MODULAR MOBILE GRILL AND ROTISSERIE SYSTEM
20210113015 · 2021-04-22
Inventors
Cpc classification
A47J37/0731
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A47J2037/0777
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
Abstract
At least one aspect relates to a grill. The grill includes a first base, a first sidewall extending from the first base, a second base, a second sidewall that extends from the second base, a cavity formed by the first sidewall and the second sidewall above the first base and the second base, a rail receiver attached to at least one of the first base or the second base and opposite the cavity, a rail, a plurality of legs attached to at least one of the first base or the second base and opposite the cavity, and at least one pole attached to a first leg of the plurality of legs. When a force is applied, the second base receives the first base along a base axis, the second sidewall receives the first sidewall along a sidewall axis, and the rail receiver receives the rail along a rail axis.
Claims
1. A grill comprising: a first base; a first sidewall that extends from the first base; a second base that receives the first base along a base axis; a second sidewall that extends from the second base and receives the first sidewall along a sidewall axis, the sidewall axis is within five degrees of parallel to the base axis, the first sidewall and the second sidewall form a cavity above the first base and second base; a rail receiver attached to at least one of the first base or the second base and opposite the cavity; a rail that the rail receiver receives along a rail axis, the rail axis is within five degrees of parallel to each of the base axis and the sidewall axis; a plurality of legs attached to at least one of the first base or the second base and opposite the cavity; and at least one pole attached to a first leg of the plurality of legs, wherein a force applied to the first sidewall causes the first base to move within the second base along the base axis, the first sidewall to move within the second sidewall along the sidewall axis, and the rail to move within the rail receiver along the rail axis.
2. The grill of claim 1, wherein the grill includes a plurality of supports that are removably coupled to at least one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall and include a plurality of slots for receiving a rotisserie spit.
3. The grill of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of supports that each extend from a first support end removably coupled with the first sidewall or the second sidewall to a second support end, each support includes a plurality of slots for receiving a rotisserie spit; and a roof that is coupled with the second support end of each of the pair of supports and is angled relative to the base axis.
4. The grill of claim 3, further comprising: a first back panel removably coupled with the first sidewall; and a second back panel that receives the first back panel, the second back panel removably coupled with the second sidewall.
5. The grill of claim 4, further comprising: a first grate removably coupled with at least one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall and a second grate removably coupled with at least one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall that receives the first grate along a grate axis, the grate axis is within five degrees of parallel to the base axis, wherein the force applied to the first sidewall further causes the first grate to move within the second grate along the grate axis.
6. The grill of claim 5, wherein a cavity defined by the first sidewall, second sidewall, first base, and the second base, in a collapsed state, is sized to receive the pair of the supports, the first back panel, the second back panel, the first grate, and the second grate, in a collapsed state.
7. The grill of claim 1, wherein each leg of the plurality of legs is supported by a wheel.
8. The grill of claim 1, wherein the second base further includes an ash door that selectively moves between an open position and a closed position.
9. The grill of claim 1, wherein a first length defined along the first sidewall and the second sidewall is no greater than 35 inches in a first state and is at least 60 inches in a second state.
10. A motor system, comprising: a housing comprising a receiver to receive a spit along a rotational axis; an electric motor that rotates the receiver in a first direction of rotation about the rotational axis, the rotational axis defining a first plane axis perpendicular to the rotational axis, a second plane axis perpendicular to the rotational axis and the first plane axis, the first plane axis and second plane axis defining a first quadrant, a second quadrant, a third quadrant, and a fourth quadrant around the rotational axis in an order corresponding to the first direction of rotation; a first bracket extending from the housing towards a second direction from which the spit is received, the first bracket located in the first quadrant; and a second bracket extending from the housing towards the second direction, the second bracket location in the third quadrant.
11. The motor system of claim 10, wherein the first bracket includes a bracket extension that extends along the second direction and faces the first plane axis and is behind the first plane axis relative to the first direction of rotation when the first plane axis is aligned parallel to a gravity vector.
12. The motor system of claim 10, wherein when the motor system is activated, the brackets prevent the motor from spinning along the rotational axis to cause the receiver and the spit to rotate about the first direction of rotation.
13. The motor system of claim 10, wherein the electric motor is at least one of an alternating current (AC) electric motor powered by an AC power source or a direct current (DC) electric motor that is powered by a DC power source.
14. The motor system of claim 13, wherein the system further includes a battery, and the DC power source is the battery.
15. The motor system of claim 14, wherein the electric motor has an operating capacity of at least 10 hours.
16. The motor system of claim 10, wherein the receiver includes a triangular hole that receives an end of the spit.
17. A rotisserie spit kit, comprising: a shaft extending from a first end to a second end; a base extending from a third end configured to removably couple with first end of the shaft to a fourth end; an impact cover configured to removably couple with the fourth end of the base, the impact cover having a greater diameter than the fourth end; a first tip extending from a fifth tip end configured to removably couple with the second end of the shaft to a sixth tip end; and a second tip extending from a seventh tip end configured to removably couple with the second end of the shaft to an eighth tip end, the eighth tip end is more blunt than the sixth tip end.
18. The rotisserie spit kit of claim 17, wherein the fifth tip end and seventh tip end threadingly couple with the second end of the shaft.
19. The rotisserie spit kit of claim 17, wherein the fourth end of the base couples with a motor.
20. The rotisserie spit kit of claim 17, wherein the eighth tip end has a greater surface area than the sixth tip end.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary features in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0024] Referring generally to the figures, a modular grill and rotisserie system can include a grill, a motor system, at least one modular grill table, and a rotisserie spit kit. Various components of the rotisserie system can be removably coupled to one another, enabling modularity for the system. For example, the mobile grill may be coupled to the motor system and the rotisserie spit kit without being coupled to the modular grill table. This creates a system that can be customizable to the configuration specified by the user. Furthermore, the entire grill and rotisserie system can be adjustable in size and arrangements. For example, the mobile grill may be extended, the rotisserie spit kit may have a cooking tip attached, and the modular grill table may be lowered to be below the mobile grill. The components of the system can be adjusted to respond to changing conditions while grilling. The system can be modified between rotisserie and grilling modes of operation, such as by implementing features relating to expandability (e.g., changing system size), ease of motor installation and operation (e.g., DC motor can be sideloaded onto the system to reduce likelihood of the hands of the user being exposed to very high temperatures from the heat source while also being powered by a portable power supply for situations where mains power is not available), and modular rotisserie spit components that can be quickly adapted to different steps in the rotisserie setup and cooking process. Various such features can enable the system to be used for grilling, kebab, small animal rotisserie (e.g., chicken), and large animal rotisserie (e.g., lamb, pig) modes of operation, while also being modular to allow the system to be stored in a compact form (e.g., many or all components can be stored in the grill box itself) for transport in the trunk of a small vehicle, and then rapidly assembled and adjusted to the appropriate mode of operation.
[0025] A grill system can include a first base, a first sidewall extending from the first base, a second base, a second sidewall extending from the second base, a rail, a slide mount, a plurality of legs, and a plurality of horizontal poles coupled to a plurality of legs. The portion of the grill used for cooking processes can be at least partially defined by the first base, the first sidewall, the second base, the second sidewall, and a cavity formed therein. The second base can receive the first base and the second sidewall can receive the first sidewall, which can enable the size of the mobile grill to be adjusted. The slide mount may be coupled to the second base on an opposite side of the base from the cavity and the rail may be coupled to the first base on an opposite side of the first base from the cavity. The slide mount can allow the rail to move linearly along a rail axis. The plurality of legs may support at least one of the first base or the second base. The plurality of horizontal poles can be coupled to a plurality of legs, and at least one of the poles may include a first and a second pole. The second pole can receive the first pole. The grill can include a roof assembly, the roof assembly protecting the grill from rain. The grill can include a first and a second back panel.
[0026] The grill can be expanded or contracted to adjust to a desired form factor. For example, the grill can be in a non-extended (e.g., closed) configuration, in which one or more points of contact between components of the grill, such as the first and second base, prevent further contraction of the grill. The grill can also be in an extended or at least partially extended state (or configuration). If the grill is in an extended configuration, a compressing force may be applied to the first sidewall. This may cause the second base to receive the first base, the second sidewall to receive the first sidewall, the rail to move linearly along the longitudinal axis (in the same direction as the force), and the second pole to receive the first pole. If the grill is in the non-extended configuration, a tensioning force may be applied to the first sidewall. This can cause the first base to separate from the second base, the first sidewall to separate from the second sidewall, the rail to move linearly along the rail axis (in the same direction as the force), and the first pole to separate from the second pole. Expanding or contracting the grill can enable the system to be manipulated between small animal rotisserie operation and large animal rotisserie operation.
[0027] The motor system can rotate a rotisserie spit. The motor system can include a housing that includes a receiver, an electric motor, and at least one pair of opposed brackets. The receiver can receive the rotisserie spit along a rotational axis. The electric motor may rotate the receiver in a first direction of rotation about the rotational axis. The opposed brackets can be laterally offset from the rotational axis and extended parallel to the rotational axis. When the motor system is activated, the brackets may prevent the motor system from spinning along the rotational axis thereby rotating the receiver and the rotisserie spit about the first direction of rotation. The receiver can support multiple size spits for various use cases (e.g., small animal rotisserie or large animal rotisserie).
[0028] The rotisserie spit kit can include a shaft, a base, a prep tip, and a cooking tip. The shaft may receive and support food and can include a plurality of threaded holes. The base may be removably coupled to the shaft and a rotisserie motor. The prep tip may be removably coupled to the shaft and end in a pointed edge, which can be used to puncture food. The cooking tip may be removably coupled to the shaft and can be used during cooking. For example, the shaft may be coupled to the prep tip. The prep tip can thereby be used to puncture food and the food may be received and supported by the shaft. The prep tip may then be removed and the cooking tip can be coupled to the shaft. The base may then be coupled to the shaft and the rotisserie motor. The rotisserie spit kit can include an impact cover that couples with the shaft to allow prep tip to be driven through the food without damaging other components of the spit kit, and then removed or switch with a different coupler to connect with the motor for being rotated by the motor.
[0029] The modular grill table can include a table top, a plurality of table legs, a plurality of horizontal poles, a plurality of attachment brackets, and at least one attachment bar. The table top may receive food and grilling accessories. The plurality of table legs can support the table top. The horizontal poles may provide a stabilizing force to the plurality of table legs. The plurality of attachment brackets can receive an attachment bar and allow the modular grill table to removably couple with other removable grill tables. The attachment bar may be received by a plurality of attachment brackets and can have a plurality of holes; one hole for each attachment bracket. The holes may receive a pin or fastener, removably coupling the attachment bar to an attachment bracket.
[0030] Referring now to
[0031] Referring now to
[0032] The second sidewall 208 can receive the first sidewall 204 along the sidewall axis. The second sidewall 208 may be slightly larger (e.g. 0.1 greater in height and 0.2 inches wider) than the first sidewall 204. Because it can be slightly larger, the first sidewall 204 can fit inside of the second sidewall 208. This allows for the length of the grill 200 (length along the longitudinal axis 416 between the first sidewall 204 and the second sidewall 208) to be adjustable. The second sidewall 208 can include at least one lip 408 that wraps around the first sidewall 204. The lip 408 does not prevent the first sidewall 204 from sliding into the second sidewall 208, but can prevent the first sidewall 204 from moving along the lateral axis 420 and the vertical axis 424. Both the first sidewall 204 and the second sidewall 208 may include at least one lip 408. The second sidewall 208 may contains bearings that allow the first sidewall 204 to linearly slide into the second sidewall 208 along the sidewall axis. The bearings may allow for a smooth motion. The bearings may be self-lubricated bearings. The second base 308 can receive the first base 304 along the base axis. The second base 308 may be slightly larger (e.g. 0.2 inches wider) and located below the first base 304 along the vertical axis 424. Because it may be slightly larger and located below the first base 304, the first base 304 can fit inside of the second base 308. This allows for the length of the grill 200 to be adjustable. The length of the grill 200 may be approximately 30 inches in the non-expanded configuration (e.g., greater than 20 inches and less than 40 inches; greater than 25 inches and less than 35 inches; greater than 28 inches and less than 32 inches) and adjust to 60 inches in the expanded configuration (e.g., greater than 50 inches and less than 70 inches; greater than 55 inches and less than 65 inches; greater than 58 inches and less than 62 inches).
[0033] The first base 304, second base 308, first sidewall 204, and second sidewall 208 may surround a controlled flame within the cavity 404. The flame may be produced by the burning of charcoal, wood, or combustible fluids. The grill 200 may be a charcoal grill (e.g. the main fuel source is charcoal). The cavity 404 can receive charcoal. The cavity 404 may receive wood pellets. The cavity 404 may receive a combustible fluid. The second base 308 may include an ash door 320. The ash door 320 may be used to clean the grill 200 of ash and debris such as charcoal or wood pellets. The ash door 320 can be selectively coupled to the second base 308 and moves between an open and a closed position. The ash door 320 can be pivotably coupled to the second base 308. The ash door 320 may include a locking mechanism that prevents it from being moved to the open position until the locking mechanism is released. The grill 200 can be a propane grill (e.g. the main fuel source is propane). The grill 200 may contain a variety of propane lines, burners, regulators, and other gas grill appliances related to producing a propane flame. The grill 200 may include a conversion kit that converts the mobile grill from a propane grill to a natural gas grill and vice versa. The grill 200 may be a hybrid grill, a grill that is both a charcoal grill and a propane grill (e.g. the fuel source may be charcoal or propane or both). The second base 308 may not include the ash door 320. As the ash door 320 provides a way for the user to remove ash, the grill 200 may include an alternative way for the user to remove ash from the cavity 404. For example, the second base 308 may include a gap between the second sidewall 208 to allow ash to be cleared from the cavity 404.
[0034] The grill 200 can include at least one cooking grate 212. The cooking grate 212 may be supported by at least one of the first sidewall 204 and the second sidewall 208. The cooking grate 212 may be supported by a plurality of the lips 408. The cooking grate 212 may be slightly smaller (e.g., 0.5 inches smaller in length and width) than the first sidewall 204 and the second sidewall 204. This allows food and other debris on the grate 212 to slide between the grate 212 and the first sidewall 204 or the second sidewall 208. The debris and food may then fall into the cavity 404, and can be removed from the grill 200 through the ash door 320. The grate 212 can receive food. The food may be raw or uncooked food. The food may be on a rotisserie spit kit 1500. The food may be in the form of kabobs on the rotisserie spit kit 1500. The cooking grate 212 may be a plurality of cooking grates 212. Within the plurality, each cooking grate 212 may receive food and be supported by a plurality of the lips 408. When the grill 200 is in the non-extended configuration it may include one cooking grate 212; when the grill is changed to the extended configuration it may include at least two cooking grates 212. When the grill 200 is in the non-extended configuration it may include two cooking grates 212; when the grill is changed to the extended configuration it may include at least three cooking grates 212. The cooking grate 212 may be at least one cooking grate 212 at a first height and at least one cooking grate 212 at a second height. The first grate 212 can be removably coupled to the first sidewall 204 and the second grate 212 can be removably coupled to the second sidewall 208 and receives the first grate 212 along the grate axis. The first grate 212 can be removably coupled to a first lip 408 that is coupled to the first sidewall 204 and the second grate 212 can be removably coupled to a second lip 408 attached to the second sidewall 208 and spaced far enough along the vertical axis 424 from the first lip 408 to fit the first grate 212. Therefore, when the second grate 212 receives the first grate 212 along the grate axis, the first grate may fit between the first lip 408 and second lip 408.
[0035] The cooking grate 212 may be sized to fit within the cavity 404. That is, the volume of the cooking grate 212 may be less than the volume of the cavity 404. More so, the cooking grate 212 in a non-specified orientation may be shorter in length along the longitudinal axis 416, the lateral axis 420 and the vertical axis 424 than the cavity 404. As the grate 212 may fit inside the cavity 404 when the grill 200 is being moved or stored, the horizontal grate 212 can be removed from the grill 200 and stored inside of the grill 200. This allows the grill 200 to take up less volume and fit inside smaller vehicles/storage areas.
[0036] As shown in
[0037] As depicted in
[0038] The plurality of horizontal poles 228 can be coupled to multiple legs 224. For example, each horizontal pole 228 may be coupled to two, three, four, five, or more legs 224. In some configurations, each horizontal pole 228 may be fixedly coupled to the plurality of legs 224 through a weld. In other configurations, each horizontal pole may be removably coupled to the plurality of legs through a coupling. The coupling, being a part of each leg 224, can receive a horizontal pole 228. In some configurations, each horizontal pole 228 may be received by the coupling and removably coupled by a fastener. In even other configurations, each horizontal pole 228 may prevent the plurality of legs 228 from moving in at least one of the longitudinal axis 416 and the lateral axis 420. By keeping the plurality of legs from moving in at least one of the longitudinal axis 416 axis and the lateral axis 420 axis, the legs 224 are under less stress, and only required to respond to the force from the weight of grill 200. This in turn allows for each leg 224 to support more weight and creates a stronger and sturdier grill 200. As best shown in
[0039] At least one of the first pole 324 and the second pole 328 may include a locking mechanism such as a hole that allows the first pole 324 and the second pole 328 to be locked into place. The second pole 328 may receive the first pole 324. The hole of the second pole 328 can allow a pin or small metal obstruction to fit inside the second pole 328. The pin may then catch on the first pole 324 and lock the first pole 324 in place. This may lock the entire grill 200 in a certain configuration. If in the extended configuration, the grill 200 may be locked into the extended configuration. If in the non-extended configuration, the grill 200 may be locked into the non-extended configuration. The pin or obstruction may be removed, allowing the first pole 414 to move along at least one of the longitudinal axis 416 and the lateral axis 420. If the first pole 324 is locked into place, the second sidewall 208 and the second base 308 may be locked into place. The hole may receive a fastener inside the second pole 328. Both the first pole 324 and the second pole 412 may include a hole that receives a pin or a fastener. The hole may be a plurality of holes. The pin may be a quick release pin that includes a plurality of detents to prevent the pin from being removed. The mobile grill 200 may not include horizontal poles 228 along the longitudinal axis 416, which may allow the grill to easily move from the extended configuration to the non-extended configuration without the need to unlock the locking mechanism or adjust the horizontal poles 228. As the mobile grill 200 may not include the horizontal poles 228 along the longitudinal axis 416, the grill may not include the first pole 324 or the second pole 328. In this way, the remaining horizontal poles 228 along the lateral axis 420 do not include the first pole 324 or the second pole 328; instead the pole remaining horizontal poles 228 may be a single piece, as shown in
[0040] The plurality of the horizontal poles 228 and the plurality of legs 224 may be sized to fit within the cavity 404. For example, the combined volume of the horizontal poles 228 and the legs 224 may be less than the volume of the cavity 404. The horizontal poles 228 and the legs 224 (e.g., in a non-specified orientation) can be shorter in length along the longitudinal axis 416, the lateral axis 420 and the vertical axis 424 than the cavity 404. As the legs 224 and horizontal poles 228 may fit inside the cavity 404, when the grill 200 is being moved or stored, the legs 224 and the horizontal poles 228 can be removed from the grill 200 and stored inside of the grill 200. This allows the grill 200 to take up less volume and fit inside smaller vehicles/storage areas. A cover may be provided to cover the grill 200, including during storage.
[0041] To adjust between the extended configuration and the non-extended configuration, the grill 200 requires a force to be applied. If in the extended configuration, a tensioning force may not cause any more extension, as the rail 316 may reach the maximum extension length. For example, once at the maximum length, the rail 316 cannot extend anymore and may hit a stopping mechanism such as a pin or a fastener. If in the extended configuration and a compressing force is applied to the first sidewall 204 and the second sidewall 208, the grill 200 may contract. The second base 308 may receive the first base 304, the second sidewall 208 may receive the first sidewall 204, the rail 316 may move linearly along the rail axis, the second grate 212 may receive the first grate 212, and the second pole 328 may receive the first pole 324. If in the non-extended configuration, a compressing force may not cause any more compression. One or more points of contact between main components such as the first base 304 and the second base 308 prevent any more compression. If in the non-extended configuration and a tensioning force is applied to the first sidewall 204 and the second sidewall 208, the grill 200 may extend. The first sidewall 204 may move apart from the second sidewall 208, the first base 304 may move apart from the second base 308, the rail 316 may move linearly along the rail axis (in the same direction as the force), the first grate 212 may move apart from the second grate 212, and the first pole 324 may move apart from the second pole 328. As the grill 200 can be adjustable in length along the longitudinal axis 416, the grill 200 can be used in a variety of sizes. The grill can be used in the non-extended configuration, the extended configuration, or any size in between. The grill 200 may be adjustable in length between 30 inches and 60 inches. Because the grill 200 may be adjustable in length, the grill 200 can be used as a large commercial grill and a small personal grill. Because the grill can be adjusted to a smaller size, the grill 200 can be stored or transported in a relatively smaller area. For example, the grill 200 can be transported in a car.
[0042] Referring now to
[0043] As depicted in
[0044] The first connector 216 and the second connector 220 may be close to at least one of the first sidewall 204 and the second sidewall 208. The first connector 216 and the second connector 220 may be flush with at least one of the first sidewall 204 and the second sidewall 208. As the first connector 216 and the second connector 220 may be close with at least one of the first sidewall 204 and the second sidewall 208, the first connector 216 and the second connector 220 may be less likely to heat up and reach a high temperature. While grilling, a large problem is often that items close to the grill heat up and become hot to the touch. The first connector 216 and the second connector 220 may be therefore offset from the cavity 404 and close to the first sidewall 204 or the second sidewall 208. Therefore, the items received by the first connector 216 and the second connector 220 do not build up heat and can be touched or moved.
[0045] As depicted in
[0046] The roof 610 may include a first roof panel 612 and a second roof panel 616. The second roof panel 616 can receive the first roof panel 612. The second roof panel 616 may be slightly larger (e.g. 0.1 greater in height and 0.2 inches wider) than the first roof panel 612. This allows for the length of the roof 610 and the grill 200 to be adjustable. In operation, the second roof panel 616 may receive the first roof panel 612 along a roof axis (the roof axis is an axis centered on the first roof panel 612 and the second roof panel 616 and within five degrees of parallel to the base axis). The second roof panel 616 may contain bearings that allow the first roof panel 612 to slide linearly along the roof axis and be received by the second roof panel 616. The length of the roof 610 may be 30″ in the non-extended configuration and may adjust to 60″ in the extended configuration. The roof 610 can allow the user to use the same roof for a variety of different applications, requires no additional adjustment to change from the non-extended to the extended configuration, and provides protection from the rain.
[0047] The roof assembly 600 can include the plurality of supports 604. The supports 604 may be coupled to and support the roof 610. The supports 604 may be pivotably coupled to the roof 610, allowing for the roof 610 to rotate. The supports 604 may be pivotably coupled to the roof 610, allowing for the roof 610 to rotate with respect to the longitudinal axis 416. The supports 604 may be fixedly coupled to the roof 610 by a weld. The plurality of supports 604 may be a plurality of opposed supports 604. The supports 604 may be opposed along the longitudinal axis 416. Each support of the plurality of supports 604 may include a plurality of slots 606. The slots configured to receive and hold one end of a rotisserie spit such as the rotisserie spit kit 1500. Each slot of the plurality of slots 606 may be angled downwards. By angling the slots 606 downwards, a rotisserie spit placed in the slots naturally stays in the slots 606 due to gravity and does not jostle out during operation. This provides stability to the rotisserie during cooking.
[0048] The supports 604 may have a first support end and second support end. The first support end may be removably coupled with the first sidewall 204 or the second sidewall 208 and extending to the second support end coupled to the roof 610. The second support end may couple with the at least one of first roof panel 612 and the second roof panel 616. The first support end may be removably coupled with the second connector 220. The first support end may include a hole that receives a pin or fastener. The pin or fastener may removably couple the first support end with the second connector 220. The pin or fastener may locks the first support end in place and therefore the roof assembly 600 in place. The supports 604 may be partially received by bearings inside of the second connector 220. Each support 604 may be close to the first sidewall 204 or the second sidewall 208. Each support 604 may be flush with the first sidewall 204 or the second sidewall 208. Because each support 604 may be close to the first sidewall 204 or the second sidewall 208 and away from the cavity 404, each support 604 do not become as hot as if they were closer to the cavity 404.
[0049] The supports 604 may fit inside of the cavity 404. That is, the supports 604 volume may be less than the volume of the cavity 404. More so, the supports 604 in a non-specified orientation may be shorter in length along the longitudinal axis 416, the lateral axis 420 and the vertical axis 424 than the cavity 404. As the supports 604 may fit inside the cavity 404, when the grill 200 is being moved or stored, the support 604 can be removed from the grill 200 and stored inside of the grill 200. This allows the grill 200 to take up less volume and fit inside smaller vehicles/storage areas. The roof assembly 600 may fit inside of the cavity 404.
[0050] As depicted in
[0051] The back panel assembly 700 may be sized to fit inside the cavity 404. That is, the back panel assembly 700 has a volume that may be less than the volume of the cavity 404. More so, the back panel assembly 700 in a non-specified orientation may be shorter in length along the longitudinal axis 416, the lateral axis 420 and the vertical axis 424. As the back panel assembly 700 may fit inside the cavity 404, when the grill 200 is being moved or stored, the back panel assembly 700 can be removed from the grill 200 and stored inside of the grill 200. This allows the grill 200 to take up less volume and fit inside smaller vehicles/storage areas. The back panel assembly 700 may be broken into components (the first back panel 704 and the second back panel 708) before it fits inside the cavity 404. The back panel assembly 700 can retain heat to improve cooking efficiency and control over cooking by the user, while also functioning as a wind deflector and splash guard.
[0052] When removably coupled to the first sidewall 204 and the second sidewall 208, the back panel assembly 700 may protect items or people behind the grill (items on the same side of the grill 200 as the back panel assembly 700) from food debris and grease that pops or splatters during grilling. As with the first sidewall 204 and the second sidewall 208, the second back panel 708 may receive the first back panel 704; allowing for length of the grill 200 and the back panel assembly 700 (distance along the longitudinal axis 416) to be adjustable. The back panel 708 may include bearings that allow the first back panel 704 to slide linearly within five degrees of the longitudinal axis 416 and be received by the second back panel 708. The second back panel 708 may receive the first back panel along a back panel axis. The bearings may be self-lubricated bearings. The bearings may not allow the first back panel 704 to move along the lateral axis 420 or the vertical axis 424. The length of the back panel assembly 700 (total length along the longitudinal axis 416) may be adjustable between 30 inches and 60 inches.
[0053] Turning now to
[0054] Each rotisserie holder 804 may have a first support end and second support end. The first support end may be removably coupled with the first sidewall 204 or the second sidewall 208 and extend to the second support end. The first support end may removably couple with the first connector 216. The first support end may include a hole that receives a pin or fastener. The pin or fastener can removably couple the first support end with the first connector 216. The pin or fastener may lock the first support end in place and therefore the rotisserie holder 804 in place. The rotisserie holders 804 may be partially received by bearings inside of the first connectors 216. Each rotisserie holder 804 may be close to the first sidewall 204 or the second sidewall 208. Each rotisserie holder 804 may be flush with the first sidewall 204 or the second sidewall 208. Because each rotisserie holder 804 may be close to the first sidewall 204 or the second sidewall 208 and away from the cavity 404, each rotisserie holder 804 does not becomes less hot than if they were close to the cavity 404.
[0055] The rotisserie holders 804 may be sized to fit inside the cavity 404. That is, the combined volume of the rotisserie holders 804 may be less than the volume of the cavity 404. More so, the rotisserie holder 804 in a non-specified orientation may be shorter in length along the longitudinal axis 416, the lateral axis 420 and the vertical axis 424. As the rotisserie holders 804 may fit inside the cavity 404, when the grill 200 is being moved or stored, the rotisserie holders 804 can be removed from the grill 200 and stored inside of the grill 200. This allows the grill 200 to take up less volume and fit inside smaller vehicles/storage areas.
[0056] Because the plurality of legs 224, the roof assembly 600, the back panel assembly 700, and the rotisserie holders 804 may be removably coupled to at least one of the first sidewall 204, the first base 304, the second sidewall 208, or second base 308, the grill 200 is modular. As stated previously, many grills have a specified purpose (e.g. rotisserie, mobile grill, commercial grill, etc.). The grill 200 though can be adjusted to a variety of different purposes. The grill 200 can be adjusted small enough to be easily moved (i.e. fit in the back seat of a sedan), can be adjusted to a large grill, can be used as a rotisserie (by removably coupling the roof assembly 600 and rotisserie holders 804), and can protect a user from incremental weather. This provides a large amount of utility in the grill 200. The legs 224, the back panel assembly 700, the rotisserie holders 804, the grate 212, and the supports 604 may be sized to fit inside the cavity 404. That is, the combined volume of the legs 224, the back panel assembly 700, the rotisserie holders 804, the grate 212, and the supports 604 may be less than the volume of the cavity 404. More so, the combined length of the legs 224, the back panel assembly 700, the rotisserie holders 804, the grate 212, and the supports 604 in a non-specified orientation may be shorter in length along the longitudinal axis 416, the lateral axis 420, and the vertical axis 424. The legs 224, the back panel assembly 700, the rotisserie holders 804, the grate 212, and the supports 604 may be in the non-extended configuration for each item to fit inside the cavity 404. As the referenced items may fit inside the cavity 404, when the grill 200 is being moved or stored, the items can be removed from the grill 200 and stored inside of the grill 200. This allows the grill 200 to take up less volume and fit inside smaller vehicles/storage areas.
[0057] Referring now to
[0058] As depicted in
[0059] The plurality of horizontal poles 912 may be coupled to multiple table legs 908. Each horizontal pole 912 may be coupled to 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. table legs 908. In some configurations, each horizontal pole 912 may be fixedly coupled to the plurality of table legs 908 through a weld. In other configurations, each horizontal pole may be removably coupled to the plurality of legs through a coupling. The coupling, being a part of each table leg 908 can receive a horizontal pole 912. In some configurations, each horizontal pole 912 may be received by the coupling and removably coupled by a fastener.
[0060] The modular grill table 900 may include a plurality of attachment brackets 1008 and at least one attachment bar 1012. There may be two opposed attachment brackets 1008. There may be four attachment brackets 1008, one on each side of the table top 904. The attachment brackets 1008 may be located on each side of the table top 904 in the center of the side. The attachment brackets 1008 may include at least one hole. The holes may receive a pin or fastener. Each attachment bracket 1008 may receive the attachment bar 1012. The attachment bar 1012 may be a metal bar that attaches the modular grill table 900 to other modular grill tables. The attachment bar 1012 may include a plurality of holes. The holes may receive a pin or fastener. To attach the modular grill table 900 to another modular grill table, one bracket of the plurality of attachment brackets 1008 may receive the attachment bar 1012. A pin may be received through the hole of the attachment bracket 1008 and the attachment bar 1012. The attachment bar 1012 may then be received on an opposite end from the modular grill table 900 by another modular grill table's attachment bracket. A pin can then be received by another hole of the attachment bar 1012 and the other attachment brackets hole. This may selectively lock the modular grill table 900 to another modular grill table. Because the attachment bracket 1008 and the attachment bar 1012 allow the modular grill table 900 to attach to other grill tables, the modular grill table 900 can be used to create a custom grilling configuration. The custom configuration may help be used to serve customers, hold food, or other food preparation materials
[0061] Referring now to
[0062] Still referring to
[0063] As best shown in
[0064] The brackets 1124 may include a first bracket 1124 and a second bracket 1124. The first bracket 1124 may be located in the first quadrant and extending from the housing 1104 along the rotational axis 1114. The second bracket may be 1124 located in the third quadrant and extending from the housing 1104 along the rotational axis 1114. In
[0065] Referring now to
[0066] The electric motor 1304 may be electrically coupled to and receive power from a power supply 1308. The power supply 1308 may provide power to the electric motor of the motor system 1100, which can allow the grill system 100 to be used away from areas in which electricity is readily available. The power supply 1308 may provide either AC or DC power. The power supply 1308 may be a wire that connects to another power supply outside of the housing 1208. The power supply 1308 may be a battery located inside of the housing 1208 that provides DC power. The power supply 1308 may be a battery that can operate the electric motor for 12 hours. The power supply 1308 may be charged by AC power received from a wall outlet.
[0067] The motor system 1100 can include a power switch 1312. The power switch 1312 may be coupled to the power supply 1308. When turned to the “on” position the power switch may allow power to flow to the electric motor 1304 and activate the motor system 1100. When turned to the “off” position the power switch 1312 may not allow power to flow to the electric motor 1304. There may be a controller that acts as an intermediary between the power switch 1312 and the power supply 1308, allowing power to flow when the power switch 1312 is on and not allowing power to flow when the power switch 1312 is off. The power switch 1312 may be a button that is “on” when the button is pressed in and “off” when the button is not pressed in. The power switch 1312 may be other types of power switches such as a turn dial or an adjustment knob.
[0068] Referring now to
[0069] Referring to
[0070] Turning now to
[0071] Turning now to
[0072] Because the rotisserie spit kit 1500 may include both a prep tip 1700 and the cooking tip 1800, the rotisserie spit kit 1500 may be both usable to cook with and to prepare animals for cooking. Often, a user has to prepare an animal and cook the animal using separate devices. Because the preparation of the animal requires a sharp utensil to pierce the animal or the bone of the animal, it may often be done with a specialized device. More so, a rotisserie spit often has a blunt edge so a user will not hurt themselves on the tip while cooking. The rotisserie spit kit 1500 instead includes both the prep tip 1700 and the cooking tip 1800 that are both removably coupled to the shaft 1504. Therefore, the prep tip 1700 can be used to pierce the animal, and the cooking tip 1800 can be used during cooking. The rotisserie spit kit 1500 can include various components, such as the prep tip 1700, cooking tip 1800, coupling 1612, or various combinations thereof, that may have various sizes (e.g., diameters, cross-sectional areas) for use in different modes of operation (e.g., small animal rotisserie, large animal rotisserie).
[0073] As the entire modular grill and rotisserie system 100 may be made of adjustable components such as the grill 200, the modular grill tables 900, the motor system 1100, and the rotisserie spit kit 1600, the grill and rotisserie system 100 may be better suited to operate in a variety of situations. The grill and rotisserie system 100 can operate as a small grill, a commercial grill, a rotisserie (e.g., small animal rotisserie, kebab, large animal rotisserie), and a weather-proof grill. The grill and rotisserie system 100 can be used off the grid (e.g., with portable power provided by a DC power source and DC motor of the motor system 1100). The grill and rotisserie system 100 may be entirely adjustable, the system may be easier than most grills and rotisseries to transport. The grill 200 can be adjusted to the non-extended configuration and can fit inside of a car along with the other components of the system 100. This allows the system 100 to be transported by a variety of vehicle sizes. More so, the system 100 has a large amount of modularity, allowing the user to adjust the system 100 as they see fit. This allows the user to create a grill system that works best for themselves at the time.
[0074] As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.
[0075] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
[0076] The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.
[0077] The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.
[0078] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
[0079] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.
[0080] It should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.