U.S. patent application number 13/326791 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-20 for cooking grate and cooking apparatus.
Invention is credited to Mallik Ahmed.
Application Number | 20120318149 13/326791 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46245113 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120318149 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ahmed; Mallik |
December 20, 2012 |
COOKING GRATE AND COOKING APPARATUS
Abstract
A cooking grate and a grill assembly having one or more of the
cooking grates therein. The cooking grate can be a one-piece
structure but is preferably a two-piece structure wherein the upper
piece comprises longitudinally extending food support ribs having
hollow interiors. The ribs will be positioned over and cover open
areas in the lower structure so that combustion gases flowing
through the open areas of the lower structure will flow into the
hollow interiors of the food support ribs.
Inventors: |
Ahmed; Mallik; (Columbus,
GA) |
Family ID: |
46245113 |
Appl. No.: |
13/326791 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61424308 |
Dec 17, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
99/445 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 37/067 20130101;
A47J 37/0704 20130101; A47J 37/0694 20130101; A47J 37/0682
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
99/445 |
International
Class: |
A47J 37/06 20060101
A47J037/06 |
Claims
1. A cooking grate assembly comprising: a lower structure
comprising a side-by-side series of parallel, longitudinally
extending solid sections having substantially no openings
therethrough; a series of parallel, longitudinally extending open
sections provided in said lower structure, said open sections being
located between said solid sections, each of said open sections
having an open area lateral width; and an upper structure
comprising a side-by-side series of parallel, spaced apart,
longitudinally extending food support ribs, each having a hollow
interior and a longitudinally extending bottom opening, said bottom
opening having a lateral width that is not less than said open area
lateral width of said open sections of said lower structure, said
upper structure being removably positionable over said lower
structure such that said food support ribs will be positioned over
said substantially parallel to said open sections of said lower
structure so that, as viewed from above said cooking grate
assembly, said food support ribs will substantially entirely cover
said open sections of said lower structure; and when said upper
structure is positioned over said lower structure, said open
sections of said lower structure will be located within, at, or
below said bottom openings of said food support ribs in a manner
such that combustion gases flowing upwardly through said open
sections of said lower structure will flow into said hollow
interiors of said food support ribs.
2. The cooking grate assembly of claim 1 wherein said solid
sections of said lower structure each have a downwardly extending
cross-sectional shape such that said solid sections of said lower
structure will form longitudinally extending valleys between said
food support ribs.
3. The cooking grate assembly of claim 2 wherein said solid
sections of said lower structure have a downwardly extending
cross-sectional V-shape.
4. The cooking grate assembly of claim 1 wherein said solid
sections of said lower structure have an upwardly extending
cross-sectional shape.
5. The cooking grate assembly of claim 4 wherein said solid
sections of said lower structure have an upwardly extending
inverted V cross-sectional shape such that said solid sections will
form longitudinally extending ridges between said food support
ribs.
6. The cooking grate assembly of claim 1 wherein said food support
ribs have an inverted U cross-sectional shape.
7. The cooking grate assembly of claim 1 wherein said food support
ribs each have at least one longitudinal end which is open for flow
of said combustion gases out of said hollow interiors of said food
support ribs.
8. The cooking grate assembly of claim 1 wherein said food support
ribs each have two opposing side walls and apertures are provided
through at least one of said side walls along an upper portion
thereof for flow of said combustion gases out of said hollow
interiors of said food support ribs.
9. The cooking grate assembly of claim 1 wherein: said food support
ribs each have two opposing rib side walls; said two opposing rib
side walls have longitudinally extending bottom edges; and when
said upper structure is positioned over said lower structure, said
longitudinally extending bottom edges of said rib side walls are
spaced above an upper surface of said lower structure to form gaps
between said rib side walls and said upper surface of said lower
structure for flow of said combustion gases out of said hollow
interiors of said food support ribs.
10. The cooking grate assembly of claim 1 wherein said open
sections of said lower structure are each formed by a
longitudinally extending slot or by a plurality of slots or other
apertures.
11. The cooking grate assembly of claim 1 wherein said solid
sections of said lower structure have an upper surface with an
emissivity of at least 0.25.
12. The cooking grate assembly of claim 1 wherein: said food
support ribs each have two opposing rib side walls; said two
opposing rib side walls have longitudinally extending bottom edges;
and when said upper structure is positioned over said lower
structure, said bottom edges of said rib side walls contact an
upper surface of said lower structure.
13. The cooking grate assembly of claim 12 wherein: said solid
sections of said lower structure have an upwardly extending
cross-sectional shape and said bottom edges of said rib side walls
contact said upper surface of said lower structure in a non-sealed
manner such that, during cooking, hot fat which falls between said
food support ribs can drain beneath said bottom edges of said rib
side walls and through said open sections of said lower
structure.
14. The cooking grate assembly of claim 1 wherein: said food
support ribs have a vertical height of from about 1/4 to about 1
inch; said lateral width of said bottom openings of said food
support ribs is at least 1/4 inch; and said food support ribs are
spaced from about 1/4 to about 1 inch apart.
15. The cooking grate assembly of claim 14 wherein said open area
lateral width of said open sections of said lower structure is less
than said lateral width of said bottom openings of said food
support ribs.
16. The cooking grate assembly of claim 14 wherein said open area
lateral width of said open sections of said lower structure is
substantially the same as said lateral width of said bottom
openings of said food support ribs such that said lower structure
will operate without said upper structure thereon as a convection
cooking grate.
17. The cooking grate assembly of claim 14 wherein said open area
lateral width of said open sections of said lower structure is in a
range of from about 0.08 to about 0.5 times said lateral width of
said bottom openings of said food support ribs.
18. A cooking grate assembly comprising: a lower structure
comprising a side-by-side series of parallel, longitudinally
extending solid sections having substantially no openings there
through; a series of parallel, longitudinally extending open
sections provided in said lower structure, said open sections being
located between said solid sections, each of said open sections of
said lower structure having an open area lateral width; and an
upper structure comprising a side-by-side series of parallel,
spaced part, longitudinally extending food support ribs, each
having a hollow interior and a longitudinally extending bottom
opening having a lateral width which is greater than said open area
lateral width of said open sections of said lower structure, said
upper structure being removably positionable over said lower
structure such that said food support ribs will be positioned over
and substantially parallel to said open sections of said lower
structure so that, as viewed from above said cooking grate
assembly, said food support ribs will substantially entirely cover
said open sections of said lower structure; said solid sections of
said lower structure have a downwardly extending lateral
cross-sectional shape such that said solid sections of said lower
structure will form longitudinally extending valleys between said
food support ribs; and when said upper structure is positioned over
said lower structure, said open sections of said lower structure
will be received in said bottom openings of said food support ribs
such that combustion gases flowing upwardly through said open
sections of said lower structure will flow into said hollow
interiors of said food support ribs.
19. The cooking grate assembly of claim 18 wherein said lateral
cross-sectional shape of said solid sections of said lower
structure is a V-shape.
20. The cooking grate assembly of claim 18 wherein said food
support ribs have an inverted U cross-sectional shape.
21. The cooking grate assembly of claim 18 wherein said food
support ribs each have at least one longitudinal end which is open
for flow of said combustion gases out of said hollow interiors of
said food support ribs.
22. The cooking grate assembly of claim 18 wherein: said food
support ribs each have two opposing rib side walls; said two
opposing rib side walls have longitudinally extending bottom edges;
and when said upper structure is positioned over said lower
structure, said bottom edges of said rib side walls contact an
upper surface of said lower structure.
23. The cooking grate assembly of claim 18 wherein: said food
support ribs have a vertical height of from about 1/4 to about 1
inch; said lateral width of said bottom openings of said food
support ribs is at least 1/4 inch; and said food support ribs are
spaced from about 1/4 to about 1 inch apart.
24. The cooking grate assembly of claim 23 wherein said open area
lateral width of said open sections of said lower structure is in a
range of from about 0.08 to about 0.5 times said lateral width of
said bottom openings of said food support ribs.
25. A grill assembly comprising a housing having at least one
cooking grate assembly therein wherein said cooking grate assembly
comprises: a lower structure comprising a side-by-side series of
parallel, longitudinally extending solid sections having
substantially no openings therethrough; a series of parallel,
longitudinally extending open sections provided in said lower
structure, said open sections being located between said solid
sections, each of said open sections having an open area lateral
width; and an upper structure comprising a side-by-side series of
parallel, spaced apart, longitudinally extending food support ribs,
each having a hollow interior and a longitudinally extending bottom
opening, said bottom opening having a lateral width that is not
less than said open area lateral width of said open sections of
said lower structure, said upper structure being removably
positionable over said lower structure such that said food support
ribs will be positioned over and said substantially parallel to
said open sections of said lower structure so that, as viewed from
above said cooking grate assembly, said food support ribs will
substantially entirely cover said open sections of said lower
structure; and when said upper structure is positioned over said
lower structure, said open sections of said lower structure will be
located within, at, or below said bottom openings of said food
support ribs in a manner such that combustion gases flowing
upwardly through said open sections of said lower structure will
flow into said hollow interiors of said food support ribs.
26. The grill assembly of claim 25 wherein said solid sections of
said lower structure have a downwardly extending cross-sectional
V-shape.
27. The grill assembly of claim 25 wherein said food support ribs
have an inverted U cross-sectional shape.
28. The grill assembly of claim 25 wherein said food support ribs
each have at least one longitudinal end which is open for flow of
said combustion gases out of said hollow interiors of said food
support ribs.
29. The grill assembly of claim 25 wherein: said food support ribs
each have two opposing rib side walls; said two opposing rib side
walls have longitudinally extending bottom edges; and when said
upper structure is positioned over said lower structure, said
bottom edges of said rib side walls contact an upper surface of
said lower structure.
30. The grill assembly of claim 25 wherein said open area lateral
width of said open sections of said lower structure is less than
said lateral width of said bottom openings of said food support
ribs.
31. The grill assembly of claim 30 wherein, when said upper
structure is positioned over said lower structure, said open
sections of said lower structure will be received in said bottom
openings of said food support ribs.
32. An infrared cooking grate comprising alternating side-by-side
series of substantially parallel solid sections and food support
ribs wherein: said food support ribs have hollow interiors; said
food support ribs have open bottoms for receiving combustion gases;
and said food support ribs have one or more discharge openings for
flow of said combustion gases out of said hollow interiors of said
food support ribs.
33. The infrared cooking grate of claim 32 wherein said one or more
discharge openings comprise each of said food support ribs having
at least one longitudinal end which is open for flow of said
combustion gases out of said hollow interiors of said food support
ribs.
34. The infrared cooking grate of claim 32 wherein said
longitudinally extending food support ribs each have two opposing
side walls and apertures are provided through at least one of said
side walls for flow of said combustion gases out of said hollow
interiors of said food support ribs.
35. The infrared cooking grate of claim 32 wherein said solid
sections each have a downwardly extending cross-sectional shape
such that said solid sections form longitudinally extending valleys
between said food support ribs.
36. The infrared cooking grate of claim 35 wherein said solid
sections have a downwardly extending cross-sectional V-shape.
37. The infrared cooking grate of claim 32 wherein said solid
sections have an upwardly extending cross-sectional shape.
38. The infrared cooking grate of claim 37 wherein said solid
sections have an upwardly extending inverted V cross-sectional
shape such that said solid sections form longitudinally extending
ridges between said food support ribs.
39. The infrared cooking grate of claim 32 wherein said infrared
cooking grate is formed from a plurality of separate pieces which
are placed side-by-side such that longitudinally extending
contacting edges of said separate pieces are located between said
food support ribs.
40. The infrared cooking grate of claim 39 wherein said contacting
edges are substantially unsealed between said food support ribs.
Description
RELATED CASE
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/424,308 filed on Dec. 17, 2010, and
incorporates said provisional application by reference into this
disclosure as if fully set out at this point.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to cooking grates and grate
assemblies which support food items for cooking in outdoor grills
and in other cooking systems. The invention also relates to cooking
systems which utilize such grates or grate assemblies
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Outdoor grilling systems which primarily utilize infrared
radiant energy for cooking food items are known in the art. The
beneficial results which these systems are capable of providing
over conventional convective grills are also well known. However,
there are various shortcomings which are often associated with the
current infrared systems. The following are examples of such
shortcomings and deficiencies commonly encountered in existing
infrared grilling systems:
[0004] existing infrared grilling systems typically require the use
of expensive infrared burners or other high cost burner systems in
order to provide the degree of performance and results desired;
[0005] many existing systems also require the use of a separate
infrared emitter plate or other emitting structure positioned
intermediate the burner and the food support grate;
[0006] many existing infrared systems, including, but not limited
to, those having open grates positioned above an intermediate
infrared emitting plate or other structure, are commonly prone to
flare-up problems caused by the ignition of fat which drips from
the food product; and
[0007] cooking grate structures heretofore developed in the art to
reduce flare-ups have also had significant shortcomings or
deficiencies in that, for example: (a) they can require extended
preheat times; (b) the food contacting portions of the grate do not
heat quickly enough and/or do not reach a sufficient temperature
for adequately searing the food product and/or for providing
attractive grill marks on the product; and/or (c) the grate
structures can be difficult and expensive to make due to the need
to hold tight tolerances and the difficulty of applying porcelain
coatings to small openings.
[0008] Consequently, a need currently exists for improved cooking
grate structures or assemblies for infrared grills which will: (a)
allow lower cost burners or other heating elements to be used for
providing excellent infrared cooking results, (b) eliminate the
need for a separate emitter plate or other emitting structure
intermediate the burner and the grate structure or grate assembly,
(c) greatly reduce or eliminate flare-ups, (d) greatly reduce the
preheating time required to reach cooking temperature, and (e)
rapidly provide high contacting temperatures for searing the food
product and producing attractive grill marks. In addition, a
continuing need exists for improved infrared cooking systems which
will (1) provide increased thermal efficiency and/or (2) provide
and transmit a greater percentage of infrared cooking energy to the
food product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides an improved cooking grate or
grate assembly and an improved cooking system which satisfy the
needs and alleviate the problems discussed above. In one
embodiment, the cooking grate assembly preferably comprises: (a) a
lower radiating structure and (b) a food support rib structure
which is positionable on top of the lower radiating structure.
[0010] The food support rib structure preferably comprises a series
of parallel food support ribs which have hollow interiors and are
each open at the lower end thereof. The lateral cross-section of
each rib element will preferably have an inverted U-shape but can
alternatively have an inverted V-shape, a rectangular shape, a
combination of such shapes, or any other desired geometry.
[0011] The lower radiating structure preferably includes apertures,
slots, or other openings which will be positioned beneath or inside
the lower ends of the food support ribs so that hot combustion gas
or other hot flue gas will flow into the rib elements. The lower
radiating structure preferably has no openings therethrough which
will be positioned in the gaps between the adjacent rib
elements.
[0012] In addition, although the lower radiating structure can be
flat, the lower radiating structure can alternatively comprise a
series of parallel ridge structures which will project upwardly in
the gaps between the parallel ribs. The ridges can have an inverted
V-shape, a wide inverted U-shape, or any other geometry desired,
preferably with downwardly sloping or downwardly curving lateral
sides.
[0013] Moreover, as another alternative, the lower radiating plate
can provide downwardly extending valleys between the parallel ribs.
By way of example, such valleys can have shapes similar to the
ridges just mentioned, but in inverted form.
[0014] Further, one or more types of outlet openings are also
preferably provided for the rib elements so that hot gas generated
by the burner or other heating element does not simply remain
stagnant in the interior of the rib elements but continuously flows
through and out of the rib elements. This increases and accelerates
the heat transfer to the rib elements which greatly reduces the
required preheating time and increases the contacting temperature
of the rib elements to provide beneficial searing and to produce
attractive grill marks. It also increases thermal efficiency and
increases the infrared percentage of total cooking energy.
[0015] Examples of gas outlet flow openings for the rib elements
include, but are not limited to: (a) gas discharge openings
provided in one or both of the longitudinal ends of the rib
elements, (b) slots, holes, or other apertures provided through one
or both of the sidewalls of the rib element, preferably near the
top thereof, and/or (c) gaps between the lower radiating structure
and the lower ends of the sidewalls of the rib elements, such gaps
preferably being formed by spacing the rib elements above the lower
radiating structure.
[0016] Thus, by way of example, the present invention provides a
cooking grate assembly which can comprise: (a) a lower structure
comprising a side-by-side series of parallel, longitudinally
extending solid sections having substantially no openings
therethrough; (b) a series of parallel, longitudinally extending
open sections provided in the lower structure, the open sections
being located between the solid sections, each of the open sections
having an open area lateral width; and (c) an upper structure
comprising a side-by-side series of parallel, spaced apart,
longitudinally extending food support ribs, each having a hollow
interior and a longitudinally extending bottom opening, the bottom
opening having a lateral width that is not less than the open area
lateral width of the open sections of lower structure.
[0017] The upper structure is preferably removably positionable
over the lower structure such that the food support ribs will be
positioned over and substantially parallel to the open sections of
the lower structure. Consequently, as viewed from above the cooking
grate assembly, the food support ribs will substantially entirely
cover the open sections of the lower structure. When the upper
structure is positioned over the lower structure, the open sections
of the lower structure will be located within, at, or below the
bottom openings of the food support ribs in a manner such that
combustion gases flowing upwardly through the open sections of the
lower structure will flow into the hollow interiors of the food
support ribs.
[0018] In another aspect concerning this example, the
longitudinally extending solid sections of the lower structure can
each have a downwardly extending cross-sectional shape such that
the solid sections of the lower structure will form longitudinally
extending valleys between the food support ribs. The downwardly
extending cross-sectional shape of the solid sections will most
preferably be a V-shape.
[0019] As another alternative, the longitudinally extending solid
sections of the lower structure can have an upwardly extending
cross-sectional shape. The upwardly extending cross-sectional shape
of the solid sections will most preferably be an inverted V
cross-sectional shape such that the solid sections will form
longitudinally extending ridges between the food support ribs.
[0020] As another example, the present invention provides a cooking
grate assembly comprising: (a) a lower structure comprising a
side-by-side series of parallel, longitudinally extending solid
sections having substantially no openings therethrough; (b) a
series of parallel, longitudinally extending open sections provided
in the lower structure, the open sections being located between the
solid sections, each of the open sections of the lower structure
having an open area lateral width; and (c) an upper structure
comprising a side-by-side series of parallel, spaced-apart,
longitudinally extending food support ribs, each having a hollow
interior and a longitudinally extending bottom opening having a
lateral width which is greater than the open area lateral width of
the open sections of the lower structure.
[0021] The upper structure is preferably removably positionable
over the lower structure such that the food support ribs will be
positioned over and substantially parallel to the open sections of
the lower structure. Consequently, as viewed from above the cooking
grate assembly, the food support ribs will substantially entirely
cover the open sections of the lower structure. The solid sections
of the lower structure have a downwardly extending lateral
cross-sectional shape such that the solid sections of the lower
structure will form longitudinally extending valleys between the
food support ribs. When the upper structure is positioned over the
lower structure, the open sections of the lower structure will be
received in the bottom openings of the food support ribs such that
combustion gases flowing upwardly through the open sections of the
lower structure will flow into the hollow interiors of the food
support ribs.
[0022] As another example, the present invention provides an
infrared cooking grate comprising alternating side-by-side series
of substantially parallel solid sections and food support ribs
wherein: (a) the food support ribs have hollow interiors; (b) the
food support ribs have open bottoms for receiving combustion gases;
and (c) the food support ribs have one or more discharge openings
for flow of the combustion gases out of the hollow interiors of the
food support ribs.
[0023] As yet another example, the present invention provides a
grill assembly comprising a housing having therein at least one
cooking grate or cooking grate assembly of any type mentioned above
or otherwise disclosed herein, or any combination of such cooking
grates and/or cooking grate assemblies.
[0024] Further aspects, features, and advantages of the inventive
cooking grate and cooking system will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art upon examining the accompanying drawings
and upon reading the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment 2 of the
inventive cooking grate assembly.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment 50
of the inventive cooking grate assembly.
[0027] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an elevational cutaway end
view of cooking grate assembly 2 and grate assembly 50.
[0028] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an elevational cutaway end
view of an alternative embodiment 100 of the inventive cooking
grate assembly.
[0029] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an elevational cutaway end
view of an alternative embodiment 150 of the inventive cooking
grate assembly.
[0030] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a cutaway elevational end
view of an alternative embodiment 200 of the inventive cooking
grate assembly.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
250 of the inventive cooking grate assembly.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective end view of the inventive cooking
grate assembly 250.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
300 of the inventive cooking grate assembly.
[0034] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a cutaway elevational end
view of the inventive cooking grate assembly 250 and the inventive
cooking grate assembly 300.
[0035] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a cutaway elevational end
view of an alternative embodiment 400 of the inventive cooking
grate assembly.
[0036] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a cutaway elevational end
view of an alternative embodiment 450 of the inventive cooking
grate assembly.
[0037] FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a cutaway elevational end
view of an alternative embodiment 500 of the inventive cooking
grate assembly.
[0038] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
550 of the inventive cooking grate assembly.
[0039] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a cutaway elevational end
view of the inventive cooking grate 550.
[0040] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a cutaway elevational end
view of an alternative embodiment 600 of the inventive cooking
grate assembly.
[0041] FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a cutaway elevational end
view of an alternative embodiment 650 of the inventive cooking
grate assembly.
[0042] FIG. 18 schematically illustrates a cutaway elevational end
view of an alternative embodiment 700 of the inventive cooking
grate assembly.
[0043] FIGS. 19A and 19B are perspective and end views of an
alternative embodiment 800 of the inventive cooking grate
assembly.
[0044] FIG. 20 schematically illustrates a cutaway elevational end
view of inventive grate assembly 800.
[0045] FIG. 21 schematically illustrates a cutaway elevational end
view of an alternative embodiment 850 of the inventive cooking
grate assembly.
[0046] FIG. 22 schematically illustrates a cutaway elevational end
view of an alternative embodiment 900 of the inventive cooking
grate assembly.
[0047] FIG. 23 schematically illustrates a cutaway elevational end
view of an alternative embodiment 950 of the inventive cooking
grate assembly.
[0048] FIG. 24 schematically illustrates a cutaway elevational end
view of an alternative embodiment 730 of the inventive cooking
grate.
[0049] FIG. 25 schematically illustrates a cutaway elevation end
view of an alternative embodiment 740 of the inventive cooking
grate.
[0050] FIG. 26 is a cutaway elevational view of an embodiment 750
of the inventive grilling apparatus which utilizes the inventive
cooking grate assembly 2 and/or any of the other inventive cooking
grate assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 1-25.
[0051] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
760 of the inventive cooking grate.
[0052] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
770 of the inventive cooking grate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0053] Embodiments 2 and 50 of the inventive cooking grate
apparatus are illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. Each of the inventive
cooking grate assemblies 2 and 50 comprises a lower radiating plate
4 and a food support structure 6 which is positioned on top of the
radiating plate 4. Although the inventive grate 2 or 50 could be a
unitary structure as discussed below, it is preferred, for reasons
of ease of manufacture, lower cost, and cleaning, that the lower
radiating plate 4 and the food support structure 6 be manufactured
and used together as separate pieces such that the food support
structure 6 is removably placeable on top of the lower radiating
plate 4.
[0054] The lower radiating plate 4 comprises a series of parallel
ridge structures 8 which preferably have an inverted V-shape. As
seen in FIG. 1, the ridge structures 8 extend longitudinally and
therefore are substantially parallel to the longitudinal center
line 15 of the grate assembly 2 or 50. Elongate slots 10 or a
series of shorter slots 12, or other gas flow apertures, are
provided along the bottoms of the valleys formed between each
adjacent pair of ridges 8.
[0055] Given the ability of the inventive cooking grate assemblies
2 and 50 to heat the food support ribs 14 of the food support
structure 16 to higher temperatures, and in view of the exponential
increase in infrared emission levels which these higher
temperatures will provide, the lower radiating plate 4 can be
formed of generally any material which will withstand these
operating temperatures and which preferably (a) is at least
minimally corrosion resistant and (b) has an emissivity of at least
0.25 (more preferably at least 0.3, more preferably at least 0.4,
more preferably at least 0.5, more preferably at least 0.6, more
preferably at least 0.7 and more preferably at least 0.8). Examples
of suitable materials include, but are not limited to: coated steel
(e.g., porcelain-coated steel), treated cast iron, or titanium. The
emissivity of stainless steel having an ordinary finish will also
increase to a more desirable level during operation as a result of
oxidation and the deposition of food debris which operate to darken
the surface.
[0056] More preferred materials having desirably high emissivities
include, but are not limited to: porcelain-coated steel (most
preferably steel with a black porcelain coating providing an
emissivity of more than 0.9); shot blasted stainless steel; and
oxidized stainless steel. It will also be understood that numerous
other materials having excellent emissivities which are more
expensive to purchase and/or use in manufacturing can also be
employed, but are not necessary.
[0057] The food support structure 6 preferably comprises a
side-by-side series of parallel food support ribs 14 which are
connected to and extend from a lateral cross support 16, or extend
between a pair of opposing lateral cross supports 16. As seen in
FIG. 1, the food support ribs 14 extend longitudinally and are
therefore substantially parallel to the longitudinal center line 15
of the grate assembly 2 or 50. The food support ribs 14 preferably
have an inverted U-shape with a rounded top 18 but can
alternatively be of a rectangular or square shape, an inverted
V-shape, a combination of such shapes, or any other desired
geometry. The food support ribs 14 have lower ends 25 which rest on
top of the lower radiating plate 4 in the ridge valleys such that
the openings 20 in the lower ends of the ribs 14 straddle the slots
10, 12 or other gas openings provided in the ridge valleys of the
lower plate 4.
[0058] The food support ribs 14 preferably also include either (a)
flue exhaust slots or other openings 22 (as illustrated in grate
assembly 50) which extend along one side 24 or both sides 24 and 26
(preferably both of sides 24 and 26) of the ribs 14 near the tops
thereof; (b) flue exhaust openings, as used in grate assembly 2,
provided through one or both of the longitudinal ends 28 of each
rib with corresponding exhaust 40 openings provided through the
lateral cross-support(s) 16 (not shown in FIGS. 1-3 but see the
example of such openings 40 shown in FIG. 8); or (c) a combination
thereof. Because of the exhaust openings provided near the tops
and/or through the longitudinal end(s) of the food support ribs 14,
the hot gas received through the lower plate openings 10 or 12 does
not remain stagnant but instead continuously flows through and
accelerates the heating of the support ribs 14.
[0059] In the inventive grate assembly 50, as well as all of the
other embodiments of the inventive grate assembly discussed herein
when manufactured to have upper flue gas slots 22 (or a single
elongate slot 22) extending along each side 24 and 26 of the food
support ribs 14, the number and/or size of the slots will
preferably be effective such that, at an operating temperature of
600.degree. F., the flow of flue gas into the ribs 14 and out of
the slots 22 will (a) reduce the warm-up time of the grate assembly
by at least 10% (more preferably at least 15% and most preferably
at least 20%) and/or (b) increase the thermal efficiency of the
grate assembly by at least 8% (more preferably at least 10% and
most preferably at least 13%) versus a high performance prior art
infrared grate assembly of the type shown in FIG. 1 of U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. US2007/0125357 A1 (discussed below).
The single elongate slot 22 or plurality of slots 22 in each side
wall 24 and 26 of the food support rib 14 will preferably have a
width in the range of from about 0.03 to about 0.1 inch. The width
of the slot(s) 22 will more preferably be in the range of from
about 0.035 to about 0.085 inch and will most preferably be in the
range of from about 0.05 to about 0.06 inch.
[0060] In the inventive grate assembly 2, as well as all of the
other embodiments of the inventive grate assembly discussed herein
when manufactured to have flue gas flow out of one or both
longitudinal ends of each food support rib 14, the size (and thus
the resulting surface area) of the ribs 14, along with the flue gas
flow through the ribs, will preferably be effective such that, at
an operating temperature of 600.degree. F., the flow of flue gas
into the ribs 14 and out of the end(s) thereof will (a) increase
the infrared energy output percentage of the grate assembly by at
least 10% (more preferably at least 15% and most preferably at
least 20%) and/or (b) reduce the warm-up time of the grate assembly
by at least 10% (more preferably at least 15% and most preferably
at least 20%) versus a high performance prior art infrared grate
assembly of the type shown in FIG. 1 of U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. US 2007/0125357 A1.
[0061] By way of example, but not by way of limitation, the food
support ribs 14 can be formed of any of the same suitable and
preferred materials discussed above for the lower radiating plate
4. In addition, the ribs 14 can also be treated with a
corrosion-resistant and/or nonstick coating such as porcelain,
PTFE, silicone oxide ceramic, tantalum, or other known coating
technologies.
[0062] The food support ribs 14 of the inventive grate assemblies 2
and 50 will preferably have a height 30 in the range of from about
0.2 to about 1.25 inches and will more preferably have a height in
the range of from about 1/4 to about 1 inch. The lateral width 32
of the bottom openings 20 of the food support ribs 14 must be
sufficient such that the hot flue gas can flow into and out of the
ribs 14 without creating sufficient back pressure to cause a
combustion failure in the grilling system. The lateral width 32 of
the lower end openings 20 of the support ribs 14 will preferably be
at least 1/8 inch. The lateral width 32 of the bottom openings 20
of the ribs 14 will more preferably be at least 1/4 inch and will
most preferably be in the range of from about 0.28 to about 0.32
inch.
[0063] In order to be sufficiently wide for easy cleaning without
being so wide as to permit a large enough inflow of fresh
atmospheric air to cause flare-up problems, the lateral width 35 of
the gaps between adjacent support ribs 14 will preferably be in the
range of from about 1/4 to about 1 inch and will more preferably be
in the range of from about 1/2 to about 3/4 inch.
[0064] In one alternative embodiment, the slots 10 or 12 or other
openings provided in the ridge valleys of the lower radiating plate
4 can be of substantially the same width 32 as the bottom openings
20 of the support ribs 14. When large plate openings of this size
are employed, the user will have the option of simply removing the
food support structure 6, if desired, and using the lower plate 4
essentially in the same manner as a conventional convection cooking
grate.
[0065] However, for better manufacturing control which will ensure
that no gaps will exist outside of the ribs 14 and cause flare-ups,
the width 34 of the slots 10 or 12 or other openings provided in
the ridge valleys of the lower radiating plate 4 will preferably be
narrower than the lateral width 32 of the bottom openings 20 of the
support ribs 14. Moreover, I have discovered that, although the use
of narrower plate openings 10, 12 allows a lesser amount of direct
infrared emission from the burner into the rib bottom openings, the
narrower plate openings unexpectedly create a surprising jet flow
effect whereby the velocity of the flue gas flowing into the
support ribs 14 is increased and creates more turbulent flow
conditions within the food support ribs 14. This beneficial
turbulence significantly increases the rate and degree to which the
hot gas heats the food support ribs and effectively cancels out
(i.e., compensates for) any reduction in radiant heat transfer to
the rib interior.
[0066] To allow sufficient flow to prevent combustion failure, the
width 34 of the plate slots or other openings 10, 12, will
preferably be at least 0.02 inch, more preferably at least 0.04
inch. The width 34 of the plate slots or other openings 10, 12,
will more preferably be in the range of from about 0.8 to about
0.05 (more preferably from about 0.5 to about 0.08 and most
preferably from about 0.3 to about 0.1) times the lateral width 32
of the rib bottom openings 20.
[0067] The inventive grate assemblies 2 and 50 provide surprisingly
significant increases in energy efficiency and/or infrared energy
output as compared to even the best cooking grates and cooking
grate assemblies heretofore known in the art. Tests were conducted,
for example, to compare the inventive grate assemblies 2 and 50
with the high performance prior art infrared grate assembly shown
in FIG. 1 of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2007/0125357
A1. In the prior art grate assembly, flue gas either does not enter
the food support ribs or is stagnant. These tests were conducted
using an otherwise conventional grill with a single wall fire box
and simple large tube burners which ran from front to back. The
results were as follows:
[0068] The prior art high performance infrared grate required 7.38
minutes to heat to an operating temperature of 600.degree. F. The
thermal efficiency of the prior art grate was 29.1% and 62.2% of
the total energy output to the food product was in the form of
infrared energy.
[0069] The inventive grate assembly 2 required only 5 minutes to
heat to an operating temperature of 600.degree. F. (i.e., a 32.2%
reduction in the time required by the prior art grate assembly).
The thermal efficiency of the inventive grate assembly 2 was
substantially the same as the prior art grate but the infrared
energy output percentage was 76.4% (i.e., a 22.8% improvement over
the prior art grate assembly).
[0070] The inventive gate assembly 50 also provided a 32.2%
reduction in preheating time. The infrared energy output percentage
of the inventive grate 50 was somewhat higher than that of the
prior art grate and the thermal efficiency of the inventive grate
assembly 50 was 34.1% (i.e., a 17.2% improvement over the prior art
grate assembly).
[0071] Moreover, in addition to the improvement in thermal
efficiency provided by inventive grate assembly as measured by flux
testing after reaching the specified cooking temperature (i.e.,
600.degree. F.), each of the inventive grate assemblies 2 and 50
also provides a further significant improvement in thermal
efficiency by greatly reducing the necessary preheating time and
thereby reducing the total time and amount of fuel/energy required
to cook a food product. Also, the performance advantages of the
inventive cooking grates and assemblies over the prior art high
performance grates can be even further enhanced when used with
burner systems such as those described in U.S. Patent Application
Publication Nos. US2009/0202688 and US2010/0095951 which can
provide high heat output while allowing an increase in the back
pressure produced by the cooking grate.
[0072] The bottom edges 25 of the food support ribs 14 of grate
assemblies 2 and 50 rest on the lower radiating plate 4. The
contact between the ribs 14 and the plate 4 is not sealed so that
hot fat which drips into the gaps between the support ribs 14 will
flow beneath the lower ends 25 of the ribs 14 and out of the slots
or other openings 10, 12 formed in the ridge valleys of the lower
radiating plate 4. Because of the drainage occurring through the
slots or other openings 10, 12 formed in the lower radiating plate
4, a grill assembly utilizing the inventive grate 2 or the
inventive grate 50 will also preferably utilize a grease drip pan
installed beneath the grill burner or other heating element.
[0073] Although the parallel ridges 8 of the radiating plates 4
shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 have an inverted V-shape, it will be
understood that the ridges 8 could be of any other shape, a few
examples of which are illustrated below, and of any angle, slope,
and/or curvature which will preferably promote drainage toward the
plate openings 10, 12. The inventive grates 2 and 50 require less
frequent cleaning than other grate systems and are also easily
cleaned because (a) the very hot, low viscosity fat which flows
beneath the rib side edges will not readily clog the radiating
plate slot openings 10, 12 and (b) any debris which accumulates in
the gaps between the ribs 14 can be readily removed by lifting the
food support structure 6 and brushing the lower radiating plate 4.
Moreover, a further advantage of the inventive grate assemblies 2
and 50 is that the inventive assembly 50 is highly resistant to
flare-ups and the inventive assembly 2 substantially eliminates the
possibility of flare-ups entirely.
[0074] An alternative embodiment 100 of the inventive grate
assembly is illustrated in FIG. 4. Except for the differences
discussed below, the construction, features, materials, and other
particulars of the inventive grate assembly 100 will preferably be
the same as inventive assembly 2 and/or inventive assembly 50 and
these features will provide all of the same benefits and advantages
discussed above.
[0075] The inventive grate assembly 100 will preferably be
identical to either the inventive grate assembly 2 or the inventive
grate assembly 50, or a combination thereof, except that the
parallel structures 102 of the lower radiating plate 4 of the
assembly 100 have an upwardly curved rather than an inverted V
cross-sectional shape.
[0076] An alternative embodiment 150 of the inventive grate
assembly is illustrated in FIG. 5. Except for the differences
discussed below, the construction, features, materials, and other
particulars of the inventive assembly 150 will preferably be the
same as those of the inventive assembly 2 and/or the inventive
assembly 50 and these features will therefore provide all of the
same benefits and advantages discussed above.
[0077] The inventive grate assembly 150 will preferably be
identical to inventive grate assembly 2 or inventive grate assembly
50, or a combination thereof, except that the parallel structures
152 of the lower radiating plate 4 of the grate assembly 150 are
flat rather than having an inverted V cross-sectional shape.
Consequently, although easier to manufacturer, the rate of fat
drainage from the inventive grate assembly 150 will be slower than
is provided by inventive assemblies 2 and 50.
[0078] An alternative embodiment 200 of the inventive grate
assembly is illustrated in FIG. 6. Except for the differences
discussed below, the construction, features, materials, and other
particulars of the inventive assembly 200 will preferably be the
same as those of the inventive assembly 2 and/or the inventive
assembly 50 and these features will therefore provide all of the
same benefits and advantages discussed above.
[0079] The inventive grate assembly 200 will preferably be
identical to inventive grate assembly 2 or inventive grate assembly
50, or a combination thereof, except that the parallel structures
202 of the lower radiating plate 4 of the grate assembly 200 have
flat top surfaces 204 with downwardly sloping sides 206 which
facilitate fat drainage.
[0080] An alternative embodiment 250 of the inventive grate
assembly is illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, and 10. Except for the
differences discussed below, the construction, features, materials,
and other parameters of the inventive grate assembly 250 will
preferably be the same as those of the inventive grate assembly 2
and/or the inventive assembly 50 and these features will therefore
provide all of the same benefits and advantages discussed
above.
[0081] Inventive grate assembly 250 is identical to the inventive
grate assembly 2 except that (a) the food support ribs 14 of
assembly 250 rest on top of the inverted V-shaped ridges 252 of the
lower radiating plate 4 and (b) the flue slots or other apertures
10, 12 of the lower radiating plate 4 of assembly 250 are therefore
provided along the ridge peaks rather than in the valleys between
the ridges 252. FIG. 8 illustrates the flue gas exhaust openings 40
provided in the lateral rib holding member 16 which can be used in
either of embodiments 2 or 250, and in other embodiments discussed
herein, to allow gas flow out of the longitudinal ends of the ribs
14.
[0082] Because the lower radiating plate 4 of inventive grate
assembly 250 forms downwardly extending V-shaped valleys 255 in the
gaps between the food support ribs 14, fat and water which drips
into the valleys 255 between the support ribs 14 will collect
therein rather than draining from the radiating plate flue openings
10 or 12. Consequently, the inventive grate assembly 250 requires
more frequent cleaning than the inventive assembly 2 but will not
require the installation of a drip pan below the grill burner or
heating element. The fat and water which collect in the gaps
between the food support ribs 14 vaporizes during the cooking
process and is infused back into the food product to make the
product even more tender, moist, and flavorful.
[0083] An alternative embodiment 300 of the inventive grate
assembly is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. Except for the
differences discussed below, the construction, features, materials,
and other particulars of the inventive grate assembly 300 will
preferably be the same as those of the inventive assembly 50 and
these features will therefore provide all of the same benefits and
advantages discussed above.
[0084] The inventive grate assembly 300 is identical to the
inventive grate assembly 250 except that the food support ribs 14
of the inventive assembly 300 utilize flue exhaust slots or other
openings 22 identical to those used in assembly 50 which extend
along either or both sides 24 and 26 of the ribs 14 near the upper
ends thereof.
[0085] It will also be understood that inventive grate assembly 300
could, if desired, be further adapted to also allow flue exhaust
flow through the longitudinal ends of the food support ribs 14 as
illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0086] An alternative embodiment 400 of the inventive grate
assembly is illustrated in FIG. 11. Except for the differences
discussed below, the construction, features, materials, and other
particulars of the inventive grate assembly 400 will preferably be
the same as those of the inventive assembly 2 and/or the inventive
assembly 50 and these features will therefore provide all of the
same benefits and advantages discussed above.
[0087] The inventive grate assembly 400 is identical to the
inventive assembly 250 or the inventive assembly 300, or a
combination thereof, except that the parallel structures 402 of the
lower radiating plate 4 form a downwardly dipping U-shape 405,
rather than a downwardly dipping V-shape, in the gaps between the
food support members 14.
[0088] An alternative embodiment 450 of the inventive grate
assembly is illustrated in FIG. 12. Except for the differences
discussed below, the construction, features, materials, and other
particulars of the inventive grate assembly 450 will preferably be
the same as those of the inventive assembly 2 and/or inventive
assembly 50 and these features will therefore provide all of the
same benefits and advantages.
[0089] The inventive grate assembly 450 will preferably be
identical to inventive assembly 250 or inventive assembly 300, or a
combination thereof, except that the parallel structures 452 of the
lower radiating plate 4 will have a wide U cross-sectional shape
for collecting water and grease with a flat bottom surface 454
which extends between the adjacent food support ribs 14.
[0090] An alternative embodiment 500 of the inventive grate
assembly is illustrated in FIG. 13. Except for the differences
discussed below, the construction, features, materials, and other
particulars of the inventive grate assembly 500 will preferably be
the same as those of the inventive assembly 2 and/or the inventive
assembly 50 and these features will therefore provide all of the
same benefits and advantages discussed above.
[0091] The inventive grate assembly 500 will preferably be
identical to the inventive assembly 250 or the inventive assembly
300, or a combination thereof, except that the parallel structures
502 of the lower radiating plate 4 have flat bottom surfaces 504
with upwardly sloping sides 506.
[0092] Further alternative embodiments 550, 600, 650, and 700 of
the inventive grate assembly are illustrated in FIGS. 14-18. Except
for the differences discussed below, the construction, features,
materials, and other particulars of the inventive grate assembles
550, 600, 650, and 700 will preferably be the same as those of the
inventive assembly 2 and/or the inventive assembly 50 and these
features will therefore provide all of the same benefits and
advantages discussed above.
[0093] The inventive assemblies 550, 600, 650, and 700 are
identical, respectively, to the inventive grate assemblies 250,
400, 450, and 500 discussed above except that the gas flow into the
bottoms of the food support ribs 14 of assemblies 550, 600, 650,
and 700 does not flow out of exhaust openings provided through the
sides, or through the longitudinal ends, of the support ribs 14.
Rather, the lower ends 25 of the food support ribs 14 are spaced
above the lower radiating plate 4 (i.e., are not in contact with
the lower radiating plate 4) so that gas exhaust flow is provided
through the longitudinal gaps 552 thus created between the lower
ends 25 of the food support ribs 14 and the upper surfaces of the
lower radiating plate 4. The height of the gaps 552 will preferably
be in the range of from about 0.01 to about 0.2 inch. The height of
the gaps 552 will more preferably be from about 0.015 to about 0.15
inch and will most preferably be from about 0.05 to about 0.1
inch.
[0094] Thus, the inventive grate assemblies 550, 600, 650, and 700
also operate such that the flue gas is not stagnant within the
support ribs 14 but continuously flows into and out of the support
ribs 14 to promote heat transfer to the ribs. In addition, the
abrupt change in flow direction and velocity which occurs as the
hot gas escapes beneath the lower ends 25 of the food support ribs
14 creates a significant amount of turbulence which promotes
further heat transfer to the base of the rib 14 and to the lower
radiating plate 4. Also, the flow pattern of the hot gas through
the gaps 552 beneath the side edges 25 of the food support ribs 14
also beneficially operates to block fresh air entry into the gaps
between the ribs 14, thus providing additional resistance to the
flare-ups. Further, the resulting low velocity flow of the hot gas
out of the gaps between the support ribs 14 adds an amount of
convective heat transfer to the cooking process without drying the
food product.
[0095] Further alternative embodiments 800, 850, 900, 950 of the
inventive grate assembly are illustrated in FIGS. 19-23. Except for
the differences discussed below, the construction, features,
materials, and other particulars of these inventive grate
assemblies will preferably be the same as those of the inventive
assembly 2 and/or the inventive assembly 50 and these features will
therefore provide all of the same benefits and advantages discussed
above.
[0096] The inventive grate assemblies 800, 850, 900, 950 will
preferably be identical or close to identical to the inventive
assemblies 550, 600, 650, 700 except that (a) the radiating plate
openings 10, 12 of assemblies 800, 850, 900, 950 are located in the
valleys between parallel plate structures 8, 102, 152, or 202 (as
is the case with inventive assemblies 2, 50, 100, 150, and 200) and
(b) the food support ribs 14 are also positioned in the valleys
over the openings 10, 12 but are spaced above the Lower radiating
plate 4.
[0097] The inventive grate assemblies 800, 850, 900, 950 thus
provide gas flow gaps 552 beneath the lower edges 25 of the food
support ribs 14, similar to the inventive assemblies 550, 600, 650,
700. However, due to the location of the gas flow gaps 552 and the
plate openings 10, 12 in the valleys between plate ridges 8, 102,
or 202 of the type seen in assemblies 2, 50, 100, 200 (or above
flat parallel plate structures 152 of the type seen in assembly
150), fat and water which drip into the gaps between the parallel
support ribs 14 of the inventive assemblies 800, 850, 900, 950 will
drain through the gas flow openings 10, 12 of the lower radiating
plate 4. Thus, a drip pan will preferably be installed beneath the
grill burner whenever these inventive grate assemblies are used.
Moreover, because of the size of the gaps 552 between the support
ribs 14 and the top of the lower radiating plate 4, inventive
assemblies 800, 850, 900, 950 will permit debris to flow beneath
the ribs 14 and into the plate openings 10, 12 and will thus
require more frequent cleaning than the inventive grate assemblies
2 and 50.
[0098] Further alternative embodiments 730 and 740 of the inventive
grate are illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25. The inventive grates 730
and 740 are respectively identical to inventive grate assembly 2
(or 50) shown in FIGS. 1-3 and inventive grate assembly 250 (or
300) shown in FIGS. 7-10, except that the inventive grates 730 and
740 are each of single piece rather than two piece
construction.
[0099] For manufacturing purposes, it may be desirable to form
grate 730 or 740 using a plurality of elongate food support rib
pieces 732 or 742 which are placed in side-by-side contacting
relationship. If so, unsealed contracting edges may exist in grate
730 at points 734 or 736 and may exist in grate 740 at points 744
or 746. Such unsealed contacting points will not allow sufficient
gas flow to appreciably increase the possibility of flare-ups.
However, if any unsealed gaps are present at low points 734 or 744,
a drip pan will preferably be installed below the grill burner to
catch the very hot, low viscosity fat which will run through these
unsealed cracks.
[0100] Another alternative grate 760 is illustrated in FIG. 27.
Grate 760 is substantially the same as grate 730 except that grate
760 includes one or a series of narrow apertures 762 for gas flow
extending longitudinally along the base on one side or on each side
of each food support rib 764 (i.e., along the lines where the
bottoms of the ribs and the solid intermediate sections meet).
[0101] Another alternative grate 770 is illustrated in FIG. 28.
Grate 770 is substantially the same as grate 740 except that grate
770 includes one or a series of apertures 772 for gas flow
extending longitudinally along one side wall or both side walls of
each food support rib 774.
[0102] An example of a grill assembly 750 provided by the present
invention is illustrated in FIG. 26. The inventive grill assembly
750 comprises: a housing 752 which can optionally include a cover
(not shown); a burner or other heating element 754 provided in the
housing 752; and a pair of inventive grate assemblies 756 and 758
installed in the housing 752 above the heating element 754. The
inventive grate assemblies 756 and 758 used in the grill assembly
750 can be any one or a combination of any of the various inventive
grate assemblies which are discussed above and are illustrated in
any of FIGS. 1-25. The heating element 752 can be any type of
burner or electric heating element or charcoal bed known in the
art, including even an expensive multi-tube burner or infrared
burner. However, the inventive grate assemblies and grill assembly
750 provided by the present invention are also capable of providing
excellent results with the heating element 754 being, for example,
a gas tube burner, a pancake burner, or other common, inexpensive
gas burner known in the art.
[0103] Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the
objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as
well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred
embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure,
numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art. Such changes and modifications are
encompassed within the invention as defined by the claims.
* * * * *