Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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GRILL
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application
Serial No. 60/ 586,118 entitled "Gas GriIP" and filed July 7, 2004.
INTRODUCTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to outdoor cooking equipment
and more particularly to a grill such as a gas-fired grill.
[0003] Grills, and in particular portable gas-fired grills, have become very
popular as outdoor cooking devices. Portable gas grills generally consist of a
cooking
chamber supported by a support frame that may or may not have wheels. The
cooking
chamber generally includes gas burners, which are located in the lower portion
of the
cooking chamber, and a cooking grid that is spaced a distance above the gas
burners
for supporting the food to be cooked. A source of gaseous fuel, such as a fuel
tank
containing a liquid fuel (e.g., liquid propane), is coupled to the gas burners
via a gas
regulator hose assembly.
[0004] Several drawbacks have been noted with the known grills. One
drawback concerns the amount of light that is available for the grill operator
to see the
food that is being cooked on the cooking grid. Relatively low-tech approaches
for
solving this issue include the use of a relatively large glass pane in the
front of the lid
that can be employed to selectively cover the cooking chamber. This solution,
however,
relies on ambient light for illumination of the cooking chamber and moreover
provides no
additional lighting when the lid is placed in an open condition.
[0005] Other solutions include the use of a combination light and handle that
is
coupled to the lid such as the one that is disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
6,132,055, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth herein
in its
entirety. This solution is disadvantageous in that the handle for moving the
lid is placed
directly over the cooking grid when the lid is open and can therefore become
relatively
hot to the touch.
[0006] Another drawback is related to gas-fired grills having a removable
source
of gaseous fuel (e.g., a propane tank). It will be appreciated that it is not
desirable to
run out of fuel when cooking and as such, various types of fuel tank gages
have been
developed to inform the operator of the grill of the amount of fuel that
remains in the fuel
tank. As current regulations limit the amount by which the tank may move when
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mounted to the grill, the known fuel tank gages tend to be hard to read and/or
to be
positioned in a location where the fuel level indication is not conspicuous.
[0007] Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for an improved grill.
SUMMARY
[0008] In one form, the present teachings provide a gas-fired grill having a
housing, a fuel gage and a fuel tank. The fuel gage has a platform, a spring,
and an arm
member. The platform is pivotally coupled to the housing. The spring biases
the platform
in a first rotational direction. The arm member is rotatably coupled to the
housing at a pivot
point. The arm member rotates about the pivot point in response to rotation of
the platform
relative to the housing. The arm member includes an indicator. The fuel tank
holds a
combustible fuel and rests on the platform. The platform rotates relative to
the housing in
response to consumption of the combustible fuel from the fuel tank.
[0009] In another form, the present teachings provide gas-fired grill with a
housing, a fuel tank and a fuel gage. The fuel gage has a platform, a spring,
a switch
array, a switch actuator and a display. The platform is pivotally coupled to
the housing.
The fuel tank rests on the platform. The spring biases the platform in a first
rotational
direction. The switch array is coupled to one of the housing and the platform
and including
a plurality of discrete switches that provide corresponding signals to the
display. The
switch actuator is coupled to the other one of the housing and the platform
and is
configured to progressively operate the switches of the switch array in
response to
rotational movement of the platform. The display provides a visual indication
of an amount
of fuel in the fuel tank.
[0010] In yet another form, the present teachings provide a grill having a
housing, a first lid, a second lid and a light assembly. The housing defines a
first chamber
and a second chamber that is disposed above the first chamber. The first lid
is pivotally
coupled to the housing and is moveable between a first position, which closes
the first
chamber to inhibit access thereto, and a second position, which at least
partially clears the
first chamber to permit access thereto. The second lid is pivotally coupled to
the housing
and is moveable between a first position, which closes the second chamber to
inhibit
access thereto, and a second position, which at least partially clears the
second chamber
to permit access thereto. The second lid has a sidewall that is generally
transverse to an
axis about which the second lid pivots. The handle assembly is coupled to
second lid and
includes a handle, a wire harness, a light source and a switch. The handle is
coupled to
the sidewall and extends away from the first chamber. The wire harness is
adapted to
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electrically couple the light source to the switch and a source of electrical
power. The light
source is coupled to a second lid. The switch is configured to selectively
couple the light
source to the source of electrical power. Light generated by the light source
illuminates the
first chamber when the first lid is positioned in the open position.
[0011] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become
apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be
understood
that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the
preferred
embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only
and are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Additional advaritages and features of the present invention will
become
apparent from the subsequent description and the appended claims, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a grill constructed in accordance
with
the teachings of the present invention;
[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the grill of Figure 1
illustrating the grate in more detail;
[0015] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic representations of the temperature
indicator that is incorporated into the grate of Figure 2;
[0016] Figure 5 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0017] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the grill of Figure 5
illustrating the tank caddy in more detail;
[0018] Figure 7 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0019] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0020] Figure 9 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 10 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 11 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
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[0023] Figure 12 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0024] Figure 13 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 14 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 15 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 16 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 17 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 18 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 19 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0031] Figure 20 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0032] Figure 21 is a perspective view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0033] Figure 22 is a perspective view of the grill of Figure 21 illustrating
the first
and second lids in the closed position;
[0034] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the grill of Figure 21 illustrating
the first
and second lids in the open position;
[0035] Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the grill of
Figure 21 illustrating the second lid in more detail;
[0036] Figure 25 is a sectional view of a portion of the second lid taken
generally
transverse to the axis about which the second lid rotates;
[0037] Figure 26 is a partial exploded perspective view of another grill
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0038] Figure 27 is a side view of the grill of Figure 26;
[0039] Figure 28 is a sectional view of another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
[0040] Figure 29 is a perspective view of a portion of the grill of Figure 28;
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[0041] Figure 30 is a schematic view of a portion of another grill constructed
in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0042] Figure 31 is a schematic side view of a portion of another grill
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0043] Figure 32 is a schematic side view of a portion of another grill
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0044] Figure 33 is a schematic side view of a portion of another grill
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and
[0045] Figure 34 is a schematic side view of a portion of another grill
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0046] With reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, a gas-fired grill
constructed in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention is generally indicated
by
reference numeral 10. The grill 10 may include a base 12 and a lid 14 that may
be
pivotally coupled to the base 12. The base 12 may include a housing 20, one or
more
burners 22, a control set 24 and a plurality of grates 26 that are supported
by the
housing 20 at a location above the burners 22. The control set 24 is coupled
to a
source of fuel, such as liquefied petroleum or natural gas, and may regulate
the delivery
of the fuel to the burners 22 in a known manner.
[0047] The grates 26, which may be dishwasher safe for ease of cleaning,
include a frame member 30 and a handle 32 that may be coupled to the frame
member
and employed by the user as a means for lifting the grate 26. In the example
illustrated, the handle 32 extends into a well 36 that is formed in the
housing 20 when
25 the grate 26 is positioned on the base 12. The well 36 may be formed within
a cooking
area 38 that is defined by the housing 20, burners 22 and frame member 30 or
may
positioned in a location outside the cooking area 38 as illustrated so that
the handles 32
will tend to stay clean.
[0048] With brief additional reference to Figures 2 through 4, a temperature
30 indicator 40 may be employed in conjunction with the handle 32 to provide
the user with
a visual indication of the temperature of the handle 32. Such visual
indicators are
employed in Tefal HotSpot cookware, Omegalabel temperature labels and LCD
Temperature strips. In the example provided, the temperature indicator 40 has
a ring-
shaped first indicator 42, which illuminates when the handle 32 is at a
temperature that
exceeds a first predetermined temperature, and a circular second indicator 44
that
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illuminates when the handle 32 is at a temperature that exceeds a second
predetermined temperature that is greater than the first predetermined
temperature.
The first indicator 42 and/or second indicator 44 may further include indicia
46, such as
the word "warm" or "hot", that the user may directly read to determine the
relative
temperature of the handle 32.
[0049] With reference to Figure 5, the base 12 may include a propane tank
caddy 50 to which a propane tank 52 may be removably coupled. The caddy 50 may
include a base portion 60, a first handle 62 and a second handle 64. The base
portion
50 may include a frame 66 to which the first and second handles 62 and 64 may
be
coupled, a plurality of wheels 68, which may be coupled to the frame 66 and
permit the
user to easily maneuver the caddy 50, and a mount 70 that may be coupled to
the frame
66 and configured to receive the propane tank 52. The first handle 62 may be
configured to permit the user to install the caddy 50 to and remove the caddy
50 from
the remainder of the base 12, while the second handle may be employed by a
second
person, for example, to aid the user in lifting the caddy 50 into a vehicle
for transport to
a tank filling or exchange station.
[0050] The remainder of the base 12 may define an opening into which the
caddy 50 may be received. In the example provided, the remainder of the base
12
includes a pair of guide rails onto which the caddy may be slidably received.
The
guide rails preferably cooperate with the caddy 50 to maintain the wheels 68
in a
condition where they are elevated from the ground when the caddy 50 is docked
thereto. When the caddy 50 is to be removed, the user may slide the caddy 50
outwardly from the remainder of the base 12 and tip the caddy 50 forwardly to
engage
the wheels 68 to the ground.
[0051] With additional reference to Figure 6, an integral level sensor 74 may
be
included with the base 12. In the example provided, the integral level sensor
74 is
associated with the caddy 50. More specifically, the integral level sensor 74
includes a
pressure sensitive resistor that may be associated with a circuit that may be
employed
by a user to gauge the amount of fuel in the propane tank 52. The circuit may
include a
light display, such as an LED light display 80, a power switch 82 and a
battery, which
may be a conventional alkaline battery. The power switch 82 may be employed to
selectively distribute electrical power from the battery to the pressure
sensitive resistor
and illuminate the light display 80. The resistance of the pressure sensitive
resistor is
responsive to the weight of the propane tank 52. The LED light display 80 is
responsive
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to the resistance of the pressure sensitive resistor and illuminates in a
manner that
indicates to the user an amount of fuel that remains in the propane tank 52.
[0052] With reference to Figure 7, the base 12 may include an electronic
device
90 that may guide or prompt the user through the cooking process and/or may
provide
recipe help. In one embodiment, the electronic device 90 is passive and
transmits
information through a display panel 92 that may include a display 94 and a
plurality of
buttons 96 that may be employed by the user to input information to the
display panel
92, such as a desired mode of operation, a start or stop signal for a timer,
and/or the
temperature of the grill 10. In another form, the electronic device 90 may be
employed
to automate the cooking process. In this version, the electronic device 90 may
further
include one or more electronic temperature sensors and one or more
electronically
controlled valves that regulate the supply of fuel to the burners 22 (Fig. 1).
The
electronic device may be employed to automatically perform a high temperature
cleaning cycle, provide precise temperature control during cooking or provide
a specific
cooking program. One example of this latter function may be the grilling of a
relatively
thick steak where the steak is first cooked over direct heat for a
predetermined time and
then subjected to indirect heat to cook through to a desired temperature.
[0053] In Figure 8, the grill 10 may include one or more warming cabinets 100
that may be coupled to the base 12 and employed to store food items at a
desired
temperature. An adjustable aperture, such as a louver 102, may be employed to
regulate the amount of heat that is permitted to exit the housing 20 and enter
the
warming cabinet 100.
[0054] In Figure 9, the warming cabinet or portions thereof may be removable
from the base 12 to permit various food items stored in the warming cabinets
to be more
easily transported. In the example provided, the warming cabinet 100' is
constructed so
as to be completely removable from the grill 10, while the warming cabinet
100" includes
a tray 110 that may be removed. Portions of the warming cabinet 100' and/or
100" may
be configured in a manner that permits them to absorb and release heat. For
example
the tray 110 or the walls 112 of the warming cabinet 100' may have a sealed
oil-filled
construction that permits them to absorb a relatively large amount of heat and
release
the heat to the food items stored thereon or therein.
[0055] In Figure 10, the base 12 of the grill 10 may include a storage
compartment 120 that may be employed to store various items that may be
employed
for cooking or cleaning. A door 122, which may include a plurality of storage
shelves
124, may be employed to close the storage compartment 120. The storage
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compartment 120 may further include a holder 126 onto which a roll of paper
toweling
128 may be received.
[0056] In Figure 11, the lid 14 may include a handle 130 that includes a light
132
that may be employed to illuminate the cooking area 38 when the lid 14 is in a
raised
position. The light 132 may include a battery, a lamp 134 and a switch 136
that may be
manually activated by the user (i.e., toggled on or off) and/or automatically
operated
when the position of the lid 14 is changed. In this latter mode of operation,
the lamp 134
may illuminate when the lid 14 is pivoted out of the closed position and may
turn off
when the lid is pivoted into the closed position.
[0057] In Figure 12, a sound system 140 may be integrated into the grill 10.
The
sound system 140 may include a combination receiver/CD player 142 and a pair
of side
speakers 144. The receiver/CD player 142 may be of a wireless type that
transmits
signals to one or both of the side speakers 144 without being electrically
coupled
thereto. Construction in this manner permits the combination receiver/CD
player 142 to
be removed from the grill 10 and positioned at a location that is relatively
more
convenient for the users.
[0058] In Figure 13, the base 12 of the grill 10 may include one or more
ceramic
inserts 150 that are disposed between the burners 22 and the grates 26. The
inserts
150 may be received onto a portion of the housing 20 in a manner that is
similar to that
of the grates 20, or may be disposed in a drawer frame 152 that permits the
user to
shuttle the inserts out from beneath the grates 26 without having to first
remove the
grates 26. The inserts 150 act as heat sinks, absorbing heat from the burners
22 and
releasing it to the food that is disposed on the grates 26 to thereby provide
better
temperature distribution over the cooking area 38. Additionally, the inserts
150 form a
barrier between the flame that is produced by the burners 22 and the grates
26, thus
eliminating flare-ups. Recesses or pockets 156 may be formed into the surface
of the
inserts 150 to increase their overall surface area and to permit the inserts
150 to store
fat, juices and drippings from the food on the grates 26. During normal
operation, the
temperature of the inserts 150 is such that fat, juices and drippings that
fall onto the
surface of the inserts 150 is converted into a smoke that imparts a flavor to
the food on
the grates 26 that is reminiscent of charcoal smoke.
[0059] In Figure 14, the grill 10 may include a pair of wells 160 that are
disposed
on opposite sides of the base 12. The wells 160 may be configured to removably
receive items, such as a container that may be employed to hold water, (e.g.,
for
washing dishes or food items) or ice (e:g., for cold storage of food items or
beverages).
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A lip 162 may be formed about the perimeter of the opening in the well 160
that permits
a cover 164 to be fitted to the well 160 to partially or fully close the well
160. The cover
164 may be employed as a cutting board and may be formed of a plastic with an
anti-
bacterial characteristic, such as Microban. Additionally or alternatively, the
well 160
may be formed with a bottom that is open or that may be opened so as to permit
a
disposable plastic trash bag 166 to be coupled to the grill 10.
[0060] In Figure 15, the grill 10 may include a heating feature 170 that
permits
heat to be selectively conveyed or radiated to a location that is remote from
the cooking
area 38 so as to warm the user. In the example provided, heat from the burners
22 is
rejected to the interior of the base 12 and thereafter discharged through an
adjustable
louver 174 toward the feet of the user. An optional fan system 176, which may
include a
motor powered fan 178 and an air filter 180, may be employed to draw force the
relatively warm air in the interior of the base 12 outwardly through the
louver 174.
[0061] In Figure 16, the housing 20 and/or grates 26 of the grill 10 may be
configured to facilitate the use of outdoor cookware 190 without the need to
remove the
grates 26. The outdoor cookware 190 may include cookware articles such as a
griddle
192, a basket 194 and/or a perforated tray 196 that may be slidably received
over and
removed from the cooking area 38. To facilitate sliding of the outdoor
cookware 190,
each article of cookware may be formed with a set of guides 198 that slide on
rails 200
that may be formed on the housing 20 or the grates 26. Preferably, the guides
198 are
also formed on heat resistant shelves 202 that are located on the opposite
sides of the
cooking area 38. Construction in this manner permits an article of outdoor
cookware
190 to be easily removed from the cooking area 38 without the need for the
user to lift
the article of outdoor cookware 190. Moreover, the guides 198 and guide rails
200
cooperate to position the article of outdoor cookware 190 with improved
stability.
[0062] In Figure 17, the grill 10 is illustrated to include a utensil storage
device
210 having a plurality of openings 212 into which various utensils 214 may be
removably received. The utensil storage device 210 may include a separate
burner or
be positioned in relatively close proximity to the burners 22 (Fig. 1) to
permit the
temperature of the utensils 214 to reach a temperature of at least 185 degrees
Fahrenheit to thereby sanitize the utensil. If the utensil storage device 210
includes a
separate burner, the dispensing of fuel to the burner is preferably manually
initiated
(e.g., via a user operated valve) and the burner 22 (Fig. 1) may be employed
to initiate
combustion of the fuel that is dispensed from the burner of the utensil
storage device
210. The dispensing of fuel to the separate burner may be time-controlled
(i.e., the
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valve closes after the elapsing of a predetermined amount of time) to shut off
the
separate burner. A visual temperature indicator, similar to the temperature
indicator 40
of Figure 2 may be employed to both identify when the temperature of the
utensils 214
is hot to the touch and/or when they exceed a predetermined temperature at
which
certain bacteria are killed.
[0063] In Figure 18, the grill 10 is illustrated to have a singular circular
grate 26'
that is driven about a rotational axis by a drive mechanism 250. The drive
mechanism
250 may include an output bevel gear that meshingly engages a face gear that
is
formed on a bottom side of the grill 26'. Alternatively, other means may be
employed to
drive the grate 26" about a rotational axis, including one or more powered
rollers and/or
a sprocket-driven chain. The drive mechanism 250 may include a power switch
252 that
permits the user to selectively activate the drive mechanism 250.
Configuration of the
grill 10 in this manner permits one or more additional burners to be
selectively employed
to create zones within the cooking area 38 that are relatively hotter than
adjacent zones.
In this way, food items may be rotated into a zone where they are initially
seared and
then rotated into a second zone where they may be subjected to indirect heat
so that
they may cook through.
[0064] In Figure 19 the grill 10 is illustrated to optionally include a
plurality of
fold-out shelves 270 that may be located on the sides or front of the base 12.
The fold-
out shelves 270 may be of various sizes and may include one or more legs 272
that
may be employed to support the shelf 270 when the shelf 270 is deployed.
[0065] In Figure 20, the grill 10 is illustrated to include a front prep work
surface
290 that may employ a removable board member 292 that may be formed of wood or
plastic (if a cutting task is to be performed on the board member 292) or may
be formed
of. a high-end material, such as a solid surface material (e.g., Corian), an
engineered
stone material (e.g., Silestone) or a natural stone material (e.g., granite or
marble). To
provide maximum functionality and improved appearance, the board member 290
may
have a composite construction with one side being formed of a material (e.g.,
wood or
plastic) that is conducive to cutting tasks and an opposite side that is
formed of a layer
of a high end material, such as granite or an engineered stone.
[0066] In Figures 21 and 22, a grill constructed in accordance with the
teachings
of the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 300. The
grill 300
can include a base 312, a first lid 314, and a second lid 316. The base 312
can include
a housing 320, one or more burners 322, a control set 324, a cooking surface
or grid
326 and a warming surface or grid 328. Except as provided herein, the
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and operation of the various elements of the base 312 can be similar to the
construction
and operation of the corresponding elements of the base 12 (Fig. 1) discussed
above.
[0067] The housing 320 can support the cooking grid 326 at a first and
relatively
close distance from the burners 322 and the warming grid 328 at a second
relatively
farther distance from the burners 322. Accordingly, the housing 320 defines a
cooking
chamber 330, which is disposed between the cooking grid 326 and the warming
grid
328, and a warming chamber 332, which is disposed above the warming grid 328.
[0068] The warming grid 328 can be defined by a grate and/or a sheet metal
(e.g., steel, aluminum) tray. If a sheet metal tray is employed, the tray may
have a solid
surface or could have surface with a plurality of holes formed therethrough
(e.g.,
perforated sheet metal or expanded metal). The surface of the sheet metal tray
can be
coated with an appropriate coating (e.g., rust resistant plating, a non-stick
coating) if
desired.
[0069] The first lid 314 can include a lid member 334, which can be pivotally
coupled to the housing 320, and a handle 336 that can be coupled to a side
wall 338 of
the lid member 334. The lid member 334 is movable between an open position
(Fig. 21)
and a closed position (Fig. 22). In the open position, the lid member 334 is
rotated into
the cooking chamber 330 so that the front face of the lid member 334 is
located beneath
the warming grid 328 and the lower edge of the lid member 334 is located
rearwardly of
the second lid 316.
[0070] With reference to Figures 21, and 23 through 25, the second lid 316 can
include a lid structure 340, first and second side walls 342 and 344,
respectively, a
handle assembly 346 and a light assembly 348. The lid structure 340 can
include a lid
member 350, which can be pivotally coupled to the housing 320 in a
conventional
manner, and an optional heat resistant glass viewing pane 352 that can be
fixedly but
removably coupled to the lid member 350 in a conventional manner. The first
and
second side walls 342 and 344 can be discrete components that can be coupled
to the
lid member 350, or could be integrally formed with the lid member 350 in an
alternative
embodiment.
[0071] The handle assembly 346 can be coupled to the first side wall 342 and
can include a housing 360, a hand grip 362 and a switch 364. The housing 360
can be
configured to receive one or more battery cells 366 therein which provide
electrical
power via the switch 364 to the light assembly 348. The hand grip 362 can be
coupled
to the housing 360. The switch 364 can be coupled to the housing 360 or to the
hand
grip 362 and is preferably position so as to be readily accessible but
somewhat
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shrouded so as to resist inadvertent operation of the switch 364. In the
example
provided, the switch 364 is a push-button type switch with an actuator that is
recessed
into the end face of the hand grip 362.
[0072] The light assembly 348 can include an upper portion 370, a light source
372, a light source holder 374, and a lower portion 376. The upper portion 370
can
include a beam-like structural channel that can be mounted to the lid member
350 of the
second lid 316. The light source 372 can include one or more lamps and/or
LED's 372a
and a wire harness 372b that electrically connects the lamps and/or LED's 372a
to the
switch 364 and the batteries 366. The light source holder 374 can be a beam-
like
structural channel having a plurality of holes 378 formed therethrough that
are sized to
receive a corresponding one of the lamps or LED's. As the light source holder
374 is
received into the upper portion 370, the light source holder 374 maintains
each of the
lamps and/or LED's at a desired location. A lower surface 380 of the light
source holder
374 can be reflective so as to direct light toward the lower portion 376. The
lower
portion 376 can include a beam-like structural channel 382 that can be
received into the
upper portion 370. The beam-like structural channel 382 can define one or more
openings 384 that permit light from the light source 372 to exit the light
assembly 348.
In the example provided, the lower portion 376 also includes a lens 386 that
can be
formed of a heat-resistant transparent glass. The lens 386 is configured to
close the
opening 384 while permitting light to escape therethrough.
[0073] When operating the grill 300, the first lid 314 may be placed in the
open
position and the light assembly 348 may be activated (via the switch 364) to
cause the
light source 372 to output light. As the first lid 314 is retracted rearwardly
of the light
assembly 348, the light that is produced by the light source 372 projects
downwardly
onto the cooking grid 326. As the handles 336 and 346 for the first and second
lids 314
and 316 are positioned on a side of the housing 320 rather than over the
cooking grid
326, it will be appreciated that the handles 336 and 346, as well as the
batteries 366 for
the light source 372, remain relatively cool.
[0074] It will be appreciated that a timer or other control means may be
employed in addition with or as an alternative to the switch 364. For example,
a timer
(not shown) may be employed to limit the amount of time that the light source
372
produces light. Accordingly, a timer could prevent the batteries 366 from
being
exhausted if the switch 364 is inadvertently activated. As another example,
the switch
364 or a second switch (not shown) may be located and configured so as to
automatically turn the light source 372 on when the first lid 314 is
positioned in the open
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position. Moreover, another switch (not shown) may be located and configured
so as to
ensure that the light source 372 is turned off when the second lid 316 is
positioned in
the open position.
[0075] In Figures 26 and 27, another grill constructed in accordance with the
teachings of the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral
400. The
grill 400 is shown to include a base 412 having a housing 420 and a platform-
style fuel
gage 422. The fuel gage 422 can include a platform member 424, one or more
springs
426, an indicator arm 428 and an optional indicator plate 430. The platform
member
424 can be a plate-like structure that can be pivotally coupled to the housing
420 via
one or more hinges 432. In the particular example provided, a tank aperture
434 is
formed in the platform member 424 and is sized to receive the base 436 of a
conventional 201b. propane tank 438. While the tank aperture 434 is
illustrated to be
centrally located on the platform member 424, it will be appreciated that it
may in the
alternative be positioned relatively closer to the hinges 432.
[0076] The springs 426 can be conventional compression springs and can be
disposed between the platform member 424 and the housing 420 on a side of the
tank
aperture 434 opposite the hinges 432. Accordingly, the springs 426 can bias
the
platform member 424 upwardly about an axis that is defined by the hinges 432.
[0077] It will be appreciated that a change in the weight of the fuel tank 438
will
cause a corresponding change in the rotational position of the platform member
424
about the axis of the hinges 432. A restraint 440 may be employed to aid in
securing
the fuel tank 438 to the housing 420. The restraint 440 can include a
restraint member
442 that can be formed of a sheet steel. A proximal end of the restraint
member 442
can be fixedly but removably coupled to the housing 420 via a thumb screw or
other
appropriate fastener(s), while a V-shaped distal end 444 of the restraint
member 442
can be fitted about the protective collar 446 that is formed on the fuel tank
438. The V-
shaped distal end 444 of the restraint member 444 need not physically touch
the
protective collar 446, but rather can simply limit both vertical and
horizontal movement
of the fuel tank 438.
[0078] The indicator arm 428 can include a pivot member 450, which can be
fixedly coupled to the housing 420 on a side opposite the hinges 432, and an
arm
member 452 that can be pivotally mounted on the pivot member 450. The arm
member
452 can have a first portion 454 which can extend from a first side of the
pivot member
450 and a second portion 456 that can extend from a second opposite side of
the pivot
member 450. The first portion 454 can include can be configured to fit over a
pin 458
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that is coupled to the platform member 424. The first portion 454 can be
configured to
cooperate with the pin 458 and the pivot member 450 to convert vertically
translating
motion of the platform member 424 into rotary motion of the arm member 452.
The
second portion 456 of the arm member 452 can include an indicator portion 460,
which
is illustrated to be a red painted zone on the distal end of the second
portion 456. In the
particular example provided, the length of the second portion 456 of the arm
member
452 is greater than the length of the first portion 454 so as to have the
effect of
magnifying the amount by which the platform member 424 translates in response
to a
change in the weight of the fuel tank 438.
[0079] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that gage indicia
(not
shown) may be placed on the housing 420 that associates a position of the
indicator
portion 460 with an amount of fuel in the fuel tank 438. In the particular
example
provided, however, the indicator plate 430 conceals and covers the indicator
arm 428
except for the portion of the indicator portion 460 that is visible through
one or more
holes 462 that are associated with the gage indicia 464 that is placed on the
indicator
plate 430.
[0080] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the indicator arm 428
can
be configured so that the indicator portion 460 lies within a first one of the
holes 462
when the fuel tank 438 is full and lies within a last one of the holes 462
when the fuel
tank 438 is empty. Accordingly, movement of the platform member 424 in
response to a
change in the weight of the fuel tank 438 will cause the indicator portion 460
to rotate
about the pivot member 450 in alignment with a corresponding one or ones of
the holes
462.
[0081] Since the indicator arm 428 is configured to magnify the movement of
the
platform member 424 and since the indicator arm 428 can be located on a front
side of
the grill 400, the amount of fuel in the fuel tank 438 can be easily and
accurately
determined.
[0082] With reference to Figure 28, another grill constructed in accordance
with
the teachings of the present invention is generally indicated by reference
numeral 500.
The grill 500 is generally similar to that of the grill 400 of Figure 26
except a fuel gage
502 is substituted for the fuel gage 422 (Fig. 26). The fuel gage 502 can
include a tank
post 504, a tank mount 506, a compression spring 508, a lower stop 510, an
upper stop
512, an arm member 514 and a scale 516. The tank post 504 can be a rod having
a
circular cross section that can be fixedly coupled to the housing 520 of the
grill 500.
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[0083] With brief additional reference to Figure 29, the tank mount 506 can
include a plate member 522 and a guide structure 524 that can be fixedly
coupled to the
plate member 522. The plate member 522 can include a tank aperture 526 that is
configured to receive the base 528 of a fuel tank 530 therein. The guide
structure 524
can include a tubular member 532 having an inside diameter that is sized to
fit over the
tank post 504 so as to be axially slidable thereon. In the particular example
provided,
the guide structure 524 includes a plurality of bushings 534 that can be made
of a
suitable material so as to reduce friction between the tank post 504 and the
tubular
member 532. The bushings 534 may be made of Nylon or Teflon , for example.
The
compression spring 508 is disposed about the tank post 504 between the housing
520
and the plate member 522 and biases the plate member 522 upwardly. The lower
stop
510 can be an annular structure that can be coupled to the housing 520 and
fitted about
the compression spring 508 so as to inhibit downward movement of the tank
mount 506
at a predetermined point. Similarly, the upper stop 512 can be coupled to the
housing
520 or the tank post 504 and can be configured to inhibit upward movement of
the tank
mount 506 at a predetermined point. Optionally, the lower stop 510 can include
one or
more features that can cooperate with the tank mount 506 to resist undesired
rotation of
the tank mount 506 about the tank post 504. In the example provided, the lower
stop
510 includes a groove 540 that is configured to receive a peg 542 that is
coupled to the
tank mount 506. When the peg 542 is disposed in the groove 540, rotation of
the tank
mount 506 relative to the lower stop 510 is inhibited. In the example
provided, the peg
542 axially disengages the groove 540 when the fuel tank 530 is less than
about 1/8 full,
there by permitting the tank mount 506 to be rotated about the tank post 504
so that the
fuel tank 530 may be more easily removed from the fuel gage 502. The arm
member
514 can be coupled to the tank mount 506 for translation therewith. The arm
member
514 can include a distal end that can form a pointer 550. The scale 516 can be
coupled
to the housing 520 proximate the pointer 550 and includes scale indicia 552
that
cooperate with the pointer 550 to indicate a level of fuel within the fuel
tank 530.
Optionally, the tank mount 506 can include a releasable strap 554 that can be
employed
to secure the fuel tank 530 to the tank mount 506. In the example provided,
the strap
554 includes two strap members 556 that can be secured to one another via a
conventional strap joining means, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles or
clips.
[0084] With reference to Figure 30, yet another grill constructed in
accordance
with the teachings of the present invention is generally indicated by
reference numeral
600. The grill 600 is also generally similar to the grill 400 (Fig. 26) except
for that a fuel
CA 02573132 2007-01-08
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gage 602 is substituted for the fuel gage 422 (Fig. 26). The fuel gage 602
includes a
plate member 604 that is pivotally coupled to the housing 620 of the grill 600
and which
is biased upwardly by a compression spring 622. As these elements are
generally
similar to those of the grill 400 (Fig. 26), they will not be discussed in
further detail.
Unlike the fuel gage 422 of Figure 26, the fuel gage 602 includes an
electronic display
624. The electronic display 624 can include a switch array 626, a display
device 628, a
battery 630 and a switch actuator 632. The switch array 626 can include a
plurality of
switches 634. Each of the switches 634 can have a first contact 636, which can
be
electrically coupled to the display device 628, and a second contact 638 that
can be
coupled to an electric ground. The first contact 636 can be configured similar
to a leaf-
spring and can be biased into electrical connection with the second contact
638. The
display device 628 is illustrated to be an array of LED's 640, wherein each
LED 640 is
electrically coupled to the battery 630 and to the first contact 636. The
switch actuator
632 can be a wedge-shaped protrusion that can be formed on or coupled to the
plate
member 604. When the fuel tank 644 that is mounted on the plate member 604 is
full,
the top surface 646 of the switch actuator 632 is disposed below the lower
surface 648
of the first contact 636 of the switches 634. As such, each of the LED's in
the display
device 628 will illuminate. As the amount of fuel in the fuel tank 644
decreases,
however, the plate member 604 will pivot about the pivot axis 650 so that the
top
surface 646 of the switch actuator 632 rises. If the amount by which the top
surface 646
of the switch actuator 632 rises is sufficient, the switch actuator 632 will
lift the first
contact 636 from a first one of the switches 634 off of its associated second
contact 638,
thereby opening the electrical circuit so that an associated LED 640 will not
illuminate. It
will be appreciated that due to sloped configuration of the top surface 646,
the switches
634 will progressively open as the amount of fuel in the fuel tank 644
decreases. It will
also be appreciated that a power switch 652 can be optionally employed to
limit the
amount by which the battery 630 is discharged. In the example provided, the
power
switch 652 is a normally open momentary switch that is disposed between the
battery
630 and the array of LED's. The normally open configuration of the power
switch 652
inhibits the passage of electricity therethrough unless the power switch 652
is first
actuated. Moreover, as the power switch 652 is a momentary switch, it passes
electricity therethrough only when the power switch 652 is activated.
Accordingly, the
press-to-test configuration can greatly increase battery life. It will also be
appreciated
that in the alternative, another display type, such as a liquid crystal
display (LCD), may
be substituted for the display device 628.
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[0085] With reference to Figure 31, another grill constructed in accordance
with
the teachings of the present invention is generally indicated by reference
numeral 700.
Except as otherwise provided herein, the grill 700 can be generally similar to
the grill of
Figure 5. In this regard, the grill 700 can include a caddy 702 to which the
fuel tank 704
may be removably coupled. The caddy 702 is generally similar to the caddy 50
described above, and can include a frame 706, a set of legs 708 and a set of
wheels
710, and a handle 712. The fuel tank 704 can rest on the frame 706, while the
legs 708
and the wheels 710 support the frame 706 relative to the ground. The handle
712 can
extend upwardly from the frame 706. Optionally, a strap (not shown) or other
device
may be employed to secure the fuel tank 704 to the caddy 702. To install the
caddy 702
(with fuel tank 704) to the housing 720 of the grill 700, a door 722 on the
housing 720 of
the grill 700 can be opened to provide access to a tank chamber 724 within the
housing
720. The caddy 702 can be tilted about an axis that is defined by the wheels
710 and
rolled into the tank chamber 724 to a predetermined point. The predetermined
point
can be defined by the geometry of the floor 726 of the tank chamber 724. In
the
particular example provided, the floor 726 includes a V-shaped recess 728 into
which
the wheels 710 may be set. Once positioned at the predetermined point, the
caddy 702
may be rotated about the axis that is defined by the wheels 710 such that the
legs 708
rest on a spring 730 that is coupled to the housing 720. The spring 730 is
illustrated to
be a leaf spring, but it will be appreciated that a compression spring could
also be
employed. Due to the weight of the fuel in the fuel tank 704, the spring 730
will deflect
so that the caddy 702 rotates about the axis that is defined by the wheels
710. It will be
appreciated that as fuel is consumed from the tank 704, the spring 730 will
urge the
caddy 702 to rotate about the axis that is defined by the wheels 710 such that
the
handle 712 will get progressively closer to the door 722. It will also be
appreciated that
the spring 730 could alternatively be positioned to contact the handle 712
rather than
the legs 708. When the caddy 702 has been positioned in the tank chamber 724,
the
door 722 may be moved to a closed position, which can not only closes the fuel
tank
704 in the tank chamber 722, but can also engage a linkage 740 of a fuel gage
742 to
the caddy 702. In the example provided, the linkage 740 contacts the handle
712 and is
fixedly coupled to a pointer 744 that extends from a front side of the door
722. A scale
746 with scale indicia (not specifically shown) can be coupled to the door 722
and can
cooperate with the pointer 744 to provide an indication of the amount of fuel
that resides
in the fuel tank 704. The linkage 740 can be biased in a rotational direction
toward the
caddy 702 via a torsion spring 750. As the linkage 740 is biased into contact
with the
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handle 712 and as the caddy 702 will pivot about the axis that is defined by
the wheels
710 as fuel is consumed, the linkage 740 and the pointer 744 will move in
response to a
change in the amount of fuel in the fuel tank 704. Significantly, the amount
by the
pointer 744 will move can be greatly magnified based upon the location where
the
linkage 740 contacts the caddy 702 and the relative lengths of the pointer 744
and the
linkage 740. In this regard, the linkage 740 contacts the portion of the
handle 712 that
is furthest from the axis that is defined by the wheels 710 and since this
distance is
greater than the distance between the legs 708 and the axis, a relatively
large
displacement occurs for the consumption of a given amount of fuel. Similarly,
the
lengths of the pointer 744 and the linkage 740 can be selected so that the
movement of
the caddy 702 is amplified (or attenuated) in a desired manner.
[0086] In Figure 32, an alternately constructed grill is indicated by
reference
numeral 700a. The grill 700a is generally similar to the grill 700 of Figure
31, except
that the fuel gage 742a includes a wedge shaped element 760 that is slidably
mounted
to the door 722a. The wedge shaped element 760 can be biased vertically
downwardly
by a spring (not specifically shown) and can include a pointer 744a that can
be visible
through the door 722a. When the door 722a is positioned in the closed
position, contact
between the handle 712 and the wedge shaped element 760 will urge the wedge
shaped element 760 (and the pointer 744a) upwardly. As fuel is consumed from
the
fuel tank 704, the caddy 702a will pivot about the axis that is defined by the
wheels 710
so that the handle 712 rotates forwardly and urges the wedge shaped element
760
further upwardly. It will be appreciated that a scale (not specifically shown)
with scale
indicia can be incorporated into the door 722a and that the pointer 744a can
cooperate
with the scale to provide an indication of the amount of fuel in the fuel tank
704.
[0087] In Figure 33, another alternately constructed grill is indicated by
reference numeral 700b. The grill 700b is generally similar to the grill 700
of Figure 31,
except that the fuel gage 742b is an electronic device that can be constructed
in a
manner that is similar to the fuel gage 602 of Figure 30. In the particular
example
provided, the switch array 626, the display device 628,. the battery (not
specifically
shown) and the switch actuator 632 can be configured as discussed above in
conjunction with the grill of Figure 30, except that the switch array 626 and
the switch
actuator 632 are located differently. In this regard, the switch actuator 632
can be
coupled to the frame 706 of the caddy 702b, while the switch array 626 can be
coupled
to the housing 720b of the grill 700b at a location that is rotationally in-
line with the
switch actuator 632. Accordingly, consumption of fuel from the fuel tank 704
will cause
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the caddy 702b (and the switch actuator 632) to rotate about the axis that is
defined by
the wheels 710 and change the state of the switches (not specifically shown)
of the
switch actuator 626 in response thereto.
[0088] In Figure 34, yet another alternately constructed grill is generally
indicated by reference numeral 700c. In this example, the fuel gage 742c can
include a
fluid-filled sight glass 770 that is coupled in fluid connection to a bladder
772. The
bladder 772 can be positioned so as to be disposed beneath the caddy 702c when
the
caddy 702c is placed in the tank chamber 724. The weight of the caddy 702c and
fuel
tank 704 exert a force on the bladder 772 which drives fluid from the bladder
772 into
the sight glass 770. When the fuel tank 704 is relatively full, a relatively
large amount of
fluid will be forced out of the bladder 772 and into the sight glass 770 so
that the level of
fluid in the sight glass 770 will be relatively high. Conversely, when the
fuel tank 704 is
empty, the fluid will have flowed from the sight glass 770 into the bladder
772 so that the
level of fluid in the sight glass 770 will be relatively low.
[0089] While the invention has been described in the specification and
illustrated in
the drawings with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by
those of
ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may
be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the
invention as
defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features,
elements and/or
functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that
one of
ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that features,
elements and/or
functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as
appropriate, unless described otherwise, above. Moreover, many modifications
may be
made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without
departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not
be limited to the particular embodiment illustrated by the drawings and
described in the
specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out this
invention, but
that the invention will include any embodiments falling within the foregoing
description and
the appended claims.
19
