Abstract:
A portable electric grill including an exhaust fan for indoor grilling is disclosed. The present grill is constructed to permit its supporting frame to be folded from an open position wherein the horizontally disposed grilling plates are supported by folding leg members to a closed position wherein the grilling plates are folded vertically along with the leg members for convenient portability and storage. The present grill provides heating elements associated with each grilling plate, which permits the grilling plates to be selectively energized. An air filter is disposed within the air intake of the exhaust fan utilizing filter media capable of capturing particulate matter of a size range found in cooking fumes generated by the grill. In an alternative embodiment the present grill is designed to permit operation in an either an unfolded or a folded position and also includes a detachable exhaust fan module for the user&#39;s convenience.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/047,248 filed Jan. 29, 2005 entitled Portable Electric Grill and claims the benefit thereof under 35 U.S.C. 120. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to cooking appliances and, more particularly, to a portable electric grill, which is ventilated for indoor cooking and is also foldable for convenient transport and storage. 
         [0003]    There are several U.S. patents that are available in the field of portable cooking grills, however, none of them address the long felt need in the manner of the present invention. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,663 to Jenn et al. discloses one such ventilated portable electric grill. This grill assembly includes a heating element and is topped by a grill element. An upwardly extending portion of the grill housing encloses a power driven fan, which draws air, smoke, and cooking vapors from across the grill element. The fan outlet discharges to the exterior of the housing. The present invention is patentably distinct from this prior art cooking grill because it is foldable for convenient storage and provides other novel structural features to support this functionality. 
         [0004]    Another example of a ventilated electric grill is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,819 to Field, which discloses a ventilated open-air indoor broiler having damper means. This grill provides electric heating elements and a positionable damper located at the entrance to an air plenum chamber adjacent the broiler. Air is drawn across the surface of the broiler grill and past the damper means to the plenum and exhausted via an electric fan to the atmosphere by ducting. The present invention is also patentably distinct from this prior art cooking grill due to its foldable construction and other novel structural features not shown in the prior art. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,226,177 discloses a portable grilling device of the foldable type including a first bowl and a second bowl hingedly connected together. The bowls are movable between a closure position where the bowls overlie one another, a generally right angular use position where the second bowl is disposed substantially normal to the first bowl, and a generally horizontal use position where the first bowl and the second bowl are fully opened. This grilling device does not provide electric heating elements or an exhaust fan as featured in the present invention. 
         [0006]    Another example of a folding grill apparatus is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,528 which discloses a portable cooking apparatus constructed so that the disassembled parts may be fitted together for easy and convenient storage and transport. This portable cooking apparatus also does not provide electric heating elements or an exhaust fan in the manner of the present invention. 
         [0007]    While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose the present inventive device. The present invention provides a foldable electric grill having novel structural features including an exhaust fan for indoor grilling and a grease collection tray. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Accordingly, the present invention is a portable electric grill constructed to permit its supporting frame to be folded from an open position wherein a pair of horizontally disposed grilling plates are supported by folding leg members to a closed condition in which the grilling plates pivot upwardly to a generally vertical position and the leg members fold up for convenient storage. The grill provides a pair of heating elements with individual thermostatic controls, which allow the grilling plates to be selectively energized. The present grill also includes an exhaust fan having an air filter for indoor cooking. The air filter is disposed within the air intake of the exhaust fan and utilizes filter media capable of capturing particulate matter of a size range typically encountered in smoke and cooking fumes generated by such a grill during use. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment the portable electric grill is designed to permit operation in both an unfolded (i.e. open position) and a folded (i.e. closed position) of the grill, which enables cooking of food items such as hamburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches on both sides thereof simultaneously. In this embodiment the present grill is provided in two alternative configurations, namely, a first version having an integrated exhaust fan assembly and a second version having a detachable exhaust fan module for the convenience of the user. In such alternative configurations the thermostatic temperature controls may be omitted in favor of a temperature limiting device such as a fuse, which is utilized in conjunction with resistance heating elements to limit temperature to a predetermined level. 
         [0010]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
         [0011]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0012]    Other features and technical advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The novel features of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as other features and advantages thereof will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present foldable grill in an unfolded position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the present foldable grill in a folded position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the present grill in an unfolded position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation of the present grill in an unfolded position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a cross-section of the present grill in an unfolded position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the present grill in an unfolded position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a rear elevation of the present grill in an unfolded position; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 8A  is an electrical schematic showing the components and circuitry of the present grill; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8B  is an electrical schematic showing the components and circuitry of an alternative construction of the present grill; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present grill; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10A  is a front elevation of the present grill shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10B  is a transverse cross-section of the present grill taken along section line  10 B- 10 B of  FIG. 10A ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11A  is a side elevation view of the present grill in a partially closed position for double-sided grilling of food items; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11B  is a side elevation view of the present grill in an open position for single-sided grilling of food items; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the present grill including an integrated exhaust fan assembly disposed therein; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present grill in a closed position; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14A  is a front elevation of the present grill shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 14B  is a transverse cross-section of the present grill taken along section line  14 B- 14 B of  FIG. 14A ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a composite perspective view of the present grill illustrating the exhaust fan module separated from the grill housing showing further details thereof; 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of the present grill including the exhaust fan module showing further details thereof; 
           [0034]      FIG. 17A  is an electrical schematic illustrating the components and circuitry of the present grill; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 17B  is an electrical schematic of an alternative embodiment of the present grill illustrating the components and circuitry thereof. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    With further reference to the drawings there is shown therein a portable electric grill in accordance with the present invention, illustrated in  FIG. 1  and indicated generally at  10 . It will be understood that in  FIG. 1  the present grill  10  is shown in an unfolded or open position ready for use. 
         [0037]    Grill  10  includes a support frame assembly, indicated generally at  20 , comprised of a central frame member  22 , which is symmetrically disposed between a first frame member  24  and a second frame member  26 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , first frame member  24  is D-shaped in configuration defining a receptacle  24   a  ( FIG. 5 ) wherein a mating D-shaped griddle plate  27  is received and supported. Similarly, second frame member  26  is D-shaped in configuration defining a receptacle  26   a  ( FIG. 5 ) wherein a mating grill plate  29  is received and supported. Griddle plate  27  and grill plate  29  and their associated frame members  24 ,  26  respectively are fabricated as unitary constructions ( FIG. 1 ) or, alternatively, griddle plate  27  and grill plate  29  are constructed to be removable from frame members  24 ,  26  for cleaning purposes ( FIG. 5 ). 
         [0038]    Griddle plate  27  and grill plate  29  include raised peripheral edges  27   a ,  29   a  respectively which function to retain grease drippings from meats and other foodstuffs prepared thereon. Such grease drippings are delivered via integral drain tubes  27   b ,  29   b  formed in plates  27 ,  29  ( FIG. 4 ) respectively to a drip tray  35  having a handle  33 . Drip tray  35  is disposed in sliding relation to housing  40 , which is attached to the underside of the frame member  22 . This arrangement permits the grill  10  to be folded to its closed or vertical position ( FIG. 2 ) without concern for spillage of grease drippings. 
         [0039]    Frame members  22 ,  24 ,  26  are fabricated from sheet steel, aluminum, cast iron, or other suitable material and are provided in different exterior finishes such as powder coating, stainless steel, or plated steel. 
         [0040]    The support frame assembly  20  provides structures which comprise articulating means including, but not limited to, the following structures. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , frame members  24  and  26  are pivotally attached to frame member  22  by hinge pins  25 . In this configuration the frame assembly  20  with the symmetrically disposed plates  27 ,  29  installed is foldable about the hinge pins  25  to a closed or folded condition as shown in  FIG. 2 . More particularly, it can be seen that frame members  24 ,  26  can be pivoted upwardly about hinge pins  25  to the generally vertical orientation shown Handles  32  are mechanically attached to frame members  24 ,  26  and interlock in the folded condition of the grill  10  being secured by a resilient handle lock  34 , which snaps into position about the interlocked handles  32  ( FIG. 2 ). 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 1  frame assembly  20  is supported in its open condition by folding leg members  30 , which are pivoted and folded inwardly about the pins  31  against the bottom covers  37 ,  39  of the grill  10  for convenient transport and storage in its folded condition ( FIG. 2 ). Leg members  30  are fabricated from steel, cast iron, aluminum, heat-resistant composites, or other suitable materials. 
         [0042]    Advantageously, frame member  22  includes a removable vent plate  23  wherein an air filter  21  is disposed ( FIG. 3 ). The media utilized in the air filter  21  is the physical mechanism for controlling smoke and cooking fumes to permit indoor use of the grill  10 . The media in the air filter  21  ranges from metallic fibers, synthetic fibers, cellulose fibers, and/or multilayer media designed to capture particulate matter of a size range typically encountered in smoke and cooking fumes generated by the present grill  10 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 4  there is shown a front elevation of grill  10  in an unfolded position with the front panel  42  ( FIG. 1 ) of the housing  40  removed to show the interior thereof. Housing  40  is provided with a plurality of feet  44  ( FIG. 2 ), which support grill  10  on a countertop or other suitable surface. 
         [0044]    Housing  40  encloses an exhaust fan assembly, indicated generally at  50 , including a circular fan  55  enclosed within a fan hood  53  ( FIG. 5 ). An intake end  53   a  of fan hood  53  is positioned adjacent vent plate  23  such that fan  55  draws smoke and cooking fumes generated during use across the plates  27 ,  29  and through the filter element  21  into the fan  55 . Fan  55  propels this flow of filtered air through the exhaust vent  49  ( FIG. 7 ) at the rear of the housing  40  and into the atmosphere. Fan  55  is coupled to a fan motor  52 , which is electrically connected to a standard 110 volt power source  79  ( FIG. 8 ) via On/Off switch  54 . 
         [0045]    The present grill  10  is also provides structures which comprise heating means including, but not limited to, the following structures. Referring to  FIG. 6  it can be seen that heating elements  60  are attached to the underside of griddle plate  27  and grill plate  29 , which are constructed from a highly heat conductive material such as cast aluminum, cast iron, steel, or other suitable material for efficient heat transfer. 
         [0046]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  heating elements  60  are constructed of stainless steel tubing or other suitable tubing wherein a resistance heater wire (not shown) is enclosed. Heating elements  60  are attached in the positions shown in  FIG. 6  to plates  27 ,  29  respectively by retaining clips  62 . The terminal ends  60   a  of heating elements  60  are each received within terminal box, indicated generally at  65 , wherein the heating elements are electrically interconnected to their respective temperature controls. 
         [0047]    The present grill  10  also provides structures, which comprise temperature controlling means including, but not limited to, the following structures. Each heating element  60  is electrically connected to its respective temperature controller  70  and, in turn, to a power source  79  ( FIG. 8 ) by wiring via power cord  77  ( FIG. 7 ). Each temperature controller  70  comprises a thermostat, which can be actuated by control knobs  72  independently of each other to selectively energize the heating elements  60 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 8A  there is shown therein a schematic representation of the electrical components and circuitry of the present grill  10  including the temperature controllers  70 , the heating elements  60 , fan motor  52  with start capacitor  57 , On/Off switch  54 , and their associated circuitry. It can be seen that the electrical components include a temperature limiting device  74  which prevents the heating elements  60  from exceeding a predetermined temperature for safety reasons. Indicator lights  75  are electrically connected to fan motor  52  and heating elements  60  being illuminated when the fan motor and heating elements are in operation. 
         [0049]    In an alternative construction of the present grill  10 B shown schematically in  FIG. 8B , heating elements  60 B are designed with a resistance heater wire, which will produce a precalculated temperature range for cooking food items intended for a particular grill application. In such alternative construction ( FIG. 8B ) the thermostatic temperature controls  70  can be omitted and operating temperature of heating elements  60 B is controlled by temperature limiting device such as fuse  74  or other similar device that is utilized in conjunction with resistance heating elements  60 B, which are designed to limit operating temperatures to a predetermined level. 
         [0050]    Grill  10  is designed for use with a standard 120 volt, 60 Hz power source. In the embodiment shown heating elements  60  are designed to operate in the range of 1200-1500 watts. Of course, this wattage rating may vary for a given application and capacity of the grills  10 . 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIG. 9  there is shown another embodiment of the present portable electric grill, indicated generally at  10 ′. In this embodiment the present grill  10 ′ includes a grill housing assembly  20 ′ comprised of an upper housing member  24 ′ and a lower housing member  26 ′ wherein grill plates  27 ′,  29 ′ respectively are received and supported. Grill plates include raised peripheral edges  27   a ′,  29   a ′ ( FIG. 12 ) respectively which function to retain grease drippings from meats and other food items prepared thereon. Grill plates  27 ′,  29 ′ are constructed to be removable from housing members  24 ′,  26 ′ for cleaning purposes. 
         [0052]    Lower housing member  26 ′ is provided with a pair of opposed handholds  32 ′ formed therein to permit the grill  10 ′ to be conveniently grasped and carried by the user to a desired location. Lower housing member  26 ′ also includes a plurality of fixed feet  44 ′ as shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , which support the present grill  10 ′ on a countertop or other suitable surface in a level condition. 
         [0053]    Housing members  24 ′,  26 ′ are fabricated from sheet steel, aluminum, cast iron, or other suitable material and are provided in different exterior finishes such as powder coating, stainless steel, or plated steel. 
         [0054]    The housing assembly  20 ′ provides structures, which comprise articulating means including, but not limited to, the following structures. As shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , housing members  24 ′,  26 ′ are pivotally attached by a pair of hinges, indicated generally at  36 ′, including hinge arms  36   a ′ that are mechanically connected to upper housing member  24 ′ as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . Hinge pins  25 ′ are installed through hinge arms  36   a ′ and are received in a mating pair of hinge lugs  36   b ′, which are attached to lower housing member  26 ′ as shown. In this configuration the housing members  24 ′,  26 ′ with the grill plates  27 ′,  29 ′ installed are foldable 180 degrees about the hinge pins  25 ′ from a closed position to an open position of the present grill  10 ′ as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 12  there is shown an exploded perspective of the present grill  10 ′ showing the interior components thereof in further detail. In this embodiment lower housing member  26 ′ encloses an exhaust fan assembly, indicated generally at  50 ′, including a cylindrical fan wheel  55 ′ which is integrated into the construction of the lower housing member. The air intake for the fan wheel  55 ′ is through a vent plate  23 ′ such that fan wheel  55 ′ draws smoke and cooking fumes generated during use across the plates  27 ′,  29 ′ and into the fan wheel. Fan wheel  55 ′ propels this flow of filtered air through an exhaust vent  49 ′ ( FIG. 12 ) at the rear of the housing  20 ′ and into the atmosphere. Fan wheel  55 ′ is mechanically coupled to a fan motor  52 ′, which is electrically connected to a standard 110 volt power source  79  via On/Off switch  54 ′ as shown schematically in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0056]    Advantageously, vent plate  23 ′ is disposed in overlying relation to an air filter  21 ′ as shown in  FIG. 12 . Air filter  21 ′ is retained in this position by a support plate  28 ′ whereon the air filter resides. The media utilized in the air filter  21 ′ is the physical mechanism for controlling smoke and cooking fumes to permit indoor use of the present grill  10 ′. The media in the air filter  21 ′ ranges from metallic fibers, synthetic fibers, cellulose fibers, and/or multilayer media designed to capture particulate matter of a size range typically encountered in smoke and cooking fumes generated by the present grill  10 ′. 
         [0057]    Grill  10 ′ also provides structures, which comprise heating means including, but not limited to, the following structures. Still referring to  FIG. 12  it can be seen that heating elements  60 ′ are installed adjacent to an underside of grill plates  27 ′,  29 ′ which are constructed from a highly heat conductive material such as cast aluminum, cast iron, steel, or other suitable material for efficient heat transfer. 
         [0058]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , heating elements  60 ′ are constructed of stainless steel tubing or other suitable tubing wherein a resistance heater wire (not shown) is enclosed. Heating elements  60 ′ are attached beneath plates  27 ′,  29 ′ respectively in the positions shown by suitable fasteners and are electrically interconnected to temperature controls. 
         [0059]    The present grill  10 ′ also provides structures, which comprise temperature controlling means including, but not limited to, the following structures. Heating elements  60 ′ are electrically connected to a temperature controller  70 ′ and, in turn, to a power source  79  ( FIG. 17 ) by electrical wiring via power cord  77 ′ ( FIG. 12 ). Temperature controller  70 ′ comprises a thermostatic switch, which can be actuated by control knob  72 ′ to energize the heating elements  60 ′. 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIG. 13  there is shown another embodiment of the present grill, indicated generally at  10 ″. In this embodiment grill  10 ″ includes an exhaust fan module  50 ″ which is detachable from the lower housing member  26 ″ ( FIG. 15 ). As more clearly shown in  FIG. 16  fan module  50 ″ includes a pair of hook-shaped latches, indicated generally at  57 , which are pivotably mounted on fan module  50 ″ as shown. Latches engage mating posts  59  attached to lower housing member  26 ″ to physically connect fan module  50 ″ to the lower housing member  26 ″ when positioned in alignment as shown in  FIG. 13 . Fan module  50 ″ also includes an electrical connector  64  ( FIG. 16 ) that is received in a mating electrical receptacle  66  ( FIG. 17 ) located at the rear of lower housing member  26 ″ which, in turn, is electrically connected to a 110 volt power source  79 . 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 17  there is shown therein a composite schematic representation of the electrical components and circuitry of the present grills  10 ′,  10 ″ including the temperature controller  70 ′, the heating elements  60 ′, fan motor  52 ′, On/Off switch  54 ′, and their associated circuitry. It can be seen that the electrical components also include a temperature limiting device or fuse  74 , which prevents the heating elements  60 ′ from exceeding a predetermined temperature for safety reasons. Optionally, a power indicator light  75 ′ ( FIG. 12 ) is electrically connected to fan motor  52 ′ and to heating elements  60 ′ being illuminated when the fan motor and heating elements are in operation. 
         [0062]    In alternative constructions for each of the present grills  10 ′,  10 ″ shown in composite in  FIG. 17B , heating elements  60 ′ are designed with a specific resistance heater wire, which will produce a precalculated temperature range for cooking food items intended for a particular grill application. In such alternative constructions the thermostatic temperature controller  70 ′ is omitted and the operating temperature of heating elements  60 ′ is controlled by a temperature limiting device such as fuse  74  or other similar device that is utilized in conjunction with resistance heating elements  60 ′, which are designed to limit operating temperatures to a predetermined level. 
         [0063]    Grills  10 ′ and  10 ″ are designed for use with a standard 120 volt, 60 Hz power source. In the embodiments shown heating elements  60 ′ and  60 ″ are designed to operate in the range of 1200-1500 watts. Of course, this wattage rating may vary for a given application and capacity of the grills  10 ′ and  10 ″. 
         [0064]    In operation grills  10 ′ and  10 ″ are disposed in the desired cooking positions shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B  and the On/Off switch  54 ′ is turned “On” to pass the flow of electric current to the temperature controller  70 ′ and the fan motor  52 ′ illuminating indicator light  75 ′. Thereafter, control knob  72 ′ is used to regulate the flow of electric current from the power source  79  via temperature controller  70 ′ to the heating elements  60 ′. Advantageously the present grills  10 ′ and  10 ″ can be operated in the closed position for double-sided grilling of food items such as hamburgers or, alternatively, in an open position for single-sided grilling ( FIGS. 11A and 11B ). 
         [0065]    After use is complete grills  10 ′,  10 ″ are folded to their respective closed positions permitting convenient handling and storage. Grill plates  27 ′,  29 ′ are detachable for cleaning and storage. 
         [0066]    Although not specifically illustrated in the drawings, it should be understood that additional equipment and structural components will be provided as necessary and that all of the components described above are arranged and supported in an appropriate fashion to form a complete and operative foldable electric grill incorporating features of the present invention. 
         [0067]    Moreover, although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, a latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in certain instances some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of invention.