Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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STOVETOP GRILLING DEVICE
Related Application
The instant application is a PCT application claiming priority from U.S.
Application Serial Number 13,351,974, filed January 17, 2012
Field of Invention
This invention relates to the field of cooking equipment, and more
specifically to a
stovetop grilling device designed to provide indoor barbeque cooking.
Background of the Invention
There has always been a tradition of outdoor cooking and barbequing in the
United
States. Many Americans are fans of the wood and smoke flavoring of meat and
fish
cooked on an outdoor grill, often over a wood fire. Unfortunately for city
dwellers, this
experience is often denied them by the lack of suitable outdoor facilities.
Cooking over
wood fires or even over a gas grill is too messy and dangerous to be done
indoors. The
danger of open flames, spilled cooking grease, smoke and related conditions
make indoor
grill cooking impractical. The present invention provides a solution that
allows the urban
dweller to enjoy the outdoor grilling experience in the comfort of his or her
kitchen
without the mess and danger associated with traditional outdoor grill cooking.
Another problem facing the urban dweller is attempting to cook several
portions
and have them cooked uniformly in the same time period. Most grilling devices
that are
adapted to stovetop burners and similar arrangements rely on a point source of
heating,
such as a gas stove burner. The present invention provides a substantially
evenly heated
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grilling surface that can be safely used indoors without concerns regarding
smoke, grease
and danger of fire.
U.S. Patent No. 5,237,914, issued to Carstensen, is directed to a cooking
grill
assembly for use on a heating unit of various designs and types either
charcoal fired, gas
fired or electrically heated having a working surface which can support the
grill assembly.
The grill assembly has an upper grill component and a lower drip pan component
detachably connected to each other along one margin of components that may be
stamped
integrally out of a single sheet of sheet metal and thereafter porcelinized if
desired. The
components are perforated with the perforations being laterally offset from
each other in
such a manner that the molten fatten grease resulting from the barbequing
operation can
drip downwardly through the perforations of the upper grill component are
intercepted by
the underlying or drip pan component and conveyed to a fat accumulation
receptacle on
the ladder. This arrangement allows the smoke and combustion vapors to rise
upwardly
through the perforations and flavor the meat in the desired manner but without
the danger
of the molten fat dropping on the burning fuel and being ignited thereby.
U.S. Patent No. 3,186,331, issued to Dettling is directed to a grill for
supporting
food exposed to cooking temperatures comprising a plurality of parallel strips
having
frames for supporting the ends thereof. The side edges of these strips are
bent over, the
upper edge being turned down and the lower edge being turned up forming
generally an S-
shape. The strips are mounted so that the turned down edges overlap the up-
turned edges
of adjacent strips so that any drippings from the meat will fall into the
trough of the lower
bar and because of an inclination in the mounting will pour into a drip pan
located at the
lower level.
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U.S. Patent No. 4,598,634, issued to Van Horn, II is directed to a
broiler/griddle for
use on cooking ranges to convert the range interchangeably into a broiler for
flame
broiling or a griddle for frying. The portable range-top broiler and griddle
apparatus has a
removable and interchangeable griddle and broiling grid along with a removable
base
assembly which rests below the grid during broiling and acts as a secondary
grease drain.
When the broiler option is being used the broiling grid is placed within the
fire box resting
on supports which make the grid decline toward the front of the firebox so
that grease and
liquids drain off the grid and into a grease cup which is removably attached
to the front of
the firebox. The grid is formed of a series of parallel spaced steel channels.
Beneath the
grid a base assembly which is similar to the grid accepts the channels and
spaces between
the channels are wider. The base acts as a secondary grease drain catching a
large quantity
of the grease passing through the grid. The grid and the base have a plurality
of openings
through which the grease can drop and which allow heat flame and smoke to
contact the
food being broiled. The channels on both the base and grid are U-shaped having
an open
top side which faces upward so that the channels form troughs which can
collect and drain
off a portion of the grease.
U.S. Patent No. 4,608,917, issued to Faaborg is directed to a stove top
broiler
combination for use on the top of a range or stove for converting the range at
minimum
cost to a charbroiler or griddle. The construction has an open topped and open
bottomed
rectangular base that supports a broiler surface constructed of a plurality of
elongate strips
bent at an angle to form troughs that are supported in a slant position so as
to drain grease
caught to a drip pan. This broiler grill is removable and below it are located
plural larger
strips with an angle forming a trough that is removably supported by notched
support
plates. Charcoal broiling is achieved and the flavor of cooked meat is
enhanced by the
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horizontal lower level larger angles which burn and vaporize the drippings
falling between
the grids of the broiler.
U.S. Patent No. 3,256,806, issued to Jordan is directed to an expandable and
disposable pan tray and the like which can be used effectively to collect and
retain liquids
and grease and juices that drip from the meat when being cooked. The pan when
expanded
for use consists of a series of V-shaped parallel arranged troughs having
peaks and valleys.
Holes are placed at the top of the troughs to allow heat from the fire or
other heating
element to readily pass upward through the pan. The holes are placed at the
upper edge of
one side of the troughs to prevent grease and meat juices from dripping
through the holes
during broiling. Each hole is provided with a laterally extending
substantially horizontal
tab or cover that projects from the peak over each hole. An advantage of the
present
expandable pan is that it can be formed as a continuous structure of
sufficient length to
form a substantial number of individual pans of various sizes as required.
They can be
supplied so that it can be withdrawn from the container and severed at the
length desired.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a device that simulates
the
outdoor barbeque experience in an indoor environment. It is a further
objective to provide
this experience in a manner that is safe from fire hazards. It is a still
further objective of
the invention to provide a grilling device that prevents spattering, is easy
to use and easy to
clean. It is yet a further objective to a grilling device that allows for easy
and effective
control over the interior temperature of the grilling environment. Finally, it
is an objective
of the present invention to provide a grilling device that is durable,
inexpensive and simple
for the user to operate.
While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the
prior art,
none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified.
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Summary of the Invention
The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of prior art stovetop
grilling
device inventions and satisfies all of the objectives described above.
5 (1) A stovetop grilling device providing the desired features may be
constructed
from the following components. A catch tray is provided. The catch tray has a
plurality of
downward pointing V-shaped first members. Each of the first members has a
first end, a
second end and parallel side edges. The first members are attached at the
first and second
ends to a first supporting frame and have the side edges spaced from one
another by a first
distance. A grilling surface is provided. The grilling surface has a plurality
of upward
pointing V-shaped second members. Each of the second members has a proximate
end, a
distal end and parallel side edges. The second members are attached at the
proximate and
distal ends to a second supporting frame and have the side edges spaced from
one another
by the first distance.
The second supporting frame is located over the first supporting frame such
that a
mid-point between the parallel side edges of each of the first members is
centrally located
between and below the parallel side edges of two adjacent second members and a
mid-
point between the parallel side edges of each of the second members is
centrally located
between and above the parallel side edges of two adjacent first members. When
the
grilling device is placed on a stovetop burner and food is placed on the
grilling surface and
the burner activated, heat from the burner will follow an angled path upward
to the grilling
surface and drippings from the food will follow a downward path to the catch
tray.
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(2) In a variant of the invention, the first distance is a first predetermined
distance
that is uniform between each adjacent pair of first members and between each
adjacent
pair of second members.
(3) In another variant, the first distance is smallest at center points of the
catch tray
and the grilling surface and increases along a line orthogonal to the parallel
side edges
moving outwardly from the center points. The first distance is uniform for the
catch tray
and the grilling surface at any given point along the orthogonal line. A
substantially even
temperature is maintained across the grilling surface from the center point to
outer edges
of the grilling surface.
(4) In still another variant, the first distance increases exponentially from
the center
point to the outer edges.
(5) In yet another variant, a drip reservoir is provided. The drip reservoir
is located
adjacent a first side of the first supporting frame below a lowest level of
the first members.
The first members are attached to the first support frame at an angle
sufficient to cause the
drippings to flow downwardly along the first members and into the drip
reservoir.
(6) In yet another variant, a grease-trapping liquid is located in the first
drip
reservoir.
(7) In a further variant, a first drip reservoir is provided. The first drip
reservoir is
located adjacent a first side of the first supporting frame below a lowest
level of the first
members. A second drip reservoir is provided. The second drip reservoir is
located
adjacent a second side of the first supporting frame below the lowest level of
the first
members. The first members have a high point located between the first and
second ends,
the high point causing the drippings to flow downwardly along the first
members and into
the first and second drip reservoirs.
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(8) In yet a further variant, a grease-trapping liquid is located in the first
and
second drip reservoirs.
(9) In still a further variant, the catch tray is pivotally attached to the
grilling
surface at at least one first hinge.
(10) In a variant of the invention, the catch tray is removable from the
grilling
surface at the at least one first hinge.
(11) In another variant, the catch tray is attached to the grilling surface
with at least
one positioning bracket.
(12) In still another variant, a stabilizing brace is provided. The
stabilizing brace is
attached to a lower surface of the drip reservoirs and is sized and shaped to
provide a
stable surface to position the grilling device upon the stovetop burner.
(13) In a further variant, a cover is provided. The cover is sized and shaped
to
enclose the grilling surface.
(14) In still a further variant, the cover is pivotally attached to the
grilling surface at
at least one second hinge.
(15) In yet a further variant, the cover is removable from the grilling
surface at the
at least one second hinge.
(16) In yet another variant, the cover fits slidably over the grilling
surface.
(17) In still another variant, the cover further includes a vent.
(18) In a further variant, the vent is adjustable to control air flow through
the cover.
(19) In still a further variant, the cover further includes a thermometer.
(20) In yet a further variant, the cover further includes a handle.
(21) In a variant of the invention, any of the first and second members are
coated
with a non-stick surface.
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(22) In another variant, the grilling device further includes lifting handles
attached
to each side of the grill.
(23) In still another variant, the grilling device further includes a central
handle
attached to the front side of the grill.
(24) In a further variant, the first predetermined distance ranges from .1-.4
inches.
(25) In yet a further variant of the invention, spacing between planar
surfaces of the
first members and the second members ranges from .075-.375 inches.
(26) In still a further variant, each of the first and second V-shaped members
further includes an portion at an apex of the V-shaped members.
(27) In another variant of the invention, the arcuate portion has a radius
ranging
from .10 to .75 inches.
(28) In still another variant, a stovetop grilling device, includes a catch
tray. The
catch tray has a plurality of downward pointing V-shaped first members. Each
of the first
members has a first end, a second end, a first side edge and a second side
edge. The first
members are attached at the first ends to a first central supporting ring. The
first members
are located radially outwardly from the first central ring and attached at the
second ends to
a first outer supporting ring. The first members are angled downwardly from
the first
central supporting ring to the first outer supporting ring. A grilling surface
is provided.
The grilling surface has a plurality of upward pointing V-shaped second
members. Each
of the second members has a proximate end, a distal end, a first side edge and
a second
side edge. The second members are attached at the proximate ends to a second
central
supporting ring. The second members are located radially outwardly from the
second
central ring and attached at the distal ends to a second outer supporting
ring.
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The second central supporting ring is located over the first central
supporting ring
and the second outer supporting ring is located over the first outer
supporting ring such
that a mid-point between the first and second side edges of each of the first
members is
centrally located between and below the first and second side edges of two
adjacent second
members. A mid-point between the first and second side edges of each of the
second
members is centrally located between and above the first and second side edges
of two
adjacent first members. When the grilling device is placed on a stovetop
burner and food
is placed on the grilling surface and the burner activated, heat from the
burner will follow
an angled path upward to the grilling surface and drippings from the food will
follow a
downward path to the catch tray.
(29) In yet another variant, the first members are sized and shaped such that
the
first and second side edges of adjacent first members are parallel and spaced
apart by a
second predetermined distance and the first and second side edges of adjacent
second
members are located over the first and second side edges of the adjacent first
members.
(30) In another variant, the second members are sized and shaped such that the
first
and second side edges of adjacent second members are parallel and spaced apart
by a
second predetermined distance and the first and second side edges of adjacent
first
members are located under the first and second side edges of the adjacent
second
members.
(31) In a further variant, the second predetermined distance ranges from .1-.4
inches.
(32) In a further variant, the second predetermined distance ranges from .1-.4
inches.
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(33) In still a further variant, the first and second members are sized and
shaped
such that the first and second side edges of adjacent first members are
closely spaced
adjacent the first central supporting ring and spaced farther apart adjacent
the first outer
supporting ring. The first and second side edges of adjacent second members
are closely
5 spaced adjacent the second central supporting ring and spaced farther
apart adjacent the
second outer supporting ring.
(34) In yet a further variant, a circular drip reservoir is provided. The drip
reservoir
is formed as a circular trough and is disposed below lowest points of the
second ends of
the first members.
10 (35) In another variant of the invention, a grease-trapping liquid
located in the
circular drip reservoir.
(36) In still another variant, the catch tray is attached to the grilling
surface with at
least one positioning bracket.
(37) In yet another variant, a stabilizing brace is provided. The stabilizing
brace is
attached to a lower surface of the drip reservoir and is sized and shaped to
provide a stable
surface to position the grilling device upon the stovetop burner.
(38) In a further variant, a cover is provided. The cover is sized and shaped
to
enclose the grilling surface.
(39) In still a further variant, the cover includes a vent.
(40) In yet a further variant, the vent is adjustable to control air flow
through the
cover.
(41) In another variant of the invention, the cover includes a thermometer.
(42) In still another variant, any of the first and second members are coated
with a
non-stick surface.
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(43) In yet another variant, spacing between planar surfaces of the first
members
and the second members ranges from .075-.375 inches.
(44) In a further variant, each of the first and second V-shaped members
further
includes an arcuate portion at an apex of the V-shaped members.
(45) In still a further variant of the invention, the arcuate portion has a
radius
ranging from .10 to .75 inches.
(1) In yet a further variant of the invention, a stovetop grilling device
having the
desired features can be constructed from the following components. A grilling
surface is
provided. The grilling surface has a plurality of upward pointing V-shaped
first members.
Each of the first members has a first end, a second end and parallel side
edges. The first
members are attached at the first and second ends to a first supporting frame.
Adjacent
pairs of the side edges are spaced from one another by a first distance. A
catch tray is
provided. The catch tray has a plurality of downward pointing V-shaped second
members.
Each of the second members has a first end, a second end and parallel side
edges. The
second members are attached at the first and second ends to a second
supporting frame.
Adjacent pairs of the side edges are spaced from one another by a second
distance.
The first supporting frame is located over the second supporting frame such
that a
mid-point between the parallel side edges of each of the first members is
centrally located
between and above the parallel side edges of two adjacent second members. A
mid-point
between the parallel side edges of each of the second members is centrally
located between
and below the parallel side edges of two adjacent first members. A heat
conducting
element is provided. The conducting element has a plurality of upward pointing
planar
third members. Each of the third members has a first end, a second end and an
upper edge.
The third members are attached to a third supporting frame and are spaced from
one
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another by a third distance. The third members extend upwardly through spaces
between
the second members and contacting the mid-point between the parallel side
edges of each
of the first members. When the grilling device is placed on a stovetop burner
and food is
placed on the grilling surface and the burner activated, the burner will heat
the third
members which conduct heat to the first members of the grilling surface and
drippings
from the food will follow a downward path to the second members of the catch
tray.
(2) In another variant of the invention, the first distance is a first
predetermined
distance and the second distance is a second predetermined distance these
first and second
predetermined distances uniform between each adjacent pair of first members
and between
each adjacent pair of second members.
(3) In still another variant, the first distance is smallest at a center point
of the
grilling surface and the catch tray and increasing along a line orthogonal to
the parallel
side edges moving outwardly from the center point. The first distance is
uniform for the
grilling surface and the catch tray at any given point along the orthogonal
line. A
substantially even temperature is maintained across the grilling surface from
the center
point to outer edges thereof.
(4) In yet another variant, the first distance increases exponentially from
the center
point to the outer edges.
(5) In a further variant, a spacer is provided. The spacer is sized and shaped
to
attach to an underside of the heat conducting element and provide spacing
between the
heat conducting element and a heat source.
(6) In still a further variant, the heat conducting element further includes a
planar
horizontal surface. The horizontal surface supports the third members and has
at least one
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opening. The opening penetrates the surface and permits heat from the burner
to reach the
grilling surface.
(7) In yet a further variant, the at least one opening is a plurality of
slots. The slots
are located adjacent the third members.
(8) In another variant of the invention the heat conducting element further
includes
at least one first heat shield portion. The first heat shield portion is
attached along an outer
edge of the heat conducting element and is sized and shaped to prevent heat
loss from open
ends of the downward pointing V-shaped second members of the catch tray.
(9) In still another variant, the heat conducting element further includes at
least one
second heat shield portion. The second heat shield portion is attached along
an outer edge
of the heat conducting element and is sized and shaped to prevent heat loss
from at least
one outer edge of the stovetop grilling device adjacent outermost third
members of the heat
conducting element.
(10) In yet another variant, a drip reservoir is provided. The drip reservoir
is
located adjacent a first side of the second supporting frame below a lowest
level of the
second members. The second members are attached to the second supporting frame
at an
angle sufficient to cause the drippings to flow downwardly along the second
members and
into the drip reservoir.
(11) In still another variant, a grease-trapping liquid located in the drip
reservoir is
provided.
(12) In yet another variant, a first drip reservoir is provided. The first
drip reservoir
is located adjacent a first side of the second supporting frame below a lowest
level of the
second members. A second drip reservoir is provided. The second drip reservoir
is
located adjacent a second side of the second supporting frame below the lowest
level of the
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second members. The second members have a high point located between the first
and
second ends. The high point causes the drippings to flow downwardly along the
second
members and into the first and second drip reservoirs.
(13) In a further variant, a grease-trapping liquid located in the first and
second drip
reservoirs is provided.
(14) In still a further variant, the grilling surface further includes at
least one third
heat shield. The third heat shield is attached to a lower edge of the first
supporting frame,
descending downwardly toward the drip reservoir and preventing heat loss from
at least
one end of the second members of the catch tray.
(15) In yet a further variant, the grilling surface further includes at least
one third
heat shield. The third heat shield is attached to a lower edge of the first
supporting frame,
descending downwardly toward the first and second drip reservoirs and
preventing heat
loss from first and second ends of the second members of the catch tray.
(16) In still a further variant, at least one handle is provided. The handle
is
attached to the heat conducting element.
(17) In yet a further variant, the at least one handle is removably attached
to the
heat conducting element.
(18) In another variant of the invention, a cover is provided. The cover is
sized and
shaped to enclose the grilling surface.
(19) In still another variant, the cover further includes a vent.
(20) In yet another variant, the vent is adjustable to control air flow
through the
cover.
(21) In a further variant, the cover further includes a thermometer.
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(22) In still a further variant, the cover further includes a transparent
panel. The
transparent panel permits a user to view the grilling surface.
(23) In yet a further variant, any of the first, second and third members are
coated
with a non-stick surface.
5 (24) In another variant of the invention, the first predetermined
distance ranges
from .1-.4 inches.
(25) In still another variant, spacing between planar surfaces of the first
members
and the second members ranges from .075-.375 inches.
(26) In yet another variant, each of the first and second V-shaped members
further
10 includes an arcuate portion at an apex of the V-shaped members.
(27) In a further variant, the arcuate portion has a radius ranging from .10
to .75
inches.
(28) In a final variant, the upper edge of each of the third members includes
an
arcuate shape. The arcuate shape is sized and shape to fit slidably into the
arcuate portion
15 of the first members, thereby increasing conduction of heat between the
third members and
the first members.
An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and
an
understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings
and the
detailed description of a preferred embodiment.
Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the
invention illustrating the catch tray, drip reservoirs, grilling surface and
first and second
supporting frames;
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Figure 1A is a plan view of the Figure 1 embodiment;
Figure 1B is a partial side cross-sectional view taken along the line 1B ¨ 1B;
Figure 1C is a partial perspective view of the assembly of the grilling
surface and
catch tray to the drip reservoirs where the grilling surface and catch tray
rest on top of the
drip reservoirs;
Figure 1D is a partial perspective view of the assembly of the grilling
surface and
catch tray to the drip reservoirs where the grilling surface and catch tray
are hingedly
attached to the drip reservoirs;
Figure 1E is a plan view of the Figure 1 embodiment illustrating a front
mounted
central handle;
Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the catch tray and the grilling
surface of
the Figure 1 embodiment illustrating even spacing of the V-shaped members;
Figure 2A is a partial side cross-sectional view of the catch tray and the
grilling
surface of Figure 2 illustrating the flow of heat and grill drippings;
Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the catch tray and the grilling
surface of a
second embodiment illustrating increasing width spacing of the V-shaped
members;
Figure 4A is a side view of the Figure 1 embodiment illustrating a slip-on
grilling
surface cover with a temperature indicator;
Figure 4B is a side view of the Figure 1 embodiment illustrating a grilling
surface
cover hingedly attached to the grill;
Figure 4C is a side view of the Figure 1 embodiment illustrating a grilling
surface
cover with an adjustable vent;
Figure 5A is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the grilling
surface, catch
tray and drip reservoir illustrating the angled path of drippings into the
drip reservoir;
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Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the grilling surface, catch tray and
drip
reservoir illustrating a catch tray angled from a center point toward first
and second drip
reservoirs;
Figure 6 is a plan view of a circular grill pan having equal size catch tray
and
Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the Figure 6 embodiment
illustrating the
sloping of the catch tray members toward the circular grease reservoir;
Figure 8 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the catch tray and the
grilling
surface of Figure 6 illustrating the flow of heat and grill drippings;
Figure 9 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the circular grill pan
having
grilling surface members with parallel side edges and uniform spacing between
adjacent
grilling surface elements;
Figure 10 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the catch tray and the
grilling
surface of Figure 9 illustrating the flow of heat and grill drippings;
Figure 11 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the circular grill pan
having
catch tray members with parallel side edges and uniform spacing between
adjacent catch
tray elements;
Figure 12 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the catch tray and the
grilling
surface of Figure 11 illustrating the flow of heat and grill drippings;
Figure 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the Figure 6 embodiment
illustrating a
lid with a thermometer attached;
Figure 14 is a side view of the Figure 6 embodiment illustrating a lid with an
adjustable vent;
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Figure 15 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the Improved
Grilling Device;
Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the Figure 15 embodiment;
Figure 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the Figure 16 embodiment taken
along the line 16-16;
Figure 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the Figure 15 embodiment taken
along the line 15-15;
Figure 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the Figure 17 embodiment taken
along the line 17-17;
Figure 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the
Figure
embodiment in which the spacing of the first, second and third members
increases
along a line extending outwardly toward the edges of the device;
Figure 21 is a perspective view of the Figure 15 embodiment including a cover
with a vent;
15 Figure 22 is a perspective view of the Figure 15 embodiment including a
cover
with built in thermometer;
Figure 23 is a perspective view of the Figure 15 embodiment including a cover
with a see through panel; and
Figure 24 is a top view of the Figure 19 embodiment.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
(1) Figures 1-14 illustrate a stovetop grilling device 10 providing the
desired
features that may be constructed from the following components. A catch tray
14 is
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provided. The catch tray 14 has a plurality of downward pointing V-shaped
first members
18. Each of the first members 18 has a first end 22, a second end 26 and
parallel side
edges 30. The first members 18 are attached at the first 22 and second 26 ends
to a first
supporting frame 34 and have the side edges 30 spaced from one another by a
first distance
38. A grilling surface 42 is provided. The grilling surface 42 has a plurality
of upward
pointing V-shaped second members 46. Each of the second members 46 has a
proximate
end 50, a distal end 54 and parallel side edges 58. The second members 46 are
attached at
the proximate 50 and distal 54 ends to a second supporting frame 62 and have
the side
edges 58 spaced from one another by the first distance 38.
The second supporting frame 62, as illustrated in Figure 2, is located over
the first
supporting frame 34 such that a mid-point 66 between the parallel side edges
30 of each of
the first members 18 is centrally located between and below the parallel side
edges 58 of
two adjacent second members 46 and a mid-point 70 between the parallel side
edges 58 of
each of the second members 46 is centrally located between and above the
parallel side
edges 30 of two adjacent first members 18. When the grilling device 10 is
placed on a
stovetop burner 74, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2A, and food (not shown)
is placed on
the grilling surface 42 and the burner 74 activated, heat 82 from the burner
74 will follow
an angled path 86 upward to the grilling surface 42 and drippings 86 from the
food will
follow a downward path 88 to the catch tray 14.
(2) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 2, the first
distance 38 is a
first predetermined distance 90 that is uniform between each adjacent pair of
first members
18 and between each adjacent pair of second members 46.
(3) In another variant, as illustrated in Figure 3, the first distance 38 is
smallest at
center points 94, 98 of the catch tray 14 and the grilling surface 42 and
increases along a
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line 102 orthogonal to the parallel side edges 30, 58 moving outwardly from
the center
points 94, 98. The first distance 38 is uniform for the catch tray 14 and the
grilling surface
42 at any given point along the orthogonal line 102. A substantially even
temperature is
maintained across the grilling surface 42 from the center point 98 to outer
edges 106 of the
5 grilling surface 42.
(4) In still another variant, the first distance 38 increases exponentially
from the
center points 94, 98 to the outer edges 106.
(5) In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figures 1B and 5A, a drip
reservoir 110
is provided. The drip reservoir 110 is located adjacent a first side 114 of
the first
10 supporting frame 34 below a lowest level 118 of the first members 18.
The first members
18, are attached to the first support frame 34 at an angle 122 sufficient to
cause the
drippings 86 to flow downwardly along the first members 18 and into the drip
reservoir
110.
(6) In yet another variant, a grease-trapping liquid 126 is located in the
drip
15 reservoir 110.
(7) In a further variant, as illustrated in Figure 5B, a first drip reservoir
130 is
provided. The first drip reservoir 130 is located adjacent a first side 114 of
the first
supporting frame 34 below a lowest level 118 of the first members 18. A second
drip
reservoir 134 is provided. The second drip reservoir 134 is located adjacent a
second side
20 138 of the first supporting frame 34 below the lowest level 118 of the
first members 18.
As illustrated in Figure 5B, the first members 18 have a high point 142
located between
the first 22 and second 26 ends, the high point 142 causing the drippings 86
to flow
downwardly along the first members 18 and into the first 130 and second 134
drip
reservoirs.
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(8) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, a grease-
trapping
liquid 126 is located in the first 130 and second 134 drip reservoirs.
(9) In still a further variant, as illustrated in Figure 1D, the catch tray 14
is
pivotally attached to the grilling surface 42 at at least one first hinge 146.
(1 0) In a variant of the invention, the catch tray 14 is removable from the
grilling
surface 42 at the at least one first hinge 146.
(1 1) In another variant, as illustrated in Figure 1C, the catch tray 14 is
attached to
the grilling surface 42 with at least one positioning bracket 150.
(12) In still another variant, as illustrated in Figure 1, a stabilizing brace
154 is
provided. The stabilizing brace 154 is attached to a lower surface 158 of the
drip
reservoirs_130, 134, and is sized and shaped to provide a stable surface 162
to position the
grilling device 10 upon the stovetop burner 74.
(13) In a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 4A, 4B and 4C, a cover
166 is
provided. The cover 166 is sized and shaped to enclose the grilling surface
42.
(14) In still a further variant, as illustrated in Figure 4B, the cover 166 is
pivotally
attached to the grilling surface 42 at at least one second hinge 170.
(1 5) In yet a further variant, the cover 166 is removable from the grilling
surface 42
at the at least one second hinge 170.
(1 6) In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figure 4A, the cover 166 fits
slidably
over the grilling surface 42.
(17) In still another variant, as illustrated in Figure 4C, the cover 166
further
includes a vent 178.
(18) In a further variant, the vent 178 is adjustable to control air flow (not
shown)
through the cover 166.
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(19) In still a further variant, as illustrated in Figure 4A, the cover 166
further
includes a thermometer 186.
(20) In yet a further variant, the cover 166 further includes a handle 190.
(21) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 2A, any of the
first 18 and
second 46 members are coated with a non-stick surface 194.
(22) In another variant, as illustrated in Figure 1A, the grilling device 10
further
includes lifting handles 198 attached to each side of the grill 10.
(23) In still another variant, as illustrated in Figure 1E, the grilling
device 10
further includes a central handle 202 attached to the front side of the grill
10.
(24) In a further variant, the first predetermined distance 90 ranges from .1-
.4
inches.
(25) In still a further variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 2A,
spacing
206 between planar surfaces 210, 214 of the first members 18 and the second
members 46
ranges from .075-.375 inches.
(26) In still a further variant, each of the first 18 and second 46 V-shaped
members
further includes an portion 218 at an apex 222 of the V-shaped members 18, 46.
(27) In another variant of the invention, the portion 218 has a radius ranging
from
.10 to .75 inches.
(28) In still another variant, as illustrated in Figures 6-8, a stovetop
grilling device
226, includes a catch tray 230. The catch tray 230 has a plurality of downward
pointing V-
shaped first members 234. Each of the first members 234 has a first end 238, a
second end
242, a first side edge 246 and a second side edge 250. The first members 234
are attached
at the first ends 238 to a first central supporting ring 254. The first
members 234 are
located radially outwardly from the first central ring 254 and attached at the
second ends
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242 to a first outer supporting ring 258. The first members 234 are angled
downwardly
from the first central supporting ring 254 to the first outer supporting ring
258. A grilling
surface 262 is provided. The grilling surface 262 has a plurality of upward
pointing V-
shaped second members 266. Each of the second members 266 has a proximate end
270, a
distal end 274, a first side edge 278 and a second side edge 282. The second
members 266
are attached at the proximate ends 270 to a second central supporting ring
286. The
second members 266 are located radially outwardly from the second central ring
286 and
attached at the distal ends 274 to a second outer supporting ring 290.
The second central supporting ring 286 is located over the first central
supporting
ring 254 and, as illustrated in Figure 7, the second outer supporting ring 290
is located
over the first outer supporting ring 258 such that a mid-point 294 between the
first 246 and
second 250 side edges of each of the first members 234 is centrally located
between and
below the first 278 and second 282 side edges of two adjacent second members
266. A
mid-point 298 between the first 278 and second 282 side edges of each of the
second
members 266 is centrally located between and above the first 246 and second
250 side
edges of two adjacent first members 234. As illustrated in Figure 8, when the
grilling
device 226 is placed on a stovetop burner 302 and food (not shown) is placed
on the
grilling surface 262 and the burner 302 activated, heat 306 from the burner
302 will follow
an angled path 310 upward to the grilling surface 262 and drippings 314 from
the food will
follow a downward path 318 to the catch tray 230.
(29) In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the first
234
members are sized and shaped such that the first 246 and second 250 side edges
of
adjacent first members 234 are parallel and spaced apart by a second
predetermined
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distance 322 and the first 278 and second 282 side edges of adjacent second
members 266
are located over the first 246 and second 250 side edges of the adjacent first
members 234.
(30) In another variant, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the second
members 266
are sized and shaped such that the first 278 and second 282 side edges of
adjacent second
members 266 are parallel and spaced apart by a second predetermined distance
322 and the
first 246 and second 250 side edges of adjacent first members 234 are located
under the
first 278 and second 282 side edges of the adjacent second members 266.
(31) In a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the second
predetermined distance 322 ranges from .1-.4 inches.
(32) In a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the second
predetermined distance 322 ranges from .1-.4 inches.
(33) In still a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 6-8, the first 234
and second
266 members are sized and shaped such that the first 246 and second 250 side
edges of
adjacent first members 234 are closely spaced adjacent the first central
supporting ring 254
and spaced farther apart adjacent the first outer supporting ring 258. The
first 278 and
second 282 side edges of adjacent second members 266 are closely spaced
adjacent the
second central supporting ring 286 and spaced farther apart adjacent the
second outer
supporting ring 290.
(34) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 6, 7, 9 and 11, a
circular drip
reservoir 326 is provided. The drip reservoir 326 is formed as a circular
trough 330 and is
disposed below lowest points 334 of the second ends 242 of the first members
234.
(35) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 13, a
grease-
trapping liquid 334 located in the circular drip reservoir 326.
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(36) In still another variant, as illustrated in Figures 6, 9 and 11, the
catch tray 230
is attached to the grilling surface 262 with at least one positioning bracket
338.
(37) In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figure 2, a stabilizing brace
342 is
provided. The stabilizing brace 342 is attached to a lower surface 346 of the
drip reservoir
5 326 and is
sized and shaped to provide a stable surface to position the grilling device
226
upon the stovetop burner 302.
(38) In a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, a cover 350 is
provided. The cover 350 is sized and shaped to enclose the grilling surface
262.
(39) In still a further variant, the cover 350 includes a vent 354.
10 (40) In
yet a further variant, the vent 354 is adjustable to control air flow through
the cover 350.
(41) In another variant of the invention, the cover 350 includes a thermometer
358.
(42) In still another variant, as illustrated in Figures 6, 9 and 11, any of
the first
234 and second 266 members are coated with a non-stick surface 362.
15 (43) In
yet another variant, as illustrated in Figure 8, spacing 366 between planar
surfaces 370, 374 of the first members 234 and the second members 266 ranges
from .075-
.375 inches.
(44) In a further variant, each of the first 234 and second 266 V-shaped
members
further includes an arcuate portion 378 at an apex 382 of the V-shaped members
234, 266.
20 (45) In
still a further variant of the invention, the portion 378 has a radius ranging
from .10 to .75 inches.
(1) In yet a further variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 15-
24, an
improved stovetop grilling device 400 having the desired features can be
constructed from
the following components. A grilling surface 404 is provided. The grilling
surface 404 has
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a plurality of upward pointing V-shaped first members 408. Each of the first
members 408
has a first end 412, a second end 416 and parallel side edges 420, 424. The
first members
408 are attached at the first 412 and second 416 ends to a first supporting
frame 428.
Adjacent pairs of the side edges 420, 424 are spaced from one another by a
first distance
432. A catch tray 436 is provided. The catch tray 436 has a plurality of
downward
pointing V-shaped second members 440. Each of the second members 440 has a
first end
444, a second end 448 and parallel side edges 452, 456. The second members 440
are
attached at the first 444 and second 448 ends to a second supporting frame
460. Adjacent
pairs of the side edges 452, 456 are spaced from one another by a second
distance 434.
The first supporting frame 428 is located over the second supporting frame 460
such that a mid-point 464 between the parallel side edges 420, 424 of each of
the first
members 408 is centrally located between and above the parallel side edges
452, 456 of
two adjacent second members 440. A mid-point 468 between the parallel side
edges 452,
456 of each of the second members 440 is centrally located between and below
the parallel
side edges 420, 424 of two adjacent first members 408. A heat conducting
element 472 is
provided. The conducting element 472 has a plurality of upward pointing planar
third
members 476. Each of the third members 476 has a first end 480, a second end
484 and an
upper edge 488. The third members 476 are attached to a third supporting frame
492 and
are spaced from one another by a third distance 496. The third members 476
extend
upwardly through spaces 500 between the second members 440 and contacting the
mid-
point 464 between the parallel side edges 420, 424 of each of the first
members 408.
When the grilling device 400 is placed on a stovetop burner 504 and food 508
is placed on
the grilling surface 404 and the burner 504 activated, the burner 504 will
heat the third
members 476 which conduct heat to the first members 408 of the grilling
surface 404 and
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drippings 512 from the food 508 will follow a downward path 516 to the second
members
440 of the catch tray 436.
(2) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 17, the
first distance
432 is a first predetermined distance 520 and the second distance is a second
predetermined distance 522 these first 520 and second 522 distances are
uniform between
each adjacent pair of first members 408 and between each adjacent pair of
second
members 440.
(3) In still another variant, as illustrated in Figure 20, the first distance
432 is
smallest at a center point 524 of the grilling surface 404 and the catch tray
436 and
increasing along a line 528 orthogonal to the parallel side edges 420, 424,
452, 456
moving outwardly from the center point 524. A substantially even temperature
is
maintained across the grilling surface 404 from the center point 524 to outer
edges 532
thereof.
(4) In yet another variant, the first distance 432 and the second distance 434
increase exponentially from the center point 524 to the outer edges 532.
(5) In a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 16, 17 and 18, a spacer
536 is
provided. The spacer 536 is sized and shaped to attach to an underside 540 of
the heat
conducting element 472 and provide spacing between the heat conducting element
472 and
a heat source 544.
(6) In still a further variant, the heat conducting element 472 further
includes a
planar horizontal surface 548. The horizontal surface 548 supports the third
members 476
and has at least one opening 552. The opening 552 penetrates the surface 548
and permits
heat from the burner 504 to reach the grilling surface 404.
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(7) In yet a further variant, the at least one opening 552 is a plurality of
slots 556.
The slots 556 are located adjacent the third members 476.
(8) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 16, the heat
conducting element 472 further includes at least one first heat shield portion
560. The first
heat shield portion 560 is attached along an outer edge 564 of the heat
conducting element
472 and is sized and shaped to prevent heat loss from open ends 568 of the
downward
pointing V-shaped second members 440 of the catch tray 436.
(9) In still another variant, as illustrated in Figures 16, 17 and 18, the
heat
conducting element 472 further includes at least one second heat shield
portion 572. The
second heat shield portion 572 is attached along an outer edge 564 of the heat
conducting
element 472 and is sized and shaped to prevent heat loss from at least one
outer edge 576
of the stovetop grilling device 400 adjacent outermost third members 476 of
the heat
conducting element 472.
(10) In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, a drip
reservoir 580
is provided. The drip reservoir 580 is located adjacent a first side 584 of
the second
supporting frame 460 below a lowest level 588 of the second members 440. The
second
members 440 are attached to the second supporting frame 460 at an angle
sufficient to
cause the drippings 512 to flow downwardly along the second members 440 and
into the
drip reservoir 580.
(11) In still another variant, a grease-trapping liquid 592 located in the
drip
reservoir 580 is provided.
(12) In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figures 19 and 24, a first drip
reservoir
596 is provided. The first drip reservoir 596 is located adjacent a first side
584 of the
second supporting frame 460 below a lowest level 588 of the second members
440. A
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second drip reservoir 600 is provided. The second drip reservoir 600 is
located adjacent a
second side 604 of the second supporting frame 460 below the lowest level 588
of the
second members 440. The second members 440 have a high point 608 located
between
the first 444 and second 448 ends. The high point 608 causes the drippings 512
to flow
downwardly along the second members 440 and into the first 596 and second 600
drip
reservoirs.
(13) In a further variant, a grease-trapping liquid 592 located in the first
596 and
second 600 drip reservoirs is provided.
(14) In still a further variant, the grilling surface 404 further includes at
least one
third heat shield 612. The third heat shield is attached to a lower edge 616
of the first
supporting frame 428, descending downwardly toward the drip reservoir 580 and
preventing heat loss from at least one end 444, 448 of the second members 440
of the
catch tray 436.
(15) In yet a further variant, the grilling surface 404 further includes at
least one
third heat shield 612. The third heat shield 612 is attached to a lower edge
616 of the first
supporting frame 428, descending downwardly toward the first 596 and second
600 drip
reservoirs and preventing heat loss from first 444 and second 448 ends of the
second
members 440 of the catch tray 436.
(16) In still a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 15, 16, 21, 22 and
23 at least
one handle 620 is provided. The handle 620 is attached to the heat conducting
element
472.
(17) In yet a further variant, the at least one handle 620 is removably
attached to
the heat conducting element 472.
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(18) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 21, 22 and
23, a
cover 624 is provided. The cover 624 is sized and shaped to enclose the
grilling surface
404.
(19) In still another variant, as illustrated in Figure 21, the cover 624
further
5 includes a vent 628.
(20) In yet another variant, the vent 628 is adjustable to control air flow
through the
cover 624.
(21) In a further variant, as illustrated in Figure 22, the cover 624 further
includes
a thermometer 632.
10 (22) In still a further variant, as illustrated in Figure 23, the cover
624 further
includes a transparent panel 636. The transparent panel 636 permits a user to
view the
grilling surface 404.
(23) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in Figure 21, any of the first
408, second
440 and third 476 members are coated with a non-stick surface 640.
15 (24) In another variant of the invention, the first predetermined
distance 432 ranges
from .1-.4 inches.
(25) In still another variant, spacing 644 between planar surfaces 648 of the
first
members 408 and the second members 440 ranges from .075-.375 inches.
(26) In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figure 17, each of the first
408 and
20 second 440 V-shaped members further includes an arcuate portion 652 at
an apex 656 of
the V-shaped members 408, 440.
(27) In a further variant, the arcuate portion 652 has a radius ranging from
.10 to
.75 inches.
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(28) In a final variant, the upper edge 488 of each of the third members 476
includes an arcuate shape 660. The arcuate shape 660 is sized and shape to fit
slidably into
the arcuate portion 652 of the first members 408, thereby increasing
conduction of heat
between the third members 476 and the first members 408.
The stovetop grilling devices 10 and 400 have been described with reference to
particular embodiments. Other modifications and enhancements can be made
without
departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.
