Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a modular grilling frame comprising in one example a thermally conductive frame having a longitudinal dimension, a transverse dimension, and a lowermost portion forming a perimeter foot. The modular grilling frame may also provide a transverse divider extending between opposing sides of the perimeter foot. The transverse divider in one example having: a first longitudinal side and a longitudinally opposing second longitudinal side. Also provided in one example is a thermally conductive grilling surface extending between the first longitudinal side of the transverse divider and the portion of the perimeter foot facing the first longitudinal side of the transverse divider. Generally, at least one area bounded by the perimeter foot vertically unobstructed bounded by a surface defining an insert shelf for fitting of a grilling surface such as a griddle panel, grilling panel, perforated plate or mesh panel.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    This disclosure claims priority of and is a continuation in part of patent application 13/653897 filed on Oct. 17, 2012 incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Disclosure 
         [0003]    This disclosure relates to the field of cookware for frying and/or grilling of food on a heat source such as a BBQ grill. 
         [0004]    2. Summary of the Disclosure 
         [0005]    Disclosed herein is a combination griddle and grilling frame comprising in one example a thermally conductive frame having a longitudinal dimension, a transverse dimension, and a lowermost portion forming a perimeter foot. The grilling frame of some examples may also provide a transverse divider extending between opposing sides of the perimeter foot. The transverse when utilized having a first longitudinal side and a longitudinally opposing second longitudinal side. Also provided in some examples is a thermally conductive grilling surface extending between the first longitudinal side of the transverse divider and the portion of the perimeter foot facing the first longitudinal side of the transverse divider. This thermally conductive grilling surface is integral to the frame in some examples, and is removable in other examples. Generally, the area bounded by the second longitudinal perimeter foot and the portion of the perimeter foot facing the second longitudinal side is substantially unobstructed and comprises a surface defining an insert shelf for fitting of a grilling surface such as a planar continuous plate, ridged plate, perforated plate, or mesh panel. 
         [0006]    The combination griddle and grilling frame as recited above may further comprise a perforated plate fitted within and removably resting upon the insert shelf. 
         [0007]    The combination griddle and grilling frame may further comprise a mesh insert fitted within and removably resting upon the insert shelf. 
         [0008]    The mesh insert may also comprise an upper grill perimeter frame; a heat resistant mesh extending across and in contact with the upper grill frame; and a lower grill perimeter frame attached to the upper grill frame and in contact with the perimeter of the heat resistant mesh. 
         [0009]    The combination griddle and grilling frame as recited above may further comprise at least one cross support vertically below the heat resistant mesh. The cross support in contact with a lower surface of the heat resistant mesh, and attached to the lower grill perimeter frame. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the disclosed device with the inserts shown separately for clarity of illustration. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a top view thereof. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a front view thereof with the opposing rear view being a mirror image thereof. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view thereof. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a side view thereof with the opposing side view being a mirror image thereof. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a cutaway view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a detail view of the region  7  of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the disclosed device with a perforated insert shown detached. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view thereof with the insert of  FIG. 8  with the perforated insert in an operable position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a top view thereof. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the disclosed device with a mesh insert shown detached. 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is an isometric view thereof with the insert of  FIG. 11  with the mesh insert in an operable position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a top view thereof. 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the perforated insert. 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is an top view of the mesh insert. 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a side cutaway view of the mesh insert taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is an exploded view of the elements comprising the mesh insert. 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is a front isometric exploded view of another example of the apparatus. 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is an isometric view of the example of  FIG. 18  in one configuration. 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is an isometric view of the example of  FIG. 18  without a cooking panel attached. 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a bottom view of the example of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is a top view of the example of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 23  is a side view of the example of  FIG. 20  with the opposing side view being a mirror image thereof. 
           [0033]      FIG. 24  is a side cutaway view of the example of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 25  is a rear view of the example of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 26  is a front view of the example of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 27  is an isometric view of a cooking panel as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 28  is a top view of the cooking panel shown in  FIG. 27 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 29  is a bottom view of the cooking panel shown in  FIG. 27 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 30  is a side view of the cooking panel shown in  FIG. 27 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 31  is a side cutaway view of the cooking panel shown in  FIG. 27 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 32  is a rear view of the cooking panel shown in  FIG. 27 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 33  is a front view of the cooking panel shown in  FIG. 27 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 34  is an isometric view of a perforated cooking panel as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 35  is a top view of the perforated cooking panel as shown in  FIG. 34 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 36  is a bottom view of the perforated cooking panel as shown in  FIG. 34 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 37  is a side view of the perforated cooking panel as shown in  FIG. 34 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 38  is a side cutaway view of the perforated cooking panel as shown in  FIG. 34 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 39  is a front isometric exploded view of another example of the apparatus. 
           [0049]      FIG. 40  is an isometric view of the example of  FIG. 39  in one configuration. 
           [0050]      FIG. 41  is an isometric view of the apparatus of  FIG. 40  without a cooking panel attached. 
           [0051]      FIG. 42  is a bottom view of the apparatus of  FIG. 41   
           [0052]      FIG. 43  is a top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 41 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 44  is a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 41 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 45  is a front cutaway view of the apparatus of  FIG. 41 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 46  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 41  with the opposing side view being a mirror image thereof. 
           [0056]      FIG. 47  is a side cutaway view of the apparatus of  FIG. 41 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 48  is an isometric view of a grilling insert component of  FIG. 39 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 49  is a top view of the component of  FIG. 48 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 50  is a bottom view of the component of  FIG. 48 . 
           [0060]      FIG. 51  is a front view of the component of  FIG. 48 . 
           [0061]      FIG. 52  is a front cutaway view of the component of  FIG. 48 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 53  is a rear view of the component of  FIG. 48 . 
           [0063]      FIG. 54  is a right side view of the component of  FIG. 48 . 
           [0064]      FIG. 55  is a left side view of the component of  FIG. 48 . 
           [0065]      FIG. 56  is an isometric view of a griddle insert component of  FIG. 39 . 
           [0066]      FIG. 57  is top view of the component of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0067]      FIG. 58  is bottom view of the component of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0068]      FIG. 59  is a front view of the component of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0069]      FIG. 60  is a front cutaway view of the component of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0070]      FIG. 61  is a rear view of the component of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0071]      FIG. 62  is a right side view of the component of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0072]      FIG. 63  is a left side view of the component of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0073]      FIG. 64  is an isometric view of a griddle insert component of  FIG. 39 . 
           [0074]      FIG. 65  is top view of the component of  FIG. 64 . 
           [0075]      FIG. 66  is bottom view of the component of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0076]      FIG. 67  is a front view of the component of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0077]      FIG. 68  is a front cutaway view of the component of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0078]      FIG. 69  is a rear view of the component of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0079]      FIG. 70  is a right side view of the component of  FIG. 56 . 
           [0080]      FIG. 71  is a left side view of the component of  FIG. 56 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0081]    Disclosed herein is a device in several examples to be used upon the cooking surface of a barbecue grill although it may possibly be used in an oven, over a campfire, stovetop or other heating source. Generally speaking, the modular grill frame with inserts comprises two separable components. The first component being a frame portion  22 , the second component is an insert to fit within the frame portion  22 . This first longitudinal side defining a grill portion  24 . In the example of  FIGS. 1 , the opposing longitudinal side of the frame  22  comprises a griddle portion  26 . In use, it can be very convenient to utilize this apparatus for cooking when it is desired to simultaneously or nearly simultaneously cook items on a griddle and on a grill. For instance when it is desired to fry onions on a griddle, and grill hamburgers or other meats on a grate, and then serve the fried onions on the surface of the meat. The term “grate” used herein to cover perforated, mesh, rail, and equivalent cooking surfaces. 
         [0082]    Before continuing with the detailed description, an axes system  10  is disclosed. The axes system comprising a vertical axis  12 , a transverse or lateral axis  14 , and a longitudinal axis  16 .  FIG. 20  also shows a radial axis  18  centered upon the circumferential center of this example of a frame  22 A. These axes are intended for use in description and are not intended to limit the device to a particular orientation which may change, such as when the apparatus is not being used as a cooking utensil. 
         [0083]    Looking to  FIG. 1 , the frame portion  22  can be easily seen comprising a grill portion  24  and a griddle portion  26 . A transverse divider  28  may be provided to clearly separate the grill portion  24  from the griddle portion  26  so as to keep foodstuffs cooked on either side from prematurely combining. The transverse divider  28  has a first longitudinal side  60  adjacent the grill portion  24 , and a second longitudinal side  62  adjacent the griddle portion  26 . Additionally, this example of the frame portion  22  comprises sidewalls  30  and end walls  32 . A plurality of handles  34  are also shown in this example on opposing sides of the frame. These handles  34  are very useful for repositioning the apparatus after cooking for example to move the cooked food from the heat source to a serving table while the food and possibly the frame are still hot. Generally speaking, foodstuffs are commonly cooked directly on a grilling surface such as the grate of a barbecue grill and then removed therefrom with a fork, spatula, tongs etc. onto a serving plate or similar apparatus. The serving plate is then transferred to the serving table. Often, the food is placed on a cold serving plate which clearly reduces the temperature thereof. Such temperature reduction prior to serving is normally not desired. Thus, by providing cookware which can be cooked directly thereupon, and then transferred directly to a serving table with the food still thereon, the cookware retains the heat collected during cooking and reduces thermal losses during transportation. If thermally insulated handles or handle covers are not provided, a thermally insulating pot holder, glove etc. may be used to protect the cook and the serving table surface. 
         [0084]    To enhance the thermal retention and thermal transmission aspects of the overall apparatus, the apparatus may be cast of iron, aluminum, heat transmitting glass, polymers, or other materials provided that sufficient rigidity and thermal transmission is considered in material selection. It will be desired that in high heat applications, the material comprising the apparatus not be negatively affected by heat. To ease in manufacture and to provide a rigid and aesthetically pleasing apparatus, the entire frame portion  22  optionally including the griddle portion  26 , may be cast as a unitary structure. The term “unitary structure” used herein defines an object which is substantially homogenous in the construction material and free from fasteners, welds, and other such attachment methods and apparatus. 
         [0085]    Looking to the cross sectional view of  FIG. 6 , it can be seen how the griddle portion  26  comprises a substantially planar (flat and residing in a plane) grilling surface  36 . Additionally, outward of the perimeter edge  38  may be provided a recess comprising a grease channel  40  between the grilling surface  36  and the end wall  32 . The grease channel  40  may also be provided between the grilling surface  36  and the sidewalls  30  as well as between the grilling surface  36  and a second longitudinal side the transverse divider  28 . In some applications, surfaces  42  defining drain holes  44  may be provided in the bottom of the grease channel  40  to allow grease, and other fluids to drain out of the grease channel  40 . Where the apparatus may be used more exclusively on a stovetop for example, it may be desired to retain the fluids, and these drain holes  44  may not be provided. 
         [0086]      FIG. 6  also quite clearly shows a perimeter foot  48  which encircles the apparatus such that the apparatus rests upon the perimeter foot  48  when it is placed on a planar or overall planar surface such as a flat tabletop, parallel surface bars or a grate of a barbecue grill etc. As can be seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , there may be provided a vertical offset  50  between the perimeter foot  48  and the lower surface  52  of the grilling surface  36 . In one example, this vertical offset allows the grilling surface  36  to be cast in a relatively thin sheet while the structure of the perimeter foot  48  provides sufficient rigidity to the overall apparatus. 
         [0087]    Looking to  FIG. 6 , it can be seen how in this embodiment, the transverse divider  28  extends vertically above a center foot  54 . 
         [0088]    The perimeter foot  54  can also be easily seen in the bottom view of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 6  also shows how in this embodiment, the transverse divider  28  extends vertically above the center foot  54  and the grease channel  40 , but does not extend to the upper edge  56  of the frame portion  22 . In other examples, the transverse divider may extend vertically to the upper edge  56  of the frame portion  22 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 6  also shows an insert shelf  58  which extends inward from the transverse divider  28  toward the center or open region  86  of the grill portion  24 . This open region  86  providing unrestricted exposure of the bottom of the underside of the cooking insert to the heat source below the overall assembly. This example of the insert shelf  58  also extends from the first longitudinal side  60  of the transverse divider  28  and as can be seen in  FIG. 2  extends inward towards the open region  86  from the end wall  32   b.  The insert shelf  58  may also or alternatively extend inward from the sidewalls  30 . 
         [0090]    A numbering system is used herein wherein a general element is disclosed and described with a numeric identifier and when substantially identical elements are provided, they may be distinguished with an alphabetic suffix. For example, the end walls are numbered  32  whereas the end wall nearest the grill portion is labeled  32   b  and the end wall nearest the griddle portion  26  is labeled  32   a.    
         [0091]    The grill portion  24  is not substantially useful without at least one cooking insert to provide a cooking surface thereupon. Looking to  FIG. 8 , a perforated plate insert  62  is provided comprising a perimeter edge  64  having smaller width and length dimensions than the interior width and length dimensions between opposing vertical surfaces  66  adjacent the insert shelf  58 . This example of a perforated plate insert  62  comprises a rigid plate  68  having sufficient rigidity to span the gap between opposing portions of the insert shelf  58  while food is being cooked thereupon. The plate  68  in this example comprises a plurality of perforations  70  there through to allow fluids to pass there through and to increase thermal conductivity between the heat source and the food placed upon the plate  68 . Looking to  FIG. 9 , it can be seen how the insert  62  has been fitted into the grill portion  24  of the modular griddle and grill frame with inserts  20 . Due to thermal expansion differences between the construction or material of the frame portion  22  and the insert  62 , it may be desired to leave a gap  70  between the insert  62  and the vertical surfaces  66  adjacent the insert shelf  58 . While this gap  70  may allow a slight repositioning of the insert  62  upon the insert shelf  58 , such movement would not be significant and could be easily overcome. Support rails, corrugations, or other structures may be incorporated to increase the rigidity of the perforated plate  68 . 
         [0092]    Looking to  FIG. 11 , a mesh insert  72  is provided comprising a perimeter edge  74  also having smaller width and length dimensions than the interior width and length dimensions between opposing vertical surfaces  66  adjacent the insert shelf  58 . This example of a mesh insert  72  comprises several interoperating components as shown in  FIG. 17 . Also, it is conceived as a single mesh component similar to that of element  76  of  FIG. 17  may have sufficient rigidity to span the gap between opposing sides of the insert shelf  58 . 
         [0093]      FIG. 17  shows a particular example of the mesh insert  72  with a perimeter edge  74  wherein the mesh insert  72  comprises several interoperating components to add aesthetic value, rigidity, and aid in cleaning of the insert  72 . While several different combinations are possible, the insert  72  shown in  FIG. 17  comprises an upper grill perimeter frame  78  fitted above a heat resistant mesh  76  and both of these elements may be fitted above a lower grill frame  80  which may have cross frames  82  welded or otherwise attached thereto. In one form, once in place the upper grill perimeter frame  78  is crimped around the edges of the heat resistant mesh  76  and lower grill frame  80 . In this example, the lower grill frame  80  is substantially cylindrical in cross section including the cross frames  82 . As previously defined relative to the perforated plate insert  62 , a gap  84  may be provided between the perimeter edge  74  of the insert  72  and the vertical surfaces  66  of the frame portion  22 . 
         [0094]    As the mesh insert  72  would likely have very little thermal expansion, the gap  84  may not be necessary. 
         [0095]    One additional benefit of this apparatus is that the grilling surfaces (grate) of barbecue grills etc. often need to be replaced due to wear, heat abuse, and oxidation enhanced by heat and food particles retaining moisture. With this disclosed apparatus, it is a relatively simple method and apparatus to replace the insert of the grill portion  24  at will as it is relatively small. As the apparatus  20  can be utilized on barbecue grills of many different sizes, shapes and configurations, this may significantly reduce or eliminate the need to replace the BBQ grate. Specifically, where a barbecue grill may be out dated, use of the disclosed apparatus  20  can allow a user to cook upon a clean and substantially undamaged surface. 
         [0096]    Additionally, due to the ease of removal and reduced size of the grill portion  22 , it may be convenient for the user to remove the insert and clean it using a dishwasher or equivalent apparatus where this is substantially not possible with most barbecue grill surfaces. 
         [0097]      FIGS. 18-36  show a similar apparatus of a modular grill frame with inserts  120 . In this example, components similar to those of the other examples have similar labels with a 1 prefix. For example, the perimeter frame  122  of this example is similar to the perimeter frame  22  of the first example. It is also to be understood that concepts and components of the other examples may be interchanged with the concepts and components of this example. 
         [0098]    In this example the insert shelf  158  comprises a ridge  188  which cooperates with a perimeter ridge  190  of the perforated plate  162 , perimeter ridge  192  of the grilling panel  194 , or similar perimeter ridges of other cooking inserts. The perimeter ridge  192 / 194  of the cooking insert fits radially outward of the ridge  188  and in cooperation therewith holds the cooking insert  162 / 194 /etc in proper position. 
         [0099]    This example also shows a reversible grilling panel  194  having a perimeter ridge  192  on a first vertical side  195  and second vertical side  196  thereof. The first vertical side having vertically projecting grilling ridges  197  projecting therefrom. The second vertical side of this example has a smooth, planar, non-permeable plate cooking surface  136 . The smooth, planar, non-permeable plate cooking surface is used as the griddle  36  of the pervious example. 
         [0100]    In this example, the sidewall  130  has an opening therein. This opening providing easy access to the grilling panel  194 , perforated plate  162 , or mesh plate. For example,  FIG. 18  clearly shows that an example where a lifting and carrying handle is provided on the grilling panel  194  which is easily accessed via the opening in the sidewall  130 . 
         [0101]      FIGS. 39-71  show another example, substantially a combination of the previous examples where labels where components similar to those previously shown have a numeral  2  prefix. The perimeter frame  222  similar to the perimeter frame  22  of the previous example and having many of the details disclosed above. On difference being that the transverse divider  228  divides the perimeter frame  222  into two open regions  286   a / 286   b.  Grilling inserts such as the grilling panel  294  having vertically projecting ridges  297 , a perforated plate  262 , and/or a griddle surface  236  may be interchangeably inserted in either side  286   a / 286   b  of the device as desired. This can be accomplished in that each of the inserts has a substantially identical perimeter sidewall and thus can be interchanged. A kit may be provided to a customer containing to of each of the grilling panel  294  having vertically projecting ridges  297 , a perforated plate  262 , mesh plate  72 , and griddle surface  236  to allow the customer the widest variety of options. 
         [0102]    Each of the cooking inserts as shown may have a cutout corner  298  for easy removal of the insert from the perimeter frame  222 . 
         [0103]    While the present invention is illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments are described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications within the scope of the appended claims will readily appear to those sufficed in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants&#39; general concept.