Patent Publication Number: US-2021164649-A1

Title: Adjustable gas grill burner and method of making and using the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/068,312 filed on Mar. 6, 2008 and entitled “ADJUSTABLE GAS GRILL BURNER AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME”, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to gas grill burners and methods of making and using gas grill burners. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Gas grill parts, in particular, gas grill burner parts, need to be replaced periodically due to wear and/or corrosion. With the numerous configurations and sizes of gas grills, the current market of replacement gas grill burner parts consists of a substantial number of grill replacement parts. Further, given the age and wear of some gas grill burner parts, as well as the substantial number of possible replacement gas grill burner parts, the choice of a given replacement part for a gas grill burner part, can be a difficult process for grill owners. 
     There is a need in the art for an adjustable gas grill burner that can be adjusted in length so as to be operatively adapted to function in a variety of gas grills. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention addresses some of the difficulties and problems discussed above by the discovery of an adjustable gas grill burner. The disclosed adjustable gas grill burner can be adjusted in length so as to be operatively adapted to function in a variety of gas grills. 
     In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable gas grill burner comprises (I) a first tubular member having a first tubular wall, a first tubular wall inner surface, a first tubular wall outer surface, a first tubular wall thickness extending from the first tubular wall inner surface to the first tubular wall outer surface, a first tubular member first end operatively adapted to engage with a gas source, and a first tubular member second end opposite the first tubular member first end, the first tubular member second end being open; and (II) a second tubular member having a second tubular wall, a second tubular wall inner surface, a second tubular wall outer surface, a second tubular wall thickness extending from the second tubular wall inner surface to the second tubular wall outer surface, a second tubular member first end engagable with the first tubular member second end, and a second tubular member second end opposite the second tubular member first end, the second tubular member second end being closed; wherein the first tubular member or the second tubular member comprises two rows of aligned gas outlet holes extending through the first or second tubular wall thickness, the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes being positioned along opposite sides and along a length of the first or second tubular member, and wherein the first tubular member and the second tubular member are engagable with one another so as to adjustably block one or more gas outlet holes within the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the adjustable gas grill burner comprises (i) a first tubular member having a first tubular wall, a first tubular wall inner surface, a first tubular wall outer surface, a first tubular wall thickness extending from the first tubular wall inner surface to the first tubular wall outer surface, a first tubular member first end operatively adapted to engage with a gas source, and a first tubular member second end opposite the first tubular member first end, the first tubular member second end being open; and (ii) a second tubular member having a second tubular wall, a second tubular wall inner surface, a second tubular wall outer surface, a second tubular wall thickness extending from the second tubular wall inner surface to the second tubular wall outer surface, two rows of aligned gas outlet holes extending through the second tubular wall thickness, the two rows being positioned along opposite sides and along a length of the second tubular member, a second tubular member first end engagable with the first tubular member second end, and a second tubular member second end opposite the second tubular member first end, the second tubular member second end being closed; wherein the first tubular member and the second tubular member are engagable with one another so as to adjustably block one or more gas outlet holes within the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment, the adjustable gas grill burner comprises (i) a first tubular member having a first tubular wall, a first tubular wall inner surface, a first tubular wall outer surface, a first tubular wall thickness extending from the first tubular wall inner surface to the first tubular wall outer surface, two rows of aligned gas outlet holes extending through the first tubular wall thickness, the two rows being positioned along opposite sides and along a length of the first tubular member, a first tubular member first end operatively adapted to engage with a gas source, and a first tubular member second end opposite the first tubular member first end, the first tubular member second end being open; and (ii) a second tubular member having a second tubular wall, a second tubular wall inner surface, a second tubular wall outer surface, a second tubular wall thickness extending from the second tubular wall inner surface to the second tubular wall outer surface, a second tubular member first end engagable with the first tubular member second end, and a second tubular member second end opposite the second tubular member first end, the second tubular member second end being closed; wherein the first tubular member and the second tubular member are engagable with one another so as to adjustably block one or more gas outlet holes within the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes. 
     The present invention is also directed to methods of making adjustable gas grill burners. In one exemplary method, the method of making an adjustable gas grill burner comprises (i) forming a first tubular member having a first tubular wall, a first tubular wall inner surface, a first tubular wall outer surface, a first tubular wall thickness extending from the first tubular wall inner surface to the first tubular wall outer surface, a first tubular member first end operatively adapted to engage with a gas source, and a first tubular member second end opposite the first tubular member first end, the first tubular member second end being open; and (ii) forming a second tubular member having a second tubular wall, a second tubular wall inner surface, a second tubular wall outer surface, a second tubular wall thickness extending from the second tubular wall inner surface to the second tubular wall outer surface, a second tubular member first end engagable with the first tubular member second end, and a second tubular member second end opposite the second tubular member first end, the second tubular member second end being closed; wherein the first tubular member or the second tubular member comprises two rows of aligned gas outlet holes extending through the first or second tubular wall thickness, the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes being positioned along opposite sides and along a length of the first or second tubular member, and wherein the first tubular member and the second tubular member are engagable with one another so as to adjustably block one or more gas outlet holes within the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes. 
     In a further exemplary method, the method of making an adjustable gas grill burner comprises (i) providing a first tubular member having a first tubular wall, a first tubular wall inner surface, a first tubular wall outer surface, a first tubular wall thickness extending from the first tubular wall inner surface to the first tubular wall outer surface, two rows of aligned gas outlet holes extending through the first tubular wall thickness, the two rows being positioned along opposite sides and along a length of the first tubular member, a first tubular member first end operatively adapted to engage with a gas source, and a first tubular member second end opposite the first tubular member first end, the first tubular member second end being open; and (ii) providing a second tubular member having a second tubular wall, a second tubular wall inner surface, a second tubular wall outer surface, a second tubular wall thickness extending from the second tubular wall inner surface to the second tubular wall outer surface, a second tubular member first end engagable with the first tubular member second end, and a second tubular member second end opposite the second tubular member first end, the second tubular member second end being closed; wherein the first tubular member and the second tubular member are engagable with one another so as to adjustably block one or more gas outlet holes within the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes. 
     The above exemplary methods for making an adjustable gas grill burner may further comprise one or more additional method steps including, but not limited to, engaging the first tubular member with the second tubular member, and adjusting a position of the first tubular member relative to the second tubular member so as to adjustably block, as desired, one or more gas outlet holes within the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes. 
     The present invention is even further directed to methods of using adjustable gas grill burners. In one exemplary method of using an adjustable gas grill burner incorporating one of the disclosed adjustable gas grill burners into a gas grill. The exemplary method of using an adjustable gas grill burner may further comprise one or more additional method steps including, but not limited to, supplying natural gas or any other combustible gas to the first tubular member of the adjustable gas grill burner; and igniting the natural gas or other combustible gas. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a review of the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary adjustable gas grill burner of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  depicts an exemplary first tubular member suitable for use in the exemplary adjustable gas grill burner of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2B  depicts a view of a first end of the exemplary first tubular member shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  depicts a view of a second end of the exemplary first tubular member shown in  FIG. 2A , wherein a portion of the second end is covered with a sealing material; 
         FIG. 2D  depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary first tubular member shown in  FIG. 2A  as view along line “D-D” shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3A  depict an exemplary second tubular member suitable for use in the exemplary adjustable gas grill burner of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3B  depicts a top view of an exemplary second end of the exemplary second tubular member shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  depicts a view of an exemplary second end of the exemplary second tubular member shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3D  depicts a view of another exemplary second end of the exemplary second tubular member shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3E  depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary second tubular member shown in  FIG. 3A  as view along line “E-E” shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4  depicts another exemplary adjustable gas grill burner of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  depicts another exemplary adjustable gas grill burner of the present invention wherein the first tubular member has a substantially similar outer cross-sectional area extending along a length of the first tubular member; 
         FIG. 5B  depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary first tubular member shown in  FIG. 5A  as view along line “E-E” shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary first tubular member shown in  FIG. 5A  as view along line “F-F” shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5D  depicts an exemplary insert for changing an inner cross-sectional area along an inner surface of the first tubular member shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5E  depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary first tubular member shown in  FIG. 5A  as view within a plane containing lines “E-E” and “F-F” shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  depicts a side view of another exemplary first tubular member having a thin neck portion extending along a length of the first tubular member; 
         FIG. 6B  depicts a top view of the exemplary first tubular member shown in  FIG. 6A  as view in a direction shown by arrow G; 
         FIG. 6C  depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary first tubular member shown in  FIG. 6A  as view along line “H-H” shown in  FIG. 6B ; and 
         FIG. 6D  depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary first tubular member shown in  FIG. 6A  as view along line “J-J” shown in  FIG. 6B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     To promote an understanding of the principles of the present invention, descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention follow and specific language is used to describe the specific embodiments. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended by the use of specific language. Alterations, further modifications, and such further applications of the principles of the present invention discussed are contemplated as would normally occur to one ordinarily skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. 
     The present invention is directed to adjustable gas grill burners. The present invention is further directed to methods of making adjustable gas grill burners, as well as methods of using adjustable gas grill burners in gas grills. One exemplary adjustable gas grill burner of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , exemplary adjustable gas grill burner  10  comprises a first tubular member  1  engaged with a second tubular member  2 . In this exemplary embodiment, first tubular member  1  slides inside second tubular member  2  in a direction as shown by arrow A. A position of first tubular member  1  relative to second tubular member  2  may cause blockage of one or more gas outlet holes  3  (and  3 ′ shown in  FIG. 3B ) positioned along and through a second tubular member wall of second tubular member  2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , exemplary adjustable gas grill burner  10  of the present invention may comprise a number of components and component features. A description of possible adjustable gas grill burner components, configurations and parameters is provided below. 
     I. Adjustable Gas Grill Burner Components 
     The adjustable gas grill burners of the present invention comprise a number of components, which result in an adjustable gas grill burner capable of use in gas grills having varying dimensions. A description of adjustable gas grill burner components is provided below. It should be noted that the adjustable gas grill burners of the present invention may include additional components other than those specifically described below. 
     A. First Tubular Member 
     The adjustable gas grill burners of the present invention comprise at least one first tubular member such as exemplary first tubular member  1  of exemplary adjustable gas grill burner  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . Referring to exemplary first tubular member  1  as shown in  FIG. 2A , exemplary first tubular member  1  has a first tubular wall  11  shown in  FIG. 2D , which depicts a cross-sectional view of exemplary first tubular member  1  along line D-D shown in  FIG. 2A , a first tubular wall inner surface  14 , a first tubular wall outer surface  15 , a first tubular wall thickness, t wfm , extending from first tubular wall inner surface  14  to first tubular wall outer surface  15 , a first tubular member first end  16  having an opening  161  therein that is operatively adapted to engage with a gas source (not shown), and a first tubular member second end  17  opposite first tubular member first end  16 , wherein first tubular member second end  17  is open. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2C , exemplary first tubular member  1  may comprise mirror-image slots  18  and  18 ′ within first tubular wall  11  with each slot  18  and  18 ′ extending a slot distance d 1  from first tubular member second end  17  toward first tubular member first end  16 . Each slot  18  and  18 ′ has a slot mouth  19  (and  19 ′) along first tubular member second end  17  that is wider than a slot end  20  (and  20 ′) positioned within first tubular wall  11 . Each slot  18  and  18 ′ may have a right triangle shape (as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2C ) with each slot mouth  19  (and  19 ′) and each slot distance d 1  (i.e., a distance extending along a length of exemplary first tubular member  1 ) representing sides of the right triangle that form a 90° angle. 
     Exemplary first tubular member  1  may further comprise an adjustable air shutter  22  operatively adapted to control air flow into first tubular member  1  proximate first tubular member first end  16  as shown in  FIG. 2A . Adjustable air shutter  22  may be rotated along first tubular wall outer surface  15  so as to increase or decrease the size of air opening  23 . A fastening member  13  (e.g., a screw) may be used to secure adjustable air shutter  22  in a fixed or locked position (i.e., to maintain a substantially constant air flow into air opening  23 ). As discussed further below in reference to  FIG. 5 , adjustable air shutter  22  may have a different configuration in which adjustable air shutter  22  slides along a length of first tubular wall outer surface  15  so as to increase or decrease the size of air opening  23 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , exemplary first tubular member  1  may comprise a neck portion  7 . Neck portion  7  has a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of first tubular member  1  along a majority of the length of first tubular member  1  (i.e., the cross-sectional area of neck portion  7  is less than the cross-sectional area of first tubular member  1  at point  61 , at point  62 , at first tubular member first end  16 , and at first tubular member second end  17 ). It is believed that neck portion  7  provides improved fuel flow along a length of exemplary first tubular member  1  due to a venturi effect. 
     It should be understood that other configurations may be used to provide a reduced cross-sectional area within first tubular member  1  along a length of first tubular member  1  (as discussed further below in reference to  FIG. 5 ). For example, in an alternative embodiment, first tubular member  1  may have a substantially constant outer diameter (i.e., a substantially similar outer cross-sectional area extending along a length of first tubular member  1 ) with a reduced cross-sectional area within first tubular member  1  along a length of first tubular member  1 . The reduced cross-sectional area may be formed by any method including, but not limited to, (i) providing a first tubular wall thickness, t wfm , that increases so as to form a region within first tubular member  1  having a reduced inner cross-sectional area, and (ii) providing an insert positioned within first tubular member  1  such that an inner surface of the insert form a region within first tubular member  1  having a reduced inner cross-sectional area. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , exemplary first tubular member  1  may also comprise a valve fitting  12  along first tubular member first end  16  to facilitate connection of exemplary first tubular member  1  to a gas source (not shown). 
     As shown in  FIG. 2C , exemplary first tubular member  1  may further comprise a sealing material  21  (e.g., a heat resistant gasket material or an O-ring) extending around and along a portion of first tubular wall outer surface  15 . Sealing material  21  may be used, when needed, to form a tight seal between first tubular wall outer surface  15  of exemplary first tubular member  1  and exemplary second tubular member  2  (described in more detail below). In other embodiments, sealing material  21  is not necessary due to the tight fit between exemplary first tubular member  1  and exemplary second tubular member  2 . Desirably, sealing material  21  is not necessary due to the tight fit between exemplary first tubular member  1  and exemplary second tubular member  2 . 
     In an alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , exemplary first tubular member  41  may comprise one or more of the above-mentioned features, as well as two rows of aligned gas outlet holes  43  (and  43 ′, not shown) extending through a first tubular wall thickness of exemplary first tubular member  41  and along a length of exemplary first tubular member  41 . 
       FIG. 5A  depicts another exemplary adjustable gas grill burner of the present invention wherein the first tubular member has a substantially similar outer cross-sectional area extending along a length of the first tubular member. As shown in  FIG. 5A , first tubular member  51  has a substantially constant outer diameter (i.e., a substantially similar outer cross-sectional area extending along a length of first tubular member  1 ) with a reduced cross-sectional area as shown by dashed lines  71  within first tubular member  51 . In this exemplary embodiment, an insert  55  is positioned within first tubular member  51  such that an inner surface  58  of insert  55  forms a reduced cross-sectional area within first tubular member  51  (i.e., forms dashed lines  71  as shown in  FIG. 5A ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , a cross-sectional view of exemplary first tubular member  51  as view along line “E-E” shown in  FIG. 5A  has a first tubular wall thickness, t wfm1 . As shown in  FIG. 5C , a cross-sectional view of exemplary first tubular member  51  as view along line “F-F” shown in  FIG. 5A  has a second tubular wall thickness, t wfm2 , wherein second tubular wall thickness, t wfm2 , is greater than first tubular wall thickness, t wfm1 . 
       FIG. 5D  provides a view of exemplary insert  55 . As shown in  FIG. 5D , exemplary insert  55  may have a tubular shape with a first end  75 , a second end  85  opposite first end  75 , an inner surface  58 , an outer surface  57 , and a channel  59  extending thru exemplary insert  55  along inner surface  58 . In some exemplary embodiments, exemplary insert  55  may have arc-shaped inner and outer surfaces  58  and  57  as shown in  FIG. 5D , In such exemplary embodiments, exemplary insert  55  may be affixed to (e.g., welded to) inner surface  14  of exemplary first tubular member  51  at edges  56  along first and second ends  75  and  85 . 
       FIG. 5E  depicts a cross-sectional view of exemplary first tubular member  51  as view within a plane containing lines “E-E” and “F-F” shown in  FIG. 5A . As shown in  FIG. 5E , exemplary insert  55  is positioned along inner surface  14  of exemplary first tubular member  51  such that inner surface  58  of insert  55  forms a reduced inner cross-sectional area for controlled fluid flow thru exemplary first tubular member  51 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5A , exemplary first tubular member  50  further comprises adjustable air shutter  22 , which is movable in direction along a length of exemplary first tubular member  51  as shown by arrow A. In this exemplary embodiment, fastening member  13  (e.g., a screw) may be used to secure adjustable air shutter  22  in a fixed or locked position (i.e., to maintain a substantially constant air flow into air opening  23 ). 
       FIGS. 6A-6B  depict side and top views, respectively, of another exemplary first tubular member suitable for use in the adjustable gas grill burners of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , exemplary first tubular member  61  has a thin neck portion  67  extending from end  16  a distance d 4  along a length of exemplary first tubular member  61  to a transition region  69 . Within transition region  69 , thin neck portion  67  expands into an end region  68  (i.e., positioned between transition region  69  and second end  17 ) having a maximum flow area cross-sectional configuration extending along a length of exemplary first tubular member  61 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , exemplary first tubular member  61  comprises air opening  23  extending thru side walls  67  proximate first end  16 . Exemplary first tubular member  61  also comprises adjustable air shutter  22  surrounding a portion of outer surface  15  and being movable along outer surface  15  in a direction as shown by arrow A so as to control an amount of air flow through air opening  23 . Screw holes/slots  131  may be used to fix air shutter  22  at a desired position along outer surface  15  with, for example, a screw  13 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6C , exemplary first tubular member  61  has a thin neck flow area  671  when view along line “H-H” shown in  FIG. 6B . As shown in  FIG. 6D , exemplary first tubular member  61  has an expanded (i.e., a maximum) cross-sectional flow area  155  when view along line “J-J” shown in  FIG. 6B . In this exemplary embodiment, exemplary first tubular member  61  has a minimum dimension d 6  extending perpendicular to cross-sectional flow area  671  in region  66 , and an increased (i.e., greater) minimum dimension d 7  extending perpendicular to cross-sectional flow area  155  in region  68 . 
     It should be noted that exemplary first tubular member  51  and exemplary first tubular member  61  shown in  FIGS. 5A-6D  may be used in combination with any of the herein described exemplary second tubular members. Further, although not shown in  FIGS. 5A-6D , exemplary first tubular member  51  and exemplary first tubular member  61  may each independently comprise additional features such one or more rows of aligned gas outlet holes (i.e., similar to aligned gas outlet holes  43  and  43 ′ shown in exemplary first tubular member  41  of  FIG. 4 ) and one or more rows of carry-over outlet holes (i.e., carry-over outlet holes  6  described below). 
     B. Second Tubular Member 
     The adjustable gas grill burners of the present invention comprise at least one second tubular member such as exemplary second tubular member  2  of exemplary adjustable gas grill burner  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . Referring to exemplary second tubular member  2  as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3E , exemplary second tubular member  2  has a second tubular wall  24 , a second tubular wall inner surface  25 , a second tubular wall outer surface  26 , a second tubular wall thickness, t wsm , extending from second tubular wall inner surface  25  to second tubular wall outer surface  26 , two rows of aligned gas outlet holes  3  (and  3 ′) extending through second tubular wall  24  and along a length of second tubular member  2 , a second tubular member first end  5  engagable with first tubular member second end  17 , and a second tubular member second end  4  opposite second tubular member first end  5 , wherein second tubular member second end  4  is closed. 
     Each of the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes  3  and  3 ′ may extend a full length of second tubular member  2  or may extend along any portion of second tubular member  2  other than the full length (i.e., any length less than the full length). It should be understood that although two rows of aligned gas outlet holes  3  and  3 ′ are shown, exemplary second tubular member  2  could comprise more than two rows of aligned gas outlet holes. 
     First tubular member  1  and second tubular member  2  are engagable with one another so as to adjustably block one or more gas outlet holes within the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes  3  and  3 ′. Typically, at least a portion of first tubular wall outer surface  15  contacts at least a portion of second tubular wall inner surface  25 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , exemplary second tubular member  2  may further comprise a row of carry-over outlet holes  6  extending through second tubular wall  24  and along at least a portion of an outer periphery (e.g., ½ of the outer periphery distance) of second tubular member  2  (i.e., in a direction substantially perpendicular to plurality of aligned gas outlet holes  3  and  3 ′). Carry-over outlet holes  6  may be used to connect the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes  3  and  3 ′ to one another and to facilitate lighting of fuel within second tubular member  2  as needed. It should be noted that one or more rows of carry-over outlet holes  6  may be positioned along any portion of the outer periphery of second tubular member  2  along a length of second tubular member  2 . Further, it should be noted that second tubular member  2  may comprise more than one row of carry-over outlet holes  6  to connect the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes  3  and  3 ′ to one another. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, outlet holes  3  and  3 ′ have substantially the same size, a first hole size, along exemplary second tubular member  2 . In other exemplary embodiments, a majority of outlet holes  3  and  3 ′ have substantially the same first hole size, while one or more outlet holes  3  and  3 ′ along exemplary second tubular member  2  have a second hole size greater than the first hole size, For example, in some embodiments, it may be advantageous for outlet holes  3  and  3 ′ at positions  72  (i.e., the intersection of outlet holes  3  and  3 ′ and carry-over outlet holes  6  shown in  FIGS. 3A and 5A ) and  73  (i.e., the last outlet holes  3  and  3 ′ along exemplary second tubular member  2  positioned away from second tubular member first end  5  shown in  FIGS. 3A and 5A ) to have a second hole size greater than a first hole size for the remaining holes  3  and  3 ′. It is believed that, in some embodiments, flame distribution along outlet holes  3  and  3 ′ and carry-over outlet holes  6  is improved along exemplary second tubular member  2  utilizing larger outlet holes  3  and  3 ′ at positions  72  and  73 . 
     Second tubular member second end  4  may comprise an attachment feature  27  (e.g., a hole) operatively adapted to attach exemplary second tubular member  2  to a grill or a grill component (not shown) so as to secure second tubular member second end  4  (and exemplary second tubular member  2 ) to the grill. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3B , one exemplary second tubular member second end  4  may comprise a hinged end piece  29  integrally connected to second tubular member second end  4  (e.g., via a welding step or a hole-forming step), wherein hinged end piece  29  has thereon an attachment feature  30  (e.g., a hole) operatively adapted to attach to a grill or grill component (not shown) so as to attach second tubular member second end  4  (and exemplary second tubular member  2 ) to the grill. Hinged end piece  29  may comprise one or more hinges  28  extending across a width of closed second tubular member second end  4 . Attachment feature  30  (and/or 27) may comprise an opening sized so that at least a portion of a mounting screw (not shown) fits within the opening. 
       FIG. 3C  depicts the pivot range of hinged end piece  29  along second tubular member second end  4 . As shown by arrows B and C, hinged end piece  29  rotates at least +90° (arrow B) from a coplanar position with hinge  28 , and rotates at least −90° (arrow C) from the coplanar position with hinge  28  so as to provide a minimum of 180° rotation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3D , another exemplary second tubular member second end  4  may comprise an attachment feature  27  (e.g., a hole) and a separate, attachable hinge end piece  29 ′. Separate, attachable hinge end piece  29 ′ comprises (i) a first attachment feature  31  (e.g., a hole) sized so as to be attached to attachment feature  27  (e.g., a hole) within second tubular member second end  4 , one or more hinges  28 , and (iii) a second attachment feature  30  (e.g., a hole) sized so as to be attached to a grill or grill component (not shown). Separate, attachable hinge end piece  29 ′ with multiple attachment features  31  and  30  provide additional flexibility to a user when mounting second tubular member second end  4  to a grill or grill component. 
     It should be understood that hinge  28  as shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3D  may comprise an actual hinge (e.g., a jointed device comprising two separate components joined to one another via, for example a pin-like member). In other exemplary embodiments, hinge  28  may simply comprise a weakened section extending across a width of hinged end piece  29  such as weakened section  28 ′ shown in  FIG. 5A . In this exemplary embodiment, weakened section  28 ′ comprises one or more holes  88  (typically two to three holes) extending through hinged end piece  29  so as to form a hinge-like feature within hinged end piece  29 . 
     As shown in the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 4 , exemplary adjustable gas grill burner  40  comprises exemplary second tubular member  42  having one or more of the above-mentioned features. In this exemplary embodiment, two rows of aligned gas outlet holes  43  and  43 ′ (not shown) are present on exemplary first tubular member  41 , not on exemplary second tubular member  42 . In addition, exemplary second tubular member  42  optionally comprises one or more slots  48  (when present, desirably mirror-image slots  48  and  48 ′) extending a slot distance d 2  from second tubular member first end  5  toward second tubular member second end  4 . Slot  48  (and  48 ′), when present, typically has a slot mouth  49  along second tubular member first end  5  that is wider than a slot end  50  positioned within second tubular wall  24 . Slot  48  (and  48 ′), when present, may have a right triangle shape (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) with slot mouth  49  and a dimension extending along slot distance d 2  (i.e., a distance extending along a length of exemplary second tubular member  2 ) representing sides of the right triangle that form a 90° angle. 
     In the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 4 , at least a portion of second tubular wall outer surface  26  contacts at least a portion of first tubular wall inner surface  14  (see, for example,  FIG. 2D ). 
     II. Methods of Making Adjustable Gas Grill Burners 
     The present invention is also directed to methods of making adjustable gas grill burners. In one exemplary method, the method of making an adjustable gas grill burner comprises (i) forming a first tubular member (e.g., exemplary first tubular member  1 ) having a first tubular wall, a first tubular wall inner surface, a first tubular wall outer surface, a first tubular wall thickness extending from the first tubular wall inner surface to the first tubular wall outer surface, a first tubular member first end operatively adapted to engage with a gas source, and a first tubular member second end opposite the first tubular member first end, the first tubular member second end being open; and (ii) forming a second tubular member (e.g., exemplary second tubular member  2 ) having a second tubular wall, a second tubular wall inner surface, a second tubular wall outer surface, a second tubular wall thickness extending from the second tubular wall inner surface to the second tubular wall outer surface, a second tubular member first end engagable with the first tubular member second end, and a second tubular member second end opposite the second tubular member first end, the second tubular member second end being closed; wherein the first tubular member or the second tubular member comprises two rows of aligned gas outlet holes extending through the first or second tubular wall thickness, the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes being positioned along opposite sides and along a length of the first or second tubular member, and wherein the first tubular member and the second tubular member are engagable with one another so as to adjustably block one or more gas outlet holes within the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes. 
     The above exemplary method of making an adjustable gas grill burner may further comprise one or more steps including, but not limited to, forming the first tubular member (e.g., exemplary first tubular member  1 ); forming a neck portion within the first tubular member along a length of the first tubular member, the neck portion having a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the first tubular member along a majority of the length of the first tubular member; forming a first tubular member that has a varying wall thickness (t wfm ) along a length of the first tubular member so as to form a reduced cross-sectional flow area that is less than a cross-sectional flow area of the first tubular member along a majority of the length of the first tubular member; incorporating an insert (e.g., insert  55 ) into the first tubular member so as to form a reduced cross-sectional flow area that is less than a cross-sectional flow area of the first tubular member along a majority of the length of the first tubular member; providing a valve fitting along the first tubular member first end; providing an adjustable air shuttle proximate the first tubular member first end, the adjustable air shuttle being operatively adapted to control air flow into the first tubular member proximate the first tubular member first end; adjusting the air shuttle to control air flow into the first tubular member proximate the first tubular member first end; fixing an opening of the air shuttle in a secure position so as to maintain a substantially constant air flow into the first tubular member proximate the first tubular member first end; forming one or more slots (desirably, mirror-image slots on opposite sides of the first tubular member) within the first tubular wall, wherein each slot extends a slot distance from the first tubular member second end toward the first tubular member first end, each slot having a slot mouth along the first tubular member second end that is wider than a slot end positioned within the first tubular wall; forming the second tubular member (e.g., exemplary second tubular member  2 ); forming at least two rows of aligned gas outlet holes extending through the second tubular wall thickness and along a length of the second tubular member along opposite sides of the second tubular member; forming at least one row of aligned carry-over gas outlet holes extending through the second tubular wall thickness and along an outer periphery of the second tubular member, the at least one row of aligned carry-over gas outlet holes connecting the at least two rows of aligned gas outlet holes along opposite sides of the second tubular member to one another; closing the second tubular member second end; forming the aligned gas outlet holes and/or aligned carry-over gas outlet holes so that each hole has a substantially similar size; forming the aligned gas outlet holes and/or aligned carry-over gas outlet holes so that the holes have different hole sizes depending on the location of a given hole; forming an attachment feature proximate the second tubular member second end; incorporating a hinged end piece onto the second tubular member proximate the second tubular member second end; welding a hinged end piece onto the second tubular member proximate the second tubular member second end; attaching a separate hinged end piece onto the second tubular member proximate the second tubular member second end via an attachment feature along the second tubular member second end; forming an attachment feature along a portion of the hinged end piece; engaging the first tubular member with the second tubular member; covering at least a portion of an outer surface of the first tubular member or the second tubular member with a sealing material (e.g., heat resistant gasket material or O-ring) so as to seal an outer surface of one member to an inner surface of the other member; engaging the first tubular member with the second tubular member so that at least a portion of the first tubular wall outer surface contacts at least a portion of the second tubular wall inner surface (i.e., without a sealing material); and any combination of the above additional steps. 
     In a further exemplary method, the method of making an adjustable gas grill burner comprises (i) providing a first tubular member (e.g., exemplary first tubular member  41 ) having a first tubular wall, a first tubular wall inner surface, a first tubular wall outer surface, a first tubular wall thickness extending from the first tubular wall inner surface to the first tubular wall outer surface, at least two rows of aligned gas outlet holes extending through the first tubular wall thickness, the at least two rows being positioned along opposite sides and along a length of the first tubular member, a first tubular member first end operatively adapted to engage with a gas source, and a first tubular member second end opposite the first tubular member first end, the first tubular member second end being open; and (ii) providing a second tubular member (e.g., exemplary second tubular member  42 ) having a second tubular wall, a second tubular wall inner surface, a second tubular wall outer surface, a second tubular wall thickness extending from the second tubular wall inner surface to the second tubular wall outer surface, a second tubular member first end engagable with the first tubular member second end, and a second tubular member second end opposite the second tubular member first end, the second tubular member second end being closed; wherein the first tubular member and the second tubular member are engagable with one another so as to adjustably block one or more gas outlet holes within the at least two rows of aligned gas outlet holes. 
     The above exemplary method of making an adjustable gas grill burner may further comprise one or more steps including, but not limited to, forming the first tubular member (e.g., exemplary first tubular member  41 ); forming a neck portion within the first tubular member along a length of the first tubular member, the neck portion having a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the first tubular member along a majority of the length of the first tubular member; forming a first tubular member that has a varying wall thickness (t wfm ) along a length of the first tubular member so as to form a reduced cross-sectional flow area that is less than a cross-sectional flow area of the first tubular member along a majority of the length of the first tubular member; incorporating an insert (e.g., insert  55 ) into the first tubular member so as to form a reduced cross-sectional flow area that is less than a cross-sectional flow area of the first tubular member along a majority of the length of the first tubular member; forming at least two rows of aligned gas outlet holes extending through the first tubular wall thickness and along a length of the first tubular member along opposite sides of the second tubular member; forming at least one row of aligned carry-over gas outlet holes extending through the first tubular wall thickness and along an outer periphery of the first tubular member, the at least one row of aligned carry-over gas outlet holes connecting the at least two rows of aligned gas outlet holes along opposite sides of the first tubular member to one another; forming the aligned gas outlet holes and/or aligned carry-over gas outlet holes so that each hole has a substantially similar size; forming the aligned gas outlet holes and/or aligned carry-over gas outlet holes so that the holes have different hole sizes depending on the location of a given hole; providing a valve fitting along the first tubular member first end; providing an adjustable air shuttle proximate the first tubular member first end, the adjustable air shuttle being operatively adapted to control air flow into the first tubular member proximate the first tubular member first end; adjusting the air shuttle to control air flow into the first tubular member proximate the first tubular member first end; fixing an opening of the air shuttle in a secure position so as to maintain a substantially constant air flow into the first tubular member proximate the first tubular member first end; forming the second tubular member (e.g., exemplary second tubular member  42 ); closing the second tubular member second end; forming an attachment feature proximate the second tubular member second end; incorporating a hinged end piece onto the second tubular member proximate the second tubular member second end; welding a hinged end piece onto the second tubular member proximate the second tubular member second end; attaching a separate hinged end piece onto the second tubular member proximate the second tubular member second end via an attachment feature along the second tubular member second end; forming an attachment feature along a portion of the hinged end piece; forming one or more slots within the second tubular wall, wherein each slot extends a slot distance from the second tubular member first end toward the second tubular member second end, each slot having a slot mouth along the second tubular member first end that is wider than a slot end positioned within the second tubular wall; engaging the first tubular member with the second tubular member; covering at least a portion of an outer surface of the first tubular member or the second tubular member with a sealing material (e.g., heat resistant gasket material or O-ring) so as to seal an outer surface of one member to an inner surface of the other member; engaging the first tubular member with the second tubular member so that at least a portion of the second tubular wall outer surface contacts at least a portion of the first tubular wall inner surface; and any combination of the above additional steps. 
     Although the above-described components for forming the adjustable gas grill burners of the present invention may have any desired dimensions, typically the above-described components have dimensions as shown in the table below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Dimension 
                 Typical Range 
                 More Desired Range 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 overall length of the first 
                 about 10.2 cm (4.0 in) to 
                 about 12.7 cm (5.0 in) to 
               
               
                 tubular member 
                 about 17.8 cm (7.0 in) 
                 about 15.2 cm (6.0 in) 
               
               
                 outer maximum dimension 
                 about 1.3 cm (0.5 in) to 
                 about 1.6 cm (0.625 in) to 
               
               
                 of the first tubular member 
                 about 5.1 cm (2.0 in) 
                 about 3.5 cm (1.375 in) 
               
               
                 minimum wall thickness of 
                 up to about 3.0 mm (118 mil) 
                 about 1.0 mm (40 mil) 
               
               
                 first tubular member 
               
               
                 minimum dimension 
                 about 0.6 cm (0.25 in) to 
                 about 0.9 cm (0.375 in) to 
               
               
                 extending perpendicular 
                 about 1.9 cm (0.75 in) 
                 about 1.6 cm (0.625 in) 
               
               
                 within cross-sectional flow 
               
               
                 area thru first tubular 
               
               
                 member 
               
               
                 maximum dimension 
                 about 1.3 cm (0.5 in) to 
                 about 1.6 cm (0.625 in) to 
               
               
                 extending perpendicular 
                 about 5.1 cm (2.0 in) 
                 about 3.5 cm (1.375 in) 
               
               
                 within cross-sectional flow 
               
               
                 area thru first tubular 
               
               
                 member 
               
               
                 length of slot, d 1  or d 2   
                 about 1.3 cm (0.5 in) to 
                 about 2.5 cm (1.0 in) to 
               
               
                   
                 about 6.4 cm (2.5 in) 
                 about 5.1 cm (2.0 in) 
               
               
                 minimum cross-sectional 
                 about 0.6 cm (0.25 in) to 
                 about 0.9 cm (0.375 in) to 
               
               
                 flow area dimension d 6   
                 about 1.9 cm (0.75 in) 
                 about 1.6 cm (0.625 in) 
               
               
                 within first tubular member 
               
               
                 minimum cross-sectional 
                 about 1.3 cm (0.5 in) to 
                 about 1.6 cm (0.625 in) to 
               
               
                 flow area dimension d 7   
                 about 5.1 cm (2.0 in) 
                 about 3.5 cm (1.375 in) 
               
               
                 within first tubular member 
               
               
                 overall length of the second 
                 about 20.3 cm (8.0 in) to 
                 about 25.4 cm (10 in) to 
               
               
                 tubular member 
                 about 76.2 cm (30 in) 
                 about 40.6 cm (16 in) 
               
               
                 outer maximum dimension 
                 about 1.6 cm (0.625 in) to 
                 about 1.9 cm (0.75 in) to 
               
               
                 of the second tubular 
                 about 5.4 cm (2.125 in) 
                 about 3.8 cm (1.5 in) 
               
               
                 member 
               
               
                 minimum wall thickness of 
                 up to about 3.0 mm (118 mil) 
                 about 1.0 mm (40 mil) 
               
               
                 second tubular member 
               
               
                 minimum dimension 
                 about 1.6 cm (0.625 in) to 
                 about 1.9 cm (0.75 in) to 
               
               
                 extending perpendicular 
                 about 5.4 cm (2.125 in) 
                 about 3.8 cm (1.5 in) 
               
               
                 within cross-sectional flow 
               
               
                 area thru second tubular 
               
               
                 member 
               
               
                 smallest dimension of gas 
                 about 1.6 mm (62 mil) 
                 about 2.4 mm (94 mil) 
               
               
                 outlet holes 
               
               
                 smallest dimension of carry 
                 about 1.6 mm (62 mil) 
                 about 3.2 mm (125 mil) 
               
               
                 over holes 
               
               
                 exemplary dimensions for 
                 about 1.6 mm (62 mil)/ 
                 about 1.6 mm (62 mil)/ 
               
               
                 small/large gas outlet holes 
                 about 3.2 mm (125 mil) 
                 about 3.2 mm (125 mil) 
               
               
                 in combination 
               
               
                 overall length of insert 
                 about 1.3 cm (0.5 in) to 
                 about 1.6 cm (0.625 in) to 
               
               
                   
                 about 5.1 cm (2.0 in) 
                 about 3.5 cm (1.375 in) 
               
               
                 minimum cross-sectional 
                 about 0.6 cm (0.25 in) to 
                 about 0.9 cm (0.375 in) to 
               
               
                 flow area thru insert 
                 about 1.9 cm (0.75 in) 
                 about 1.6 cm (0.625 in) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     III. Methods of Using Adjustable Gas Grill Burners 
     The present invention is further directed to methods of using adjustable gas grill burners. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method of using an adjustable gas grill burner comprises incorporating any of the above-described adjustable gas grill burners into a gas grill. 
     The method of using an adjustable gas grill burner may further comprise one or more steps including, but not limited to, attaching a valve fitting along the first tubular member first end to a gas source; adjusting an air shuttle to control air flow into the first tubular member proximate the first tubular member first end; fixing an opening of the air shuttle in a secure position so as to maintain a substantially constant air flow into the first tubular member proximate the first tubular member first end; attaching the second tubular member second end to a grill surface or component via an attachment feature along the second tubular member second end; attaching a hinged end piece to the second tubular member second end; attaching the second tubular member second end to a grill surface or component via a hinged end piece; engaging the first tubular member with the second tubular member; adjusting a position of the first tubular member relative to the second tubular member so as to increase or decrease a number of blocked gas outlet holes within the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes; rotating the second tubular member within the first tubular member so as to position one or more slots within the second tubular wall in a desired position, the one or more slots extending a slot distance from the second tubular member first end toward the second tubular member second end, each slot having a slot mouth along the second tubular member first end that is wider than a slot end positioned within the second tubular wall, wherein said rotating increases or decreases a number of blocked gas outlet holes within the two rows of aligned gas outlet holes; locking the first tubular member in a position relative to the second tubular member; supplying natural gas or any other combustible gas to the first tubular member; igniting the natural gas or other combustible gas; and any combination of the above additional steps. 
     While the specification has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be assessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.