Expert: Whitestag - 6/30/2010

Question
Hello....In 1983 I purchased what I thought was the simplest, most efficient charcoal grill ever.  The bowl and grill were, I think, made of cast iron.  A central post rose from the bottom of the bowl.  The post was threaded.  The grill had a central hole which was threaded, and it fit on the post.  To increase the distance between the grill and charcoal, spin the grill counterclockwise.  To decrease the distance between the grill and charcoal, spin the grill clockwise. That grill lasted 12 years.  I have looked for another, including on the internet, but I can't find one.  Do you know if that design still exists?  Thank you very much for your input.

Answer
What you describe sounds vaguely familiar, but I have no idea who made the things, and as you have discovered, it's pretty hard to put together an effective internet search.  Is there anything at all on the old grill to indicate the manufacturer?  Maybe a patent number?  I might be able to track something down with a bit more information.