Hot dog roller and grill basket

A food grilling device includes a lower portion for holding food, an upper portion for trapping food between the upper and lower portions, and a sliding, adjustment mechanism. The upper portion is positioned over the lower portion and is movable relative to the lower portion. The sliding, adjustment mechanism is coupled between the lower portion and the upper portion and permits the upper portion to move forward, rearwardly, upwardly, and downwardly relative to the lower portion. The food grilling device has an open position and a closed position. In the open position, food is inserted between the lower and upper portions. In the closed position, food is trapped in the food grilling device by pressure or friction exerted on the food by the upper portion. Movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion in a forward and rearward direction turns the food positioned between the upper and lower portions.

FIELD

The present invention concerns a grill basket that can be used to turn or roll foods for even cooking or to cook other foods over a heat source.

BACKGROUND

In cooking hot dogs on a grill, hot dogs often cook unevenly. When a user attempts to roll them, they often roll back to their original position, resulting in overcooking on one side of the hot dog and insufficient cooking on the opposite side. Hot dogs also tend to roll off a grill surface without notice, sometimes ending up on the floor.

Hot dog roller machines are known. They are typically electrically operated machines that have side-by-side rollers that are coupled with a heat source. Hot dogs are positioned between the rollers. The hot dogs cook while being rolled on the heated rollers.

One grilling tool for use in rolling hot dogs is known for use on a barbeque grill. That device is similar to the known electrically operated hot dog rollers in that it includes rollers that are positioned side-by-side. A user places hot dogs between the rollers and is required to manually roll each hot dog individually to ensure even cooking. The hot dogs sit on top of the rollers, but may be prone to falling off the device, especially when being carried.

SUMMARY

A hot dog roller and grill basket is shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The example grilling basket device10discussed herein is primarily discussed in the context of hot dogs. Hot dogs2are used as an example of one type of food that may be successfully cooked on a grill using the herein described grilling basket device10. Other types of foods may also be cooked using the device, such as meatballs, sausages, corn-on-the-cob, vegetables, and other foods and meats that can be rolled. Thus, when applicant uses the word “hot dog” in describing the operation and or function of the example grilling basket device10, it should be understood that any other type of food suitable to be cooked and turned on a grill may alternatively be substituted therefore. Applicant uses the word “hot dog” throughout for efficiency sake.

While the device10is particularly well suited for use in grilling foods that need to be rotated by being rolled, the device10can also be used for other foods that are not rolled, such as grilled vegetables, hamburgers, and other non-round foods. In the case when non-rolling foods are used, the user opens the device10and may use a spatula, fork, or other means to flip the food in the device10. Thus, the invention is directed primarily toward food that can be rolled during grilling, but it should be recognized that the device10can also be used as a grilling basket10to grill other types of foods. In addition, when it is useful to lock the food in the grilling basket10, the device10may include a locking mechanism12that helps to lock the food in the device10during cooking and for transport after cooking.

The example hot dog roller and grilling basket10is a grilling tool used to cook food on a heat source, such as a barbeque grill. In a first embodiment, the grilling basket10has an open position14that permits a user to insert hot dogs2(or other types of food) onto a lower portion16of the grilling basket10. Then, in a closed position18, the hot dogs2are sandwiched under an upper portion20of the grilling basket10that is coupled to a sliding hinge or joint22that joins the upper20and lower portions16together. The lower portion16of the grilling basket10has a length L and a width W, with the length L typically being longer than the width W. A longitudinal axis X-X is defined along the length L of the lower portion16, and a transverse axis Y-Y is defined across the width W of the lower portion16, with the transverse axis Y-Y being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X.

The upper portion20of the grilling basket10is movable between a front edge24of the lower portion16and a rear edge26of the lower portion16. The upper portion20is movable forward and back along the longitudinal axis X-X. When the upper portion20of the basket10is engaged with hot dogs2that are seated in the lower portion16and the upper portion20is moved, the hot dogs2roll an amount consistent with the travel length of the upper portion20of the grilling basket10. This permits a user to roll multiple hot dogs2at a time in a consistent manner, while trapping the hot dogs2in position so that they are unable to roll back to their starting position. The example device10promotes efficient and even heating or cooking of the hot dogs2.

Referring toFIGS. 1-9 and 11-12, an example grilling basket10includes a lower portion16, an upper portion20, a sliding hinge or joint mechanism22that couples the upper and lower portions20,16of the grilling basket10, and a carrying handle28that extends from the rear edge26of the lower portion16and is coupled to the lower portion16. The lower portion16is a tray like member that is shaped like a basket in that it has a bottom wall30and four upstanding side walls32that surround the bottom wall30. The lower portion16of the tray is shown as being shallow in height H, with one embodiment having a height of approximately 0.5-1.0 inches. The walls30,32of the lower portion16are formed from wires to form a basket that has openings between the respective wires, as is well known in the wire baskets field. The wires are spaced from one another in a grid that extends in both the longitudinal X-X and transverse Y-Y directions. The spacing between the wires is such that food may be positioned and held in the grilling basket10without falling through the openings in the grilling basket10. The spacing of the wires in the grilling basket10is something that one of skill in the art can readily determine.

The embodiment depicted is designed for use with hot dogs2, which are not typically very thick. However, there may be instances when the lower portion16of the grilling basket10has side walls32that are greater than those shown, such as when the food to be cooked is thicker. An example of thicker food may include corn-on-the-cob, sausages, or meatballs, for example. When thicker food is anticipated to be cooked with the device, the parts of the device can be adjusted in size and girth to accommodate the food's size, as known by those of skill in the art. For example, for corn-on-the-cob, the weight is greater than the weight of hot dogs2. Thus, it may be necessary to increase the strength and size of some of the parts, as will be readily recognized by those of skill in the art.

The carrying handle28is coupled to the lower portion16and is referred to herein as the lower handle28. The lower handle28is coupled to and extends along the longitudinal axis X-X outwardly from the rear edge26of the lower portion16of the grilling basket10. The lower handle28is aligned in substantially the same plane as the bottom wall30of the lower portion16. The lower handle28may be in any shape desired. In the example shown, the lower handle28is formed by a metal frame that holds a wooden member34. The lower handle28is shown as being of a length L2that is similar to the length L of the lower portion16of the grilling basket10. A longer lower handle28is advantageous when dealing with a grilling surface because a user can then grasp the lower handle28at a point that is spaced away from the grilling/heat area, avoiding any possibility of burns. As an alternative, a shorter lower handle could be used, or handles could be positioned at opposite ends24,26of the lower portion16of the grilling basket10, or along the sides of the lower portion16of the grilling basket10. Yet another alternative, which is not shown, a handle could be positioned on the upper portion20of the grilling basket10such that the user can grab the handle above the grilling basket10and lift it from the grilling surface.

The lower handle28shown is formed in a loop that is open at a rear end thereof36that is spaced from the grilling basket10, with the wooden member34sandwiched between the two sides of the loop. The lower handle28is coupled to the rear edge26of the grilling basket10in any known manner, such as by welding, for example. The lower handle28may be coupled to the lower portion16in any known manner. Any type of handle may be utilized. For example, a fully metal handle could be utilized, but may be prone to heating up. A combination of a metal and a plastic handle could be used, as long as the plastic material can withstand temperatures associated with cooking. A silicone material could be used on the handle without a wood, metal or plastic base, or could cover all or part of a wood, metal, or plastic base. Other types of materials, as known by those of skill in the art, could alternatively be used. In addition, the lower handle28could be foldable or removable from the grilling device10. A foldable or removable lower handle28would provide for more compactness and greater ease of storage. Any type of foldable lower handle28design may be used. Any type of known mechanisms can be used to make the lower handle28removable.

The upper portion20of the grilling basket10is shown to be a generally planar member that is formed in a grid utilizing wires or rods38that are thicker than those used for the lower portion16of the grilling basket10. Because fewer wires are used, the thicker, more rigid rod members38of the upper portion20are advantageous in that they help to support, stabilize, and hold the shape of the upper portion20. It is advantageous for the upper portion20to be substantially rigid because is assists in rolling the food2in the lower portion16of the grilling basket10. Alternatively, it is possible to use a wire grid for the upper portion20(not shown) that has a greater number of wire supports and that may be thinner in structure than those shown in the figures. For example, the wires in this alternative embodiment of the upper portion20could have a similar size and thickness as the wires used in the lower portion16of the grilling basket10, if desired, as long as the combination of wires is rigid enough to permit the upper portion20to exert pressure on an underlying food item2so that the food item rolls when the upper portion20is moved longitudinally.

The upper portion20is shown as having four longitudinally extending rib-like members38that are coupled at the front and rear ends40,42by a transversely extending cross-beam44. At the front end40of the upper portion20, a transversely extending cross-beam or rod44is coupled to the ends of the longitudinally extending beams or rods38. At the rear end42of the upper portion20, the central two longitudinally extending members46are curved upwardly and coupled together in a loop shape to provide an upper handle48for moving the upper portion20longitudinally in a front and rear direction40,42. The outer two support rods38are coupled to the inner two support rods46by a transverse cross-beam50. The beams50may be coupled together in any known manner, for example, by welding.

Transversely and outwardly extending rods52extend from both of the longitudinally extending outer beam or rod supports38of the upper portion20and provide the upper portion20with a width W that is substantially the same as the lower portion16. The outwardly extending rods52are coupled to the upper portion20in a central area, as defined along the length L3of the upper portion20. The two outwardly extending rods52couple the upper portion20to the lower portion16via a sliding mechanism22that permits the upper portion20to move both upwardly and longitudinally relative to the lower portion16.

Referring now toFIGS. 4-6, the operation of the device10is depicted when food, in this case hot dogs2, are positioned in the lower portion16with the upper portion20positioned in a closed position18so that it contacts the hot dogs2.FIG. 4shows the upper portion20in the fully extended rearmost position, where the slide mechanism22is positioned at its most rearward position.FIG. 5shows the upper portion20in an intermediate position where the upper portion20is positioned between the rearmost position and a front position of the lower portion16. As is evident, when the upper portion20is slid forwardly along the slider mechanism22, which will be discussed in greater detail below, the hot dogs2roll over and are moved forwardly in the lower portion16.FIG. 6shows the upper portion20in a forward-most position, where the upper portion20is extended forwardly as far as it is permitted to move by the slider22.

Again, when the upper portion20is slid forwardly along the slider22, the hot dogs2roll over and are moved forwardly in the lower portion16of the grilling basket10, as is evident from the position of the hot dogs2in the lower portion16inFIGS. 5 and 6. In some cases, it may be advantageous to press down lightly on the upper portion20as it is moved forwardly to exert greater pressure on the hot dogs2so that they will roll more easily. Thus, numerous hot dogs2may be rolled within a grilling basket10without have to physically touch the hot dogs2. In addition, because of pressure exerted on the hot dogs2by the upper portion20, the hot dogs2will maintain their position once rolled and will not be prone to rolling back to their prior position, as often happens when hot dogs2are placed on a grill.

FIGS. 7-9depict one embodiment of a slider, adjustment mechanism22that can be used with the device10. As shown, the slider mechanism22is coupled to opposite outer side edges of the lower portion16and to the transverse rod52of the upper portion20. The slider/adjustment mechanism22includes two slot members56that are coupled to the lower portion16and that include a slot or groove58. The slot members56include linearly extending slots/grooves58for mating with a pin60. The slot member56is a substantially rectangular member having a slot or groove58cut into the rectangular member56and extending along the length L4of the rectangular member. Each of the slot members56is connected to a side wall of the lower portion16and positioned at the front edge24of each side of the lower portion16. A pin60is positioned in each of the slots58of the sliding mechanisms22and slides in each of the slots58and provides the forward and rearward translational motion of the upper portion20relative to the lower portion16. The pins60extend inwardly and are capped on the inner side so that the pins60remain positioned in the slots58and are not easily removed.

The slot members56may be coupled to the lower portion16in any known manner or could be integrally formed in the side wall of the lower portion16. Each of the pins60is coupled to an arm62and each arm62is coupled to a connector64that is coupled to the outwardly extending rods52of the upper portion20. The arms62are rotationally coupled to the rods52of the upper portion20and to the pin60of the lower portion16, with the pin60that slides in the slot58of the slot member56being configured to slide forward and backward inside the slot58. The arms62that are coupled to the pins60permit rotation of the upper portion20relative to the lower portion16so that the upper portion20can rotate upwardly to a height that is substantially the same as the length L5of the arms62. The rotation of the arms62is what permits the upper portion20to move up and down to allow food to be positioned in the lower portion16of the grilling basket10.

In addition, the height positioning of the upper portion20becomes adjustable by simply moving the upper portion20down or up depending upon the type of food positioned in the lower portion16of the grilling basket10. The arms62are rigid and have a strength sufficient to hold the weight of the upper portion20. The slider mechanism22promotes height adjustability so that the device10can be used with various thickness foods, such as differently size hot dogs2, sausages, corn-on-the cob, or other foods.

The rectangular slot member56does not have to be rectangular. Moreover, other ways are known for providing a slider mechanism22and any known type of slider mechanism22can be utilized with the invention. For example, other types of slider mechanisms22may include fixed or flexible hinges, spring designs, piston design, or other designs.

FIG. 10depicts an alternative embodiment of the grilling basket10where the upper portion20of the grilling basket10entirely or substantially entirely covers the lower portion16. In this embodiment, the slider mechanism22slot member56is coupled to a side edge of the upper portion20and an arm62couples the upper portion20to the lower portion16. In this embodiment, the upper portion20is permitted to travel forward past the front edge24of the lower portion16, in addition to moving rearwardly and upwardly. As is evident, the slot member56can be coupled to either the upper portion20or the lower portion16in any of the above embodiments with proper modifications. However, if the upper portion20has a width that is narrower than the width of the lower portion16, placement of the slot mechanism56on the lower portion16side wall is advantageous because it does not require modification of the upper portion20.

As discussed above and shown in the Figures, the upper portion moves upwardly and opens to reveal the front and back of the lower portion. It should be recognized that, if desired, the slot members56and sliding mechanisms22could be associated with the front and rear walls instead of with the side walls, so that the device10will open from the sides instead of from the front and rear.

In this embodiment, to load food2into the lower portion16, a user moves the upper portion20forwardly and upwardly until there is space to place food in the lower portion16. The upper portion20can move forward of the front edge24of the lower portion16to provide room for inserting food. In addition, the upper portion20is shown as having a grid pattern that substantially matches the grid pattern of the lower portion16. The upper portion20has a length L3and width W3that is substantially the same as the length L and width W of the lower portion16.

As discussed above, friction between the upper portion20, the food2, and the lower portion16permits the food2to roll over when the upper portion20is moved relative to the lower portion16. In order to aid in promoting rolling, a downward facing surface treatment may be applied to the lower side of the upper portion20and/or an upwardly facing surface treatment may be applied to the bottom wall of the lower portion16. This surface treatment may be any type of treatment that promotes friction, such as, notching, teeth, or an abrasive surface treatment that provides proper gripping of the food2. Moreover, if desired, a mechanism can be utilized to provide downward force on the upper portion20so that, when closed in position over the food2, the upper portion applies a downward force or tension on the food. One type of device that could be used to apply downward force is a spring mechanism or a spring-like device.

The grilling basket10is shown as being substantially rectangular in shape and having a size that permits its use on any number of differently sized grills, barbeques, and various other cooking devices. The components of the grilling basket10are conducive to grilling, barbequing and smoking all types of food and can be made from a metal material or other materials that can withstand the heat from the grill. The upper and lower portions20,16are formed from materials that permit the upper and lower portions20,16to support any food placed therein for transporting food to and from the grill and for cooking the food on a grill. The grilling basket10provides a surface for the food to move back and forth in the lower portion16of the grilling basket10to promote even, distributed cooking.

The grilling basket10also secures the food in place when food repositioning is not needed. The upper portion20exerts a force on the food2in the grilling basket10and friction between the upper portion20and the food provides for a grip-like arrangement that permits the food2to move forward and backward between the upper and lower portions20,16of the grilling basket10. This friction turns or rolls the hot dogs2uniformly, which promotes even cooking and assists in preventing burning of the food. As discussed above, the friction between the food2and the upper and lower portions20,16helps to prevent the hot dogs2from moving back to a previous cooking position and helps to maintain the food2in the grilling basket10, even when the grilling basket10is being moved.

The construction of the grilling basket10, including the upper portion20and lower portion16, is not limited only to rigid materials. Similar features and functionality may be obtained by utilizing other types of rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, mesh or other materials that foster movement and mechanical support while promoting overall general cooking/grilling/barbecuing.

The handle48of the upper portion20, e.g., upper handle48, provides a gripping member that allows the user to open or close the lower portion16of the grilling basket10to load and unload the food, to secure the food, and to manipulate the rolling motion of the food quickly and simultaneously by turning/rolling the hot dogs2together. The lower handle28that extends from the lower portion16is used to carry the cooking device10to and from the barbecue/grill. The upper handle48is rigid or semi-rigid and is mechanically attached to the upper portion20.

The upper handle48is not limited to being attached to the rear end42of the upper portion20but could also or alternatively be coupled to the front end40of the upper portion20. The upper handle48could also be attached to a central area of the upper portion20. The lower handle28is shown as being attached to the lower portion16at the rear edge26thereof but could also or alternatively be coupled to the front edge24of the lower portion16. Handles could also be coupled to the sides of the lower portion16.

In use, the grilling basket10is used by first raising the upper handle48so that the upper portion20is raised upwardly relative to the lower portion16. Food2can then be inserted into the lower portion16of the grilling basket10such that it is positioned near the rear edge26of the lower portion16. Then the upper portion20should be positioned so that the pins60of the slider mechanism22are located at the rear end of the slot58in the slider mechanism22, and the upper portion20can then be moved downwardly until the upper portion20is frictionally coupled to the food2. Using the lower handle28, the grilling basket10may then be transported to the cooking surface if not already there. After the food2begins to grill and is ready to be turned, the upper handle48can be used to move the upper portion20forward. As the upper portion20moves forwardly, the pin60in the slot58of the slider/adjustment mechanism22will move forward in the slot58.

As the upper portion20is moved forward, the food2in the lower portion16will be rolled towards the front edge24of the lower portion16while the lower portion16remains stationary. The food2can be completely rolled over or can partially be rolled over, such as turn. This motion of moving the food2forward is repeated until the food2has completed a complete turn. Then, if desired, the user can again move the upper portion20rearwardly or forwardly if additional cooking and rolling of the food2is necessary. Once the cooking is completed, the upper handle48can be used to lift the upper portion20relative to the lower portion16to permit access to the food2in the lower portion16.

The design is advantageous in that it permits a user to easily position hot dogs2on a grill and easily remove hot dogs2from a grill without having to physically remove them from the grilling basket10, preventing fallen hot dogs2. The hot dogs2can be transferred to a serving plate or buns either from the grill, or after the device10is moved to a safer location.

FIGS. 12 and 13depict an alternative embodiment of the invention that includes clips or hooks12for coupling the upper portion20to the lower portion16of the grilling basket10when rolling of the food is not needed. In this embodiment, removable clips or hooks12are used to couple the upper portion20to the lower portion16. As shown, four clip locations68may be utilized, two at the front end and two at the rear end of the grilling basket10. One type of latch that can be utilized is the toggle latch design70shown inFIG. 13. Other types of hooks or latches may be used. In addition, when the upper portion20is latched to the lower portion16, the user can simply flip over the grilling basket10so that the food can cook on both sides. This configuration may be useful for cooking vegetables, fish, chicken, or the like, which typically flatten when they are cooked.

The addition of the latches12provides the grilling basket10with more universal usage, so that it can be used as a conventional grilling basket10as well as a basket10for turning food. When the grilling basket10is used to roll food, the latches12are not engaged.

Any type of latch or lever12may be used to latch the upper portion20to the lower portion16for flipping the basket10during cooking. The latches12may be positioned at any desired location and in any number, as long as they serve the purpose of latching the upper portion20to the lower portion16. Moreover, as discussed above, the upper portion20can have a larger size and could also be configured like a basket, similar to the lower portion16. In that instance, it may be possible to use a fewer number of hooks/latches12, or a greater number of hooks/latches12. WhileFIG. 12shows the latches12being coupled to the upper portion20with hooks12that engage the lower portion16, the opposite could also be used, with the latches12being coupled to the lower portion16and hooking onto the upper portion20when latched.

The upper and lower portions20,16may be made of steel, such as stainless steel. Other materials may also be utilized, as will be recognized by those of skill in the art.

While not shown, if desired, the grilling basket10could include multiple compartments to permit turning of multiple foods. Alternatively, the grilling basket10could include compartments that permit turning of the food while other compartments do not permit turning of the food. For example, compartments could be placed on the outer sides of the device10that are not associated with the upper portion20while compartments positioned centrally under the upper portion20would permit turning of the food. For the compartments that are positioned on the outer sides of the device10, covers could be provided that permit the food in the non-turning compartments to be held in position in the compartments, such that if a user wishes to flip the grilling basket10, the food in the compartments would be maintained in position.

The embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-9may have the following approximate dimensions. The length L of the lower portion16may be approximately 13 inches, with the side walls of the lower portion16having a height of about 0.625 inches, with spacing between the wires of the lower portion base wall being approximately the same as the height of the side walls. The spacing between the wires of the grilling basket10could also be about 0.25 to 0.75 inches, for example. The width of the lower portion16may be about 7.5 inches.

The upper portion20may have a width that is about 4.0 inches, with spacing between the four longitudinally extending rods of the upper portion20being approximately 1.33 inches. The length L3of the upper portion20, not including the length L6of the upper handle is about 13 inches. The rods of the upper portion20have a diameter of about 0.15 inches. The length L6of the upper handle is about 1.25 inches and the height H of the upper handle is about 1.2.5 inches. The total length L7of the upper portion20, including the upper handle, may be approximately 14.375 inches. The length L8of the transversely extending beams of the upper portion20may be about 2.25 inches.

The length L2of the lower handle may be about 10 inches. As shown, the lower handle has a solid, wooden portion that is about 5.75 inches long and is spaced from rear edge26of the lower portion16of the grilling basket10by about 2.75 inches. The open loop at the end of the handle has a length of about 1.5 inches. The handle may have a width of about 1.375 inches. The loop at the end of the lower handle can be used to hang the grilling basket10on a hook when not in use. The space between the wooden portion of the handle and the lower portion16provides the user with space between the heat source and the handle.

The length L4of the slot member of the sliding mechanism22may be about 4.25 inches or about 4.15 inches. The length L5of the arm of the sliding mechanism22may be about 3.5 inches. The diameter of the arm may be about 0.12 inches. As will be readily recognized any, number of different dimensions may be used, the above dimensions only being provided as one example.

A food grilling device10includes a lower portion16for holding food, an upper portion20for trapping food between the upper and lower portions20,16, and a sliding, adjustment mechanism22. The upper portion20is positioned over the lower portion16and is movable relative to the lower portion16. The sliding, adjustment mechanism22is coupled between the lower portion16and the upper portion20. The adjustment mechanism22permits the upper portion20to move forward, rearwardly, upwardly, and downwardly relative to the lower portion16. The food grilling device10has an open position14and a closed position18. In the open position14, food is inserted between the lower and upper portions16,20. In the closed position18, food is trapped in the food grilling device10by pressure or friction exerted on the food by the upper portion20. Movement of the upper portion20relative to the lower portion16in a forward and rearward direction turns the food2positioned between the upper and lower portions,20,16.

The lower portion16may be shaped like a basket having a base wall and upwardly extending side walls. The base and side walls may be defined in a grid pattern. The lower portion16may include at least one handle extending outwardly from the lower portion16for transporting the grilling basket10. The lower portion16may be a mesh wire grid basket. The lower portion16may include multiple compartments for housing different types of food.

The upper portion20may be substantially planar and may include at least one handle that extends upwardly from the substantially planar upper portion20. The upper portion20may be a mesh wire grid basket. The upper and lower portions20,16may be made of steel or stainless steel. The upper portion20may be basket-shaped, being a mirror image of the lower portion16, if desired.

The sliding, adjustment mechanism22may include a slot coupled to the lower portion16and a pin coupled to the upper portion20and the slot. The sliding, adjustment mechanism22may also include an arm extending between the pin and the upper portion20. The sliding, adjustment mechanism22may have a configuration that permits both translational, horizontal movement of the upper portion20relative to the lower portion16and rotational, vertical movement of the upper portion20relative to the lower portion16. The sliding, adjustment mechanism22may permit translational movement of the upper portion20relative to the lower portion16. The sliding adjustment mechanism22may permit both translational motion along the longitudinal axis X-X and vertical rotational motion of the upper portion20relative to the lower portion16.

A latch may be coupled between the upper portion20and the lower portion16to couple the lower and upper portions16,20together so that movement between the upper and lower portions20,16is not permitted.

In another embodiment, a grilling basket10may include a lower fixed basket portion, an upper movable portion, and a joint coupled between the lower and upper portions16,20. The lower fixed basket portion has a length L and a width W. A longitudinal axis X-X is defined along the length L of the lower portion16. The lower portion16includes a base wall and a plurality of side walls defining a top edge of the lower portion16. The upper movable portion defines at least a top wall of the grilling basket10. The joint coupled between the lower and upper portions16,20permits at least translational movement of the upper portion20relative to the lower portion16. The joint couples the lower portion16to the upper portion20and provides both translational motion between the upper and lower portions20,16along the longitudinal axis X-X and vertical motion between the upper portion20and the lower portion16between a closed position18and an open position14. The lower position is substantially aligned with the top edge of the lower basket side walls. The upper position is above the top edge of the lower basket side walls. The upper portion20is movable between the upper position and the lower position and slidable along the longitudinal axis X-X.

The joint may be a sliding mechanism22that permits both translational movement of the upper portion20relative to the lower portion16and vertical movement of the upper portion20relative to the lower portion16. The sliding mechanism22may include a pair of members having a longitudinally extending slot coupled to the side walls of the lower portion16, a pin coupled to each of the slots that is slidable in the corresponding slot, and an arm coupled to each of the pins at one end and to the upper portion20at the other end. The arm may be rotationally coupled to the pin and an appendage of the upper portion20. The upper portion20may be vertically movable relative to the lower portion16a height that is substantially equal to the length L6of the arm of the sliding mechanism22. When food is positioned in the lower portion16and the upper portion20is exerting a force on the food, the food is movable by translating the upper portion20relative to the lower portion16along the longitudinal axis X-X. The force applied to the food causes the food to roll an amount equal to the translational movement of the upper portion20and helps to maintain the food in the lower portion16.

The term “substantially,” if used herein, is a term of estimation.

While various features of the claimed invention are presented above, it should be understood that the features may be used singly or in any combination thereof. Therefore, the claimed invention is not to be limited to only the specific embodiments depicted herein.

Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. The embodiments described herein are exemplary of the claimed invention. The disclosure may enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments having alternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements of the invention recited in the claims. The intended scope of the invention may thus include other embodiments that do not differ or that insubstantially differ from the literal language of the claims. The scope of the present invention is accordingly defined as set forth in the appended claims.