Cooking Apparatus and Method

Disclosed herein in the accompanying description and drawings is a cooking apparatus having a cooking heat source; a grill grate having a grill grate surface, the grill grate surface defining a plane of the grill grate surface, the grill grate being positioned over the cooking heat source; a griddle plate, the griddle plate being moveable between a cooking position and a stowed position, the griddle plate being positioned over the grill grate in the cooking position, and a majority of the griddle plate being lower than the plane of the grill grate surface in the stowed position; and a lift mechanism connected to the griddle plate, such that the lift mechanism supports at least a portion of the weight of the griddle plate between the cooking position and the stowed position.

BACKGROUND

Cooking apparatuses, such as a grill, can be used to cook food. A grill typically includes or is provided with one or more cooking heat sources that are intended to and/or used to cook food. The cooking heat source can be provided by burning gas (such as propane or natural gas), charcoal, wood, or other materials, or can be powered by electricity or other sources of heat. Grills can be intended for use indoors or outside. Conventional outdoor gas, charcoal or wood grills typically include at least one cooking surface, and in many models the cooking surface is a grill grate that is positioned above (i.e. with respect to the Earth's surface and the direction of gravity) one or more cooking heat sources. For example, in a typical outdoor gas grill, gas powered burners are positioned below a grill grate, and the burners provide a source of heat that is used to cook food items that are placed on the grill grate. Burners for grills can include rotisserie burners, infrared burners, or other types of burners.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The terms “connected” and/or “coupled,” as used herein, are defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

Herein various embodiments of the present invention are described. In many of the different embodiments, features are similar. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, repetitive description of these similar features may not be made in some circumstances. It shall be understood, however, that description of a first-appearing feature applies to the later described similar feature and each respective description, therefore, is to be incorporated therein without such repetition.

Described now are exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Referring now to the drawings, an exemplary embodiment of a cooking apparatus10is shown. In an embodiment, the cooking apparatus includes a grill body12, for example the type of grill body that is used in connection with outdoor gas grills. The cooking apparatus can include control knobs14, which can be used for controlling the intensity of heat provided by a cooking heat source, such as burners16. The cooking apparatus can include one or more grill grates18. A grill grate18is shown, for example, inFIGS. 1, 23aand26. The grill grate18is shown in isolation inFIG. 26.FIG. 23ais a top view, and in this embodiment only the rear portion of the grill grate18is visible.

In some embodiments, as shown for example inFIGS. 9 to 22 and 28 to 31, the cooking apparatus10can include a lid20, which can be moved between an open position and a closed position. The lid20is shown in an open position in, for example,FIGS. 9, 13a,13b,21,22, and28ato28d, and in a closed position inFIGS. 10, 11a,11b,19a,19b, and20ato20g. The lid can include a handle22.

In an embodiment, the cooking apparatus10can include a griddle, which can include a griddle plate24. The griddle can include sides26, which can be used to retain food items on the griddle plate24. A griddle storage slot28can be provided, and can be used to house the griddle plate24when the griddle plate24is in a stowed position. The griddle plate24is depicted in a stowed position in, for example,FIGS. 1, 5, 7, 17 to 19, 21, 24a,24b,28a,28b,28c,28d.

In an embodiment, the cooking apparatus10can include a lift mechanism30, which can include a lift mechanism support structure32. One or more extendable rails, such as slides34, can be connected to the griddle plate24. The slide34can also be connected to the lift mechanism30, such that the slide34interconnects the griddle plate24and the lift mechanism30. In an embodiment, the cooking apparatus10can include a grease trap or grease tray36.

An embodiment can include a first cooking surface80and a second cooking surface82. In an embodiment the first cooking surface can be a grill grate18. In an embodiment, the grill grate can include a series of rods84(e.g. ribs, bar, or the like), with a series of openings86, such as gaps, spaces or holes, between or in the series of rods84. The series of openings can allow radiant heat, hot air, combustion gases, smoke, flames, etc. to pass through the grill grate18. In an embodiment, the grill grate18can be made of metal, such as steel, stainless steel, A36 steel, carbon steel, aluminum, iron, cast iron, copper, brass, bronze, or other metals. Instead of or in addition to metal, the grill grate18can be made of materials such as ceramic, porcelain, or other materials.

In an embodiment, the second cooking surface82can be a griddle plate24. In an embodiment, the griddle plate24can be a substantially flat and substantially contiguous surface on which food items are intended to be cooked. In an embodiment, the griddle plate24is a flat plate that has a thickness of between about 0.125 inches (3.175 millimeters) and about 1 inch (25.4 millimeters), a width (left to right) of between about 15 inches (381 millimeters) and about 75 inches (1,905 millimeters), and a depth (front to back) of between about 10 inches (254 millimeters) and about 40 inches (1,016 millimeters). In an embodiment the griddle plate24is a flat plate that is 0.375 inches (9.525 millimeters) thick, and has a width of 37 inches (939.8 millimeters) and a depth of 20 inches (508 millimeters). In an embodiment, the griddle plate24has a width that is at least 1.5 times its depth. In an embodiment, the griddle plate24has a weight of between about 40 pounds (18.1437 kilograms) and about 150 pounds (68.0389 kilograms). An embodiment of the griddle plate24has a weight of about 90 pounds (40.8233 kilograms). In an embodiment, the griddle plate24can be made of metal, such as steel, stainless steel, A36 steel, carbon steel, aluminum, iron, cast iron, copper, brass, bronze, or other metals. Instead of or in addition to metal, the griddle plate24can be made of materials such as ceramic, porcelain, or other materials. In an embodiment, the griddle plate24can be a core of aluminum laminated with type 304 stainless steel on all sides. Such an embodiment can have the benefit of the low weight and high heat transfer rate of aluminum, while also benefiting from the high corrosion resistance and low level of porosity of type 304 stainless steel.

In an embodiment, the griddle plate24can have one or more holes through the griddle surface, for example to allow grease or debris to drain off of the griddle surface and into a grease tray. In an embodiment the griddle plate can have one or more channels, for example a channel along one or more of the outer edges of the griddle plate, for collecting grease or debris that drains from the griddle plate24. In an embodiment, a channel88can extend along the length of the front edge of the griddle plate24, and can have one or more holes through the bottom of the channel to allow grease or other debris to drain from the channel and into a grease collection or storage receptacle.

In an embodiment, the cooking apparatus10is a grill that can be modified, or converted, between a configuration in which food items are cooked on or intended to be cooked on a grill grate18, and a configuration in which food items are cooked on or intended to be cooked on a griddle plate24. In an embodiment, this can be accomplished by positioning a grill grate18over a cooking heat source90. A griddle plate24can then be provided which is moveable between a position over the grill grate18(e.g.FIG. 23a) and over the cooking heat source (thus making the griddle plate24available for cooking over the cooking heat source), and a position that is not over or primarily not over the grill grate18and cooking heat source90(thus making the grill grate available for cooking over the cooking heat source), such as a stowed position (e.g.FIG. 24a, 24b). An arm, which can include a lift mechanism30and/or a slide34, can be provided and can support some of or all of the weight of the griddle plate24when the griddle plate24is moved between a cooking position and a stowed position.

In an embodiment, the griddle plate24is connected to a mechanical (i.e. non-human) arm92. In an embodiment, the mechanical arm92connects the griddle plate to a support structure94. In an embodiment, the mechanical arm92can include a lift mechanism30. The lift mechanism can include a counterbalance mechanism96that can support all of or substantially all of the weight of the griddle plate24, by exerting an upward force on the griddle plate24that acts against the downward force of the griddle plate24due to gravity. Such a counterbalance mechanism can allow the griddle plate24to be balanced in a substantially neutral position relative to the vertical, such that even a slight additional force applied to the griddle plate24in an upward or downward direction, for example by a user, will cause the griddle plate24to move upward or downward respectively.

In an embodiment, the lift mechanism30can be configured such that if movement of the griddle plate24is stopped at any point or substantially any point during movement of the griddle plate24between the cooking position and the stowed position, the griddle plate24will remain stationary until an additional force is applied to it. For example, in an embodiment in which there is a vertical movement component to some of or all of the griddle plate24during movement of the griddle plate24between a cooking position and a stowed position, a counterbalance mechanism96and the force provided by the counterbalance mechanism96can be configured such that if the vertical movement of the griddle plate24is stopped at any point or at substantially any point during the vertical movement that occurs during the movement of the griddle plate24between a cooking position and a stowed position, the griddle plate24will remain stationary until it is manually moved (e.g. by a user) to another position.

In an embodiment, a counterbalance mechanism can include a device, system, etc., that provides a weight or force that balances or offsets the weight of the griddle plate during vertical movement of all of or a portion of the griddle plate. In an embodiment, the counterbalance mechanism can be designed and/or configured so that the force provided by the counterbalance mechanism varies in a desirable way. For example, a counterbalance mechanism can be designed and/or configured such that the upward force exerted by the counterbalance mechanism is reduced as the griddle plate approaches a fully lowered position, and such that the upward force exerted by the counterbalance mechanism is increased as the griddle plate approaches a fully raised position. In such an embodiment, when in the fully raised position the griddle plate is biased towards the fully raised position, and when in the fully lowered position the griddle plate is biased towards the fully lowered position.

In an embodiment, a counterbalance mechanism can be designed and/or configured such that the counterbalancing force of the counterbalance mechanism matches the opposing force of the griddle plate through the range of motion of the griddle plate. In some embodiments, this can mean the counterbalancing force remains constant through the range of motion of the griddle plate (e.g. in instances where the opposing force of the griddle plate remains constant through the range of motion of the griddle plate). In other embodiments, this can mean the counterbalancing force varies through the range of motion of the griddle plate (e.g. in instances where the opposing force of the griddle plate varies through the range of motion of the griddle plate, the counterbalancing force of the counterbalance mechanism can vary proportionally).

In an embodiment, a counterbalance mechanism can be design or configured such that the counterbalancing force exerted by the counterbalance mechanism on the griddle plate remains relatively constant as the griddle plate is moved vertically. For example, in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1-8, the counterbalance mechanism96uses constant force springs98to provide a relatively constant counterbalancing force for the griddle plate24during the vertical movement of the griddle plate24between the cooking position and the stowed position. As another example, in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 28 to 32 and 34, the counterbalance mechanism100uses a compression spring101in conjunction with lever arms102to provide a relatively constant counterbalancing force for the griddle plate24as the counterbalance mechanism100moves the griddle plate24vertically (e.g. up and down).

A constant force spring, such as the two constant force springs98utilized in the counterbalance mechanism of the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1 to 8, is a type of spring for which the force it exerts over its range of motion is relatively constant. Constant force springs are typically constructed as a rolled ribbon of spring steel such that the spring is in a rolled up form when relaxed, and such that the spring unrolls when the spring is subjected to a sufficient load. An example of a constant force spring is part number SH31U60 produced by Vulcan Spring & Manufacturing Co.

In some embodiments, rather than a constant force spring, other types of springs or force producing devices can be used to provide a counterbalancing force for the griddle plate or other object. For example, helical tension springs or compression springs can be used. Many springs, such as helical tension springs and compression springs, obey a principle of physics knows as Hook's law. Hooke's law states that the force (F) needed to extend or compress a spring by some distance x scales linearly with respect to that distance. That is: F=kx, where k is a constant factor characteristic of the spring: its stiffness, and x is small compared to the total possible deformation of the spring. Thus, for extension springs that obey Hook's law, as the extension of an extension spring increases, the force exerted by the extension spring increases linearly with its extension.

In some embodiments, it can be desirable to manipulate the force exerted by a spring of a counterbalance mechanism so that the counterbalance mechanism provides a desirable counterbalancing force throughout the range of motion of an object (e.g. a griddle plate, a lid or lid portion of a grill, etc.) connected to the counterbalance mechanism. For example, in embodiments in which a counterbalance mechanism utilizes a spring that obeys Hook's law to provide the counterbalancing force, but in which it is desired that the counterbalance mechanism provide a relatively constant counterbalancing force during some or all of the movement of an object (e.g. a griddle plate) connected to the counterbalance mechanism, the counterbalance mechanism can be designed and/or configured so that the linearly increasing force exerted by the spring is converted into a relatively constant counterbalancing force. For example in embodiments of a counterbalance mechanism in which helical tension springs or compression springs are used, a cam, lever arm, or other structure or method can be used to manipulate the force exerted by the spring so that the counterbalance mechanism provides a relatively constant counterbalancing force during motion of a griddle plate (or other object). For example in embodiments in which a tension spring is used, a snail cam pulley can operate in conjunction with the tension spring to provide a relatively constant counterbalancing force.

In such an embodiment, a snail cam pulley can include a snail cam wheel secured to a mount by an axle, with the axle defining an axis of rotation for the snail cam wheel. The snail cam wheel can have a cam track and a lift track. The cam track can have a variable radius relative to the axis of rotation of the cam wheel. One end of a tension spring can be secured to a mounting point, and a snail cable can connect the other end of the tension spring to the cam track of the snail cam wheel, while a lift cable can connect an object which is to be counterbalanced (e.g. a griddle plate) to the lift track of the snail cam wheel. Due to the variable radius of the cam track, the cam track can function as a variable lever arm by which the spring force is applied to the snail cam wheel. In such an embodiment, the radius of the cam track can be varied so that as the snail cam wheel rotates the effective lever arm decreases. In such an arrangement, the linearly increasing force exerted by the tension spring can be converted into a relatively constant force as the snail cam wheel rotates and the snail cable wraps around the cam track.

A cam, lever arm, and/or other structure or method can be used to manipulate the force exerted by any of the springs or force inducing mechanisms described herein, including but not limited to helical springs, gas springs, constant force springs, etc. For example, a cam pulley, lever arm(s), or other structures or methods can be used to vary the effective force exerted by a spring or force inducing means in a desirable manner. For example, in an embodiment of a counterbalance mechanism for a griddle plate that assists in the movement of a griddle plate between a raised position and a lowered position, the force exerted by a spring of the counterbalance mechanism can be manipulated so that it results in the counterbalance mechanism: a) providing a relatively constant counterbalancing force (e.g. 90 pounds or 40.8233 kilograms) in the middle positions of the vertical travel path of the griddle plate; b) providing an increased counterbalancing force (e.g. 93 pounds or 42.1841 kilograms) towards the raised position of the vertical travel path of the griddle plate; and c) providing a decreased counterbalancing force (e.g. 87 pounds or 39.4625 kilograms) towards the lowered position of the vertical travel path of the griddle plate. In such an embodiment, as the griddle plate moves towards the raised position, the increasing force exerted by the spring can facilitate the griddle plate's movement to the fully raised position, and then bias the griddle plate in the fully raised position until a sufficient downward force is applied. Similarly, as the griddle plate moves towards the lowered position, the decreasing force exerted by the spring can facilitate the griddle plate's movement to the fully lowered position, and then bias the griddle plate in the fully lowered position until a sufficient upward force is applied. Such a counterbalance mechanism can allow a relatively heavy griddle plate (e.g. 90 pounds or 40.8233 kilograms) to have natural resting positions at the fully raised and at the fully lowered positions, while also allowing a user to move the griddle plate between the fully raised and fully lowered positions with relatively little effort.

In an embodiment, extendable rails can be utilized, and can be slidably engaged (either directly or indirectly) with a griddle plate (or other object). One or more extendable rails can, for example, facilitate and/or guide movement of the griddle plate, such as horizontal or vertical movement of the griddle plate. In an embodiment, a mechanical arm, a lift mechanism, and/or a counterbalance mechanism can include one or more extendable rails.

In an embodiment, extendable rails can include, but is not limited to items such as slides, drawer slides, telescoping slides, ball bearing carriages and corresponding guide rails, roller bearing carriages and corresponding guide rails, track roller carriages and corresponding guide rails, gliding surface carriages and corresponding guide rails, and the like. In an embodiment, extendable rails can include one or more linear motion solutions, such as those produced by PBC Linear.

In an embodiment an extendable rail can be a telescopic ball bearing slide, and can be made of materials such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, and/or other materials. The slide can be lubricated with food-grade and high temperature grease. The slide can be an over travel slide, such that the extension portion of the slide when the slide is in the extended position extends beyond the length of the slide that the slide has when the slide is in the non-extended position. The slide can have between approximately one and two inches (25.4 and 50.8 millimeters) of over travel, and can have a hold-in detent and/or hold-out detent, and/or a lock-in detent and/or a lock-out detent. The slide can be configured such that the lock-out detent is engaged when the griddle plate is in intermediate positions relative to the vertical, and such that the lock-out detent is disengaged when the griddle plate is in either the raised position or the lowered position relative to the vertical. In an embodiment, such as the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1 to 20 and 27, such an arrangement can prevent the griddle plate24from being moved toward the retracted position (a griddle plate24is shown in a retracted position inFIGS. 11aand 11b, andFIGS. 17aand 17b) when the griddle plate24is in an intermediate position relative to the vertical (the griddle plate24is in an intermediate position relative to the vertical inFIGS. 15ato 15d), but will allow the griddle plate to be moved toward and into the retracted position when the griddle plate is in either the raised position (FIGS. 14ato 14d) or the lowered position (FIGS. 16ato 16d) relative to the vertical. Such an arrangement can prevent the griddle plate from possibly damaging the grill knobs14, grill body12, and other structures if the griddle plate24were moved toward the retracted position when the griddle plate24is in an intermediate position relative to the vertical.

In an embodiment, a slide can be a Accuride model SS5321-20, which is a stainless steel slide with a 19.68 inch (500 millimeter) slide length, 20.61 inches (523.5 millimeters) of travel, and a load rating of 352 pounds (160 kilograms). In an embodiment, the slide can be a Sugastune model ESR-7-20, which is a 304 grade stainless steel slide with a 20 inch (508 millimeter) slide length, 21.22 inches (539.2 millimeters) of travel, and a load rating of 106 pounds (49 kilograms).

In an embodiment, two way slides, such as Accuride model0363slides, may be utilized. In the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 9 to 20, two way slides47are utilized, with the griddle plate24in a cooking position corresponding to the slides47being fully extended in a direction towards the rear of the grill, and with the griddle plate24in a vertically moveable position corresponding to the slides47being fully extended in the opposite direction (i.e. towards the front of the grill). By doing so, when the griddle plate24is extended towards the front of the grill, the back end of the slides do not necessarily need to extend to the back end of the grill, and, for example, the back end of the slides47can extend only to approximately the half way point between the front of the grill and the back of the grill. By doing so, the options for supporting the weight of the grill are increased since the slides47, when moved vertically, only slice through a plane extending from the front of the grill to the middle of the grill, rather than from the front of the grill all the way to the back of the grill. Thus, the weight of the grill can be supported from the sides at positions from the rear of the grill, up to the back end of the slides47when the slides are extended towards the front of the grill. For example, one such position can be the center of rotation about which the lid20pivots, which in some embodiments is at the center of curvature of the circular lid profile. Thus, the weight of the grill (and other components) can be partially or fully supported from the left and right sides of the grill, with e.g. weight supporting rods104attached to and extending from the grill body12, through the respective lid pivots106(thereby also serving as the weight supporting member to which the lid is pivotally attached), and out to and attached to a support structure108, for example an external support structure (such as a wheeled grill cart/cabinet, a counter of an outdoor kitchen, or other support structure). Such an arrangement can allow the weight of the grill to be supported, without interfering with the travel paths of either the lid20, or the griddle pate24and its associated slides47.

In an embodiment, full length one way slides can be used. In an embodiment, the front half of each slide is attached to the griddle plate, and a slot extends between each slide and the griddle plate along the back half of each slide, thereby allowing a support structure to, for example, extend down through the slots and connect to structure, such as the weight supporting rods.

Referring to the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1 to 8, the cooking apparatus10can include a lift mechanism30. In the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1 to 8, the lift mechanism30is a counterbalance mechanism96. As is shown in the Figures and as is described below, the counterbalance mechanism96is connected to the griddle plate24. The counterbalance mechanism96includes six extendable rails, such as ball bearing slides34. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1 to 8, four of the slides34are oriented vertically, namely front left slide35, rear left slide37, front right slide39, and rear right slide41. Two of the slides are oriented horizontally, namely left horizontal slide43and right horizontal slide45. Each of vertical slides35,37,39, and41are secured to support structure94.

A mounting plate110extends between vertical slides35and37, and is secured to the extension portions112of slides35and37. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1 to 8, the mounting plate110is secured to what is typically considered to be the rear end of the extension portions112of slides35and37. Similarly, another mounting plate110extends between vertical slides39and41, and is secured to the extension portions112of slides39and41. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1 to 8, the mounting plate110is secured to what is typically considered to be the rear end of the extension portions112of slides39and41.

The left horizontal slide43is secured to the top portion of left mounting plate110, and the right horizontal slide45is secured to the top portion of right mounting plate110. Quick change brackets114are secured to the extension portions112of the left and right horizontal slides43and45. The left quick change bracket114is secured to the left side26of the griddle, which is in turn connected to the griddle plate24. Similarly, the right quick change bracket114is secured to the right side26of the griddle, which is in turn connected to the griddle plate24. The quick change brackets114provide a secure but releasable connection to the extension portions112of the slides43and45, and therefore can allow a griddle plate24to be quickly and easily installed to or uninstalled from the slides43and45.

One or more pulleys can be used to connect the griddle plate24to a force producing component of the lift mechanism30, such as one or more springs. For example, one or more cables, such as a metal cable, a rope cable, or the like, can connect (either directly or indirectly) at one end to a griddle plate24. The cable can then pass through one or more pulleys until the second end of the cable reaches and attaches to the force producing component (e.g. springs).

In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1 to 8, there are five pulleys, namely pulley116, pulley118, pulley120, pulley122, and pulley124. A first end126of a first cable128is connected to an eyebolt130, which is in turn connected to the left mounting plate110. With this arrangement, the first end126of the first cable128is operatively connected to the left portion of the griddle plate24. The first cable128starts where its first end126connects to eyebolt130. From there, first cable128extends up to pulley116. Next, cable128wraps around pulley116, and then extends down to pulley124. Cable128then wraps around pulley124, and from there extends substantially horizontally over to a spring link132where a second end134of the first cable128connects to the spring link132. Spring link132is in turn connected to shackle136. Shackle136is then secured to both of the constant force springs98, namely the end138of the first constant force spring, and the end140of the second constant force spring.

A first end142of a second cable144is connected to an eyebolt130, which is in turn connected to the right mounting plate110. With this arrangement, the first end142of the second cable144is operatively connected to the right portion of the griddle plate24. The second cable144starts where its first end142connects to eyebolt130. From there, second cable144extends up to pulley118. Next, cable144wraps around pulley118, and then extends down to pulley120. Cable144then wraps around pulley120, and from there extends substantially horizontally over to pulley122. Next, cable144wraps around pulley122, and from there extends substantially horizontally over to spring link132where a second end146of the second cable144connects to the spring link132. As mentioned above, spring link132is connected to shackle136, and shackle136is secured to both of the constant force springs98, namely the end138of the first constant force spring, and the end140of the second constant force spring.

With the cable and pulley arrangement described above, both the left portion of the griddle plate24and the right portion of the griddle plate24are connected to a single, common force producing component (i.e. the two constant force springs98collectively) that produces the counterbalancing force of counterbalance mechanism96that is used to counterbalance the griddle plate24when the griddle plate24is moved vertically between a lowered position (FIG. 2) and a raised position (FIG. 3). By tying both the left and right portions of the griddle plate24to a common force producing component, the left and right portions of the griddle plate24are substantially restricted from moving vertically independently of the other. The tendency of a left and right portion of an object to move independently of each other (i.e. at different rates) when separate and independent force producing components produce separate and independent forces of the left and right portion of an object is typically referred to as racking. With the counterbalance mechanism of the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1 to 8, including the fact that a pulley and cable system ties the left and right portions of the griddle plate to a common force producing force producing component, vertical racking of the left and right portions of the griddle plate24can be effectively avoided.

In an embodiment, other apparatuses, devices, methods, etc. for reducing, eliminating, effectively eliminating, or substantially eliminating racking between the vertical movement of the left and right portions of the griddle plate24(and/or racking between horizontal movement of the left and right portions of the griddle plate24) can include e.g. a rack and pinion system, a sprocket and chain system, a gear system, or the like. Such mechanisms can often reduce or eliminate vertical racking even if independent counterbalance force producing components are utilized for the left and right portions of an object, such as a griddle plate (e.g. even if the left and right portions of the griddle plate are not tied to a common counterbalance force producing component).

Referring still to the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1 to 8, the grill can include a lid20(not shown inFIGS. 1 to 8), including any embodiments or configurations of a lid that are described herein, including any embodiments or configurations of a lid that are described herein for any other cooking apparatus or other object or thing. Additionally, as shown for example inFIGS. 2, 3, and 7, a portion of a lift mechanism, counterbalance mechanism, griddle, or related structures can include vent holes148, which can allow combustion gases produced by a cooking heat source (e.g. burners) to vent out from between the griddle plate24and the fire box152of the grill, so that combustion gases do not become trapped in the fire box152by the griddle plate24. In an embodiment, as is depicted inFIGS. 1 and 4, a winch150can be included, which can be used for pre-tensioning the constant force springs98and/or connecting the constant force springs98to the first cable128and the second cable144.

In operation of the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1 to 8, the griddle plate24is moveable between a cooking position where food items can be cooked on the griddle plate24, and a stowed position, such that moving the griddle plate24to the stowed position exposes a portion of the grill grate18, such that a portion of grill grate18is made available for cooking food items on the exposed portion of the grill grate18.

For example, as is depicted inFIGS. 1 to 8, the griddle plate24can be located in a stowed position (i.e.FIG. 1), such that food items can be cooked on the grill grate18. If a user desires to cook food items on the griddle plate24, the griddle plate24can be moved to a cooking position (i.e.FIGS. 4 and 6) by sliding or otherwise extending the griddle plate24horizontally via slides43and45until the griddle plate24reaches the position inFIG. 2(i.e. an extended and lowered position). Next, the griddle plate can be moved vertically upward until it reaches the position inFIG. 3(i.e. an extended and raised position), with the vertical slides35,37,39, and41guiding the vertical movement of the griddle plate, with the vertical slides35,37,39, and41handling the rotational strain, or torque, produced by the weight of the griddle plate24(particularly when the griddle plate24is in an extended position), so that the griddle plate24remains in a substantially horizontal orientation as it is moved between the cooking position and the stowed position. Due to the counterbalance mechanism96of the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 to 8, a user can move the relatively heavy (e.g. 90 pounds or 40.8233 kilograms) griddle plate24between the raised position (FIG. 3) and the lowered position (FIG. 2). For example, in some embodiments, a user can move the 90 pound (40.8233 kilogram) griddle plate24upward or downward by applying only four pounds (1.81437 kilograms) of force on the griddle plate24in an upward or downward direction. As can be seen inFIGS. 4 and 5(which are both rear perspective views of portions of the counterbalance mechanism), as the griddle plate24is moved from a lowered position (FIG. 5) to a raised position (FIG. 6), the force of the constant force springs98causes the constant force springs98to roll up, which pulls cables128and144and thereby provides the counterbalancing force to counterbalance the griddle plate24between the lowered position and the raised position.

To continue converting the griddle from a grill grate cooking configuration to a griddle plate cooking configuration, once the griddle plate has been moved vertically to the raised and extended position ofFIG. 3, the griddle plate24can then be pushed towards the rear of the grill, with the griddle plate24traveling horizontally on slides43and45, until the griddle plate24is moved into the cooking position, as shown inFIG. 4. The griddle plate24can now be heated by the same cooking heat source (e.g. burners) that is used to cook food on the grill grates18when the griddle plate24is in the stowed position, such that food items can be cooked on the griddle plate. When a user is ready to return to cooking food items on the grill grate18, the griddle plate24can be moved from the cooking position to the stowed position by reversing the process described above.

In an embodiment, rather than being extendable and retractable along a path that is substantially parallel to the Earth's surface (or perpendicular to the direction of gravity), the griddle plate can move from a cooking position to a stowed position in other ways. For example, the front of the griddle plate can be moved in an upward direction while the rear of the griddle plate remains substantially fixed and serves as a point of rotation about which the griddle plate rotates as the font of the griddle plate is raised. The front of the griddle plate can be raised until the griddle plate is substantially perpendicular to the Earth's surface (or substantially parallel to the direction of gravity). In some embodiments, the entire griddle plate can then be moved downward such that the griddle plate moves into a stowed position behind the grill body and below the grill grate. In some embodiments, one or more counterbalances, such as a counterbalance mechanism employing a gas spring, constant force spring, or other spring(s), can assist in moving the front of the griddle plate in an upward direction and/or moving the griddle plate downward into a stowed position.

For example, referring to the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 28 to 34, a device, such as a cooking apparatus10, such as a grill, can have a grill body12, a grill grate18, and a griddle plate24. The grill can have a lift mechanism30, which can be a counterbalance mechanism such as counterbalance mechanism96, which is capable of counterbalancing the weight or force exerted by the griddle plate24when the griddle plate24, or a portion of the griddle plate24, is moved vertically. The counterbalance mechanism96can itself include two or more counterbalance mechanisms, such as counterbalance mechanism100and counterbalance mechanism154, as is the case of the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 28 to 34.

As depicted inFIGS. 28 to 34, the griddle plate can be connected to a counterbalance mechanism96that that is made up of two or more distinct types of counterbalance mechanisms, such as counterbalance mechanisms100and154. For example, in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 28 to 34, the first counterbalance mechanism100provides a counterbalancing force that is relatively constant through its range of motion, and the second counterbalance mechanism154provides counterbalancing force that varies through its range of motion.

As another example, in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 28 to 32 and 34, the counterbalance mechanism100uses a compression spring101in conjunction with lever arms102to provide a relatively constant counterbalancing force for the griddle plate24as the counterbalance mechanism100moves the griddle plate24vertically (e.g. up and down).

In the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 28 to 32, portions of the counterbalance mechanisms100and154are mounted to mounting bracket156. InFIG. 28d, mounting bracket156has been removed in order to make some underlying structures visible. The counterbalance mechanism100can include a compression spring101, held between upper spring retainer170and a lower spring retainer172, with a spring rod158extending down through the center of the coil of the compression spring101, and through an opening in the mounting bracket156, where the lower end of the spring rod158pivotally connects to first lever arm160at pivotal connection162. First lever arm160and second lever arm164are pivotally connected to mounting bracket156at pivotal connections166and168respectively. The spring101is held against the mounting bracket156, and is compressed between upper spring retainer170and lower spring retainer172, by the weight of the griddle plate24biasing the first lever arm in a counterclockwise direction (relative toFIGS. 28dand32), such that the pivotally attached spring rod158and upper spring retainer cap170are biased in a downward direction, thereby compressing the spring101.

The compressive force of the spring101exerts a counteracting upward force on the upper spring retainer170, which in turn transmits an upward force to the attached spring rod,158. In operation, in the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 28 and 32, when a upward force is applied to the griddle plate24(e.g. by a user), the first lever arm160rotates clockwise with the second lever arm164rotating counterclockwise at the same rate (due the engagement of the gear teeth of the first lever arm160with the gear teeth of the second lever arm). Due to the force of the spring101, when the griddle plate is moved vertically (e.g. when the griddle plate24is moved between the position depicted inFIG. 28and the position depicted inFIG. 30), the spring101, in conjunction with the varying length of the effective lever arm created by the first lever160and the second lever arm164, results in the counterbalance mechanism100producing a relatively constant counterbalancing force throughout the range of motion of the counterbalance mechanism100. More particularly, as the griddle plate24is raised, the first lever arm160rotates clockwise, and the spring101is decompressed (and therefore exerts less force), the rotation of the first lever arm160and second lever arm164results in a the effective length of the lever arm created by first lever arm160and second lever arm164being varied. Due to the actual length of the first lever arm160and the second lever arm164, the rotation of the first lever arm160and the second lever arm164, and the resulting variance in the effective length of the lever arm, is able to compensate for the decreasing force of the spring101such that the counterbalancing force of the counterbalance mechanism100remains relatively constant in spite of the decreasing force exerted by the spring101.

The first lever arm160and second lever arm164include wheels165, which roll along and push against plate167. Plate167can be connected to an external support structure (not shown), in order to provide a secure foundation for the counterbalance mechanism96.

The counterbalance mechanism100also includes an adjustable nut174, which can be tightened or loosened in order to adjust the compression of spring101. Additionally, the spring mechanism of the counter balance mechanism100(as well as the spring mechanism of counterbalance mechanism154) can rest on a ridge176of the mounting bracket156, which can allow the spring mechanism to rock back on fourth, relative to the mounting bracket156, on the ridge176. This can provide the spring mechanism with a degree of movement that can compensate for the non-linear movement of the spring rod158(or the spring rod of counterbalance mechanism154) due to the rotation of the components that the respective spring rods are attached to.

In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 28 to 32, the counterbalance mechanism96includes extendable rails178that are slidably engaged with the griddle plate24, such that when the extendable rail extends (via the carriage180of the extendable rail sliding or traveling along the track182of the extendable rail178), the griddle plate is moved (e.g. moved vertically, as in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 29. Similar to the extendable rails (i.e. vertical slides) of the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1 to 8, the extendable rails178can guide the vertical movement of the griddle plate, and can account for the torque produced by the griddle plate24, particularly as the griddle plate approaches a cooking position (the griddle plate is shown in a stowed position inFIG. 28, a cooking position inFIG. 29, and is shown approaching a cooking position inFIG. 30).

Referring still toFIGS. 28 to 32, the counterbalance mechanism154provides a counterbalancing force that counterbalances the torque of the griddle plate24as the griddle plate24rotates between a substantially horizontal orientation (FIG. 31) and a substantially vertical orientation (FIG. 28). In this embodiment, the force exerted by the springs184is used to counterbalance the torque of the griddle plate24. The counterbalance mechanism154is configured such that as the torque exerted by the griddle plate24decreases as the griddle plate24rotates towards a vertical orientation, the force exerted by the springs184decreases proportionally as the compression of the springs184is reduced (i.e. the decreasing force exerted by the springs184matches the decreasing torque of the griddle plate24). Similarly, as the griddle plate24rotates from a more vertical orientation towards a more horizontal orientation, the force exerted by the springs184increases (as the compression of the springs184increases) to match the increasing torque exerted by the griddle plate24. In this manner, the torque of the griddle plate24can be counterbalanced by the counterbalance mechanism154throughout the range of rotation of the griddle plate24. Similar to adjustment nut174of counterbalance mechanism100, counterbalance mechanism154includes an adjustment nut186that can be used to adjust the compression of the springs184.

InFIGS. 34ato 34c, an alternative embodiment counterbalance mechanism is shown in which wheels165have been replaced with a pivotal connection to an additional pair of lever arms, namely third lever arm186and fourth lever arm188, which are in turn pivotally connected to support bracket190, which can be connected to an external support structure (not shown) in order to provide a sturdy foundation for the counterbalance mechanism. Due to the arrangement of the four pivotally connected lever arms as depicted inFIGS. 34ato 34c, the mechanism is able to achieve approximately double the vertical travel distance of an object (e.g. griddle plate) connected to the mechanism, but with the mechanism having approximately the same width as the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 28 to 32.

Turning now to the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 9 to 20, various views are shown depicting a griddle plate24moving between a cooking position and a stowed position. The grill of these embodiments also includes a lid, which is divided into a first lid portion192and a second lid portion194. The first lid portion and the second lid portion can telescope relative to each other as the lid is moved between an open position (e.g.FIG. 13) and a closed position (e.g.FIGS. 19 and 20). In an embodiment, rather than being a two part telescoping lid as inFIGS. 9 to 20, the lid can consist of three independently rotatable lid portions, thereby forming a triple telescoping lid.

The movement of the griddle plate in the embodiments ofFIGS. 9 to 20is similar to that of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 8. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 9 to 20, rather than constant force springs, cooking apparatus is provided with a pair of gas springs196that are positioned in extendable rails178, and that exert and upward force on the slides47, and in turn on griddle plate24.

In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 21, line198is an imaginary line that designates the plane of the grill grate surface. As shown inFIG. 21, the plane of the grill grate surface198is the imaginary plane corresponding to the top side of the grill grate surface. For example, the plane of the grill grate surface198can be thought of as an infinitely thin, flat sheet that rests directly on top of the grill grate surface, with the sheet extending horizontally outward in all horizontal directions.

Similarly, in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 22, line200is an imaginary line that designates the plate of the griddle plate surface. The plane of the griddle plate surface200is the imaginary plane corresponding to the top side of the griddle plate surface. For example, the plane of the griddle plate surface can be thought of as an infinitely thin, flat sheet that rests directly on top of the griddle plate surface, with the sheet extending horizontally outward in all horizontal directions.

In the embodiments depicted inFIG. 28, a portion of the griddle plate24is lower than the plane of the grill grate surface. More particularly, in this embodiment, a majority of the griddle plate is lower than the plane of the grill grate surface. Still more particularly, in this embodiment, approximately 70% of the griddle plate is lower than the plane of the grill grate surface, and approximately 30% of the griddle plate is higher than the plane of the grill grate surface.

In an embodiment, a lift mechanism can include a scissor lift, hand crank, motor such as electric motor, spring, gas spring, torsion spring, tension spring, constant force spring, counterweight, counterbalance mechanism, pulley mechanism, hydraulics, or other force applying means, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing, to fully, partially, or approximately offset the weight of the griddle plate. In an embodiment, the lift mechanism can be a motorized lift mechanism, a manual lift mechanism, and/or a manual lift mechanism with counterbalance assist or spring assist.

In an embodiment, instead of or in addition to the griddle plate being moveable, the grill grate can be moveable between a first position (e.g. a cooking position) and a second position (e.g. a stowed position). In an embodiment, the grill grate can be moveable in any of the ways that griddle plate can be moveable, and any of the components or features described herein, including any of the components or features described herein in connection with the griddle plate being moveable, or that are used in or associated with the movement of the griddle plate, can be applied to or used in connection with the grill grate.

In an embodiment, a stowed position can include a position in which the griddle plate is no longer positioned over, or no longer positioned substantially over, the cooking heat source of the cooking position. In an embodiment, a stowed positioned can include a positioned where the griddle plate is intended to be stored when the griddle plate is not in a position in which food items are cooked on or intended to be cooked on the surface of the griddle plate.

In still other embodiments, the lift mechanism can be configured such that the upward force exerted by the lift mechanism is variable. For example, the lift mechanism can be configured such that the upward force exerted by the lift mechanism is manually variable by a user. In other embodiments, the lift mechanism can be configured such that the upward force exerted by the lift mechanism varies automatically.

In an embodiment, the lift mechanism is connected to the griddle plate, such that the lift mechanism supports at least a portion of the weight of the griddle plate between the cooking position and the stowed position. In some embodiments, the lift mechanism's supporting of the weight of the griddle plate between the cooking position and the stowed position can include the lift mechanism supporting the weight of the griddle plate during the griddle plate's entire path of travel between the cooking position to the stowed position. In other embodiments, the lift mechanism's supporting of the weight of the griddle plate between the cooking position and the stowed position can include the lift mechanism supporting the weight of the griddle plate during only a portion of the griddle plate's path of travel between the cooking position to the stowed position. For example, in an embodiment, the weight of the griddle plate can be partially or fully supported by structures such as the grill body, external support structures, and/or other structures when the griddle plate is in the cooking position (e.g. a raised and retracted position) and/or stowed position (e.g. lowered and retracted). In another embodiment, the weight of the griddle plate can be partially or fully supported by structures such as the grill body, external support structures, and/or other structures when the griddle plate is moving along the horizontal (e.g. with respect to the Earth's surface, or perpendicular to the direction of gravity) portions of its travel path between the cooking position and the stowed position, and the weight of the griddle plate can be partially or fully supported by the lift mechanism when the griddle plate is moving along the vertical portions of its travel path between the cooking position and the stowed position.

In some embodiments, due to the travel paths of the lid and/or griddle and associated slides, the structural connection points for supporting the weight of the grill body and/or griddle plate and associated lift mechanism can be limited. However, in an embodiment, the grill body can be a separate, independent structure from the griddle plate and associated lift mechanism, with no structural connections between the grill body and the griddle plate and associated lift mechanism. In such an arrangement, the structural connections for supporting the grill body would not need to provide support for the griddle plate and associated lift mechanism, and the structural connections for supporting the grill griddle plate and associated lift mechanism would not need to provide support for the grill body. In such an embodiment, since, for example, the structural connections for supporting the grill body would not need to provide support for the griddle plate and associated lift mechanism (including when the griddle plate is in both the extended position and the retracted position), the structural connections for supporting the grill body can be smaller and/or fewer in number, and with the locations of the structural connections being more flexible. For example, in an embodiment, structural support for the grill body can be provided at just two points, namely: 1) through the center of rotation about which the lid pivots and attached to the left side of the grill body; and 2) through the center of rotation about which the lid pivots and attached to the right side of the grill body. Since in this embodiment the structural supports for the grill body do not also need to account for the rotational force exerted by the griddle plate and associated lift mechanism (particularly when the griddle plate is in the extended position), the two single structural connections through the center of rotation about which the lid pivots can be sufficient to adequately support the grill body.

Also, in this embodiment, since the structural connections for supporting the lift mechanism and connected griddle plate do not need to also support the grill body, the structural connections for supporting the lift mechanism and connected griddle plate can be smaller and/or fewer in number, and with the locations of the structural connections being more flexible. For example, the lift mechanism can be supported at all points from the bottom, since in this embodiment the griddle plate remains over the lift mechanism legs at all times, and the griddle plate does not slice through the plane beneath the lift mechanism legs. In some embodiments in which a retractable lid is present, the lift mechanism can be supported at points from the bottom that are forward of the lid when the lid is in the retracted position.

In some embodiments, there are structural connections between the grill body and the griddle plate and associated lift mechanism, such that one or more structural connections can provide structural support for both the grill body and the griddle plate and associated lift mechanism.

In some embodiments, supporting the grill body (e.g. the weight of the grill body) from the sides, and, for example, near the front of the grill body, may be problematic as a support structure that is permanently or fixedly attached to the side of the grill body and that extends out to an external support structure (e.g. a grill cart or the counter of an outdoor kitchen) would block the vertical travel path of the griddle slides as the griddle plate is moved from the raised position to the lowered position (and vice versa), and therefore would prevent the griddle plate from being moved from the raised position to a lowered position (and vice versa). In those embodiments where this may occur, multiple solutions can be employed that can allow the grill body to be supported form the sides, and without blocking the vertical travel path of the griddle slides.

In embodiment, engageable and disengageable grill body support, such as a C-shaped simultaneously engageable and disengageable grill body support, can be employed. The C-shaped simultaneously engageable and disengageable grill body support can have an upper arm and a lower arm, and can be operated (i.e. the upper arm moving into an engaged position in which the grill body is supported by the upper arm, while lower arm is simultaneously moving into disengaged position in which the grill body is not supported by the lower arm, and vice versa) by motor, manual methods, (e.g. by the user pushing a lever or moving a slide), or can be caused to operate as a result of the lift mechanism and/or griddle plate and/or associated structure moving from a raised position to a lowered position, and vice versa). For example, when the lift mechanism is moved from a raised position towards a lowered position, the lift mechanism can come into contact with a structure attached to the C-shaped grill body support, which, as the lift mechanism continues to move further towards a lowered position, causes the upper arm of the C-shaped grill body support to move into an engaged position, and simultaneously causes the lower arm of the C-shaped grill body support to move into a disengaged position. When the lift mechanism is moved from a lowered position towards a raised position, the foregoing movement of the C-shaped grill body support is reversed. Such movement of the C-shaped grill body support as the lift mechanism is moved from a raised position towards a lowered position, and from a lowered position towards a raised position, allows the grill body to be supported at all times by at least one of the upper arm of the C-shaped grill body support and the lower arm of the C-shaped grill body support, while at the same time allowing the griddle rails to be moved from the raised position to the lowered position, and vice versa, without the raised to lowered movement, or vice versa, being stopped as a result of the griddle rails coming into contact with the upper and/or lower arm of the C-shaped grill body support.

For example, an embodiment can have an upper front grill body support and a lower front grill body support, wherein when the griddle is moved from the raised position to the lowered position, the lower front grill body support is moved from an engaged (i.e. supporting the weight of the grill body) position to a disengaged position, and the upper front grill body support is moved from a disengaged position to an engaged position, and wherein the transition from the lower front grill body support being engaged to the upper front grill body support being engaged occurs when the vertical positioning of the griddle is located in between the upper front grill body support and the lower front grill body support. In an embodiment, the movements described in the foregoing between engaged and disengaged are reversed when the griddle plate is moved from the lowered position to the raised position. In an embodiment, the movement of the griddle plate and/or associated structures provides the force for the above engagements and disengagements.

In an embodiment, there is a wedged shaped front grill body support that is manually engaged and disengaged by the user, such that the front grill body support is disengaged when the griddle is moved between the raised position and the lowered position, and then reengaged by the user when the griddle is in the raised position or lowered position as applicable, with the front grill body support being wedge shaped so that any sag in the grill body when it is in the disengaged position, can be removed by the wedge pushing the grill body back up when the front grill body support is reengaged.

In an embodiment, grill body supports can be provided that fold down when the griddle plate contacts the grill body supports as the griddle plate is retracted beneath grill in the stowed position, and that pop up from the bottom or pop out from the sides (e.g. by being spring loaded or spring biased into the popped up or popped out position) when the griddle plate is extended. In the popped up or popped out position, the weight of the grill body can be supported by the grill body support. When the griddle is retracted beneath the grill, the top of the griddle sides, the top of the slides, or other structures associated with the griddle plate can contact rollers that are connected to bottom of grill body, and can thereby support the weight of the grill body.

Referring again to the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 9 to 20, in an embodiment, covers202, for example hinged flaps, can be used to cover or seal openings in or adjacent to the front of the grill body and/or openings in or adjacent to the top of the grill body that allow the extendable rails, lift mechanism, or other structures associated with the movement of the griddle plate, to move between the cooking position and the stowed position. For example, when the griddle plate is moving between the cooking position and the stowed position, the movement of the griddle plate can force the flaps to open and uncover the openings, such that the flaps do not interfere with the path of travel of the extendable rails, lift mechanism, or other structures. Once the extendable rails, lift mechanism, or other structures have cleared the openings, the flaps can close to cover or seal the openings.

In an embodiment, for example the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 9 to 20, split into two parts, namely a front lid portion and a rear lid portion (or a first lid portion and a second lid portion), counterbalance(s) can be used on the front and/or the rear lid, springs can be used on the front and/or rear lid, or a combination of counterbalance(s) and spring(s) can be used on the front lid and rear lid. In an embodiment, the counterbalance for the lid, the front lid, and/or the rear lid can be a simple counter weight (e.g. a mass), that is positioned opposite the mass of the lid (or rear lid or front lid). In another embodiment, the counterbalance force for the lid can be provided by springs, constant force springs, gas springs, or any other force inducing mechanism or counterbalancing mechanism, including but not limited to any other force inducing mechanism or counterbalancing mechanism described herein or described elsewhere in connection with the griddle plate.

In an embodiment, when first raising (i.e. opening) the lid, initially only the front lid moves (i.e. rotates rearward and backward), until the front lip of the front lid is essentially flush with the front lip of the rear lid. At this point, a stop204, such as a lever, or other device that is tied to the motion of the front lid, comes into contact with a corresponding stop, lever, or other device that is tied to the motion of the rear lid. At this point, the rear lid can be either biased or frictioned towards the lid closed position, so that a discernable stop or resistance is felt by a user (thus creating a natural resting position where the user can position the lid) when the lever of the front lid contacts the lever of the rear lid (i.e. when the overall lid is at its half open position, i.e. the point at which the front lip of the front lid is essentially flush with the front lip of the rear lid). This results in a natural stopping point for a user opening the lid, which corresponds to the lid being in the approximately half open position. If at this point the user applies additional force towards opening the lid, the biasing (or friction) force of the rear lid will be overcome, and both the front and rear lid will continue to rotate backwards and downwards together, with the rotation of the rear lid being caused by the contact with the lever of the front lid. In an embodiment, the rear lid is biased toward the closed position, so that if at any point between the half open position of the lid and the fully open position, if the user returns the front lid to the closed position, the biasing force of the rear lid will also cause the rear lid to return to the closed position. However, if the front lid and rear lid are moved all the way to the fully open position, the lids can remain in that fully open position without any force being applied by a user. Once a user grasps the front lid and rotates it towards the closed position, the rear lid can rotate with the front lid until the rear lid reaches its fully closed position, at which point the front lid can continue to rotate by itself until it also reaches its fully closed position. In an embodiment, the force to rotate the rear lid toward its closed position as the front lid is being rotated toward its closed position can be provided by a spring204, counterbalance, or other force providing mechanism.

In an embodiment, the rear lid can include a simple spring which biases the rear lid towards the closed position, and the front lid can include a counterbalance mechanism which allows the front lid to remain stationary at any rotational position along the rotational path of the front lid between the fully open position of the front lid to the half open (i.e. flush with the rear lid) position of the front lid.

In an embodiment, the rear lid can include a spring mechanism, and the front lid can include neither a spring nor a counterbalance mechanism. In another embodiment, neither the front lid nor the rear lid can include either a spring or a counterbalance mechanism. In yet another embodiment, the front lid can include a spring and/or counterbalance, and/or the rear lid can include a spring and/or a counterbalance.

In another embodiment, a stop, retainer, or other device can be used to maintain the front and/or rear lid in the fully open position, the fully closed position, or any intermediate position.

In another embodiment, both the front and the rear lid can include counterbalance mechanisms, which allow the front lid to be stopped and remain stationary at any rotational position along the rotational path of the front lid, the rear lid (along with the flush positioned front lid) to be stopped and remain stationary at any rotational position along the rotational path of the rear lid, with also a discernable stop that can be felt by a user as the front lip of the front lid first comes flush with the front lip of the rear lid.

In other embodiments, another stop, lever or other device tied to the rotation of the front lid can come into contact with another corresponding stop, lever or other device tied to the rotation of the rear lid, such that when the front lid is rotated towards the closed position, the front lid will pull/drag the rear lid with it until the rear lid reaches its fully closed position.

In another embodiment, the weight of the rear lid can be naturally biased towards the fully open position (i.e. with no other force being present other than the weight of the lid, the lid would rotate towards the fully open position). In contrast, the weight of the front lid can be naturally biased towards the fully closed position). A tab or other stop at the rear lip of the front lid can engage a corresponding tab or stop at the front lip of the rear lid, so that when both the front lid and the rear lid are in the fully closed position, the rear lid's natural tendency to rotate towards its open position is prevented from doing so by the tab of the rear lid engaging with the tab of the front lid. For example, in this embodiment, the front lid weighs slightly more than the rear lid (due to 1: the front lid being slightly larger than the rear lid since the front lid is the outer lid; and 2) the handle that is attached to the front lid), so that when both the front lid and the rear lid are in the fully open position, the extra weight of the front lid keeps both the front lid and the rear lid in the fully closed position, until a user applies an opening force to the front lid. In such an embodiment, when a user begins to lift the front lid, both the front lid and the rear lid would rotate towards the open position. Once the front lid reaches its mid position (i.e. the half open position of the overall lid), the rear lid would now be in its fully open position. As the user continues to rotate the front lid from the mid position to the fully open position, only the front lid would be rotating (since the rear lid would have already reached the fully open position). Next, if a user wants to move the overall lid from the fully open position towards the closed position, the movement is essentially reversed, so that at first only the front lid rotates towards the closed position until it reaches the mid position. At the mid position, the tab of the front lid contacts the top of the rear lid, and as the front lid continues to move from the mid position towards the fully closed position, the front lid pulls or drags the rear lid with it (via the engagement of the corresponding tabs), so that the rear lid rotates from its fully open position toward its fully closed position.

In and embodiment, a rear griddle plate support can be provided. In an embodiment, the rear griddle plate support can be connected to the grill body or other support structure, and contact the rear of the griddle plate and thereby provide support for the weight of the griddle plate. In an embodiment, the rear griddle plate support can include a roller at its upper end or can include a wedge at its upper end, in order to assist the support of the griddle plate as the griddle plate is moved from an extended position to a retracted position.

In an embodiment, the lid's tendency to rotate between the closed position and open position due to the weight of the lid can be counterbalanced by a counterbalance mechanism, weights, a coiled spring, a gas spring, or other means or any combination thereof, including any other means disclosed herein in connection with lift mechanisms and counterbalance mechanisms. The joint around which the lid revolves can also contain a bushing, friction inducing member, or other motion resistance member which can resist the rotational motion of the lid, and can cause the lid to remain fixed at whatever rotational position the rotation of the lid is stopped at, until such time as sufficient rotational force is applied, for example by a user, to overcome the motion resistance member.

In an embodiment, lift mechanisms, counterbalance mechanisms, movement mechanisms, and other mechanisms described herein can be used for applications other than cooking apparatuses. For example, the mechanisms disclosed herein can be utilized in sit-stand desks, height adjustable tables, height adjustable work surfaces, indoor griddle grills (e.g. indoor cooktops, indoor rangetops, indoor stoves, etc. with a moveable griddle feature), pull out and pull down shelves and drawers reconfigurable/height adjustable filing cabinet systems (or drawer systems or shelf systems), height adjustable pull out keyboard shelves, height adjustable pull out oven racks (that can allow a user to easily adjust the height of the oven rack), office desks (or other work surfaces) with a secondary/auxiliary pull out height adjustable work surface, etc.

In an embodiment, counterbalance movement mechanisms of the types described herein (e.g. the counterbalanced slide mechanism for the griddle plate) can be used in indoor kitchen environments, such as commercial and residential indoor kitchens. In an embodiment, the counterbalance movement mechanism is used in conjunction with an indoor cooktop, rangetop, or range to move a first cooking surface between a position above a cooking heat source in which food items are cooked, and a position below the cooking heat source in which the first cooking surface is stored. For example, an indoor cooktop can include a cooking heat source, such as gas or electric burners. The cooktop can include a second cooking surface, which can be grate or other structure on which food items are directly or indirectly placed in order to heat and/or cook the food. In an embodiment, the second cooking surface can be a grate (above the burner) on which pots, pans, and other cooking implements may be placed in order to heat and/or cook food.

For example, an embodiment is an indoor cooktop which includes a conventional cooking surface (e.g. a first cooking surface). The embodiment also includes a counterbalance movement mechanism which can be used to move a second cooking surface (e.g. a griddle plate) between a position above the first cooking surface in which food items are cooked, and a stowed position (e.g. below the first cooking surface).

In an embodiment, the lid is connected to the grill body, and the base of the lift mechanism is located outside of the left and right edges of the lid at the bottom, but the mechanism is narrowed or jutted inward moving upward towards the mechanism's attachment with the griddle plate, such that the base of the mechanism falls outside of the edges of the lid, and the griddle plate and slides fall within the outside edges of the lid when the griddle plate is raised and the lid is in the closed position. In an embodiment, the outer edges of the lid can flare out on the front half of the lid, but not the rear of the lid, thus allowing the lid to cover a two-way slide when in the closed position, yet not interfere with the supporting of the lift mechanism base when the lid is in the open position.

In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 23a, the griddle plate24is in a retracted position, and the footprint (in a vertical direction relative to the Earth's surface or with respect to the direction of gravity) of the griddle plate24is partially within the footprint of the grill grate18. In contrast, in the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 15ato 15d, the griddle plate24is in an extended position, and the footprint of the griddle plate24is outside of the footprint of the grill grate18. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 14ato 14d, the griddle plate24and lift mechanism30are also in a raised position. In an embodiment, the grill grate18and/or griddle plate24can include an integrated temperature probe.

In an embodiment, the lift mechanism can include an articulated arm, for an example an articulated arm that counterbalances the griddle plate, and that is capable of moving the griddle plate between a cooking position and a stowed position. As used herein, mechanically counterbalancing the weight (or a portion of the weight) of the griddle plate, means counterbalancing the weight (or a portion of the weight) of the griddle plate with a non-human means, such as with a counterbalance mechanism.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate the principles, exemplary embodiments, and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.