NL2029430B1

NL2029430B1 - Kamado-style cooker converter

Info

Publication number: NL2029430B1
Application number: NL2029430A
Authority: NL
Inventors: De Wilde Maarten
Original assignee: Mdw East Holding B V
Priority date: 2021-10-15
Filing date: 2021-10-15
Publication date: 2023-05-16

Abstract

A converter (20) is provided for a Kamado—style cooker (3) comprising a base (5) and a dome (7) defining an enclosed chamber providing a heating and cooking space. The converter (20) comprises a body (21) having a tapering height (Hl => H2) for insertion into a wedge—shaped opening between the base (5) and the dome (7) of the cooker (3) such that the converter (20) closes off the wedge—shaped opening. The converter (20) is provided with a transparent window (39) and/or a door (37). A handle (41) for the door (37) may be provided arranged laterally adjacent the door (37). An assembly (1) comprising a Kamado— style cooker (3) and such converter (20) is also provided.

Description

31146-Fe/bk

Kamado-style cooker converter

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to barbecue cooking utensils, in particular to utensils for Kamado-style cookers.

More in particular, the present disclosure relates to a converter for a Kamado-style cooker comprising a base and a dome defining an enclosed chamber providing a heating and cooking space, wherein the converter comprises a body having a tapering height for insertion into a wedge-shaped opening between a base and a dome of the cooker such that the converter closes off the wedge-shaped opening.

BACKGROUND

In Kamado-style cookers or closed barbecues of the above-described kind the base and dome are at least pivotally connected for opening the dome and the base with respect to each other, for introducing and/or removing fuel and/or foodstuffs into/from the chamber. The fuel tends to comprise or be solid fuel like wood and/or (char)coal. The fuel is fed into the chamber, in particular into the portion of the chamber defined by the base, once or batchwise. The feeding of the fuel tends to be from above when the dome is opened. The cooker is usually used for cooking in a closed configuration wherein heat and fumes of the burning fuel are at least in part, preferably substantially fully, retained in the chamber for affecting foodstuffs being cooked in the chamber. The fuel is burnt in the chamber by glowing fire wherein open flames are preferably prevented, and whereby the foodstuffs may assume a smoke- flavour. The base and dome usually are manufactured from heat- resistant materials having poor thermal conductivity, in particular ceramics, and/or are double-walled. Hence, the foodstuffs may be exposed to significant heat from the fuel, which heat may be retained for prolonged periods in the chamber, and the heat distribution within the chamber may be relatively uniform and/or well-controlled. Inside the chamber temperatures from several tens to several hundreds of degrees Centigrade may be achieved in a controllable manner, e.g. well over 200 °C such as typically over 300 °C or over 400 °C, with even higher temperatures being reported.

Various utensils have been developed for such Kamado- style cookers such as devices for accommodating different amounts of fuel, for cooking different foodstuffs and/or for positioning fuel and foodstuffs with respect to each other in particular positions within the chamber, e.g. for selecting between one or more of radiative heating from the burning fuel, circumferential heating from the hot atmosphere without radiative contact, and contact heating from a support or container (pizza stone, baking dish, mould, etc.).

Converters of the aforementioned kind have also been developed, in particular for skewer-grilling and rotisserie and/or for baking pizza in the cooker, e.g. see: US 2020/245811,

US 2018/325316, US 2011/214662, US 2014/130788, US 2018/103799,

US 2017/196398. Further, several such products have been offered for sale by suppliers, such as The Bastard, Spit On Fire, Pizza

Porta, and Kamado Joe.

Hence the kamado-style cookers have become a versatile platform. Despite the various products, further improvements are desired.

SUMMARY

In view of the preceding, herewith is provided a converter of the above-described type, wherein the converter is provided with a transparent window.

All known converters are fully closed, or have a door which opens to allow access to the chamber, or they are permanently open to the outside. The open converters inherently cause loss of heat from the chamber and may cause uneven heating in case of variable external conditions (wind gusts etc). The closed converters require opening of the cooker, and converters comprising doors require opening of the door thus producing the same problems when open. Moreover, there is a risk of burns when opening the door and smoke, vapour and/or hot air may escape in the face of a user. Also, such opening between the chamber and an outside atmosphere may affect the flow of oxygen into the chamber in uncontrollable manner and may therefore hinder accurate control of a burning rate of the fuel. E.g., a large oxygen flow may cause glowing fuel to break out into flames, which produce poorly controllable heat and/or may burn the foodstuffs and tend to be undesired for controlled grilling. A

Kamado-style cooker provided with a permanently open converter also hinders detailed contrel of the burning of the fuel: smothering for controlling and/or putting out the fuel fire is not possible, since the opening provides a constant supply of oxygen.

By providing a transparent window, e.g. from heat- resistant glass, mica or other suitable material, a user can visually inspect the contents of the chamber through the window of the converter, without having to provide an opening between the chamber and an atmosphere outside the cooker.

The converter may comprise a door. This facilitates introducing and/or removing fuel and/or foodstuffs into/from the chamber, without having to open the dome of the cooker.

The door may be arranged on and/or in a lateral outside wall, which may reduce venting of hot air, smoke, etc. from the chamber when the door is opened, in particular compared to a door arranged on/in an upper wall of the converter.

The door may comprise the window. This may simplify construction.

The window may be at least partly rimless, in particular along at least part of an underside of the window.

Thus, provision of a rim around at least part of the window may be obviated. This may simplify construction, and it may simplify cleaning and maintenance since ledges and spaces where dirt might accumulate are reduced and/or prevented.

In an aspect, which may be combined with any aspect and/or embodiment disclosed herein, herewith is also provided a converter of the above-described type, wherein the converter comprises a door for providing access to an interior of the converter surrounded by the body for introducing and/or removing foodstuffs into/from the interior through the door, wherein the door is at least pivotally connected to the body such that, in use, the door opens upward.

In use, the interior may be (part of) the heating and cooking space. By having the door opening upward, smoke, vapour and/or hot air escaping from the door may be deflected from the face of a user if close to the cooker. Further, introducing and/or removing foodstuffs into/from the interior through the door may be facilitated, since the door does not hinder hands and/or tools supporting foodstuffs.

In particular case that at least part of the door comprises a transparent window, visual inspection of the interior and/or of introducing and/or removing foodstuffs into/from the interior through the door may be provided, simplifying use.

In case the door is arranged, in use, at a front side of the cocker, the door may in an open configuration shield a handle of {the dome of) the cooker.

Any embodiment of a converter disclosed herein may comprise a latch for retaining the door in at least an opened position. Thus, the door may be prevented from closing by dropping down, simplifying use. The latch may comprise a snap latch, simplifying use. The latch may comprise a self-releasing snap latch, i.e. a latch that snaps into predetermined position for (temporarily) locking two parts together, but the latching power of which may be overcome by normal operation. E.g. a suitable latch may comprise a spring plunger and/or a spring 5 loaded bolt with rounded head or a ball head, which latch may snap into a recess in a surface against which the bolt is urged by the spring force, from which recess the bolt may also be urged cut again.

The door and/or the window, if present, may be releasably connected to the body, e.g. for independent cleaning.

This may simplify maintenance. The releasable connection may comprise a screw-connection, possibly a bayonet connection and/or any other suitable connection. Preferably, the connection may be hand-releasable without requiring tools; e.g. having one or more profiled gripping members.

In an aspect, which may be combined with any aspect and/or embodiment disclosed herein, herewith is also provided a converter of the above-described type, wherein the converter comprises a door and an operating handle for opening the door, wherein the handle is arranged laterally adjacent the door. This may free room for manoeuvring. It may also reduce (apparent) bulk of the converter and/or of a cooker provided with the converter. Also, weight of the door may be reduced and/or a weight balance may be improved. This may reduce demands on construction. Moreover, this may prevent interference of the handle with a handle and/or other objects (e.g. one or more of dials, locks, etc.) on the dome of the cooker, thus enabling a large opening angle for the door. Further, distance of the handle from the door may be increased, reducing thermal load on the handle. Further, when opening the door risks of burns and/or hinder from escape of one or more of heat, smoke and fumes on a hand and/or arm may be prevented compared to arrangement of a handle on the door.

Any embodiment of a converter disclosed herein may comprise a skewer support for rotary supporting a skewer in the converter and in particular in the cooker, when the converter is suitably arranged in the cooker. This allows rotisserie cooking.

A skewer may be provided which may match the converter.

Although the skewer may be hand-operated, the converter may comprise a skewer rotation drive for automated rotation. A skewer may be provided which may match the converter and the drive.

Any embodiment of a converter disclosed herein may comprise one or more supports for operably supporting at least one of a cooking surface or other accessory to position foodstuff in the cooking chamber, such as a baking plate, pizza stone, a grill rack. Thus, suitable cooking utensils may be provided for cooking specific foodstuffs and/or dishes.

Any embodiment of a converter disclosed herein may comprise a light source for illumination of the heating and cooking space. This may increase user comfort for inspection of the food, in particular in case a large dish or cooking utensil such as a dish is used in the chamber and/or the chamber is filled with smoke and/or vapour and/or in case of general low light level.

In any embodiment of a converter disclosed herein the body may have a double wall cross section. This improves thermal insulation between the chamber and an outside atmosphere. Also or alternatively the body may be moulded, facilitating construction.

In accordance with the above, herewith is also provided an assembly comprising a Kamado-style cooker, comprising a base and a dome defining an enclosed heating and cooking space, the base and dome being at least pivotally connected for opening the dome and the base with respect to each other, wherein the cooker is provided with a converter according to any preceding claim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-described aspects will hereafter be more explained with further details and benefits with reference to the drawings showing a number of embodiments by way of example.

Fig. 1 shows an assembly of a Kamado-style cooker and a converter as provided herein;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a converter;

Fig. 3, 4 are a perspective views of the converter of

Fig. 2 provided with a skewer and skewer drive from different viewing angles;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the converter of Fig. 2 from another viewing angle;

Fig. 6 and 7 are a perspective view and side view, respectively of another embodiment of a converter similar to that of Figs. 2-5, with an open door;

Fig. 8 is a cross section view of the converter of Fig. 7 along the plane VIII-VIII indicated in Fig. 7, however in a configuration wherein the door is closed;

Fig. 9 shows another embodiment of a converter, in top view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

It is noted that the drawings are schematic, not necessarily to scale and that details that are not required for understanding the present invention may have been omitted. The terms "upward", "downward", "below", "above", and the like relate to the embodiments as oriented in the drawings, unless otherwise specified. Further, elements that are at least substantially identical or that perform an at least substantially identical function are denoted by the same numeral, where helpful individualised with alphabetic suffixes.

Further, unless otherwise specified, terms like “detachable” and “removably connected” are intended to mean that respective parts may be disconnected essentially without damage or destruction of either part, e.g. excluding structures in which the parts are integral (e.g. welded or molded as one piece), but including structures in which parts are attached by or as mated connectors, fasteners, releasable self-fastening features, etc. The verb “to facilitate” is intended to mean “to make easier and/or less complicated”, rather than “to enable”.

Fig. 1 schematically shows an assembly 1 comprising a

Kamado-style cooker 3, comprising a base 5 and a dome 7 defining an enclosed chamber providing a heating and cooking space (not visible). The base 5 and dome 7 are at least pivotally connected for opening the base 5 and dome 7 with respect to each other.

The connection may be purely pivotal or both pivotal and translating, dependent on construction of a hinge (not shown).

The dome 7 is provided with a handle 92 for opening. The base 5 and dome 7 may be provided with one or more locks for closing the cooker 3, e.g. for storage and/or when a dish is (to be) cooked over prolonged periods without constant supervision. The base 5 and dome 7 may be detachably connected. The cooker 3 may comprise one or more of a chimney 11, a pedestal 13, an ash drawer 15, etc.

When opening the cooker 3 by lifting the dome 7 with respect to the base 5 and rotating them about the hinge (not shown), a wedge shape opening is formed between the base 5 and dome 7.

The assembly 1 further comprises a converter 20, matching the cooker 3. In Fig. 1, the converter 20 is fit in the wedge shaped opening.

The converter 20 is shown in more detail in Figs. 2-5 and comprises an annular main body 21 having a tapering shape and providing an opening S of inner diameter D. Another embodiment is shown in Figs. 6-8; a main difference between these embodiments of Figs. 1-5 and 6-8, respectively, is in the size of the body, such as diameter and taper angle, respectively

(see also below). The following description applies to both embodiments alike, unless otherwise indicated.

The tapering shape tapers from relatively thin in a rear side R having a low height Hl to relatively tall in a front side F having a larger height H2, for insertion into and fitting the wedge-shaped opening between the base 5 and dome 7 of the cooker 3 such that the converter 20 closes off the wedge-shaped opening when (the body 21 of) the converter 20 engages (in particular: rests on) the base 5 and the dome 7 engages (in particular: rests on) (the body 21 of) the converter 20. When so closed off, and when the converter 20 and the cooker 3 match, opening S of the body 21 forms a continuation of a cavity of the base 5 and a cavity of the dome 7 and of a heating and cooking space provided by these (5, 7). Thus, the assembly 1 comprises, with the converter appropriately arranged as shown, an enlarged chamber providing a continuous heating and cooking space compared to the cooker 3 on its own without converter 20 (not shown). As indicated before, a main difference between the embodiment of Figs. 1-5 and 6-8 is in the respective diameter D and heights Hl, H2 (not shown), and as a result sizes of structures in the front side may be smaller or larger.

Note that in some embodiments the main body may be open towards the rear R having a C-shape rather than an annular shape. This may be associated with a smaller taper angle.

The cooker 3 and/or converter 20 may comprise a seal along at least part of portions of the base 5, the dome 7 and the converter 20 which come into contact with each other for sealing the thus-formed chamber (not shown). The seal may comprise a resilient heat-resistant material such as a mesh or foam of one or more of metal (e.g. woven or knit metal filaments), ceramic material and polymeric material.

The (body 21 of the) converter 20 determines an interior space by the opening S, which is configured to be, when the converter 20 is suitably installed in a cooker 3 and forming the assembly 1, part of the heating and cooking space of the chamber of the assembly 1.

The converter 20 may comprise one or more locks 23 for locking to the base 5 and/or dome 7 of the cooker 3.

The (body 21 of the) converter 20 is provided with an optional skewer support 25, here provided as recesses in the body 21, in this case on opposite sides along a diagonal of the body 21. Figs. 2 and 3 show the converter with and without skewer 27, respectively, in the skewer support. The skewer 27 may be rotary supported. An optional skewer drive 29 is provided for rotating the skewer. The skewer diver 29 may be removably attached to any suitable part of the assembly 1, in particular to a skewer drive support 31 provided on and/or in the converter 20. The skewer drive support 31 may be removably attached to the body as shown in Figs. 2-3.

Best seen in Fig. 5, the body 21 may be at least partly hollow to provide improved thermal insulation. Hollow spaces 33 may be filled with thermal insulation material (not shown). Such hollow structure may be formed by moulding techniques, e.g. from metal and/or ceramics. Metal, e.g. aluminium, stainless steel or cast iron may be preferred; aluminium is light and well mouldable, stainless steel may be formed from plate-material and has a poor thermal conductivity; cast iron is well mouldable and has a high heat capacity. Each of these materials is durable and may be left outside, exposed to weather and environments.

The body 21 may comprise one or more coupling members, for positioning and at least temporarily fixing the converter to, and/or with respect to, the base 5; e.g. one or more downward protrusions such as a ring 35 as shown. Also or alternatively one or more coupling members such as an upwardly protruding ring may be provided for relative positioning of the converter and the dome 7 (not shown).

At least part of the body 21 has, in top view, a shape to match a shape of the base 5 and dome 7 of the cooker 3, e.g.

having a substantially circular portion as shown. In the shown embodiment, towards the front side F the converter 21 is provided with a with a door 37. Although the door 37 may be opaque, preferably and as intended to be indicated in the shown embodiments, the door 37 is mainly formed by a transparent window 39 (the transparency is not indicated for clarity of the

Figures). Best seen in Figs. 4 and 5 the window 39 is rimless, as an option, although a rim around at least part of the window 39 could be provided. In another embodiment, not shown, a frame arranged at least part in front of and/or behind a window (and/or an opaque door) for supporting the window may be provided, e.g. for provision of a hinge facilitating both rotation and translation of the window or door for opening.

The door 37 is provided with an optional operating handle 41 for opening the door. The handle 41 is arranged laterally adjacent the door 37. A least part of the handle 41 may be removably attached to the door 37 and/or another part of the converter 20, e.g. being removably attached to the body 21.

This facilitates maintenance such as cleaning and/or repair, and it may allow customisation of the converter 20 to a user's taste.

Best seen in Fig. 4 the door 37 is openable to provide access to the interior space S of the converter 20 for introducing and/or removing foodstuffs into/from the interior S through an opening provided by (opening) the door 37. In particular, the door 37 is at least pivotally, possibly also translatory (not shown), connected to the body 21. The connection is such that, in use, the door 37 opens upward; see

Figs. 4-5. E.g., the converter may be pivotal about a horizontal axis of rotation determined by one or more pivot members.

The door 37 may be directly attached to and/or supported from the body 21. Also or alternatively, as shown, the door 37 is supported from another portion attached to the body 21, which may facilitate construction, in particular in case of a moulded construction of (at least part of) the body 21. Here, a roof member 43 is provided attached to the body 21. The roof member 43 may be at least in part of the same type and/or construction as the body 21, but may also be of a different type. E.g., in the shown embodiment, the roof member 43 is of a plate material, e.g. a stainless steel and/or aluminium plate.

The roof member 43 may enclose at least part of the door 37.

Here, the roof member 43 provides side walls 45 for supporting at least in part the door 37; here, the door 37 is provided with pivot members 47, 49 to which the window 39 is fastened. The door 37 is releasably coupled with the body 21; e.g. by providing at least one pivot member 47 as releasably connectable element such as a with screwing connection. The window 39 (or possibly a door panel of another type such as an opaque screen) may be releasably fastened to the pivot members 47, 49.

Fig. 8 shows a cross section of the converter of Fig. 7 in the cross section plane VIII indicated in Fig. 7, however in

Fig. 8 the door handle 41 is in a configuration wherein the door 37 is closed (cf. Figs. 4-5). The converter 20 comprises a latch 51 for retaining the door in an opened position (Fig. 7) and here also in a closed position (Fig. 8). In the shown embodiment, the latch 51 is a self-releasing snap latch, formed by a spring plunger slidingly running over a side wall 45 of the body 21 pivotally supporting the door 37, which side wall 45 comprises a recess 53 into which the latch 51 may enter and lock, defining the particular position of the door 37 relative to the body 21. One or more further recesses may be provided defining other particular positions of the door 37, e.g. a closed position or a half-open position if so desired.

However, a hook, a resilient portion providing a recess gripping at least part of the door and/or any other suitable latch could be suitably provided. Also or alternatively, the handle and/or door could be one or more of balanced, weighted, arranged and provided with a counterweight to provide different stable positions of the door (preferably at least open and closed}.

The latch and/or a further latch may be provided, in particular on an opposite side from the handle 41. A plurality of latches (arranged for) working in cooperation to define a particular position may allow securing the door in the respective position relative to the body more strongly than a single latch. This may reduce demands on each latch of such plurality of latches.

The converter 20 may comprise a single handle 41 as shown or two handles on opposite sides facilitating ambidextrous use.

The door 37 is, optionally, provided with a further latch assisting definition of one or more positions of the door relative to the body 21, e.g. integrated in a pivot member 47.

Further, shown in Fig. 6 and 7, an embodiment of the converter 20 may be provided with a stop 55 for the door 37.

Also or alternatively, at least part of such stop and/or other portions of (the front part of) the converter 20 may be provided to match a shape of the door; e.g. the perimeter of the door 37 may comprise one or more recesses to accommodate parts of a handle 9 and/or of a lock or other part of the cooker 3 when the door 37 is open (not shown). Such perimeter shape may be closed off by the appropriately shaped portions when the door 37 is closed.

Fig. 9 shows another embodiment of a converter 20 similar to the other embodiments, in top view. This embodiment comprises one or more supports 57 for operably supporting a food support such as a baking plate, a pizza stone, a grill rack.

Further and/or other supports for such support and/or another cooking utensil may also be provided in or on the converter.

The disclosure is not restricted to the above-described embodiments which can be varied in a number of ways within the scope of the claims.

For instance the body and an optional front portion may have different shapes, e.g. in accordance with different shapes and/or sizes of a cooker into which the converter is (to be) used. E.g., the body may have an elongated and/or polygonal shape in top view.

Elements and aspects discussed for or in relation with a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

A converter (20) for a Kamado style cooker (3) comprising a base (5) and a dome (7) defining a closed chamber providing a heating and cooking space, the converter (20) being a body (21) includes with a tapered height (Hl => H2) for insertion into a wedge-shaped opening between the base (5) and the dome (7) of the cooker (3) so that the converter (20) closes the wedge-shaped opening, wherein the converter is provided with a transparent window.

A converter (20) according to claim 1, wherein the converter (20) comprises a door (37).

A converter (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the door (37) comprises the window (39).

A converter (20) according to claim 3, wherein the window (39) is at least partially rimless, in particular along at least part of a bottom side of the window (39).

A converter (20) for a Kamado style cooker (3) comprising a base (5) and a dome (7) defining a closed chamber providing a heating and cooking space, the converter (20) being a body (21) includes with a tapered height (Hl => HZ) for placement in a wedge-shaped gap between the base (5) and the dome (7) of the cooker (3) so that the converter (20) closes the gap, in in particular a converter (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the converter (20) comprises a door (37) for providing access to an interior (S) of the converter (20) surrounded by the body (21) for introducing and/or removing foodstuffs into/from the interior (S$) through the door (37), the door (37) being at least hingedly connected to the body (21) so that, in use, the door ( 37) opens upwards.

A converter (20) according to claim 5, wherein the converter (20) includes a latch (51) for holding the door in at least one open position.

A converter (20) according to claim 6, wherein the latch (51) is a self-unlatching snap latch.

A converter (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the door (37) and/or the window (39), if present, is (are) releasably connected to the body (21), e.g. for independent cleaning.

A converter (20) for a Kamado style cooker (3) comprising a base (5) and a dome (7) defining a closed chamber providing a heating and cooking space, the converter (20) being a body (21) includes with a tapered height (Hl => H2) for insertion into a wedge-shaped gap between the base (5) and the dome (7) of the cooker (3) so that the converter (20) closes the gap, in in particular a converter (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the converter (20) comprises a door (37) and a control handle (41) for opening the door (37), the control handle (41) being positioned laterally next to the door (37) is fitted.

Converter (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a spit support (25) for rotatably supporting a spit (27) in the converter (20) in the cooker (3), preferably also comprising a spit (27 ).

Converter (20) according to claim 10, comprising a spit rotation drive (29), preferably also provided with a spit (27).

A converter (20) according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more supports for operatively supporting at least one of a cooking surface or other accessory for placing food in the cooking chamber, such as a griddle, pizza stone, grill grate.

Converter (20) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a light source for illuminating the heating and cooking space.

Converter (20) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the body (21) has a double-walled cross-section and/or is cast.

15. Assembly (1) comprising a Kamado style cooker (3) comprising a base (5) and a dome (7) forming a closed chamber providing a heating and cooking space, the base {5) and the dome (7) are at least hingedly connected for opening at least part of the dome (7) and the base (5) relative to each other, the cooker (3) being provided with a converter (20) according to one of the previous conclusions.