Field of the invention

[001 ] The present invention relates to barbecues, which can sometimes be called grills, or grilles, or barbecue grills etc., and the platforms on which they can be located for use and or storage. In particular the invention relates to improvements in such barbecues and such platforms.

Background of the invention

[002] Prior art barbecues and their trolleys include those described in US9351608

& US8505528 and there has been a need to improve on these to broaden the market for such products.

[003] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.

Summary of the invention

[004] The present invention provides a barbecue including a heat source chamber formed with a surrounding wall, the barbecue including a support system to support at least one cooking plate or grille or other food supporting means, such as a rotisserie, wherein the surrounding wall includes a removeable wall portion which is separable from the rest of the wall.

[005] The removeable wall portion can include a heat source, which will provide heat in the heat source chamber.

[006] The removeable wall portion can have one type of heat source which is able to be replaced with a like wall portion having a different type of heat source, so as to convert the barbecue from one heat source to another.

[007] The heat source and or the different type of heat source, can be one of an electric element, a gas burner, a natural gas burner, an LPG gas burner, a solid fuel burner, a wood or charcoal holder.

[008] The removeable wall portion can have attached to it, at least one burner and at least one gas control knob to control gas flow to the burner. [009] The removeable wall portion can include a connector or connection to a gas supply.

[010] Removal of the removeable wall portion can enable access to the remainder of the heat source chamber for cleaning and or debris removal purposes.

[01 1 ] The removeable wall portion can be located at a front of the barbecue.

[012] The present invention also provides a barbecue having a shelf or table system which includes at least one supporting structure which has or receives a shelf or table surface, the supporting structure being pivotally mounted at one or move pivots to the barbecue to move the supporting structure from a transport condition to a deployed for use condition, wherein in the transport condition the supporting structure enables a user to utilise the supporting structure to manoeuvre or carry the barbecue, and when in the deployed for use, is able to support articles or receive a surface to support articles.

[013] The supporting structure can include a portion which engages a part of the barbecue, or the legs of the barbecue, when the structure is rotated to a deployed condition, whereby the supporting structure will rotate no further in a deployment direction.

[014] The supporting structure can include a portion which engages a part of the barbecue when the structure is rotated to a transport condition, whereby the supporting structure will rotate no further in a transport condition direction.

[015] The supporting structure can have a first section on one side of the one or more pivots which has or receives a shelf or table, and a second section on the other side of the one or more pivots which includes a handle portion.

[016] The supporting structure can include handle portions and shelf or table surfaces, being integrally moulded.

[017] The supporting structure can also include a bin.

[018] The supporting structure can include a frame. The frame can receive and support a shelf or table surface.

[019] The frame can additionally receive and support a bin and or at least one hook.

[020] The barbecue can have a supporting structure on opposed sides of the barbecue. [021 ] Each supporting structure can include a frame, and a shelf and bin is selectively mountable to the frame on either side of the barbecue, with a shelf or table surface being mountable on the other side of the barbecue.

[022] The present invention further provides a barbecue having a base which includes a heating chamber, the barbecue also including a lid which is pivotable from an open condition to a closed condition, wherein the lid includes a handle having a portion which cooperates with, and or engages with, a formation on the base, whereby the lid and the base are assisted to remain in alignment.

[023] The handle can have the portion located below a lip of the lid.

[024] The base can include a recess into which is received the portion of the handle.

[025] The portion and the base interact to prevent movement of the lid relative to the base in a direction generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the lid relative to the base.

[026] The present invention also provides a barbecue having a base which includes a heating chamber and control panel at one side of the heating chamber, the barbecue also including a lid which is pivotable from an open condition to a closed condition, wherein the lid includes a forward located outer wall portion to engage the control panel at an upper forward end thereof, and an inner wall portion which engages the control panel at an upper rearward end thereof whereby heated gases and food particles or grease are prevented or restricted, at least in part, from gaining access to the control panel.

[027] The barbecues described above can include support legs mounted to the base in a region below the control panel.

[028] The barbecues as described above can include U-shaped legs mounted to forward and rearward ends of the barbecue.

[029] The present invention discloses a barbecue being a combination of two or more of the following: a barbecue as described in paragraphs [004] to [01 1 ] above; a barbecue as described in any one of paragraphs [012] to [021 ] above; a barbecue as described in any one of paragraphs [022] to [025] above; a barbecue as described in any one of paragraphs [026] to [028] above. [030] The present invention also provides a barbecue platform for supporting and or securing a barbecue thereto, the platform including a barbecue receiving portion at an upper end of the support, and a ground engaging end at a lower end of the support, wherein between the upper end and the lower end the platform includes at least one storage container pivotally mounted to the platform.

[031 ] The container can be pivotally mounted around a generally horizontal axis.

[032] The platform can include a frame between the upper and lower end.

[033] The sides of the frame can include a handle.

[034] The frame can be adapted to receive and support a gas container.

[035] The lower end can include castors.

[036] The platform can be constructed from side frame members which are spaced by upper horizontal frame elements, and a lower base or frame elements, the width of the elements determining the width of the platform assembled therefrom.

[037] The lower end can be formed from two leg units, each including two legs and or feet to support the platform on a ground location.

[038] The at least one storage container can be made from a two piece construction.

[039] The at least one storage container can include an outboard piece having a plurality of fixing locators, so as to be assembled to an inboard piece, to provide an alternative volume to the at least one storage container.

[040] The at least one storage container can include at least one downwardly extending formation from the under surface of the storage container, so as to engage at least one corresponding mounting formation located on the frame.

[041 ] The at least one downwardly extending formation engaging the at least one corresponding mounting formation located on the frame, allows the container to rotate relative to the frame, and to also limit the rotation to a predetermined angular amount.

[042] The present invention also provides a barbecue as described above, when mounted to a platform as also described above. Brief description of the drawings

[043] A detailed description of a preferred embodiment will follow, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures of the drawings, in which:

[044] Figure 1 illustrates an underneath forward perspective of a barbecue with side tables removed and lid closed, but with handle portion removed;

[045] Figure 2 illustrates the barbecue of Figure 1 , with lid open;

[046] Figure 3 illustrates the barbecue of Figures 1 and 2, with the drip tray removed, and front control and burner unit separated from the base;

[047] Figure 4 illustrates an underneath rear perspective view of the barbecue of

Figure 1 ;

[048] Figure 5 illustrates a barbecue with side tables present and deployed and lid open and partially exploded view;

[049] Figure 6 illustrates the barbecue of Figure 5, fully assembled with the drip tray in a forward location;

[050] Figure 7 illustrates an underneath view of the barbecue of Figures 5 and 6, with the drip tray in a deployed condition, and side tables in deployed condition;

[051 ] Figure 8 illustrates a front view of the barbecue of Figure 6;

[052] Figure 9 illustrates a rear view of the barbecue of Figure 6;

[053] Figure 10 illustrates an underneath view of the barbecue of Figures 5 and

6, with the drip tray in a deployed condition, and side tables in a transport condition;

[054] Figure 1 1 illustrates a front view of the barbecue of Figure 10;

[055] Figure 12 illustrates an upper front perspective view of the barbecue of

Figure 1 1 ;

[056] Figure 13 illustrates a right side view of the barbecue of Figure 12;

[057] Figure 14 illustrates an upper front perspective view of the barbecue of

Figure 12 mounted on a platform or trolley;

[058] Figure 15 illustrates an upper front view of the trolley of Figure 14 with the barbecue absent; [059] Figure 16 illustrates an upper front exploded perspective view of the components of the trolley of Figure 15;

[060] Figure 17 illustrates a rear underneath perspective view of a container assembly;

[061 ] Figure 18 illustrates a wire basket for heat beads, charcoal or wood attached to an inner wall portion assembly, which can replace the control/burner subassembly of earlier Figures;

[062] Figure 19 illustrates a perspective view of the assembly of the barbecue of

Figure 5, with lid open, showing a detail between the hinges or pivots;

[063] Figure 20 illustrates in more detail, the circled portion XX of Figure 19;

[064] Figure 21 Illustrates a cross section through the respective lips or rims when the lid is in the closed position relative to the heat source chamber;

[065] Figure 22 illustrates a lateral cross sectional of the assembly of the barbecue of Figure 5, with lid open, showing a detail between the hinges or pivots;

[066] Figure 23 Illustrates in more detail, the cross section of the circled portion

XXIII of Figure 22;

[067] Figure 24 illustrates a cross section through the barbecue of Figure 1 or 5, with the lid closed;

[068] Figure 25 illustrates a portion XXV of the cross section of Figure 24;

[069] Figure 26 illustrates a longitudinal rearward viewing cross section of the barbecue of Figure 5 with the lid closed, showing two side tables each having a table or shelf only arrangement;

[070] Figure 27 illustrates a detailed cross section marked XXVII in Figure 26;

[071 ] Figure 28 illustrates a detailed cross section marked XXVIII in Figure 26;

[072] Figure 29 illustrates a longitudinal forward viewing cross section of the barbecue of Figure 5 with the lid closed, showing two side tables each having a table or shelf only arrangement;

[073] Figure 30 illustrates a detailed cross section marked XXX in Figure 29. Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments

[074] Illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, there can generally be described to be a barbecue 10 including a heat source chamber 12 formed with a surrounding wall 14. The barbecue 10 includes a support system 16 and or 18 to support at least one cooking plate or grille 20 or other food supporting means, such as a rotisserie (not illustrated). The surrounding wall 14 includes a removeable wall portion 14.1 which is separable from the rest of the wall 14 of the barbecue base 12.1 .

[075] As best seen in Figure 5, the grilles 20 at the rear of the heat source chamber, sits on the outer lugs 16.1 , while the central lug 16.2 will separate the otherwise adjacent grilles 20, and will prevent the grilles 20 respectively moving laterally past the central lug 16.2. The grilles 20, as best illustrated in Figure 5 and Figure 29 and 30, at their forward edge, on the outboard sides thereof, have a recess 20.1 formed. These will interact with matching shaped projections or wall supports 14.15 formed in the heat source side of wall portion 14.1 . The purpose of these recesses 20.1 is to prevent the grilles 20 from moving sideways, at their front ends. The inner front edges of the grille plates 20 are supported by lugs 16.1 1 , similar to the lugs 16.2, on the central inner wall surface of wall portion 14.1 .

[076] The curved sides of the grilles 20 are supported along a large proportion of their length, by an internal shoulder 16.13 which is formed in the heat source chamber 12, as illustrated in cross section in Figure 30. The internal shoulder 16.13 forms an external shoulder 16.131 , visible in Figures 4 and 30, on the external surface of the heat source chamber 12, with Figure 4, showing the extent of the shoulders 16.13 and 16.131 .

[077] The removeable wall portion 14.1 has assembled with it, at least one heat source 22, in this case two heat sources 22, which will provide heat in the heat source chamber 12. In this instance the heat sources 22 are LPG gas burners, which can be connected to a gas supply bottle by means of hose connection 14.2 as visible in Figure 5. In order to support the LPG gas burners 22, a central bracket 22.9 extends rearwardly from the wall portion 14.1 , to provide a support under each burner 22.

[078] If desired a natural gas insert option, being the sub-assembly 22.70 (see more detail below) which includes the removeable wall portion 14.1 , could be used either for ease of manufacture, or ease of customer LPG to NG conversion when they move house (or NG to LPG conversion) or both manufacture and customer ease. [079] The removeable wall portion can while having one type of heat source 22, namely LPG, is able to be replaced with a like wall portion 14.1 having a different type of heat source, so as to convert the barbecue from one heat source to another. So in the case of manufacturing the barbecue 10, the manufacturer can provide alternative heat source units, depending upon what is needed at the point of sale.

[080] The heat source 22 and or the different type of heat sources, can be one of an electric element, a gas burner, a natural gas burner, an LPG gas burner, a solid fuel burner, a wood or charcoal holder.. In other words, the heat source utilised or purchased can be according to the buyer's needs depending upon the market to which they are selling to. Where the heat source 22 or the different type of heat sources are burners, whether solid, liquid or gas fuel burners, the heat source chamber, will be more commonly referred to as a fire box.

[081 ] In the instance of the removeable wall portion 14.1 illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, it has attached to it, two burners 22 and at least one gas control knob 22.1 , in this case two such knobs, to control gas flow to the burner or burners 22. The control knobs 22.1 are of the rotary kind, which are required to be pushed in and rotated to actuate the gas valve to which they connect. The knobs 22.1 include a prominently positioned indicator bar and actuator 22.1 1 , which by its position, will readily indicate if the gas knob 22.1 is in a closed open or some intermediate condition.

[082] Another advantage of the being able to selectively take out the controls

22.1 , burners 22, with the removeable wall portion 14.1 (which form a sub-assembly 22.70), is that this removal enables access to the remainder of the heat source chamber for cleaning and or debris removal purposes. This ability to remove the sub-assembly 22.70 enables full and unrestricted access for cleaning, unlike prior art systems where normally the burner being present is an obstacle to cleaning.

[083] For most convenience and for best operation of the barbecue 10, the removeable wall portion is best located at a front of the barbecue 10.

[084] The barbecue 10, will now be described in more detail. As best seen in

Figures 1 and 2, the barbecue 10 has a pivoted lid or roasting hood 1 1 , which is pivotally mounted at two pivots 1 1 .1 , to the windbreak portion 14.3 of the heat source chamber 12. As best seen from figure 4 and 9, between the pivots 1 1 .1 is formed a rear vent 1 1 .2, which is formed by a scallop or recess in the upper lip of the rear of the wind break portion 14.3. Each pivot 1 1 .1 is formed from a yoke 1 1 .71 which extends away from the rear of the wind break portion 14.3 which has aligned apertures through the yoke 1 1 .71 , so that a projection 1 1 .72 extending from the lid 1 1 , which also has a hole through it, can sit in the yoke 1 1 .71 , and a pivot pin 1 1 .3 passed through the aligned holes, to thereby pivotally mounting the lid 1 1 to the rear of the windbreak portion 14.3

[085] The lid pivots 1 1 .1 also a 'belleville" washer, which is a coned-disc or conical spring washer, which will stop the hood in whatever position it is left by a user, for example fully closed, open, ½ , 1/3 open or closed, etc. The Belleville washer will create sufficient friction between the adjacent parts of the pivot 1 1 .1 to create this effect.

[086] As illustrated in Figure 28, it can be seen that the lid 1 1 , has on its lower rim, a step or flange 1 1 .81 to receive the upper rim of the heat source chamber 12 and or the wind break 14.3, so as to properly locate the lid 1 1 on the rim of the base 12, to allow for proper functioning of the barbecue, also allowing it to function as a cooking oven, by preventing or minimising escape of heated gases, and preferably only allowing same to escape from the rear vent 1 1 .2.

[087] From the underneath view of Figure 1 , a spring wire frame 14.4 engages apertures in two forward mounts 14.5, and one rearward mount 14.6. The spring wire frame has L-shaped ends to engage the forward mounts 14.5, and "hat section" central portion, which is received in the aperture of the rear mount 14.6. The spring wire frame 14.4 provides a readily cleanable support system for the holding and positioning of the drip tray holder 30, which is best seen in Figure 6. The spring wire frame can be made of 3 or 4 mm diameter spring steel or stainless steel wire and shaped as illustrated.

[088] The drip tray holder 30, as best illustrated in Figure 6, has a central portion

30.1 , which will receive an aluminium foil disposable tray (not illustrated) as is readily available in retail outlets. The central portion 30.1 will sit under the hole or aperture 12.19 in the base 12 (see Figures 4 and 5) so as to receive grease, oil and condensation during use. The drip tray holder 30 can be used, if desired, without a disposable tray, but additional cleaning of the holder will be required after one or more uses. The drip tray holder 30 has a surrounding surface 30.2, which terminates in a rim 30.3, while adjacent to the central portion 30.1 is a planar surface 30.5. The surfaces 30.5 and 30.2 assist the holder 30 to act as a heat shield, by reflecting infrared rays in an upwardly direction, rather than allowing the heat generated from the heat source chamber 12 being transmitted to surfaces below the holder 30. The surface 30.5 is surrounded by a rim 30.4 which also passes around the central portion 30.1 . The rim 30.4 adds strength to the shape of the holder 30. On the forward outboard side of the surface 30.5, adjacent the forward section of the rim 30.4, is a handle section 30.6, allowing the user to position the holder under the base 12, or remove it therefrom. Preferably the holder 30 is pressed or stamped from aluminium, or reflective or polished aluminium, or reflective steel, such as polished stainless steel.

[089] As best illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, in which the side tables are absent, the base 12.1 or heat source chamber 12, has integrally moulded or fabricated and joined mounting flanges 12.4 and 12.5. The front mounting flanges 12.5 are generally of an upside down L-shaped construction with two inboard holes 12.6, via which is secured one side of the U-shaped front leg 40, by means of two screws, to the base 12.1 . As will be described later, the hole 12.7 provides a pivot mounting point for the side tables and handles.

[090] As best illustrated in Figure 1 , the rear mounting flange 12.4 is either integrally moulded with the base 12.1 or fabricated and joined thereto. It too has holes 12.6 which allows the rear U-shaped leg unit 42 to be joined to the base 12.1 by two screws at each flange 12.4. It will be noted that the rear flange 12.4 does not include a pivot point 12.7 for the side tables and handle as does the front flange 12.5. Instead the U-shaped leg unit 42 has a pivot mounting formation 42.1 on the end of which is an aperture 12.7 to receive the pivots of the respective side tables and handles as will be described in more detail below. It will be readily understood, that the rear mounting flanges can include lateral extensions on them to have a mounting hole 12.7, like the front flanges 12.5.

[091 ] The front and rear leg units 40 and 42, as best viewed in Figures 1 and 4, injection moulded and are of a hollow construction having reinforcing ribs 40.2 and 42.2. The upper forward face of the front leg units 40 from a curved surface similar to a bevel, which is then matched by a corresponding curve or bevel 1 1 .70 on the side of the lid 1 1 .

[092] Figure 1 , 2 and 3 illustrate the workings of removeable wall portion 14.1 , which is formed as a sub-assembly with the control panel 22.2 through which is arranged the control knobs 22.1 , as well as the burners 22 and gas connection 14.2. A swing or pivoted latch 22.3 engages a latch spigot 22.4 which is located on and or below the forward rim 14.30 of the base 12.1 . While the pivoted latch 22.3 is illustrated as being mounted on the wall portion 14.1 which engages a spigot 22.4 on the base 12.1 , it will be readily understood that this can be reversed, and id desired a different locking or interlocking mechanism can be provided.

[093] Figure 3 shows that the wall portion 14.1 has a channel 14.1 1 on its lower rim so as to engage the rim 14.30 by receiving the rim 14.30 in the channel 14.1 1 . It will be noted that the wall portion 14.1 while sitting in rim 14.30 forms the forward wall of the heat source chamber 12. Whereas the control panel 22.2 will simultaneously sit flush with the forward periphery of the U-shaped front leg unit 40, as best illustrated in Figure 1 .

[094] Wall portion 14.1 and control panel 22.2 are connected by a generally horizontally extending upper wall section 22.5, with a central recess 22.6, the purpose of which will be explained in detail below. The wall portion 14.1 , panel 22.2 and upper wall section 22.5 form a control panel sub-assembly 22.70. As is visible tin Figures 1 to 3, the wall portion 14.1 includes cut-outs 14.13 through which the gas conduits from the gas controls/knobs can pass into the heat source chamber.

[095] Illustrated in Figures 5 to 13, and Figures 26 to 28, there can generally be described to be a barbecue 10 having a shelf or table system 50 which includes at least one supporting structure 52, in this case two of them on either side of the barbecue 10, which has or receives a shelf or table surface 54 or 54.1 . The supporting structure 52 is pivotally mounted at one or move pivots 56 to the barbecue 10, to move the supporting structure 52 from a transport condition as illustrated in Figures 10 to 13, to a deployed for use condition as in Figures 5 to 9. In the transport condition the supporting structure 52 enables a user to utilise the supporting structure 52 to manoeuvre or carry the barbecue 10, and when in the deployed for use, the supporting structure 52 is able to support articles or receive a surface such as 54 or 54.1 to support articles.

[096] The supporting structure 52 has a portion 58 which engages a part of the barbecue 10, in this case, at the side of the heat source chamber 12, and as illustrated in Figures 26 and 27, is the side surface of the rear leg unit 42, so that when the structure 52 is rotated to a deployed condition, the supporting structure 52 will rotate no further in a deployment direction.

[097] The supporting structure 52 also includes a portion 60 which engages a part of the barbecue 10, in this case, the side of the heat source chamber 12, when the structure 52 is rotated to a transport condition, whereby the supporting structure 52 will rotate no further in a transport condition direction, thereby exposing and orienting the handle portions 70, so that the barbecue 10 can be lifted, as best illustrated in Figures 26 and 27.

[098] The supporting structure 52, a first section 66 on one side of the one or more pivots 56 which has or receives a shelf or table 54,54.1 , and a second section 68 on the other side of the one or more pivots 56 which includes a handle portion 70.

[099] The supporting structure 52 can be made such that the handle portions 70 and shelf or table surfaces 54, 54.1 are integrally moulded, however this is not illustrated. If the supporting structure 52 is integrally moulded with the other components, then there can also be a bin 72 if desired.

[0100] As illustrated the supporting structure 52 includes a frame or outer frame 50.1 . Preferably the frame 50.1 is made of steel, and can include at its outer rim a bottle opener 50.2. The frame 50.1 receives and supports the shelf or table surfaces 54 and 54.1 which is assisted by the spaced support bars 50.1 1 and 50.12, which serve the function of keeping the shape of the frame 50.1 and providing a support under the shelf or tables 54 and 54.1 . The shelf or tables 54 and 54.1 each have opposed curved tabs 54.30 which allow the shelf or tables 54 and 54.1 to snap into place. The tabs 54.30, being integrally moulded from the same plastic material as and with the tables 54 and 54.1 , provides sufficient clamping or gripping force to keep the tables 54 and 54.1 in placev, when the frames 50.1 are rotated out of the deployed condition to the transport condition.

[0101 ] It will be noted that there is a gap between the table 54 and the frame 50.1 , and this is to allow the bottle opener to be used. Whereas on the other frame 50.1 , the table 54.1 is even shorter, but this allows a separate refuse or cutting board bin 72 to be positioned in the space, so that the inboard edge is adjacent the end of the table 54.1 , so cut food scraps can be scraped into the bin 72.

[0102] The spaced support bars 50.1 1 and 50.12 on the frame 50.1 at least one hook 78, in the case of the system illustrated in Figure 9, one hook 78 per support bar. The hooks 78 can be used to support or carry bags or receptacles with food to be cooked on the barbecue 10. The hooks 78 are located inwardly from the front and rear edges of the table or shelf 54 or 54.1 , unlike prior art barbecues, for both neatness and safety.

[0103] An advantage of each supporting structure 52 including a frame 50.1 , is that the shelf 54.1 and bin 72, is selectively mountable to the frame 50.1 on either side of the barbecue 10, with a full length shelf or table surface 54 being mountable on the other side of the barbecue 10. This allows a cutting surface 54.1 and adjacent bin 72 to be located according to the left or right handedness of the user.

[0104] Illustrated in Figures 2, 6, 8, 1 1 and 12, there can generally be described to be a barbecue 10 having a base 12.1 which includes a heating chamber 12, the barbecue 10 also including a lid 1 1 which is pivotable from an open condition to a closed condition. The lid 1 1 includes a handle 1 1 .2 having a portion 1 1 .1 1 which cooperates with, and or engages with, a formation 22.6 on the base 12.1 , whereby the lid 1 1 and the base 12.1 are assisted to remain in alignment.

[0105] The lid 1 1 and base 12.1 can be formed by any appropriate means such as by casting aluminium, or from deep drawn steel or stainless steel etc. Preferably the base 12.1 and lid 1 1 have their exterior painted with a heat resistant painted finish, which is readily cleanable if sullied.

[0106] The handle 1 1 .2 has the portion 1 1 .1 1 located below a forward lower lip of the lid 1 1 . Whereas the base 12.1 includes a recess 22.6 into which is received the portion 1 1 .1 1 of the handle 1 1 .2. The portion 1 1 .1 1 and the base recess 22.6 interact to prevent movement of the lid 1 1 relative to the base 12.1 in a direction generally parallel to the axis of rotation, permitted by the pivots 1 1 .1 of the lid 1 1 relative to the base 12.1 .

[0107] As illustrated in Figure 1 , the handle foromationl 1 .22 is absent, however as illustrated in Figure 2, the handle formationi 1 .22 is secured into a scallop shaped formation 1 1 .13 at the front of the lid 1 1 , by means of three screws. The handle formationi 1 .22 is formed from plastic and has the handle portion 1 1 .1 1 of a cross sectional shape which is adapted for grasping by a user. Whereas, the handle supporting structure 1 1 .14, is a band like structure, and forms a closed loop with the handle portion 1 1 .1 1 . This closed loop structure provides additional strength and reinforcement to the handle formationi 1 .22. Figures 1 , 2 and 3 illustrate the recess 22.6 without the handle formationi 1 .22 being present. From these Figures it can be seen that the recess 22.6 has, at opposed forward side regions, another recess 26.61 into which the handle portionl 1 .1 1 will snugly fit. In so doing the amount of movement, either left or right or in a front to rear direction or reverse, between lid 1 1 and the base 12.1 will be limited, and the lid 1 1 will remain aligned with the upper rim of the base 12.1 .

[0108] The lid 1 1 , includes in the region above the heat source chamber, a recess 1 1 .52 which projects into the inner volume of the lid 1 1 . This recess 1 1 .52, on the outside of the lid 1 1 , holds a temperature indicator such as mechanical or electronic thermometer 58, which is first visible in Figure 6.

[0109] Illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 5, there can generally be described to be barbecue 10 having a base 12.1 which includes a heating chamber 12 and control panel sub assembly 22.70 at one side of the heating chamber 12. The barbecue also includes a lid 1 1 which is pivotable, via pivot 1 1 .1 , from an open condition to a closed condition. The lid 1 1 includes a forward located outer wall portion 1 1 .50 to engage the control panel sub assembly 22.70 at an upper forward end thereof (above control panel portion 22.2), and an inner wall portion 1 1 .51 which engages the control panel sub-assembly 22.70 at an upper rearward end thereof (above wall portion 14.1 ), whereby heated gases and food particles or grease are prevented or restricted, at least in part, from gaining access to the control panel front wall portion, and or from escaping the heat source chamber or from under the rims of the lid 1 1 .

[01 10] The barbecues 10, as described above, include support legs units 40, which are mounted to the base 12.1 in a region below, and adjacent to the control panel subassembly 22.70. The leg units 40 and 42 are U-shaped legs mounted to forward and rearward ends of the barbecues 10.

[01 1 1 ] As is illustrated in Figure 19 to 23, the lid 1 1 includes at its central rear section, between the pivots 1 1 .1 , a condensation channelling portion 1 1 .90, which has at its centre, a rear to front extending channel 1 1 .91 . The channel 1 1 .91 is of diverging configuration in the direction from an upper location on the lid 1 1 to the rim or edge of the portion 1 1 .90. As illustrated in Figure 21 , when the lid 1 1 is closed on the chamber 12 or base 12, the inner point 1 1 .92 of the channel 1 1 .91 will be inwardly spaced from the inner edge of the rim 1 1 .2, by a distance 1 1 .93, which in this case is about 1 .38mm. as the inner point 1 1 .92 is inwardly spaced, the rest of the lower edge or rim of portion 1 1 .90 will also be located inwardly of the rim 1 1 .2. This ensures that any condensation forming on the inward downwardly directed surfaces of the lid 1 1 , when flowing over the portion 1 1 .90, will not exit the barbecue except through the central hole 12.19 (visible in Figures 4 and 5) in the base or chamber 12 at the bottom. As also illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, when the lid 1 1 is rotated to the fully open condition, the inner point 1 1 .92 at the end of the channel 1 1 .91 , will move further inwardly by distance 1 1 .94 (Figure 23), which is approximately 3.04mm. Likewise, the rest of the rim of the portion 1 1 .90 will also be located in board of the inner edge of rim 1 1 .2. [01 12] Illustrated in Figures 14 to 17, there can generally be described to be barbecue platform 100 for supporting and or securing a barbecue 10 thereto. The platform 100 includes a barbecue receiving portion at an upper end 102 of the platform 100, and a ground engaging end at a lower end 104 of the platform 100. Between the upper end 102 and the lower end 104 the platform 100 includes at least one storage container 106 pivotally mounted to the platform.

[01 13] The container 106 is pivotally mounted so as to rotate or pivot around a generally horizontal axis.

[01 14] The platform 100 includes a frame 108 between the upper end 102 and lower end 104. The sides of the frame 108 include a handle 1 10.

[01 15] The frame 108 is adapted to receive and support a gas container.

[01 16] The lower end 104 can include castors 1 12 thereby transforming the platform 100 into a cart.

[01 17] The platform 100 can be constructed from side frame members 108.1 , which are spaced by upper horizontal frame elements 108.2, and a lower frame elements 108.1 1 and base plate or element 108.3, whereby the width of the elements 108.2, 108.1 1 and 108.3 will determine the width of the platform 100 assembled therefrom. By increasing or decreasing the size of these elements a wider or narrower platform 100 will result, so as to be able receive larger or smaller barbecues in the production series. By providing these elements, of all three sizes in a single platform package, inventory can be kept to a minimum, no matter which barbecue is sold. This means less time for shop attendants being wasted looking for matching platforms to a particular barbecue size being sold, and also less mistakes being made, and a single package appearance for all barbecue sizes. All of which assists in the increasing the productivity of sales staff.

[01 18] The platform 100 at its upper end 102 has a planar table surface 102.1 , which will sit in the upper end 102 of the platform 100 to support the weight of a barbecue 10, when positioned thereon.

[01 19] A unique feature of the platform 100, is that a screen member 103, can be selectively positioned in the front of the frames 108.1 , so as to hide a gas bottle positioned under the surface 102.1 , ensuring that the gas bottle can be accessed from the rear of the platform, or at the user's choice, it can be assembled to the rear allowing the user to gain access to the gas bottle from the front of the platform 100. [0120] Another advantage of the platform 100 is that it is symmetrical about its central longitudinal axis, so that the platform can be barbecue 10 can me mounted on the platform surface 102.1 , so that selectively the user can have an open front to access the gas bottle or a closed front to improve aesthetic appearance.

[0121 ] The lower end 104 is preferably formed from two leg units 104.1 , each including two legs 104.2 and or feet to support the platform 100 on a ground location.

[0122] The storage containers 106 are be made from a two piece construction. Whereby an outboard piece 106.1 has a plurality of fixing locators 106.3, so as to be assembled to an inboard piece 106.2, to provide an alternative volume to the at least one storage container 106. Clearly the plurality of fixing locators can be located on the inboard piece 106.2 if so desired. This allows a purchaser to select the size or volume of the container 106 assembly to suit the width of platform 100 according to the barbecue 10 size that they purchase. Additionally as parts 108.2, 108.1 1 and 108.3 are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, a single trolley package to suit a 1 , 2 or 3 burner barbecue 10, can be provided where multiple sizes of element 108.2, 108.1 1 and 108.3 are in the package.

[0123] The inboard piece 106.2 includes curved recess 106.8 in it, so that the assembled container 106, when in the closed condition, will provide space for a gas bottle(not illustrated) to sit on the base 108.3, and the opening and closing operation of the container 106 will not be interfered with by the gas bottle.

[0124] The outer side surfaces of the outboard pieces 106.1 include an integrally formed detent or stop 106.7, which will engage a ramped portion and a two way detent on the frame members 108, to prevent the assembled container 106 from rotating too far inwardly, and also to come to rest at a storage or retracted condition. This will also allow a user to readily engage the upper lip 107 of the container 106, so as to use it as a handle to pull and or pivot out the container 106, to thereby move stops 106.7 past the ramp and detent, so as to move the container 106 to an open condition.

[0125] The storage containers 106 include at least one downwardly extending formation 106.4, in this case two such formations 106.4, from the under surface 106.5 of the storage container 106, so as to engage at least one corresponding mounting formation 108.4 located on the frames 108.1 . The mounting formations 108.4 include a pivot 108.5, best visible in Figure 16, which is received into recess 106.6 in a snap fashion, rotatably locking them together. The amount of freedom of rotation between the formations 108.4 and 106.4 ensures that the rotation of the container 106 relative to frame 108.1 is suitably limited.

[0126] The downwardly extending formation 106.4 engaging the one corresponding mounting formation 108.4, located on the frame 108.1 , allows the container 106 to rotate relative to the frame 108.1 , and also limits that rotation to a predetermined angular amount.

[0127] As best illustrated in Figure 14, there is also provide a combination of a barbecue 10 as described above, when mounted to a platform 100 as also described above.

[0128] Preferably all the parts of the platform 100 are injection moulded so as to reduce weight and cost. However, it will be understood that other fabrication techniques such as sheet metal and or stainless steel parts are also able to be used.

[0129] Illustrated in Figure 18 is a schematic drawing of a replacement or substitute sub-assembly of removeable wall portion 14.1 with upper wall 22.5 and front fascia 22.1 , with a rear extending wire basket 22.100 to hold a solid burning fuel such as briquettes, charcoal or wood. In another embodiment the burner can be replaced with an electric element.

[0130] Where ever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

[0131 ] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

[0132] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein.