Vertical Rotisserie Adaptor

Abstract

A universal cooking assembly for rotating vertically disposed food over a horizontally disposed heat source, said cooking assembly comprising: a horizontally disposed rotisserie rod; a first skewer apparatus; a second skewer apparatus; and a handle mechanically connected to the rotisserie rod for rotating the same about its axis.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

3. A rotisserie assembly for adjustably positioning vertically-oriented food disposed above a heat source, the rotisserie assembly comprising: an elongate rod defining a longitudinal axis and having opposite first and second ends between which the longitudinal axis extends; and a first skewer assembly connectable to the rod between the rod first end and the rod second end, the connected first skewer assembly and the rod adapted for rotation in unison about the longitudinal axis, the first skewer assembly comprising: first and second skewer apparatuses substantially equidistantly spaced longitudinally from the rod first end, the first and second skewer apparatuses radially spaced from the longitudinal axis and positioned on generally opposite radial sides of the rod, each of the first and second skewer apparatuses respectively including at least one elongate prong adapted for retaining food to the first skewer assembly, the prongs extending in generally parallel directions relative to the rod; wherein the rotisserie assembly has a selective installed state in which the rotisserie assembly is supported with the longitudinal axis in fixed vertically spaced relation above a heat source and the rod is selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis; and wherein the rotisserie assembly is capable of maintaining food retained to the first skewer assembly in a substantially vertical orientation, in which the retained food is arranged with its narrowest profile toward the heat source, at all angular positions of the rod about the longitudinal axis.

4. The rotisserie assembly of claim 3, wherein the first and second skewer apparatuses are radially spaced substantially equidistantly from the longitudinal axis.

5. The rotisserie assembly of claim 3, wherein each of the first and second skewer apparatuses respectively includes a plurality of elongate prongs.

6. The rotisserie assembly of claim 3, wherein each of the first and second skewer apparatuses is moveable generally perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis.

7. The rotisserie assembly of claim 6, wherein the respective positions of the first and second skewer apparatuses are adjustable radially relative to the longitudinal axis along threaded connections.

8. The rotisserie assembly of claim 3, further comprising a second skewer assembly connectable to the rod between the connected first skewer assembly and the rod second end, the connected second skewer assembly and the rod adapted for rotation in unison about the longitudinal axis, the second skewer assembly comprising: third and fourth skewer apparatuses substantially equidistantly spaced longitudinally from the rod first end, the third and fourth skewer apparatuses radially spaced from the longitudinal axis and positioned on generally opposite radial sides of the rod, each of the third and fourth skewer apparatuses respectively including at least one elongate prong adapted for retaining food to the second skewer assembly, the prongs extending in generally parallel directions relative to the rod; wherein the rotisserie assembly is capable of maintaining food respectively retained to the first skewer assembly and the second skewer assembly in substantially vertical orientations, in which the respectively retained food is arranged with its narrowest profile toward the heat source, at all angular positions of the rod about the longitudinal axis independently of each other.

9. The rotisserie assembly of claim 8, wherein the prongs of the first and second skewer apparatuses extend toward the rod first end, and the prongs of the third and fourth skewer apparatuses extend toward the rod second end.

10. The rotisserie assembly of claim 3, further comprising a handle mechanically connected to one of the rod first and second ends.

11. The rotisserie assembly of claim 3, wherein the first skewer assembly comprises: a connector receivable of the rod, the first skewer assembly connectable to the rod through the connector; and an extension member extending between the connector and at least one of the first and second skewer apparatuses in directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

12. The rotisserie assembly of claim 11, wherein the first skewer assembly comprises a pair of extension members, each extension member extending between the connector and a respective one of the first and second skewer apparatuses in directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

13. A cooking assembly for cooking vertically-oriented food adjustably positionable above a heat source, the cooking assembly comprising: a housing; a heat source contained by the housing; and a selectively installed rotisserie assembly having an installed state in which the rotisserie assembly is supported by the housing, the rotisserie assembly comprising: an elongate rod defining a longitudinal axis and having opposite first and second ends between which the longitudinal axis extends, wherein in the installed state the longitudinal axis is in fixed vertically spaced relation above the heat source and the rod is selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis; and a first skewer assembly connectable to the rod between the rod first end and the rod second end, the connected first skewer assembly and the rod adapted for rotation in unison about the longitudinal axis, the first skewer assembly comprising: first and second skewer apparatuses substantially equidistantly spaced longitudinally from the rod first end, the first and second skewer apparatuses radially spaced from the longitudinal axis and positioned on generally opposite radial sides of the rod, each of the first and second skewer apparatuses respectively including at least one elongate prong adapted for retaining food to the first skewer assembly, the prongs extending in generally parallel directions relative to the rod; wherein the rotisserie assembly is capable of maintaining food retained to the first skewer assembly in a substantially vertical orientation, in which the retained food is arranged with its narrowest profile toward the heat source, at all angular positions of the rod about the longitudinal axis.

14. The cooking assembly of claim 13, wherein the first and second skewer apparatuses are radially spaced substantially equidistantly from the longitudinal axis.

15. The cooking assembly of claim 13, wherein each of the first and second skewer apparatuses respectively includes a plurality of elongate prongs.

16. The cooking assembly of claim 13, wherein each of the first and second skewer apparatuses is moveable generally perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis.

17. The cooking assembly of claim 16, wherein the respective positions of the first and second skewer apparatuses are adjustable radially relative to the longitudinal axis along threaded connections.

18. The cooking assembly of claim 13, wherein the rotisserie assembly further comprises a second skewer assembly connectable to the rod between the connected first skewer assembly and the rod second end, the connected second skewer assembly and the rod adapted for rotation in unison about the longitudinal axis, the second skewer assembly comprising: third and fourth skewer apparatuses substantially equidistantly spaced longitudinally from the rod first end, the third and fourth skewer apparatuses radially spaced from the longitudinal axis and positioned on generally opposite radial sides of the rod, each of the third and fourth skewer apparatuses respectively including at least one elongate prong adapted for retaining food to the second skewer assembly, the prongs extending in generally parallel directions relative to the rod; wherein the rotisserie assembly is capable of maintaining food respectively retained to the first skewer assembly and the second skewer assembly in substantially vertical orientations, in which the respectively retained food is arranged with its narrowest profile toward the heat source, at all angular positions of the rod about the longitudinal axis independently of each other.

19. The cooking assembly of claim 18, wherein the prongs of the first and second skewer apparatuses extend toward the rod first end, and the prongs of the third and fourth skewer apparatuses extend toward the rod second end.

20. The cooking assembly of claim 13, further comprising a handle mechanically connected to one of the rod first and second ends.

21. The cooking assembly of claim 13, wherein the first skewer assembly comprises: a connector receivable of the rod, the first skewer assembly connectable to the rod through the connector; and an extension member extending between the connector and at least one of the first and second skewer apparatuses in directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

22. The cooking assembly of claim 13, wherein the first skewer assembly comprises a pair of extension members, each extension member extending between the connector and a respective one of the first and second skewer apparatuses in directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only.

[0065] In the drawings:

[0066] FIG. 1 shows a perspective assembly view of a rotisserie assembly according to the present invention.

[0067] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a skewer assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0068] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of one end of a skewer assembly shown in FIG. 2.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of one end of a skewer apparatus shown in FIG. 2.

[0070] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a cooking assembly embodiment comprising a grill having a housing containing a heat source, and to which the rotisserie assembly of FIG. 1 is rotatably connected, showing vertically oriented, cooking meat in ghosted lines.

[0071] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplary embodiments set forth herein are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0072] The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in detail in terms of various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures are not shown in detail in order to avoid unnecessary obscuring of the present invention.

[0073] Thus, all of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, in the present description, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

[0074] Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0075] Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown an embodiment of a rotisserie assembly according to the present disclosure. Rotisserie-assembly 1000 generally comprises an elongate rod 10 having a first end and a second end and a pair of skewer assemblies 2000 releasably and perpendicularly connected to rod 10 of rotisserie assembly 1000.

[0076] Referring still to FIG. 1, rod 10 for rotisserie assembly 1000 comprises a pair of opposing ends and is made of a heat resistant material, preferably a ceramic or metal, such as stainless steel. Rotisserie assembly 1000 further includes a means for rotating rod 10 about its longitudinal axis. Such means may include a human powered mechanism such as a handle 60 or a crank. Alternatively, rod 10 may be rotated by an electric or hydraulic motor 70 (FIG. 5).

[0077] Rod 10 of rotisserie assembly 1000 is releasably connected to food retention or skewer assembly 2000, two of which are shown spaced along rod 10. Skewer assembly 2000 holds the food (e.g., meat) in a particular longitudinal and angular orientation relative to rod 10 during cooking, while rod 10, skewer assemblies 2000 and the meat rotate in unison.

[0078] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of a skewer assembly according to the present disclosure. Skewer assembly 2000 generally comprises a centrally located, cylindrical connector 20; a pair of collinearly disposed, elongate extension members 30; and a pair of skewer apparatuses 300. Each extension member 30 is connected at its respective, radially inward end to a radially outer portion of connector 20. Each skewer apparatus 300 is connected to the radially outward end of a respective extension member 30.

[0079] Each connector 20 has a generally cylindrical shape defining two opposing flat faces and a longitudinal axis along which a through-bore 22 extends between the connector's opposing flat faces. Each connector 20 is provided with threaded hole 23 extending radially between the curved exterior surface of connector 20 and its through-bore 22. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, set screw 21 is threadedly received in threaded hole 23 of connector 20 to selectively secure skewer assembly 2000 to rod 10.

[0080] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 respectively show enlarged views of a skewer apparatus 300. Each skewer apparatus 300 comprises base 40 and prongs 41. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that only a single prong 41 is needed, but a plurality of prongs 41 is preferred. Prongs 41 should comprise a stainless steel, ceramic or other heat resistant but food safe material. As further illustrated in FIG. 3, prongs 41 may be releasably or fixedly attached to base 40. Moreover, although prongs 41 are shown with a particular curved shape, those of skill in the art will appreciate that prongs 41 may alternatively extend straight from base 40 in a direction generally perpendicularly from extension member 30. Base 40 should comprise a robust heat resistant material such as stainless steel or iron.

[0081] Referring again to FIG. 3, it is shown that each base 40 is preferably releasably connected to respective extension member 30. In one exemplary embodiment, each extension member 30 is threadedly connected through a complimentarily threaded bore disposed through base 40. Thus, skewer apparatuses 300 may be rotated about the axes of the extension members 30 for installation thereto and removal therefrom, with their respective axial positions along extension members 30 (i.e., radially relative to the longitudinal axis of rod 10) adjustable by changing the relative positions between the interengaged male and female threads.

[0082] Turning again to FIG. 1, it is shown that rod 10 is slidingly received into bore 22 of connector 20. When rod 10 is properly positioned within connector 20, set screw 21 is threaded through hole 23 to selectively, releasably secure rod 10 in place in bore 22 of connector 20, whereby skewer assemblies 2000 are rotatable in unison with rod 10.

[0083] In use, rod 10 of rotisserie assembly 1000 is disposed through respective connectors 20 of first and second skewer assemblies 2000 such that each skewer assembly extension member 30 extends substantially perpendicularly to rod 10 of rotisserie assembly 1000.

[0084] FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of a cooking assembly according to the present disclosure. Cooking assembly 80 comprises housing 82 in which is contained heat source 84. In some embodiments, housing 82 and heat source 84 are of a type defined by a prior rotisserie grill apparatus. Cooking assembly 80 includes above-mentioned motor 70 operably connectable to rod 10 for rotating rotisserie assembly 1000 about the longitudinal axis of rod 10.

[0085] Advantageously, rotisserie assembly 1000 of the present invention allows more food product to cook simultaneously within a particular cooking space, as indicated in FIG. 5. Additionally, rotisserie meats may be cooked at higher temperatures with less chance of burning thereby saving up to 75% cooking time and allowing food to cook more evenly. Moreover, rotisserie assembly 1000 of the present invention allows meats such as ribs to spin and self baste, unlike current methods of cooking on a rotisserie. Contamination of meat juices by dripping on other meats in a stacked arrangement is also eliminated.

[0086] Rotisserie assembly 1000 is thus capable of maintaining food retained thereto in a substantially vertical orientation while being cooked above a heat source, whereby the narrowest physical profile of the food is presented to the heat source at all angular positions of the rod about the longitudinal axis. Compared to prior rotisserie assemblies, the edge on presentation of the food to the heat source at all angular rotisserie positions, as facilitated by rotisserie assembly 1000, advantageously provides relatively greater heat distribution to the food while reducing the chance of its burning, and maximizes utilization of the available cooking space.

[0087] In use, a user places meat 90 on skewer prongs 41 of each skewer assembly 2000 such that, with rotisserie assembly 1000 installed, meat 90 is vertically oriented over a standard grill. Rotisserie assembly 1000 thus allows a user to evenly extend the meats outward from both sides of rod 10, thereby utilizing more of the available cooking space. Moreover, the vertical arrangement of meat presents a physical profile of the meat toward the heat source that is narrow rather than flat (broad), which helps achieve even heat distribution and the less chance of burning. The rotation of the vertically oriented meat also presents the meats toward the heat source in such a way so that both sides cook evenly.

[0088] While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.