Patent Publication Number: US-2023147313-A1

Title: Bbq grill scraper

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/847,104 filed Apr. 13, 2020, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/962,643 filed Apr. 25, 2018, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/819,859 filed Nov. 21, 2017, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/286,097 filed May 23, 2014, which in turn is a division of application Se. No. 13/092,545 filed Apr. 22, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/327,772 filed Apr. 26, 2010, each of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present application is related to tools for maintaining a barbeque grill. More specifically, the present application is directed to a cleaning tool for cleaning and removing debris from a cooking grate in a barbeque grill wherein during use, the cleaning tool conforms to the physical layout of the cooking grate. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     One of the most common forms of entertainment and socializing during periods of warm weather is to cook outdoors on a barbeque (BBQ) grill. These grills can take a variety of forms including those fueled by charcoal, propane or natural gas. Many individuals have their own personal grills located on backyard decks or patios while many public parks will have permanent grills available to be used by park visitors. 
     Regardless of grill design or location, one common result is the formation of charred debris on a grate surface of the grill. This charred debris is formed from the foods being cooked on the grate surface including meat, fish, vegetables and the like. The presence of this charred debris on the grate surface can create an unsatisfactory eating experience by having a detrimental impact on the taste and appearance of food being cooked. Generally, users are encouraged to remove the charred debris and a variety of cleaning tools are commercially available including a wide variety of brush and scraper tools. 
     Unfortunately, commercially-available cleaning tools suffer from a number of issues. Brushes often become clogged with debris such that a user is cleaning a dirty grilling grate with a dirty brush. Scrapers generally have a hard scraping surface that can clean an upper surface of the grill grate but do not conform well with rounded surfaces that are frequently present on grill grates such that the charred debris often remains present on the sides and bottoms of the grill grate. As there are a variety of issues with commercially available grill cleaning tools, it would be advantageous to have a new grill cleaning tool that is well equipped to deal with charred debris of the type found on almost every barbeque grill grate. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a barbeque grill scraper that includes a scraping end formed of a heat-responsive material. Generally, the scraping end defines a conformable scraping edge that is drawn back and forth across a hot grilling surface to remove char and other debris from the grilling surface. As the conformable scraping edge slides back and forth along the heated grilling surface, a combination of pressure applied by a user as well as the heat of the grill surface results in the formation of individual grooves along the conformable scraping edge, wherein each groove is formed to match an upper profile of the grilling surface. Over time, the grooves fully conform to the upper profile of the grilling surface such that an entire cooking surface can be scraped clean of char and debris. 
     In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a barbeque grill scraper that includes a scraping end formed of a heat-responsive material. The heat-responsive material is generally selected due to its non-toxic qualities and in some preferred embodiments, comprises a suitable wood species. The wood species can be selected based upon expected grilling temperatures or alternative, based upon a “seasoning” to be applied to a grilling surface. The grill scraper includes a grasping end and can optionally include additional gripping features on a body surface, such as, for example, a gripping aperture or reduced body profile so as to allow a user to easily grasp and manipulate the grill scraper. Generally, the scraping end defines a conformable scraping edge that is drawn back and forth across a hot grilling surface to remove char and other debris from the grilling surface. As the conformable scraping edge slides back and forth along the heated grilling surface, a combination of pressure applied by a user as well as the heat of the grill surface results in the formation of individual grooves in the heat-responsive material along the conformable scraping edge, wherein each groove is formed to match an upper profile of the grilling surface. Over time, the grooves fully conform to the upper profile of the grilling surface such that an entire cooking surface can be scraped clean of char and debris. In some embodiments, the scraping end can be replaceably attached to a scraper body such that the scraping end can be disposed of and replaced at the end of its useful life or to allow a user to mix and match scraping ends based upon grilling temperatures or desired seasoning to be applied to the grilling surface. 
     In another aspect, the present invention is directed to scraping a barbeque grill with a grill scraper that includes a scraping end formed of a heat-responsive material. Generally, a grill scraper is provided that includes a conformable scraping edge made of the heat-responsive material. Next, a user grasps the grill scraper and slides it back and forth across a hot grilling surface with the conformable scraping edge in direct contact with the hot grilling surface. The method further includes forming individual grooves in the conformable scraping edge that match an upper profile or cooking surface of the grilling surface. Finally, the method comprises fully conforming the grooves to the upper profile of the grilling surface such that the entire cooking surface can be scraped clean of char and debris. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise removing the scraping end from a manipulation end and replacing the scraping end with a second scraping end based upon the original scraping end reaching the end of its useful life or based on cooking conditions such as, for example, temperature or the desire to season the cooking surface. 
     The above summary of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a front, perspective view of a grill scraper positioned for scraping a grilling surface according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a top view of the grill scraper of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the grill scraper of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a front, perspective view of a grill scraper positioned for scraping a grilling surface according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5    is a top view of the grill scraper of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of the grill scraper of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  7    is a front, perspective view of a grill scraper positioned for scraping a grilling surface according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  8    is a top view of a grill scraper including a replaceable scraping end according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of the grill scraper of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  10    is a detailed view of the grill scraper of  FIG.  8    taken at Detail  10  of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  11    is a front view of a scraping end and a heated grilling surface illustrating an initial use of a grill scraper according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  12    is a front view of a scraping end positioned against a heated grilling surface illustrating an onset of customization to a conformable scraping edge during use of a grill scraper according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  13    is a front view of a scraping end positioned against a heated grilling surface illustrating the progression of a conformable scraping edge during subsequent use of the grill scraper according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  14    is a front view of a scraping end positioned against a heated grilling surface illustrating the full transition of a conformable scraping edge to match an upper profile of the heated grilling surface according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     While the present invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the present invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 ,  2  and  3   , a representative embodiment of a grill scraper  100  can comprise a scraper body  102  having a scraping end  104  and a manipulation end  106 . Scraper body  102  includes an upper surface  108  and a lower surface  110 . In some embodiments, upper surface  108  and lower surface  110  can be identical in appearance while in yet other embodiments, upper surface  108  and lower surface  110  can include differing performance features. As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , upper surface  108  and lower surface  110  can each include a beveled scraping surface  112 , a main body surface  114  and a grip region  116 . Grip region  116  can include a variety of features promoting holding and application of scraping force at the manipulation end  106  such as, for example, an indented surface  118  and a rounded grip end  120 . Beveled scraping surface  112  terminates in a conformable scraping edge  122  at scraping end  104 . A retention aperture  124  can extend between the upper surface  108  and lower surface  100  proximate the manipulation end  106 . Retention aperture  122  can accommodate a storage accessory  126  such as a hook or a lanyard  128  as seen in  FIG.  1    such that grill scraper  100  can be hung on or in proximity to a barbeque grill. 
     Grill scraper  100  is generally formed of a heat-responsive material  130  that allows for conformable scraping edge  122  to continually adapt to a grill surface being scraped in response to the heat of the grill surface. Generally, heat-responsive material  130  can comprise suitable non-toxic materials that are conformable in response to heat but that do not deposit or leave debris or ash on a grill surface being cleaned. In a preferred embodiment, heat-responsive material  130  comprises a suitable wood species variety such as, for example, oak, hickory, cedar, alder and the like. Depending upon the type of food being prepared, certain advantages may exist for using a specific variety of wood species as the heat-responsive material  130 . For example, hardwoods may be preferred when preparing foods at high heat while softwood varieties may be better suited for use with foods prepared with low heat. In addition, the variety of wood species utilized as heat-responsive material  130  may be selected due to a “seasoning” flavor applied to the grill surface by the chosen wood species as grill scraper  100  is utilized to scrape the grill surface. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  4 ,  5  and  6   , an alternative embodiment of a grill scraper  200  can substantially resemble grill scraper  100  with the further inclusion of a grip aperture  202  extending between the upper surface  108  and the lower surface  110 . Grip aperture  202  can be located at a suitable position on main body surface  114 . Grip aperture  202  provides a user with an additional grip point whereby additional force can be applied during the scraping process. In some embodiments, the presence of grip aperture  202  can allow grill scraper  200  to stored by hanging the grill scraper  200  by the grip aperture  200 , thereby allowing for the removal of retention aperture  122  and storage accessory  126 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7   , an alternative embodiment of a grill scraper  300  can substantially resemble grill scraper  100  with the addition of modifications to the main body surface  114 . Grill scraper  300  can comprise a rear tapered surface  302 , a forward tapered surface  304  and a central grasping surface  306 . Central grasping surface  306  has a reduced exterior perimeter  308  so as to make it easier for a user to wrap their hand about and grasp the grill scraper  300 . In this way, a user is provided with an additional grip point whereby additional force can be applied during the scraping process. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  8 ,  9  and  10   , another alternative embodiment of a grill scraper  400  can substantially resemble grill scraper  200  with the inclusion of a permanent body portion  402  and a replaceable scraper portion  404 . Permanent body portion  402  generally comprises manipulation end  106  and a receiving end  406 . Receiving end  406  generally comprises a longitudinal slot  408  extending between a first side  410  and a second side  412 . Receiving end  406  can further comprise an upper slot surface  414  and a lower slot surface  416  wherein a pair of fastener apertures  418  are aligned so as to be continuous between the upper surface  108  and lower surface  110 . Replaceable scraper portion  404  includes an insertion end  420  and scraping surface  112 . Insertion end  420  includes a projecting surface  422  configured so as to insert snugly into the longitudinal slot  406 . Projecting surface  422  can include a pair of projection apertures  424  that are sized and aligned so as to correspond with fastener apertures  418 . With the projecting surface  422  fully inserted into longitudinal slot  406  such that corresponding fastener apertures  418  are aligned with corresponding projection apertures  424 , a pair of fasteners  426  such as, for example, nuts and screws can be utilized to retainably couple the permanent body portion  402  with the replaceable scraper portion  404 . 
     Grill scraper  400  can provide a number of benefits including those related to material selection. For instance, permanent body portion  402  can be constructed of easily cleaned or dishwasher safe materials such as stainless steel or plastic. In addition, additional materials can be utilized such as, for example, rubberized sections on permanent body portion  402  to enhance a users overall grip of the grill scraper  400 . In addition, replaceable scraper portion  404  can be replaced as the scraping surface  112  deteriorates or can be swapped out for a second replaceable scraper portion  404  better suited for the food being cooked based upon cooking temperatures or seasoning desired. 
     Operation and use of grill scrapers of the present invention are illustrated in  FIGS.  1 ,  4 ,  7  and  11 - 14   . While operation is generally described with respect to grill scraper  100 , it is to be understood that the method would apply to each of the previously described embodiments. Generally, grill scraper  100  is intended for use with a heated barbeque grill, either prior to cooking or following cooking. A user grasps grill scraper  100  at the manipulation end  106  and positions the scraping end  104  against a grilling surface  500 , typically a wire grate  502 . The user can apply additional pressure to the scraping end by pressing down with their second hand on the main body surface  114  or alternatively grasping the grip aperture  202  or the central grasping surface  306 . While maintaining pressure on the scraper body  102 , the user slides the grill scraper  100  forward and back along the grilling surface  500  such that conformable scraping edge  122  remains in continuous contact with the grilling surface  500 . 
     Grilling surface  500  is generally constructed of metallic or ceramic materials and during cooking, can be heated to temperatures of more than 500° F. As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , conformable scraping edge  122  is initially provided with a straight scraping edge  150 . As the conformable scraping edge  122  is slid along the heated grilling surface  500 , the straight scraping edge  150  begins to change in response to the effects of the heated grilling surface  500  on the heat-responsive material  130  as shown in  FIGS.  12  and  13   . In the case of heat-responsive material  130  comprising a suitable wood species, the heat-responsive material  130  essentially begins to combust such that the straight scraping edge  150  assumes a transitional scraping edge  152  in which grooves  154  begin to become burned into the conformable scraping edge  122  based upon the profile and spacing of the grilling surface  500 . After one or more uses, grooves  154  are fully burned into the conformable scraping edge  122  such that a fully conformed scraping edge  156  includes a plurality of grooves  154  that substantially resemble the top profile of the grilling surface  500  as shown in  FIG.  14   . In the case of grilling surface  500  comprising a wire grate, the fully conformed scraping edge  156  includes grooves  154  such that the fully conformed scraping edge  156  is in direct contact with an upper 180° of each wire which is essentially the cooking surface upon which food comes into contact. Once fully conformed scraping edge  156  has been formed, sliding the grill scraper  100  forward and back along the grilling surface  500  allows for scraping along the entire cooking surface to remove char and other debris. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the heat-responsive material  130  to the heated grill surface  500  ensures that any surface coatings on the grilling surface are not scraped off or otherwise damaged when using the grill scraper  100 . 
     The foregoing descriptions present numerous specific details that provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various embodiments, having been disclosed herein, may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, known components have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments are set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments, this disclosure is illustrative only. Other embodiments can be constructed that nevertheless employ the principles and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the invention. It is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.