GB2554366A

GB2554366A - Cooking apparatus stand

Info

Publication number: GB2554366A
Application number: GB1616111.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kerry Tyler Steven
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-09-22
Filing date: 2016-09-22
Publication date: 2018-04-04
Anticipated expiration: 2036-09-22
Also published as: GB201616111D0; GB2554366B

Abstract

A stand 10 for a cooking apparatus (e.g. a disposable barbecue 5) is assembled from a substantially flat configuration into a self-supporting configuration and is placed on a surface in use, the assembled stand comprising: means for supporting a cooking apparatus placed on the stand above and away from the surface; and at least one panel 15, 20, 25 which extends above an upper lip of a cooking apparatus placed on the stand. The side panels 15, 20, 25 may also be used to support cooking implements above the cooking apparatus such as skewers and grill trays. A single side panel (figure 4, 300) may be bent into a smooth curve, the cooking apparatus being placed within the curve. The panels may act as windshields and/or foodguards. Preferably, the means for supporting a cooking apparatus placed on the stand comprises a plurality of rods (figure 6, 550, 545) insertable through pairs of holes in the panels. Alternatively, the means for supporting a cooking apparatus placed on the stand comprises a plurality of tabs (figure 4, 325, 315, 320) which fold out from the at least one panel when the stand is assembled.

Description

COOKI NG APPARATUS STAND

The present invention relates to a stand for supporting a disposable barbecue or sirrilar food cooking apparatus. A disposable barbecue or disposable grill is a self-contained cooki ng apparatus. A typi cal barbecue corrpri ses an al urri ni um tray rreasuri ng approximately 30cm I ong by 25cm wide by 6cm deep, covered by a steel grill and containing a conrbustible fuel such as charcoal. After igniting the charcoal, food is placed on the grill for cooking. The tray contains enough fuel to cook food for an hour or more and the entire apparatus is disposed of after a single use.

Though portable, convenient and easy to use, disposable barbecues suffer several short com ngs. The bottom of the tray becomes hot in use, potentially scorching the ground. They provide only a small cooking surface and food is easily spilled over the edges. There is no control over the cooking t errperat ur e. V\hen cooking outdoors, wind can decrease the cooking t errperat ure.

There have been several previous atterrpts to address some of these s hor t com ngs. For exarrpl e, some disposable barbecues are packaged with a wire frame which can be used as a stand to raise the bottom of the tray off the ground. Though si rrpl e to use, wire frames can be f I i γπβ y. One design of wire frame for supporting a disposable barbecue is described in GB Patent No. 2, 269, 983. US Patent No. 3,841,298 describes a stand for a portable grill which additionally perrrits stacking of several grills. The stand is made from a piece of larrinated cardboard that is folded into shape. The stand is corrpl ex to asserrbl e, requiring the use of adhesives, and is not intended for assenrbly by the end- user.

Food can also be cooked sirrply in a metal container such as a saucepan, mess tin or chafing dish by supporting the container above a heat source such as a candle, gas or spirit burner.

The convenience of such containers for enabling outdoor or portable cooking is dirrinished by the need to transport a bulky support structure. US Patent No. 5,517,903 describes a collapsible and portable chafing dish stand but does not address any of the pr obi errs associated with outdoor cooking. V\hat is needed is a low-cost, si rrpl e to asserrbl e but effective stand which can support a disposable barbecue or sirrilar apparatus to enable quick and convenient cooking v^ni I e addressing some or all of the short com ngs of these cooking devi ces.

The present invention provides a stand for a cooking apparatus, the stand adapted to be asserrbl ed froma substantially flat configuration into a self-supporting configuration and to be placed on a surface in use, the asserrbl ed stand corrprising: means for supporting a cooking apparatus placed on the stand above and away fromthe surface; and at least one panel which extends above an upper I i p of a cooking apparatus placed on the stand.

Errbodiments of the present invention therefore provide a flat-packed stand which can be asserrbl ed as required to support a cooking apparatus such as a disposable barbecue. The asserrbl ed stand both supports a cooking apparatus off the ground and has one or more thin panels which serve as windshields and/or food guards.

Preferably, at least one panel lies adjacent to and along at least a portion of an outer rim of a cooking apparatus placed on the stand. Wth a panel running along the edge of the cooking apparatus, the chances of knocking food off that edge of the cooking apparatus are reduced.

Preferably the at least one thin panel is bent into a smooth curve wiien the stand is asserrbl ed, a cooking apparatus placed on the stand being positionable inside the curve. This configuration provides a sirrple stand v\iii c h can be curved into shape and the cooking apparatus placed v«thin the curve so that the apparatus is guarded fromthe wind in a wide arc around i t.

Alternatively, the stand corrprises either three or four panels which formeither three or four walls, respectively, of a rectangular structure when asserrbl ed. Providing either an open three-walled rectangular structure or a closed four-walled rectangular structure is another sirrple and efficient way of guarding a cooking apparatus fromthe wind or fromfood spillage on several sides.

Preferably, the (three or four) panels are joined together in a single unit and unfold fromthe substantially flat conf i gur at i on when asserrbl i ng the st and. A f ol d- out st and is particularly sirrple to asserrbl e. Alternatively, the panels are separate pieces which are connected to each other when asserrbl i ng the stand. Such a stand is more easy to manufacture since the individual thin panels can be simply cut out from s heet s of mat er i al .

Preferably, the panels are connected by interlocking slots cut into the panels. This represents a particularly straightforward way of asserrbl i ng the stand and is si rrpl e to manufacture by cutting the panels fromsheets of material.

Preferably, the means for supporting a cooking apparatus placed on the stand corrprises a plurality of rods insertable through pairs of holes i n t he panels, the pairs of holes being in alignment when the stand is asserrbl ed. Using rods or skewers to support the cooking apparatus is a particularly stable arrangement and thin rods do affect the ability of the stand to be stored in a substantially flattened configuration.

Alternatively, the means for supporting a cooking apparatus placed on the stand corrprises a plurality of tabs wbi ch fold out fromthe at least one panel when the stand is asserrbl ed. Such tabs or strips partially cut out fromthe panels are particularly si rrpl e to asserrble and to manufacture by cutting the panels fromflat sheets.

Preferably, at least some of the tabs are connectible to each other when the stand is asserrbl ed. Connecting the tabs together helps support and secure the stand in its asserrbl ed configuration. Even more preferably, the connectible tabs are formed from a resilient material and are bent in a smooth curve to i rrpart tension maintaining the stand in its asserrbl ed, self-supporting configuration. Resilient, curved tabs or strips help the stand to "pop-up" and keep it in its asserrbl ed configuration.

Preferably, the at least one panel corrprises a plurality of holes for supporting cooking irrplements above a cooking surface of a cooking apparatus placed on the stand. Holes and/or notches are easily cut into flat sheets of material when manufacturing the panels and can be used to cooking irrplements such as grill trays and skewers.

The cooking apparatus nay be a disposable barbecue having an integral heat source. Advantageously, hov\ever, by supporting a cooking apparatus above and away fromthe ground, the cooking apparatus can also corrprise a pan, such as a saucepan, mess tray or chafing dish, and such a pan placed on the stand is supported above an external heat source placed on the ground or other surface beneath it.

Preferred errbodi rrent s of the present invention will now be described by way of an exarrpl e and with reference to the accorrpanyi ng drawi ngs, i n whi ch:

Figure 1 illustrates a disposable barbecue placed on a stand havi ng a rai sed I i p;

Figure 2 illustrates a stand having a windshield;

Figure 3 illustrates a "pop-up" stand;

Figure 4 illustrates a s i ngl e-pi ece, "pop-up" stand;

Figure 5 illustrates a stand having a skev\er-rack;

Figure 6 illustrates a stand having rods for supporting a cooki ng appar at us;

Figure 7 illustrates a stand having a corrugated support structure; and

Figure 8 illustrates a stand having wires for supporting a cooki ng apparat us. A disposable barbecue 5 supported by a stand 10 is illustrated in Figure 1. Although stands enrbodyi ng the present invention are primarily described as being for use with self-contained, disposable or "instant" barbecues, in practice they can support many different types of cooking apparatus. For exanrpl e, some self-contained barbecue trays can be refilled with charcoal for rrultiple uses rather than being disposable after a single use. Cooking containers without an integral heat source, such as saucepans, mess tins and chafing dishes, can be supported by the stand 10 above the ground or another level surface. A heat source is placed directly on the surface beneath the container or on an intervening protective support such as a heatproof mat or heat diffuser.

The stand 10 of Figure 1 is formed fromthree flat panels arrangeable at right angles to each other in a rectangular shape: two side panels 15, 20 and a rear panel 25. Corresponding grooves or slots 30, 35 cut into each panel perrrit the panels to interlock with one another for asserrbly into a free-standing, three-walled stand 10 with an open fourth side. Instead of three separate panels 15, 20, 25, the stand may alternatively be formed as a single piece or unit having three panel sections foldable or pivotable relative to one another. The panel sections are foldable between a substantially flat, folded-down arrangement for storage and a free-standing asserrbly for use.

The barbecue 5 is supported above the ground or other surface by a support structure of the stand 10. Although not visible in Figure 1, different support structures include fold-out tabs, interlocking strips and/or rods and these are illustrated in the other Figures and discussed below.

The panels 15, 20, 25 are preferably nude f r om car dboar d, optionally painted or larrinated vu t h a metallic or heat-reflective coating. The coating may be vw pe clean to promote repeated use of the stand 10. However, by making the stand 10 f rom car dboar d or other cheap, readily available materials it can also be conveniently disposed of or recycled after a single use along vw t h the disposable barbecue 5. A more robust, reusable stand 10 may be made from panels of heat-resistant plastic, sheet metal or other suitable materials if desired. Depending upon the material used, the thickness of the panels should be sufficient to adequately support the weight of a barbecue 5 or other cooking apparatus plus food wiien asserrbl ed. Cardboard having a thickness of approximately 2mm woul d be adequate to support a typical disposable barbecue 5. Instead of placing a barbecue 5 directly onto the stand 10, a heat-proof or heat - di f f usi ng mat may be placed on the stand and the barbecue placed on the mat. In this arrangement, the stand itself could be made froma less heat-resistant mat er i al .

Wien the stand 10 is assembled and a barbecue 5 placed upon it, the panels 15, 20, 25 extend above the top surface of the barbecue to create a raised I ip 40 around three sides of the barbecue. The I i p 40 acts as a barrier preventing accidental spillage of food over the edge of barbecue 5. A lip extending approximately 2cm above the top surface of the barbecue is sufficient as a food barrier and the lip does not reduce ease of access to the barbecue 5 during cooking. Consequently, a fourth panel forming a fourth wall could be added if desired for increased sturdiness of the assembled stand 10. In other embodiments the panels extend further above the top surface of the barbecue in order to act as a windshield and/or as a support for cooking implements such as skewers and grill racks. In these errbodiments the open fourth wall enables easy access to the barbecue 5.

Optionally, one or more additional panels (not shown) extending higher above the top surface of the barbecue 5 may be removably added to one or more sides of the stand 10 to act as a vwndshield. In this arrangement, slots cut into each of the panels 15, 20, 25 wi t h corresponding slots i n t he additional panel (s) enable the windshield to be secured to the stand 10 and to be positioned on one or more sides of the stand to block the prevailing wind.

An alternative stand 100 is illustrated in Figure 2. The stand of Figure 2 is again formed fromthree flat panels 115, 120, 125 arrangeable at right angles to each other with an open fourth side to forma rectangular shape. Corresponding slots 130, 135 cut into each panel perrrit the panels to be interlocked with one another and to be asserrbl ed into a freestanding, three-walled stand 100. Alternatively, the stand 100 may be formed as a single unit comprising three panel sections which fold out froma flattened arrangement to the assembled ar rangement.

Compared to the stand 10 of Figure 1, the stand 100 of Figure 2 has a relatively shorter rear wall panel 125. This shape is more suitable for receiving a mess tin or similar cooking container. It will be recognised that the proportions of the walls can be adjusted to suit a desired cooking apparatus.

Each side wall panel 115, 120 of the stand 100 comprises a support strip 140, 145. Each strip 140, 145 is formed by cutting the shape of the strip into a lower edge 150 of the corresponding side wall panel 115, 120 and then folding or bending the strip along an uncut edge 155. Each strip 140, 145 has a slot cut into it to enable the two strips to interlock v«th each other, creating a low upright wall when the stand 100 is asserrbl ed. The interlocking structure also increases the stability and rigidity of the asserrbl ed stand 100,

The rear wall panel 125 corrprises two support tabs 165, 170, Each tab is formed by cutting the shape of the tab into a lower edge of the rear wall panel 125 and then folding the tab along an uncut edge. Each tab 165, 170 form a low, upright wall when the stand 100 is asserrbl ed.

The upright walls formed by the support strips 140, 145 and support tabs 165, 170 act as a support structure of the stand 100. A barbecue or other cooking apparatus is supportable by the support structure when the stand is asserrbl ed, resting on the upright walls. The upright walls are all the same height to create a level support structure and are preferably approximately 2cm to 5cm high. A heat source may be placed in the space between the wall panels 115, 120, 125 to heat a cooking apparatus supported above it.

Corrpared to the stand 10 of Figure 1, the stand 100 of Figure 2 has a relatively higher wall panels 115, 120, 125. The wall panels 115, 120, 125 extend at least 10cm above the top surface of a supported cooking apparatus and therefore act as a windshield as well as a food barrier. Access to a supported cooking apparatus is enabled via the open fourth side.

Another stand 200 is illustrated in Figure 3. The stand 200 is formed from three wall panels 215, 220, 225 arrangeabl e at right angles to each other with an open fourth side to forma rectangular shape. Slots 230, 235 cut into each panel permit the panels to interlock with one another for assembly into a free-standing, three-walled stand 200. One or more sets of additional slots 240 provided along each wall panel 215, 220, 225 enable the wal I panels to be asserrbl ed in different configurations to fit cooking apparatus of different sizes. Alternatively, the stand 200 nay be formed as a single unit conrprising three joined panel sections which fold out from a flat arrangement when asserrbl i ng the stand.

Each wall panel 215, 220, 225 of the stand 200 corrprises a support strip 250, 255, 260. Each strip 250, 255, 260 is formed by cutting the shape of the strip into a I ovuer edge 265 of the corresponding panel 215, 220, 225 and then bending or folding the strip along an uncut edge 270. Each strip 250, 255, 260 has a slot cut into it to enable all three strips to interlock with each other at a single point 275, creating a series of low upright walls when the stand 200 is asserrbl ed. The interlocking structure also increases the stability and rigidity of the asserrbl ed stand 200.

Preferably the stand 200 is formed froma resilient material such that tension caused by bending each strip 250, 255, 260 (rather than creating a sharp fold) holds the asserrbl ed stand 200 in the desired rectangular shape. Particularly for stands formed froma single unit of several panel sections, this has the effect of causing the stand to "pop-up", making asserrbl y easier and i rrprovi ng structural stability of the asserrbl ed st and.

The upright walls formed by the support strips 250, 255, 260 act as a support structure for supporting a barbecue or other cooking apparatus when the stand 200 is asserrbl ed. Corrpared to the stand 100 of Figure 2, the stand 200 of Figure 3 has less free space between the strips 250, 255, 260 for placing a heat source and is therefore more suitable for supporting a fully self-contained cooking apparatus such as a disposable bar becue.

Another stand 300 is illustrated in Figure 4. The stand of Figure 3 is formed from a single panel 310 wlii ch can be bent i nt o a snoot h curve.

Three support strips 315, 320, 325 are cut into the panel 310. Each strip 315, 320, 325 is formed by cutting the shape of the strip into a lower edge 330 of the panel 310 then bending or folding the strip along an uncut edge 335. Each strip 315, 320, 325 has a slot cut into it to enable all three strips to interlock vw t h each other at a single point 340, creating a set of three low upright walls wlien the stand 300 is asserrbl ed. The interlocking structure holds the wall panel 310 i n i ts curved shape.

Preferably the stand 300 is formed froma resilient material such that tension caused by bending each strip 315, 320, 325 (rather than creating a sharp fold) holds the panel 310 in its desired curvature. This has the effect of causing the stand 300 to "pop-up", making assembly easier and increasing its stability when assembled.

The upright walls formed by the support strips 315, 320, 325 act as a support structure for supporting a barbecue or other cooking apparatus when the stand 300 is assembled.

Another stand 400 is illustrated in Figure 5. The stand 400 is formed from three wall panels 415, 420, 425 arrangeable at right angles to each other with an open fourth side to forma rectangular shape. Slots 430, 435 cut into each panel permit the panels to interlock with one another for assembly into a free-standing, three-walled stand 400. One or more sets of additional slots 440 provided along each wall panel 415, 420, 425 enable the wall panels to be assenrbl ed in different configurations to fit cooking apparatus of different sizes. Alternatively, the stand 400 rray be formed as a single, folddown uni t.

As with the stand 200 of Figure 3, each wall panel 415, 420, 425 of the stand 400 of Figure 5 includes a support strip 450, 455, 460 formed by partially cutting the shape of the strip into each panel, the strips being i nt er I ockabl e with each other when the stand 400 is asserrbl ed. Upright walls formed by the support strips 450, 455, 460 act as a support structure for supporting a barbecue or other cooking apparatus when the stand 400 is asserrbl ed.

The two side wall panels 415, 420 include one or more pairs of al i gned hoi es 465. A f i rst rod or skewer 470 i s i nsertabl e through aligned pairs of holes 465. A front edge of the side wall panels 415, 420 (being the edge along the open side of the stand 400) includes one or more pairs of aligned notches 475. Preferably these notches 475 are also aligned with the holes 465. Consequently, when a second rod 477 is placed into a pair of aligned notches 475 it may be supported at the same height as the first rod 470 inserted through a pair of aligned holes 465. A skewer 478 can therefore be supported by the two rods 470, 477 substantially horizontally. Food placed on the skewer 478 is suspended above a cooking apparatus supported by the stand 400 and is therefore subjected to a lower cooking t enrperat ur e in use.

Alternatively, or in addition, holes 480 aligned with the notches 475 are cut i nt o the rear wal I panel 480. A f I at gri I I or wireframe tray can be suspended fromthe notches 475 and holes 480 to create an additional cooking surface. Food placed on the grill will again be suspended above a cooking apparatus supported by the stand 400 and be subjected to a lower cooking t enrperat ur e.

Another stand 500 is illustrated in Figure 6. The stand 500 is formed from four wall panels 510, 515, 520, 525 arrangeable at right angles to each other to forma rectangular shape. Slots 530, 535 cut into each panel enable the panels to interlock with one another for assenrbly into a free-standing, four-walled stand 500. One or more sets of additional slots 540 provided along each wall panel 510, 515, 520, 525 enable the wall panels to be asserrbl ed in different configurations to fit cooking apparatus of different sizes.

Alternatively, the stand 500 may be formed as a single folddown unit. The four wall panels 510, 515, 520, 525 nay all be joined together in an endless loop which is flattened down for storage and popped open for asserrbl y. Alternatively, the wall panels may have two free ends which are joined together via interlocking slots, for exanrpl e.

The front wall panel 510 is shorter than the rear wall panel 525 and side wall panels 515, 520 such that the front side of the stand 500 is pr edorri nant I y open. This perrrits easy access through the front side to a cooking apparatus placed within the four walls. The taller side wall panels 515, 520 and rear wal I panel 525 act as a vw ndshi el d.

Each side wall panel 515, 520 includes at least two pairs of aligned holes 545. Alternatively, or in addition, the front 510 and rear 525 wall panels include at least two pairs of aligned holes. Each hole is located at the same height on its wall, preferably at least 2cmfromthe bottom edge. Rods or skewers 550 inserted through these holes 545 and extending the full width of the stand 500 act as a support structure for supporting a barbecue or other cooking apparatus when the stand 500 is asserrbl ed.

Wien a disposable barbecue is placed on the stand, the top of the front wall panel 510 is preferably approximately 2cm above the top surface of the barbecue. The front wall panel 510 therefore provides a snail lip which acts as a food barrier without I i rri t i ng access to food being cooked on the barbecue.

Another stand 600 is illustrated in Figure 7. The stand 600 is formed fromthree wall panels 615, 620, 625 which can be asserrbl ed, as described previously in connection with other stand arrangements, at right angles to each other to forma free-standing, three-walled rectangular shape.

The two side wall panels 615, 620 each include a narrow strip 630, 635 attached to the bottom of the front edge of the panel. These strips 630, 635 can be folded out fromthe wall panels 615, 620 and are i nt er I ockabl e with each other to form a I ow support structure along the bottom of the otherwise open fourth wall of the stand 600. The rear wall panel 625 includes a corrugated panel 640 which can be folded out and linked to or hung over the support structure formed by the strips 630, 635. The corrugated panel 640 acts as a support structure for supporting a barbecue or other cooking apparatus vtfien the stand 600 is asserrbl ed.

Another stand 700 is illustrated in Figure 8. The stand 700 is formed fromthree wall panels 715, 720, 725 which can be asserrbl ed, as described previously in connection with other stand arrangements, at right angles to each other to forma free-standing, three-walled rectangular shape. A short portion of the walls at the lower corners of the stand, between the rear wall panel 725 and each of the side wall panels 715, 720 are cut. These cuts enable a snail strip of each corner wall to be folded inwardly to forma pair of corner supports 730.

One or more pieces of flexible wire or cord 735 are attached to the side wall panels 715, 720 and are fully extended and taut when the stand 700 is assenrbl ed. Instead of wires 735, one or more strips of flexible, preferably heat-proof naterial or mesh nay be used instead.

The one or more pieces of taut wire 735 and, optionally, the corner supports 730 act as a support structure for supporting a barbecue or other cooking apparatus when the stand 700 is assenrbl ed.

Several different stands have been illustrated and described as separate errbodi ments. However, features of different stands may be used in corrbi nat i on. For exarrpl e, each of the stands in Figures 1 to 5 may have a low front wall panel 510 as illustrated in the stand 500 of Figure 6. Also, tabs 165, 170 as illustrated in the stand 100 of Figure 2 may be located on one or more different wall panels together with or in place of support i ng st ri ps.

Claims

CLAI NE

1. A stand for a cooking apparatus, the stand adapted to be asserrbl ed froma substantially flat configuration into a self-supporting configuration and to be placed on a surface in use, the asserrbl ed stand conrprising: means for supporting a cooking apparatus placed on the stand above and away fromthe surface; and at least one panel which extends above an upper I i p of a cooking apparatus placed on the stand.

2. The stand of cl ai m 1 wherein the at least one panel lies adjacent to and along at least a portion of an outer rim of a cooking apparatus placed on the stand.

3. The stand of cl ai m 1 or cl aim 2 wherein the at least one panel is bent into a smooth curve when the stand is asserrbl ed, a cooking apparatus placed on the stand being positionable i nsi de t he curve.

4. The stand of cl ai m 1 or claim2 wherein the stand conrprises either three or four panels which formeither three or four walls, respectively, of a rectangular structure when asserrbl ed.

5. The stand of claim4 wherein the panels are joined together in a single unit and unfold fromthe substantially flat configuration when asserrbl i ng the stand.

6. The stand of claim4 wherein the panels are separate pieces which are connected to each other when asserrbl i ng the st and.

7. The stand of cl aim 6 wherein the panels are connected by interlocking slots cut into the panels.

8. The stand of any of cl ai nrs 4 to 7 wherein the means for supporting a cooking apparatus placed on the stand corrprises a plurality of rods insertable through pairs of holes in the panels, the pairs of holes being in alignment when the stand i s asserrbl ed.

9. The stand of any of cl ai nrs 1 to 7 wherein the means for supporting a cooking apparatus placed on the stand corrprises a plurality of tabs which fold out from the at least one panel when the stand is asserrbl ed.

10. The stand of cl aim 9 wherein at least some of the tabs are connectible to each other when the stand is asserrbl ed.

11. The stand of cl aim 10 wherein the connectible tabs are formed froma resilient material and are bent in a smooth curve to i rrpart tension maintaining the stand in its asserrbl ed, self-supporting configuration.

12. The stand of any preceding cl aim wherein the at least one panel corrprises a plurality of holes for supporting cooking irrplements above a cooking surface of a cooking apparatus pi aced on the stand.

13. The stand of any preceding cl aim wherein the cooking apparatus corrprises a disposable barbecue.

14. The stand of any preceding cl aim wherein the cooking apparatus corrprises a pan and a pan placed on the stand is supported above a heat source placed on the surface.