FOLDABLE COOKING APPLIANCE

Abstract

A cooking appliance comprising a cooking grid (2), a folding frame, and side panels, the folding frame having a first panel (P1) and a second panel (P2), each having a leg (F1, F2) and mounted pivotally relative to each other about an axis (X), allowing the frame (1) to have a folded or unfolded position, defining a cooking zone with the side panels. The cooking appliance also includes a locking system (F1, F2, F2) comprising an insertion passage adapted to receive the cooking grid (2) when the frame is in the folded position and configured to cooperate with the cooking grid (2) so as to maintain the frame in the folded position when the cooking grid is inserted into said insertion passage, corresponding to a stowed position of the cooking grid. [Fig. 3]

Description

Title of the invention: FOLDABLE COOKING APPLIANCE TECHNICAL FIELD AND PREVIOUS ART

[0001] The present invention relates to a foldable cooking device, also referred to as a barbecue.

[0002] There are barbecues with a folding structure for easy transport and movement without being bulky. Some barbecues with such a folding structure include parts that can be pre-assembled to design the barbecue or assembled during installation.

[0003] Assembly represents a loss of time for the user and a risk of forgetting or even losing the assembly parts during transport of the barbecue.

[0004] Document CN211749008U describes a barbecue whose structure consists of hinged plates that, when unfolded, support a cooking grate. The folding cooking grate can be stored inside the barbecue when it is folded. Because it is detached from the structure, the cooking grate can easily be lost or misplaced. Furthermore, the barbecue is locked in the folded position by means of an additional latch.

[0005] Furthermore, other barbecues may have a structure with a cooking grate attached to the structure, such as the barbecue described in document CN204600246U. However, such a structure implies a complex design. Description of the invention

[0006] It is therefore one of the aims of the present application to offer a folding cooking appliance with simplified assembly, which is much easier to transport and presents little risk of loss of any of the parts.

[0007] According to one aspect, a cooking appliance is proposed comprising a cooking grid, a folding frame, side panels, the folding frame having a first panel and a second panel each having a foot and mounted pivotably relative to each other around an axis allowing the frame to have a folded position or an unfolded position delimiting a cooking zone.

[0008] The cooking appliance also includes a locking system comprising an insertion passage suitable for receiving the cooking grid when the chassis is in a folded position and configured to cooperate with the cooking grid so as to maintain the chassis in a folded position when the cooking grid is inserted into said insertion passage corresponding to a stowed position of the cooking grid.

[0009] In other words, the cooking appliance thus proposed has a foldable structure whose locking system incorporates the cooking grid and allows maintain the structure in the folded state while limiting the risk of losing or forgetting the cooking grid.

[0010] In a subsidiary manner, the cooking appliance offers an advantageous structure intended to cooperate with a cooking grid for locking the folded position without requiring the use of special means which may complicate its assembly or without which the cooking appliance cannot be assembled.

[0011] The cooking appliance advantageously has means for locking the structure in the unfolded position. For example, the side panels are configured to hold the frame in the unfolded position, the frame including a fire grate at the level of the cooking zone, said side panels and the fire grate being hinged on the second panel.

[0012] Indeed, the cheeks, the fire grate and L-shaped slots can together form these locking means in the unfolded position, thanks to an articulation of the cheeks which initially prevents the panels from folding towards each other and an articulation of the fire grate which subsequently prevents the cheeks from folding down.

[0013] The "L" shaped slots are located on the first panel into which an upper end of the cheeks can be inserted so as to further prevent the cheeks from unfolding outwards from the cooking appliance.

[0014] Advantageously, the locking means, according to another example, include (not exclusively, since it is a combination of several factors / components that organizes the locking) the "L"-shaped slots which also prevent the cheeks from folding back into the cooking appliance.

[0015] Advantageously, the foot of the first panel includes means forming a stop for the cooking grid when the cooking grid is inserted into said insertion passage. Consequently, the cooking grid cannot slip and fall during transport of the cooking appliance and thus prevents the chassis from moving into the unfolded position, particularly during transport of the cooking appliance.

[0016] In one embodiment, each panel includes an opening suitable for the cooking grid to pass through so that the cooking grid is positioned above the cooking zone corresponding to a cooking position of the cooking grid.

[0017] For example, said openings have a width greater than the width of the cooking grid by at least 2 mm.

[0018] These openings can be formed in the panels so as to insulate specific areas of the panels from the heat generated from the firebox. In particular, the openings in the panels allow both the cooking grate to be placed in the cooking position and the thermal conduction of the heat emitted by the fire in the cooking firebox to be limited.

[0019] Advantageously, each panel has a handle on one longitudinal end, said openings being located between the cooking zone and said handles.

[0020] The longitudinal ends of the panels are spaced apart when the frame is in the unfolded position. The handles located at these longitudinal ends are kept away from the heat source formed by the cooking zone during operation of the cooking appliance. Furthermore, the placement of the openings very effectively limits heat conduction from the cooking zone to the handles.

[0021] Thus, the temperature rise of the handles during the lighting of the barbecue is slowed down. The handles can then remain for longer at a temperature allowing them to be handled directly with skin contact or indirectly through gloves that can withstand this temperature, while reducing the risk of burns from inadvertent contact with these handles, for example at the end of the lighting of the cooking appliance.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of said panels includes locking means configured to retain the cooking grid in the cooking position.

[0023] These locking means allow, on the one hand, the cooking grate to be prevented from sliding out of the opening and falling and, on the other hand, a portion of the cooking grate to be positioned outside the cooking appliance, which can then serve as a support for food, utensils, or any other type of object, the area of ​​the grate being outside the cooking zone remaining cool at all times. These locking means are, for example, protrusions formed at the same time as the opening, for example, by cutting out the panel.

[0024] Preferably, said openings are sufficiently narrow to prevent an inclination of the cooking grid which would cause the cooking grid to tip out of these protrusions.

[0025] Furthermore, said openings are advantageously located between the cooking zone and the longitudinal ends of the panels, preferably below the upper end of the sides of the cooking appliance and more particularly at a sufficiently low height relative to that of the upper ends of the sides to limit the risk of food falling outside the cooking appliance.

[0026] The cheeks located on the edges of the cooking grid, in addition to their function of locking the unfolded position, help to retain the food on the cooking grid and promote the diffusion of heat towards the cooking grid.

[0027] Each panel includes at least one transverse fold so as to form at least one panel reinforcement zone.

[0028] The transverse folds are preferably oriented horizontally on the plane of the panel. These folds help to limit deformations caused by the heat generated by the cooking element and to maintain the integrity of the cooking appliance. "Panel reinforcement zone" refers to areas of the panel exhibiting high resistance to deformation, and preferably located relatively close to the heat sources.

[0029] The cooking appliance also features a relatively simple assembly from panels made in one piece. More specifically, certain previously mentioned features such as the stop means, the side panels, and the cooking chamber are obtained by cutting and / or folding. Other elements, such as, for example, edges to improve the grip of the handles, can also be obtained by folding without adding any stress to the manufacturing of the cooking appliance.

[0030] This advantageous aspect of the invention makes it easier to manufacture the cooking appliance and to assemble it without requiring any special means.

[0031] Thus, it was envisaged to make the first panel and the second panel pivotable relative to each other thanks to the inherent structure of each panel.

[0032] For this purpose, the first panel includes two protruding parts and the second panel includes tabs forming, with the protruding parts of the first panel, a pivot joint around the X axis.

[0033] The application also relates to a method for manufacturing a cooking appliance comprising cutting and folding two plates to form the first panel and the second panel, assembling the first panel directly onto the second panel to obtain the folding frame, cutting two plates to form the sides and assembling the two sides onto the first or second panel, and articulating the assembly directly onto one of the panels.

[0034] Besides the simplicity of this manufacturing process, it is less expensive than the folding barbecues of the prior art by eliminating in particular the design / use of spare parts for the production or fixing of the panels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0035] The following description will be better understood with the aid of the attached drawings, in which: [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of an example of a cooking appliance in the unfolded position according to the invention, [Fig.2] is a side view of the cooking appliance in the folded position, [Fig. 3] is a front view of the cooking appliance in the folded position, [Fig. 4] is a cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance in [Fig. 1]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPROVEMENTS

[0036] In the description that follows, [Fig.1] represents a perspective view of an example of a cooking appliance in the unfolded position.

[0037] The cooking appliance includes a folding frame 1, a cooking grid 2 and side panels 3. The folding frame 1 has a first panel PI and a second panel P2.

[0038] The first panel and the second panel are mounted pivotally relative to each other around an axis X allowing the chassis 1 to have a folded position or an unfolded position delimiting a cooking zone FY.

[0039] The first panel PI and the second panel P2, the side panels 3, and the fire grate 6 are made of metal, for example, steel, and preferably stainless steel. Furthermore, the first panel PI and the second panel P2 each have a thickness, for example, between 0.5 and 5 mm, preferably 2 mm. This thickness range allows the panels PI and P2 to be sufficiently resistant to deformation due to heat release during operation of the cooking appliance. The thickness of the first panel PI and the thickness of the second panel P2 may be different. The fire grate 6 preferably has a thickness close to or equal to that of the panels. The side panels 3 may be thinner than the panels because they are less exposed to the heat of the fire.

[0040] Preferably, the pivot joint between the two panels is made by means of integral elements with the first and second panels. For example, the first panel comprises two projecting parts 10, located on each edge of the first panel PI at the axis of rotation X, and the second panel comprises two folded tabs 11 which, together with the projecting parts 10 of the first panel PI, form the pivot joint about the axis X. Each tab 11 of the second panel is formed by folding and includes an opening in which the projecting part 10 of the first panel fits and can pivot about the axis X.

[0041] The panels PI, P2 each have a foot Fl, F2 which can cooperate with each other so as to block the rotation of the first panel and the second panel when the chassis reaches its unfolded position.

[0042] More specifically, the feet of the first and second panels have a complementary shape allowing them to intersect when the frame is in its unfolded position. For example, foot F2 of the first panel P2 has a shape complementary to the inverted U-shape of the foot of the second panel and can fit into the foot of the second panel when it is rotated. Foot Fl of the first panel PI can pivot until the respective upper parts of the feet They come together and bump against each other. Of course, a skilled professional will know how to define other leg configurations to achieve an unfolded position for the frame. In this example, and advantageously, the barbecue has three points of contact with the ground when unfolded, which provides it with greater stability on various types of terrain, unlike barbecues with four legs.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the cooking appliance in a folded position as described previously in relation to Fig. 1. The chassis 1 of the cooking appliance is now in a folded position.

[0044] The cooking appliance includes a locking system which includes an insertion passage IN suitable for receiving the cooking grid 2 when the chassis 1 has the folded position so as to maintain the chassis in the folded position when the cooking grid 2 is inserted into said insertion passage IN.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the locking system is formed by the feet Fl, F2 of the panels PI, P2, which define the insertion opening IN when the frame is in the folded position, and by the grill. The insertion opening IN advantageously allows the cooking grill 2 to be inserted between the feet Fl, F2 so that it blocks the rotation of the first panel PI and the second panel P2. The insertion opening IN also serves as a storage space for transporting other objects, for example, additional cooking grills 2.

[0046] The chassis 1 thus provides a storage space for the cooking grid 2 while being locked by it in the folded position.

[0047] The insertion passage IN is delimited by the first panel PI and the second panel P2, in particular by the respective feet Fl, F2 of each of the panels.

[0048] Once the chassis 1 is in its folded position and the cooking grid 2 is inserted into the insertion passage IN, the cooking grid 2 acts as a stop for the feet Fl and F2 so as to limit their rotation around the X axis and the opening of the system unexpectedly.

[0049] Advantageously, the pivot joint formed by the protruding parts 10 and the legs 11 does not obstruct the insertion of the cooking grid 2 into the IN passage.

[0050] Advantageously, the foot Fl of the first panel PI includes stop means 7 for the cooking grid 2, in the direction along the panels, when the cooking grid is inserted into said insertion passage IN.

[0051] The stop means 7 are advantageously portions of the panel PI which have been obtained by cutting and folding for example and allow the cooking grid 2 to be supported during the transport of the cooking appliance 2 thus preventing it from falling.

[0052] Figure 3 shows a front view of the cooking appliance as described above in relation to Figures 1 and 2. Each panel P1, P2 comprises an opening 4 suitable for the cooking grid 2 to pass through, particularly when the frame 1 is in the unfolded position, so that the cooking grid is above the cooking zone FY.

[0053] Said openings 4 have a width L greater than the width of the cooking grid L2, for example by at least 2 mm. The width of the cooking grid L2 is between 100 and 500 mm, preferably 300 mm. This width L2 can, of course, be greater if the dimensions of the cooking appliance allow it. Said openings 4 allow the cooking grid 2 to be held in a cooking position during the operation of the cooking appliance.

[0054] The first panel PI includes locking means 41 configured to retain the cooking grid 2 in the cooking position, in particular by limiting the movement of the cooking grid 2 once it is inserted into the openings 4. The locking means are protrusions 41 distributed along the contour of the opening 4, for example. The protrusions can be inserted between the rods of the cooking grid 2 after it rests on the panels PI, P2 so as to prevent the removal of the cooking grid 2.

[0055] Preferably, said openings 4 are sufficiently narrow to prevent the cooking grate from tilting in a way that would cause it to tip out of these protrusions 4L. For example, the openings have a height H between 10 mm and 20 mm. The height of the opening in the first panel may be equal to or different from the height of the opening in the second panel P2. Preferably, the height of the opening in the second panel P2 is 20 mm and the height of the opening in the first panel P1 is 11 mm.

[0056] If the dimensions of the cooking grid 2 permit, a portion thereof may extend beyond the opening to serve as a support for storing food, utensils, or other types of objects not intended to be cooked. The locking means 41 also serve to retain this portion of the cooking grid 2 outside the cooking appliance.

[0057] According to one embodiment, each panel PI, P2 includes at least one transverse fold so as to form at least one panel reinforcement zone.

[0058] The transverse folds are preferably oriented horizontally on the plane of the panel. A "panel reinforcement zone" is understood to be an area of ​​the panel exhibiting high resistance to deformation, and preferably located relatively close to the heat sources. Such panel folds, as well as those mentioned subsequently, are typically obtained using bending techniques known to those skilled in the art, with the use of press brake tools.

[0059] In a particular example of this embodiment, each panel includes lateral edges 80 at the end of each transverse fold 8 configured to to come together until they are in contact with each other in the event of deformation of the transverse fold. In particular, the edges are oriented so as to define an angle corresponding to the angle of the transverse fold.

[0060] Such lateral edges increase the robustness of the panel by further preventing the appearance of deformation in the panel reinforcement area.

[0061] In addition, each panel PI, P2 has a handle 5 on a longitudinal end opposite the respective foot Fl, F2. In the example shown, the longitudinal ends of panels PI and P2 are narrower compared to the rest of the panels.

[0062] Advantageously, the panels PI and P2 have raised edges 51 extending the gripping surface of the handles 5 and thus making the transport of the cooking appliance more comfortable. The raised edges 51 can advantageously form a stop to support the cooking grid 2 when transporting the cooking appliance in the folded position. This support can be used in addition to, or instead of, the stop means 7.

[0063] At least one of the panels PI, P2 includes openings 9 leading into the cooking chamber FY and defining an air inlet to supply the fire in the chamber when the cooking appliance is in operation.

[0064] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance as described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3. Advantageously, the sides 3 include at least one opening 32, for example ten openings as shown in Figure 4, defining additional air inlets to supply the fire in the hearth. The openings may be of different shapes and sizes. The arrangement of the openings 32 in Figure 4 is in no way limiting.

[0065] The cheeks 3 are advantageously configured to maintain the chassis 1 in the unfolded position, by locking the position of the first panel PI relative to the second panel P2.

[0066] The fire grate 6 is located at the level of this cooking fire FY. The fire grate 6 typically serves as a support for combustible elements, such as charcoal for example, allowing the fire in the firebox to be fed with an incoming airflow for the operation of the cooking appliance.

[0067] According to an embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the cheeks 3 and the fire grate 6 are hinged to the second panel P2. In other words, the cheeks 3 and the fire grate 6 can be extended or folded down while remaining attached to the second panel P2.

[0068] According to a first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the second panel P2 comprises in its upper part a tab 12.1, for example formed by cutting and folding, which includes an opening into which an end 31 of the cheek 3 fits. The second panel P2 also includes in its lower part a tab 12.2 for example formed by cutting and folding, which includes an opening into which an end of the cheek opposite to the end 31 fits. In the example shown, the tab 12.2 is formed by cutting and folding a part of the tab 11.

[0069] The tabs 12.1 and 12.2 thus form, with the end 31 of the cheek 3 and its opposite end, a pivot joint allowing each cheek to be articulated on the second panel P2. The second panel P2 includes a finger 13 projecting from each of its lateral faces, and the fire grate 6 includes hooks 60. In particular, the fingers 13 are formed at the level of the cooking zone FY, and the hooks 60 are formed by cutting and folding. The hooks 60 are attached to the fingers 13 so as to form the articulation of the fire grate 6 on the second panel P2. According to a second embodiment (not shown), the articulation of the cheeks and the fire grate 6 on the second panel P2 is formed by cutting and folding the second panel P2, thus allowing the cheeks 3 and the fire grate 6 to be a single unit with the second panel P2.

[0070] When the chassis 1 moves from the folded position to the unfolded position, it is necessary to first unfold or pivot the cheeks 3 and, secondly, to unfold or pivot the fire grate 6 so that the fire grate 6 prevents the cheeks 3 from folding down unexpectedly and thus avoids any unintentional folding of the chassis.

[0071] Said first panel PI includes "L" shaped slots into which the end 33 of the cheeks 3 can be inserted. The reference slots "FNT" are visible on the [Fig.3] and advantageously with the action of the fire grate, prevent the cheeks 3 from folding back into the cooking appliance unexpectedly.

[0072] The FNT slots also prevent the side panels from unfolding unexpectedly outwards from the cooking appliance when the cooking appliance is in the unfolded position. Furthermore, the first PI panel is advantageously flexible enough to allow the ends of the side panels to slide out of the FNT slots, thus making it easier to fold down the side panels 3.

[0073] According to another embodiment (not shown), the folds 80 are configured to form a stop preventing the sides 3 from unfolding outwards from the cooking appliance without using the L-shaped slots. Preferably, the folds 80 are long enough to act as a stop and short enough not to prevent the frame 1 from folding and to allow sufficient space between the feet Fl and F2 for the insertion of the cooking grid 2.

[0074] The application also relates to a method for manufacturing a cooking appliance, for example the cooking appliance described above in relation to Figures 1 to 4.

[0075] The process advantageously includes cutting steps and bending steps of metal plates to produce the PI, P2 panels.

[0076] For example, the method includes a cutting step and a bending step of two plates, for example made of stainless steel and having a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, and preferably 2 mm, to form the first panel PI and the second panel P2, and assembling the first panel directly onto the second panel to obtain the foldable frame 1. The cutting steps include cutting one of the plates forming the foot Fl and the protruding parts 10 of the first panel PI, and cutting the other plate forming the foot F2, the legs 11, the legs 12.1, 12.2, and the fingers 13 of the second panel P2. Advantageously, the cutting steps also include cutting the plates forming the handles 5, as well as the openings 4, 31, 32, 50, 9, and the slots FNT. According to one embodiment of the method, the protrusions 41 are formed during the cutting that forms the opening 4.The cutting steps advantageously include other cuts forming portions of the plate allowing, after the folding step, the means forming stops such as folds 7 or edges 51, and side edges 80 to be made. For example, the cut can be a notch in the side edges of a portion of the plate so as to allow the side edges 80 to be made when folding this portion and, advantageously, after folding, forming the transverse folds 8. According to one implementation of the process, the edges 51 are formed during the cut forming an opening 50 of the handles 5.

[0077] The cutting steps are carried out using cutting tools well known to those skilled in the art, such as shears and laser devices for example.

[0078] As an alternative to the cutting and bending steps, the process includes stamping the two plates to form the first panel P1 and the second panel P2. The stamping involves placing each plate on dies that are configured so that, when the punch is applied to the plates, they form the first and second panels. Stamping is a technique well known to those skilled in the art, who will be able to design the dies according to the desired shape for the first and second panels.

[0079] The method also includes a step of cutting two plates, for example of stainless steel, to form the cheeks and a step of cutting and folding one plate, for example of stainless steel, to form the fire grate, as well as to form, after folding, the hooks 60. The shape of the cheeks is chosen so that the cheeks have one end 31 and an opposite end shaped to form The pivot of the cheek on the second plate P2, and an end 33 intended to cooperate with the first plate PI. The plates used to make the cheeks and the fire grate may have a thickness that differs from that of the plates used to make the first panel PI and the second panel P2.

[0080] The folding step includes folding the plates so as to form the transverse folds 8.

[0081] The folding step includes folding the tabs 11 after cutting openings suitable for housing the protruding parts 10 and folding the tabs 12.1 after cutting openings suitable for housing the end 31 and the opposite end to form the pivot of the cheek 3 on the second plate PL

[0082] The assembly of the first panel PI and the second panel P2 is carried out by inserting the protruding parts 10 into the respective openings of the tabs 11 so that the protruding parts 10 and the tabs 11 define the pivot joint.

[0083] The method further comprises assembling the two cheeks 3 directly onto the second panel P2, by inserting the end 31 and the opposite end into the openings formed previously, during the cutting, in the tabs 12.1 and so as to form a pivot joint.

[0084] The method advantageously includes assembling the firebox grid 6 onto the second panel P2, by hooking the hooks 60 onto the fingers 13 of the second panel P2.

[0085] According to an advantageous embodiment of the process, the pivot links of the cheeks and the hearth grid are formed by cutting and folding associated with the complementary shapes resulting from the same processes of the second panel P2.

[0086] The process according to this embodiment has the advantage of being relatively simple and using few parts, which makes it possible to offer a robustly manufactured cooking device.

[0087] It will be understood that a cooking appliance in which the pivot connections are made in one piece with the elements they articulate without means of locking the barbecue in the folded position does not fall outside the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A cooking appliance comprising a cooking grid (2), a folding frame (1) and side panels (3), the folding frame having a first panel (PI) and a second panel (P2), each having a foot (F1, F2) and mounted pivotally relative to each other about an axis (X), allowing the frame (1) to have a folded or unfolded position, defining, together with the side panels, a cooking zone (FY), the cooking appliance also comprising a locking system (F1, F2, 2) including an insertion passage (IN) adapted to receive the cooking grid (2) when the frame is in the folded position and configured to cooperate with the cooking grid (2) so as to maintain the frame in the folded position when the cooking grid is inserted into said insertion passage (IN), corresponding to a stowed position of the cooking grid.

2. Cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the foot (Fl) of the first panel includes stop means (7) for the cooking grid (2) when the cooking grid is inserted into said insertion passage (IN).

3. Cooking appliance according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each panel (PI, P2) includes an opening (4) suitable for the cooking grid to pass through, so that the cooking grid is above the cooking zone (FY) corresponding to a cooking position of the cooking grid, said openings (4) having a width (L) greater than the width of the cooking grid (L2) by at least 2mm.

4. Cooking apparatus according to claim 3, in which each panel (PI, P2) has on one longitudinal end a handle (5), said openings being located between the cooking zone and said handles.

5. Cooking appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said panels comprises locking means (41) configured to retain the cooking grid (2) in the cooking position.

6. A cooking appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sides (3) are configured to hold the frame in the unfolded position, the frame comprising a grid of hearth (6) at the level of the cooking hearth (FY), said cheeks (3) and the hearth grate (6) being hinged on said second panel (P2).

7. Cooking apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each panel comprises at least one transverse fold so as to form at least one panel reinforcement zone.

8. Cooking apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first panel comprises two projecting parts (10) and the second panel comprises two bent tabs (11) forming, with the projecting parts (10) of the first panel, a pivot joint around the axis (X) and leaving the insertion passage free.

9. A method of manufacturing a cooking appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - cutting and folding two plates to form the first panel and the second panel, - assembling the first panel directly onto the second panel to obtain the folding frame, - cutting two plates to form the sides, - articulating the two sides directly onto the first or second panel.

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