Cover indexing mechanism

Abstract

A barbecue apparatus is disclosed that allows a hinged lid to be rotationally reoriented so as to serve as a wind deflector when in its open position. While the base of the apparatus remains rigidly stationary, the fire bowl to which the lid is hinged is temporarily released from the base, lifted and rotated into a desired position and positively locked in place. Rotation of the burner in one direction serves to release the fire bowl from being rotationally locked to the base yet prevents its detachment therefrom while rotation in the opposite direction locks the fire bowl and associated components in place.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention generally relates to a barbecue apparatus and, more particularly, to a barbecue apparatus that incorporates a mechanism for allowing a hinged lid to be rotationally shifted to a position in which it would most effectively serve as wind deflector while in its open position. [0003] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art [0004] It has previously been conventional practice to rely on the lid of a barbecue apparatus while in its open position to serve as a wind deflector. This not only facilitates the lighting of a charcoal briquette fire or the ignition of a gas-fired device but additionally prevents wind gusts from disrupting or even distinguishing the flame when the grill is uncovered during the cooking process. A number of different approaches have been taken in order to enable the lid to be readily used for such purpose. Lids that are not positively attached to the barbecue apparatus have previo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a barbecue apparatus that allows for easy repositioning of the hinged lid as a wind deflector while in its open position. This is achieved without needing to adjust or manipulate the support mechanism of the barbecue. The hinge is locked into place to prevent accidental rotation. The apparatus includes a grease tray and fire bowl with matching indexing pins and holes to secure the fire bowl in place. A burner is used to limit the axial movement of the fire bowl and prevent it from being lifted clear of the indexing pin. The burner can be easily tightened and loosened with levers and a protective cover is optionally fitted over a starter electrode. The apparatus can be used with charcoal or gas grills."

Problems solved by technology

Lids that are not positively attached to the barbecue apparatus have inherent disadvantages however, including the risk of being damaged when inadvertently bumped into something or when dropped and in the case of boating applications, the risk of being dropped overboard and lost.

Such risks are avoided with the use of hinged lids, but the ability to advantageously reposition the lid so as to effectively serve as a wind break is then typically compromised.

While a free standing barbecue can of course simply be lifted in its entirety and rotated into a position in which the lid blocks the wind, repositioning a hinged lid on a barbecue that is fixed or semi-fixed in position is more problematic.

In the event the lid is hinged to the fire bowl in such a device, reorientation of the device in order to advantageously position the opened lid so as to serve as a wind deflector would require a rather cumbersome manipulation and rearrangement of the barbecue's external support mechanism.

In applications wherein the barbecue apparatus is cantilevered over the side of a boat, such requirement is especially problematic.

Images