Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CAMP STOVE WITH CONVERTIBLE BAFFLE AND SHELF
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
(0001) The present invention relates to stoves, and
more particularly relates to camp stoves.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(0002) Portable camp stoves are often used by
campers for preparing foods at a camp site. Typically, such
camp stoves include a pair of burners, a fuel supply, a
collapsible lid, and baffles to screen sides of the stove
from wind. The baffles typically attach to the lid and are
folded against the lid for storage. To store a camp stove,
the baffles are folded to the lid, and the lid is folded
over the stove burners. The burners are usually mounted
within a firebox, and closing the lid over the firebox forms
a box-like enclosure around the burners. The enclosure may
then be stored in a cardboard box, or may be stored as is.
(0003) The fuel supply for conventional camp stoves
is typically either kerosene or propane. If kerosene is
utilized, the kerosene tank is typically mounted to the
stove, for example along the front of the stove. The tank
is typically disconnected during storage. For camp stoves
that utilize propane, a propane bottle is typically attached
to the camp stove, for example, at the front, back, or one
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of the sides of the camp stove. Again, like the kerosene
tank, the propane bottle is typically removed during
storage.
(0004) Although camp stoves work well for their
intended purpose, often there is little-to-no storage space
for items used in connection with the camp stove during
operation of the camp stove. For example, in general, there
is no place on a conventional camp stove to place cooking
utensils, food, and food preparation items, absent placing
the items directly on a cooking surface.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
(0005) The following presents a simplified summary
of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a
basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not
an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended
to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to
delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is
to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified
form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is
presented later.
(0006) In accordance with an embodiment, a camp
stove is provided having at least one convertible baffle and
shelf that may be positioned in one configuration to be used
as a baffle and in another configuration to be used as a
shelf. In an embodiment, a convertible baffle and shelf is
hinged to one side of a firebox of the camp stove. The
convertible baffle and shelf is folded upward and attached
to a lid for the camp stove to serve as a baffle. The
convertible baffle and shelf is folded downward, to a
position horizontal with the ground, so that it may be used
as a shelf. In an embodiment, the baffle extends outward
away from the camping stove when it serves the shelf
function. However, in an alternate embodiment, the baffle
may fold inward relative to the stove surface to serve the
shelf function.
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(0007) Other features of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description when taken
in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(0008) FIGURE 1 is a side perspective view of a camp
stove incorporating an embodiment of the invention, the camp
stove shown in a closed configuration; and
(0009) FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the camp
stove of FIG. 1, with the camp stove opened.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(0010) In the following description, various
embodiments of the present invention will be described. For
purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details
are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to
one skilled in the art that the present invention may be
practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-
known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to
obscure the embodiment being described.
(0011) Referring now to the drawings, in which like
reference numerals represent like parts throughout the
several views, FIG. 1 shows a camp stove 20 incorporating an
embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in
FIG. 2, the camp stove 20 includes a firebox 22, having
situated along its upper surface a grill 24 and a griddle
26. In the embodiment shown, the stove 20 includes two
burners 28, only one of which is shown in FIG. 2. However,
aspects of the present invention may be utilized in a camp
stove having one burner, or more than two burners.
Moreover, aspects of the present invention may be utilized
in a camp stove having just one or more grill surfaces, just
one or more griddle surfaces, any combination of grill and
griddle surfaces, and/or a camp stove having cooking
surfaces other than grills or griddles.
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(0012) The camp stove 20 includes a pair of control
knobs 30, 32 mounted on the front of the firebox 22. In the
embodiment shown, a propane bottle 34 is attached to a right
rear section of the firebox 22. However, aspects of the
present invention may be utilized with a camp stove using
other fuel sources, including but not limited to kerosene,
other liquid or gas sources, and/or charcoal grills.
(0013) In the embodiment shown, the camp stove 20
includes a lid 40 connected to the firebox 22 by a latch 42
and hinges (not shown, but known in the art). The lid 40
may be closed when the burners 28 are off, and provides
protection for the burners. Closing the lid 40 over the
firebox 22 forms a box-like enclosure around the burners 28.
The box-like enclosed camp stove 20 may then be stored in a
cardboard box, or may be stored as is.
(0014) The camp stove 20 also includes left and
right convertible baffles and shelves 44, 46. In the
embodiment shown, the convertible baffles and shelves 44, 46
are substantially planar, and each includes a rounded bottom
48. Angled brackets 50 extend from the bottom edge of the
rounded bottom 48 into slots 52, 54 at outer, upper edges of
the firebox 42. The angled brackets 50 are received in the
slots 52, 54 in such a manner so that the convertible
baffles and shelves 44, 46 may be rotated about an axis
extended parallel with the rounded bottom 48 of the
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convertible baffles and shelves 44, 46.
(0015) A rear upper edge of each of the baffles 44,
48 includes a slotted opening 56. The slotted opening 56 is
arranged and configured to fit onto protrusions 58 on the
underside of the lid 40.
(0016) In use, the convertible baffles and shelves
44, 46 are stored in a flat position against the top of the
grill 24 and the griddle 26. This position is shown in
phantom in FIG. 1 for both of the convertible baffles and
shelves 44, 46 and again is shown in phantom in FIG. 2 for
the right convertible baffle and shelf 46.
(0017) To utilize the convertible baffles and
shelves 44, 46 as wind blocks (i.e., baffles), the lid 40 is
raised, and each of the convertible baffles and shelves is
raised so that it extends vertically. The left convertible
baffle and shelf 44 is shown in this position in FIG. 2. To
lock the convertible baffles and shelves 44, 46 in this
position, the slotted openings 56 are fitted onto the
protrusions 58. In this manner, the convertible baffles and
shelves 44, 46 may both be raised and attached to the lid 40
so that the three elements serve as a three-sided wind block
for the cooking surface of the camp stove 20, i.e., in the
embodiment shown, the grill 24 and the griddle 26.
(0018) To utilize one of the convertible baffles and
shelves, such as the convertible baffle and shelf 46, as a
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shelf, the convertible baffle and shelf may be folded inward
to the position shown in phantom in FIG. 2. In this
position, the shelf extends over the griddle 26. It is not
recommended that the stove 20 be operated with the griddle
26 hot and the convertible baffle and shelf 46 in the folded
inward position, but the convertible baffle and shelf 46 may
be used in its folded inward position when, for example,
only the grill 24 of the stove 20 is in operation. In this
configuration, items may be placed on the back side of the
convertible baffle and shelf 46, such as food, food
preparation items, cooking utensils, or other items.
(0019) In another shelf configuration, the
convertible baffle and shelf 46 is folded outward to the
position shown in FIG. 2. In this position, the angled
brackets 50 and the rounded bottom 48 engage the top and
outer surfaces of the firebox 22, and prevent further
rotation of the convertible baffle and shelf 46 downward.
Thus, the convertible baffle and shelf 46 extends outward,
in a horizontal direction. The convertible baffle and shelf
46 may thus be used as a shelf, and may receive many items,
such as the items listed above. The convertible baffle and
shelf 44 may similarly be utilized as a shelf in this
manner.
(0020) Although one type of convertible baffle and
shelf is shown in the drawings, other configurations are
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contemplated. For example, convertible baffle and shelf may
include a lock for locking the baffle into the shelf
position, and may include a chain or some other member that
suspends the baffle in the open position. In addition,
although a single type of hinge is shown, alternate hinge
systems may be used. Further, a convertible baffle and
shelf may be used in which the convertible baffle and shelf
does not hinge to the firebox 22, but instead connects or is
otherwise rearranged to provide baffle and shelf functions.
As one example, a baffle may be removable, and may be
connected in a first vertical position to act as a baffle,
and in a second horizontal position to act as a shelf.
(0021) Other variations are within the spirit of the
present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible
to various modifications and alternative constructions, a
certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the
drawings and has been described above in detail. It should
be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit
the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but
on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents
falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as
defined in the appended claims.
(0022) All references, including publications,
patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby
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incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each
reference were individually and specifically indicated to be
incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety
herein.
(0023) The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the"
and similar referents in the context of describing the
invention (especially in the context of the following
claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and
the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly
contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having,"
"including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-
ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be
construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to,
or joined together, even if there is something intervening.
Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to
serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to
each separate value falling within the range, unless
otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were
individually recited herein. All methods described herein
can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by
context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary
language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended
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merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and
does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention
unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification
should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as
essential to the practice of the invention.
(0024) Preferred embodiments of this invention are
described herein, including the best mode known to the
inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of
those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing
description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors
intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention
includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject
matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by
applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-
described elements in all possible variations thereof is
encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated
herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
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