Carrying case for the operation and storage of a single-burner gas cartridge stove and cooking utensils, with integrated windscreen, storage areas and leveling system.

Abstract

Carrying case for operating and storing a gas cartridge stove and cooking utensils, with integrated windscreen, storage areas and leveling system. characterized by that the gas cartridge stove can be operated in the carrying case, since firstly, all components of the carrying case, as well as all hinges and the two tension locks (10), are made of a non-combustible metal (preferably stainless steel), Secondly, a special opening mechanism (lid opening angle preferably <90 degrees) provides access to the stove and its controls. The opening mechanism is designed such that when the lid (3) is opened, the hinged front panel (17) is also folded up. When the lid (3) is closed, the two guide grooves (18) in the side walls help the front panel (17) return to its starting position, allowing the carrying case to be closed using the two latches (10).

Description

[0001] The gas stove used here is sold under various manufacturer names, but with virtually identical construction, such as "1-burner camping gas stove," "1-burner gas stove with gas cartridge," or "single-burner gas cartridge stove." The author will use the terms "gas cartridge stove" and "stove" in the following text. State of the art

[0002] A carrying case for a gas cartridge stove is usually included. This typically consists of two hard plastic shells with a handle and locking mechanism. Because the case is shaped to fit the stove, there is virtually no room for storing cooking utensils such as a toaster rack, pot stand, grill tongs, or oven mitts. This design is also unsuitable for wind protection when using the stove outdoors, partly due to its light weight.

[0003] A carrying case of today's common design is therefore limited to the functions of transporting and protecting the gas cartridge stove from external influences. Problems underlying the invention

[0004] Campers who travel with tents or motorhomes of various designs (vanlife) often use a gas cartridge stove, which allows them to prepare food and hot drinks both outdoors and in the motorhome (with sufficient ventilation).

[0005] The invention specified in claim 1 is based on the following problems: When camping with a tent or campervan, storage space is often at a premium. Since operating a modern gas cartridge stove inside its hard-shell plastic case is not possible due to its design and material (plastic), the stove must be removed from its carrying case for use, and then a storage space must be found for the empty case.

[0006] Another problem is that cooking with a gas cartridge stove requires additional equipment, which, due to limited space while camping, is often stored in different locations and must be gathered at the cooking area before use. Centralized access to this equipment would therefore be desirable and would eliminate the need to search for it.

[0007] The equipment also includes a windscreen, which is necessary for using the stove outdoors. This consists, for example, of several foldable windscreen slats connected by hinges.

[0008] According to the author, cooking equipment includes wind protection and cooking utensils such as - Toasting rack for baking toast and rolls - Pot stand to reduce the heat source for e.g. a coffee maker - Grill tongs for turning toast or rolls while baking, for example - Pot holders to safely grip hot handles of pots or cookers

[0009] Before using a gas cartridge stove, it should be leveled to ensure that cooking fat, for example, is evenly distributed in the pot or pan. In practice, various aids such as wooden blocks or stones are often placed under the feet for this purpose. The leveling is usually checked using a small spirit level or a spirit level app on a smartphone. In summary, two tools are needed to level the stove today: - Underlay material and - Spirit level with bubble or an app for spirit levels Inventive steps

[0010] The invention specified in claim 1 is based on the previously described deficiencies of the currently common construction of a carrying case.

[0011] The aim of the invention is therefore to design a carrying case for a gas cartridge stove that is suitable not only as a transport case but also for other uses. a) to enable the use of the gas cartridge stove in the carrying case, thus eliminating the need to search for a storage location for the empty plastic hard case, which is common today. b) to also enable outdoor cooking through an integrated windscreen. c) To keep cooking utensils such as toast racks, pot stands, grill tongs and pot holders readily accessible and space-saving in the carrying case, which are also protected against cooking splashes during cooking operations. d) To provide storage space. e) to level the gas cartridge stove without additional aids.

[0012] The aforementioned problems (ae) are solved by the features listed in claim 1.

[0013] The invention of this new carrying case, in addition to the safe transport of a gas cartridge stove as is common today, also achieves the following: a) The gas cartridge stove can be operated while still in its carrying case, thus eliminating the currently cumbersome search for storage space for the empty plastic case. This is made possible by two changes compared to the currently standard design: Change 1: Material A carrying case of modern design is made entirely of plastic. This includes the two case shells, the hinges, and the latches. In the new design, the heat-sensitive plastic is replaced by the non-flammable material stainless steel. Change 2: Opening the carrying case using a special folding mechanism. Only the special folding mechanism, in which the front panel (17) is simultaneously pulled upwards when the lid (3) is opened, allows access to the stove and the control panel (e.g., rotary knob) located on the front. The simultaneous opening of the lid and front panel is made possible by a hinge connection between the two components. This mechanism is illustrated in Fig. 9. b) The two vertically foldable wind protection flaps, which are connected by hinges on both sides of the carrying case, together with the opened lid, create a three-sided wind protection ( Fig. 4) If necessary, only the right-hand side can be used ( Fig. 3) or the left windshield flap ( Fig. 5) can be folded up. In the vertical position, the flaps are held by a magnetic connection (7). The integrated windscreen ensures that, firstly, the gas flame of the stove burns vertically even in windy conditions and can thus effectively release its heat, and secondly, that a separate windscreen, as is common today, does not need to be carried. c) cooking utensils, such as toast racks, pot stands, grill tongs or pot holders, in the storage space of the lid ( Fig. 6) Store them neatly and within easy reach. These items are held in place by a lower crossbar to prevent them from falling out ( Fig. 6) and two elastic retaining straps ( Fig. 8). A removable splash guard plate provides the necessary splash protection ( Fig. 6) This is inserted into the lower crossbar and rests loosely on the gas cartridge stove during transport. A cloth between the two parts prevents damage. d) If both windscreen flaps are not needed, one of them can be folded out horizontally and used as a storage surface ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 5) The resulting shelf is held in place by a hinged support triangle. This, in turn, is secured against slipping by two guide rails attached to the outside of the side walls. e) the gas cartridge stove can be leveled in the transport case without additional aids such as shims or a separate spirit level. This is achieved by four height-adjustable feet (5) located at the four outer corners of the base. Horizontal leveling is ensured by a built-in spirit level (4) located in the center of the lid. Fig. 2). Before using the gas cartridge stove, it is advisable to first level the transport case in a closed and lying position using the leveling feet, check the leveling with the built-in spirit level and only then open the lid. Technical feasibility - implementation example

[0014] The transport case has already been built as a model and tested for its practical use and functions while camping. An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings with the Fig. 1 - 12 explained: Fig. 1 carrying case in perspective Fig. 2 lids, carrying case in top view with integrated spirit level Fig. 3 carrying cases in front view, lid open, windscreen flap on the right vertically positioned (two-sided windscreen), storage compartment on the left with support triangle Fig. 4 carrying cases in front view, lid open, wind protection flaps on the right and left set vertically (three-sided wind protection) Fig. 5 Carrying cases in front view, lid open, windscreen flap on the left vertically positioned (two-sided windscreen), storage compartment on the right with support triangle Fig. 6 Detail lid in section: Plug connection splash guard plate on crossbar, storage space for cooking utensils Fig. 7 Carrying cases in front view, lid closed Fig. 8 Carrying cases in front view, lid open Fig. 9 Carrying case in side view left, with folding mechanism lid and front panel are opened, wind protection flap on the left is closed (lying down) Fig. 10 Carrying cases in side view left, with open lid and front panel, left windscreen flap in vertical position Fig. 11 Carrying cases in top view, lid open, windproof flaps and support triangles folded in. Arrangement of ventilation holes in the base. Fig. 12 Detail Windshield flap or storage area with hinges and magnet Explanations of the drawings

[0015] In the Fig. Figures 1-12 show the carrying case in different views and functions. Stainless steel is the preferred material for the carrying case, as well as for the hinges and latches.

[0016] Fig. Figure 1 shows the horizontal carrying case in perspective with the carrying handle (9), the two tension locks (10), and the lid (3) with a centrally integrated spirit level (4). The case can be leveled before use using the four leveling feet (5) located in the base at the four outer corners.

[0017] The guide rails (16) ensure that the support triangles (15) are secured against slipping after unfolding and thus remain in a vertical position ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 5) are held. The support triangles (15) serve to hold the storage surfaces (2) in a horizontal position.

[0018] The magnets (7) attached to the right and left outer sides of the lid in Fig. 1. They serve to hold the windscreen flaps ( Fig. 12) in a vertical position ( Fig. 4) Since both flaps also have a magnet (7), a secure but always detachable connection is created. The advantage of magnets is that wear-free connections can be created and just as easily released without the use of tools.

[0019] Fig. Figure 1 shows the front panel (17), which is attached to the lid (3) by hinges. This connection causes the front panel (17) to be lifted from its closed position when the lid (3) is opened. Fig. 9) The carrying case is now open ( Fig. 8).

[0020] After opening the lid (3), you get a glimpse into the interior of the carrying case. Fig. Figure 11 shows these details in a top view. For clarity, the splash guard (6), which rests on the gas cartridge stove during transport of the carrying case, has been omitted. Specifically, in Fig. Figure 11 shows: The folded wind protection flaps (1), which are attached to the left and right outer walls with hinges, the support triangles (15) lying on the flaps, which are also attached to the wind protection flaps with hinges, the guide rails (16) for the support triangles, the eccentrically drilled ventilation holes (19) in the floor and the guide grooves (18) in which the front panel (17) is held during transport.

[0021] The Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows the carrying case in side view. Fig. Figure 9 shows the operation of the case's opening mechanism. Since the lid (3) and front panel (17) are connected to each other by means of hinges, lifting the lid (3) simultaneously moves the front panel into the vertical position. Fig. Figure 10 shows the windscreen flap (1) in its function. Together with the cover (3) and the second windscreen flap (1) on the opposite side, a three-sided windscreen is formed.

[0022] In Fig. Figure 6 shows the lid (3) in section. When using the gas cartridge stove, the splash guard (6) is attached vertically to the crossbar (11) and thus protects the cooking utensils stored in the storage compartment (14), such as toast racks, pot supports, grill tongs or gloves, from cooking splashes. Reference symbol list 1 Windscreen flap 2 Storage area (=windshield flap horizontal) 3 lids 4 spirit level 5 adjustable feet 6 Splash guard plate 7 Magnet 8 spacer 9 Carrying handle 10 toggle latches 11 Crossbar 12 Elastic retaining strap 13 lids 14 storage spaces for cooking utensils 15 Support triangle 16 guide rails for support triangle 17 Front panel 18 guide grooves 19 ventilation holes 20 windshield flap supports

Claims

[1] Carrying case for the operation and storage of a gas cartridge cooker and cooking utensils, with integrated wind protection, storage areas and levelling, characterized by , that the gas cartridge cooker can be operated in the carrying case, since on the one hand, all components of the carrying case, as well as all hinges and the two clamp locks (10), are made of a non-flammable metal (preferably stainless steel), and, secondly, a special opening mechanism (lid opening angle preferably <90 degrees) ensures the release of the cooker and its controls. The opening mechanism is designed in such a way that when the lid (3) is opened, the hinged front panel (17) is also folded up. When the lid (3) is closed, the two guide grooves (18) in the side walls help the front panel (17) return to its original position, allowing the carrying case to be closed again using the two snap fasteners (10). [2] Carrying case according to claim 1, characterized by Thanks to the interchangeable, non-flammable spacers (8) of various thicknesses, gas cartridge stoves from different manufacturers can be transported and operated in the carrying case. Two spacers are located on each of the inner sides of the side walls and two more on the inside of the rear wall. [3] Carrying case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by Cooking utensils such as toast racks, pot holders, grill tongs, and pot holders can be stored within easy reach on the inside of the case lid. This is achieved by a storage compartment (14) in the lid. The cooking utensils are secured against falling out by a lower crossbar (11) and two elastic straps (12). [4] Carrying case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by The cooking utensils stored in the case lid are protected by an enclosed splash guard plate (6), which lies loosely on the gas cartridge cooker during transport and is separated by a cloth. During cooking, the splash guard plate (6) is attached to the crossbar (11), thus protecting the cooking utensils from cooking splashes. [5] Carrying case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the two vertically foldable wind protection flaps (1), which are attached by hinges to the respective side walls of the carrying case, together with the open lid (3), form a three-sided wind protection. The two windshield flaps (1) can be used alternately as storage shelves (2) when positioned horizontally. Fold-out support triangles (15) ensure the shelves remain horizontal. These, in turn, are held in position by guide rails (16) attached to the two outer walls of the carrying case. [6] Carrying case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byThe carrying case, and thus the gas cartridge stove inside, can be leveled using the height-adjustable feet (5) located at the four outer corners of the base. Leveling (horizontal alignment) is checked using the spirit level (4) built into the lid (3). [7] Carrying case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the heat generated on the underside of the gas cartridge cooker during use is dissipated via ventilation holes (19) in the bottom of the carrying case. Since the cartridge compartment of a gas cartridge stove is usually located on the right side when viewed from the front, the center of heat generation is offset to the left by this width. Therefore, the vent holes (19) in the base of the carrying case are also offset to the left by this width and are thus located directly under the cooking area.

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