Stoves and furnaces – Stoves – Cooking
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-24
2001-02-20
Yeung, James C. (Department: 3743)
Stoves and furnaces
Stoves
Cooking
C126S0250AA
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189526
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a barbecue, especially for use in the garden.
BACKGROUND
Previously, it has been necessary for people who wish to have a barbecue in their garden to build it from basic components, such as bricks, mortar and concrete sheets or blocks. This is a time-consuming process and means that such barbecues are not easily assembled by people who are not familiar with various building techniques, such as bricklaying. Alternatively, it has been possible to purchase ready-made barbecues which are made of metal. These have the disadvantage that they cannot be left outdoors through the winter as they will rust and necessitate storage of a bulky item indoors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an aim of the present invention to provide a selfbuild barbecue assembly which is easy to assemble and made from relatively few durable components.
Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention is directed to a structural component which can be fitted to one or more further structural components by integral interengageable elements.
This is advantageous in that the structural components can be fitted together to form a structure without the need for joining agents such as mastic, fine clay, sand and cement. Such a structure can be readily assembled by those unskilled in conventional building techniques, and can also be dismantled and relocated as required.
In a preferred embodiment, the interengageable elements comprise a protrusion and a corresponding indentation in the components being joined. The advantage of this is that the components can be joined very simply and in a structurally secure method.
A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a barbecue comprising components which can be assembled and disassembled, which include holding means adapted to secure a barbecue tray, and a plurality of support structures providing support for the holding means, in which the holding means engages the support structures via interengageable elements and in which each support structure comprises one or more structural components which can be fitted together by similar interengageable elements.
An advantage of this is that the barbecue can be put together using relatively few parts and does not need any mastic or other joining agents to secure the structure. Furthermore, the ability to break the structure down into few parts allows for easy handling of individual parts and relatively simple transport.
Preferably, the holding means is a top which can be equipped with a hole to accept a barbecue tray and can be fire-resistant. This has the advantage that the tray simply fits into the top and heat from the barbecue tray will not adversely affect the top.
Preferably, the top is further equipped with a chimney, similarly fitted together by interengageable elements. This provides the advantage that the smoke from the barbecue is directed away from the users.
In a preferred embodiment, the top is provided with a water drip. This may take the form of a groove running around the edge of the upper surface of the top.
Advantageously, the top comprises a plurality of sections which interlock along their adjacent edges. A small section is less susceptible to accidental fracture during loading, transportation and installation than a complete top, so this arrangement reduces the risk of damage to a barbecue, particularly to a large barbecue with an extensive top.
Preferably, the support structures comprise two side walls and a back wall.
In a preferred embodiment, underneath the top, spaced apart in a downward direction therefrom there is provided a shelf, which is similarly supported by and fitted together with the support structures. This provides the advantage that items such as food or implements can be stored in an easily accessible place close to the barbecue.
Advantageously, the top is equipped with a surround which encompasses three sides of a barbecue tray. This has the advantage that wind is kept away from the barbecue tray, and also that the food being cooked on the barbecue tray, such as hot fat droplets can only travel in wind direction.
Advantageously the barbecue further comprises a base of substantially uniform thickness. This may be made of, for example, stone, and be the same shape of the underside of the barbecue walls. This is advantageous in that a level surface is thereby provided on which the barbecue can be constructed more securely.
A third aspect of the present invention is directed to a wall comprising a plurality of structural components fitted together by integral interengageable elements. This provides a self-build wall that can be simply and rapidly assembled, and has the nature of a dry stone wall.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2499156 (1950-02-01), Paolella
patent: 2728334 (1955-12-01), Paolella
patent: 3548803 (1970-12-01), Vogel
patent: 3557770 (1971-01-01), Szentkuti
patent: 3561420 (1971-02-01), Paolella
patent: 1810895 (1979-02-01), None
patent: 2398972 (1979-02-01), None
patent: 2609881 (1988-07-01), None
Clark & Brody
Springair 2000 Limited
Yeung James C.
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