Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
ADJUSTABLE GRILL GRATE SCRAPER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable grill grate scraper.
In particular, the
invention relates to an adjustable grill grate scraper that is adjustable to
accommodate
multiple types of grill grates. Although the invention is illustrated and
described in the
context of being useful for cleaning barbecue grill grates, the present
invention can be used in
other ways, as would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art. Accordingly,
the present invention should not be limited just to the examples and
embodiments described
herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Barbecue grilling continues to become an increasingly popular
outdoor activity.
Barbecue grilling is a relaxing and entertaining social activity that often
brings family and
friends together for enjoyable gatherings. The barbecue grill also offers a
method of cooking
food utilizing different techniques such as smoking, roasting, braising and
grilling, that result
in unique flavors and textures which cannot be easily duplicated in a
traditional kitchen.
[0003] However, barbecue grilling is not without its disadvantages and
inconveniences.
During the grilling process, food particles, charred debris, food residue and
grease tend to
accumulate on grill grates. Unsanitary barbecue grill grates can house
material containing
disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and sometimes carcinogens. Therefore,
frequent cleaning
to remove the deposits and residues is necessary to maintain a clean cooking
surface. In
addition, regular maintenance will benefit the integrity and life span of the
grill grates.
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[0004] Convenient, safe and effective grill grate cleaning has proven to
be hard to
achieve. Consumers will often use commonly available wire brushes for the
purpose.
However, wire brushes suffer from several disadvantages. For example, the
bristles of a
wire brush tend to bend after a few uses. The bent bristles become less stiff
and less
effective as cleaning instruments. In some cases, the bristles can break off
and remain in
the grill or on the grill grate. These bristles can be a hazard if they become
lodged into
food being prepared.
[0005] As an alternative to the wire brush, grill grate scrapers having a
more rigid
scraping blade have been developed. However, these too have proven to be less
than
ideal. One problem with conventional scrapers is the lack of universality. A
grill grate,
which is typically made of an assembly of parallel metal rails welded to one
or more
common metal bars perpendicular to the parallel rails, are provided in a
variety of
different grill grate profiles and spacing configurations. For example, some
grill grates
have rails having an angular, circular, or rectangular profile. There is often
little
uniformity among various brands and models of barbecue grill grates. It is not
uncommon to find the distances and grill grate profiles between one model to
be quite
different from that in others. As a result, a scraper with a particular design
for one type of
grill grate may not be as effective in cleaning a grill grate of a different
type.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved grill grate scraper.
There is a further
need for an effective universal grill grate scraper. There is a further need
for a grill grate
scraper that is strong and effective at cleaning grill grates of varying type.
There is
further a need for a grill grate scraper that is easily adjustable and
securely lockable.
There is further a need for a universal grill grate scraper that safely
retains its components
within the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention satisfies these needs. In one aspect of the
invention, an
improved grill grate scraper is provided.
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[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a grill grate scraper is
provided that is
adjustable so that it may be universally utilized with different grill grate
types and is
strong and effective in doing so.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention, a grill grate scraper is
provided that is easily
and securely adjustable and lockable.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a grill grate scraper is
provided that is safe to
use and that retains its components within the device.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, a grill grate scraper comprises
a handle portion
adapted to be grasped by a user, and a scraper assembly opposite the handle
portion, the
scraper assembly comprising a scraper head comprising a plurality of scraper
blades and
a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism can be in an unlocked
position
where the plurality of scraper blades are moveable relative to one another and
a locked
position where the plurality of scraper blades are locked in place, wherein
each of the
plurality of scraper blades is a rigid blade comprising a scraping portion and
a rearward
portion, the scraping portion comprising a scraping edge and an adjacent side
surface.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, a grill grate scraper comprises
a handle portion
adapted to be grasped by a user, and a scraper assembly opposite the handle
portion, the
scraper assembly comprising a scraper head comprising a plurality of scraper
blades and
a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism can be in an unlocked
position
where the plurality of scraper blades are moveable relative to one another and
a locked
position where the plurality of scraper blades are locked in place, wherein
when in the
locked position, the locking mechanism applies a lateral compressive force on
the
plurality of scraper blades.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention, a grill grate scraper comprises
a handle portion
adapted to be grasped by a user, and a scraper assembly opposite the handle
portion, the
scraper assembly comprising a scraper head comprising a plurality of scraper
blades and a
locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism can be in an unlocked
position where
the plurality of scraper blades are moveable relative to one another and a
locked position
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where the plurality of scraper blades are locked in place, wherein the locking
mechanism
prevents accidental separation of the scraper blades from the scraper assembly
when in the
unlocked position.
[0014] These features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention
will become
better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims,
and
accompanying drawings which illustrate exemplary features of the invention.
However,
it is to be understood that each of the features can be used in the invention
in general, not
merely in the context of the particular drawings, and the invention includes
any
combination of these features, where:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a grill grate scraper
of the invention;
[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the grill grate scraper
of Figure 1 in a
grill grate configuration;
[0017] Figure 3A is a schematic perspective view of the grill grate
scraper of Figure 1
configured to conform to a type of grill grate;
[0018] Figure 3B is a schematic perspective view of the grill grate
scraper of Figure 1
configured to conform to a different type of grill grate;
[0019] Figure 3C is a schematic perspective view of the grill grate
scraper of Figure 1
configured to conform to a different type of grill grate;
[0020] Figure 4A is a schematic side view of the grill grate scraper of
Figure 1;
[0021] Figure 4B is a schematic side view of the grill grate scraper of
Figure 4A from the
opposite side;
[0022] Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of a version of a scraper
blade for use
in the grill grate scraper of the invention;
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[0023] Figure 5B is a schematic perspective view of another version of a
scraper blade
for use in the grill grate scraper of the invention;
[0024] Figure 5C is a schematic perspective view of another version of a
scraper blade
for use in the grill grate scraper of the invention;
[0025] Figure 5D is a schematic perspective view of another version of a
scraper blade
for use in the grill grate scraper of the invention;
[0026] Figure 5E is a schematic perspective view of another version of a
scraper blade
for use in the grill grate scraper of the invention;
[0027] Figure 6 is a schematic exploded view of the grill grate scraper of
Figure 1;
[0028] Figure 7 is a schematic exploded view of another version of a grill
grate scraper
of the invention;
[0029] Figure 8 is a schematic top view of the grill grate scraper of
Figure 7;
[0030] Figure 9A is a schematic top view of a version of a handle
connecting portion of a
grill grate scraper of the invention;
[0031] Figure 9B is a schematic top view of another version of a handle
connecting
portion of a grill grate scraper of the invention;
[0032] Figure 9C is a schematic top view of another version of a handle
connecting
portion of a grill grate scraper of the invention;
[0033] Figure 10A is a schematic top view of another version of a grill
grate scraper of
the invention; and
[0034] Figure 10B is a schematic top view of another version of a grill
grate scraper of
the invention.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-01
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Figure 1 shows a grill grate scraper 100 according to one version
of the invention.
The grill grate scraper 100 is useful for cleaning food and debris from the
surfaces of a
grill grate, such as a grill grate on a barbecue grill. The grill grate
scraper 100 includes a
handle portion 105 and a scraping portion 110. The handle portion 105
comprises a
handle 115 that is adapted to be grasped in the palm of a user. The handle 115
can be in
any size and shape suitable for the purpose and can be made of any
conventional
material, such as wood, metal, or plastic. In the version of Figure 1, the
handle portion
105 includes a longitudinally extending slot 120 with one or more fasteners
121
extending therethrough to secure the scraping portion 110 to the handle
portion 105. An
optional hole 122, or the like, can also be provided in the handle 115 to
facilitate storage
of the grill grate scraper 100 by a rope extending through the hole 122 or by
hanging the
grill grate scraper on a peg or nail.
[0036] The scraping portion 110 of the grill grate scraper 100 includes a
handle
connecting portion 125 that connects the scraping portion 110 to the handle
portion 105.
In the version shown, the handle connecting portion 125 includes a rearwardly
extending
member 126 that is receivable within the longitudinal slot 120 of the handle
portion 105
and is securable therewithin by the fasteners 121. Alternatively, the handle
portion 105
and handle connecting portion 125 can be differently constructed and/or can be
formed as
a single piece of material. Intermediary to the handle portion 105 and the
scraping
portion 110 the grill grate scraper bifurcates into a first arm 130 and a
second arm 135.
[0037] A scraper assembly 140 is located at the scraping portion 110 of
the grill grate
scraper 100 and can be held between the first arm 130 and the second arm 135.
The
scraper assembly 140 is made up of a scraper head 145, which in one version
takes the
form of a plurality of individual scraper blades 146 separated from one
another by a gap
147, and a locking mechanism 150 that can connect the scraper assembly 140
between
the first arm 130 and the second arm 135. In addition, the locking mechanism
150 can
selectively lock the scraper head 145 into a plurality of scraping
configurations. The
locking mechanism 150 is selectively moveable from a locked position to an
unlocked
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position. In the unlocked position, the scraper blades 146 of the scraper head
145 are
moveable relative to one another, and in the locked position, the scraper
blades 146 are
locked against movement.
[0038] In the version of Figure 1, the locking mechanism 150 locks the
scraper blades
146 by applying a laterally compressive force. For example, in one particular
version,
the locking mechanism 150 comprises a screw 155 or other type of shaft or
threaded shaft
and a cooperating wingnut 160 or other type of nut or the like. The screw 155
extends
from the first arm 130 to the second arm 135. The head of the screw 155 is
positionable
on an outer side of one of the arms and the wingnut 160 is positionable on the
outer side
of the other arm. In this way, appropriate rotation of the wingnut 160 on the
threaded
shaft of the screw 155 will cause the first arm 130 to move towards the second
arm 135.
This movement will shorten the distance between the first arm 130 and the
second arm
135 and will squeeze the scraper blades 146 therebetween to the point where
they are
unable to move relative to one another under normal operating conditions.
Rotation of
the wingnut 160 in the opposite direction will separate the first arm 130 and
the second
arm 135 so that the compression between the scraper blades 146 is relieved so
they are
allowed to freely move relative to one another. A bracket 165 may optionally
be
provided to support the scraper blades 146 and help prevent unwanted movement,
such as
rotational movement relative to one another. In one version, the screw 155 has
a shaft
that extends through a slot 170 in each of the plurality of scraper blades
146. The slot
170 can be elongated and wider than the screw 155 so that the scraper blade
146 can
move forwardly and rearwardly along the screw 155. A scraping portion 175 of
each
scraping blade 146 is adapted to scrape debris off of a grill grate or other
surface to be
cleaned. The scraping portion 175 includes a scraping edge 176 and a side
surface 177
that may be flat and/or textured.
[0039] In use, the grill grate scraper 100 can begin in a position as
shown in Figure 1.
The locking mechanism 150 can then be moved into an unlocked position which
will
allow the scraper blades 146 to slide relative to one another. The scraper
blades 146 can
be moved so that the scraper head 145 is in a desired shape, and then the
locking
mechanism 150 can be moved to a locked position so the scraper head 145 is
retained in
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the desired shape. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the scraper head 145 can
take on a
grill grate configuration 200 that is shaped to match the shape of a
particular grill grate or
other surface that is to be cleaned. To achieve this grill grate configuration
200, a user
can simply press the scraper head 145 onto an existing grill grate while the
locking
mechanism 150 is unlocked so that the scraper blades 146 take on the shape of
the grill
grate. Gravity or other force can first extend each of the scraper blades 146
forward and
then the surface of the grill grate will retract individual scraper blades 146
rearwardly
until the surface of the configuration of the scraper head 145 substantially
matches the
contour of the grill grate. The locking mechanism 150 can then be moved to the
locked
position to hold the scraper head 145 in the grill grate configuration 200.
[0040] The scraper assembly 140 of the present invention is thus useful in
easily and
universally adjusting the configuration of the scraper head 145 to match the
size and
shape of any grill grate type and style. Figures 3A through 3C illustrate the
grill grate
scraper 100 contouring to different grill grate types. In Figure 3A, angled
grill grates 300
are matched by an angular scraper head configuration 310. In Figure 3B,
rectangular or
flat grill grates 320 are matched by a corresponding flat scraper head
configuration 330.
In Figure 3C, circular or round grill grates 340 are matched by a round
scraper head
configuration 350.
[0041] The locking mechanism 150 of the grill grate scraper 100, according
to a version
of the invention, also includes a mechanism to assure the plurality of scraper
blades 146
are retained within the grill grate scraper 100 during use. As can be seen in
Figure 1 and
as shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and 5A through 5E, the slot 170 can be an
elongated slot
that is closed at one or both of its longitudinal ends. In one version, both
ends of the slot
170 are closed so that when the screw 155 is within the slot 170, the scraper
blade 146
cannot become dislodged from the screw 155 thereby helping to prevent
accidental
separation of the scraper blade 146 from the grill grate scraper 100.
[0042] Figure 4A and 4B also illustrate additional features of a version
of the grill grate
scraper 100. An angled section 400 of the first arm 130 and an angled section
405 of the
second arm 135 can be provided in the scraping portion 110 and the handle
portion 105.
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The optional angled sections provide an ergonomically advantageous scraping
position
for the user which can improve the user's efficiency while reducing discomfort
and
minimizing wrist strain. The angled sections 400, 405 can be designed so that
the angle
between the scraping portion 110 and the handle portion 105 is from about 90
degree to
about 180 degrees, or from about 120 degrees to about 160 degrees, or about
145 degrees.
Alternatively, the grill grate scraper 100 can be straight and flat. The grill
grate scraper
100 can also have any of various types of fasteners 121 for connecting the
handle 115 to
the handle connecting portion 125. In the version shown in Figures 4A and 4B,
the
fasteners 121 can comprise rivets 421 or pins or the like for permanent
attachment.
Alternatively, the fasteners 121 may be screws or other type of removeable
fastener to
allow for disassembly and/or replacement of parts. In yet another version, the
fasteners
can be configured to allow for changing the length of the grill grate scraper
100 and/or
for changing the angle of the scraping portion 110 relative to the handle
portion 105.
[0043] The scraper head 145 of the grill grate scraper 100 is designed to
conveniently
match the contour of multiple types of grill grates while also remaining
sufficiently stable
and rigid to perform the cleaning process. The scraper blades 146 can take on
a variety
of shapes, examples of which are shown in Figures 5A through 5E. Each of the
scraper
blades 146 has a scraping portion 175 at its forward end and a rearward
portion 500
extending rearwardly from the forward end. The rearward portion 500 includes
the slot
170 and/or other mechanism for engaging the locking mechanism 150. Each of the
scraping portion 175 and the rearward portion 500 can have sizes and shapes
designed to
remove debris from the surface of an item to be cleaned. In one version, the
scraping
portion 175 has a scraping edge 176, which can be a substantially straight
edge or other
shaped edge, having a length of from about 5 mm to about 40 mm, or from about
10 mm
to about 30 mm, or from about 13 mm to about 25 mm, or about 20 mm in one
particular
version. The scraping edge 176 can be angled relative to the arms 130,135
and/or handle
115 a desired amount. For example, the scraping edge 176 can be angled from
about 20
degrees to about 180 degrees, or from about 100 degrees to about 160 degrees,
or about
154 degrees in one particular version. The scraping edge 176 can be
sufficiently
sharpened to aid in the scraping of debris but is sufficiently dull to prevent
injury if it
contacts the skin. Adjacent to the scraping edge 176 is a side surface 177.
The side
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surface 177 is sufficiently flat that it doesn't interfere with the
slidability of the scraper
blades 146 when unlocked. In Figure 5A, the scraping portion 175 has a
triangular shape
505. The triangular shape 505 is designed to provide greater coverage when
cleaning a
grill grate. The rearward portion 500 includes rearwardly extending sections
510 that
may be generally parallel to one another and that extend to and meet at a rear
section 515.
The rearwardly extending sections 510 and the rear section define at least a
portion of the
slot 170.
[0044] Figure 5B though 5E show alternative scraper blades 146 designed
to extend the
life of the scraper blades 146. For example, as shown in Figure 5B, the rear
section 515
can be in an inverse triangular shape 520. The inverse triangular shape 520
can be the
inverse of the triangular shape 505 of the scraping portion 175. Thus, when
the scraping
portion 175 begins to wear, the scraper blade 146 can be flipped over so the
inverse
triangular shape 520 of the rear section 515 can become the scraping portion
175.
Similarly, Figure 5C shows a version of a scraper blade where the shape 525 of
the
scraping portion 175 is matched by the shape 530 of the rear section 515 so
that the
scraper blade 146 can be rotated to replace the scraping portion 175 with the
rear section
515. Figure 5D is similar to the version of Figure 5C except that the
triangular shapes are
replaced by a rectangular shape 535 scraping portion 175 and a matching
rectangular
shape 540 rear section 515. In Figure 5E, the scraping portion 175 has a
parallelogram
shape 545 and the rear section 515 has a matching parallelogram shape 550.
[0045] In addition to the shape of the scraper blades 146, the
dimensions, number, and
positioning of the scraper blades in the scraper head 145 can also be selected
to improve
the effectiveness of the grill grate scraper 100. For example, the forward end
to rearward
end length of each scraper blade 146 can range from about 25 mm to about 100
mm, or
from about 38 mm to about 70 mm, or about 55 mm in one particular version. The
thickness of the blades can range from about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm, or from
about 0.75
mm to about 1.5 mm, or about 1.2 mm in one particular version. The slot 170
can range
in length from 10 mm to about 75 mm, or from about 16 mm to about 50 mm, or
about 33
mm in one particular version. The number of scraper blades 146 within a
scraper head
145 can vary from 3 to 150, or from 10 to 100, or from 20 to 90, or about 50
to 80, or
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-01
about 70 to 75, or 73 in one particular version. These numbers can vary
further
depending on thickness and design of the scraper blades 146.
[0046] The gap 147 between adjacent scraper blades 146 can also be
selected to achieve
certain design features. For example, the gap 147 can be selected to be
sufficiently large
to allow the scraper blades 146 to move freely when the locking mechanism 150
is in the
unlocked position. Accordingly, in one version, the gap may be from about 0.25
mm to
about 1.25 mm, or from about 0.25 to about 1.0 mm, or from about 0.25 mm to
about
0.50 mm, or about 0.50 mm in one particular version. It has been determined
that a gap
of at least about 0.25 mm optimally provides sufficient free movement in the
unlocked
position. By gap it is meant the average spacing between adjacent scraper
blades 146
across the scraper head 145 when the locking mechanism 150 is in the unlocked
position.
Alternatively, the scraper blades 146 can be contacting in a manner that force
is
necessary to move the scraper blades 146 when in the unlocked position.
[0047] In one version of the invention, the locking mechanism 150 operates
by applying
a lateral compressive force, as discussed above. When the locking mechanism
150 is in
the locked position, the lateral compressive force presses adjacent scraper
blades 146
against one another to prevent relative sliding therebetween. This locking
mechanism
150 described above with the lateral compressive locking is advantageous for
several
reasons. For example, the locking mechanism 150 allows for single handed
adjustment
while the scraper head 145 is engaged on a grill grate. When the lateral
compressive
force is applied, evenly applied forces along the entire span secure the
scraper blades 146
within the scraper assembly 140, maintaining the scraper blades 146 in a
secure, fixed
position. Lateral reinforcement increases the integrity of the desired shape
of the scraper
blades 146 within the scraper head 145 and more evenly secures the entirety of
the
scraper blades 146 within the scraper head 145. The lateral force also helps
avoid
slideable travel of individual scraper blades 146 within the scraper head 145
when a
desired shape is achieved. In one particular version, the sides of the scraper
blades 146
can include a friction increasing surface, such as a texture or ridges, that
will further
prevent relative sliding in the locked position. Alternatively, the locking
mechanism 150
may operate in a manner other than by lateral compression.
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[0048] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a version of the grill grate
scraper 100. As
can be seen, the screw 155 includes a head 605 and a threaded shaft 610. The
end of the
first arm 130 includes a circular opening 615, and the end of the second arm
135 includes
a second opening 620. The circular openings 615, 620 are larger than the
diameter of the
threaded shaft 610 but smaller than the head 605. Optionally, one of the
opening 615,
620 can be threaded. In one version the screw 155 and the wingnut 160 is
sufficient to
lock the scraper blades 146. However, in the version of Figure 6, a bracket
165, such as a
U-Shaped bracket 625 having a top portion 630 and a lower portion 635
connected by an
end portion 640 is provided for added stability and to the help prevent the
scraper blades
146 from rotating. The end of the first arm 130 has an upper first arm slot
645 and a
lower first arm slot 650. The second arm 135 includes an upper second arm slot
655 and
a lower second arm slot 660. The U-shaped bracket 625 top portion 630 is
insertable into
the upper second arm slot 655 and the upper first arm slot 645, and the U-
shaped bracket
625 lower portion 635 is insertable into the lower second arm slot 660 and the
lower first
arm slot 650. A circular opening 665 in the end portion 640 U-shaped bracket
625
receives the threaded shaft 610 of the screw 155. An inner surface 670 of the
top portion
630 of the U-shaped bracket 625 contacts a top surface 671 of the rearwardly
extending
section 510 of the scraper blades 146, and an inner surface 672 of the lower
portion 635
of the U-shaped bracket 625 contacts a bottom surface 673 of a rearwardly
extending
section 510. This contact secures the scraper blades 146 within the bracket
165. As can
be further seen, the first arm 130 and the second arm 135 can be made of two
separate
pieces that are joined together at the rearwardly extending member 126 and
held together
by the fasteners 121 extending through holes 675 in the first arm 130 and
holes 680 in the
second arm 135. The arms then angle away from each other at a first arm first
angle 685
and a second arm first angle 686 and optionally again at a first arm second
angle 690 and
a second arm second angle 691 to create the space for the first arm 130 and
the second
arm 135 to receive the scraper assembly 140. Counter sunk holes 695 in the
handle 115
can be provided for receiving fasteners 121.
[0049] Figures 7 and 8 shows another version of a grill grate scraper 100
of the
invention. In this version, the locking mechanism 150 includes a shaft 700
threaded on
both end so that both ends can receive a wingnut 160. The shaft 700 extends
through the
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slots 170 in similar fashion as the screw in the previously discussed
versions.
Additionally or alternatively, the bracket 165 in this version may comprise a
first L-
shaped bracket 705 having an opening 710 for receiving the shaft 700 and a
second L-
shaped bracket 715 having an opening 720 for receiving the shaft 700. Inner
surfaces,
such as inner surface 725 on the first L-shaped bracket 705 and inner surface
730 of the
second L-shaped bracket 715 engage the top surface 671 and bottom surface 673
of the
scraper blades 146 to prevent rotation of the blades, as discussed above. A
notch 735 or
other cutout may be provided in one or both of the L-Shaped brackets 705, 715.
The
notch 735 is centrally located on the end of the L-shaped brackets 705, 715 to
prevent
interference when a fastener is attached to the threaded shaft 700. Figure 8
shows this
version of the grill grate scraper 100 in a grill grate configuration 200.
[0050] Figures 9A through 9C illustrate different versions of a handle
connecting portion
125 for the grill grate scraper 100. In Figure 9A, the handle connection
portion 125 is the
same version as discussed above in connection with Figure 6. Figure 9B is a
version of
the Figure 9A version but with the angles 685, 686, 690, and 691 each being
right angles
905, 910, 915, 920, respectively. In Figure 9C, the angles 685, 686, 690, 691
are
replaced by smooth curves 925, 930, 935, 940, respectively.
[0051] Figure 10A illustrates a version of the grill grate scraper 100
where the handle
portion 105 and the handle connecting portion 125 are made of a single piece
1000. The
single piece can be made of any suitable material, such as any of those
discussed below.
The shape of the single piece can be selected to match any of the shapes
discussed above
in connection with the other versions of the invention.
[0052] Figure 10B illustrates a version of the grill grate scraper 100
that does not include
a handle portion 105 like the ones previously discussed. Instead, in the
version of Figure
10B, all elongated hollow slot 1010 is provided. The elongated hollow slot
1010 is
centrally located opposite the space for the scraper assembly 140 and is
generally oval or
elliptical in shape extending through the frame and of a size large enough to
allow fingers
of a hand to be inserted into elongated hollow slot for grasping the grill
grate scraper 100.
Other shapes for elongated hollow slot 1010 are possible, including but not
limited to
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rectangles, polygons, circles and squares and shapes that have both straight
and curved
segments, and the like.
[0053] Suitable materials for the grill grate scraper 100 may be selected
as desired. For
example, for the handle 105 portion, suitable materials include but are not
limited to
plastic, metal, and wood products, and combinations thereof and may be of any
desired
length which preferably provides for maintaining a user's hand a safe distance
from the
surface of the barbecue grill should it be hot from use. The arms 130, 135 may
be made
of stainless steel or similar type of metal to reduce corrosion. However,
other materials
such as ABS or nylon may also be used. The bracket 165 can be made of
stainless steel
or similar type of metal to reduce corrosion. The U-shaped bracket 625 may be
joined by
welding or formed by bending. The plurality of scraper blades 146 can be made
of
stainless steel or similar type of metal to reduce corrosion or food safe
plastic known as
food contact substances (FCS) such as polypropylene, nylon or any other
suitable plastic.
METHOD OF USE
[0054] Operation and use of the grill grate scraper 100 is clear from the
above description
of parts. Rotation of the wing nut 160 in a counter clockwise position
decompresses the
sidewise pressure allowing the plurality of scraper blades 146 to each slide
freely and
independently in an upward or downward position. When the grill grate scrape
100 is
pointed in a downward position with the wing nut loosened the scraper blades
146
gravitate to their lowest position. Holding the grill grate scraper 100 in a
downward
position, the scraper blades 146 are aligned over the grill grate rails and by
simply
pressing the grill grate scraper 100 against the grill grate rails, some of
the scraper blades
146 are pushed upward due to resistance of the grill grate rails and the some
of the blades
fall downward extending between the grill grate rails. To ensure an accurate
profile, a
user may use his or her fingers to press downward on the rear of the scraper
blades 146
until the entirety of the grill grate rail profile is reproduced. The thinner
the scraper
blades 146, the more accurately the profile of the grill grate rails will be
reproduced. The
wing nut 106 is then rotated in a clockwise position compressing the plurality
of scraper
blades 146 together sidewise applying pressure. This causes the scraper head
145 to be
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-01
immoveable or fixed in a given position, thereby matching the profile of a
particular grill
grate rail. Gripping the elongated handle, a user can clean a hot grill
without having his
or her hand too close to the hot grill. The user will grip the handle of the
grill grate
scraper 100 and align the captured profile to the grill grate rails and apply
pressure in a
downward direction, thereafter the grill grate scraper 100 is pushed forward
and pulled
backward until the charred debris and residue is removed from the grill grate
rails. The
process is repeated to the entire grill grate until the grill grate rails are
cleaned.
[0055] Although the present invention has been described in considerable
detail with
regard to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible, and
alterations,
permutations and equivalents of the version shown will become apparent to
those skilled
in the art upon a reading of the specification and study of the drawings. For
example, the
cooperating components may be reversed or provided in additional or fewer
number.
Also, the various features of the versions herein can be combined in various
ways to
provide additional versions of the present invention. Furthermore, certain
terminology
has been used for the purposes of descriptive clarity, and not to limit the
present
invention. Throughout this specification and any claims appended hereto,
unless the
context makes it clear otherwise, the term "comprise" and its variations such
as
"comprises" and "comprising" should be understood to imply the inclusion of a
stated
element, limitation, or step but not the exclusion of any other elements,
limitations, or
steps. Therefore, any appended claims should not be limited to the description
of the
preferred versions contained herein and should include all such alterations,
permutations,
and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present
invention.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-01
