Collapsible grill

Abstract

Collapsible grill (1) with • two front elements (3, 4), • two long side elements (5, 6), • a floor element (7) and • a grate element (8), wherein in an assembled state of the grill (1) the two end elements (3, 4) are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis and the two longitudinal elements (5, 6) extend between the end elements (3, 4) and transversely to them and are spaced apart from each other along a transverse axis, wherein in the assembled state of the grill (1) a trough-like receiving space (20) for receiving heating media is formed, bounded by the end elements (3, 4), the longitudinal side elements (5, 6) and the base element (7), and the grate element (8) is detachably arranged above the receiving space (20) thus formed in an orientation substantially parallel to the base element (7), characterized in that the end elements (3, 4) are connected to the longitudinal side elements (5, 6) and the base element (7) by means of two rope elements (9, 10) each guided in a closed loop, wherein a first (9) of the rope elements is guided along a longitudinal edge of the longitudinal side elements (5, 6) that is located at the top in the assembled state of the grill (1), in particular along the respective outwardly facing side, passes through the longitudinal side elements (5, 6) at an opening adjacent to the adjacent end element (3, 4) and is guided adjacent to the passage through the opening in the longitudinal side element (5, 6) through an opening in the end element (3, 4) on its outside and across the outside transversely over the respective end element (3, 4) and wherein a second (10) of the rope elements is guided along two lines spaced apart from each other in an assembled state of the grill (1) below the base element (7), the base element (7) passes through an opening adjacent to the adjacent end element (3, 4) and is guided adjacent to the passage through the opening in the base element (7) through an opening in the end element (3, 4) on its outside and over the outside transversely over the respective end element (3, 4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a collapsible and therefore portable grill.

[0002] It is common practice to design grills, for example as travel or camping grills, to be compact and collapsible or disassemblable. Often, plate-like elements are joined together to form a grill body with a compartment in which the heating elements, such as charcoal or gas burners, can be placed, and on which a grill grate can be placed to cook the food.

[0003] An example of such a collapsible and portable gas grill is described in WO 2023 / 217778 A1. There, plate-shaped side elements are pivotally attached to a frame so that they can be folded down, thus collapsing the grill. The construction of the grill shown there is comparatively complex, requiring in particular the frame to which the side elements are pivotally attached. When assembled, the grill is secured by built-in gas burner lances that are positively connected to the opposing side elements. This grill comprises a relatively large number of individual parts and is therefore expensive to manufacture. Assembly is also comparatively complicated; in particular, the side elements must be attached to the frame by inserting protruding sections into openings in the frame, thus forming the pivot joint. This requires deformation of the elements.

[0004] Based on this state of the art, the object of the invention is to provide a collapsible grill that is simpler and has fewer parts and components, is easy to assemble and can be easily transferred from a folded to an assembled state and back again.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a grill with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are defined in dependent claims 2 to 10, and further, including particularly advantageous, design possibilities and variants are described below.

[0006] According to the invention, a collapsible grill initially comprises at least the following components: two end elements, two longitudinal side elements, a base element, and a grate element. In its assembled state, the two end elements are positioned opposite each other along a longitudinal axis, and the two longitudinal elements extend between the end elements and transversely to them, also positioned opposite each other along a transverse axis. In this assembled state, a trough-like receiving space for heating elements is formed, bounded by the end elements, the longitudinal side elements, and the base element. For example, charcoal can be placed in this receiving space and ignited if the grill is a charcoal grill, or one or more gas burners can be arranged there if the grill is a gas grill.A specially designed gas burner can be suspended between the end panels. Other heating methods, such as electric heaters, can also be used. When the grill is fully assembled, the grate element is removable and positioned above the cooking chamber, essentially parallel to the base element.

[0007] The special feature of the invention is how the elements – front elements, side elements, and bottom element – ​​are movably connected to one another in such a way that the grill body formed from these elements can be transformed between a folded position and an assembled position. According to the invention, two rope elements are provided for this purpose, each of which is placed in a tightly closed loop and connects the front elements to the side elements and the bottom element.

[0008] The first of the rope elements is guided along a longitudinal edge of each of the side elements that is at the top when the grill is assembled, specifically along the outward-facing side. It passes through each side element at an opening adjacent to the adjoining end element and, further adjacent to this opening, through an opening in the respective end element, onto its outer surface and across the outer surface of the respective end element.

[0009] This first rope element thus runs in a closed loop around the outside of the first end element, passes through the first end element, is guided through the first long side element in an adjacent position, runs along its upper edge to the second end element, passes through the first long side element again, is then threaded outwards through an opening in the second end element, runs across this second end element to the opposite side, passes through the second end element again there and is threaded through an adjacent opening in the second long side element. There it runs along the upper edge of the second long side element back to the first end element, passes through the second long side element again adjacent to it, leads through an opening in the first end element and closes the loop there, running across this first end element.

[0010] A second rope element provides the connection in a lower part of the grill, located further down when assembled. It runs along two lines spaced apart below the base element when the grill is assembled. It passes through the base element at an opening adjacent to the adjoining end element and, adjacent to the opening in the base element, through an opening in the end element, onto its outer surface, and across the outer surface of the respective end element.

[0011] The second rope element thus runs in an equally closed loop around the outside of the first end element, passes through the first end element, is guided through the base element in an adjacent position, runs along or essentially parallel to the side edge of the base element up to the second end element, passes through the base element again there, is then threaded outwards through an opening in the second end element, runs across this second end element to an opposite side, passes through the second end element again there and is threaded through another opening in the base element adjacent to it.From there it runs along or essentially parallel to the opposite side edge of the base element back to the first end element, passes through the base element again adjacent to it, leads through an opening in the first end element and closes the loop there, running across this first end element.

[0012] The rope elements are laid in the loops and measured in such a way that they run taut when the grill is assembled, without being too tight, but rather with a certain amount of play. Accordingly, at the points where each rope element passes through the adjacent openings in the end panels, the side panels, and the base panel, hinged connections are created that allow the grill to be folded or collapsed.

[0013] With the grill grate removed, the long side panels can be pivoted inwards around their upper edge from the assembled state, lifting their lower edges off the base and bringing them into a largely horizontal position. The resulting assembly can then be tilted towards one of the end panels, so that the entire structure lies flat when folded. Reassembly of the grill is then carried out in essentially the reverse order. The assembled grill is already secured by the fact that the lower edges of the long side panels rest on the base and are pressed against the end panels. The grill grate provides additional fixation and stability.

[0014] Due to its design, the grill according to the invention can be manufactured cost-effectively with few individual parts, is easy to assemble, and can be easily moved between its folded and unfolded states. Because of its compact shape when folded, it is particularly well-suited for taking on trips or excursions, even on foot or by bicycle. The grill according to the invention is also ideally suited as a camping grill.

[0015] If, as a possible and advantageous embodiment of the grill according to the invention provides, the end elements, the longitudinal side elements, and the base element are each formed as flat sheet metal elements, the grill can be folded up particularly compactly. Moreover, such sheet metal elements are easy to manufacture, e.g., from raw sheets using stamping processes, laser cutting, or similar methods. It is particularly advantageous for these sheets to be made of steel, especially stainless steel. This material is robust, corrosion-resistant, and can withstand the heat generated during use of the grill.

[0016] The cable elements that connect the elements of the grill according to the invention can advantageously be made of wire ropes. They can be, in particular, steel wire ropes, especially those made of stainless steel. Wire ropes are durable and robust. Made of steel, especially stainless steel, they are particularly resistant to corrosion.

[0017] In one possible configuration, the rope elements can each be permanently connected at their two longitudinal ends in a connector to form a closed loop. This connection can be permanent, for example, using a crimp sleeve, to prevent accidental opening of the loops, which would compromise the grill's stability. Alternatively, a detachable connection can be used, such as a screw connection, as this allows for relatively easy replacement of a rope element if it becomes worn or damaged. Specifically, the connector can be located on an outer surface of one of the end elements; it is particularly advantageous to have the connectors of both rope elements located on the same outer surface of a single end element.

[0018] The grate element of the grill according to the invention can, in particular, be a flat sheet metal element perforated with grate openings and, with particular advantage, can also be made of steel, especially stainless steel. Such a design results in a flat and compact form when folded and is robust in use.

[0019] Advantageously, two support leg sections can be formed on each end element on the lower side of the assembled grill. These provide a stable base for the grill when assembled. For further improved stability, these support legs can be angled outwards relative to the rest of the end elements when the grill is assembled. The one-piece construction of the support legs on the end elements reduces the number of grill parts, thus simplifying manufacturing and keeping production costs low.

[0020] For the grill according to the invention, a drip tray can be provided as an additional element for placement on the base plate and in the trough-like receiving chamber. This tray can, for example, serve as a support for charcoal placed in the receiving chamber, which then does not rest directly on the base element, thus protecting the latter. It can also, for example in a gas grill embodiment of the grill according to the invention, serve to collect fat dripping from the food being grilled, since such a tray is easier to clean than the base element, which is rigidly connected to the other elements of the body via the rope elements. If such a drip tray is provided, it can, in particular, be designed such that the lower longitudinal edges of the longitudinal side elements rest on the bottom of the drip tray when the grill is assembled, possibly against a raised or folded edge of the tray.

[0021] In the grill according to the invention, the end elements can have an outwardly bent flange on the edges that are located at the top when the grill is assembled. This results in additional stability of the grill, or of the body, in the assembled state.

[0022] In the grill according to the invention, the longitudinal side elements can be fixed at different positions, which, when the grill is assembled, are at different heights, using the first cable element. A front longitudinal side element, fixed at a lower position, can have its upper edge, which is at the top when the grill is assembled, lying below the grate element. A slot can be formed in the opposite rear longitudinal side element, into which a projection formed on the grate element engages to fix the grate element in the assembled state. The grate element can engage in pockets, particularly U-shaped pockets with projections formed on the grate element, which are adjacent to the front longitudinal side element and are held and rest there. This design provides the grill with additional stability when assembled and with the grate element in place.

[0023] Advantageously, the longitudinal side elements of the grill according to the invention can extend further in the direction transverse to the course of the first rope element, i.e., in a direction that is essentially downwards when the grill is assembled, than the vertical distance between the rope element and the base element when the grill is assembled. This results in the longitudinal side elements being arranged obliquely and sloping downwards towards each other when the grill is assembled. This design further enhances the stability of the grill when assembled.

[0024] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a possible embodiment, which is explained here with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a collapsible grill according to the invention in one possible embodiment and in an assembled state; Fig. 2. the body of the grill Fig. 1 in a folded state; Fig. 3 the folded body according to Fig. 2 from a different perspective; Fig. 4. the body of the grill according to Fig. 1 in a first intermediate state when transitioning from the assembled to the constructed state or vice versa in a first perspective; Fig. 5 the body in the first intermediate state according to Fig. 4 in a side view; Fig. 6 the body in the first intermediate state according to Fig. 4 in another view; Fig. 7 the body of the grill according to Fig. 1 in a second intermediate state when transitioning from the assembled to the constructed state or vice versa in a first perspective; Fig. 8 the body in the second intermediate state according to Fig. 7 in another view and with a drip tray that can be used; Fig. 9 the body of the grill according to Fig. 1 in the assembled state and with the drip tray inserted, but without the grate element placed on top.

[0025] The figures show, in representations that are not entirely detailed but nevertheless depict the essential features of the invention and are not necessarily to scale, a possible embodiment of a collapsible grill according to the invention in various views and states.

[0026] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a grill 1 according to the invention in an assembled state.

[0027] If the following description of Grill 1 refers to the Fig. 1. Where directions and orientations are specified, e.g. "top" and "bottom" or "horizontal" and "vertical" or "parallel", these specifications always refer to the grill 1 in its assembled state and placed on a horizontally oriented surface.

[0028] The assembled grill 1 comprises a body 2, which consists of two end elements 3, 4 arranged opposite each other in a longitudinal direction of the grill 1 and essentially parallel to each other, two longitudinal side elements 5, 6 arranged between the end elements 3, 4 and inclined towards each other in a downward direction relative to the vertical, and a base element 7, which is essentially horizontally oriented. The aforementioned elements are formed as sheet metal elements, in particular from steel, preferably stainless steel.

[0029] The body 2 of the grill 1 is held together by two rope elements 9, 10, each guided in a closed loop. The rope elements 9, 10 can advantageously be made of steel, in particular stainless steel, ropes. They can be attached at both ends to a connecting piece 17, 18 (cf. e.g. Fig. 2) connected and thus closed to form the respective closed loop.

[0030] A first rope element 9, arranged in an upper position in the assembled state, runs along and parallel to an upper edge of a front-arranged first longitudinal side element 5 on its outer surface, is guided through openings or bores formed in the first longitudinal side element 5 at positions adjacent to the adjacent end elements 3, 4, and immediately passes through adjacent openings or bores in the respective end element 3, 4. On the outer surface of the respective end elements 3, 4, the first rope element 9 runs transversely to another opening or bore through which it is threaded, and then again in an adjacent area near the upper edge of the rear, second longitudinal side element 6, passes onto its outer surface and runs there parallel to the upper edge.Since the first rope element 9 lies in a closed loop, a continuous and closed circuit results, in which the first rope element 9 holds the body 2 together at this upper position.

[0031] A second rope element 10 is also guided in a closed loop in a lower position of the body 2 and holds the body 2 and the connected elements together at this level. This second rope element 10 runs transversely across the respective end elements 3, 4 on their outer sides, passes through the end elements 3, 4 at horizontally spaced positions through openings or bores, and emerges above the base element 7 at different positions on the inner side. From there, it immediately passes through adjacent openings or bores in the base element 7 and runs along parallel lines below the base element 7 until it reaches the opposite end element 3, 4. There, it is again guided upwards through openings or bores in the base element 7 and immediately passes through adjacent openings or bores.The bores in the end element 3, 4 pass through there in a transverse direction to the closed loop.

[0032] Thus, the longitudinal side elements 5, 6 are suspended on the first rope element 9, with pivot points formed at the transitions to the adjacent end elements 3, 4, and the floor element 7 is suspended on the second rope element 10 at the end elements 3, 4 and is supported by the second rope element 10.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal side elements 5, 6 are arranged at different heights on the end elements 3, 4. The rear longitudinal side element 6 is suspended higher and also has a longer downward extension than the front longitudinal side element 5. Accordingly, the course of the first cable element 9 across the outer surface of the end elements 3, 4 is not horizontal, but oblique to the horizontal.

[0034] The grill 1, or rather its body 2, rests on the ground in its assembled state on support sections 11, 12 formed on the end elements 3, 4, the support sections 11, 12 being angled outwards relative to the rest of the end elements 3, 4 for improved stability of the grill 1. Further improvement in the stability of the grill 1 is achieved by the [missing information - likely a specific feature or element] in the Fig. 1 and also in the further figures the deflection of the two front elements 3, 4 is retained at their upper end.

[0035] In the Fig. Figure 1 also shows a grate element 8, which is a sheet metal element perforated with slot-like openings, e.g., an element made of steel, particularly stainless steel. The grate element 8 has a projection 14 located approximately centrally on one longitudinal edge, extending transversely to the longitudinal edge, and has two projections 15 extending this longitudinal edge on the opposite longitudinal edge. These structures serve to secure the grate element 8 to the body 2 of the grill 1. The projection 14 of the grate element 8 pierces a slot 13 formed in the rear longitudinal side element 6. The projections 15 rest in U-shaped pockets 16 (compare, e.g., Figure 1). Fig. 2), which are formed at the front edges of the end elements 3, 4. In this way, the grate element 8 is not only held to the body 2, but also further stabilizes the grill 1 in its assembled state.

[0036] The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the body 2 of the grill 1 in a folded state, which can be achieved when the grate element 8 is removed from the body 2, and in which the body 2, together with the grate element 8, can be stored and transported in a space-saving manner. Here, the two longitudinal side elements 5, 6 are pivoted inwards around the joints formed by the first rope element 9 compared to the assembled state, and the body is then tilted to the right by tilting the two end elements 3, 4 in a direction relative to the Fig. The body 2 is laid flat, with the connection formed by the second rope element 10 between the end elements 3, 4 and the base element 7, and also the connection formed by the first rope element 9 between the end elements 3, 4 and the side elements 5, 6, each pivoting freely. This results in an arrangement in which the individual sheet metal parts of the body 2—end elements 3, 4, side elements 5, 6, and base element 7—lie largely flat against one another. The length of the rope elements 9, 10 placed in the closed loops allows sufficient slack to permit these pivoting and tilting movements. At the same time, the respective lengths of the rope elements 9, 10 are also dimensioned such that, in the assembled state, they securely hold the body 2 of the grill 1 together and fix it in this position.

[0037] The Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an initial intermediate position, as it is traversed when moving the body 2 from the folded state to the assembled state, or also when transferring it from the erected state to the folded state. The longitudinal side elements 5, 6 are folded or pivoted around the joints formed by the connections with the first rope element 9. This frees the end elements 5, 6 and the base element 7 to tilt the joints formed by the second rope element 10, and allows the end elements 3, 4 to be moved back and forth between an upright position and the flattened position.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 7 shows a second intermediate position of the body 2, in which the end elements 3, 4 are already or still – depending on the type of conversion from folded to assembled or vice versa – erected and aligned parallel to each other, and in which the longitudinal side elements 5, 6 are pivoted or unfolded downwards by a certain distance around the joints formed by the first rope element 9. This locks the end elements 3, 4 in the erected position, preventing them from being tilted or pivoted relative to the base element 7.

[0039] In the Fig. Figure 8 shows the body 2 in the second intermediate position, also showing a drip tray 19 which can be placed on the base element 7 and which has an upwardly bent or folded edge all around. This drip tray 19 can, for example, collect fat dripping from the food being grilled or serve as a support for charcoal if the grill 1 is to be operated as a charcoal grill.

[0040] In Fig. Finally, the assembled body 2 is shown in 9, in which the grate element 8 can then be mounted again to create the same effect as in Fig. To form the grill shown in section 1. In the Fig. Figure 9 shows that the longitudinal side elements 5, 6 lie with their lower edges in the collection tray 19 and abut from the inside against the raised longitudinal walls of the collection tray 19. This ensures that the collection tray 19 is correctly positioned and fixed.

[0041] In the Fig. 9 also shows the trough-like receiving chamber 20, in which the heating medium for the grill 1 can be arranged and which extends upwards through the grate element 8 (compare Fig. 1) is closed. As already mentioned, charcoal can be placed in the receiving chamber 20, particularly on the drip tray 20 provided as a possible accessory. When lit, the charcoal's embers generate the heat for grilling food placed on the grill grate 8. Alternatively, one or more other types of heat sources can be placed in the receiving chamber 20, such as gas burners, like one or more gas burner lances, or electrically operated heating elements. These would then be expediently mounted detachably through openings (not shown) in either one or both of the end elements 3, 4 or in one or both of the side elements 5, 6 into the receiving chamber 20 and secured to the grill.

[0042] The foregoing description of an exemplary embodiment has once again clearly demonstrated the particular benefits and function of the invention. It has been shown, in particular, that a simple structure, manufactured from few and inexpensive parts, has been achieved, which allows for easy movement of the grill 1, especially its body 2, between an assembled and a folded state and vice versa. Reference symbol list 1 Grill 2 bodies 3 Front element 4 Front element 5 Long side element 6 Long side element 7 floor element 8 grate elements 9 first rope element 10 second rope element 11 Base section 12 Stand section 13 slots 14. Extension 15 lead 16 bags 17 Connecting piece 18 Connecting piece 19 drip tray QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2023 / 217778 A1

[0003]

Claims

Collapsible grill (1) comprising: • two end elements (3, 4), • two longitudinal side elements (5, 6), • a base element (7) and • a grate element (8), wherein in an assembled state of the grill (1) the two end elements (3, 4) are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis and the two longitudinal elements (5, 6) extend between the end elements (3, 4) and transversely to them and are spaced apart from each other along a transverse axis, wherein in the assembled state of the grill (1) a trough-like receiving space (20) for receiving heating elements is formed, bounded by the end elements (3, 4), the longitudinal side elements (5, 6) and the base element (7), and the grate element (8) is detachably arranged above the receiving space (20) thus formed in an orientation substantially parallel to the base element (7), characterized in that the end elements (3, 4) are connected to the longitudinal side elements (5,6) and the base element (7) are connected by means of two rope elements (9, 10) each guided in a closed loop, wherein a first (9) of the rope elements is guided along a longitudinal edge of the longitudinal side elements (5, 6) that is located at the top in the assembled state of the grill (1), in particular along the respective outwardly facing side, passing through the longitudinal side elements (5, 6) at an opening adjacent to the adjacent end element (3, 4) and, adjacent to the passage through the opening in the longitudinal side element (5, 6), through an opening in the end element (3, 4) on its outside and across the outside transversely over the respective end element (3, 4), and wherein a second (10) of the rope elements is guided along two lines spaced apart from each other below the base element (7) in an assembled state of the grill (1),the base element (7) passes through an opening adjacent to the adjacent end element (3, 4) and, adjacent to the passage through the opening in the base element (7), through an opening in the end element (3, 4) onto its outer side and across the outer side transversely over the respective end element (3, 4). Collapsible grill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the end elements (3, 4), the longitudinal side elements (5, 6) and the bottom element (7) are formed as flat sheet metal elements, preferably made of steel, in particular stainless steel. Collapsible grill (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rope elements (9, 10) are formed as wire ropes, in particular steel wire ropes, in particular made of stainless steel. Collapsible grill (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rope elements (9, 10) are each firmly connected with two longitudinal ends in a connecting piece 17, 18) to form a closed loop, wherein the respective connecting piece (17, 18) is arranged in particular on an outer surface of one of the end elements (3, 4). Collapsible grill (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grate element (8) is a flat sheet metal element, preferably made of steel, in particular stainless steel, with grate openings. Collapsible grill (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the end elements (3, 4) on a side located towards the bottom in the assembled state of the grill (1) two support foot sections (11, 12) are formed, which in particular in the assembled state of the grill (1) are angled outwards relative to the remaining course of the end elements (3, 4). Collapsible grill (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a collection tray (19) for arrangement on the base plate (7) and in the trough-like receiving space (20). Collapsible grill (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end elements (3, 4) have an outwardly bent edge on the edges that are on top in the assembled state of the grill (1). Collapsible grill (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal side elements (5, 6) are fixed at different heights in the assembled state of the grill (1) with the first rope element (9), and that a front longitudinal side element (5) fixed at a lower position has its upper edge, which runs upwards in the assembled state, lying below the grate element (8), and that a slot (13) is formed in the opposite rear longitudinal side element (6), into which a projection (14) formed on the grate element (8) engages for fixing the grate element (8) in the assembled state of the grill (1). Collapsible grill according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal side elements (5, 6) have a longer extension in the direction transverse to the course of the first rope element (9) than the vertical distance between the first rope element (9) and the base element (7) given in the assembled state of the grill (1), so that the longitudinal side elements (5, 6) are arranged obliquely and in a downward direction towards each other in the assembled state of the grill (1).

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