WO2016149408A1

WO2016149408A1 - Collapsible cart

Info

Publication number: WO2016149408A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/022697
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael O'shaughnessy; Douglas Patton
Original assignee: O'shaughnessy Holding Company, Llc
Priority date: 2015-03-16
Filing date: 2016-03-16
Publication date: 2016-09-22
Also published as: WO2016149408A4

Abstract

A compact and easy to assemble grill cart to support a grill comprises a base frame, a first leg coupled to the base frame and comprising a first fastener at a distal first end, a second leg coupled to the base frame and comprising a second fastener at a distal first end, a first support member coupled to the base frame, a second support member coupled to the base frame, wherein the first and second fasteners are configured to mate with third and fourth fasteners of a grill when the grill is placed on top of the first and second legs a base frame, side frames, and support arms. The inventive subject matter also contemplates grill carts comprising, flat-pack, slot-fit walls, foldable walls, one-hand deployable carts, cart legs that fold down from the bottom of the grill, and carts with jack-type elevation mechanisms. Contemplated grills comprise collapsible firebox hoods.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE CART

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/133682 filed March 16, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The field of the invention is grill carts and barbeques. Background

[0003] Grilling is a cooking style that is especially popular in the United States. But grills are not particularly portable or easy to set up, in part because the framework for the grill is large and fastened to the grill in a way that makes assembly and disassembly difficult.

[0004] Attempts have been made to design grills that are easy to assemble after unloading from shipping containers. For example, US 8602017 (May) describes a grill comprising a firebox assembly, which includes a firebox base and a firebox hood, and a cart assembly. The cart assembly includes a large number of pieces: support assemblies, hinges, and linking members. However, assembly still requires numerous steps, and some parts must be screwed together. Moreover, the firebox assembly cannot be collapsed to reduce the volume of the disassembled grill and cart during storage and shipping.

[0005] One solution disclosed in US 8316837 (Malumyan) is to mount the grill on a foldable stand. However, even in the folded configuration, the wheels and handle of the grill take-up extra space. Moreover, the stand requires two hands to set-up, and in at least some circumstances, one-handed assembly is desirable.

[0006] The closest reference uncovered is US 5065734 (Elliott), which discusses a portable grill having collapsible legs (albeit in a reverse manner). In addition, US 2006/02257 (Rinaldo) and US 2004/0020482 (Chen) describe similar concepts.

[0007] Thus, a need exists for a portable, easy to set up stand-alone grill cart.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention provides apparatus, systems, and methods of an easy to assemble grill cart for a barbeque or other grill. In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, the device preferably includes a base frame, side frames, support arms, and fasteners. To use, the grill cart is unfolded and latched into place such that a grill can be received and fastened into place at the top of the cart.

[0009] In preferred embodiments, the base frame provides a support platform for the other components. For example, the two side frames preferably couple to opposite ends of the base frame, preferably by a hinge or another suitable rotating or pivoting connection. In some embodiments, the base frame has two or four movably coupled support arms.

[0010] The side frames can fold down inward to lie against the base frame when not in use, but when deployed, they are configured to stand upright, forming approximately a right angle with the base frame. Both of the side frames can also include a small protrusion, to which the support arms can couple. When the side frames are deployed and the two support arms are coupled to both the base frame and the two side frames, the support arms provide structural (e.g., shear) rigidity to the structure. Alternatively, the support arms can be coupled to the side frames. In these embodiments, the base frame includes protrusions that the support arms couple to.

[0011] Finally, in preferred embodiments, the two side frames additionally include either hooks or fasteners to secure the grill when the grill is placed at the top of the deployed grill cart. The fasteners can be latching fasteners or any other appropriate fastener known in the art. In embodiments with hooks, the fasteners would likely be part of the grill itself instead of part of the grill cart.

Brief Description of the Drawing

[0012] Figure 1A shows an embodiment of a grill cart before it is deployed, with a grill resting on top of it.

[0013] Figure IB shows the same embodiment as in Figure 1 where the grill cart is not yet deployed.

[0014] Figure 1C shows the same embodiment as Figure 1 with the side frames deployed. [0015] Figure ID shows the same embodiment as Figure 1 with the support arms deployed. [0016] Figure IE shows the same embodiment as Figure 1 fully deployed and with the grill fastened on top.

[0017] Figures 2A-N shows a telescoping slot and connector type grill cart and step-by-step views at different stages of cart deployment.

[0018] Figures 3A-B shows a grill nesting in a cart.

[0019] Figures 4A-B shows a grill mounted on a cart using drawer glides.

[0020] Figures 5A-J shows a flat-pack slot-fit type grill cart and step-by-step views at different stages of cart deployment.

[0021] Figures 6A-I shows an X-riser type grill cart and step-by-step views at different stages of cart deployment.

[0022] Figures 7A-H shows an X-riser type grill cart with telescoping legs and step-by-step views at different stages of cart deployment.

[0023] Figures 8A-C shows an X-riser type grill cart with a single handed button release and step-by-step views at different stages of cart deployment.

[0024] Figures 9A-J shows grill cart with folding legs and step-by-step views at different stages of cart deployment.

[0025] Figures 10A-K shows another grill cart with folding legs and step-by-step views at different stages of cart deployment.

[0026] Figures 11 A- J shows grill cart that features single motion expansion, a fully collapsible grill firebox hood, and step-by-step views at different stages of cart deployment.

[0027] Figures 12A-M shows a grill cart that features single motion expansion and step-by- step views at different stages of cart deployment with and without the grill.

[0028] Figures 13A-I shows a grill cart that features single motion expansion with a drawer glide mounted grill and step-by-step views at different stages of cart deployment.

[0029] Figures 14A-G shows a grill cart that can be deployed with one hand and step-by- step views at different stages of cart deployment. [0030] Figures 15A-I shows a j ack-type grill cart and step-by-step views at different stages of cart deployment.

Detailed Description

[0031] Each of the figures of this application show the same embodiment of a cart 100 while in different stages deployment. Grill carts described in this application enhance the portability of a grill by providing a detachable framework that can be quickly and easily packed into a compact configuration for either storage or transportation, and can also be quickly and easily deployed to set up a grill.

[0032] The base frame 102 of the cart 100 can be seen in Figures 1A-E. Each figure shows a different stage of deployment. In Figure 1A, the cart 100 is folded up with a grill 104 resting on top. Figure IB shows the grill 104 lifted off the top of the undeployed cart 100. Figure 1C shows the side frames 106 deployed. Figure ID shows the support arms 108 in position. And Figure IE shows the grill 104 placed on top of the fully deployed cart 100. In preferred embodiments, the base frame 102 is a rectangular metal frame. The base frame 102 can optionally include structural components to provide sheer strength (not pictured), but those components can generally be made unnecessary by using a strong material to build the base frame 102 (e.g., steel).

[0033] Preferably, the base frame 102 is approximately the same size as the grill 104 that the cart 100 is designed to support. However, the base frame 102 can vary in size without departing from the inventive concepts described in this application. It is more important that the base frame 102 provide stability for the cart 100 than it have a particular size and shape.

[0034] To create a cart 100 that has some mobility, the base frame 102 can additionally include wheels 1 14. In rectangular configurations, such as those shown in Figures 1A-E, the wheels 1 14 can be placed at each corner of the base frame 102. However, in some embodiments mobility is not as important and the wheels 1 14 can be replaced with static structural components (e.g., pegs, or extended portions of the base frame 102).

[0035] In preferred embodiments, the base frame 102 also includes components designed to facilitate connection with two side frames 106. The side frames 106 are designed to fold up and down. When the side frames 106 are up, they provide a platform for a grill 104 to rest on top of (as shown in Figure IE), and when the side frames 106 are down, a grill 104 can rest on top of the side frames 106 and the base frame 102 (as shown in Figure 1A).

[0036] The side frames 106 can be coupled with the base frame 102 by, for example, hinges, by slots fitting over pegs, or by any other means now known in the art that can allow the side frames 106 to rotatably couple to the base frame 102. It is sufficient that the side frames 106 are coupled with the base frame 102 such that they can fold down to lie against the base frame 102 and also be rotated upward to form approximately a right angle to the plane of the base frame 102.

[0037] In other embodiments, the deployed position of the side frames 106 is not vertical (i.e. , the side frames 106 do not create approximately a 90 degree angle with the base frame 102). The side frames 106 can alternatively be deployed to some angle away from vertical (e.g. , 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, 20-25, 25-30 degrees from vertical in either direction).

[0038] The side frames 106 are preferably formed to be less than the half the length of the base frame 102, as seen best in Figure IB where the side frames 106 are folded down. By creating the side frames 106 to have a length (as measured from the point where the side frame couples with the base frame 102 to the end of the side frame that is the farthest from the base frame 102) that is less than half of the length of the base frame 102, both of the side frames 106 can be folded down toward each other without overlapping and causing unwanted interference. However, other embodiments of the cart 100 include side frames 106 that are longer than half of the length of the base frame 102 to provide a taller deployed cart 100. The side frames 106 can have a length that is, for example, 75-70%, 70-65%, 65-60%, 60-55%), 55-50%, 50-45%, 45-40%, 40-35%, 35-30% the length of the base frame 102, where the length of the base frame 102 is measured between the ends where the side frames 106 couple to the base frame 102.

[0039] In preferred embodiments, the side frames 106 additionally include components to allow a grill 104 to fasten to the cart 100. Figure IB, for example, shows side frames 106 having hooks 1 12 that enable fasteners on the grill 104 to couple to the cart 100. Figure IE shows the fasteners on the cart 100 coupling to the hooks 1 12.

[0040] In other embodiments, the side frames 106 can themselves have fasteners instead of hooks 1 12. By providing fasteners (e.g. , latching fasteners, elastic fasteners, screwing fasteners) on the side frames 106, the grill 104 need only have receiving components (e.g. , hooks, or protrusions). Another way to fasten the cart 100 to the grill 104 would be to have small rotating arms with hook portions that swivel up to the grill 104 to hook onto a protrusion (e.g., a protrusion formed into the structure of the grill 104, or a screw that sticks out). This fastening method can also be reversed so that the swiveling arms with hooks are on the grill 104 with the receiving protrusions on the tops of the side frames 106.

[0041] In some embodiments, the side frames 106 are not two pieces as shown in Figures 1A-E. Instead each side frame can include two separate legs that extends independently of the other.

[0042] To provide shear strength for the cart 100 when the side frames 106 are deployed, in preferred embodiments, support arms 108 couple the side frames 106 to the base frame 102. At least two support arms 108 are necessary (one for each of the side frames 106), but including additional support arms 108 would not be a departure from the inventive concepts described in this application. The support arms 108 can be rotatably coupled to the base frame 102 by a hinge or any other connector known in the art. When the side frames 106 are deployed, the support arms 108 can then couple with the side frames 106 to provide structural rigidity to the cart 100.

[0043] In other embodiments the support arms 108 are rotatably coupled with the side frames 106, and when the side frames 106 are deployed the support arms 108 can then couple with the base frame 102. One way to couple the support arms 108 with either the side frames 106 or the base frame 102 is by providing a hook portion on each support arm 108 and a peg on the component the support arm 108 is to be coupled to, so that the hook can go over the peg. This configuration can be seen in Figure 1C, where each support arm 108 has a hooked end 1 10 to couple with a peg on each of the side frames 106 (not shown).

[0044] In another aspect of the inventive subject matter, the cart 100 can forego support arms 108 entirely. In these embodiments, the side frames 106 can be locked into the deployed position by a pin or a clip (e.g., when the side frame is moved into the upright position, it clicks or locks into place by a suitable component known in the art).

[0045] In any embodiment described above, an additional top piece can be used to couple the tops of the side frames 106. This top piece (not shown) can be a flat piece that creates a top platform or surface, or it can be a frame (e.g., with cross members to provide structural rigidity to the top piece). By including the top piece, the cart 100 gains additional shear rigidity, which is especially preferable in embodiments where the side frames 106 include independently deployable legs. The top piece can couple to the tops of the side frames 106 by fitting around the tops of the side frames 106 and optionally covering the tops of the side frames 106 (e.g., the top piece has slots that receive the tops of the side frames 106, where the slots are either configured as through holes or as upside down cup pieces).

[0046] It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more

modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to the elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps can be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

[0047] In another embodiment, telescoping slot and connector side frames are employed as shown in Figures 2A-N. In Figure 2A, cart 200 is in the collapsed configuration for shipping/storage. Cart 200 includes base frame 202 and optionally includes wheels 214. Grill 204 (comprising a firebox base and firebox hood) is shown stacked on collapsed cart 200. One having skill in the art would appreciate that the firebox hood can be further collapsed (see e.g., Figure 11) to save space during shipping and/or storage.

[0048] Cart 200 is shown in the fully deployed configuration in Figure 2B. Telescoping side frames 206 support grill 204, and doors 207 are installed at the front of cart 200. Different stages of deployment are shown in Figs. 2B-N. The right perspective view of cart 200 in the collapsed configuration is shown in Figure 2C. To deploy the cart, the grill 204 is removed from collapsed cart 200 and set aside (Figure 2D). Left and right side frames 206 are folded up (Figure 2E). Next, each side frame is expanded in a telescoping fashion (Figs. 2F-G). Preferably, each side frame locks automatically as it reaches the fully extended state, although other locking mechanisms (e.g., pin/dowel in hole, spring snap clip, screw) are not excluded. In regard to the left and right side frames, the left and right side frames can also comprise three or more telescoping panels. Additionally, the inventors contemplate that non- telescoping panels can be employed in collapsible grill carts consistent with the inventive subject matter. [0049] Support arms 208 are inserted in grooves at the top of the left and right side frames across the top of the front and back of the grill cart (Figs. 2H-I). Support arms 208 may also be coupled to side frames 206 by other suitable means (e.g., screws). As shown in Figs. 2J- K, doors 207 are installed at the front of the grill cart by appropriate means (e.g., hinge pins). Alternatively, doors 207 can be mounted on base frame 202 and/or support arms 208. Grill 204 is then positioned on top of the cart (Figure 2L). Figure 2M shows one mode of securing grill 204 to fully deployed cart 200. Pegs 222 disposed on the bottom of grill 204 insert into holes 212 in side frames 206. Advantageously pegs 222 can also secure grill 204 to collapsed cart 200 via holes 212 to facilitate shipping and storage. A right side perspective view of assembled grill cart 200 and grill 204 is shown in Figure 2N. In subsequent figures, like numerals refer to like structures.

[0050] Typically, contemplated grills comprise firebox hoods and firebox bases. Each firebox base further comprises one or more griddles and one or more burners, wherein the burners are configured to couple with gas regulators, which in turn are configured to couple with standard propane tanks. It should be appreciated that any suitable means of coupling grills to carts according to the inventive subject matter may be employed.

[0051] For example, the firebox base can nest in a lip extending at least partially around the circumference of the cart top. Figures 3A-3B show a nesting top configuration for securing grill 304 to cart 300. Cart 300 has flaring lip 312, which extends around the perimeter of the cart top. The inventors also contemplate the flared pieces could also extend from the corners or the edges of the top of the cart without extending along the entire length of each edge of the cart top. Firebox base 322 of grill 304 is sized and dimensioned to nest within lip 312. It should be appreciated that a flared lip (or flared pieces) may also be disposed on grill 304 such that the top of cart 300 nests within the flared lip disposed on the grill. Like numerals refer to like structures.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the inventive grill cart, drawer glides facilitate installation of the grill on the cart. Figure 4 A shows drawer glides 412 mounted on the top of cart 400. Wheels 422 installed on the bottom of grill 404 can be positioned in catches at the ends of drawer glides 412. Once positioned, wheels 422 roll along drawer glides 412 as shown in Figure 4B. Preferably, once grill 404 is aligned on cart 400, it automatically locks into position. To prevent the grill from sliding off or uncoupling from the cart, the firebox base may be secured to the cart using latches or other suitable means. Like numerals refer to like structures.

[0053] Figures 5A-5J show another embodiment of the inventive subject matter that has flat- pack slot-fit walls. As shown in Figure 5A, in the collapsed configuration, grill 504 is stacked on base frame 502, side walls 506, and front and back walls 508. Figure 5B shows a right perspective view of the assembled grill cart 500 and grill 504. The assembly process for this embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 5C-J. Figure 5C shows a right perspective view of cart 500 in the collapsed configuration. In Figure 5D grill 504 is removed from base frame 502 and set aside. Figure 5E shows front and back walls 508 positioned on base frame 502. Next, side walls 506 are joined to front and back walls 508 by sliding each piece in complementary channels as shown in Figs. 5F & J. The fully assembled cart 500 is shown next to grill 504 in Figure 5G. Grill 504 can then be fitted on the cart by inserting the top perimeter of cart 500 in channels 522 on the bottom of grill 504. In Figure 5H grill 504 is shown fitted on assembled cart 500. Like numerals refer to like structures

[0054] In yet further aspects of the inventive subject matter, grill cart 600 comprises a base frame 602 with wheels 614, X-risers 606, support legs 608, and top 603 as shown in Figs. 6A and 6B. In the collapsed state (Figs. 6A & C), the grill cart 600 is compact, which is advantageous for shipping and storage. In Figs. 6C-H, the facile assembly of cart 600 is shown in a step-by-step manner. Grill 604 is preferably removed from collapsed cart 600 before assembly (Figure 6C). Top 603 is lifted, and X-risers 606 angle upward from a substantially horizontal configuration to between 20 and 80 degrees from horizontal (Figs. 6D & E). To facilitate the elevation of top 603, wheels 607 disposed at each end of X-risers 606 roll in tracks 613 installed in base frame 602 and top 603 (Figure 61 and inset).

Preferably when cart 600 is fully deployed X-risers automatically lock, for example using a catch or other locking mechanism. Supports legs 608 are installed at each corner of the cart by suitable means. For example, in Figs 6F-G, support legs 608 are rotated upward and locked into place using pin and slot mechanism 622 as shown in the inset of Figure 61. It should be appreciated that other securing mechanisms may be employed, such as catches or other housings disposed on the bottom of the top 306. Grill 604 is then placed on top 603 and latched into place, wherein the latch bottom 612is disposed on top 604, and the latch top 622 is disposed on grill 604 (Figure 6H). Like numerals refer to like structures. [0055] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive grill carts, X-risers and/or the corner supports can be telescoping. As shown in Figures 7A-7H, the grill cart advantageously collapses to a compact configuration for shipping and storage. In the collapsed, compact configuration, base frame 702 and grill 704 are visible (Figure 7A). Although wheels 714 are shown in Figure 7A, for shipping, the inventors appreciate that space can be saved by shipping the cart/grill with the wheels un-installed (e.g., stowed in the grill 704). Figure 7B shows fully deployed cart 700 with grill 704 mounted on top 703, and telescoping X-risers 706 and support legs 708 are exposed. X-risers 706 and support legs 708 can be locked at the desired height by suitable means, including pin and slot mechanisms, clutches, collars, cams, shock cords, spring-buttons, snap collars, and set knobs, for example. Step-by-step deployment of cart 700 is illustrated in Figs. 7C-H. Optionally, grill 704 can be removed from collapsed cart 700 and set aside (Figure 7C). Next, top 703 is lifted (Figure 7D).

Initially, X-risers 706 are in the compact configuration, and as top 703 is elevated further, X- risers 706 extend in a telescoping manner (Figure 7E). Figure 7F shows compact support legs 708 rotating upward. In Figure 7G, support legs 708 telescope upward and extend into holes disposed in the bottom of top 703. A perspective view of fully deployed cart 700 is shown in Figure 7H. Finally grill 704 can be placed on top of the cart and latched in place onto cart 700 as shown in Figure 7B, or secured by other means. Like numerals refer to like structures.

[0056] Figures 8A-8C show a preferred grill cart and grill. In this embodiment, grill 804 comprises handles 803 that allow a user to lift the grill and assemble the cart without first removing the grill from the cart 800. Even more preferably, the grill can comprise actuator 813 (e.g., a button or lever) that the user actuates to lock and unlock cart 800 from the collapsed and/or the deployed configurations, so that the cart can be easily collapsed and expanded (Figure 8B-C). Optionally, actuator 813 concurrently activates air springs that assist the user in elevating grill 804 and allows grill 804 to collapse slowly without the user having to carry the weight of grill 804 to prevent grill 804 from crashing to the ground as cart 800 is collapsed. Although grill 804 is shown latched onto top 803, the grill and cart can be an integrated structure. Like numerals refer to like structures.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment of the inventive subject matter shown in Figures 9A-J, legs 906 of cart 900 are folded against either the base frame 902 in the collapsed

configuration, although rotatably attaching legs 906 to top 903 of cart 900 is not excluded. To assemble cart 900, grill 904 and top 903 are removed, then legs 906 are folded out from base frame 902 (Figs. 9C-F). In a preferred embodiment, support arms 208 (e.g., auto-locking hinges) employed automatically lock when the legs are fully deployed. It should be appreciated that legs 906 in such embodiments can be telescoping or non-telescoping. When telescoping legs 906 are used, legs 806 are extended and secured using suitable means including pin and slot mechanisms, clutches, collars, cams, shock cords, spring-buttons, snap collars, and set knobs, for example (Figs. 9G-H). Optionally, top 903 is secured to the cart by inserting legs 906 into holes in the bottom of top 903, or by inserting dowels in top 903 into the cavities in legs 906, or other suitable means (Figure 91). Once cart 900 is assembled, grill 904 can be placed on top of cart 900 and secured to the top of the cart by appropriate means, including latches, nesting structures, drawer glides, etc. (Figure 9J). Like numerals refer to like structures.

[0058] Figures 10A-10K show another grill cart configuration in which side frames 1006 fold out from the bottom of grill 1004 (Figs. 10A-D). Figs. 10E-H and 10I-K show front and bottom, left perspective views of the deployment process. As the legs rotate downward, one end of each support arms 1008 concurrently extends downward and the other end slides in a channel in locking mechanism 1009. Locking mechanism 1009 at the bottom of the grill is configured to automatically lock once the legs reach the fully deployed configuration (Figs. 10H & K). To refold the legs, a button or lever is depressed to release side frames 1006. As shown in Figure 101, feet 1007 have notches to accommodate side frames 1006 and support arms 1008. Once support frames 1006 are deployed, feet 1007 may be secured to base frame 1002 using couplings such as screws or other fasteners. The inventors further contemplate that to facilitate moving the assembled grill and grill cart, wheels 1014 can be installed on base frame 1002. Like numerals refer to like structures.

[0059] Therefore, in yet further embodiments of the inventive subject matter, as front and back panels unfold from the base frame, side panels rotate down from the top of the grill cart as shown in Figures 11A-13I. For example, Figs. 11A and 11H show fully collapsed grill cart 1100 and firebox hood 1124, and Figure 11B shows fully deployed cart 1100 and firebox hood 1124. A perspective view of the step-by-step deployment of cart 1100 is shown in Figs. 11C-G, and side views are provided in Figs. 11H-I. As grill 1104 is elevated, front and back walls 1106 fold up (Figs. 11D-E, I). Side walls 1108 fold down from top 1103 (Figs. 11F-G, J). Like numerals refer to like structures. [0060] Firebox hood 1124 is fully collapsible to further compact the grill for shipping and/or storage. In a preferred embodiment, the front surface of the grill hood is curved, such that the height of the hood does not exceed the depth of firebox base 1134 (Figure 11C). The back of firebox hood 1124 is foldably coupled (e.g., using hinges) to the firebox hood 1124 and firebox base 1134 (Figs. 11D-E). The sides of the firebox hood are likewise foldably coupled to the edges of the back panel of the firebox hood, such that they can be folded in for storage/shipping and rotated out to form the sides of firebox hood 1124. It should be appreciated that appropriate couplings maintain the firebox hood in the expanded

configuration when it is in the deployed configuration. Suitable couplings include latches, snap-fit couplings etc. (Figs. 11B, G & J). In contrast with collapsible firebox hood 1124 of the embodiment depicted in Figure 11, grill 1004 shown in Figure 10A comprises firebox base 1034 and firebox hood 1024, which is not collapsible. Te inventor appreciates that either a fully collapsible firebox hood or an un-collapsible firebox hoods may be employed in all the embodiments disclosed herein. Like numerals refer to like structures.

[0061] For example, an embodiment of the inventive subject matter comprising a grill cart as in Figure 11 with the grill as in Figure 10 is illustrated in Figure 12. Grill 1204 comprises firebox base 1234 and firebox hood 1224, which is not collapsible. Grill 1204 may be coupled to cart 1200 as shown in assembly Figs. 12C-G or separable from cart 1200 as shown in Figs. 12H-M.

[0062] Figs. 12A and 12C show fully collapsed grill cart 1200 and grill 1204, and Figure 12B and 12G show fully deployed cart 1200 with grill 1204. The step-by-step deployment of cart 1200 is shown in Figs. 12C-G. As grill 1204 is elevated, front and back walls 1206 fold up (Figs. 12D-E). Side walls 1208 fold down from top 1203 (Figs. 12F-G). Along these lines, where grill 1204 is removable from top 1203, cart 1200 can be assembled before grill 1204 is placed on cart 1200. Figure 12H shows fully collapsed grill cart 1200 without grill 1204, Figure 12L shows fully deployed cart 1200, and Figure 12M shows fully deployed cart 1200 with grill 1204 on top 1203. The step-by-step deployment of cart 1200 is shown in Figs. 12H-M. As cart top 1203 is elevated, front and back walls 1206 fold up (Figs. 12I-J). Side walls 1208 fold down from top 1203 (Figs. 12K-L). Lastly, grill 1204 is secured to cart 1200 (Figure 12M). Like numerals refer to like structures.

[0063] Figure 13A-13I show an embodiment, wherein grill 1304 is secured to cart 1300 after cart 1300 is assembled. Cart 1300 is assembled in the same manner as cart 1200. Grill 1304 can then be secured to the top of the cart as shown in Figs. 13A-D (front view of assembly shown in Figs. 13E-H). Grill 1304 is shown next to the assembled cart in Figure 13A. The user lifts the side of grill 1304 having wheels 1323 and positions them in the catches of drawer glides 1313 (Figure 13B, 131 and inset of Figure 131). The other end of grill 1304 is then lifted and slid into place (Figure 13C). Optionally, latches (1312/1322) or other means can be used to prevent the grill from unintentionally rolling or sliding off the cart (Figure 13D). It should be appreciated that this embodiment may be easily assembled by one person. Like numerals refer to like structures.

[0064] The inventor further contemplates a grill cart that can be deployed with one hand. A preferred embodiment is shown in Figure 14. Cart 1400 comprises four legs 1406 having wheels 1414 and supports 1408. Legs 1406 and supports 1408 fold together (Figs. 14A & D). To deploy the cart, the user grasps handle 1412, depresses button 1422 and twists handle 1412 (Figs. 14B, E & G). The twisting of handle 1412 actuates the lifting of legs 1406 and extending of legs 1406 (e.g., via release of a cable lock). Once cart 1400 is deployed, grill 1404 can be placed on top and secured (Figs. 14C & F). Like numerals refer to like structures.

[0065] Yet another embodiment of the inventive subject matter is depicted in Figures 15A- 151. Both grill 1504 (firebox base 1534 and hood 1524) can be raised from base frame 1502 using a car-jack-type mechanism 1506 (Figs. 15A-B & D-G). As shown in Figure 15E, a user twists knobs on jack 1506 to elevate grill 1504. Once grill 1504 is elevated, walls and doors 1508 can be installed (Figs. 15C & G-I). Figure 15G shows propane tank 1501 stowed in grill cart 1500. Side views of different stages of grill cart assembly are shown in Figs. 15A-C. Like numerals refer to like structures.

[0066] The exemplary embodiments of the inventive grill carts that have base frames show wheels installed on the base frames. It should be appreciated that the wheels may be removed from the base frames and stored within the collapsed grill cart for shipping and/or storage. Alternatively, wheels may be omitted entirely.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A collapsible cart, comprising:

a base frame;

first and second legs, each of which is movably coupled to the base frame, wherein the first leg comprises a first fastener at a distal first end, and the second leg comprises a second fastener at a distal first end;

a first support member movably coupled to the base frame, wherein the first support member has a first end that is movable from a first position to a second position, and wherein the first support member is configured to couple with the first leg when the first support member is in the second position;

a second support member movably coupled to the base frame, wherein the second support member has a first end that is movable from a first position to a second position, and wherein the second support member is configured to couple with the second leg when the second support member is in the second position; and

wherein the first and second fasteners are configured to mate with third and fourth fasteners of a grill when the grill is placed on top of the first and second legs.

2. The cart of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second legs are telescoping.

3. The cart of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second legs comprises a gas spring.

4. The cart of claim 1, wherein the first and second legs are pivotally coupled to the base frame.

5. The cart of claim 1, wherein the first and second legs are pivotally coupled to one another.

6. The cart of claim 1, further comprising a barbeque configured to rest on and be supported by the first and second legs, and wherein the barbeque is secured to the first and second legs by the first and second fasteners.

7. The cart of claim 6, wherein the barbeque comprises a collapsible hood.

8. The cart of claim 7, wherein the hood comprises first and second sidewalls, and a movable top portion.

9. The cart of claim 8, wherein the first and second sidewalls are movable to a collapsed position, and wherein the movable top portion is configured to cover the first and second sidewalls when the first and second sidewalls are in an assembled position.

10. The cart of claim 1, further comprises first and second auto-latching hinges that couple the first and second legs to the base frame, respectively.

11. The cart of claim 1, wherein the first leg comprises a second end that is opposite the first end, and wherein the second end is slidable in position with respect to the base frame.

12. The cart of claim 1, wherein the first and second fasteners are latching connectors.

13. A grill cart to support a grill, comprising:

a base frame having a first end and a second end;

a first side frame coupled to the first end of the base frame, wherein the first side frame comprises a first protrusion and a first set of fasteners; a second side frame coupled to the second end of the base frame, wherein the second side frame comprises a second protrusion and a second set of fasteners;

a first support arm coupled to the base frame and configured to couple to the first protrusion;

a second support arm coupled to the base frame and configured to couple to the

second protrusion; and

wherein the first and second sets of fasteners are configured to couple to the grill.

14. The grill cart of claim 13, wherein the first and second support arms each comprise a hook portion to couple to the first and second protrusions, respectively.

15. The grill cart of claim 13, wherein the base frame comprises wheels.

16. The grill cart of claim 13, wherein the first and second sets of fasteners comprise latching connectors.

17. The grill cart of claim 13, wherein the first and second support arms are coupled to the first and second side frames, respectively, and are configured to couple to the base frame.

18. A collapsible grill and cart, comprising:

a first support and a first coupling configured to couple the first support to a firebox base;

a second support;

a collapsible firebox hood;

a locking mechanism; and

wherein the first and second supports are configured to fold into open and collapsed configurations, and the locking mechanism is configured to hold the first and second supports in the open configuration.

19. The collapsible grill of claim 18, wherein the first and second supports are pivotally coupled at a midpoint of each support, and wherein the locking mechanism comprises a groove disposed on the bottom of the firebox base that is sized and dimensioned to receive a first end of the first support.

20. The collapsible grill of claim 18, wherein the first coupling hingedly couples the first support to the firebox base, and the first support is pivotally coupled to the second support, and wherein the locking mechanism is configured to join the second support to the base of the firebox base when the first and second supports are in the open configuration.

21. The collapsible grill of claim 18, wherein the first and second supports are hingedly coupled to the firebox base, and wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the first and second supports in the open configuration automatically when the first and second supports are moved from the collapsed to the open configuration.

22. The collapsible grill of claim 18, wherein the first and second supports are hingedly coupled to the firebox base, and wherein the first and second supports comprise first and second panels that are foldably connected.

23. The collapsible grill of claim 22, further comprising a reinforcement hingedly coupled to the firebox base or the first support.

24. The collapsible grill of claim 22, wherein the first and second panels fold along an axis that is parallel to the bottom of the firebox base.

25. The collapsible grill of claim 22, wherein the first and second panels fold along an axis that is perpendicular to the bottom of the firebox base.

26. The collapsible grill of claim 18, wherein the first support comprises a first channel, and the second support comprises a second channel, and wherein the first and second supports interlock by joining the first and second channels.

27. The collapsible grill of claim 18, wherein the first coupling comprises a sliding mechanism.

28. The collapsible grill of claim 18, further comprising at least one of an air cylinder and a gear mechanism.

29. The collapsible grill of claim 18, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a hinge- locking lever or a catch.

30. The collapsible grill of claim 18, wherein the collapsible firebox hood is configured to move from a collapsed position to an expanded position, and wherein the height of the hood in the collapsible position is less than 1/4 of a height of the hood in the expanded position.

31. A collapsible grill, comprising:

a collapsible firebox hood; and

a one hand assembly mechanism; and

wherein the one hand assembly mechanism is configured to enable a user to unfold the first support, the first coupling, the firebox base, and the collapsible firebox hood when the user expands the collapsible grill, and wherein the one hand assembly mechanism is configured to enable a user to collapse the first support, the first coupling, the firebox base, and the collapsible firebox hood when the user compresses the collapsible grill.

32. A collapsible grill, comprising:

a base frame;

first and second legs coupled to the base frame;

a grill coupled to the first and second legs; and wherein the base frame, legs and grill are configured to move from a collapsed first position to a second position, and wherein the base frame, legs and grill are fully assembled in the second position.

33. The grill of claim 32, wherein the grill is functional in the second position.

34. The grill of claim 32, wherein the legs move to an expanded position as a function of increasing a distance of the grill from the base frame.

35. The grill of claim 32, further comprising a gas spring disposed in each of the first and second legs.