WO2012164281A1

WO2012164281A1 - Modular food preparation, cooking, dining, serving and entertainment system

Info

Publication number: WO2012164281A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/051211
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wayne Anthony SMITH
Original assignee: Smith Wayne Anthony
Priority date: 2011-06-02
Filing date: 2012-05-30
Publication date: 2012-12-06
Also published as: GB201109265D0

Abstract

The present invention provides a modular food preparation, cooking, dining, serving and entertainment system for the preparation, cooking and serving of food and drinks. The food preparation, cooking and dining system consists of a common base section 1 with interchangeable top sections, known as modules. The said modules initially include but are not limited to a Charcoal BBQ Grill module (2), a Eco Grill Bio-Fuel (10) module (3), an Electric Grill/Raclette module (4), a Gas Grill module (5), a Food Warmer module (6), a Bio-Fuel Curry Station module (7), an Ice Bucket module (8), a Seed Growing module (33) and a Pizza Oven module (9). Each of the said modules may be directly attached to the said common base section via a central locator tube (10) that locates into a central column (11) that is part of the said common base section. In (15) addition, certain of the said modules will fit inside one of the other said modules, or certain of the said modules may be used as a standalone device. The said common base section may be freestanding, may be used on a tabletop and may also be mounted on a stand (12) or a wall bracket (13). There is also a game element (14) consisting of interconnecting sections, which sits adjacent to the said common base section and (20) may be rotated through 360 degrees.

Description

MODULAR FOOD PREPARATION, COOKING, DINING, SERVING AND

ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a modular food preparation, cooking, dining, serving and entertainment system for the preparation, cooking and serving of food and drinks.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular system for food preparation, cooking, dining, serving and entertainment, the modular system comprising: a base section including a base plate and a support column extending upwardly in use from the base plate; and a modular component removably attached to the support column.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a barbecue arrangement comprising an inner bowl for receiving solid fuel and an outer bowl in which the inner bowl is removably located. Optional, but sometimes preferred, features are defined in the claims.

The outer bowl of the barbecue arrangement may be substantially hemispherical and may have a rotationally symmetrically concavely curved upper edge. The concave curvature of the upper edge may extend through 90 degrees of the circumference of the outer bowl.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figures 1 to 8 are diagrammatic illustrations of a modular food preparation, cooking, dining, serving and entertainment system for the preparation, cooking and serving of food and drinks. Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The food preparation, cooking and dining system consists of a common base section with interchangeable top sections, known as modules. The elements that comprise the common base section are shown in the area bordered by the grey dashed lines and labelled 1 in Figure 1 , whilst the various said modules are shown in the area bordered by the grey dashed lines and labelled variously 2 through 9.

The circular base plate 15 has four feet 16 on the underside and a central column 11 attached to it which serves to act as a locator for the rotating serving plate 17. On the said base plate's upper surface there is a circular channel 18 designed to accept the wheels located in the wheel carriage. The outer edge of the said base plate has a hole shaped to accept an electric cable. The underside of the said base plate also holds four feet 16. The said feet have rubber plugs, so that the base plate will not slip if placed, for example, on a glass table.

The wheel carriage 19 is a circular part, made of two pieces of flat steel which sandwich and thus hold a series of ball bearings between the two pieces of flat steel around the diameter of the said wheel carriage. The wheel carriage rests in the circular channel in the base plate 15 and rotates freely within the circular channel.

The circular serving plate 17 has a raised lip around its outer edge to stop serving bowls from slipping off the plate. The said serving plate has a central raised boss with a hole in its centre, designed to fit over the central column 11 and locate around it.

The central column 11 is a hollow cylinder with a blind rivet 27 protruding into its interior that is attached directly to the circular base plate 15 and is designed to accept the locating tube 10 at the base of the various modules 2 through 9. The said column provides support as well as the desired amount of space between the said base plate and the said module. The Charcoal BBQ Grill module 2 attaches directly to the top of the central column 11 by means of the locating tube 10 that locates inside the central column 11. The Charcoal BBQ Grill module 2 consists of a BBQ outer bowl 20, an inner BBQ bowl 21, a BBQ grill plate 22 and two tongs 23 that are of a multiple purpose design.

The circular BBQ outer bowl 20 has four equally spaced rivets 24 fixed around its upper edge which serve to act as locators for the BBQ inner bowl 21 and also for a serving platter 25. Around the base section of the said BBQ outer bowl are a series of six ventilation slots punched into the base of the bowl 26. These slots are designed to allow air to be drawn into the base of the BBQ outer bowl 20 and are upward facing so that any stray ash falling out of the BBQ inner bowl 21 cannot fall downwards onto food located on the circular serving plate 17 underneath the said BBQ outer bowl. The base of the BBQ outer bowl 20 has a downward protruding locating tube 10 with a slot cut into it. The said locating tube locates into the top of the central column 11 and is prevented from turning on its axis by means of blind rivet 27 that protrudes into the inside of the said central column.

The circular BBQ inner bowl 21 is designed to accept charcoal or charcoal briquettes and sits within the BBQ outer bowl 20 on four feet 28 attached to the said BBQ inner bowl's base. The said feet create an air gap between the BBQ inner bowl 21 and the BBQ outer bowl 20, which aids heat convection and dispersal. The BBQ inner bowl 21 has a series of holes punched out around its circumference along with a series of ridges pressed into its base to allow airflow underneath the charcoal or charcoal briquettes. The BBQ inner bowl 21 also has two handle locator lugs 29 riveted into opposing sides of the said BBQ inner bowl that are designed to accept the ends of the two BBQ tongs 30 in such a way that the said tongs provide a secure means of lifting the said BBQ inner bowl from the said BBQ outer bowl. The BBQ inner bowl stand 35 is a circular stand consisting of two circular rods held apart by four further vertical rods that holds the BBQ inner bowl 21 at a safe distance from the ground when the BBQ charcoals are initially lit. The circular BBQ food grill 31 is constructed of rods formed into a grid pattern joined to a circular rod and is designed to hold food at an ideal cooking height above the BBQ inner bowl 21. The BBQ food grill 31 has two central rods 32, which protrude outside the cooking area and are designed to locate into the ends of the two BBQ tongs 30, allowing the easy removal and replacement of the said food grill from the BBQ inner bowl.

The two BBQ tongs 30 are also dual-purpose handles, designed to allow the easy transport of and removal of the BBQ inner bowl 21 from the BBQ outer bowl 20 as well as allowing the easy removal and replacement of the BBQ food grill 31. The end of the said BBQ tongs may be located into slots formed by the two handle locator lugs 29 providing a secure way of lifting the BBQ inner bowl 21 from the BBQ outer bowl 20. The same ends of the said BBQ tongs also locate over the BBQ food grill central rods 32 allowing the easy removal and replacement of the said food grill from the BBQ inner bowl.

The serving platter 25 is circular and locates on top of the four equally spaced rivets fixed around the BBQ outer bowl's 20 upper edge.

The Eco Grill Bio-Fuel module 3 attaches directly to the top of the central column 11 by means of the locating tube 10 that locates inside the said central column.

The Eco Grill Bio-Fuel module 3 consists of an Eco Grill retaining bowl, a Fondue burner holder plate, three Fondue burners, and a cooking plate. The said Eco Grill retaining bowl has the locating tube 10 fixed directly to its base. The said Eco Grill Bio-Fuel module is designed to cook using between one and three Bio-Fuel Fondue burners to generate varying amounts of cooking heat as required. The Electric Grill/Raclette module 4 attaches directly to the top of the central column 11 by means of the locating tube 10 that locates inside the said central column. The Electric Grill/Raclette module 4 consists of an Electric Grill/Raclette assembly with the locating tube 10 fixed to its base. The said Electric Grill/Raclette assembly has an electrically powered heating element that generates heat underneath a circular cooking plate. The amount of heat is variable by means of a temperature control mounted on the outside of the said Electric Grill/Raclette assembly body. The electric cable that provides the necessary power to heat the element runs from the base of the said Electric Grill/Raclette assembly and downwards through the inside of the locating tube 10. This cable is then fed downwards through the interior of the central column 11 and is routed underneath the circular base plate 15 and out through the hole pressed into the underside of the said base plate.

The Gas Grill module 5 attaches directly to the top of the central column 1 1 by means of the locating tube 10 that locates inside the said central column. The Gas Grill module 5 consists of a Gas Grill assembly with the locating tube 10 fixed to its base. The said Gas Grill assembly has a gas burner that generates heat beneath a circular cooking plate. A valve and regulator assembly provides the means of supplying gas to the burner and is fed with a refillable gas supply. A temperature control mounted on the outside of the said Gas Grill module allows the amount of gas and thus heat to the burner to be controlled and is mounted alongside an ignition button for easy lighting of the said burner.

The Food Warmer module 6 attaches directly to the top of the central column 11 by means of the locating tube 10 that locates inside the said central column.

The Food Warmer module 6 consists of a Food Warmer retaining bowl, a Tea Light burner holder plate, and a warming grill plate. The said Food Warmer retaining bowl has the locating tube 10 fixed to its base. The said Food Warmer module is designed to keep already cooked food warm and uses a number of Tea Light candles to generate varying amounts of heat as required. The Curry Station module 7 attaches directly to the top of the central column 11 by means of the locating tube 10 that locates inside the said central column.

The Curry Station module 7 consists of a Curry Station retaining bowl, a circular plate designed to hold a further series of smaller bowls and a Fondue burner holder plate. The said Curry Station retaining bowl has the locating tube 10 fixed to its base. The said Curry Station module is designed to hold a number of bowls that contain sauces. These bowls are heated by means of a Fondue burner that provides the necessary heat to cook the sauces.

The Ice Bucket module 8 attaches directly to the top of the central column 11 by means of the locating tube 10 that locates inside the said central column.

The Ice Bucket module 8 consists of an Ice Bucket bowl. The said Ice Bucket bowl has the locating tube 10 fixed to its base. When used as an Ice Bucket, the bowl may be filled with Ice and used to keep drinks cold.

The Seed Grower module 33 attaches directly to the top of the central column 11 by means of the locating tube 10 that locates inside the said central column.

The Seed Grower module 33 consists of a Seed Grower bowl 34. The said Seed Grower bowl has the locating tube 10 fixed to its base and is designed to hold a number of plants. The Pizza Oven module 9 attaches directly to the top of the central column 11 by means of the locating tube 10 that locates inside the said central column.

The Pizza Oven module 9 consists of a Pizza Oven assembly with the locating tube 10 fixed to its base. The said Pizza Oven assembly has an earthenware dome with a series of cut outs that allow small pizza pans to be placed inside it. These pans rest on a circular plate that sits above an electrically powered heating element that generates heat underneath the said circular plate. The amount of heat is variable by means of a temperature control mounted on the outside of the said Pizza Oven assembly body. The electric cable that provides the necessary power to heat the element runs from the base of the said Pizza Oven assembly and downwards through the inside of the locating tube 10. This cable is then fed downwards through the interior of the central column 11 and is routed underneath the circular base plate 15 and out through the hole pressed into the underside of the said base plate. The Pizza Oven module 9 may be used both indoors and outdoors.

The Stand 12 is a tripod stand that allows the common base section 1 to be mounted directly to it. When the said common base section is mounted on top of the said tripod stand any of the said modules 2 through 9 may be used away from a tabletop and thus the entire modular system may be free standing.

The Wall Bracket 13 is an angled bracket that may be fixed directly to a wall or other vertical surface and allows the common base section 1 to be mounted directly to it. When the said common base section is mounted on top of the said Wall Bracket any of the said modules 2 through 9 may be used away from a tabletop and thus the entire modular system may be used in an environment where space is limited - for example on an apartment balcony, or small garden area.

The Game Element 14 is designed to be used in conjunction with the common base section 1 , or may be used independently. It consists of interconnecting sections that fit together to form a rotating element with sufficient diameter that allows the said element to sit adjacent to the circular base plate 15. The said Circular Game Element may be used with a series of different entertaining and educational game cards to provide a variety of different gaming experiences.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to those embodiments without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A modular system for food preparation, cooking, dining, serving and entertainment, the modular system comprising: a base section including a base plate and a support column extending upwardly in use from the base plate; and a modular component removably attached to the support column.

2. A modular system according to claim 1, wherein the support column extends upwardly in use from a central region of the base plate.

3. A modular system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the support column is integrally formed with the base plate.

4. A modular system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the support column is removably attached to the base plate.

5. A modular system according to any preceding claim, wherein the support column is hollow.

6. A modular system according to any preceding claim, wherein the modular component is removably attached to an upper end of the support column.

7. A modular system according to claim 6, wherein the modular component includes a locating member which cooperates with the upper end of the support column to permit said removable attachment of the modular component to the upper end of the support column.

8. A modular system according to claims 5 to 7, wherein the locating member is selectively located inside the hollow support column when the modular component is attached to the support column.

9. A modular system according to claim 8, wherein the hollow support column includes an inwardly directed protrusion which cooperates with the locating member to minimise or prevent relative movement between the support column and the attached modular component.

10. A modular system according to any preceding claim, wherein a plate member is located on the base section, the plate member including an aperture through which the support column extends upwardly from the base plate.

11. A modular system according to claim 10, wherein the plate member is rotatably mounted on the base plate.

12. A modular system according to claim 11, wherein one of the base plate and the plate member includes a plurality of rotatable members which cooperate with the other of the base plate and the plate member to rotatably mount the plate member on the base plate.

13. A modular system according to any preceding claim, wherein the base plate includes a plurality of non-slip feet which enable the modular system to be located directly on a substantially horizontal support surface.

14. A modular system according to any preceding claim, wherein the modular system includes a support stand on which the base plate is removably mounted to enable the base plate to be elevated above a substantially horizontal support surface.

15. A modular system according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the modular system includes a mounting bracket on which the base plate is removably mounted, the mounting bracket being removably attachable to a substantially vertical surface.

16. A modular system according to any preceding claim, wherein the modular component is selected from the group consisting of a food cooking module, a food heating module, a beverage cooling module, and a planting module.

17. A modular system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18. A barbecue arrangement comprising an inner bowl for receiving solid fuel and an outer bowl in which the inner bowl is removably located.

19. A barbecue arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the inner bowl is substantially hemispherical.

20. A barbecue arrangement according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the outer bowl is substantially hemispherical and has a rotationally symmetrically concavely curved upper edge.

21. A barbecue arrangement according to claim 20, wherein the concave curvature of the upper edge extends through 90 degrees of the circumference of the outer bowl.

22. A barbecue arrangement according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the inner bowl includes a plurality of handling lugs which are accessible when the inner bowl is located inside the outer bowl, said accessibility being provided by the concave curvature of the upper edge of the outer bowl.

23. A barbecue arrangement according to claim 22, wherein the handling lugs are adapted to be engaged by the handles of tong members.

24. A barbecue arrangement according to any of claims 18 to 23, wherein the outer bowl includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced and inwardly directed locating members for the inner bowl.

25. A barbecue arrangement according to any of claims 18 to 24, wherein the barbecue arrangement includes a grill plate comprising a plurality of rods formed into a grid pattern joined to an outer circular rod.

26. A barbecue arrangement according to claim 25, wherein two parallel centrally located rods protrude outside a cooking area on the grill plate and are adapted to be engaged by the handles of tong members to facilitate handling of the grill plate.

27. A barbecue arrangement according to any of claims 18 to 26, wherein the outer bowl includes a plurality of ventilation slots spaced circumferentially around its base region.

28. A barbecue arrangement according to any of claims 18 to 27, wherein the inner bowl includes a plurality of ventilation holes spaced circumferentially around its base region.

29. A barbecue arrangement according to any of claims 18 to 28, wherein the inner bowl has a series of ridges pressed into its base to define an open space between the inner and outer bowls through which air may flow.

30. A barbecue arrangement according to any of claims 18 to 29, wherein the barbecue arrangement is a modular component for use with the modular system defined in any of claims 1 to 17.

31. A barbecue arrangement according to any of claims 18 to 29, wherein the outer bowl includes a locating member which is cooperable with the upper end of the support column of the modular system defined in any of claims 1 to 17 to permit removable attachment of the barbecue arrangement to the upper end of the support column.