Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02633431 2008-06-13
OUTDOOR GRILL WITH INTERCHANGEABLE
MODULAR COOKING ASSEMBLIES
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
(0001) This patent application claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/751,262, filed
December 16, 2005.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
(0002) The present is directed to grills, and more
specifically outdoor grills for use in backyard cooking, for
example.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(0003) Outdoor grilling is a popular way to cook
foods, especially in warmer weather. Conventional grills
utilize charcoal or wood, or may use liquid fuels, such as
gas or propane. Most large outdoor grills that are used for
backyard cooking include a firebox mounted about waist high
on a frame. The frame typically includes wheels so that the
grill may be rolled to a convenient location in the yard.
(0004) Conventional outdoor grills come in a variety
of sizes and shapes, with various accessories. One problem
with conventional grills is that a purchaser may have to
make a decision between quality and accessories due to price
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constraints. As an example, a potential purchaser may want
to buy a high quality grill, but cannot afford such a grill
with all the accessories that the purchaser would like. The
potential purchaser must make a decision between purchasing
a high quality grill without accessories, or a lower quality
grill that has the accessories that he or she desires.
(0005) In addition to the above, many grill users
desire that their grills be capable of additional functions.
The increase in outdoor cooking over the last few years has
resulted in many users desiring that their grills serve many
of the functions that are available in their kitchens.
However, in reality, most outdoor grillers utilize the cook
box of a grill for cooking a main course for a meal, and
then run back and forth between a grill and an indoor
kitchen for other cooking needs.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
(0006) The following presents a simplified summary
of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a
basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not
an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended
to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to
delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is
to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified
form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is
presented later.
(0007) In accordance with an embodiment, an outdoor
grill is provided that has interchangeable, attachable
modular accessories. As examples, the modular accessories
may include a hot dog cooker, a steamer, a food preparation
assembly, a side burner, a griddle, a deep fryer, a
rotisserie, or other cooking accessories. Alternatively or
additionally, the modular accessories may be accessories
that are not used for cooking, including, but not limited
to, an insulated container for beverages or food, or a light
for illuminating the grill.
(0008) In accordance with an embodiment, at least
some of the cooking accessories are sold separately from the
grill, permitting a user to upgrade accessories when
desired, or when the user's budget permits. By selling the
cooking accessories separate from the grill, a potential
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purchaser may buy a high quality grill and then add
accessories at a later point, permitting the total cost of
the grill and accessories to be spread out over time, and
allowing the purchaser to purchase the level of quality he
or she desires.
(0009) In accordance with an embodiment, a grill in
accordance with the invention permits a single grill frame
and firebox to be sold in the same store with different
cooking accessories. In this manner, the grill may be sold
at various price points in the same store, and/or a
purchaser may purchase a grill with exactly the desired
accessory or accessories. Alternatively, the grill may be
sold in one store with a particular cooking accessory or
accessories, and in another store with a different
accessory. Some combinations may be sold only at particular
stores, allowing a manufacturer to market specific grill
combinations to a particular chain or store, and thus
permitting channel differentiation.
(0010) Other features of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description when taken
in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(0011) FIGURE 1 is side perspective view of a grill
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
(0012) FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the grill
of FIG. 1;
(0013) FIG. 3 is an exploded side perspective view
of a food preparation assembly that may be utilized as a
cooking accessory for the grill of FIG. 1 in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention;
(0014) FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a side
burner accessory that may be utilized as a cooking accessory
for the grill of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment;
(0015) FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a
griddle assembly that may be utilized as a cooking accessory
for the grill of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment;
(0016) FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a deep
fryer assembly that may be utilized as a cooking accessory
for the grill of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment;
(0017) FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a
rotisserie assembly that may be utilized as a cooking
accessory for the grill of FIG. 1 in accordance with an
embodiment;
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(0018) FIG. 8 is an exploded view showing a gas
connection assembly that may be used in accordance with an
embodiment;
(0019) FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an
alternate embodiment of a grill in accordance with an
embodiment;
(0020) FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a
grill with interchangeable cooking accessories in accordance
with an embodiment;
(0021) FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an
alternate embodiment of a grill with interchangeable cooking
accessories; and
(0022) FIG. 12 is a side view of the firebox and
stand for the grill in FIG. 11.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(0023) In the following description, various
embodiments of the present invention will be described. For
purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details
are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to
one skilled in the art that the present invention may be
practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-
known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to
obscure the embodiment being described.
(0024) Referring now to the drawings, in which like
reference numerals represent like parts throughout the
several views, FIG. 1 shows a grill 20 in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The grill 20 includes a
firebox 22 having a lid 24. The firebox 22 is mounted on a
stand 26 having wheels 27.
(0025) In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the
stand 26 includes center doors 28, and rounded side doors
30, 32. A control panel 34 is mounted above the center
doors 28. A right side table 36 is mounted above the right
side door 32, and a left side table 38 is mounted above the
left side door 30.
(0026) In accordance with an embodiment, the present
invention provides modular, interchangeable accessories that
may be attached to and used in connection with a grill, such
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as the grill 20. By a "cooking accessory," or a "modular
accessory," we mean any item that may be removably attached
to and used while an individual is cooking using the grill
or in connection with the grill. The accessories do not
necessarily have to be used in connection with the cooking.
For example, as described below, one of the accessories may
be an insulated container for holding beverages. As another
example, a modular accessory might be a light for
illuminating the grill.
(0027) The accessories may be attached anywhere on
the grill, including directly to the firebox 22 or to the
stand 26. To this end, as used herein, "stand" is meant to
include any part of the grill that is not the firebox.
(0028) In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the
interchangeable cooking accessories are removably attached
to the left side table 38. However, in alternate
embodiments, the interchangeable cooking accessories may be
positioned on either of the side tables 36, 38, on a front
of the grill 20, on a rear portion of the grill, underneath
or over the firebox 22, may be mounted inside the firebox,
or any combination of these. However, by placing the
interchangeable cooking accessories on one of the side
tables 36, 38, the accessories are readily available and are
out of the way of a user that is cooking using the
firebox 22.
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(0029) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
interchangeable cooking accessory is a hot dog cooker 40.
The hot dog cooker 40 includes a control knob 41 for
controlling heat to a burner (not shown) for the cooker, and
a plurality of rotating cylinders 44. The burner is used to
heat a bottom side of the rotating cylinders 44.
(0030) Although not shown in the drawings, propane,
gas, or other fuel that is utilized by the grill 20 is
supplied to the burner for the hot dog cooker 40. The
propane or other gas that is supplied to the hot dog cooker
40 may be supplied, for example, via a conduit that connects
directly to the main manifold for the gas system for the
grill 20. As is further described below, the hot dog cooker
40 is connected and disconnected to this fuel supply during
installation and removal of the hot dog cooker 40,
respectively. Example connections are described below.
(0031) The rotating cylinders 44 may be driven by
batteries or AC power. In an embodiment, the rotating
cylinders 44 are connected to a rotisserie motor (not shown)
and are driven by that motor. The rotisserie motor may have
a special connection that connects, for example, to a gear
for the rotating cylinders 44 when the hotdog cooker is in
place. If a separate motor is used for the hot dog cooker,
power for the separate motor may also be supplied by a quick
connect or other releasably connectable electrical
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connection.
(0032) During use, hotdogs are placed on the
rotating cylinders 44, and the cylinders 44 rotate while
heat is supplied to the cylinders via a fire in the burner.
The continual rotation of the cylinders ensures that the hot
dogs are cooked uniformly.
(0033) In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the
modular accessories are mounted in an inset 46 in the left
side table 38. The inset 46 includes a wide end 48 adjacent
to the firebox 22 and a narrowed portion 50 on the distal
side of the left side table 38. The narrowed portion 50
extends downward to include the bottom and outer extremities
of the left side table 38.
(0034) In an embodiment, the modular accessories may
be shaped so that they are slightly tapered and are held by
gravity into the inset 46. Alternatively or additionally,
fasteners, snaps, or other features may be used to position
the modular accessories in place. In addition, if desired,
different arrangements may be used for receiving the modular
accessories. In an embodiment, a left side table 38 or
other structure may not be provided, and the modular
accessories may bolt or otherwise connect directly to the
firebox 22 or the stand 26.
(0035) FIG. 3 shows a food preparation assembly 60
that may be mounted in the inset 46. The food preparation
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assembly 60 includes a cutting board 62 that fits on top of
a basin 63. The basin 63 includes tapered side walls 64
that lead down to a drawer 66. The drawer 66 may be
insulated and may hold, for example, food or other items
that are later to be placed on the grill 20. In addition,
if desired, the drawer 66 may be used for storage of
beverages. The drawer 66 includes a handle 68 for easy
removal. The side walls 64 are sloped so that they act as a
hopper to direct beverages or other items down into the
drawer.
(0036) As can be seen, the food preparation assembly
60 does not include a propane burner and thus does not need
a connection to propane or electricity. Thus, this modular
accessory is a low end modular accessory, and may be
provided, for example, with the grill 20 at a lower price
than a grill provided with a more complex modular accessory
(e.g., the hotdog cooker 40). As an alternative to the food
preparation assembly 60, an insulated container may be
provided that fits in the inset 46 and that serves as a
beverage cooler. Other alternatives include, but are not
limited to, a storage drawer, a refrigerator, a mini-keg
cooler, or an extended table.
(0037) FIG. 4 shows a side burner assembly 70 that
may be used as one of the modular assemblies in accordance
with an embodiment. The side burner assembly 70, like the
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hot dog cooker assembly 40, includes a control knob 72. In
addition, the side burner 70 includes a cooking surface 74,
under which is mounted a burner (not shown). The side
burner assembly 70 includes a connection (not shown) to the
propane manifold as described with the hot dog cooker 40.
(0038) FIG. 5 shows a griddle assembly 80 that may
be used as one of the modular accessories in accordance with
an embodiment. The griddle assembly 80 is similar to the
side burner assembly 70, in that it includes a control knob
82 and a burner for supplying heat. However, instead of the
cooking surface 74, the griddle assembly 80 includes a
griddle surface 84 for cooking. As an example of another
accessory, a skillet may be provided.
(0039) FIG. 6 shows a deep fryer assembly 90 that
may be used as one of the modular accessories in accordance
with an embodiment. The deep fryer assembly includes a
control knob 92 for controlling fuel to a burner (not
shown). The deep fryer assembly 90 also includes a fryer
basin 94 into which oil may be placed for the frying of
foodstuffs, such as French fries. A similar structure to
the deep fryer assembly 90 may be utilized as a steamer. In
either event, as with the hot dog cooker 40, the deep fryer
assembly includes a connection to propane or other gas for
the burner.
(0040) FIG. 7 shows a rotisserie assembly 100 that
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may be used as one of the modular accessories in accordance
with an embodiment. The rotisserie assembly 100 includes a
control knob 102 for controlling heat, and a cook box 104.
The cook box 104 includes a door 106 having a window 108. A
rotating rotisserie 110 is mounted in the interior of the
rotisserie assembly 100. The rotating rotisserie 110 may be
powered by battery or electrical power, and in an embodiment
is driven by a rotisserie motor that is included with the
grill 20. A similar structure may be provided without a
rotating rotisserie 110 and may be used as an oven.
(0041) For each of the modular accessories that
requires a burner, a quick connect gas coupling may be
provided so that the modular accessory may be quickly
connected to or disconnected from the gas manifold for the
grill 20. An example is shown in FIG. 8, where a fixed
female connector 120 includes a sliding ring 122. This
fixed female connector 120 is mounted, for example,
underneath the left side table 38.
(0042) If the female connector 120 is used on the
grill 20, each of the modular accessories that includes a
burner or that otherwise utilizes fuel supplied by the grill
20 includes a male coupling, such as a male coupling 130
shown in FIG. 8. The male coupling 130 includes a shoulder
132. When the male coupling 130 is inserted into the female
connector 120, the shoulder 132 fits behind spring-biased
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ball bearings (not shown, but known) mounted under the
sliding ring 122 of the female connector 120. To attach the
male coupling 130 to the female connector 120, the male
coupling 130 is simply inserted into the female connector
120, which causes the ball bearings to retract, the sliding
ring 122 to slide, and permits the shoulder 132 to extend
behind the ball bearing in a manner known in the art. The
male coupling 130 then clicks into place, and the sliding
ring 122 moves forward to extend behind the ball bearings,
which hold the shoulder 132 in place. To remove the male
coupling 130, the sliding ring 122 is grasped and moved
rearward, releasing the ball bearings from behind the
shoulder 132, thus permitting release of the male coupling
130.
(0043) As stated above, such a connector is known in
the art. Preferably, any coupling used with the grill will
comply with American National Standards Institute, Inc.
(ANSI) and the Canadian Standards Association's (CSA)
standard for Outdoor Cooking Gas Appliances, ANSI Z21.58,
CSA 1.6, and standard for outdoor cooking specialty gas
appliances ANSI Z21.89, CSA 1.18. Alternative coupling
mechanisms may also be utilized.
(0044) In an alternate embodiment, a fixed male
coupling may be provided on the modular assemblies that
automatically locks into a female connector, such as the
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female connector 120, positioned on the grill 20. As part
of moving the modular assembly into place, the coupling is
automatically locked into position. Then, to remove the
modular accessory, the coupling is first disconnected, for
example reaching under the modular accessory, or by an
extended handle or another mechanism that may permit release
of the coupling while grabbing the modular accessory to
remove the modular accessory from the grill 20. Other
configurations are also possible. For example, the grill 20
may include a female connector having o-rings into which a
male nozzle of a modular accessory may slide when the
modular accessory is put into place, the o-rings providing a
seal between the female connector and the male nozzle.
Insulation or other shielding may be used to keep users from
burning themselves on the firebox or other parts of the
grill 20 when connecting or disconnecting the coupling.
(0045) In accordance with an embodiment, the modular
accessories discussed herein permit a manufacturer and/or a
retailer to accessorize a grill as desired. For example, a
grill may be sold with a low end modular accessory, such as
the food preparation assembly 60, so as to lower the selling
price of the grill and to permit a purchaser to buy a high
quality grill without having to pay for accessories. This
purchaser may at a later time buy one or more of the modular
accessories so as to enhance the features available to the
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grill 20.
(0046) As another alternative, a manufacturer and/or
retailer may package a grill, such as the grill 20, with
more than one accessory. In addition, a manufacturer may
differentiate a grill for one retailer over another by
selling a specific modular accessory, such as the rotisserie
assembly 100, with grills provided only to a particular
retailer. This feature allows differentiation between a
grill sold by one retailer and a grill offered by another.
(0047) In addition to accessorizing the modular
accessories, the modular accessories that are offered with
the grill 20 and/or the configuration of the stand 26 may be
changed to meet certain price points and/or to differentiate
the grill between one retailer and another. This modularity
is provided without requiring different tooling for the
firebox 22 and a frame for the stand 26. As an example, a
low end grill 220 is shown in FIG. 9 that is similar to the
grill 20 in FIG. 1, but includes a less expensive shelf
structure 222 underneath the firebox 22 as a replacement for
the center and side doors 28, 30 and 32. In addition, the
grill 220 includes three control knobs 224, wherein the
grill 20 in FIG. 1 has four. The number of control knobs
for each of these grills 20, 220 may correspond to the
number of burners and/or number of modular accessories that
may be used at once with the grill 20.
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(0048) For each of the grills 20, 220, there are a
number of common features that do not require molding of
separate parts. For example, the firebox 22, the right and
left side tables 36, 38, and a frame for the stand 26 are
all common. Thus, these parts may be used for multiple
grills, reducing the expense of channel differentiation and
parts storage.
(0049) In the embodiments described thus far, the
various side accessories or cooking accessories are "drop-
in" types of solutions. That is, as can be seen in FIG. 10,
a grill G includes side tables S having openings 0 into
which accessories A may be inserted. In alternate
embodiments, cooking accessories may be attached to a grill
in different ways. As examples, an accessory may be
clamped, hooked, clipped, connected magnetically, or
otherwise attached to a grill. As an example, as shown in
FIG. 11, a grill 200 includes removable side accessories
202, 204, 206, and 208. These side accessories 202, 204,
206, and 208 include brackets 210 that fit into slots 212
(FIG. 12) on vertical rails 214. If needed, a separate
quick connect gas connection may be provided for one or more
of the accessories 202, 204, 206, 208.
(0050) The accessories 202, 204, 206, 208 easily
clip onto the vertical rails 214 via the brackets 210. In
addition, if additional slots 212 are provided, such as in
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the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, one or more accessories not
in use may be stored underneath an accessory that is at a
use level. Similar rails may be provided on the back,
front, or underneath a firebox for storage of accessories.
Moreover, the rails 214 allow accessories to be height
adjustable for particular applications. As an example, a
user may want to use a rotisserie at a lower level than a
hot dog cooker.
(0051) In addition, if desired, one or more of the
accessories 202, 204, 206, 208 may be usable at a lower
storage position and while under another accessory. For
example, one of the accessories, such as the accessory 208,
may serve as food storage or as an insulated container for
holding beverages. As such, the accessory 208 may be used
at the lower level, for example to store food just prior to
the food being put on the grill.
(0052) The grills described herein with the
removable accessories provide quite a bit of flexibility for
a user. With an adequate number of side accessories, a user
may cook an entire meal at a grill, without having to run
back and forth between the grill and a kitchen.
(0053) The modular accessories may be used with
other free standing devices. As an example, a free standing
sink may be provided that includes vertical rails such as
the vertical rails 214.
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(0054) Other variations are within the spirit of the
present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible
to various modifications and alternative constructions, a
certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the
drawings and has been described above in detail. It should
be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit
the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but
on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents
falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as
defined in the appended claims.
(0055) All references, including publications,
patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each
reference were individually and specifically indicated to be
incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety
herein.
(0056) The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the"
and similar referents in the context of describing the
invention (especially in the context of the following
claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and
the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly
contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having,"
"including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-
ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
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unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be
construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to,
or joined together, even if there is something intervening.
Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to
serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to
each separate value falling within the range, unless
otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were
individually recited herein. All methods described herein
can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by
context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary
language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended
merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and
does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention
unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification
should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as
essential to the practice of the invention.
(0057) Preferred embodiments of this invention are
described herein, including the best mode known to the
inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of
those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing
description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors
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intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention
includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject
matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by
applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-
described elements in all possible variations thereof is
encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated
herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
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