Portable stove

Abstract

Present embodiments relate to a portable stove. More particularly, and without limitation, present embodiments relate to a portable stove with a pivoting and removable lid. The portable grill comprises a pivot release assembly which allows for pivoting and full removal of the lid from the base pan.

Description

PORTABLE STOVEINCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the present disclosure.CROSS-REFERENCE

[0002] Cross-reference is made to U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 952925, titled "Portable Stove," filed on July 18, 2024, all of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND1. Field of the Invention

[0003] Present embodiments relate to a portable stove. More particularly, and without limitation, present embodiments relate to a portable stove with a pivoting and removable lid.2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Food preparation is necessary when camping or partaking in outdoor activities. The preparation includes but is not limited to cooking which generally requires a heat source. When camping, it is of importance to provide an outdoor camping stove which may be carried to a campsite, for example following a day ofhiking. Thus a portable stove is desired which may be expanded from a first smaller configuration for carrying, to a second larger configuration for cooking.

[0005] Additionally, however, the portable stove should be sized to allow for sufficient space for a cooking pot or pan, including large sizes.

[0006] A portable stove is desirable that meets these and other long felt needs and objectives including but not limited to ease of disassembly for cleaning, compact design, and improved manufacturability.

[0007] The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention is to be bound.SUMMARY

[0008] The present application discloses one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and / or the following features which alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

[0009] A portable stove is provided which has a first form which is generally collapsed to allow for ease of carry, but is also expandable to cook. The cooking stove provides a lid which is pivotable relative to a base pan, and which may also be removed if desired by a hinge assembly. Further, the portable stove may comprise pivoting legs which expand to lift the stove from a surface upon which cooking will occur, or may be pivoted to a retracted position which provides a lower profile for carrying the portable stove.

[0010] According to some embodiments, a portable stove comprises a base pan and a lid which pivots to enclose the base pan, a burner disposed within the base pan, a valve in fluid communication with the burner, the valve being adjustable to open, close, or vary a volume of fuel moving to the burner. A pivot release assembly comprises a sleeve disposed in one of the lid or the base pan, a cavity disposed in the other of the lid or the base pan, a stud extending through the sleeve, the stud having ahead, and the stud being spring biased to move between a first position and the second position. One of the first positions and the second positions wherein the head is biased to engage a wall of the cavity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the portable stove further comprises a second pivot release assembly comprising a second cavity, a second sleeve, and a second stud.

[0012] In some embodiments, the stud and the second stud may defining a pivot axis of the lid relative to the base pan.

[0013] In some embodiments, a retention slot may be defined by the wall of the cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments, the walls may be tapered on one side or on both sides of the slot.

[0015] In some embodiments, the head may engage the tapered sides of the walls to move the stud against a biasing force.

[0016] In some embodiments, the portable stove may further comprise a recess that receives the head of the stud in one of the first position or the second position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the stud may be actuatable from one of the first position or the second position to move the head from the stud.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sleeve may be located in the cavity.

[0019] According to some embodiments, a method of engaging a lid to a base of a portable stove, comprising the steps of: providing a lid having one of a sleeve or a sleeve cavity; providing a base having the other of the sleeve or the sleeve cavity; providing a stud within the sleeve; engaging a head of the stud on a wall of the sleeve cavity; and, moving the head by the engagement until the head is seated in a recess of the wall.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method further comprises pivoting the lid downward to engage a second head in a second recess.

[0021] According to some embodiments, a method of disengaging a lid from a base of a portable stove to open the lid, comprising the steps of: providing a lid having one ofa sleeve or a sleeve cavity; providing a base having the other of the sleeve or sleeve cavity; providing a stud within the sleeve, the stud being movable therein; forcing the stud in one direction to release a head of the stud from a catch wall; and, pivoting the lid from the base to open the portable stove.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method further comprises the pivoting being along a front or rear of the portable stove.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further comprises releasing the lid from the base by a second forcing of a second stud.

[0024] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. All of the above outlined features are to be understood as exemplary only and many more features and objectives of the various embodiments may be gleaned from the disclosure herein. Therefore, no limiting interpretation of this summary is to be understood without further reading of the entire specification, claims and drawings, included herewith. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order that the embodiments may be better understood, embodiments of a portable stove will now be described by way of examples. These embodiments are not to limit the scope of the claims as other embodiments of a portable stove will become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the instant description. Non-limiting examples of the present embodiments are shown in figures wherein:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable stove with the lid shown in a closed position;

[0027] FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the portable stove with the lid shown in an open position;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the portable stove with the lid in an open and legs in an extended position;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a detail section view of one pivot release assembly;

[0030] FIG. 5 is a detail upper perspective view of an alternate pivot release assembly from FIG. 4, with the lid in an open position;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the portable stove with the legs in the closed position;

[0032] FIGS. 7A-7E is a sequence of views depicting the engagement of the stud and the catch wall when the lid is closing;

[0033] FIGS. 8A-8C is a sequence of views depicting the disengagement of stud from the catch wall during opening or removal of the lid; and,

[0034] FIG. 9 is a flow chart depicting a method of attaching a lid to a base pan to form a portable stove.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] It is to be understood that a portable stove is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The described embodiments are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and“coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0036] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in some embodiments” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0037] Referring now to FIGs. 1 - 9, a portable stove is provided for use outdoors, for example during a hike or camping trip. The outdoor stove is provided which is movable between a first position or configuration and a second position or configuration. For example, the portable stove is movable between a first, collapsed position or configuration, for example for carrying, to a second, expanded position or configuration for cooking use. In addition to opening and closing between the two configurations, the lid may be changed in configuration from an attached configuration to a disconnected configuration, removed from the remainder of the assembly.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 1 , a front perspective view of a portable stove 100 is shown. The portable stove 100 in some embodiments may be generally rectilinear in shape. The portable stove 100 comprises a base pan 102 and a lid 104, which is pivotable relative to the base pan 102. The portable stove 100 further comprises legs 106, 108 which are movable between a stowed position (FIG. 6) and extended position (shown), for example. The portable stove 100 may be moved between a first position for carrying wherein the lid 104 is closed, and a second position for cooking wherein the lid 104 is open or removed. In the depicted view, the lid 104 is closed, typical for carrying, and the legs 106, 108 are extended, typical for cooking. With the legs 106, 108 extended, the base pan 102 is raised from a substrate surface, forexample a table top. This may improve air flow around the base pan 102, to limit heat transfer to the substrate below the stove 100. Further, the raised position may also improve air flow to the burners 130, 132 needed for combustion. Although not necessary, it may be desirable to extend the legs for example when cooking.

[0039] The portable stove 100 comprises a base pan 102, and a lid 104 pivotally connected to the base pan 102. The lid 104 may also be removable from the base pan 102. The lid 104 is shown closed and in a locked position, wherein a lock function must be overcome to open the lid 104 for cooking. This locking function is desirable so that the lid 104 does not open when the portable stove 100 is being carried or at any other time which may be undesirable. Instead the user must overcome the locking function in order to open the lid 104. Such locking function may be provided by a pivot release assembly between the lid 104 and base pan 102. For example, in some embodiments the locking function may be provided at each corner of the device.

[0040] Also shown on the front surface of the stove are one or more valve knobs 110 which open, close, and control a volume of fuel moving from a fuel supply to one or more burners 130, 132 within the base pan 102. The knobs 110 are located on a recessed surface to limit unintentional engagement. The valve knobs 110 are connected to one or move valves to control fuel flow to the burners 130, 132. The one or more burners 130, 132 may comprise ring-style burners wherein secondary air may be utilized to increase the burner efficiency. This provides a more complete combustion. Further, the front surface also comprises an ignition actuator 112. For example, the ignition actuator 112 may be in the form of a button which upon actuation may ignite a fuel source emanating from the burners 130, 132 within the base pan 102. Each burner 130, 132 is shown with an ignitor to ignite fuel air mixture flowing through the burner.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 2, an upper perspective view of a portable stove 100. In this view, the lid 104 is shown in an open position or configuration. In the open position, additional features are shown for description. Within the base pan 102, a pan 136 (FIG. 2) is located which may be separately formed or integrally formed with the exterior of the base pan 102.

[0042] The base pan 102 generally comprises a first base end casting 114, a second base end casting 116, and the base pan skin 118 which extends between the first base end casting 114 and the second base end casting 116. Each first and second base end casting 114, 116 extends in a forward and rearward direction. Also, in some embodiments, the castings 114, 116 may be the same part, but used at opposite ends of the assembly. Accordingly, this reduces the number of different or unique parts needed for manufacture, and ease the assembly process. The base pan skin 118 extends laterally between the first and second end castings 114, 116. The first and second end castings 114, 116 comprise cavities 119, 120, 121, 122 near forward and rear ends of each of the base end castings 114, 116 in order to pivotally connect the lid 104 to the base pan 102, and also close the lid 104 to the base pan 102.

[0043] The lid 104 is constructed similarly comprising a first lid end casting 124, a second lid end casting 126, and a lid skin 128 extending between the first and second lid end castings 124, 126. Like the castings 114, 116 of the base pan 102, the lid castings 124, 126 may be defined by the same part for ease of manufacturing and fewer distinct parts. Both the lid 104 and base pan 102 are formed in a trough-like shape wherein the trough extends in the lateral direction between the end castings.

[0044] In the depicted embodiment, the one or more burners 130, 132 are depicted as two burners. The base pan 102 and lid 104 are formed in such a manner that fewer or more burners may be provided by changing the lateral length of the base pan and lid. This may be provided during manufacturing as described further herein.

[0045] In order to vary the length of the lid 104 and the base pan 102, the base pan skin 118 and the lid skin 128 may be varied in length in order to provide for one or more burners 130, 132. Thus, the end castings 114, 116, 124, 126 may be used for any of various sizes and the manufacturing size of the skins 118, 128 need only be varied to change the size of the portable stove.

[0046] Extending across a recess 134 formed in the pan 136 and the burners 130, 132 is a grate 138. The grate 138 provides support for a cooking pan or pot that is positioned over the one or more burners 130, 132. The grate 138 comprises one or more bands 140 and a plurality of arms 142 which are located about the perimeter ofthe grate 138 and are connected to, and extend between, the one or more bands 140. The arms 142 support the grate 138 about the perimeter of the pan 136 and / or base pan 102, and likewise also support one or more pans / pots (not shown). Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, a griddle 222 may be provided to sit on the grate 138 and allow an alternate cooking method with the stove. The griddle 222 may also be used with the grate 138 removed. Further, when not in use, the griddle 222 may be used as a serving tray.

[0047] At lateral ends of the base pan 102 are movable and removable wind guards 144, 146. The wind guards 144, 146 may be movable between two positions - one for stowaway and one deployed (shown) to block wind when cooking. In this way, the wind guards 144, 146 are configured to extend upwardly at ends of the stove 100 and block wind moving laterally which may adversely affect the flames of the one or more burners 130, 132. Likewise, the lid blocks wind from behind when open. The wind guards 144, 146 may be formed of thin metal sheets which, in some examples, may have corrugations that increase the rigidity of the wind guards. Feet 148, 150, 152, 154 may extend from the wind guards 144, 146 and engage the pan 136 or base pan 102, or both, in order to provide movable and removable connection. For example, the feet may include notches in some embodiments, which engage a structural element of the end castings 114, 116. Also, the wind guards 144, 146 may be fully removed in the instance where large cooking space is needed and wind is not an issue.

[0048] With brief review of FIG. 3, the wind guards 144, 146 are shown in two positions. In one position, the wind guards 144, 146 are collapsed so that the lid 104 may be closed. The feet 148, 150, 152, 154 are positioned downwardly into slots in the base pan 102. In this position, the wind guards 144, 146 are positioned on the stove grate 138. In a second position, the wind guards 144, 146 are shown upright for example as used when cooking. In some embodiments, the wind guard feet 148, 150, 152, 154 may be constructed with a slot to engage a portion of the base pan 102, for example the end castings, and retain the wind guards 144, 146 in the upright, raised position.

[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, pivot release assemblies 202, 204, 206, 208 are shown at the corners of the base pan 102 and the corners of the lid 104. The lid 104 may be pivoted open for cooking along a rear edge 156 of the base pan 102. A lid axis 158 is defined along the rear edge 156 of the base pan 102 where the lid 104 opens and between sleeves 166, 168. Along the rear edge 156 of the base pan 102 are corner cavities 121, 122 which allow for connection / disconnection and pivoting of the lid 104. Likewise, along the front edge 160 of the base pan 102 are corner cavities 119, 120 which allow for opening and closing (unlocking and locking) of the lid 104 relative to the base pan 102, so that the lid 104 may be opened or closed relative to the base pan 102. Each corner of the base pan 102 provides one of the cavities 119, 120, 121, 122 to receive a corresponding one of the sleeve 162, 164, 166, 168, located on the lid 104. The sleeves 162, 164, 166, 168 may each be positioned in corresponding cavity 119, 120, 121, 122 to allow for pivoting along the rear 156 of the base pan 102, and allow for closure of the lid 104 along the front 160. Additionally, the lid 104 may be removed by disconnect of the rear pivot release assemblies, for example when a large cooking space is needed, for large pots, or to clean the portable stove. The sleeves 162, 164, 166, 168 and the cavities 119, 120, 121, 122 may be formed on the end castings 114, 116, 124, 126 so that the pivoting of the lid 104 relative to the base pan 102 is supported by the end castings. The end castings may be of higher strength and rigidity than the skins extending therebetween.

[0050] Also shown extending from each of the sleeves 162, 164, 166, 168 is a stud 170, 172. These are shown along the front edge of the lid 104. The studs 170, 172 are shown extending from the sleeve 162, 164 and have a head 170b, 172b at an end which creates a space or gap 178, 180 between the sleeve 162, 164 and head 170b, 172b. The space 178, 180 is a location wherein a catch wall 181, 182 may be positioned upon closing of the lid 104. In the lid positions of FIGs. 2 - 3, the lock function is overcome. However, when the lid 104 is lowered, the pivot release assemblies 202, 204 are disposed in the cavities and the lid 104 is mechanically locked to the base pan 102, until the locking function is overcome.

[0051] At the cavities 119, 120 of the base pan 102, the catch walls 181, 182 are disposed to engage the studs 170, 172 between the heads 170a-b, 172a-b and thesleeves 162, 164. The engagement along the rear edge of the lid 104 and the base pan 102 provides for the pivoting connection of the lid 104 relative to the base pan 102. Additionally, the lid 104 may be removed from the base pan 102 in this area. The engagement along the front edge of the lid 104 allows for the opening and closing of the lid 104 and retention of the lid 104 in the closed position.

[0052] As noted previously, a griddle is also shown exploded from the stove which may be positioned over the burners to provide a different manner of cooking, as opposed to use of a cooking pan, for example. The griddle may alternatively be used as a tray and may be stored within the portable stove 100 when the lid is closed.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 4, a section view of one of the pivot release assemblies 206 is shown. The depicted embodiment provides one of the pivot release assemblies 206 at the rear of the base pan 102 and lid 104 which provides the pivoting movement of the lid 104 relative to the base pan 102 and release of the lid 104 from the base pan 102. Each of the pivot release assemblies 202, 204, 206, 208 is formed of a sleeve 162, 164, 166, 168 and stud 170, 172, 174, 176 on the lid 104, and the cavity 119, 120, 121, 122 and catch wall 181, 182, 183, 184 on the base pan 102. In some embodiments, however, the sleeves may be positioned in the base pan 102 and the cavity in the lid 104. In the instant view, the lid 104 forms the sleeve 162 at the corner wherein the stud 174 is positioned. The stud 174 comprises a head 174a, 174b at each of the exterior side and the interior side of the sleeve 162. The exterior side head 174a defines a push button which displaces the stud 174 laterally along a pivot axis PL of the lid 104. The pivot axis P is defined between two opposed studs 174, 176 along the rear of the stove, but may also be defined between two studs 170, 172 along a front edge of the stove. The interior side head 174b is shown engaged by the catch wall 183 in the depicted position. When the exterior side head 174a is pushed P, the interior side head 174b is displaced inwardly, laterally. Accordingly, the engagement between the interior side head 174b and the base pan 102, specifically the catch wall 183, is removed. In this way, the lid 104 may be removed from the base pan 102.

[0054] The sleeve 162 is also shown with a support collar 210. The collar 210 supports the stud 174 extending therethrough. The exterior side head 174a may be inserted and connected to the stud 174 by a threaded connection, press-fit, catch or other connection. The collar 210 supports lateral movement of the stud 174 when pushed P in the direction of the double-lined arrow, and then spring reaction force returns the stud to the catch wall 283 when the user releases the stud 174.

[0055] The sleeve 162 is sized so that the exterior side head 174a may be depressed into the sleeve 162. The size of the sleeve 162 allows the translation of the stud 174 by movement of the exterior side head 174a. The sleeve 162 may also function to locate the sleeve 162 relative to the opposed portion of the stove 100.

[0056] Also shown in this view, within the sleeve 162 is a spring 212. The spring 212 urges the exterior side head 174a outwardly in its normally biased position. When the exterior side head 174a is pressed laterally and inwardly, by force P, the interior side head 174b moves away from engagement with the catch wall 183. In the position depicted, the spring 212 provides frictional engagement between the catch wall 183 and the interior side head 174b.

[0057] Additionally, the catch wall 183 may comprise a recess 214 on the vertical surface. The recess 214 may be sized to receive the interior side head 174b. For example, when the interior side head 174b is seated in the recess 214, as shown, the stud 174 is locked in position and cannot be removed until the interior side head 174b is unseated from the recess 214. Once the head 174 is seated in the recess 214, the lid 104 is connected to, and may be pivoted relative to, the base pan 102.

[0058] Referring additionally to FIG. 5, an upper perspective view of the opposite pivot release assembly 208 from FIG. 4. The view shows the catch wall 184, and more specifically the catch wall has a tapered portion 216 functions like a camming surface to move the head and the stud 176. The tapered portion 216 is positioned to engage the interior side head 177 as the stud 176 moves downwardly through a slot 218 in the catch wall 184. The slot 218 extends vertically into the catch wall 184 so that the stud 176 may move therein. As the stud 176 moves downward into the slot 218, the tapered portion 216 pre-loads the stud 176 and the spring (not shown) byforcing the interior side head 177 opposite the spring force. This engagement of the interior side head 177 and the tapered surface 216 moves the stud 176 inwardly, laterally. Once the interior side head 177 reaches the recess 219 in the catch wall 184, the spring force causes the interior side head 177 to seat in the recess 219. The stud 176 is positioned therein until forced inwardly again by a user forcing the exterior side head (not shown) inwardly.

[0059] In this view, a second sleeve 164 is shown and a stud 172 positioned therein. The second sleeve 164 and second stud 172 are depicted at a forward end of the lid 104. The stud 172 further comprises an interior side head 172b. The second sleeve 164 and second stud 172 are forward of the previously described pivot release assembly 208. The second pivot release assembly 204 may be used to engage the base pan 102 at the forward side of the portable stove 100 so that the lid 104 closes. In such arrangement, the forward pivot release assembly 204, of the two depicted allows for latching or locking, and unlocking of the lid 104 to open or close. In this way, the rear pivot release assembly 208 also allows for disengagement of the lid 104 from the base pan 102, if for example a large pot (not shown) is being used and additional clearance is needed.

[0060] With brief reference again to FIGs. 1-3, the legs 106, 108 are shown extending from the base pan 102. The legs 106, 108 may or may not be deployed for cooking. The legs 106, 108 provide improved working height, increase useability of table space under stove, and also allow for use of the stove on the ground. The legs 106, 108 may be generally H-shaped wherein the upper ends of the H-shape are pivotally connected to the front surface and rear surface of the base pan 102. There are two H-shaped legs 106, 108 that pivotally move relative to the base pan 102. The pivoting may be controlled frictionally so that when folded upwardly, the legs 106, 108 stay in the upward, stowed position. The H-shaped legs 106, 108 may be formed of one or more members or segments.

[0061] With reference now to FIG. 6, the bottom of the portable stove 100 is shown.In this view, the legs 106, 108 are rotated upwardly against the base pan 102 bottom surface in a stowed position or configuration. The legs 106, 108 are retained in thisposition and may be manually moved downwardly by the user to position the legs 106, 108 in the position shown in FIGs. 1 - 3. In this view, a regulator 115 is shown stowed in the portable stove 100 for movement but may be extended for connection to a fuel source. A fuel conduit 117 is partially shown on the exterior of the base pan 102. Additionally, one or more holes may be located on the bottom surface of the base pan 102 to allow air flow to reach the burner for mixture with fuel and to improve combustion efficiency. Additionally, the one or more holes may also define a hand grab for carrying or handling the portable stove 100.

[0062] Referring now to FIGs. 7A - 7E, a sequence is shown of the stud 174 moving relative to the catch wall 184 and engaging the retention slot within the catch wall. With reference first to FIG. 7A, the stud 176 engages the catch wall 184 along an interior side of the wall and exterior side of the head 177. The stud 176 is shown in its biased, normal position and is beginning to engage the catch wall 184. In FIG. 7B, the lid 104 is moving further downward relative to the base pan 102, and due to engagement by the tapered surface 185 of the catch wall 184, the stud 176 is forced to move against the biasing force of the spring 220. With reference now to FIG. 7C, the stud 176 moves further due to the wall engagement as the lid 104 is moving down.

[0063] In FIG. 7D, the head 177 of the stud 176 is closer to clearing the lower end of the tapered surface 185 of the catch wall 184. In FIG. 7E, the lid 104 is moved downward further and the head 177 clears the tapered portion 185 of the catch wall 184 and spring force pulls the head 177 into the recess 219 in order to retain the stud176 and the lid 104 in position relative to the base 102. Additionally, in this position, the lid 104 can pivot relative to the base pan 102.

[0064] With reference to FIGs. 8A - 8C, the opposite process is depicted and discussed, wherein the stud 176 is pushed relative to the sleeve 168 and catch wall 184, in order to lift the lid 104 from the base pan 102. Starting at FIG. 8 A, the head177 of the stud 176 is fully seated in the recess 219 of the catch wall 184, generally the same position as shown in FIG. 7E. The exterior head 177a is then pushed in by application of force, so that the stud 176 moves and the head 177 clears the slot 218, as shown in FIG. 8B. Once head 177 clears the recess 219, the lid 104 may be liftedupwardly from the base pan 102. This sequence for example may occur at the front of the portable stove 100 to open the lid 104, and at the rear of the portable stove 100 to remove the lid 104 from the base pan 102, if desired.

[0065] With reference to FIG. 9, a process 300 of engaging a lid and a base pan are provided. The steps of the method are described but not limited to the particular order described herein. The lid is provided at step 302 with a sleeve or sleeve cavity at each corner, and the base pan is provided at step 304 with the other of the sleeve or sleeve cavity at each corner. Next, the catch wall 183, 184 of the lid or base engages a stud at step 306. When this occurs, the stud 176 moves against the spring force to load the spring 220 by movement of the head and stud at step 308. Next, at step 310, the head 177 is seated in a recess 219 by the spring force load.

[0066] This process is repeated at all four corners. When all four corners are seated in position, the lid is in the closed position or configuration. In order to open the lid, an exterior side heads along the front edge of the base pan 102 and lid 104 are pushed to move the interior side heads. The interior side heads disengage the recesses of the front catch walls 183, 184 enabling the user to lift the front of lid 104 and pivot the lid 104 open relative to the base pan 102. When the lid closes, the forward catch walls 184 engage the interior side heads moving the studs until the weight of lid pushed the stud down to a position where the interior side heads seat in the recesses.

[0067] While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the function and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the invent of embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to thespecific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.

[0069] Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0070] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only termsclearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0071] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently-disclosed subject matter.

[0072] As used herein, the term “about,” when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration or percentage is meant to encompass variations of in some embodiments ±20%, in some embodiments ±10%, in some embodiments ±5%, in some embodiments ±1%, in some embodiments ±0.5%, and in some embodiments ±0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed method.

[0073] As used herein, ranges can be expressed as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0074] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listedwithin the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0075] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0076] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures.

[0077] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right, ” “left, ” “top, ” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. This terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. The phrase “at least one” followed by a list of two or more items, such as A, B, or C, means any individual one of A, B or C as well as any combination thereof.

[0078] The foregoing description of methods and embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and / or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention and all equivalents be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A portable stove, comprising: a base pan and a lid which pivots to enclose said base pan; a burner disposed within said base pan; a valve in fluid communication with said burner, said valve being adjustable to open, close, or vary a volume of fuel moving to said burner; a pivot release assembly comprising: a sleeve disposed in one of said lid or said base pan; a cavity disposed in the other of said lid or said base pan; a stud extending through said sleeve, said stud having a head, and said stud being spring biased to move between a first position and a second position; one of said first position and said second position wherein said head is biased to engage a wall adjacent to said cavity.

2. The portable stove of Claim 1, further comprising a second pivot release assembly opposite said pivot release assembly comprising a second cavity, a second sleeve, and a second stud.

3. The portable stove of Claim 2, said stud and said second stud defining a pivot axis of said lid relative to said base pan.

4. The portable stove of Claim 1, a retention slot defined by said wall of said cavity.

5. The portable stove of Claim 4, said wall being tapered on one side or on both sides of said retention slot.

6. The portable stove of Claim 5, said head engaging said tapered side(s) of said wall to move said stud against a biasing force.

7. The portable stove of Claim 5, further comprising a recess that receives said head of said stud in one of said first position or said second position.

8. The portable stove of Claim 5, said stud being actuatable from one of said first position or said second position to move said head from said stud.

9. The portable stove of Claim 1, said sleeve being located in said cavity.

10. A method of engaging a lid to a base of a portable stove, comprising the steps of: providing said lid having one of a sleeve or a sleeve cavity; providing said base having the other of said sleeve or said sleeve cavity; providing a stud within said sleeve; engaging a head of said stud on a wall of said sleeve cavity; and, moving said head by said engagement until said head is seated in a recess of said wall.

11. The method of Claim 10, further comprising pivoting said lid downward to engage a second head in a second recess.

12. A method of disengaging a lid from a base of a portable stove to open said lid, comprising the steps of: providing said lid having one of a sleeve or a sleeve cavity; providing said base having the other of said sleeve or said sleeve cavity; providing a stud within said sleeve, said stud being movable therein; forcing said stud in one direction to release a head of said stud from a catch wall; and, pivoting said lid from said base to open said portable stove.

13. The method of Claim 12, further comprising said pivoting being along a front or rear of said portable stove.

14. The method of Claim 12, releasing said lid from said base by a second forcing of a second stud.

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