US20010032639A1

US20010032639A1 - Portable rotisserie rack

Info

Publication number: US20010032639A1
Application number: US09/782,716
Authority: US
Inventors: Lee Leach
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-02-15
Filing date: 2001-02-13
Publication date: 2001-10-25

Abstract

A portable rotisserie rack for suspending and rotating meat, potatoes or other food next to a wood furnace, campfire or other source of cooking heat. In a preferred embodiment the portable rotisserie rack is characterized by a rack frame which is typically height-adjustable and constructed of square tubing and includes a pair of T-shaped frame base members, a pair of vertical frame members adjustably extendible from the frame base members, respectively, and a top frame member adjustably extendible from the vertical frame members. A rotisserie motor is mounted on the top frame member, and a heat shield is typically provided on the rack frame for substantially shielding and protecting the rotisserie motor from the heat source. A rotisserie shaft extends downwardly from the rotisserie motor and typically through a bearing provided in the top frame member, and a food cage of selected design is suspended from the bottom end of the rotisserie shaft for containing the food. As the suspended food cage is slowly rotated adjacent to the furnace, fire or other heat source by operation of the rotisserie motor, the meat, potatoes or other food slowly, thoroughly and uniformly cooks in the food cage. In another embodiment, the rack frame is adapted for suspending the rotisserie shaft in a vertical configuration and the food cage on the shaft, or supporting the rotisserie shaft in a horizontal configuration and mounting a pair of meat prongs thereon for engaging the food.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to devices for cooking or roasting meats and other foods and more particularly, to a free-standing and portable rotisserie rack which can be easily assembled, disassembled and transported and is adapted for suspending and rotating meat, potatoes or other food adjacent to a wood furnace, campfire or other source of cooking heat. In a preferred embodiment the portable rotisserie rack is characterized by a generally inverted, U-shaped, typically height adjustable, square tubing rack frame having a pair of T-shaped frame base members, a pair of vertical frame members typically adjustably extendible from the respective frame base members and a top frame member typically adjustably extendible from the vertical frame members. A typically battery-powered rotisserie motor is mounted on the top frame member of the rack frame, and a heat shield is typically provided on the rack frame for substantially shielding and protecting the rotisserie motor from the heat source. A rotisserie shaft extends downwardly from the rotisserie motor and typically through a bearing provided in the top frame member, and a food cage of selected design is suspended from the bottom end of the rotisserie shaft for containing the meat, potatoes or other food. As the suspended food cage is slowly rotated adjacent to the furnace, fire or other heat source by operation of the rotisserie motor, the meat, potatoes or other food slowly, thoroughly and uniformly cooks in the food cage, substantially without contamination of ashes, soot and other contaminants from the fire. In another embodiment, the rack frame is adapted for suspending the rotisserie shaft in a vertical configuration and the food cage on the shaft, or supporting the rotisserie shaft in a horizontal configuration and mounting a pair of meat prongs thereon for engaging the food.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Various types of rotisserie cookers and grills are known in the art for cooking meats, potatoes or other foods using an artificial or natural heat source. Rotisserie cookers designed to roast meats by using the heat from campfires typically support and rotate the meat directly over the fire, and this frequently causes excess ash, soot and other debris from the fire to cover the food as it cooks, thus imparting a disagreeable taste to the food. A rotisserie cooker is thus needed which is both easy to transport and capable of rotating meats or other foods adjacent to, rather than directly above, a campfire or other source of cooking heat, thereby substantially eliminating covering of the meat with ash, soot or other contaminants from the fire during cooking.

A typical outdoor grill, entitled “Adjustable Grill”, is detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,974,662, dated Mar. 14, 1961, to Joseph B. Forrest. The Forrest Grill is characterized by an elongated post which is sharpened at the bottom end thereof for vertical insertion of the post in the ground, and a pair of grill grids adjustably mounted on the post can be positioned at selected configurations and spacings with respect to each other on the post. A fire or other source of cooking heat may be provided beneath the grill grids for cooking meat or other foods on the grills. U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,867, dated Oct. 18, 1994, to Richard L. Hall, et al., discloses a “Portable Grill” including a vertical grill post, the tapered bottom end of which is inserted in the ground, and a sleeve rotatably and slidably mounted on the grill post. Two semicircular grills extend outwardly from the sleeve, and a stop is provided on the lower end of the sleeve for supporting the grills over a fire on the ground next to the grill post. A “J” hook is provided on the grill post at the upper end thereof and an elongated chain, attached to the sleeve at one end and to the “J” hook at the other end, can be pulled in order to raise and lower the sleeve and attached grills on the grill post. A “Roasting Rack” is shown and described in U.S. Des. No. 359,880, dated Jul. 4, 1995, to Douglas R. Fielding, et al.

An object of this invention is to provide a portable rotisserie rack for roasting foods typically using a natural heat source.

Another object of this invention is to provide a rotisserie rack which is simple in construction and can be easily assembled, disassembled and transported from one location to another.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a free-standing, typically height-adjustable, portable rotisserie rack for supporting and rotating meats or other foods as the food is cooked using heat typically from a fire or wood furnace.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a portable rotisserie rack for suspending and rotating meat, potatoes or other foods adjacent to a campfire or wood-burning furnace, whereby the meat, potatoes or other foods remain substantially uncontaminated by soot, ashes and other contaminants from the fire during cooking.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a portable rotisserie rack for cooking meats, potatoes or other foods typically by heat from a fire or wood furnace, which portable rotisserie rack is characterized by a generally inverted U-shaped, typically height-adjustable, square tubing rack frame having a pair of frame base members for resting on the ground or other substantially flat surface; a pair of vertical frame members vertically adjustably extendible from the frame base members, respectively; a top frame member vertically adjustably mounted on the vertical frame members; a rotisserie motor mounted on the top frame member; a heat shield mounted on the rack frame for substantially shielding and protecting the rotisserie motor from a campfire, wood furnace or other source of cooking heat provided adjacent to the rack frame; a rotatable rotisserie shaft which extends downwardly from the rotisserie motor and typically extends through a bearing provided in the top frame member of the rack frame; and a food cage of selected design suspended from the rotisserie shaft next to the campfire, wood furnace or other heat source for containing the meat, potatoes or other food, whereby the meat, potatoes or other food is uniformly and thoroughly cooked in the food cage as the rotisserie shaft and food cage are rotated by operation of the rotisserie motor.

Another object of this invention is to provide a portable rotisserie rack characterized by a rack frame which can be assembled to suspend a rotisserie shaft in a vertical configuration from a rotisserie motor mounted on the frame and a food cage for containing meat or other food on the shaft, or supporting the rotisserie shaft in a horizontal configuration wherein a pair of prong assemblies are adjustably and horizontally mounted on the shaft for engaging roast, turkey or other meat as the shaft is rotated over a fire by operation of the rotisserie motor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects of the invention are provided in a free-standing, portable rotisserie rack characterized by a generally inverted U-shaped rack frame which is typically height-adjustable and constructed of square tubing and includes a pair of T-shaped frame base members, a pair of vertical frame members typically adjustably extendible from the respective frame base members and a top frame member typically adjustably extendible from the vertical frame members. A rotisserie motor is mounted on the top frame member, and a heat shield is typically provided on the rack frame for substantially shielding and protecting the rotisserie motor from a campfire, wood furnace or other source of cooking heat provided next to the rack frame. A rotisserie shaft extends downwardly from the rotisserie motor and typically through a bearing provided in the top frame member, and a food cage of selected design is suspended from the bottom end of the rotisserie shaft for containing meat, potatoes or other food. As the suspended food cage is slowly rotated adjacent to the furnace, fire or other heat source by operation of the rotisserie motor, the meat, potatoes or other food slowly, thoroughly and uniformly cooks in the food cage, substantially without contamination by ashes, soot or other contaminants from the fire. In another embodiment, the rack frame is adapted for suspending the rotisserie shaft in a vertical configuration and the food cage on the shaft, or supporting the rotisserie shaft in a horizontal configuration and mounting a pair of meat prongs thereon for engaging the food.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0013]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the portable rotisserie rack of this invention, positioned adjacent to a campfire and more particularly illustrating cooking of meat or other food (not illustrated) using heat from the campfire, in typical application of the portable rotisserie rack; [0014]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable rotisserie rack, positioned adjacent to a wood-burning furnace and more particularly illustrating cooking of meat or other food (not illustrated) using heat from the furnace, in typical application of the portable rotisserie rack; [0015]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the rack frame of the portable rotisserie rack, more particularly illustrating height adjustability of the rack frame; [0016]
FIG. 4 is a side view of a conventional support link, typically used for suspending the food cage (partially in section) from the rotisserie shaft component (not illustrated) of the portable rotisserie rack, which support link is shown suspended from a support ring (partially in section), suspended from the rotisserie shaft; [0017]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable rotisserie rack, with the rotisserie shaft component of the rack mounted in a vertical configuration on the rack frame and a food cage suspended on the rotisserie shaft; [0018]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rack frame component of the portable rotisserie rack illustrated in FIG. 5, with the rotisserie shaft mounted in a horizontal configuration on the rack frame and a pair of prong assemblies slidably and horizontally mounted on the rotisserie shaft for engaging food (not shown) impaled on the rotisserie shaft; [0019]
FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of the portable rotisserie rack illustrated in FIG. 6; and [0020]
FIG. 8 is an exploded, perspective view of a preferred mounting assembly for the rotisserie motor of the portable rotisserie rack illustrated in FIGS. [0021] 5-7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIGS. [0022] 1-4 of the drawings, in a preferred embodiment the portable rotisserie rack of this invention is generally illustrated by reference numeral 1. The portable rotisserie rack 1 is designed to suspend and rotate a typically conventional food cage 23 or other food container of selected design adjacent to a campfire 30 (FIG. 1), a wood furnace 32 (FIG. 2) or other source of cooking heat in order to facilitate thoroughly and uniformly cooking meat (not illustrated), potatoes or other food contained in the food cage 23, as hereinafter described. The portable rotisserie rack 1 is characterized by a rack frame 2, typically having a generally inverted “U” shape and constructed of steel or aluminum square tubing having a selected size. The rack frame 2 includes a pair of generally inverted “T”-shaped frame base members 7 disposed in spaced-apart relationship to each other. Each of the frame base members 7 includes an elongated horizontal base segment 8 which in application of the portable rotisserie rack 1 rests on the ground (not illustrated) or other substantially flat supporting surface, and a vertical base segment 9, typically welded other otherwise attached to the horizontal base segment 8 in substantially perpendicular relationship thereto. As illustrated in FIG. 3, multiple base pin openings 9 a, the purpose of which will be hereinafter described, are provided in the vertical base segment 9 of each frame base member 7, at selected vertical spacings with respect to each other. Each of a pair of elongated vertical frame members 6 is provided with a top pin opening (not illustrated) adjacent to the upper end and a bottom pin opening (not illustrated) adjacent to the lower end thereof, and the lower end of each vertical frame member 6 is telescopically inserted in the upper end of the vertical base segment 9 of the corresponding frame base member 7. Accordingly, the vertical frame members 6 are vertically slidably disposed in the respective vertical base segments 9, as indicated by the arrow 10 in FIG. 3. In assembly of the rack frame 2 as hereinafter further described, a bottom adjusting pin 11 is extended through a selected base pin opening 9 a of the vertical base segment 9 and registering bottom pin opening (not illustrated) of the vertical frame member 6, in order to achieve a selected height of the rack frame 2 as hereinafter further described. A top frame member 3 of the rack frame 2 includes a pair of parallel vertical segments 5, each of which is provided with multiple top frame pin openings 5 a, provided at selected vertical spacings with respect to each other, and an elongated horizontal segment 4 joins the upper end portions of the vertical segments 5. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the lower ends of the vertical segments 5 of the top frame member 3 telescopically receive the upper ends of the respective vertical frame members 6, and the top frame member 3 is vertically slidably mounted on the respective vertical frame members 6, as indicated by the arrow 16. A top adjusting pin 12 is extended through a selected top frame pin opening 5 a of each vertical segment 5 and registering top pin opening (not illustrated) of the corresponding vertical frame member 6, to facilitate removably mounting the top frame member 3 at a selected height on the respective vertical frame members 6 as hereinafter further described. A typically T-shaped motor support 13 typically includes a vertical support member 14 which extends upwardly from the horizontal segment 4 of the top frame member 3 in substantially perpendicular relationship thereto, and a horizontal support member 15 extends from the vertical support member 14. A conventional, typically battery-powered rotisserie motor 17 of selected design is mounted on the horizontal support member 15 of the motor support 13. The rotisserie motor 17 operably engages the upper end of an elongated rotisserie shaft 18, which extends downwardly through a shaft bearing 19, seated in a bearing opening (not illustrated) provided in the horizontal segment 4 of the top frame member 3. A support ring opening (not illustrated) extends through the rotisserie shaft 18, adjacent to the lower end thereof and typically receives a support ring 20, from which is typically suspended a conventional support link 21. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the support link 21 is typically fitted with a threaded retainer nut 22 for reversibly closing the support link 21, by threading the retainer nut 22 on retainer threads 22 a of the support link 21. A suspension loop 24 of the food cage 23 typically directly engages the support link 21 as further illustrated in FIG. 4. Accordingly, in application of the rack frame 1 as hereinafter described, operation of the rotisserie motor 17 causes rotation of the rotisserie shaft 18 in the shaft bearing 19, and rotation of the suspended food cage 23, as indicated by the circular arrow in FIGS. 1 and 2. A typically rectangular heat shield 27, having an aluminum or other suitable heat-reflective surface, is mounted on the horizontal segment 4 of the top frame member 3 adjacent to the rotisserie motor 17, typically by means of a pair of spaced-apart shield mount clamps 28. The heat shield 27 reflects heat radiating from the campfire 30 (FIG. 1), wood furnace 32 (FIG. 2) or other source of cooking heat (not illustrated) and substantially shields and protects the rotisserie motor 17 from the heat, in application of the portable rotisserie rack 1 as hereinafter described.
Referring again to FIGS. [0023] 1-4 of the drawings, in typical application of the portable rotisserie rack 1 the rack frame 2 is initially assembled on the ground (not illustrated) or other flat surface by inserting the lower end of each vertical frame member 6 in the vertical base segment 9 of the corresponding frame base member 7. The bottom adjusting pin 11 is inserted through the selected base pin opening 9 a of the vertical base segment 9 of each frame base member 7, and through the registering bottom pin opening (not illustrated, provided in the corresponding vertical frame member 6, adjacent to the lower end thereof). The vertical segments 5 of the top frame member 3 receive the upper ends of the respective vertical frame members 6, and the top frame member 3 is lowered to rest on the respective vertical frame members 6. After the meat, potatoes or other food (not illustrated) is placed in the food cage 23, the suspension loop 24 of the food cage 23 is attached to the rotisserie shaft 18, by opening and inserting the support link 21 on the support ring 20 (suspended from the lower end of the rotisserie shaft 18), as illustrated in FIG. 4, inserting the suspension loop 24 on the support link 21 and closing the support link 21 by threading the retainer nut 22 on the retainer threads 22 a. With the food cage 23 suspended from the rotisserie shaft 18, the rack frame 2 is raised on the vertical frame members 6 until the food cage 23 is suspended at a selected height above the ground. A top adjusting pin 12 is then extended through the selected top frame pin opening 5 a of the vertical segment 5 and the registering top pin opening (not illustrated, provided in the corresponding vertical frame member 6, adjacent to the upper end thereof), to secure the top frame member 3 on the vertical frame members 6 with the food cage 23 suspended at the selected height above the ground. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a campfire 30 can be built on the ground adjacent to the portable rotisserie rack 1, such that the flames 31 of the campfire 30 are in sufficiently close proximity to the food cage 23 to heat the meat or other food in the food cage 23. Alternatively, the furnace opening 33 of a wood-burning furnace 32 can be positioned adjacent to the food cage 23, such that the flames 31 of wood or charcoal (not illustrated) burning in the furnace 32 are in sufficiently close proximity to the food cage 23 to facilitate cooking the meat or other food. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the height of the food cage 23 can be adjusted with respect to the flames 31 of the campfire 31 or wood furnace 32, as needed for optimum heating of the food in the food cage 23. This is accomplished by removing the bottom adjusting pin 11 from the corresponding vertical frame member 6 and base pin opening 9 a (FIG. 3) of the corresponding vertical base segment 9, sliding the vertical frame member 6 in the vertical base segment 9 as indicated by the arrow 10 and inserting the bottom adjusting pin 11 through the selected base pin opening 9 a and registering bottom pin opening of the vertical frame member 6. Alternatively, the height of the top frame member 3 on the vertical frame members 6 can be adjusted by removing the top adjusting pin 12 from the corresponding vertical frame member 6 and top frame pin opening 5 a, raising or lowering the top frame member 3 on the vertical frame members 6 as indicated by the arrow 16 and inserting the top adjusting pin 12 through the selected top frame pin opening 5 a and registering top pin opening of the vertical frame member 6. The rotisserie motor 17 of the portable rotisserie rack 1 is operated to slowly rotate the rotisserie shaft 18 and suspended food cage 23, as indicated by the circular arrows in FIGS. 1 and 2, for a selected period of time until the meat or other food is thoroughly and uniformly cooked inside the food cage 23. Finally, after the flames 31 of the campfire 30 or inside the wood furnace 32 are extinguished, the support link 21 is opened by unthreading the retainer nut 22 from the retainer threads 22 a, the suspension loop 24 of the food cage 23 is removed from the support link 21, and the meat, potatoes or other food is removed from the food cage 23.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the [0024] portable rotisserie rack 1 of this invention as embodied in FIGS. 1-4 is simple in construction and portable for use in any outdoor location, particularly campsites. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the portable rotisserie rack 1 can be easily disassembled for easy transportation and storage, by removing the respective bottom adjusting pins 11 and top adjusting pins 12 and removing the top frame member 3 of the rack frame 2 from the vertical frame members 6, and the vertical frame members 6 from the respective frame base members 7. It will be further appreciated that because the meat or other food is suspended in the food cage 23 and rotated adjacent to the flames 31 of the campfire 30 or wood furnace 32, rather than directly above the flames 31, the meat or other food cooks without ashes, soot and other contaminants from the fire covering the meat or other food. It is understood that the components of the rack frame 2 can be constructed of aluminum, steel or any other suitable heat-resistant material, as selected. Moreover, the food cage 23 can be any type of open container which can withstand the heat from the flames 31 of the campfire 30 or wood furnace 32 and enables heat from the flames 31 to contact the meat or other food in the food cage 23.
Referring next to FIGS. [0025] 5-8 of the drawings, in another embodiment the portable rotisserie rack of this invention is generally illustrated by reference numeral 36. The rack frame 37 of the portable rotisserie rack 36 is typically constructed of square tubing and characterized by a pair of elongated base members 39, each of which is typically terminated by a pair of downwardly-curved end portions 39 a which rest on a floor (not illustrated) or other supporting surface. As illustrated in FIG. 7, an insert leg 40 is upward-standing from each base member 39 at substantially the midpoint thereof, and a bolt opening 40 a extends through each insert leg 40, the purpose of which insert legs 40 will be hereinafter described. The rack frame 37 further includes a shaft support member 38; an elongated motor support member 41 which mounts a rotisserie motor 17; and a frame support member 50. As hereinafter described, the shaft support member 38, motor support member 41 and frame support member 50 can be selectively assembled to construct a rack frame 37 which is capable of suspending a food cage 45 on a vertically-positioned rotisserie shaft 46, as illustrated in FIG. 5, or a pair of horizontally-adjustable meat prong assemblies 52, having meat prongs 52 a, on a horizontal rotisserie shaft 51, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.
Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6 and initially to FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings, the [0026] motor support member 41 of the rack frame 37 includes a pair of parallel insert legs 41 b, each of which fixedly extends from a motor support member 41 in perpendicular relationship thereto at the respective ends of the motor support members 41. As illustrated in FIG. 8, an L-shaped motor mount bracket and heat shield 42, having a base panel 42 a and a shield panel 42 b extending in perpendicular relationship from the base panel 42 a, is typically mounted on the motor support member 41 as hereinafter described. A cylindrical shaft collar 61, having a pair of oppositely-extending collar flanges 61 a, is mounted on the base panel 42 a of the motor mount bracket 42, typically by extending a pair of collar mount bolts 62 through bolt openings (not illustrated) provided in the respective collar flanges 61 a. Each of the collar mount bolts 62 is further extended through a corresponding collar bolt opening 64 provided in the base panel 42 a, and through a corresponding registering collar bolt opening 64 a provided in the motor support member 41, to mount both the shaft collar 61 on the motor mount bracket 42 and the motor mount bracket 42 on the motor support member 41. A rotisserie motor 17 is mounted on a rectangular motor support plate 44 which, in turn, is mounted on the base panel 42 a of the motor mount bracket 42, typically by means of a pair of motor mount bolts 66, each of which is extended through a corresponding flange opening 43 b, provided in the flange 43 a of an L-shaped plate support bracket 43, which extends downwardly from the motor support plate 44. As further illustrated in FIG. 8, a shaft opening 63 extends through the base panel 42 a of the motor mount bracket 42, in registering relationship to the shaft collar 61. A second shaft opening 63 a is provided in the motor support member 41 in registering relationship to the shaft opening 63. The rotisserie motor 17 receives the upper end of the rotisserie shaft 46, which extends downwardly through the shaft collar 61 and registering shaft opening 63 and shaft opening 63 a, respectively, provided in the base panel 42 a and motor support member 41, respectively.
As further illustrated in FIG. 7, the elongated [0027] shaft support member 38 of the rack frame 37 includes an insert leg 38 a which extends therefrom in substantially perpendicular relationship adjacent to the upper end 75 of the shaft support member 38, and the insert leg 38 a is provided with a thumb screw opening 38 c. A pair of parallel shaft flanges 38 b, the purpose of which will be hereinafter described, extends from the shaft support member 38 at substantially the midpoint thereof. The open lower end 76 of the shaft support member 38 is capable of receiving the upward-standing insert leg 40 of one of the base members 39 in assembly of the rack frame 37 as hereinafter described. The frame support member 50 of the rack frame 37 extends between the shaft support member 38 and the motor support member 41 in application of the portable rotisserie rack 36 illustrated in FIG. 7, or between one of the base members 39 and the motor support member 41 of the rack frame 37 in application of the portable rotisserie rack 36 illustrated in FIG. 5 and hereinafter described. A thumb screw opening 50 a extends through the frame support member 50 adjacent to each end thereof (FIG. 7), for purposes which will be hereinafter described.
Referring again to FIGS. 5, 7 and [0028] 8 of the drawings, in one application of the portable rotisserie rack 36, the rack frame 37 thereof is assembled in such a manner as to facilitate downward vertical suspension of the rotisserie shaft 46 from the rotisserie motor 17 and support of a food cage 45 on the rotisserie shaft 46, with the motor support member 41 of the rack frame 37 disposed in the horizontal configuration illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8. Accordingly, the rack frame 37 is assembled by initially inserting the upward-standing insert leg 40 (FIG. 7) of one of the base members 39 in the open lower end 76 of the vertically-positioned shaft support member 38, and resting the lower end 76 of the shaft support member 38 on the base member 39, as illustrated in FIG. 5. A thumb screw 48 is threaded through the thumb screw opening 38 c (FIG. 7) which is provided in the shaft support member 38 adjacent to the lower end 76 thereof, and through the registering thumb screw opening 40 a provided in the insert leg 40 of the base member 39, to secure the shaft support member 38 on the base member 39 in vertical, upward-standing relationship thereto. The upward-standing insert leg 40 (FIG. 7) of the other base member 39 is in like manner inserted in the open first end 77 (FIG. 5) of the frame support member 50, which is secured in vertical configuration on the base member 39 by threading a thumb screw 48 through one of the thumb screw openings 50 a (FIG. 5) of the frame support member 50 and through the registering thumb screw opening 40 a (FIG. 7), provided in the insert leg 40 of the base member 39. One of the parallel, downwardly-extending insert legs 41 b (FIG. 8) of the motor support member 41 is next inserted in the open upper end 75 (FIG. 5) of the vertical shaft support member 38, while the other downwardly-extending insert leg 41 b of the motor support member 41 is inserted in the open second end 78 of the frame support member 50, with the horizontally-positioned motor support member 41 resting on the horizontal insert leg 38 a of the shaft support member 38, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The motor support member 41, with the rotisserie motor 17 mounted thereon as heretofore described, is secured in the horizontal position in the rack frame 37, as illustrated in FIG. 5, by threading a thumb screw 48 through a thumb screw opening 41 a, provided in the horizontal motor support member 41, and through a registering thumb screw opening 38 c, provided in the horizontally-positioned insert leg 38 a (FIG. 7) of the shaft support member 38, and threading a second thumb screw 48 through a thumb screw opening 50 a (FIG. 5), provided in the frame support member 50 adjacent to the second end 78 thereof, and through the registering thumb screw opening 41 a (FIG. 8) provided in the insert leg 41 b of the motor support member 41 (inserted in the second end 78 of the frame support member 50).
Referring again to FIG. 5 of the drawings, in application of the [0029] portable rotisserie rack 36, the food (not illustrated) such as roast, turkey or vegetables (not illustrated) is placed in the food cage 45, which is attached to the rotisserie shaft 46 in conventional fashion. The rotisserie motor 17 is operated in conventional fashion to rotate the rotisserie shaft 46 adjacent to a campfire 30 (FIG. 1), wood furnace 32 (FIG. 2) or other source of heat, to slowly roast or cook the food contained in the food cage 23 as heretofore described with respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.
Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings, in another application of the [0030] portable rotisserie rack 36, the rack frame 37 thereof is assembled in such a manner as to facilitate horizontal positioning of a rotisserie shaft 51 on the rack frame 37, with a pair of horizontally-adjustable meat prong assemblies 52 mounted on the rotisserie shaft 51 for engaging the meat prongs 52 a thereof with a piece of roast, turkey or other meat (not illustrated) impaled on the rotisserie shaft 51. Assembly of the rack frame 37 is accomplished by mounting the shaft support member 38 in the vertical position on one of the base members 39 heretofore described with respect to FIG. 7, by inserting the insert leg 40 of the base member 39 in the open lower end 76 of the shaft support member 38; and securing the shaft support member 38 on the base member 39 by means of the thumb screw 48. The motor support member 41, shown in the horizontal configuration in the rack frame 37 of the previous application illustrated in FIG. 5, is mounted in the vertical configuration in the rack frame 37 as illustrated in FIG. 7, by inserting the insert leg 40 of the other base member 39 in the open lower end 80 of the motor support member 41. A thumb screw 48 is threaded through the thumb screw opening 41 a (FIG. 8) provided in the motor support member 41 adjacent to the lower end 80 thereof, and through the registering thumb screw opening 40 a provided in the insert leg 40 (FIG. 7). The frame support member 50, mounted in the vertical position in the rack frame 37 in the application of the portable rotisserie rack 36 illustrated in FIG. 5, is mounted horizontally in the rack frame 37 by inserting the insert leg 41 b adjacent to the upper end 81 of the motor support member 41, in one open end of the frame support member 50 and inserting the insert leg 38 a of the shaft support member 38 in the opposite open end of the frame support member 50, as further illustrated in FIG. 7. A thumb screw 48 is threaded through one of the thumb screw openings 50 a provided in the frame support member 50 adjacent to the corresponding end thereof, and threaded into the registering thumb screw opening 41 a, provided in the insert leg 41 b of the motor support member 41. A second thumb screw 48 is threaded through the other thumb screw opening 50 a of the frame support member 50 and further, through the registering thumb screw opening 38 c in the insert leg 38 a of the shaft support member 38. A first end 51 a of the elongated rotisserie shaft 51 is extended through the shaft opening 63 a of the motor support member 41 and through the shaft collar 61, and is engaged by the rotisserie motor 17. After impaling a roast, turkey or other large piece of meat (not illustrated) on the rotisserie shaft 51 and capturing the meat between the meat prongs 52 a of the prong assemblies 52, the second end 5 lb of the rotisserie shaft 51 is rotatably mounted between the parallel shaft flanges 38 b, extending from the shaft support member 38 of the rack frame 37.
As further illustrated in FIG. 7, each of the [0031] meat prong assemblies 52 of the portable rotisserie rack 36 typically includes a meat prong collar 53, slidably and adjustably mounted on the rotisserie shaft 51 by means of a corresponding thumb screw 48 which is threaded in the meat prong collar 53 and can be threaded to engage the rotisserie shaft 51 and secure each meat prong collar 53 at a selected location on the rotisserie shaft 51. Multiple, L-shaped meat prongs 52 a extend from each meat prong collar 53 in spaced-apart relationship to each other and in facing relationship to the meat prongs 52 a of the other meat prong assembly 52. Accordingly, by loosening one or both of the meat prong collars 53 on the rotisserie shaft 51 by operation of the corresponding thumb screw 48, the meat prong assemblies 52 can be adjusted toward or away from each other on the rotisserie shaft 51 to engage respective ends of a turkey, roast or other large piece of meat (not illustrated) impaled on the rotisserie shaft 51 and secure the meat on the rotisserie shaft 51. In application of the portable rotisserie rack 36, the rack frame 37 is positioned adjacent to a campfire 30 (FIG. 1), wood furnace (FIG. 2) or other source of cooking heat, and the rotisserie motor 17 is operated to rotate the rotisserie shaft 51 and slowly cook the turkey, roast or other meat impaled on the rotisserie shaft 51 and engaged by the meat prong assemblies 52.
While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made in the invention and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.[0032]

Claims

Having described my invention with the particularity set forth above, what is claimed is:

1. A rotisserie rack for rotating food next to a source of cooking heat, comprising a rack frame; a rotisserie motor carried by said rack frame; and a food container for the food carried by said rotisserie motor next to the source of heat, whereby the food cooks as said food container is rotated next to the source of heat, responsive to operation of said rotisserie motor.

2. The rotisserie rack of

claim 1

wherein said food container is adjustable with respect to the source of heat.

3. The rotisserie rack of

claim 1

comprising a heat shield carried by said rack frame for substantially shielding said rotisserie motor from the source of heat.

4. The rotisserie rack of

claim 3

wherein said food container is adjustable with respect to the source of heat.

5. The rotisserie rack of

claim 1

comprising a rotisserie shaft engaging said rotisserie motor and wherein said food container is carried by said rotisserie shaft.

6. The rotisserie rack of

claim 5

wherein said food container is adjustable with respect to the source of heat.

7. The rotisserie rack of

claim 6

8. The rotisserie rack of

claim 1

comprising a motor support mounted on said rack frame and wherein said rotisserie motor is mounted on said motor support.

9. The rotisserie rack of

claim 8

wherein said food container is adjustable with respect to the source of heat.

10. The rotisserie rack of

claim 9

11. The rotisserie rack of

claim 10

12. The rotisserie rack of

claim 11

comprising a heat shield carried by said frame for substantially shielding said rotisserie motor from the source of heat.

13. A rotisserie rack for suspending and rotating food next to a source of cooking heat, comprising a height-adjustable rack frame, said rack frame comprising a pair of frame base members, a pair of vertical frame members carried by said pair of frame base members, respectively, and a top frame member vertically adjustably carried by said pair of vertical frame members, respectively; a rotisserie motor carried by said top frame member of said rack frame; and a food container for the food suspended from said rotisserie motor next to the source of heat, whereby the food cooks as said food container is rotated next to the source of heat, responsive to operation of said rotisserie motor.

14. The rotisserie rack of

claim 13

comprising a rotisserie shaft engaging said rotisserie motor and wherein said food container is suspended from said rotisserie shaft.

15. The rotisserie rack of

claim 14

comprising a heat shield provided on said rack frame for substantially shielding said rotisserie motor from the source of heat.

16. A rotisserie rack for suspending and rotating food next to a source of cooking heat, comprising a height-adjustable rack frame, said rack frame comprising a pair of frame base members, a pair of vertical frame members vertically adjustably carried by said pair of frame base members, respectively, and a top frame member vertically adjustably carried by said pair of vertical frame members, respectively; a motor support carried by one of said vertical frame members of said rack frame; a rotisserie motor carried by said motor support; a rotisserie shaft engaging said rotisserie motor, said rotisserie shaft extending substantially horizontally to the other one of said vertical frame members for rotation on said vertical frame members and carrying meat; and a heat shield provided on said rack frame for substantially shielding said rotisserie motor from the source of heat whereby the food cooks as said rotisserie shaft is rotated next to the source of heat, responsive to operation of said rotisserie motor.

17. The rotisserie rack of

claim 16

comprising a meat prong assembly provided on said rotisserie shaft for engaging the meat.

18. The rotisserie rack of

claim 16

comprising a heat shield provided on said one of said vertical frame members for substantially shielding said rotisserie motor from the source of heat.

19. The rotisserie rack of

claim 16

comprising:

(a) a meat prong assembly provided on said rotisserie shaft for engaging the meat; and

(b) a heat shield provided on said one of said vertical frame members for substantially shielding said rotisserie motor from the source of heat.