ) is a side view of the support post of the support device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 2(   c ) is a perspective view of the support post of the support device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 2(   d ) is a top view of the support post of the support device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 3(   a ) is a front view of the arm of the support device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 3(   b ) is a side view of the arm of the support device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 3(   c ) is a top view of the arm of the support device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 4  shows the support device of  FIG. 1  in operation, including both the “locked” and “unlocked” positions of the arm. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5(   a ) is a front view of the support post of the support device of  FIG. 1  with a plurality of grooves. 
           [0039]      FIG. 5(   b ) is a perspective view of the tooth. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5(   c ) is a perspective view of the tooth on the head portion of the arm. 
           [0041]      FIG. 5(   d ) is a side view of the arm and support post showing the tooth engaging a groove in operation. 
           [0042]      FIGS. 6 and 7  are perspective views of the support device of  FIG. 1 , as used in connection with a turkey fryer. 
           [0043]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a dome splash guard that may be used in conjunction with the support device and turkey fryer of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a disc splash guard and a collar splash guard that may be used in conjunction with the support device and turkey fryer of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 10  is a side view of an additional embodiment of the support device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0046]    The basic components of one embodiment of a support device in accordance with the present invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . As used in the description, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “over,” “under,” “above,” “beneath,” “on top,” “underneath,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “back,” “forward” and “backward” refer to the objects referenced when in the orientation illustrated in the drawings, which orientation is not necessary for achieving the objects of the invention. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3(   a )-( c ), a support device  10  comprises a support post  12  and an arm  14 . The support post  12  includes a housing  16  and an internal channel  18  having a rear surface  20 , first forward surface  22 , and second forward surface  24 . The arm  14  has a head portion  26  and a body portion  28 . The head portion  26  has a rear surface  30  and a forward surface  32  and is shaped to be slidably received within the internal channel  18 . 
         [0048]    In operation, as shown in  FIG. 4 , when the arm  14  is held so that it is substantially perpendicular to the support post  12 , the head portion  26  is easily slidable within the internal channel  18 . In this “unlocked” position  34 , a user may either reposition the arm  14  along the length of the support post  12 , or remove the head portion  26  from the internal channel  18  altogether. However, when arm  14  is biased so that it is not substantially perpendicular to the support post  12  the rear surface of the head portion  30  will engage the rear surface of the internal channel  20  and the forward surface of the head portion  32  will engage the first forward surface  22  and the second forward surface  24  of the internal channel  18 . Due to the force of gravity acting on the arm, the arm  14  will automatically bias and “lock”  36  within the internal channel when it is released by the user. 
         [0049]    In this “locked” position  36 , the force of friction acting on the head portion  32  and the internal channel  20  prevents the arm  14  from sliding within the channel  20 . Therefore, it is preferable to construct the head portion  32  and the internal channel  20  from materials having a coefficient of friction that allows the arm  14  to support a load in a fixed position. For example, materials such as aluminum or high-density plastic or rubber may be used. Depending on the desired use of the support device  10 , materials providing higher coefficients of friction may be used to provide greater load-bearing capabilities. 
         [0050]    The support device  10  may also be provided with a pin  29  along the length of the internal channel  20 . The pin  29  provides a means for preventing the handle from advancing past the desired position. 
         [0051]    In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5(   a )-( d ), the support means is equipped with a tooth  38  on the head portion  26  and the rear surface of the internal channel is equipped with a plurality of grooves  40  shaped to accept the tooth  38 . When the tooth  38  mates with a groove  40 , the arm  14  is able to support a greater load. Again, when the arm  14  is held substantially perpendicular to the support post  12 , the tooth  38  will not mate with a groove  40  and the head portion  26  will be slidable within the internal channel  18 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the support device  10  may be used in conjunction with a conventional turkey fryer  42 . The fryer consists of a kettle  44  for containing the oil, a supporting stand  46  for holding the kettle, a basket or rack  48  for mounting a turkey, and a burner (not shown). In this embodiment, the body portion  28  is provided as a handle  50  for a user to grasp. Preferably, the handle  50  is made from a heat resistant material. The support device  10  further comprises a strap  52  for securing the support device to a kettle  44 . The strap  52  closes around the kettle with a latch  54 , which may include a pin  56  to keep it closed. Additionally, the strap  52  may be provided with an adjustment means  58  to allow a user to adjust the length of the strap to fit kettles of various sizes. The support post  12  is also provided with at least one notch  60  shaped to accept the rim of the kettle to prevent the support device  10  from sliding down once a load (such as a turkey) is placed upon the arm. Additionally, the handle is provided with a connecting member  62 , shown as a hook, for holding the rack  48 . In this embodiment, the pin  29  is preferably located at a position along the internal channel  20  so that when the arm  14  is lowered to that position, the rack  48  does not touch the bottom of the kettle. 
         [0053]    In operation, a user first aligns the support post  12  so that the notch  60  is fitted on the rim of the kettle  44  and then tightens the strap  52  around the kettle to secure the device  10  in place. The user then removes the handle  50  from the support post  12 , hangs the rack  48  bearing a turkey or other food item from the hook  62 , and reinserts the head portion  32  into the internal channel  20  at the top of the post. Then the user grasps the handle  50 , lifts the weight of the turkey, and unlocks the arm  14  by holding it substantially perpendicular to the support post  12 . At this point, the user may slowly lower the turkey into the kettle filled with hot oil. If the user were to suddenly release the handle before the basket or rack reached the bottom of the kettle, the weight of the turkey on the handle would bias the head portion  26  within the internal channel  18  and lock the arm into place. Once frying is complete, the user again lifts the weight of the turkey to unlock the arm and slides it up the support post so that the turkey is completely out of the oil. Upon releasing the handle, the arm will lock into place under the weight of the turkey and the excess oil may drain back into the kettle. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , an additional embodiment of the support device may also comprise a support post  12  and an arm  14 . The arm  14  has a sleeve portion  27  and a body portion  28 . The sleeve portion  27  is slidably received around the support post  12  and has at least one internal surface  31 . In operation, when the arm  14  is held so that it is substantially perpendicular to the support post  12 , the sieve portion  27  is easily slidable along the support post  12 . In this “unlocked” position, a user may either reposition the arm  14  along the length of the support post  12 , or remove the sleeve portion  27  from the support post  12  altogether. However, when arm  14  is biased so that it is not substantially perpendicular to the support post  12 , the at least one internal surface of the sleeve portion  31  will engage the support post  12  and “lock” into a fixed position. Due to the force of gravity acting on the arm, the arm  14  will automatically bias against the support post  12  when it is released by the user. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the support device  10  may also be provided with a splash guard. In one embodiment, the splash guard is a dome  64  that rests on the rim of the deep-fryer kettle to prevent any oil from splashing or splattering out. The dome  64  comprises two substantially domed portions connected together on a side by a hinge  66  so that the splash guard may be easily attached and removed. Additionally, the splash guard  64  has an opening  68  to accept the connecting member  62 . 
         [0056]    In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the splash guard is provided as a substantially circular disc  70  that hangs from the handle  50  to protect the user&#39;s hand from being burned by grease splatter. The disk  70  has an opening  72  to allow it to be attached and removed. The center  74  of the disk  70  may rest at the top of the rack  48  or at the top hook  62 . 
         [0057]    In yet another embodiment, the splash guard is provided as a collar  76  that is placed inside the deep-fryer kettle  44 . The collar  76  is provided with a lip  78  that not only prevents grease from splattering and splashing outside of the kettle, but also prevents the oil it from overflowing during frying. To hold the collar in place, a groove (not shown) around the circumference of the collar  76  rests on the rim of the kettle  44 . In addition, slit  80  accommodates the vertical support  12  and allows the collar  76  to flex to fit kettles of various sizes. Preferably, the dome  64 , disk  70  and collar  76  splash guards are made from a heat resistant material. 
         [0058]    Many other uses of the support device  10  are also contemplated by the present invention. Some exemplary applications include adjustable shelving, utility racks, garage and household storage and organization, lighting stands, hangers, and display devices. This list is not exhaustive or limiting. Depending on the particular application, the form of the body portion  50  will adapt as necessary. For example, the body portion may be provided as a hook (not shown) for hanging plants or kitchen items, or it may be provided as a bracket or flat surface (not shown) for supporting a shelf. The body portion  28  may also be provided so that it that can swivel or bend with respect to the head portion  30 . 
         [0059]    It is also contemplated that the support device may also be used with the support post oriented substantially horizontally. This configuration would allow the present invention to provide for side-to-side adjustment. In this embodiment, in the “locked” position, the rear surface of the head portion  30  will engage the rear surface of the internal channel  20 , and the forward surface of the head portion will engage either the first forward surface of the internal channel  22  or the second forward surface of the internal channel  24 . In this “locked” position, the head portion  26  is immovable inside the internal channel  18  and the arm  14  will be capable of supporting a load. 
         [0060]    It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, and that obvious modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, reference should be made primarily to the accompanying claims, rather than the foregoing specification, to determine the scope of the invention.