Concept: Reg Design
Construction: Pat Pending
(Click on any pic for a larger view.)
WE CARRY TWO BBQs: a clamshell two-burner and a Weber Baby Q.
A normal wind-blocker is OK for the two-burner.
However, the domed lid on the Baby Q introduces a problem: every time I opened it, it would tip the wind-blocker off the table.
This is my answer:
THIS IS V2.01.
Note tension spring near top of rear side panel. There is another one inside the near side panel. More on that later.
V1.0 was a “quickie” made of plywood, with a one-piece rear panel.
It was susceptible to ‘flukey’ winds from the front, and as mentioned, fell off the table every time the Baby Q was opened.
V2.0 was the plywood one with the rear panel cut & hinged, with side hinges shortened, but without supports for the rear panel. Still susceptible to flukey winds, it would fall open without notice.
Note that the clamshell two-burner fits exactly. (Once I fold that clip up.)
By co-incidence, when open for operation it is the same length as the Baby Q. This saved some work & calculations.
The clamshell has its gas inlet in the centre, whereas the Baby Q’s is on the right end. This meant cutting two slots in the rear panel.
With the clamshell, the wind-blocker performs as all such wind-protectors would. A minor improvement has been the addition of the top fold-over (visible in pic 1, below). This prevents eddying of wind down the inside of the rear panel, which interferes with flame-height on the burners. We find this effective in most winds of a speed we are comfortable with when cooking outdoors.
When used with the Baby Q, this flap is effective in preventing flame-out, and aids heat-retention.
The major difference between my wind-blocker and the common design is the split rear panel and tension springs.
These mods are clearly visible when the clamshell is in use (above).
Below, it is shown with the Baby Q:
Baby Q closed…
Baby Q open…
Note tension springs are stretched. When the lid is closed, they pull the rear panel back into place.
The whole thing stays in place because the Baby Q (and the clamshell) sit on top of fold-down ‘feet’, one of which is visible inside the nearest side-wall.
Below is the Nolan Patented Wind-Blocker in all its naked glory (marks on the metal are because I bought s/hand sheets from a scrap-metal dealer):
The feet which hold it all in place are clearly visible. Note the adhesive felt strip top-centre. I found the aluminium was scraping on the Baby Q lid, removing the paint. There is a small pad on the underside of the fold-over strip as well.
The rear view of the Wind-Blocker:
The two slots required for the different gas inlet hoses are clear here.
Note mounting of top hinge: outside on rear panel; inside on fold-over flap. Hinge must also be mounted with pin on rear side (same as centre hinge) so flap cannot fall below 90° opening on other (operational) side.
When folded for storage, it looks like this:
Fold-over flap at top folds under. Feet fold up inside side panels before they are folded in. Springs removed & stored separately to allow side panels to lay flat. When next we stay at home base for summer, SWMBO will be prevailed upon to make a storage bag from a towel Not In Service.
Some detail pix:
Holes for my springs are 1.5mm. Height of mounting them will depend on length of springs used & tension rating.
Test both opened & closed positions before drilling! Mine are very light. Small diameter shock-cord would be an acceptable alternative – strung on the outside of the panels (to prevent burning) & knotted on the inside.
Side panels are the length they are because that’s all the aluminium sheet the scrap-metal dealer had. If you can get a longer sheet, good luck to you; the sides can be longer.
Important: The cut in the rear panel must be exactly the same height as the hinge-pins in the Baby Q for it to work properly!
TOTAL COST for mine was $10 for 2nd-hand 3mm & 1.5mm aluminium (light stuff for top of rear panel & flap), and $5 for 1m of piano hinge @ Bunnings. Pop-rivets & recycled springs were already in toolbox.
AND THERE YOU HAVE IT.
If you are inspired to build your own NOLAN PATENTED WIND-BLOCKER,royalties are payable on the honour system…
($25 donation to RFDS)
) of Mr Murphy.
