WO2011014150A1

WO2011014150A1 - Apparatus for preparing food and method of use

Info

Publication number: WO2011014150A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/051783
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott C. Salter
Original assignee: Freedom Grill, Inc.
Priority date: 2009-07-26
Filing date: 2009-07-26
Publication date: 2011-02-03

Abstract

An apparatus for preparing food includes, for example, a basin and a hood. The hood may be rotatably attached to the basin, to permit rotating the hood from a first position wherein a front edge of the hood is proximate a front edge of the basin, to a second position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate a back edge of the basin. Some examples may include a first side table, and a first joint assembly attached to a first side of the basin and the first side table, for positioning the first side table in a first location outside the basin adjacent the first side of the basin with a primary side of the first side table substantially facing a reference direction, and in a second location substantially covering the opening of the basin with the primary side substantially facing the reference direction.

Description

APPARATUS FOR PREPARING FOOD AND METHOD OF USE

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTS

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to apparatuses for preparing food. More particularly, some examples of the invention concern an apparatus for preparing food having a basin, and a rotatable hood and/or a movable side table.

2. Description of Related Art

[0003] Many people enjoy participating in outdoor leisure and recreational activities such as backyard gatherings, block parties, camping, fishing, picnicking at a beach or a park, and tailgate parties at sporting events and concerts. Often, people desire a freshly cooked hot meal while participating in these outdoor activities. Consequently, barbequing has become very popular.

[0004] People preparing food outdoors often seek conveniences found in a large kitchen, such as large cooking areas and large food preparation surfaces. To bring some of the conveniences of a kitchen outdoors, fixed installations of large barbeques and food preparation areas have been installed in backyards. However, these fixed installations lack the portability that is frequently required for enjoying outdoor cooking in a variety of locations. Another approach is to haul large barbeques and tables to outdoor cooking locations. However, these large barbeques and tables are big, heavy, and difficult to store and transport. On the other hand, barbeques that are easy to transport generally have cooking areas and food preparation areas of limited size and utility.

[0005] Thus, known outdoor cooking devices typically have the shortcomings of not having adequate cooking areas and food preparation surfaces, or the shortcomings of being too big and heavy to easily transport to where the user would like to use them.

SUMMARY

[0006] One aspect of the invention is an apparatus for preparing food. As an example, the apparatus for preparing food includes a basin having an opening, a first side, a second side, a front edge, and a back edge. This example also includes a hood having a front edge, wherein the hood is rotatably attached to the basin, to permit rotating the hood over a range of movement from a first position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the front edge of the basin, to a second position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the back edge of the basin.

[0007] Another example of an apparatus for preparing food includes a basin having an opening, a first side, and a second side. This example also includes a first side table having a first side table primary side and a first side table secondary side. This example also includes a first joint assembly attached to the first side of the basin, and attached to the first side table, wherein the first joint assembly is configured to facilitate positioning the first side table in a first location outside of the basin laterally adjacent the first side of the basin with the first side table primary side substantially facing a reference direction, and in a second location proximate the opening of the basin and substantially covering the opening of the basin with the first side table primary side substantially facing the reference direction.

[0008] Another aspect of the invention is a method of using an apparatus for preparing food.

[0009] One or more advantages may be provided by some examples of the invention. For example, some examples of the invention

advantageously provide a large cooking area and large food preparation surfaces, while also providing the benefit of being convertible to a size and configuration that is convenient for storage and transport. Various examples of the invention also provide a number of other advantages and benefits, which should be apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a first joint assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a second joint assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a first joint assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a top view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a top view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. [0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a partially exploded perspective view of an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 18 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 19 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 20 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 21 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 22 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. [0034] FIG. 23 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 24 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 25 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 26 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 27 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 28 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 29 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0041] FIG. 30 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0042] FIG. 31 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0043] FIG. 32 is a side sectional view an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. [0044] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0045] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an example of a cargo net cover and storage pockets for use with an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0046] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0047] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0048] FIGS. 37A and 37B are perspective views of an example of a portion of an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0049] FIGS. 38A and 38B are flowchart of an operational sequence of using an apparatus for preparing food in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The nature, objectives, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings.

I. DEFINITIONS

[0051] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality", as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term "another", as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The term "coupled", as used herein, is defined as directly or indirectly connected. The term "attached", as used herein, is defined as directly or indirectly connected. The terms "including" or "includes", "containing" or "contains", "having" or "has", and "comprising" or "comprises", are intended to be open language.

II. HARDWARE COMPONENTS AND INTERCONNECTIONS

[0052] One aspect of the invention is an apparatus for preparing food. As an example, the apparatus for preparing food may be embodied by the apparatus for preparing food 100 shown in Figs. 1 -16.

BASIN:

[0053] Referring to Fig. 3, the apparatus for preparing food 100 may include a basin 110 that may have an opening 112, a first side 114, a second side 116, a front edge 118, a back edge 120, an outer surface 122 (Fig. 2 and Fig. 6), and a bottom 124 (Fig. 6). A grease drip pan 126 (Fig. 6) may be attached to the bottom 124 of the basin 110.

HOOD:

[0054] Referring to Fig. 3, the apparatus 100 may also include a hood 140 that may have a first side 142 and a second side 144, a front edge 146 and a back edge 148, and an inner surface 150 (Fig. 5).

[0055] The hood 140 may be rotatably attached to the basin 110, to permit rotating the hood 140 over a range of movement. The range of movement may be from a first position wherein the front edge 146 of the hood 140 is proximate the front edge 118 (Fig. 3) of the basin 110 (a closed hood 140 position shown in Fig. 1 ), to a second position wherein the front edge 146 (Fig . 3) of the hood 140 is proximate the back edge 120 of the basin 110 (a fully open hood position shown in Fig. 7). In some examples the front edge 146 of the hood 140 is generally even with (is substantially at the same height as) the back edge 120 of the basin 110 when the hood 140 is in the second position. Thus, the hood 140 may be rotated beneath the basin 110 in preparation for transporting or storing the apparatus 100. The hood 140 may substantially cover the opening 112 of the basin 110 when the hood 140 is in the first position, and the opening 112 of the basin 110 may be substantially uncovered by the hood 140 when the hood 140 is in the second position. In some examples, substantially none of the inner surface 150 (Fig. 5) of the hood 140 is adjacent the outer surface 122 (Fig 2, Fig. 6) of the basin 110 when the hood 140 is in the first position, and substantially the entire inner surface 150 of the hood 140 is adjacent the outer surface 122 of the basin 110 when the hood 140 is in the second position. The hood 140 may be called a roll top hood 140. In some examples the hood 140 may be rotated back to be opened desired amount, for example 90 degrees, 100 degrees (as shown in Fig. 5), and/or 110 degrees, or may be closed (the first position), for example when cooking, in addition to being rotated under the basin 110 (the second position) for transporting or storing the apparatus 100.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 3, the hood 140 may be rotatably attached to the basin 110, for example, to the first side 114 of the basin 110 and the second side 116 of the basin 110. The apparatus 100 may include a first bearing 160 attached to the first side 114 of the basin 110, and a second bearing 162 attached to the second side 116 of the basin 110. The first side 142 of the hood 140 may be attached to the first bearing 160, and the second side 144 of the hood 140 may be attached to the second bearing 162, for rotatably attaching the hood 140 to the basin 110 and enabling the hood 140 to rotate over the range of movement. As an example, each bearing may be a 2 inch (5.08 cm) I. D. needle bearing, which, for example, may be attached to the hood 140 and the basin 110 with a suitable adhesive. In other examples, other types of hinges or bearings, or larger or smaller needle bearings, could be used. In some examples the hood 140 may be larger than, the same size as, or smaller than, hoods typically used with portable cooking devices.

[0057] The apparatus 100 may be configured for securing the hood

140 at various orientations in relation to the basin 110. For example, a tab 164 (Fig. 4A) may be attached to a first joint assembly 166 (Fig.

4A)(discussed below), and the hood 140 may have a first hole 168, and/or a second hole 170, and/or a third hole 172 (Fig. 3). In this example, the front edge 146 of the hood 140 is proximate the front edge 118 of the basin 110 when the tab 164 is engaged with the first hole 168 in the hood 140, and the front edge 146 of the hood 140 is rotated about 100 degrees from the front edge 118 of the basin 110 when the tab 164 is engaged with the second hole 170 in the hood 140, and the front edge 146 of the hood 140 is proximate the back edge 120 of the basin 110 when the tab 164 is engaged with the third hole 172 in the hood 140. More generally, the hood 140 may be formed with a plurality of holes, and a tab may be attached to the apparatus 100, for example to the first joint assembly 166, and the tab may be selectively engageable with a hole selected from the plurality of holes, to secure the hood 140 with the front edge 146 of the hood 140 at a selected location. As an example, the tab 164 may be engaged with a hole 168, 170, or 172 by at least partially inserting the tab 164 into the hole 168, 170, or 172.

FIRST SIDE TABLE AND FIRST JOINT ASSEMBLY:

[0058] Referring to Fig. 5, the apparatus 100 also may include a first side table 180, having a first side table primary side 182 and a first side table secondary side 184 (Fig. 6). The first side table 180 also has a first side table exterior edge 186, and a first side table interior edge190, and a first side table front edge 192, and a first side table back edge 194. The apparatus 100 may also include a first joint assembly 166 attached to the first side 114 (Fig. 3) of the basin 110, and attached to the first side table 180, wherein the first joint assembly 166 is configured to facilitate positioning the first side table 180 in a first location outside of the basin 110 laterally adjacent the first side 114 of the basin 110 with the first side table primary side 182 substantially facing a reference direction 188, and in a second location proximate the opening 112 of the basin 110 and substantially covering the opening 112 of the basin 110 with the first side table primary side 182 substantially facing the reference direction 188. As an example, the reference direction may be up.

[0059] Referring to Fig. 4A, the first joint assembly 166 may include a primary table bar 200 and a secondary table bar 202 attached to the first side table 180. The first joint assembly 166 may also include a first sleeve 204 having a table bar attachment portion 206 and a sliding portion 207. The primary table bar 200 and the secondary table bar 202 may be attached to the table bar attachment portion 206 of the first sleeve. The first joint assembly 166 may also include a first leg tube 208. The first sleeve 204 may surround at least a portion of the first leg tube 208, and may be attached to the first leg tube 208. The first sleeve 204 is shaped to permit rotation of the sliding portion 207 of the first sleeve 204 around the first leg tube 208 around a first axis 209 of the first joint assembly 166. The table bar attachment portion 206 of the first sleeve 204 may have a hole 210, and the sliding portion 207 of the first sleeve 204 may have a hole 212. The first joint assembly 166 may also include a first pin 214 (which may be a bolt) inserted through the hole 210 in the attachment portion 206 and into the hole 212 in the sliding portion 207 of the first sleeve 204, to permit rotation of the attachment portion 206 and the primary table bar 200 and the secondary table bar 202, and the first side table 180, around the first pin 214 around a second axis 216 of the first joint assembly 166. The first joint assembly 166 may also be formed with a channel 217, which may guide the first pin 214 during rotation of the sliding portion 207 of the first sleeve 204 around the first leg tube 208. The first joint assembly 166 may also include a first basin attachment bar 218, attached to the first leg tube 208. The first basin attachment bar 218 may also be attached to the first bearing 160 (Fig. 3). The first joint assembly 166 may be configured to permit rotating the first side table 180 at least about 180 degrees around the first axis 209 of the first joint assembly 166, and at least about 180 degrees around the second axis 216 of the first joint assembly 166, to facilitate retracting the first side table 180 from the first location to the second location. Fig. 4C shows the first joint assembly 166 with the first side table 180 in an intermediate position partially rotated around the second axis 216 of the first joint assembly 166.

[0060] In some examples the first side table 180 may be rotatably attached to the basin 100 with another type of joint, which could be, for example, a ball joint or a hinge, which may not necessarily provide all of the movement of the first side table 180 enabled by the first joint assembly 166.

SECOND SIDE TABLE AND SECOND JOINT ASSEMBLY:

[0061] Referring to Fig. 5, the apparatus 100 also may include a second side table 220, having a second side table primary side 222 and a second side table secondary side 224 (Fig. 6). The second side table 220 also has a second side table exterior edge 226, and a second side table interior edge 227, and a second side table front edge 228, and a second side table back edge 229. The apparatus 100 may also include a second joint assembly 230 attached to the second side 116 (Fig. 3) of the basin 110, and attached to the second side table 220, wherein the second joint assembly 230 is configured to facilitate positioning the second side table 220 in a third location outside the basin 110 laterally adjacent the second side 116 of the basin 110 with the second side table primary side 222 substantially facing the reference direction 188, and in a fourth location proximate the opening 112 of the basin 110 with the second side table primary side 222 substantially facing the reference direction 188.

[0062] As an example, the depth of the first side table 180, which is the greatest distance from the front edge 192 to the back edge 194 of the first side table 180, measured along the primary side 182 of the first side table and parallel to the medial plane 556 (shown in Fig. 1 ) when the first side table 180 is in the first location, may be about 23.5 inches (59.69 cm), and the depth of the second side table 220, which is the greatest distance from the front edge 228 to the back edge 229 of the second side table 220, measured along the primary side 222 of the second side table 220 and parallel to the medial plane 556 (shown in Fig. 1 ) when the second side table 220 is in the third location, may be about 23.5 inches (59.69 cm). As an example, the width of the first side table 180, which is the greatest distance from the exterior edge 186 to the interior edge 190 of the first side table 180, measured along the primary side 182 of the first side table and perpendicular to the medial plane 556 (shown in Fig. 1 ) when the first side table 180 is in the first location, may be about 23.75 inches (60.33 cm), and the width of the second side table 220, which is the greatest distance from the exterior edge 226 to the interior edge 227 of the second side table 220, measured along the primary side 222 of the second side table 220 and perpendicular to the medial plane 556 (shown in Fig. 1 ) when the second side table 220 is in the third location, may be about 23.75 inches (60.33 cm).

[0063] Referring to Fig. 4B, the second joint assembly 230 may include a primary table bar 231 and a secondary table bar 232 attached to the second side table 220. The second joint assembly 230 may also include a second sleeve 234 having a table bar attachment portion 236 and a sliding portion 237. The primary table bar 231 and the secondary table bar 232 may be attached to the table bar attachment portion 236 of the second sleeve. The second joint assembly 230 may also include a second leg tube 238. The second sleeve 234 may surround at least a portion of the second leg tube 238, and may be attached to the second leg tube 238. The second sleeve 234 is shaped to permit rotation of the sliding portion 237 of the second sleeve 234 around the second leg tube 238 around a first axis 239 (primary axis) of the second joint assembly 230. The table bar attachment portion 236 of the second sleeve 234 may have a hole 240, and the sliding portion 237 of the second sleeve 234 may have a hole 242. The second joint assembly 230 may also include a second pin 244 (which may be a bolt) inserted through the hole 240 in the attachment portion 236 and into the hole 242 in the sliding portion 237 of the second sleeve 234, to permit rotation of the attachment portion 236 and the primary table bar 231 and the secondary table bar 232, and the second side table 220, around the second pin 244 around a second axis 246 (secondary axis) of the second joint assembly 230. The second joint assembly may also be formed with a channel 247, which may guide the second pin 244 during rotation of the sliding portion 237 of the second sleeve 234 around the second leg tube 238. The second joint assembly 230 may also include a second basin attachment bar 248, attached to the second leg tube 238. The second basin attachment bar 248 may also be attached to the second bearing 162 (Fig. 3). The second joint assembly 230 may be configured to permit rotating the second side table 220 at least about 180 degrees around the first axis 239 of the second joint assembly 230, and at least about 180 degrees around the second axis 246 of the second joint assembly 230, to facilitate retracting the second side table 220 from the third location to the fourth location. In some examples the first side table 180 may be secured in the second location proximate the opening 112 of the basin 110, and the second side table 220 may be secured in the fourth location proximate the first side table 180 and the opening 112 of the basin 110, for transport or storage.

[0064] In some examples the second side table 220 may be rotatably attached to the basin 100 with another type of joint, which could be, for example, a ball joint or a hinge, which may not necessarily provide all of the movement of the second side table 220 enabled by the second joint assembly 230.

[0065] Thus, the first side table 180 and the second side table 220, which may be relatively large, each may be flipped over and also folded in, from the first and third locations employed during use, in to the retracted second and fourth locations, for transport or storage, due to the range of movement facilitated by the first joint assembly 166 and the second joint assembly 230. The primary side 182 of the first side table 180 and the primary side 222 of the second side table 220, may face in the reference direction 188 (Fig. 5), which may be up, both during transport or storage, and during use. In other words, the primary side 182 of the first side table 180 may face up both in the first location and in the third location, and the primary side 222 of the second side table 220 may face up both in the second location and the fourth location. The primary side 182 of the first side table 180 and the primary side 222 of the second side table 220 may be food preparation surfaces.

[0066] Figs. 10, 11 , 12, and 13 show the first side table 180 and the second side table 220 in intermediate positions between being completely unfolded, as shown in Figs. 1 , 2, 5, 6, 7, and 9, and being completely folded, as shown in Figs. 8, 14, and 15.

[0067] In some examples, the secondary side 184 (Fig. 6) of the first side table 180 extends at least from proximate the front edge 118 of the basin 110 to past the back edge 120 of the basin 110 and the front edge 146 of the hood 140, when the first side table 180 is positioned in the second location, and when the hood 140 is in the second position wherein the front edge 146 of the hood 140 is proximate the back edge 120 of the basin 110. FLANGE:

[0068] Referring to Fig. 3, in some examples, the basin 110 has a flange 250 proximate the opening 112 of the basin 110. As an example, the flange 250 may border the entire circumference of the opening 112 of the basin 110. The flange 250 may be formed as part of the basin 110. In some examples, the flange 250 may be about .5 inch (1.3 cm) wide, but could be wider or narrower, or could have varying width. In some examples, the secondary side 184 (Fig. 6) of the first side table 180 may be proximate the flange 250 of the basin 110 when the first side table 180 is positioned in the second location. In some examples, the secondary side 224 (Fig. 6) of the second side table 220 is adjacent the primary side 182 of the first side table 180, when the first side table 180 is positioned in the second location and the second side table 220 is positioned in the fourth location. In some examples, when the first side table 108 is in the second location, the first side table 180 may extend outward beyond the opening 112 of the basin 110 along the entire circumference of the flange 250.

BURNERS, CONTROL PANEL:

[0069] Referring to Fig. 3, the apparatus 100 may include burners 260a, 260b, 260c, coupled to the basin 110. The apparatus may include drip deflectors 262a, 262b, 262c (which may be called vaporizers), coupled to the basin 110, and the burners 260a, 260b, 260c may be coupled to the basin 110 below the drip deflectors 262a, 262b, 262c ( which protect the burners 260a, 260b, 260c). The apparatus 100 may also include a control panel 264 attached to the basin 110. The apparatus may also include control knobs 266a, 266b, 266c coupled to corresponding burners 260a, 260b, 260c for controlling the amount of fuel supplied to the burners 260a, 260b, 260c. In other examples, less than three, or more than three, burners 260a, 260b, 260c, drip deflectors 262a, 262b, 262c, and control knobs 266a, 266b, 266c may be included. The control panel 264 may include an ignitor button 268, for igniting cooking fuel. For clarity and simplicity, the control knobs 266a, 266b, 266c and the ignitor button 268 of the apparatus 100 are shown only in Fig. 3. When the hood 140 is in the second position, the back edge 148 of the hood 140 may be generally below the control panel 264 and the control knobs 266a, 266b, 266c.

[0070] The burners 260a, 260b, 260c are provided for burning a fuel, for example, propane or natural gas, to provide heat for cooking. In other examples, other types of burners or heating elements could be used.

Propane fueled burners having almost any BTU rating could be used, for example ten thousand BTU (or less), to one hundred thousand BTU (or more). A tank (not shown) may be utilized to supply fuel, for example propane (LPG), to the burners 260a, 260b, 260c. In some examples, the apparatus 100 could include an attachment (not shown) for connecting the cooking device to a gas source on a vehicle, or to a land based gas source. For example, when used with a recreational vehicle (RV), the apparatus 100 could be attached to a propane tank on the recreational vehicle that could also be used for a stove, refrigerator, or other appliances in the recreational vehicle. More generally, the fuel for the apparatus 100 could be, for example, propane (LPG), charcoal, wood, natural gas, electric, or any other type of gas or other fuel used for cooking. In some examples infrared cooking capability may be included.

COOKING SURFACE, COOKING DEVICE:

[0071] Referring to Fig. 3, the apparatus 100 may also include a cooking surface coupled to the basin 110. In some examples the cooking surface may be a grilling rack 280. As an example, the grilling rack 280 may be located inside the opening 112 of the basin 110 proximate the flange 250 of the basin 110. The grilling rack 280 may define a grilling rack cooking surface area. As an example, the grilling rack 280 may have a depth of about 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) and a width of about 21.5 inches (54.6 cm), giving a cooking surface area of about 376.25 square inches (955.68 square cm). Almost any cooking surface area could be used, but typically the cooking surface area could range from about one hundred square inches to about two thousand square inches. In some examples the secondary side 184 of the first side table 180 has a surface area that is larger than the grilling rack 280 cooking surface area. More generally, the first side table 180 and/or the second side table 220 may be larger than the grilling rack 280. More specifically, the width and depth of the first side table 180 and/or the second side table 220 may be larger than the width and depth of the grilling rack 280.

[0072] Although a barbeque embodiment has been described as an example, more generally, the apparatus 100 could include any of a variety of cooking devices, which have a cooking surface. The cooking device could be, for example, a griddle, a wok, a gas burner, a smoker, a rotisserie, a deep fryer, or any other suitable device for cooking. Many of the possible cooking devices could have a grilling rack. GASKET:

[0073] Referring to Fig. 6 and Fig. 10, a gasket 290 may be provided on the secondary side 184 of the first side table 180. As an example, the gasket 290 may be located on the secondary side 184 of the first side table 180, in a position on the secondary side 184 of the first side table 180 that is proximate the flange 250 of the basin 110 when the first side table 180 is positioned in the second location.

[0074] In some examples, the gasket 290 may be provided by shaping and forming the first side table 180 so the first side table 180 is formed to have the shape of the gasket 290.

[0075] In some other examples, the first side table 180 is not shaped to have the gasket 290, and in these examples the gasket 290 may be provided by attaching a gasket 290 to the secondary side 184 of the first side table 180. As an example, the attached gasket 290 may be made of rubber or hard plastic, which may be inserted into a channel formed in the secondary side 184 of the first side table 180.

[0076] In examples where a grilling rack 280 is located inside the opening 112 of the basin 110 proximate the flange 250 of the basin 110, the gasket 290 may extend between the flange 250 and the grilling rack 280, when the first side table 180 is positioned in the second location. In some examples, the gasket 290 is in contact with the flange 250 of the basin 110, and with the grilling rack 280, when the first side table 180 is positioned in the second location.

[0077] The gasket 290 may seal off the cooking area during transport or storage. More specifically, the gasket 290 may prevent grease from dripping from the apparatus 100 during transport and storage, and may also contain odors, when the first side table 180 is in the second location. The gasket 290 may also hold the grilling rack 280 in position inside the basin 110 during transport.

LEGS:

[0078] Referring to Fig. 6, the apparatus 100 may also include a first front leg 300 attached to the basin 110, a first rear leg 302 attached to the basin 110, a second front leg 304 attached to the basin 110, and a second rear leg 306 attached to the basin 110. The first front leg 300, the first rear leg 302, the second front leg 304, and the second rear leg 306 may each include a plurality of telescoping sections, to permit reducing the length of the first front leg 300, the first rear leg 302, the second front leg 304, and the second rear leg 306, each, from a fully extended length, to a fully collapsed length. Thus, the apparatus 100 may have telescoping collapsible legs. In other examples, no legs, or shorter legs, may be employed. For example, an embodiment configured for fitting into a Recreational Vehicle (RV) storage compartment, may not have legs.

[0079] In an example having telescoping legs, the first front leg 300 may include a first front leg top telescoping section 310, a first front leg middle telescoping section 312, and a first front leg bottom telescoping section 314, wherein the first front leg top telescoping section 310 is selectively insertable into the first front leg middle telescoping section 312, and wherein the first front leg middle telescoping section 312 is selectively insertable into the first front leg bottom telescoping section 314, to reduce the length of the first front leg 300 from the fully extended length, to the fully collapsed length. The first rear leg 302 may include a first rear leg top telescoping section 320, a first rear leg middle telescoping section 322, and a first rear leg bottom

telescoping section 324, wherein the first rear leg top telescoping section 320 is selectively insertable into the first rear leg middle telescoping section 322, and wherein the first rear leg middle telescoping section 322 is selectively insertable into the first rear leg bottom telescoping section 324, to reduce the length of the first rear leg 302 from the fully extended length, to the fully collapsed length. The second front leg 304 may include a second front leg top telescoping section 330, a second front leg middle telescoping section 332, and a second front leg bottom telescoping section 334, wherein the second front leg top telescoping section 330 is selectively insertable into the second front leg middle telescoping section 332, and wherein the second front leg middle telescoping section 332 is selectively insertable into the second front leg bottom telescoping section 334, to reduce the length of the second front leg 304 from the fully extended length, to the fully collapsed length. The second rear leg 306 may include a second rear leg top telescoping section

340, a second rear leg middle telescoping section 342, and a second rear leg bottom telescoping section 344, wherein the second rear leg top telescoping section 340 is selectively insertable into the second rear leg middle

telescoping section 342, and wherein the second rear leg middle telescoping section 342 is selectively insertable into the second rear leg bottom

telescoping section 344, to reduce the length of the second rear leg 306 from the fully extended length, to the fully collapsed length. In some examples, the legs 300, 302, 304, 306 may be secured at lengths between the fully collapsed length and the fully extended length. The fully extended length is shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, for example, and the fully collapsed length is shown in Fig. 15, for example. Referring to Fig. 6, the first front leg 300 has a bottom 350, the first rear leg 302 has a bottom 352, the second front leg 304 has a bottom 354, and the second rear leg 306 has a bottom 356. The first front leg 330 has a first front leg outer edge 360, and the second front leg 304 has a second front leg outer edge 362.

[0080] In some examples, the sections of the legs 300, 302, 304, 306 may be locked in position with ball pins (not shown), to secure the legs 300, 302, 304, 306 in the fully extended length and/or the fully collapsed length. Each ball pin may generally comprise a metal ball that is insertable into a hole. As an example, the ball pins may be similar to ball pins used for securing extendable suitcase handles in position. In some examples discussed further below, one or more trigger handles may be employed to permit quickly and easily extending the legs 300, 302, 304, 306.

[0081] Referring to Fig. 7, in some examples the apparatus 100 may also include a first support bar 370 attached to the first front leg 300 and the first rear leg 302. The apparatus 100 may also include a second support bar 372 attached to the second front leg 304 and the second rear leg 306. The apparatus may also include a first leg cross support 373a attached to the first front leg 300 and the first rear leg 302, and may also include a second leg cross support 373b attached to the second front leg 304 and the second rear leg 306. The apparatus 100 may also include a first leg cap 374a attached to the first front leg 300 and the first leg tube 208 (Fig. 4A), and a second leg cap 374b attached to the first rear leg 302 and the first leg tube 208, and may also include a third leg cap 376a attached to the second front leg 304 and the second leg tube 238 (Fig. 4B), and a fourth leg cap 376b attached to the second rear leg 306 and the second leg tube 238. The configuration of the first leg cap 374a, the second leg cap 374b, the third leg cap 376a, the fourth leg cap 378b, the first joint assembly 166, and the second joint assembly 230, provides clearance for the hood 140 and first side table 180 and second side table 220 to swivel and rotate.

STABILIZER FOOT ASSEMBLIES:

[0082] Referring to Fig. 6, the apparatus 100 may also include a first front stabilizer foot assembly 380 attached to the first front leg 300, wherein the first front stabilizer foot assembly 380 is selectably extendable from a first front foot assembly retracted position proximate the first front leg 300 (shown for example in Fig. 8 and Fig. 15) to a first front foot assembly deployed position (shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 6). The apparatus 100 may also include a first rear stabilizer foot assembly 382 attached to the first rear leg 302, wherein the first rear stabilizer foot assembly 382 is selectably extendable from a first rear foot assembly retracted position proximate the first rear leg 302 to a first rear stabilizer foot assembly deployed position. The apparatus 100 may also include a second front stabilizer foot assembly 384 attached to the second front leg 304, wherein the second front stabilizer foot assembly 384 is selectably extendable from a second front foot assembly retracted position proximate the second front leg 304 to a second front foot assembly deployed position. The apparatus 100 may also include a second rear stabilizer foot assembly 386 attached to the second rear leg 306, wherein the second rear stabilizer foot assembly 386 is selectably extendable from a second rear stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the second rear leg 306 to a second rear stabilizer foot assembly deployed position. The stabilizer foot assemblies 380, 382, 384, 386 provide a large footprint and added stability, and may be used to stabilize and level the apparatus 100.

[0083] Referring to Fig. 6, more specifically, the first front stabilizer foot assembly 380 may include a first front foot 390, a first front shoe 392, a first front foot hinge pin 394, a first front shoe hinge pin 396, a first front shoe securing bar 397 having a slot 398, and a first front shoe securing bolt 399, wherein the first front stabilizer foot assembly 380 is rotatably attached to the first front leg 300 with the first front foot hinge pin 394, and wherein the first front shoe 392 is rotatably attached to the first front foot 390 with the first front shoe hinge pin 396. The first front shoe securing bolt 399 may be threaded, and may be inserted into a threaded hole (not shown) in the bottom section 314 of the first front leg 300. The first front stabilizer foot assembly 380 may be secured in the retracted position, or in the deployed position, by sliding the slot 398 of the first front shoe securing bar 397 along the first front shoe securing bolt 399, and then tightening the first front shoe securing bolt 399 when the first front stabilizer foot assembly 380 is in the desired position. The first front shoe securing bar 397 may be rotatably attached to the first front shoe 392, for example by inserting the first front shoe hinge pin 396 (or a shorter pin or rivet) through a hole in the first front shoe securing bar 397. In some examples the first front stabilizer foot assembly does not include the first front shoe 392, and in some examples the first front shoe hinge pin 396 is also not included. Also, in some examples, the first front stabilizer foot assembly does not include the first front shoe securing bar 397 and the first front shoe securing bolt 399.

[0084] Referring to Fig. 6, the first rear stabilizer foot assembly 382 may include a first rear foot 400, a first rear shoe 402, a first rear foot hinge pin 404, a first rear shoe hinge pin 406, a first rear shoe securing bar 407 having a slot 408, and a first rear shoe securing bolt 409, wherein the first rear stabilizer foot assembly 382 is rotatably attached to the first rear leg 302 with the first rear foot hinge pin 404, and wherein the first rear shoe 402 is rotatably attached to the first rear foot 400 with the first rear shoe hinge pin 406. The first rear shoe securing bolt 409 may be threaded, and may be inserted into a threaded hole (not shown) in the bottom section 324 of the first rear leg 302. The first rear stabilizer foot assembly 382 may be secured in the retracted position, or in the deployed position, by sliding the slot 408 of the first rear shoe securing bar 407 along the first rear shoe securing bolt 409, and then tightening the first rear shoe securing bolt 409 when the first rear stabilizer foot assembly 382 is in the desired position. The first rear shoe securing bar 407 may be rotatably attached to the first rear shoe 402, for example by inserting the first rear shoe hinge pin 406 (or a shorter pin or rivet) through a hole in the first rear shoe securing bar 407. In some examples the first rear stabilizer foot assembly does not include the first rear shoe 402, and in some examples the first rear shoe hinge pin 406 is also not included. Also, in some examples, the first rear stabilizer foot assembly does not include the first rear shoe securing bar 407 and the first rear shoe securing bolt 409.

[0085] Still referring to Fig. 6, the second front stabilizer foot assembly 384 may include a second front foot 410, a second front shoe 412, a second front foot hinge pin 414, a second front shoe hinge pin 416, a second front shoe securing bar 417 having a slot 418, and a second front shoe securing bolt 419, wherein the second front stabilizer foot assembly 384 is rotatably attached to the second front leg 304 with the second front foot hinge pin 414, and wherein the second front shoe 412 is rotatably attached to the second front foot 410 with the second front shoe hinge pin 416. The second front shoe securing bolt 419 may be threaded, and may be inserted into a threaded hole (not shown) in the bottom section 334 of the second front leg 304. The second front stabilizer foot assembly 384 may be secured in the retracted position, or in the deployed position, by sliding the slot 418 of the second front shoe securing bar 417 along the second front shoe securing bolt 419, and then tightening the second front shoe securing bolt 419 when the second front stabilizer foot assembly 384 is in the desired position. The second front shoe securing bar 417 may be rotatably attached to the second front shoe 412, for example by inserting the second front shoe hinge pin 416 (or a shorter pin or rivet) through a hole in the second front shoe securing bar 417. In some examples the second front stabilizer foot assembly does not include the second front shoe 412, and in some examples the second front shoe hinge pin 416 is also not included. Also, in some examples, the second front stabilizer foot assembly does not include the second front shoe securing bar 417 and the second front shoe securing bolt 419.

[0086] Still referring to Fig. 6, the second rear stabilizer foot assembly 386 may include a second rear foot 420, a second rear shoe 422, a second rear foot hinge pin 424, and a second rear shoe hinge pin 426, a second rear shoe securing bar 427 having a slot 428, and a second rear shoe securing bolt 429, wherein the second rear stabilizer foot assembly 386 is rotatably attached to the second rear leg 306 with the second rear foot hinge pin 424, and wherein the second rear shoe 422 is rotatably attached to the second rear foot 420 with the second rear shoe hinge pin 426. The second rear shoe securing bolt 429 may be threaded, and may be inserted into a threaded hole (not shown) in the bottom section 344 of the second rear leg 306. The second rear stabilizer foot assembly 386 may be secured in the retracted position, or in the deployed position, by sliding the slot 428 of the second rear shoe securing bar 427 along the second rear shoe securing bolt 429, and then tightening the second rear shoe securing bolt 429 when the second rear stabilizer foot assembly 386 is in the desired position. The second rear shoe securing bar 427 may be rotatably attached to the second rear shoe 422, for example by inserting the second rear shoe hinge pin 426 (or a shorter pin or rivet) through a hole in the second rear shoe securing bar 427. In some examples the second rear stabilizer foot assembly does not include the second rear shoe 422, and in some examples the second rear shoe hinge pin 426 is also not included. Also, in some examples, the second rear stabilizer foot assembly does not include the second rear shoe securing bar 427 and the second rear shoe securing bolt 429.

[0087] In some examples the first front shoe 392 may be formed with a hole 430. In some examples the first rear shoe 402 may be formed with a hole 431. In some examples the second front shoe 412 may be formed with a hole 432. In some examples the second rear shoe 422 may be formed with a hole 433. Stakes may be inserted into the holes 430, 431 , 432, 433, and the stakes may be driven into the ground, to secure the apparatus 100 to the ground. As an example, the stakes may be similar to tent stakes.

[0088] In some examples, the stabilizer foot assemblies do not include all of the elements described above for the stabilizer foot assemblies 380, 382, 384, 386. In Figs. 1 , 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14 the legs 300, 302, 304, and 306 have the fully extended length, and the stabilizer foot assemblies 380, 382, 384, and 386 are in the deployed position. In Figs. 8 and 15 the legs 300, 302, 304, and 306 have the fully collapsed length, and the stabilizer foot assemblies 380, 382, 384, and 386 are in the retracted position.

LEG SECURING AND RELEASING MECHANISMS:

[0089] A number of mechanisms are described herein, for securing one or more of the telescoping legs 300, 302, 304, and 306 in the fully collapsed length for storage and/or transport, and for quickly and easily unsecuring and releasing one or more of the legs 300, 302, 304, and 306, to permit the legs 300, 302, 304, and 306 to have the fully extended length. These mechanisms may be called quick release mechanisms. In many examples, substantially all of the elements for securing and unsecuring the legs may be located substantially inside a first leg tube 208 (Fig 17), 970 (Fig. 25), and/or inside a second leg tube 238. In some examples, the first front leg 300 and the first rear leg 302 may be simultaneously secured in the fully collapsed length, and may be simultaneously unsecured to permit the first front leg 300 and the first rear leg 302 to quickly be placed in the fully extended length. Similarly, in some examples, the second front leg 304 and the second rear leg 306 may be simultaneously secured in the fully collapsed length, and may be simultaneously unsecured. In some examples, when first front leg 300 and first rear leg 302 are simultaneously released, gravity may simultaneously pull the first front leg 300 and the first rear leg 302 to the fully extended length. Similarly, in some examples, when second front leg 304 and second rear leg 302 are simultaneously released, gravity may simultaneously pull the second front leg 304 and the second rear leg 306 to the fully extended length. In other examples, the legs could be spring loaded for rapid extension when released. The embodiments described herein with regard to the first leg tube 208, and the first front leg 300 and the first rear leg 302, may also be implemented with the second leg tube 238 and the second front leg 304 and the second rear leg 306. When fully extended, the telescoping leg sections may be secured in the fully extended length with spring loaded bearings (which could include ball bearings), or other suitable means. In other examples, a nut could be screwed into one or more telescoping leg sections to secure the leg sections at a desired length.

[0090] The following U.S. patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Patent No. 5,706,921 , inventor: Wang, titled

"Retractable handle assembly for a suitcase"; U.S. Patent No. 5,803,214, inventor: Wang, titled "Retractable handle mounting assembly of a travel bag"; U.S. Patent No. 6,575,274, inventor: Huang, titled "Adjustable pulling handle for rollaway luggage", and U.S. Patent No. 7,082,641 , inventor: Jung et al., titled "Systems and methods for replaceable luggage handle".

[0091] Fig. 16, shows a first rear leg securing member 700b attached to the bottom telescoping section 324 of the first rear leg 302, using a screw 704a and screw 704b, and a rod 728 is shown inserted into the first rear leg securing hole 702b of the first rear leg securing member 700b. In other examples a leg securing member could be attached to the inside of the bottom telescoping section 324, and is some of these alternative examples the leg securing member could be positioned in an axial central area of the inside of the bottom telescoping section, to avoid contact with the middle telescoping section 312 and the top telescoping section 310. The first rear leg securing member 700b is discussed further below.

[0092] Fig. 17 shows a side sectional view, taken along the line 17-17 shown in Fig. 15. Figs. 18-24 are also side sectional views, taken along the line 17-17, and Figs 25-32 show side sectional views for some alternative embodiments with an alternative telescoping leg arrangement. For clarity, not all of the elements shown in Fig. 15 are included in the sectional views. Fig. 17 shows an example of a leg securing and releasing mechanism for the apparatus 100. The first leg tube 208 may be coupled to the basin 110 (shown in Fig. 1 ). The first leg tube 208 has an interior 715, a front side 706a having a hole 708a, and a rear side 706b having a hole 708b. To more clearly show the elements of the mechanism, the first leg tube 208 is shown with a larger diameter than in other figures, such as Fig. 15. The first front leg 300 is shown with the bottom telescoping section 314, the middle telescoping section 312, and the top telescoping section 310 collapsed to the fully collapsed length. Similarly, the first rear leg 302 is shown with the bottom telescoping section 324, the middle telescoping section 322, and the top telescoping section 320 collapsed to the fully collapsed length. A first front leg securing member 700a is attached, for example with screws or rivets, or by welding, to the bottom telescoping section 314 of the first front leg 300, and the first rear leg securing member 700b is attached to the bottom telescoping section 324 of the first rear leg 302. The first front leg securing member 700a has a first front leg securing hole 702a, and the first rear leg securing member 700b has the first rear leg securing hole 702b. As described below, a front rod may be selectively inserted into the first front leg securing hole 702a to secure the first front leg 300 in the fully collapsed length, and a rear rod may be selectively inserted into the first rear leg securing hole 702b to secure the first rear leg 302 in the fully collapsed length. In some examples, the front rod may also be inserted through the hole 708a in the front side 706a of the first leg tube 208, and the rear rod may also be inserted through the hole 708b in the rear side 706b of the first leg tube. The elements discussed in this paragraph are also included in Figs. 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, and 24.

[0093] Referring to Fig. 17, a first bevel post 716 and a second bevel post 718 are attached to, or are formed integrally with, a bevel base 720. The bevel base 720 and the first bevel post 716 and the second bevel post 718 are located in the interior 715 of the first leg tube 208. A front insertion rod 722 has a front insertion rod tip 724 and a front insertion rod hole 726. The first bevel post 716 is inserted into the front insertion rod hole 726, and the front insertion rod tip 724 is proximate the first front leg securing hole 702a, and may be selectively inserted into the first front leg securing hole 702a. A rear insertion rod 728 has a rear insertion rod tip 730 and a rear insertion rod hole 732. The second bevel post 718 is inserted into the rear insertion rod hole 732, and the rear insertion rod tip 730 is proximate the first rear leg securing hole 702b, and may be selectively inserted onto the first rear leg securing hole 702b. The front insertion rod 722 is inserted into the hole 708a in the front end 706a of the first leg tube 208, and the rear insertion rod 728 is inserted into the hole 708b in the rear end 706b of the first leg tube 208. The hole 726 in the front insertion rod 722 may be angled like the beveled edges of the first bevel post 716, and the hole 732 in the rear insertion rod 728 may be angled like the beveled edges of the second bevel post 718. A spring 733 abuts the bevel base, and may encircle a spring insertion member 734. A trigger handle 736 may be attached to the bevel base 720, and may be depressed to cause the first bevel post 716 to slide further into the hole 726 in the front insertion rod 722 to cause the tip 724 of the front insertion rod 722 to be retracted from the first front leg securing hole 702a, and to cause the second bevel post 718 to slide further into the hole 732 in the rear insertion rod 728 to cause the tip 730 of the rear insertion rod 728 to be retracted from the first rear leg securing hole 702b. The exterior of a trigger handle 738 is shown in Fig. 15. The spring 733 pushes the first bevel post 718 to an initial static position when the trigger handle 736 is not depressed.

[0094] The example of Fig. 25 includes the elements discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph, but with an alternative configuration of the legs, and with the first front leg securing hole and the first rear leg securing hole being as described in the paragraph below.

[0095] An alternative arrangement of telescoping leg sections is shown in Fig. 25. A first leg tube 970 has an interior 971 , a front end 976 having a hole 978, and a rear end 977 having a hole 979. The first front leg 972 is shown having a bottom telescoping section 984, a middle telescoping section 982, and a top telescoping section 980 collapsed to the fully collapsed length. Similarly, the first rear leg 974 is shown having a bottom telescoping section 990, a middle telescoping section 988, and a top telescoping section 986 collapsed to the fully collapsed length. The first front leg securing member 700a and the first rear leg securing member 700b are not included in this example, and instead, a hole is provided in one or more of the telescoping leg sections. With regard to the first front leg 972, the top telescoping section 980 has a hole 992, the middle telescoping section has a hole 994, and the bottom telescoping section 984 has a hole 996. With regard to the first rear leg 974, the top telescoping section 986 has a hole 997, the middle

telescoping section 988 has a hole 998, and the bottom telescoping section 990 has a hole 999. A rod, for example the front insertion rod 722, may be selectively inserted into the hole 992 in the top telescoping section 980, and into the hole 994 in the middle telescoping section 982, and into the hole 996 in the bottom telescoping section 984 of the first front leg 972, to secure the first front leg 972 in the fully collapsed length. Thus, the holes 992, 994, and

996 may be aligned when the first front leg 972 has the fully collapsed length. In some examples the front insertion rod 722 may be selectively inserted only into the hole 992 in the top telescoping section 980, or only into the hole 992 in the top telescoping section 980 and into the hole 994 in the middle telescoping section 982 of the first front leg 972. Whichever of the holes 992, 994, and 996 that the rear insertion rod 728 is selectively inserted into may collectively be called a first rear leg securing hole. Similarly, a rod, for example the rear insertion rod 728, may be selectively inserted into the hole

997 in the top telescoping section 986, and into the hole 998 in the middle telescoping section 988, and into the hole 999 in the bottom telescoping section 990 of the first front leg 972, to secure the first rear leg 974 in the fully collapsed length. Thus, the holes 997, 998, and 999 may be aligned when the first rear leg 974 has the fully collapsed length. In some examples the rear insertion rod 728 may be selectively inserted only into the hole 997 in the top telescoping section 986, or only into the hole 997 in the top telescoping section 986 and into the hole 998 in the middle telescoping section 988 of the first rear leg 974. Whichever of the holes 997, 998, and 999 that the rear insertion rod 728 is selectively inserted into may collectively be called a first rear leg securing hole. The elements discussed in this paragraph are also included in Figs. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32, except that in Figs. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , and 32, the front insertion rods and rear insertion rods shown in those respective figures are used in place of the front insertion rod 722 and the rear insertion rod 728 of Fig 25.

[0096] Referring to Fig. 18, a wedge member 740 having a first beveled edge 741a and a second beveled edge 741 b, is located in the interior 715 of the first leg tube 208. A front insertion rod 750 has a front insertion rod tip 752 and a front insertion rod beveled end 754, wherein the front insertion rod beveled end 754 adjoins the first beveled edge 741 a of the wedge member 740, and wherein the front insertion rod tip 752 is proximate the first front leg securing hole 702a. A rear insertion rod 756 has a rear insertion rod tip 760 and a rear insertion rod beveled end 758, wherein the rear insertion rod beveled end 758 adjoins the second beveled edge 741 b of the wedge member 740, and wherein the rear insertion rod tip 760 is proximate the first rear leg securing hole 702b. A front spring 762 is attached to a hole 764 the front insertion rod 750, and abuts the front end 706a of the first leg tube 208. A rear spring 766 is attached to a hole 768 in the rear insertion rod 756, and abuts the rear end 706b of the first leg tube 208. A wedge retaining spring 744 abuts the wedge 740. A trigger handle 742 coupled to the wedge 740, may be depressed to cause the front insertion rod tip 752 to be retracted from the first front leg securing hole 702a, and to cause the rear insertion rod tip 760 to be retracted from the first rear leg securing hole 702b.

[0097] The example of Fig. 26 includes the elements discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph, but with the alternative leg configuration discussed above with regard to Fig. 25. [0098] Referring to Fig. 19, a front insertion rod 770 has a front insertion rod tip 772 and a front insertion rod spring attachment end 774, wherein the front insertion rod tip 772 is proximate the first front leg securing hole 702a. A rear insertion rod 776 has a rear insertion rod tip 778 and a rear insertion rod spring attachment end 780, wherein the rear insertion rod tip 778 is proximate the first rear leg securing hole 702b. A spring 782 may be attached to the front insertion rod 770 and the rear insertion rod 776. A "V" assembly has a front bar 788, a rear bar 790, and a hinge 792 attached to the front bar 788 and the rear bar 790, wherein the front bar 788 is coupled to the front insertion rod 770, and wherein the rear bar 790is coupled to the rear insertion rod 776. A trigger handle 794 has a slot 795 which a portion of the front bar 788 and the rear bar 790 are inserted into, to push the front bar 788 and the rear bar 790 towards each other with edges of the slot 795 when the trigger handle 794 is depressed. The trigger handle 794 may be attached to the first leg tube 208 with first foam 796 member and second foam member 798. The trigger handle 794 may be depressed to cause the front insertion rod tip 772 to be retracted from the first front leg securing hole 702a, and to cause the rear insertion rod tip 778 to be retracted from the first rear leg securing hole 702b.

[0099] The example of Fig. 27 includes the elements discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph, but with the alternative leg configuration discussed above with regard to Fig. 25.

[0100] Referring to Fig. 20, a lever bar 800 has a front lever bar tip 802, a rear lever bar tip 804, a front angle plate contact section 806, a rear angle plate contact section 808, and an actuator section 810, wherein the front lever bar tip 802 is proximate the first front leg securing hole 702a, and wherein the rear lever bar tip 804 is proximate the first rear leg securing hole 702b. A first angle plate 812 is attached to the interior 715 of the first leg tube 208, wherein the first angle plate 812 has a first contact edge 814 touching the front angle plate contact section 806 of the lever bar 800. The first contact edge 814 slopes from the lower portion 813, to the upper portion 815 of the first angle plate 812. A second angle plate 816 is attached to the interior 715 of the first leg tube 208, wherein the second angle plate 816 has a second contact edge 818 touching the rear angle plate contact section 808 of the lever bar 800. The second contact edge 818 slopes from the lower portion 817, to the upper portion 819 of the second angle plate 816. A trigger handle 820 may be attached to the actuator section 810 of the lever bar 800, with a member 822. The trigger handle 820 may be depressed to cause the front angle plate contact section 806 of the lever bar 800 to slide along the contact edge 814 causing the lever bar 800 to bend causing the front lever bar tip 802 to be retracted from the first front leg securing hole 702a, and to cause the rear angle plate contact section 808 of the lever bar 800 to slide along the contact edge 818 causing the lever bar 800 to bend causing the rear lever bar tip 804 to be retracted from the rear leg securing hole 702b.

[0101] The example of Fig. 28 includes the elements discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph, but with the alternative leg configuration discussed above with regard to Fig. 25.

[0102] Referring to Fig. 21 , a front insertion rod 830 has a front insertion rod tip 832 and a front insertion rod hole 834, wherein the front insertion rod tip 832 is proximate the first front leg securing hole 702a. A rear insertion rod 836 has a rear insertion rod tip 838 and a rear insertion rod hole 840, wherein the rear insertion rod tip 838 is proximate the first rear leg securing hole 702b. A rotor pin 842 may be attached to the first leg tube 208. The rotor pin 842 may be inserted into a center hole 846 of a rotor 844. A front rotor pin 848 may be inserted through the front insertion rod hole 834 and attached to the rotor 844. A rear rotor pin 850 may be inserted through the rear insertion rod hole 840 and attached to the rotor 844. A trigger handle 856 may be coupled to the rotor 844 with a trigger extension member 854 which is coupled to the rotor 844, for example with a screw or rivet 855. A spring 852 may be attached to the rotor 844 to return the rotor 844 to an initial position after the trigger handle 856 is depressed and released. The trigger handle 856 may be depressed to cause the front insertion rod tip 832 to be retracted from the first front leg securing hole 702a, and to cause the rear insertion rod tip 838 to be retracted from the first rear leg securing hole 702b. [0103] The example of Fig. 29 includes the elements discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph, but with the alternative leg configuration discussed above with regard to Fig. 25.

[0104] Referring to Fig. 22, a front insertion rod 860 has a front insertion rod tip 862, wherein the front insertion rod tip 862 is proximate the first front leg securing hole 702a. A rear insertion rod 864 has a rear insertion rod tip 866, wherein the rear insertion rod tip 866 is proximate the first rear leg securing hole 702b. A front spring plate 868 having a hole 878, and a rear spring plate 872 having a hole 874, are attached to the first leg tube 208. A front spring 876 adjoins the front insertion rod 860 and the front spring plate 876. A rear spring 880 adjoins the rear insertion rod 864 and the rear spring plate 872. A cable 886 may be attached to the front insertion rod 860 and the rear insertion rod 864. A front cable guide 888 and a rear cable guide 890 may be attached to the first leg tube 208. A cable pushing member 892 is located proximate the cable 886 and the front cable guide 888 and the rear cable guide 890. A trigger handle 894 may be coupled to the cable pushing member 892 for pushing the cable 886 against the front cable guide 888 and the rear cable guide 890 and into the space between the front cable guide 888 and the rear cable guide 890. A spring 896 may be attached to the cable pushing member to return cable pushing member to an initial position after the trigger handle 894 is depressed and released. A spring retainer 898 may be used to retain the spring 896. The trigger handle 894 may be depressed to cause the front insertion rod tip 862 to be retracted from the first front leg securing hole 702a, and to cause the rear insertion rod tip 866 to be retracted from the first rear leg securing hole 702b.

[0105] The example of Fig. 30 includes the elements discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph, but with the alternative leg configuration discussed above with regard to Fig. 25.

[0106] Referring to Fig. 23, a front insertion rod 900 has a front insertion rod tip 901 , wherein the front insertion rod tip 901 is proximate the first front leg securing hole 702a, and wherein the front insertion rod 900 has a plurality of front insertion rod teeth 902. A rear insertion rod 903 has a rear insertion rod tip 904, wherein the rear insertion rod tip 904 is proximate the first rear leg securing hole 702b, and wherein the rear insertion rod 903 has a plurality of rear insertion rod teeth 905. A front gear pin 906 and a rear gear pin 907 may be attached to the first leg tube 208. The front gear pin 906 may be inserted into a front gear hole 909a in a front gear 908 having a plurality of front gear teeth 911 a. The front gear 908 is located proximate the front insertion rod teeth 902 so the front gear teeth 911 a and the front insertion rod teeth 902 mesh. The rear gear pin 907 may be inserted into a rear gear hole 909b in a rear gear 910 having a plurality of rear gear teeth 911 b. The rear gear 910 is located proximate the rear insertion rod teeth 905 so the rear gear teeth 911 b and the rear insertion rod teeth 905 mesh. A gear rotating member 912 having a plurality of teeth 913, is located proximate the front gear 908 and the rear gear 910 so the teeth 913 mesh with the front gear teeth 911a and the rear gear teeth 911 b. In alternate examples, the gears could be replaced with similarly shaped rubber discs (or discs formed of other suitable material) that do not have gear teeth, that could rely on friction to engage with insertion rods formed without gear teeth, and with a gear rotating member that does not have teeth. A trigger handle 914 may be attached to the gear rotating member 912 for rotating the front gear 908 and the rear gear 910, to move the front insertion rod 900 and the rear insertion rod 903. A spring 915 may abut the gear rotating member 912, to return the gear rotating member 912 to an initial position after the trigger handle 914 is depressed and released. The trigger handle 914 may be depressed to cause the front insertion rod tip 901 to be retracted from the first front leg securing hole 702a, and to cause the rear insertion rod tip 904 to be retracted from the first rear leg securing hole 702b.

[0107] The example of Fig. 31 includes the elements discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph, but with the alternative leg configuration discussed above with regard to Fig. 25.

[0108] Referring to Fig. 24, a front insertion rod 918 has a front insertion rod tip 919 and a front insertion rod hole 920, wherein the front insertion rod tip 919 is proximate the first front leg securing hole 702a. A rear insertion rod 921 has a rear insertion rod tip 922 and a rear insertion rod hole 923, wherein the rear insertion rod tip 922 is proximate the first rear leg securing hole 702b. A front gear pin 924 and a rear gear pin 925 may be attached to the first leg tube 208. The front gear pin 924 may be inserted into a hole 942 in a front gear 926 having a plurality of front gear teeth 927. The rear gear pin 925 may be inserted into a hole 943 in a rear gear 928 having a plurality of rear gear teeth 929. A front insertion rod pin 931 may be inserted into the front insertion rod hole 920 and may be attached to the front gear 926. A rear insertion rod pin 930 may be inserted into the rear insertion rod hole 923 and may be attached to the rear gear 928. A lever bar 933 having a front pole 934 having a plurality of teeth 935 and a rear pole 936 having a plurality of teeth 937, wherein the front pole 934 is located proximate the front gear 926 so the front gear teeth 927 mesh with the teeth 935 on the front pole 934, and wherein the rear pole 936 is located proximate the rear gear 928 so the rear gear teeth 929 mesh with the teeth 937 on the rear pole 936.

In alternate examples, the gears could be replaced with similarly shaped rubber discs or crescent shaped objects (or discs or crescent shaped objects formed of other suitable material, which may be squishy) that do not have gear teeth, that could rely on friction to engage with insertion poles formed without gear teeth. A trigger handle 938 may be coupled to the lever bar 933 for moving the front pole 934 and the rear pole 936, to move the front insertion rod 918 and the rear insertion rod 921. A spring 939 may be placed around a spring insertion member 940, and may abut the lever bar 933, to return the lever bar 933 to an initial position after the trigger handle 938 is depressed and released. The trigger handle 938 may be depressed to cause the front insertion rod tip 919 to be retracted from the first front leg securing hole 702a, and to cause the rear insertion rod tip 922 to be retracted from the first rear leg securing hole 702b.

[0109] The example of Fig. 32 includes the elements discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph, but with the alternative leg configuration discussed above with regard to Fig. 25.

[0110] The trigger handles discussed in the examples above could be made to look like the trigger handle 738 shown in Fig. 15. In other examples, rather than being located on the bottom of the first leg tube 208, 970, the trigger handles of the above examples could be located on a side or top of the first leg tube 208, 970. In the above examples, the first leg tube 208, 970 is drawn with a greater diameter than appears in drawings such as Fig. 15 of the apparatus 100, in order to more clearly show the elements located inside and proximate the first leg tube 208, 970. In other alternative examples, the insertion rods could be angled to extended into the legs (and/or could include multiple pieces which could be attached together for example with a hinge), and the leg securing holes could be located lower on the legs.

TABLE SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES:

[0111] Referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, the apparatus 100 may also include a first side table support assembly 440 attached to the secondary side 184 of the first side table 180, wherein the first side table support assembly 440 is selectably attachable to the first support bar 370 (Fig. 7). The first side table support assembly 440 may include a first front table portion 442, a first rear table portion 443, a first front hinge 444 attached to the first front table portion 442, a first rear hinge 445 attached to the first rear table portion 443, and a first leg portion 446 attached to the first front hinge 444 and the first rear hinge 445. The first side table support assembly 440 may also include first front table hinge 450a and first rear table hinge 450b, for rotatably attaching the first side table support assembly 440 to the first side table 180. As an example, the first side table support assembly 440 may be selectably attachable to the first support bar 370 by attaching ends 448a, 448b of the first leg portion 446 of the first side table support assembly 440 to the first support bar 370. In some examples the ends 448a, 448b of the first leg portion 446 of the first side table support assembly 440 may be configured to be inserted into one or more holes (not shown) in the first support bar 370.

[0112] Still referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, the apparatus 100 may also include a second side table support assembly 460 attached to the secondary side 224 of the second side table 220, wherein the second side table support assembly 460 is selectably attachable to the second support bar 372 (Fig. 7). The second side table support assembly 460 may include a second front table portion 462, a second rear table portion 463, a second front hinge 464 attached to the second front table portion 462, a second rear hinge 465 attached to the second rear table portion 463, and a second leg portion 466 attached to the second front hinge 464 and the second rear hinge 465. The second side table support assembly 460 may also include second front table hinge 470a and second rear table hinge 470b, for rotatably attaching the second side table support assembly 460 to the second side table 220. As an example, the second side table support assembly 460 may be selectably attachable to the second support bar 372 by attaching ends 468a, 468b (Fig. 3) of the second leg portion 466 of the second side table support assembly 460 to the second support bar 372. In some examples the ends 468a, 468b of the second leg portion 466 of the second side table support assembly 460 may be configured to be inserted into one or more holes (not shown) in the second support bar 372.

WHEELS:

[0113] Referring to Fig. 33, an apparatus 580 may include a first front leg 581 , a first rear leg 582, a second front leg 583, and a second rear leg 584. The apparatus 580 may also include a first wheel 585 attached to the second front leg 583, and a second wheel 586 attached to the second rear leg 584. In some examples the apparatus 580 may be moved by pulling the handle 587 which may be attached to the second side table 588, and rolling the apparatus 580 on the wheels 585, 586.

WIDTH, DEPTH, HEIGHT, VOLUME:

[0114] A folded width, and an unfolded width (W), of the apparatus 100 may be defined as follows. The folded width of the apparatus 100 is defined as the distance, shown by the line segment 500 shown in FIG. 8, from a first front outside corner edge 502 of the first front stabilizer foot assembly 380 to a second front outside corner edge 504 of the second front stabilizer foot assembly 384, when the first front stabilizer foot assembly 380 is in the first front stabilizer foot assembly retracted position, and the second front stabilizer foot assembly 384 is in the second front stabilizer foot assembly retracted position. In comparison, the unfolded width (W) of the apparatus 100 is defined as the distance, shown by the line segment 506, shown in Fig. 9, from the exterior edge 186 of the first side table 180 to the outside edge 510 of a handle 512 attached to the second side table 220, when the first side table 180 is in the first location laterally adjacent the first side 114 of the basin 110 and the second side table 220 is in the third location laterally adjacent the second side 116 of the basin 110.

[0115] In some examples, the unfolded width W may be greater than about 78.0 inches (198.1 cm). As an example, the unfolded width W may be about 78.0 inches (198.1 cm), and the folded width may be about 32.4 inches (82.3 cm). In some examples, the apparatus 100 may have a folded width of no greater than about W / 2.4 (wherein the symbol 7" means "divided by"). In other examples the unfolded width W and the folded width may be larger or smaller than the preceding examples.

[0116] A folded depth, and an unfolded depth (D), of the apparatus 100 may be defined as follows. The folded depth of the apparatus 100 is the distance, shown by the line segment 520 shown in Fig. 8, from a front first front corner edge 521 of the first front stabilizer foot assembly 380 to a rear first rear corner edge 522 of the first rear stabilizer foot assembly 382, when the first front stabilizer foot assembly 380 is in the first front stabilizer foot assembly retracted position, and the first rear stabilizer foot assembly 382 is in the first rear stabilizer foot assembly retracted position. In some examples, the depth of the first side table 180 and the depth of the second side table 220, discussed above, may be the same as the folded depth. In contrast to the folded depth, the unfolded depth (D) of the apparatus 100 is the distance, shown by the line segment 524 shown in Fig. 9, from a front corner edge 526 of the first front shoe 392, to a rear corner edge 528 of the first rear shoe 402, when the first front stabilizer foot assembly 380 is in the first front stabilizer foot assembly deployed position, and the first rear stabilizer foot assembly 382 is in the first rear stabilizer foot assembly deployed position.

[0117] In some examples, the unfolded depth (D) may be greater than about 28.9 inches (73.4 cm). As an example, the unfolded depth D may be about 28.9 inches (73.4 cm), and the folded depth may be about 23.5 inches (59.7 cm). In some examples, the apparatus 100 may have a folded depth of no greater than about D / 1.2. In other examples the unfolded depth D and the folded depth may be larger or smaller than the preceding examples.

[0118] The folded height of the apparatus 100 is defined as the distance, shown by the line segment 530 shown in Fig. 15, from the primary side 222 of the second side table 220, reaching to, and perpendicular to, a plane 532 (Fig. 15) defined by the bottom 350 (Fig. 6) of the first front leg 300, the bottom 352 of the first rear leg 302, the bottom 354 of the second front leg 304, and the bottom 356 of the second rear leg 306, when the first front leg 300 is collapsed to the fully collapsed length, and the first rear leg 302 is collapsed to the fully collapsed length, and the second front leg 304 is collapsed to the fully collapsed length, and the second rear leg 306 is collapsed to the fully collapsed length, and when the first front stabilizer foot assembly 380 is in the first front stabilizer foot assembly retracted position, and the first rear stabilizer foot assembly 382 is in the first rear stabilizer foot assembly retracted position, and the second front stabilizer foot assembly 384 is in the second front stabilizer foot assembly retracted position, and the second rear stabilizer foot assembly 386 is in the second rear stabilizer foot assembly retracted position, and when the hood 140 is in the second position wherein the front edge 146 (Fig. 3) of the hood 140 is proximate the back edge 120 of the basin 110, and when the first side table 180 is in the second location proximate the opening 112 (Fig. 3) of the basin 110 and the second side table 220 is in the fourth location proximate the opening 112 of the basin 110, as is shown in Fig. 15. The line segment 530 is also substantially perpendicular to the primary side 222 of the second side table 220, when the second side table 220 is in the fourth location.

[0119] The unfolded height (H) of the apparatus 100 is defined as the distance, shown by the line segment 534 shown in Fig. 1 , from a highest point 536a of the hood 140, reaching to, and perpendicular to, a plane 538 defined by the bottom 540 of the first front shoe 392, the bottom 542 of the first rear shoe 402, the bottom 544 of the second front shoe 412, and the bottom 546 of the second rear shoe 422, when the first front leg 300 is extended to the fully extended length, and the first rear leg 302 is extended to the fully extended length, and the second front leg 304 is extended to the fully extended length, and the second rear leg 306 is extended to the fully extended length, and when the first front stabilizer foot assembly 380 is in the first front stabilizer foot assembly deployed position, and the first rear stabilizer foot assembly 382 is in the first rear stabilizer foot assembly deployed position, and the second front stabilizer foot assembly 384 is in the second front stabilizer foot assembly deployed position, and the second rear stabilizer foot assembly 386 is in the second rear stabilizer foot assembly deployed position, and when the hood 140 is in the first position wherein the front edge 146 of the hood 140 is proximate the front edge 118 (Fig. 3) of the basin 110. A highest point 536a of the hood 140 is a point for which no other point on the hood 140 is further from the plane 538.

[0120] In some examples, the unfolded height H may be greater than about 46.2 inches (117.3 cm). As an example, the unfolded height H may be about 46.2 inches (117.3 cm), and the folded height may be about 16.6 inches (42.2 cm). In some examples, the apparatus 100 may have a folded height of no greater than about H / 2.7. In other examples the unfolded height H and the folded height may be larger or smaller than the preceding examples.

[0121] The unfolded volume (V) of the apparatus 100 is defined as the unfolded width (W) 78.0 inches (198.1 cm) multiplied by the unfolded depth (D) 28.9 inches (73.4 cm) multiplied by the unfolded height (H) 46.2 inches (117.3 cm). The folded volume is defined as the folded width 32.4 inches (82.3 cm) multiplied by the folded depth 23.5 inches (59.7 cm) multiplied by the folded height 16.6 inches (42.2 cm).

[0122] In some examples, the unfolded volume V may be greater than about 104144.0 cubic inches (264525.8 cubic cm). As an example, the unfolded volume V may be about 104144.0 cubic inches (264525.8 cubic cm), and the folded volume may be about 12639.2 cubic inches (32103.6 cubic cm). In some examples, the apparatus 100 may have a folded volume of no greater than about V / 8.2. Thus, the apparatus 100 may be significantly smaller when folded, in comparison to when the apparatus 100 is unfolded. The small folded size of the apparatus 100, enhances the portability of the apparatus 100, and facilitates transporting and storing the apparatus 100. On the other hand, the apparatus 100 may also provide the benefits of a large cooking area (for example a good sized grilling rack 280), and large food preparation areas (for example the first side table 180 and the second side table 220). "Unfolded" may also be called "open". In other examples the unfolded volume V and the folded volume may be larger or smaller than the preceding examples.

ADDITIONAL HEIGHT AND WIDTH DISCUSSION:

[0123] Referring to Fig. 2, when the hood 140 is in the fully closed position and the legs 300, 302, 304, 306 have the fully extended length, a shortest distance from a highest point 536b of the hood 140 to the plane 532 defined by the bottoms 350, 352, 354, 356 of the legs 300, 302, 304, 306 is H1. The shortest distance is the length of a line segment 550 from the highest point 536b of the hood 140 to the plane 532 defined by the by the bottoms 350, 352, 354, 356 of the legs 300, 302, 304, 306, wherein the line segment 550 is perpendicular to the plane 532 defined by the bottoms 350, 352, 354, 356 of the legs 300, 302, 304, 306. As an example, H1 may be about 44.8 inches (113.8 cm). Referring to Fig. 15, when the second side table 220 is in the fourth location and the legs 300, 302, 304, 306 have the fully collapsed length, a shortest distance from the second side table primary side 222 to the plane 532 defined by the bottoms 350, 352, 354, 356 of the legs 300, 302, 304, 306, is the length of the line segment 530 discussed above, which may be about 16.6 inches (42.2 cm). As an example, the length of the line segment 530 may be no greater than about H1 / 2.6.

[0124] Referring to Fig. 2, when the first side table 180 is in the first location and the second side table 220 is in the third location, a shortest distance from the exterior edge 186 of the first side table 180 to the exterior edge 226 of the second side table 220 is W1. In this case the shortest distance is the length of a line segment 554 from the exterior edge 186 of the first side table 180 to the exterior edge 226 of the second side table 220, wherein the line segment 554 is perpendicular to a medial plane 556 (Fig. 1 ) defined by the basin 110. The medial plane 556 divides the basin 110 in half between the first side 114 of the basin 110 and the second side 116 of the basin 110, and is perpendicular to the plane 532 defined by the bottom 350 of the first leg 300, the bottom 352 of the second leg 302, the bottom 354 of the third leg 304, and the bottom 356 of the fourth leg 306, when the legs 300, 302, 304, 306 all have the fully extended length. As an example the length of the line segment 554, W1 , may be about 77.9 inches (197.9 cm). A shortest distance from the first front leg 300 outer edge 360 to the second front leg 304 outer edge 362, is the length of a line segment 558, wherein the line segment 558 is perpendicular to the medial plane 556. As an example, the length of the line segment 558 may be about 30.8 inches (78.2 cm). In some examples, the length of the line segment 558 may be no greater than about W1 / 2.5.

MATERIALS:

[0125] In some examples, the basin 110 and the hood 140 and other components of the apparatus 100 could be made of cast aluminum, stamped metal, steel, powder coated steel, stainless steel, carbon fiber, or any other suitable material. Different components of the apparatus 100 may be made from different materials. Any suitable type of finish may be used for the components of the apparatus 100. For example, zinc type 1 , zinc type 2, paint, powder coat, or black oxide could be used for steel components;

polished stainless steel could be used for stainless steel components; and soft anodized, hard anodized, paint, or powder coat could be used for aluminum components. Chrome plating generally could be applied to any material, and nickel plating generally could be applied to any material except plastic. In some examples the control panel 264 may be made of metal, such as cast aluminum or stainless steel, or could be made of plastic. In some examples the legs 300, 302, 304, 306 can be made of plastic (although other materials such as metal could be used). The first side table 180 and the second side table 220 may be made of plastic or any other suitable material. In some examples, a 12mm tube may be used as a frame for the first side table 180, and a 12mm tube is used as a frame for the second side table 220. As an example, the first side table support assembly 440 and the second table support assembly 460 may be made of metal. SKINS:

[0126] The apparatus 100 may be customized to show affiliation with a particular group. For example, "skins", (or other items) could be attached to the primary side 182 of the first side table 180, and/or the primary side 222 of the second side table 220, to display, a logo, picture, or other information relating to, for example, a professional sports team, a school sports team, a school, a musical group, or a business entity. As an example, fans of sports teams could customize the apparatus 100 to show their allegiance to a particular team. Skins may be thin plastic sheets that have adhesive on a back side for attaching the skins to the first side table 180 and the second side table 220. Skins may be customizable. Skins may be obtained, for example, from Skinit.com. The Skinit company is located in San Diego, California.

HOOD VENT, AND TEMPERATURE INDICATIOR:

[0127] Referring to Figs 35, 36 and 37A and 37B, an apparatus 600 for preparing food includes a basin 602, and a hood 604. A temperature indicator 608 may also be attached to the hood. The hood 604 may be formed with a vent hole 606. Referring to Figs. 37A and 37 B, a vent door

607 may be attached to the hood 604, for selectively covering some, or all, of the vent hole 606. A knob 603 may be attached to the vent door 607. In some examples the hood may formed with a slot for placing the vent door into the slot, to permit sliding the vent door sideways to cover, or to uncover, all or part of the vent hole. In other examples the vent door could be attached to the hood with a hinge or with some other type of joint, to permit covering and uncovering the vent hole by moving the vent door. The apparatus 600 also includes a first side table 620, and a second side table 622. Some examples may include a front leg support beam that has an interchangeable logo badge. The apparatus 600 is also shown in Fig. 19, wherein the apparatus 600 is folded in a configuration suitable for transport and/or storage.

ACCESSORY HOLES: [0128] Referring to Fig. 35, The first side table 620 and/or the second side table 622 of the apparatus 600 may include accessory holes, which may be used for attaching accessories to the apparatus 600, such as, for example, a banner, or sign, (which could include a "skin" (discussed above) applied to a backing board). As an example, a banner could have grommet holes for securing the banner to one or more of the accessory holes. As an example, a banner could be about 6 feet wide (182.9 cm), and could have 4 grommet holes near a top edge of the banner, spaced by about 24 inches (61.0 cm) starting in an upper corner of the banner. Hooks, for example bungee hooks or any other suitable type of hooks, could be used for attaching a banner to one or more accessory holes. In some examples, the banner, sign, and/or side table covers could display one or more logos, pictures, or other information relating to a professional sports team, a school sports team, a school, a musical group, or a business entity, for example. In some

examples, one or more of the accessory holes could be employed to secure one or more side table covers to the apparatus 600. In some examples other items could be attached to the accessory holes, for example a spice rack, a warming rack, a paper towel rack, etc.

[0129] There are various possible locations for accessory holes. Still referring to the apparatus 600 shown in Fig. 35, the first side table 620 has a first side table front edge 624, a first side table back edge 626, and a first side table exterior edge 628. The second side table 622 has a second side table front edge 630, a second side table back edge 632, and a second side table exterior edge 634. The front edge 624 of the first side table 620 may have first front accessory holes 640a, 640b, and 640c. Similarly, the front edge 630 of the second side table 622 may have second front accessory holes 642a, 642b, and 642c. As an example, first front accessory hole 640a and the first front accessory hole 640b may be separated by a distance of about 12 inches (30.5 cm), and the first front accessory hole 640b and the first front accessory hole 640c may be separated by a distance of about 12 inches (30.5 cm). Similarly, the second front accessory hole 642a and the second front accessory hole 642b may be separated by a distance of about 12 inches (30.5 cm), and the second front accessory hole 642b and the second front accessory hole 642c may be separated by a distance of about 12 inches (30.5 cm). First side accessory holes 644a and 644b may be provided in the exterior edge 628 of the first side table 620. Similarly, second side accessory holes (not shown) may be provided in the exterior edge 634 of the second side table 622. Accessory holes (not shown) may be provided in the back edge 626 of the first side table 620 and/or the back edge 632 of the second side table 622. Any number of accessory holes, spaced apart by any desired distances, could be provided in the front edge 624, the back edge 626, and/or the exterior edge 628 of the first side table 620, and/or in the front edge 630, the back edge 632, and/or the exterior edge 634 of the second side table 622. Accessory holes could also be provided at other locations of the apparatus 600. The accessory holes each may have any suitable diameter and depth.

[0130] The features of the apparatus 600 (Figs. 35, 36, 37A, and 37B) generally may be included in the apparatus 100 (Fig. 1 ) and/or the apparatus 580 (Fig. 33), and the features of the apparatus 100 generally may be included in the apparatus 580 and/or the apparatus 600, and the features of the apparatus 580 generally may be included in the apparatus 100 and/or the apparatus 600. CARGO NET COVER:

[0131] A cargo net cover 650, shown in Fig. 34, could be used with the apparatus 100 (or the apparatus 580 shown in Fig. 33 or the apparatus 600 shown in Figs. 35, 36, 37A, and 37B). For example, the cargo net cover 650 could be placed over the top of the apparatus 100, when the apparatus 100 is in the folded configuration for transport or storage. One or more storage pockets 652a, 652b could be attached to the cargo net cover 650, for example for hanging in front of, and/or behind, the apparatus 100, when the cargo net cover 650 is placed over the top of the apparatus 100 (or the apparatus 580 or the apparatus 600). As an example, the storage pockets 652a, 652b could be used for storing cooking utensils and cooking supplies. Bungee straps could be used to secure the cargo net cover 650 to the apparatus 100. III. OPERATION

[0132] In addition to the various hardware embodiments described above, different aspects of the invention concern a method of using an apparatus for preparing food 100.

Overall Sequence of Operation

[0133] An example of a method aspect of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 38A and 38B, which is a flowchart of an operational sequence 1000 for a method of using an apparatus for preparing food. For ease of explanation, but without any limitation intended, the example of Figs. 38A and 38B is described in the context of the apparatus 100 for preparing food described above. For many examples of the invention, only a subset of the operations of the sequence 1000 are utilized.

[0134] The sequence 1000 may begin with operation 1002, which comprises extending the first front leg 300 from the fully collapsed length to the fully extended length. The sequence may also include operation 1004, which comprises extending the first rear leg 302 from the fully collapsed length to the fully extended length. In some examples, operations 1002 and 1004 may be performed substantially simultaneously, by depressing a first trigger handle for retracting a front insertion rod and a rear insertion rod, to unsecure and release telescoping sections of the first front leg 300 and the first rear leg 302, to permit the legs 300, 302 to extend, as described above. The sequence may also include operation 1006, which comprises extending the second front leg 304 from the fully collapsed length to the fully extended length. The sequence may also include operation 1008, which comprises extending the second rear leg 306 from the fully collapsed length to the fully extended length. Operations 1006 and 1008 also may be performed substantially simultaneously, by depressing a second trigger handle.

[0135] The sequence may also include operation 1010, which comprises extending the first front stabilizer foot assembly 380 from the first front stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the first front leg 300, to the first front stabilizer foot assembly deployed position. The sequence may also include operation 1012, which comprises extending the first rear stabilizer foot assembly 382 from the first rear stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the first rear leg 302, to the first rear stabilizer foot assembly deployed position. The sequence may also include operation 1014, which comprises extending the second front stabilizer foot assembly 384 from the second front stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the second front leg 304, to the second front stabilizer foot assembly deployed position. The sequence may also include operation 1016, which comprises extending the second rear stabilizer foot assembly 386 from the second rear stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the second rear leg 306, to the second rear stabilizer foot assembly deployed position.

[0136] The sequence may also include operation 1018, which comprises rotating the second side table 220 approximately 180 degrees around the first axis 239 of the second joint assembly 230, and may also include operation 1020, which comprises rotating the second side table 220 approximately 180 degrees around the second axis 246 of the second joint assembly 230, to move the second side table 220 from the fourth location adjacent the first side table 180, to the third location adjacent the second side 116 of the basin 110. Accordingly, the second side table 220 is positioned in the third location.

[0137] The sequence may also include operation 1022, which comprises rotating the first side table 180 approximately 180 degrees around the first axis 209 of the first joint assembly 166, and may also include operation 1024, which comprises rotating the first side 180 table

approximately 180 degrees around the second axis 216 of the first joint assembly 166, to move the first side table 180 from the second location adjacent the opening 112 of the basin 110 and adjacent the second side table 220, to the first location adjacent the first side 114 of the basin 110.

Accordingly, the first side table 180 is positioned in the first location.

[0138] The sequence may also include operation 1025, which comprises extending the first side table support assembly 440 and attaching the ends of the first leg portion 448a, 448b of the first side table support assembly 440 to the first support bar 370. The sequence may also include operation 1026, which comprises extending the second side table support assembly 460 and attaching the ends of the second leg portion 468a, 468b of the second side table support assembly 460 to the second support bar 372.

[0139] The sequence may also include operation 1027, which comprises rotating the hood 140 from a second position wherein the front edge 146 of the hood 140 is proximate the back edge 120 of the basin 110, to an intermediate position wherein the front edge 146 of the hood 140 is not proximate the back edge 120 of the basin 110 or the front edge 118 of the basin 110. The sequence may also include operation 1028, which comprises rotating the hood 140 to the first position wherein the front edge 146 of the hood 140 is proximate the front edge 118 of the basin 110. The hood 140 may be rotated from the second position to the first position, or from the intermediate position to the first position. In other words, in some examples, the hood 140 is rotated directly from the second position to the first position, and in some examples the hood 140 is rotated from the second position to an intermediate position, and subsequently is rotated to the first position, for example, as preferred by a chef while cooking.

[0140] The sequence may also include operation 1030, which comprises rotating the hood 140 to the second position wherein the front edge 146 of the hood 140 is proximate the back edge 120 of the basin 110. The hood 140 may be rotated directly from the first position to the second position, or from the first position to an intermediate position, and then subsequently to the second position. Cooking may be completed before or after operation 1030, and the apparatus 100 may then be prepared for transport and/or storage.

[0141] The sequence may also include operation 1031 , which comprises unattaching the ends of the first leg portion 448a, 448b of the first side table support assembly 440 from the first support bar 370, and folding the first side table support assembly 440 up proximate to the first side table 180. The sequence may also include operation 1032, which comprises unattaching the ends of the second leg portion 468a, 468b of the second side table support assembly 460 from the second support bar 372, and folding the second side table support assembly 460 up proximate to the second side table 220.

[0142] The sequence may also include operation 1033, which comprises rotating the first side table 180 approximately 180 degrees around the second axis 216 of the first joint assembly 166, and may also include operation 1034, which comprises rotating the first side table 180

approximately 180 degrees around the first axis 209 of the first joint assembly 166, to move the first side table 180 from the first location adjacent the first side 114 of the basin 110, to the second location adjacent the opening 112 of the basin 110.

[0143] The sequence may also include operation 1036, which comprises rotating the second side table 220 approximately 180 degrees around the second axis 246 of the second joint assembly 230, and may also include operation 1038, which comprises rotating the second side table 220 approximately 180 degrees around the first axis 239 of the second joint assembly 230, to move the second side table 220 from the third location adjacent the second side 116 of the basin 110, to the fourth location adjacent the first side table 180 when the first side table 180 is in the second location.

[0144] The sequence may also include operation 1040, which comprises retracting the first front stabilizer foot assembly 380 from the first front stabilizer foot assembly deployed position to the first front stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the first front leg 300. The sequence may also include operation 1042, which comprises retracting the first rear stabilizer foot assembly 382 from the first rear stabilizer foot assembly deployed position to the first rear stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the first rear leg 302. The sequence may also include operation 1044, which comprises retracting the second front stabilizer foot assembly 384 from the second front stabilizer foot assembly deployed position to the second front stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the second front leg 304. The sequence may also include operation 1046, which comprises retracting the second rear stabilizer foot assembly 386 from the second rear stabilizer foot assembly deployed position to the second rear stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the second rear leg 306. [0145] The sequence may also include operation 1048, which comprises collapsing the first front leg 300 from the fully extended length to the fully collapsed length. The sequence may also include operation 1050, which comprises collapsing the first rear leg 302 from the fully extended length to the fully collapsed length. The sequence may also include operation 1052, which comprises collapsing the second front leg 304 from the fully extended length to the fully collapsed length. The sequence may also include operation 1054, which comprises collapsing the second rear leg 306 from the fully extended length to the fully collapsed length. The sequence may also include securing one or more of the telescoping sections of one or more of the legs 300, 302, 304, 306 when the legs 300, 302, 304, 306 have the fully collapsed length.

IV. OTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0146] A number of illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described herein. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the described

embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. Also, although elements of the invention may be described or claimed herein in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin having an opening, a first side, a second side, a front edge, and a back edge; and

a hood having a front edge, wherein the hood is rotatably attached to the first side of the basin and the second side of the basin, to permit rotating the hood over a range of movement from a first position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the front edge of the basin, to a second position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the back edge of the basin.

2. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin having an opening, a first side, a second side, a front edge, and a back edge;

a hood having a front edge; and

means for attaching the hood to the basin and enabling the hood to rotate over a range of movement from a first position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the front edge of the basin, to a second position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the back edge of the basin.

3. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin having an opening, a first side, a second side, a front edge, a back edge, and an outer surface; and

a hood having a front edge and an inner surface, wherein the hood is rotatably attached to the first side of the basin and the second side of the basin, to permit rotating the hood over a range of movement from a first position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the front edge of the basin, to a second position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the back edge of the basin, and

wherein substantially none of the inner surface of the hood is adjacent the outer surface of the basin when the hood is in the first position, and wherein substantially the entire inner surface of the hood is adjacent the outer surface of the basin when the hood is in the second position.

4. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin having an opening, a first side, and a second side;

a hood, wherein the hood is attached to the basin and may be placed in a fully closed position and fully open position;

a second side table having a second side table primary side;

a second joint assembly attached to the second side of the basin, and attached to the second side table, wherein the second joint assembly is configured to facilitate positioning the second side table in a third location outside the basin laterally adjacent the second side of the basin, and in a fourth location proximate the opening of the basin; and

a plurality of legs attached to the basin, wherein each leg has a bottom, and wherein each leg is collapsible from a fully extended length to a fully collapsed length; and

wherein when the hood is in the fully closed position and the legs have the fully extended length, a shortest distance from a highest point of the hood to a plane defined by the bottom of the legs is H1 , and wherein when the second side table is in the fourth location and the legs have the fully collapsed length, a shortest distance from the second side table primary side to the plane defined by the bottom of the legs is no greater than about H1 / 2.6.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising:

a first side table having a first side table primary side; and

a first joint assembly attached to the first side of the basin, and attached to the first side table, wherein the first joint assembly is configured to facilitate positioning the first side table in a first location outside of the basin laterally adjacent the first side of the basin, and in a second location

proximate the opening of the basin;

and wherein the first side table primary side substantially faces a reference direction when the first side table is in the first location and when the first side table is in the second location, and wherein the second side table primary side substantially faces the reference direction when the second side table is in the third location and when the second side table is in the fourth location.

6. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin having an opening, a first side, and a second side;

a first side table having a first side table primary side and a first side table exterior edge;

a first joint assembly attached to the first side of the basin, and attached to the first side table, wherein the first joint assembly is configured to facilitate positioning the first side table in a first location outside of the basin laterally adjacent the first side of the basin, and in a second location proximate the opening of the basin;

a second side table having a second side table primary side and a second side table and a second side table exterior edge;

a plurality of legs attached to the basin, wherein the plurality of legs includes a first front leg having a first front leg outer edge, and wherein the plurality of legs includes a second front leg having a second front leg outer edge; and

wherein when the first side table is in the first location and the second side table is in the third location, a shortest distance from the exterior edge of the first side table to the exterior edge of the second side table is W1 , and wherein a shortest distance from the first front leg outer edge to the second front leg outer edge is no greater than about W1 / 2.5.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a hood, wherein the hood is attached to the basin and may be placed in a fully closed position and fully open position; and wherein each leg in the plurality of legs has a bottom and is collapsible from a fully extended length to a fully collapsed length; and

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first side table primary side substantially faces a reference direction when the first side table is in the first location and when the first side table is in the second location, and wherein the second side table primary side substantially faces the reference direction when the second side table is in the third location and when the second side table is in the fourth location.

9. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a first bearing attached to the first side of the basin;

a second bearing attached to the second side of the basin; and a hood having a front edge, wherein the hood is attached to the first bearing and the second bearing, to permit rotating the hood over a range of movement from a first position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the front edge of the basin, to a second position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the back edge of the basin.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the hood substantially covers the opening of the basin when the hood is in the first position, and wherein the opening of the basin is substantially uncovered by the hood when the hood is in the second position.

11. The apparatus of claim 9: wherein the basin has an outer surface;

wherein the hood has an inner surface; and

wherein substantially the entire inner surface of the hood is adjacent the outer surface of the basin when the hood is in the second position.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:

a first side table having a first side table primary side and a first side table secondary side; and

a first joint assembly attached to the first side of the basin, and attached to the first side table, wherein the first joint assembly is configured to facilitate positioning the first side table in a first location outside of the basin laterally adjacent the first side of the basin with the first side table primary side substantially facing a reference direction, and in a second location proximate the opening of the basin and substantially covering the opening of the basin with the first side table primary side substantially facing the reference direction.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first joint assembly comprises: a primary table bar attached to the first side table;

a first leg tube;

a first sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the first leg tube, wherein the first sleeve has a table bar attachment portion having a hole, and wherein the table bar attachment portion of the first sleeve is attached to the primary table bar of the first joint assembly, and wherein the first sleeve has a sliding portion having a hole, and wherein the first sleeve is shaped to permit rotation of the sliding portion of the first sleeve around the first leg tube around a first axis of the first joint assembly; and

a first pin inserted through the hole in the attachment portion of the first sleeve and into the hole in the sliding portion of the first sleeve, to permit rotation of the table bar attachment portion of the first sleeve and the first side table around a second axis of the first joint assembly.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a second side table having a second side table primary side and a second side table secondary side; and

a second joint assembly attached to the second side of the basin, and attached to the second side table, wherein the second joint assembly is configured to facilitate positioning the second side table in a third location outside the basin laterally adjacent the second side of the basin with the second side table primary side substantially facing the reference direction, and in a fourth location proximate the opening of the basin with the second side table primary side substantially facing the reference direction.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first joint assembly is configured to permit rotating the first side table at least about 180 degrees around the first axis of the first joint assembly, and at least about 180 degrees around the second axis of the first joint assembly, to facilitate retracting the first side table from the first location to the second location.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second joint assembly is configured to permit rotating the second side table at least about 180 degrees around the first axis of the second joint assembly, and at least about 180 degrees around the second axis of the second joint assembly, to facilitate retracting the second side table from the third location to the fourth location.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second joint assembly comprises:

a primary table bar attached to the second side table;

a second leg tube;

a second sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the second leg tube, wherein the second sleeve has a table bar attachment portion having a hole, and wherein the table bar attachment portion of the second sleeve is attached to the primary table bar of the second joint assembly, and wherein the second sleeve has a sliding portion having a hole, and wherein the second sleeve is shaped to permit rotation of the sliding portion of the second sleeve around the second leg tube around a first axis of the second joint assembly; and a second pin inserted through the hole in the attachment portion of the second sleeve and into the hole in the sliding portion of the second sleeve, to permit rotation of the table bar attachment portion of the second sleeve and the second side table around a second axis of the second joint assembly.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising:

a first front leg attached to the basin;

a first rear leg attached to the basin;

a second front leg attached to the basin; and

a second rear leg attached to the basin; and

wherein the first front leg, the first rear leg, the second front leg, and the second rear leg each include a plurality of telescoping sections, to permit reducing the length of the first front leg, the first rear leg, the second front leg, and the second rear leg, from a fully extended length, to a fully collapsed length.

19. The apparatus of claim 18:

wherein the first front leg comprises a first front leg top telescoping section, a first front leg middle telescoping section, and a first front leg bottom telescoping section, and wherein the first front leg top telescoping section is selectively insertable into the first front leg middle telescoping section, and wherein the first front leg middle telescoping section is selectively insertable into the first front leg bottom telescoping section, to reduce the length of the first front leg, and

wherein the first rear leg comprises a first rear leg top telescoping section, a first rear leg middle telescoping section, and a first rear leg bottom telescoping section, and wherein the first rear leg top telescoping section is selectively insertable into the first rear leg middle telescoping section, and wherein the first rear leg middle telescoping section is selectively insertable into the first rear leg bottom telescoping section, to reduce the length of the first rear leg, and

wherein the second front leg comprises a second front leg top telescoping section, a second front leg middle telescoping section, and a second front leg bottom telescoping section, and wherein the second front leg top telescoping section is selectively insertable into the second front leg middle telescoping section, and wherein the second front leg middle

telescoping section is selectively insertable into the second front leg bottom telescoping section, to reduce the length of the second front leg, and

wherein the second rear leg comprises a second rear leg top

telescoping section, a second rear leg middle telescoping section, and a second rear leg bottom telescoping section, and wherein the second rear leg top telescoping section is selectively insertable into the second rear leg middle telescoping section, and wherein the second rear leg middle

telescoping section is selectively insertable into the second rear leg bottom telescoping section, to reduce the length of the second rear leg.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a first leg cap attached to the first front leg and the first leg tube, and further comprising a second leg cap attached to the first rear leg and the first leg tube.

21. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising:

a first front stabilizer foot assembly attached to the first front leg, wherein the first front stabilizer foot assembly is selectably extendable from a first front stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the first front leg to a first front stabilizer foot assembly deployed position;

a first rear stabilizer foot assembly attached to the first rear leg, wherein the first rear stabilizer foot assembly is selectably extendable from a first rear stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the first rear leg to a first rear stabilizer foot assembly deployed position;

a second front stabilizer foot assembly attached to the second front leg, wherein the second front stabilizer foot assembly is selectably extendable from a second front foot assembly retracted position proximate the second front leg to a second front stabilizer foot assembly deployed position; and

a second rear stabilizer foot assembly attached to the second rear leg, wherein the second rear stabilizer foot assembly is selectably extendable from a second rear stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the second rear leg to a second rear stabilizer foot assembly deployed position.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 :

wherein the first front stabilizer foot assembly includes a first front shoe; and

wherein the first front shoe has a hole.

23. The apparatus of claim 21 :

wherein the first front stabilizer foot assembly includes a first front foot, a first front shoe, a first front foot hinge pin, and a first front shoe hinge pin, and wherein the first front stabilizer foot assembly is rotatably attached to the first front leg with the first front foot hinge pin, and wherein the first front shoe is rotatably attached to the first front foot with the first front shoe hinge pin; wherein the first rear stabilizer foot assembly includes a first rear foot, a first rear shoe, a first rear foot hinge pin, and a first rear shoe hinge pin, and wherein the first rear stabilizer foot assembly is rotatably attached to the first rear leg with the first rear foot hinge pin, and wherein the first rear shoe is rotatably attached to the first rear foot with the first rear shoe hinge pin;

wherein the second front stabilizer foot assembly includes a second front foot, a second front shoe, a second front foot hinge pin, and a second front shoe hinge pin, and wherein the second front stabilizer foot assembly is rotatably attached to the second front leg with the second front foot hinge pin, and wherein the second front shoe is rotatably attached to the second front foot with the second front shoe hinge pin; and

wherein the second rear stabilizer foot assembly includes a second rear foot, a second rear shoe, a second rear foot hinge pin, and a second rear shoe hinge pin, and wherein the second rear stabilizer foot assembly is rotatably attached to the second rear leg with the second rear foot hinge pin, and wherein the second rear shoe is rotatably attached to the second rear foot with the second rear shoe hinge pin.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus has a folded width no greater than about an unfolded width (W) / 2.4.

25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus has an unfolded width (W) greater than about 198.1 cm and a folded width no greater than about W / 2.4.

26. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus has a folded depth no greater than about an unfolded depth (D) / 1.2.

27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus has an unfolded depth (D) greater than about 73.4 cm and a folded depth no greater than about D / 1.2.

28. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus has a folded height no greater than about an unfolded height (H) / 2.7.

29. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus has an unfolded height (H) greater than about 117.3 cm and a folded height no greater than about H / 2.7.

30. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus has a folded volume no greater than about an unfolded volume (V) / 8.2.

31. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus has an unfolded volume (V) greater than about 264525.8 cubic cm and a folded volume no greater than about V / 8.2.

32. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first side table has a first side table front edge, having at least one accessory hole.

33. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first side table has a first side table front edge having a plurality of accessory holes separated by about 12 inches (30.5 cm).

34. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the hood has a plurality of holes, and further comprising a tab attached to the first joint assembly, wherein the tab is selectively engageable with a hole selected from the plurality of holes, to secure the hood with the front edge of the hood at a selected location.

35. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a tab attached to the first joint assembly, and wherein the hood has a first hole, a second hole, and a third hole, and wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the front edge of the basin when the tab is engaged with the first hole in the hood, and wherein the front edge of the hood is rotated about 100 degrees from the front edge of the basin when the tab is engaged with the second hole in the hood, and wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the back edge of the basin when the tab is engaged with the third hole in the hood.

36. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the secondary side of the first side table extends at least from proximate the front edge of the basin to past the front edge of the hood, when the first side table is positioned in the second location, and when the hood is in the second position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the back edge of the basin.

37. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the basin has a flange proximate the opening of the basin, and wherein the secondary side of the first side table is proximate the flange of the basin when the first side table is positioned in the second location.

38. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the basin has a flange proximate the opening of the basin and the second side table has a primary side and a secondary side, and wherein the secondary side of the first side table is proximate the flange of the basin when the first side table is positioned in the second location, and wherein the secondary side of the second side table is adjacent the primary side of the first side table, when the first side table is positioned in the second location and the second side table is positioned in the fourth location.

39. The apparatus of claim 12:

wherein the basin has a flange proximate the opening of the basin; and further comprising a grilling rack located inside the opening of the basin proximate the flange of the basin; and

wherein the grilling rack defines a grilling rack cooking surface area, and wherein the secondary side of the first side table has a surface area that is larger than the grilling rack cooking surface area.

40. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the basin has a flange proximate the opening of the basin, and wherein the secondary side of the first side table is shaped to have a gasket, and wherein the gasket is located on the secondary side of the first side table proximate the flange of the basin when the first side table is positioned in the second location.

41. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the basin has a flange proximate the opening of the basin, and further comprising a gasket attached to the secondary side of the first side table, and wherein the gasket is located on the secondary side of the first side table proximate the flange of the basin when the first side table is positioned in the second location.

42. The apparatus of claim 40, further comprising a grilling rack located inside the opening of the basin proximate the flange of the basin, and wherein the gasket extends between the flange and the grill, when the first side table is positioned in the second location.

43. The apparatus of claim 40, further comprising a grilling rack located inside the opening of the basin proximate the flange of the basin, and wherein the gasket is in contact with the flange of the basin, and with the grill, when the first side table is positioned in the second location.

44. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin having an opening, a first side, and a second side;

45. The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising:

a second side table having a second side table primary side and a second side table secondary side; and

46. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the first joint assembly is configured to permit rotating the first side table at least about 180 degrees around a first axis of the first joint assembly, and at least about 180 degrees around a second axis of the first joint assembly, to facilitate retracting the first side table from the first location to the second location.

47. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the second joint assembly is configured to permit rotating the second side table at least about 180 degrees around a first axis of the second joint assembly, and at least about 180 degrees around a second axis of the second joint assembly, to facilitate retracting the second side table from the third location to the fourth location.

48. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the basin has a flange proximate the opening of the basin, and the first side table has a primary side and a secondary side, and wherein the secondary side of the first side table is proximate the flange of the basin when the first side table is positioned in the second location.

49. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the basin has a flange proximate the opening of the basin, and wherein the secondary side of the first side table is proximate the flange of the basin when the first side table is positioned in the second location, and wherein the secondary side of the second side table is adjacent the primary side of the first side table, when the first side table is positioned in the second location and the second side table is positioned in the fourth location.

50. The apparatus of claim 44:

51. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the basin has a flange proximate the opening of the basin, and wherein the secondary side of the first side table is shaped to have a gasket, and wherein the gasket is located on the secondary side of the first side table proximate the flange of the basin when the first side table is positioned in the second location.

52. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the basin has a flange proximate the opening of the basin, and further comprising a gasket attached to the secondary side of the first side table, and wherein the gasket is located on the secondary side of the first side table proximate the flange of the basin when the first side table is positioned in the second location.

53. The apparatus of claim 51 , further comprising a grilling rack located inside the opening of the basin proximate the flange of the basin, and wherein the gasket extends between the flange and the grill, when the first side table is positioned in the second location.

54. The apparatus of claim 51 , further comprising a grilling rack located inside the opening of the basin proximate the flange of the basin, and wherein the gasket is in contact with the flange of the basin, and with the grill, when the first side table is positioned in the second location.

55. The apparatus of claim 45, further comprising a handle attached to the second side table.

56. The apparatus of claim 45:

wherein the basin has a front edge and a back edge;

and further comprising:

a first bearing attached to the first side of the basin;

57. The apparatus of claim 44:

wherein the basin has a front edge and a back edge; and further comprising:

a hood having a front edge; and

means for attaching the hood to the basin and for enabling the hood to rotate over a range of movement from a first position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the front edge of the basin, to a second position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the back edge of the basin.

58. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein:

the basin has an outer surface;

the hood has an inner surface;

substantially none of the inner surface of the hood is adjacent the outer surface of the basin when the hood is in the first position; and

substantially the entire inner surface of the hood is adjacent the outer surface of the basin when the hood is in the second position.

59. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the hood substantially covers the opening of the basin when the hood is in the first position, and wherein the opening of the basin is substantially uncovered by the hood when the hood is in the second position.

60. The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the hood has a plurality of holes, and further comprising a tab attached to the multi-axis joint assembly, wherein the tab is selectively engageable with a hole selected from the plurality of holes, to secure the hood with the front edge of the hood at a selected location.

61. The apparatus of claim 45, further comprising:

a first front leg attached to the basin;

a first rear leg attached to the basin;

a second front leg attached to the basin; and

a second rear leg attached to the basin; and

62. The apparatus of claim 61 , further comprising:

63. The apparatus of claim 61 , further comprising:

a first wheel attached to the second front leg; and

a second wheel attached to the second rear leg.

64. The apparatus of claim 61 :

further comprising a first support bar attached to the first front leg and the first rear leg;

and further comprising a first side table support assembly attached to the secondary side of the first side table, wherein the first side table support assembly is selectably attachable to the first support bar.

65. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the first side table support assembly includes a first front table portion, a first front hinge attached to the first front table portion, and a first leg portion attached to the first front hinge.

66. The apparatus of claim 61 , further comprising:

a second support bar attached to the second front leg and the second rear leg; and

a second side table support assembly attached to the secondary side of the second side table, wherein the second side table support assembly is selectably attachable to the second support bar.

67. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the second side table support assembly includes a second front table portion, a second front hinge attached to the second front table portion, and a second leg portion attached to the second front hinge.

68. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin having an opening, a first side, and a second side;

a first side table;

first means, attached to the first side of the basin, and attached to the first side table, for rotating the first side table at least about 180 degrees around a first axis, and at least about 180 degrees around a second axis, for positioning the first side table in a first location laterally adjacent the first side of the basin, and in a second location proximate the opening of the basin substantially covering the opening of the basin;

a second side table; and

second means, attached to the second side of the basin, and attached to the second side table, for rotating the second side table at least about 180 degrees around a primary axis, and at least about 180 degrees around a secondary axis, for positioning the second side table in a third location laterally adjacent the second side of the basin, and in a fourth location proximate the opening of the basin.

69. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin;

a first front leg attached to the basin;

a first rear leg attached to the basin;

a second front leg attached to the basin;

a second rear leg attached to the basin;

70. The apparatus of claim 69:

wherein the first front stabilizer foot assembly includes a first front foot, and a first front foot hinge pin, and wherein the first front stabilizer foot assembly is rotatably attached to the first front leg with the first front foot hinge pin;

wherein the first rear stabilizer foot assembly includes a first rear foot, and a first rear foot hinge pin, and wherein the first rear stabilizer foot assembly is rotatably attached to the first rear leg with the first rear foot hinge pin; wherein the second front stabilizer foot assembly includes a second front foot, and a second front foot hinge pin, and wherein the second front stabilizer foot assembly is rotatably attached to the second front leg with the second front foot hinge pin; and

wherein the second rear stabilizer foot assembly includes a second rear foot, and a second rear foot hinge pin, and wherein the second rear stabilizer foot assembly is rotatably attached to the second rear leg with the second rear foot hinge pin.

71. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the first front foot is formed with a hole.

72. The apparatus of claim 69:

73. The apparatus of claim 70, further comprising:

a hood coupled to the basin.

74. The apparatus of claim 73:

wherein the hood is formed with a vent hole;

and further comprising a vent door attached to the hood proximate the vent hole.

75. The apparatus of claim 73 wherein the basin has a first side, a second side, a front edge, and a back edge, and further comprising:

a first bearing attached to the first side of the basin;

76. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin having an opening, wherein the basin has a flange proximate the opening of the basin;

a joint attached to the basin; and

a first side table attached to the joint, wherein the first side table has a first side table secondary side, and wherein the secondary side of the first side table is shaped to have a gasket located on the secondary side of the first side table, wherein the gasket is shaped and located on the secondary side of the first table to be proximate the flange of the basin when the first side table is positioned proximate the opening of the basin and substantially covering the opening of the basin.

77. The apparatus of claim 76:

wherein the basin has a first side, and wherein the joint is a first joint assembly, and wherein the first joint assembly is configured to facilitate positioning the first side table in a first location outside of the basin laterally adjacent the first side of the basin with the first side table primary side substantially facing a reference direction, and in a second location proximate the opening of the basin and substantially covering the opening of the basin with the first side table primary side substantially facing the reference direction.

78. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the opening of the basin has a circumference and wherein the flange is formed adjacent substantially the entire circumference of the opening of the basin.

79. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a joint attached to the basin;

a first side table attached to the joint, wherein the first side table has a first side table secondary side; and

a gasket attached to the secondary side of the first side table, wherein the gasket is located on the secondary side of the first table to be proximate the flange of the basin when the first side table is positioned proximate the opening of the basin and substantially covering the opening of the basin.

80. The apparatus of claim 79:

81. The apparatus of claim 79, wherein the opening of the basin has a circumference and wherein the flange is formed adjacent substantially the entire circumference of the opening of the basin.

82. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin;

a first front leg coupled to the basin, wherein the first front leg has a plurality of front telescoping leg sections, and wherein the first front leg includes a first front leg securing hole;

means for securing the plurality of front telescoping leg sections in a fully collapsed length; and

means for unsecuring the plurality of front telescoping leg sections from the fully collapsed length.

83. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin;

a first rear leg coupled to the basin, wherein the first rear leg has a plurality of rear telescoping leg sections, and wherein the first rear leg includes a first rear leg securing hole;

means for moving a front insertion rod tip into the front leg securing hole;

means for removing the front insertion rod tip from the front leg securing hole;

means for moving a rear insertion rod tip into the rear leg securing hole; and

means for removing the front insertion rod tip from the rear leg securing hole.

84. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin;

a first bevel post;

a bevel base attached to the bevel post; and

a front insertion rod having a front insertion rod tip and a front insertion rod hole, wherein the first bevel post is inserted into the front insertion rod hole, and wherein the front insertion rod tip is proximate the first front leg securing hole.

85. The apparatus of claim 84, further comprising a first leg tube coupled to the basin and the first front leg, wherein the first leg tube has an interior, and wherein the first bevel post and the bevel base are located in the interior of the first leg tube.

86. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the first front leg further comprises a front leg securing member which includes the first front leg securing hole.

87. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the first front leg securing hole comprises a hole in at least one of the plurality of front telescoping leg sections.

88. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the first front leg securing hole comprises a hole in each of the sections of the plurality of front telescoping leg sections, and wherein the holes in the front telescoping leg sections are aligned when the first front leg is has a fully collapsed length.

89. The apparatus of claim 84, further comprising: a first rear leg coupled to the basin, wherein the first rear leg has a plurality of rear telescoping leg sections, and wherein the first rear leg includes a first rear leg securing hole;

a second bevel post attached to the bevel base; and

a rear insertion rod having a rear insertion rod tip and a rear insertion rod hole, wherein the second bevel post is inserted into the rear insertion rod hole, and wherein the rear insertion rod tip is proximate the first rear leg securing hole.

90. The apparatus of claim 89, wherein the first rear leg securing hole comprises a hole in at least one of the plurality of rear telescoping leg sections.

91. The apparatus of claim 89, wherein the first rear leg further comprises a rear leg securing member which includes the first rear leg securing hole.

92. The apparatus of claim 89, further comprising:

a second front leg coupled to the basin; and

a second rear leg coupled to the basin.

93. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin;

a wedge member having a first beveled edge and a second beveled edge;

a front insertion rod having a front insertion rod tip and a front insertion rod beveled end, wherein the front insertion rod beveled end adjoins the first beveled edge of the wedge member, and wherein the front insertion rod tip is proximate the first front leg securing hole; a first rear leg coupled to the basin, wherein the first rear leg has a plurality of rear telescoping leg sections, and wherein the first rear leg includes a first rear leg securing hole; and

a rear insertion rod having a rear insertion rod tip and a rear insertion rod beveled end, wherein the rear insertion rod beveled end adjoins the second beveled edge of the wedge member, and wherein the rear insertion rod tip is proximate the first rear leg securing hole.

94. The apparatus of claim 93, further comprising a first leg tube coupled to the basin and the first front leg and the first rear leg, wherein the first leg tube has an interior, and wherein the wedge member is located in the interior of the first leg tube.

95. The apparatus of claim 93:

wherein the first front leg further comprises a front leg securing member which includes the first front leg securing hole; and

wherein the first rear leg further comprises a rear leg securing member which includes the first rear leg securing hole.

96. The apparatus of claim 93:

wherein the first front leg securing hole comprises a hole in at least one of the plurality of front telescoping leg sections; and

wherein the first rear leg securing hole comprises a hole in at least one of the plurality of rear telescoping leg sections.

97. The apparatus of claim 93:

wherein the first front leg securing hole comprises a hole in each of the sections of the plurality of front telescoping leg sections, and wherein the holes in the front telescoping leg sections are aligned when the first front leg is has a fully collapsed length; and

wherein the first rear leg securing hole comprises a hole in each of the sections of the plurality of rear telescoping leg sections, and wherein the holes in the rear telescoping leg sections are aligned when the first rear leg has a fully collapsed length.

98. The apparatus of claim 93, further comprising:

a second front leg coupled to the basin; and

a second rear leg coupled to the basin.

99. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin;

a front insertion rod having a front insertion rod tip and a front insertion rod spring attachment end, and wherein the front insertion rod tip is proximate the first front leg securing hole;

a rear insertion rod having a rear insertion rod tip and a rear insertion rod spring attachment end, and wherein the rear insertion rod tip is proximate the first rear leg securing hole;

a spring attached to the front insertion rod and the rear insertion rod; and

a V assembly having a front bar, a rear bar, and a hinge attached to the front bar and the rear bar, wherein the front bar is coupled to the front insertion rod, and wherein the rear bar is coupled to the rear insertion rod.

100. The apparatus of claim 99, further comprising a first leg tube coupled to the basin and the first front leg and the first rear leg, wherein the first leg tube has an interior, and wherein the spring is located in the interior of the first leg tube.

101. The apparatus of claim 99: wherein the first front leg further comprises a front leg securing member which includes the first front leg securing hole; and

102. The apparatus of claim 99:

103. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin;

a first leg tube coupled to the basin, wherein the first leg tube has an interior;

a first front leg coupled to the first leg tube, wherein the first front leg has a plurality of front telescoping leg sections, and wherein the first front leg includes a first front leg securing hole;

a first rear leg coupled to the first leg tube, wherein the first rear leg has a plurality of rear telescoping leg sections, and wherein the first rear leg includes a first rear leg securing hole;

a lever bar having a front lever bar tip, a rear lever bar tip, a front angle plate contact section, a rear angle plate contact section, and an actuator section, wherein the front lever bar tip is proximate the first front leg securing hole, and wherein the rear lever bar tip is proximate the first rear leg securing hole;

a first angle plate attached to the interior of the first leg tube, wherein the first angle plate has a first contact edge touching the front angle plate contact section of the lever bar; and

a second angle plate attached to the interior of the first leg tube, wherein the second angle plate has a second contact edge touching the rear angle plate contact section of the lever bar.

104. The apparatus of claim 103:

105. The apparatus of claim 103:

106. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin;

a front insertion rod having a front insertion rod tip and a front insertion rod hole, and wherein the front insertion rod tip is proximate the first front leg securing hole;

a rear insertion rod having a rear insertion rod tip and a rear insertion rod hole, and wherein the rear insertion rod tip is proximate the first rear leg securing hole;

a rotor pin attached to the first leg tube;

a rotor having a rotor center hole, wherein the rotor pin is inserted into the rotor center hole;

a front rotor pin inserted through the front insertion rod hole and attached to the rotor; and a rear rotor pin inserted through the rear insertion rod hole and attached to the rotor.

107. The apparatus of claim 106:

108. The apparatus of claim 106:

109. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin;

a first rear leg coupled to the first leg tube, wherein the first rear leg has a plurality of rear telescoping leg sections, and wherein the first rear leg includes a first front leg securing hole;

a front insertion rod having a front insertion rod tip, wherein the front insertion rod tip is proximate the first front leg securing hole;

a rear insertion rod having a rear insertion rod tip, wherein the rear insertion rod tip is proximate the first rear leg securing hole;

a front spring plate attached to the first leg tube;

a rear spring plate attached to the first leg tube;

a front spring adjoining the front insertion rod and the front spring plate; a rear spring adjoining the rear insertion rod and the rear spring plate; a cable attached to the front insertion rod and the rear insertion rod; a front cable guide attached to the first leg tube;

a rear cable guide attached to the first leg tube; and

a cable pushing member proximate the cable and the front cable guide and the rear cable guide;

110. The apparatus of claim 109:

111. The apparatus of claim 109:

112. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin;

a front insertion rod having a front insertion rod tip, wherein the front insertion rod tip is proximate the first front leg securing hole, and wherein the front insertion rod has a plurality of front insertion rod teeth; a rear insertion rod having a rear insertion rod tip, wherein the rear insertion rod tip is proximate the first rear leg securing hole, and wherein the rear insertion rod has a plurality of rear insertion rod teeth;

a front gear pin attached to the first leg tube;

a rear gear pin attached to the first leg tube;

a front gear having a plurality of front gear teeth and a front gear hole, wherein the front gear pin is inserted into the front gear hole, and wherein the front gear is located proximate the front insertion rod teeth;

a rear gear having a plurality of rear gear teeth and a rear gear hole, wherein the rear gear pin is inserted into the rear gear hole, and wherein the rear gear is located proximate the rear insertion rod teeth; and

a gear rotating member having a plurality of teeth, wherein the gear rotating member is located proximate the front gear and the rear gear.

113. The apparatus of claim 112:

114. The apparatus of claim 112:

115. An apparatus for preparing food, comprising:

a basin;

a first front leg coupled to the first leg tube, wherein the first front leg has a plurality of front telescoping leg sections, and wherein the first front leg includes a first front leg securing hole; a first rear leg coupled to the first leg tube, wherein the first rear leg has a plurality of rear telescoping leg sections, and wherein the first rear leg includes a first rear leg securing hole;

a front insertion rod having a front insertion rod tip and a front insertion rod hole, wherein the front insertion rod tip is proximate the first front leg securing hole;

a rear insertion rod having a rear insertion rod tip and a rear insertion rod hole, wherein the rear insertion rod tip is proximate the first rear leg securing hole;

a front gear pin attached to the first leg tube;

a rear gear pin attached to the first leg tube;

a front gear having a plurality of front gear teeth and a front gear hole, wherein the front gear pin is inserted into the front gear hole;

a rear gear having a plurality of rear gear teeth and a rear gear hole, wherein the rear gear pin is inserted into the rear gear hole;

a front insertion rod pin inserted into the front insertion rod hole and attached to the front gear;

a rear insertion rod pin inserted into the rear insertion rod hole and attached to the rear gear; and

a lever bar having a front pole having a plurality of teeth and a rear pole having a plurality of teeth, wherein the front pole is located proximate the front gear, and wherein the rear pole is located proximate the rear gear.

116. The apparatus of claim 115:

117. The apparatus of claim 115:

wherein the first front leg securing hole comprises a hole in at least one of the plurality of front telescoping leg sections; and wherein the first rear leg securing hole comprises a hole in at least one of the plurality of rear telescoping leg sections.

118. A method of using the apparatus of claim 1 , comprising:

rotating the hood from the second position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the back edge of the basin, to the first position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the front edge of the basin; and

rotating the hood from the first position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the front edge of the basin, to the second position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the back edge of the basin .

119. A method of using the apparatus of claim 5, comprising:

positioning the second side table in the third location outside of the basin laterally adjacent the second side of the basin;

positioning the first side table in the first location outside of the basin laterally adjacent the first side of the basin;

rotating the hood from the second position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the back edge of the basin, to the first position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the front edge of the basin;

rotating the hood from the first position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the front edge of the basin, to the second position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the back edge of the basin;

positioning the first side table in the second location proximate the opening of the basin; and

positioning the second side table in the fourth location proximate the opening of the basin.

120. A method of using an apparatus for preparing food, comprising the following operations:

extending a first front leg from a fully collapsed length to a fully extended length;

extending a first rear leg from the fully collapsed length to the fully extended length; extending a second front leg from the fully collapsed length to the fully extended length;

extending a second rear leg from the fully collapsed length to the fully extended length;

extending a first front stabilizer foot assembly from a first front stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the first front leg to a first front stabilizer foot assembly deployed position;

extending a first rear stabilizer foot assembly from a first rear stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the first rear leg to a first rear stabilizer foot assembly deployed position;

extending a second front stabilizer foot assembly from a second front stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the second front leg to a second front stabilizer foot assembly deployed position;

extending a second rear stabilizer foot assembly from a second rear stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the second rear leg to a second rear stabilizer foot assembly deployed position;

rotating a second side table approximately 180 degrees around a primary axis, and approximately 180 degrees around a secondary axis, to move the second side table from a fourth location adjacent a first side table, to a third location adjacent a second side of a basin;

rotating a first side table approximately 180 degrees around a first axis, and approximately 180 degrees around a second axis, to move the first side table from a second location adjacent an opening of the basin and adjacent the second side table, to a first location adjacent a first side of the basin; and rotating a hood from a second position wherein a front edge of the hood is proximate a back edge of the basin, to an intermediate position wherein the front edge of the hood is not proximate the back edge of the basin or a front edge of the basin.

121. The method of claim 120, wherein the following operations are performed substantially simulataneously:

extending the first front leg from the fully collapsed length to the fully extended length; and extending the first rear leg from the fully collapsed length to the fully extended length;

122. The method of claim 120, further comprising:

rotating the hood to the second position wherein the front edge of the hood is proximate the back edge of the basin;

rotating the first side table approximately 180 degrees around the first axis, and approximately 180 degrees around the second axis, to move the first side table from the first location adjacent the first side of the basin, to the second location adjacent the opening of the basin;

rotating the second side table approximately 180 degrees around the primary axis, and approximately 180 degrees around the secondary axis, to move the second side table from the third location adjacent the second side of the basin, to the fourth location adjacent the first side table;

retracting the first front stabilizer foot assembly from the first front stabilizer foot assembly deployed position to the first front stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the first front leg;

retracting the first rear stabilizer foot assembly from the first rear stabilizer foot assembly deployed position to the first rear stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the first rear leg;

retracting the second front stabilizer foot assembly from the second front stabilizer foot assembly deployed position to the second front stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the second front leg;

retracting the second rear stabilizer foot assembly from the second rear stabilizer foot assembly deployed position to the second rear stabilizer foot assembly retracted position proximate the second rear leg;

collapsing the first front leg from the fully extended length to the fully collapsed length;

collapsing the first rear leg from the fully extended length to the fully collapsed length;

collapsing the second front leg from the fully extended length to the fully collapsed length; and collapsing the second rear leg from the fully extended length to the fully collapsed length.

123. The method of claim 122, further comprising:

extending a first side table support assembly;

attaching ends of a first leg portion of the first side table support assembly to a first support bar;

extending a second side table support assembly; and

attaching ends of a second leg portion of the second side table support assembly to a second support bar.