Abstract:
A single free standing apparatus which is operable in conjunction with any number of well known grills to permit preparation of a greatly enhanced foodstuff. The apparatus simultaneously accumulates and causes vaporization of grease and fatty liquids, while enhancing flavor by enveloping the foodstuff in a flavor enhancing aroma, all while spreading heat in a more uniform manner to avoid hot spots on the food stuff.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   Gas grills have become very popular in the last few years. You have a quick clean way to grill food, but it is very hard to cook large pieces of meat and cook fatty cuts without flame-ups and burning the meat or having to tend the food frequently. This system allows you to cook slowly in moist, smoky conditions without fear of flames and cooks very slowly if needed. The food will be moist. It will have a good smoky taste and the slow cooking insures the meat will be tender. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY 
   The apparatus has two components, the large one holds seasonings and water, and it has four drains that allow you to add liquid and the meat drippings and seasonings drain on the burners that create aromatic smoke and steam. This adds flavor and moisture to the meat. The invention moistens the meat instead of drying it out. 
   The second compartment holds wood chips and has holes in the bottom, which allows the heat to go through the chips and creates smoke and adds flavor to the meat. Also, when seasoning and drippings hit the burners, the smoke and steam go through the holes and that adds even more flavor. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention as it would appear to the chef during the cooking process; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the apparatus as it would appear isolated from the grill; 
       FIG. 3  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 2 , with the catch pan shown in some considerable detail, with the grillwork removed; 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a side elevation, sectioned along a vertical plane, for the grill of  FIG. 1 , with the apparatus in place and the cooking process in progress; 
       FIG. 6  is a partial sectional view of the apparatus specifically focused on the drain system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a partial sectional view of the apparatus which is focused on the rear compartment in which flavor enhancements are provided; and, 
       FIG. 8  is a partial sectional view taken along lines  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   With reference now to the drawings, and initially to  FIG. 1 , the environment within which the present invention has particular, although not exclusive, utility is shown. 
   The working portion of a grill is depicted at G and is intended to be representative of any number of back yard and patio type grill designs. The grill includes heating controls  10  and  12  and a platen  14 , of generally well known construction is provided above the heating elements H [ FIG. 5 ]. 
   The apparatus which comprises the invention is shown at  20 , in repose atop the platen  14 . The apparatus  20 , in its simplest form, comprises a catch pan  22 , best seen in  FIG. 3 . While it is shown as rectangular, it may be of any suitable shape, and its depth is a matter of choice. 
   In keeping with the invention, the catch pan  22  is divided into segments. First, there is a relatively large segment, or reservoir,  24 . The reservoir  24  is, in use, filled with water to an appropriate level where it will evaporate to keep foodstuffs moist while it is positioned to catch grease and fatty liquids generated by the cooking of a food stuff F. The grease and fatty liquids, being non solubles in water, will, therefore, remain in a layer on the top of the body of water. 
   A second segment, or flavor enhancer,  26 , typically smaller than the reservoir  24 , is positioned, as shown in  FIG. 2 , at the rear of the reservoir  26  and is intended to receive and house aromatic materials, e.g., wood chips which, when heated by the grill, add to the cooking process by adding flavor to the foodstuffs. A drain  28  is provided to avoid an accumulation of waste liquid. The catch pan  22  is spanned by a grillwork  30 , upon which the foodstuff F is placed for cooking. 
   The apparatus contemplates further enhancements to the foodstuff during the cooking process. More particularly, as grease and fatty liquids fall into the reservoir, the initial water level rises. In order to accommodate this rise in a neat and efficient manner, overflow relief in the nature of stand pipes  32  are provided. The stand pipes  32  are tubular and are secured to the bottom  34  of the pan  22 . While four are shown, any appropriate number may be employed without departure from the invention. The top of each stand pipe is open and are of such height that as the level of the water rises, the layer of grease and fatty liquids fall through the stand pipes and on to the heating elements, where it is vaporized. The vapors envelope the foodstuff and add further to its flavor. 
   Yet another enhancement is contemplated by the addition of heat sinks  38  which are attached to the underside of the grill work  30 . The heat sinks tend to spread the heat more uniformly and avoid hot spots. As a consequence, the foodstuffs being prepared are cooked more uniformly and evenly. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the heating patterns are demonstrated. Heat from the heating elements H permeate the water in the reservoir, and that heat rises to prepare the foodstuff F. Simultaneously, wood chips W, or the like, in the segment  32  are heated and give off a pleasant aroma which likewise permeates the foodstuff F. As further seen by the arrows, grease and fatty liquids accumulated on the surface of the water are drained to the base of the grill and on to the heating elements which then vaporizes that waste material. The resultant vapors, of course, further enhance the flavor imparted to the foodstuff. 
   It will now be appreciated that the free standing apparatus of the present invention provides, in a single package, a highly desirable package of enhancements achieved by the apparatus of the present invention, whereby meats may be smoked, and fish and vegetables may be steamed. One may even bake a cake and cook roasts, hams and turkeys. Indeed, complete meals may be prepared. By virtue of its separateness it is readily cleaned and stored when not in use. 
   While those skilled in the art may perceive minor variations in the apparatus, such variations are within the contemplation of the invention as described by the forthcoming claims, wherein: