Flat top gas grills including cooking engines configured for optimum heat distribution are disclosed. An example grill includes a cookbox, a heat shield, a griddle, and a plurality of burner tubes. The cookbox includes a bottom wall, as well as a front wall, a rear wall, a right sidewall, and a left sidewall extending upwardly therefrom. The cookbox further includes a plurality of air intake openings extending though the bottom wall. The heat shield includes a panel spaced apart from and located below the bottom wall of the cookbox. The panel extends across the plurality of air intake openings. The griddle is disposed on or above the cookbox. The griddle includes a flat top cooking surface and an underside located opposite the flat top cooking surface. The burner tubes are disposed in the cookbox and located between the bottom wall of the cookbox and the underside of the griddle.
F23D 14/10 - Premix gas burners, i.e. in which gaseous fuel is mixed with combustion air upstream of the combustion zone induction type, e.g. Bunsen burner with elongated tubular burner head
F24C 3/02 - Stoves or ranges for gaseous fuels with heat produced solely by flame
Flat top gas grills including cooking engines configured for optimum heat distribution are disclosed. An example grill includes a cookbox, a heat shield, a griddle, and a plurality of burner tubes. The cookbox includes a bottom wall, as well as a front wall, a rear wall, a right sidewall, and a left sidewall extending upwardly therefrom. The cookbox further includes a plurality of air intake openings extending though the bottom wall. The heat shield includes a panel spaced apart from and located below the bottom wall of the cookbox. The panel extends across the plurality of air intake openings. The griddle is disposed on or above the cookbox. The griddle includes a flat top cooking surface and an underside located opposite the flat top cooking surface. The burner tubes are disposed in the cookbox and located between the bottom wall of the cookbox and the underside of the griddle.
Accessory support frames for grills are disclosed. An example accessory support frame includes a front support, a rear support, an inset region, and an accessory rail. The rear support is spaced apart from the front support. The inset region is located between and bordered by the front support and the rear support. The inset region is configured to receive and to support an insertable accessory. The accessory rail is coupled to the front support and the rear support. The inset region is bordered by the accessory rail. The accessory rail includes an accessory mounting segment configured to be engaged by and to support a snap fit accessory.
Accessory support frames for grills are disclosed. An example accessory support frame includes a front support, a rear support, an inset region, and an accessory rail. The rear support is spaced apart from the front support. The inset region is located between and bordered by the front support and the rear support. The inset region is configured to receive and to support an insertable accessory. The accessory rail is coupled to the front support and the rear support. The inset region is bordered by the accessory rail. The accessory rail includes an accessory mounting segment configured to be engaged by and to support a snap fit accessory.
Example adjustable warming racks for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example warming rack is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example warming rack includes a first rack and a second rack. The first rack is couplable to the cookbox. The second rack is pivotally coupled to the first rack. The second rack is movable relative to the first rack to transition the warming rack between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.
Portable stands for portable grills are disclosed. An example portable stand includes a frame and first and second tabletops. The frame includes a front support, a rear support spaced apart from the front support, and a support plate located between the front support and the rear support. The support plate has a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion. The first and second tabletops are slidable relative to the frame between an expanded position and a retracted position. The first and second tabletops are configured to reveal corresponding ones of the first and second lateral portions of the support plate when the first and second tabletops are in the expanded position, and to conceal the corresponding ones of the first and second lateral portions of the support plate when the first and second tabletops are in the retracted position.
A47B 37/04 - Tables specially adapted for use in the garden or otherwise in the open air, e.g. with means for holding umbrellas or umbrella-like sunshades
A47B 3/083 - Folding or stowable tables with legs pivoted to top or underframe with foldable top leaves
Portable stands for portable grills are disclosed. An example portable stand includes a frame and first and second tabletops. The frame includes a front support, a rear support spaced apart from the front support, and a support plate located between the front support and the rear support. The support plate has a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion. The first and second tabletops are slidable relative to the frame between an expanded position and a retracted position. The first and second tabletops are configured to reveal corresponding ones of the first and second lateral portions of the support plate when the first and second tabletops are in the expanded position, and to conceal the corresponding ones of the first and second lateral portions of the support plate when the first and second tabletops are in the retracted position.
A47B 37/04 - Tables specially adapted for use in the garden or otherwise in the open air, e.g. with means for holding umbrellas or umbrella-like sunshades
A47B 31/02 - Service or tea tables, trolleys, or wagons with heating, cooling or ventilating means
A47B 1/02 - Extensible tables with insertable leaves and fixed frames
A47B 1/08 - Extensible tables with extensible frames
Fuel level sensors for hoppers of pellet grills are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a hopper, a fuel level sensor, and a cover. The fuel level sensor includes a transmission portion configured to transmit infrared light toward pellet fuel located within a pellet fuel storage compartment of the hopper, and a detection portion configured to receive infrared light reflected from the pellet fuel. The cover includes a first lens, a second lens, and a divider. The divider is located between the first lens and the second lens. The divider has a first side and a second side located opposite the first side. Infrared light transmitted from the transmission portion toward the pellet fuel passes through the first lens on the first side of the divider. Infrared light reflected from the pellet fuel toward the detection portion passes through the second lens on the second side of the divider.
Fuel level sensors for hoppers of pellet grills are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a hopper, a fuel level sensor, and a cover. The fuel level sensor includes a transmission portion configured to transmit infrared light toward pellet fuel located within a pellet fuel storage compartment of the hopper, and a detection portion configured to receive infrared light reflected from the pellet fuel. The cover includes a first lens, a second lens, and a divider. The divider is located between the first lens and the second lens. The divider has a first side and a second side located opposite the first side. Infrared light transmitted from the transmission portion toward the pellet fuel passes through the first lens on the first side of the divider. Infrared light reflected from the pellet fuel toward the detection portion passes through the second lens on the second side of the divider.
Pellet grills including heat diffusers configured for optimum heat distribution are disclosed. An example heat diffuser includes a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, a right sidewall, a left sidewall, a first intake opening, a first exhaust opening, and a second exhaust opening. The bottom wall includes the first intake opening. The first exhaust opening is located along the right sidewall between the front wall and the rear wall and between the top wall and the right sidewall. The second exhaust opening is located along the left sidewall between the front wall and the rear wall and between the top wall and the left sidewall.
Hopper lighting for pellet grills is disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a hopper, a lighting module, and a controller. The hopper includes a pellet fuel storage compartment. The pellet fuel storage compartment is configured to contain pellet fuel. The lighting module includes a light source. The light source is configured to display light into, onto, or across the pellet fuel storage compartment when the light source is activated. The controller is configured to activate the light source in response to detecting an occurrence of an activation triggering event.
Pellet grills including heat diffusers configured for optimum heat distribution are disclosed. An example heat diffuser includes a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, a right sidewall, a left sidewall, a first intake opening, a first exhaust opening, and a second exhaust opening. The bottom wall includes the first intake opening. The first exhaust opening is located along the right sidewall between the front wall and the rear wall and between the top wall and the right sidewall. The second exhaust opening is located along the left sidewall between the front wall and the rear wall and between the top wall and the left sidewall.
Hopper lighting for pellet grills is disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a hopper, a lighting module, and a controller. The hopper includes a pellet fuel storage compartment. The pellet fuel storage compartment is configured to contain pellet fuel. The lighting module includes a light source. The light source is configured to display light into, onto, or across the pellet fuel storage compartment when the light source is activated. The controller is configured to activate the light source in response to detecting an occurrence of an activation triggering event.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
Goods & Services
Downloadable computer software, computer hardware,
downloadable computer applications, computer peripherals,
electronic food thermometers, and electronic grilling
accessories in the nature of electronic sensors, food
probes, display panels, or food thermometers, all for use in
connection with mobile devices to assist individuals with
grilling and cooking activities, namely, for use in
providing updated information regarding the status of the
cooking appliance or accessory, the fuel level, the timing
and preparedness of food being prepared, informing users as
to the anticipated time foods will be finished cooking, and
providing audio or visual alerts regarding the foregoing;
internet of things (IoT) devices, namely temperature sensors
and electric control devices for barbecue grills, smokers,
griddles, and grilling accessories; computing device in the
nature of computer hardware and recorded software for data
collection, processing and/or analysis; wireless devices,
namely, microcontrollers for internet of things (IoT)
enabled devices; internet of things (IoT) enabled devices,
gadgets, and appliances, namely, wireless controllers and
electrical controlling devices for use in relation to
barbecue grills and smokers. Smart or connected outdoor cooking appliances, namely,
internet of things (IoT) enabled barbecue grills, griddles,
and smokers having controllers and electrical controlling
devices capable of communicating via wireless internet
connectivity or being controlled remotely via mobile device
or other wired or wireless device; internet of things (IoT)
enabled devices, gadgets, and appliances, namely, barbecue
grills, griddles, and smokers that are controlled by wired
and wireless controllers and electric control devices.
Ignitor mounting brackets for pellet grills are disclosed. An example mounting bracket includes a base and an ignitor tab. The base includes a first surface, a second surface, and a primary opening. The second surface is located opposite the first surface. The primary opening is formed in and extends through the base from the first surface to the second surface. The primary opening is configured to receive an auger tube of a pellet grill. The ignitor tab is coupled to the base. The ignitor tab includes an ignitor tab opening formed in and extending through the ignitor tab. The ignitor tab opening is configured to receive an ignitor of a pellet grill.
Ignitor mounting brackets for pellet grills are disclosed. An example mounting bracket includes a base and an ignitor tab. The base includes a first surface, a second surface, and a primary opening. The second surface is located opposite the first surface. The primary opening is formed in and extends through the base from the first surface to the second surface. The primary opening is configured to receive an auger tube of a pellet grill. The ignitor tab is coupled to the base. The ignitor tab includes an ignitor tab opening formed in and extending through the ignitor tab. The ignitor tab opening is configured to receive an ignitor of a pellet grill.
Grill cookboxes including dual-lipped lower rims are disclosed. An example cookbox includes an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a lower rim. The exterior surface is located opposite the interior surface. The lower rim is located along a bottom portion of the cookbox. The lower rim includes an inner lip, an outer lip, and a downwardly facing channel. The inner lip defines an opening formed in the bottom portion of the cookbox. The downwardly facing channel extends between a free end of the inner lip and a free end of the outer lip.
Grill cookboxes including dual-lipped lower rims are disclosed. An example cookbox includes an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a lower rim. The exterior surface is located opposite the interior surface. The lower rim is located along a bottom portion of the cookbox. The lower rim includes an inner lip, an outer lip, and a downwardly facing channel. The inner lip defines an opening formed in the bottom portion of the cookbox. The downwardly facing channel extends between a free end of the inner lip and a free end of the outer lip.
F23B 30/00 - Combustion apparatus with driven means for agitating the burning fuelCombustion apparatus with driven means for advancing the burning fuel through the combustion chamber
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor useBarbecues
F24B 13/00 - Details solely applicable to stoves or ranges burning solid fuels
F24B 13/04 - Arrangements for feeding solid fuel, e.g. hoppers
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
Goods & Services
(1) Downloadable computer software, computer hardware, downloadable computer applications, computer peripherals, electronic food thermometers, and electronic grilling accessories in the nature of electronic sensors, food probes, display panels, or food thermometers, all for use in connection with mobile devices to assist individuals with grilling and cooking activities, namely, for use in providing updated information regarding the status of the cooking appliance or accessory, the fuel level, the timing and preparedness of food being prepared, informing users as to the anticipated time foods will be finished cooking, and providing audio or visual alerts regarding the foregoing; internet of things (IoT) devices, namely temperature sensors and electric control devices for barbecue grills, smokers, griddles, and grilling accessories; computing device in the nature of computer hardware and recorded software for data collection, processing and/or analysis; wireless devices, namely, microcontrollers for internet of things (IoT) enabled devices; internet of things (IoT) enabled devices, gadgets, and appliances, namely, wireless controllers and electrical controlling devices for use in relation to barbecue grills and smokers.
(2) Smart or connected outdoor cooking appliances, namely, internet of things (IoT) enabled barbecue grills, griddles, and smokers having controllers and electrical controlling devices capable of communicating via wireless internet connectivity or being controlled remotely via mobile device or other wired or wireless device; internet of things (IoT) enabled devices, gadgets, and appliances, namely, barbecue grills, griddles, and smokers that are controlled by wired and wireless controllers and electric control devices.
21.
FLAT TOP GAS GRILLS INCLUDING COOKING ENGINES CONFIGURED FOR OPTIMUM HEAT DISTRIBUTION
Flat top gas grills including cooking engines configured for optimum heat distribution are disclosed. An example grill includes a cookbox, a griddle, and a plurality of burner tubes. The cookbox includes a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a right sidewall, and a left sidewall. The front wall, the rear wall, the right sidewall, and the left sidewall extend upwardly from the bottom wall. The cookbox further includes a plurality of air intake openings extending though the bottom wall. The griddle is disposed on or above the cookbox. The griddle includes a flat top cooking surface and an underside located opposite the flat top cooking surface. The burner tubes are disposed in the cookbox and located between the bottom wall of the cookbox and the underside of the griddle.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
Goods & Services
Downloadable computer software, computer hardware, downloadable computer applications, computer peripherals, electronic food thermometers, and electronic grilling accessories in the nature of electronic sensors, food probes, display panels, or food thermometers, all for use in connection with mobile devices to assist individuals with grilling and cooking activities, namely, for use in providing updated information regarding the status of the cooking appliance or accessory, the fuel level, the timing and preparedness of food being prepared, informing users as to the anticipated time foods will be finished cooking, and providing audio or visual alerts regarding the foregoing; Internet of things (IoT) devices, namely temperature sensors and electric control devices for barbecue grills, smokers, griddles, and grilling accessories; computing device in the nature of computer hardware and recorded software for data collection, processing and/or analysis; wireless devices, namely, microcontrollers for internet of things (IoT) enabled devices; Internet of things (IoT) enabled devices, gadgets, and appliances, namely, wireless controllers and electrical controlling devices for use in relation to barbecue grills and smokers Smart or connected outdoor cooking appliances, namely, internet of things (IoT) enabled barbecue grills, griddles, and smokers having controllers and electrical controlling devices capable of communicating via wireless internet connectivity or being controlled remotely via mobile device or other wired or wireless device; Internet of things (IoT) enabled devices, gadgets, and appliances, namely, barbecue grills, griddles, and smokers that are controlled by wired and wireless controllers and electric control devices
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
Goods & Services
(1) Cooking appliances, namely, electric and gas-powered griddles, and electric and gas-powered flattop grills
(2) Cooking utensils, namely, griddle inserts for electric and gas-powered cooking appliances
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
Goods & Services
Cooking appliances, namely, electric and gas-powered
griddles, and electric and gas-powered flattop grills. Cooking utensils, namely, griddle inserts for electric and
gas-powered cooking appliances.
Example adjustable warming racks for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example warming rack is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example warming rack includes a first rack and a second rack. The first rack is couplable to the cookbox. The second rack is pivotally coupled to the first rack. The second rack is movable relative to the first rack to transition the warming rack between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.
Pellet grills having selectable manual modes are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes memory, machine-readable instructions, and processor circuitry. The processor circuitry is to execute the machine-readable instructions to determine whether a cook mode selection received at the pellet grill is associated with a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) cook mode or a manual cook mode. In response to determining that the cook mode selection is associated with the manual cook mode, the processor circuitry is to execute the machine-readable instructions to command at least one of an auger or a fan of the pellet grill to perform a manually-controlled cooking operation based on an auger setting selection and a fan setting selection associated with the manual cook mode.
Pellet grills having selectable manual modes are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes memory, machine-readable instructions, and processor circuitry. The processor circuitry is to execute the machine-readable instructions to determine whether a cook mode selection received at the pellet grill is associated with a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) cook mode or a manual cook mode. In response to determining that the cook mode selection is associated with the manual cook mode, the processor circuitry is to execute the machine-readable instructions to command at least one of an auger or a fan of the pellet grill to perform a manually-controlled cooking operation based on an auger setting selection and a fan setting selection associated with the manual cook mode.
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
Goods & Services
Clip-on battery-powered lights; warming racks. Support bracket not made of metal for attachment to an
outdoor cooking appliance or a table or stand supporting an
outdoor cooking appliance to support items to be kept within
arm's reach such as grilling tools, cooking accessories,
tool hooks, trash bag holder, and the like (term considered
too vague by the International Bureau - Rule 13 (2) (b) of
the Regulations); grilling and cooking accessories, namely,
grilling tools, cooking tools, tool hooks, tool mat, and the
like (term considered too vague by the International Bureau
- Rule 13 (2) (b) of the Regulations); side tables, namely,
a modular side table system with removable inserts; storage
bins. Removable inserts for a modular side table system, namely,
cutting boards, holders for cutting boards, basins, serving
trays, utensil holders, utensil caddies, tool caddies,
condiment caddies, table top inserts, food preparation
containers, and the like (term considered too vague by the
International Bureau - Rule 13 (2) (b) of the Regulations);
cooking accessories, namely, paper towel holders, storage
caddies, beverage container holder, and the like (term
considered too vague by the International Bureau - Rule 13
(2) (b) of the Regulations); condiment dispensers; trash bag
holder.
Burner tubes for gas grills are disclosed. An example burner tube includes an open front end, a closed rear end located opposite the open front end, opposing upper and lower surfaces extending between the open front end and the closed rear end, opposing right and left side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface and between the open front end and the closed rear end, and a hollow interior defined by the upper surface, the lower surface, the right side surface, and the left side surface. The hollow interior has a rectangular cross-sectional profile that tapers in a direction moving from the open front end toward the closed rear end. The burner tube further includes a plurality of gas ports extending upwardly from the upper surface, with each one of the gas ports having an exit opening raised above the upper surface.
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor useBarbecues
F23D 14/10 - Premix gas burners, i.e. in which gaseous fuel is mixed with combustion air upstream of the combustion zone induction type, e.g. Bunsen burner with elongated tubular burner head
F23D 14/26 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid with provision for a retention flame
F23D 14/58 - Nozzles characterised by the shape or arrangement of the outlet or outlets from the nozzle, e.g. of annular configuration
F23D 14/64 - Mixing devicesMixing tubes with injectors
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
Goods & Services
Cooking appliances, namely, electric and gas-powered griddles, and electric and gas-powered flattop grills Cooking utensils, namely, griddle inserts for electric and gas-powered cooking appliances
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
Goods & Services
Cooking appliances, namely, electric and gas-powered griddles, and electric and gas-powered flattop grills Cooking utensils, namely, griddle inserts for electric and gas-powered cooking appliances
A remote temperature monitoring system includes a first unit operatively connected to one or more temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of one or more materials or food items being cooked or heated. The first unit transmits the sensed temperature to a second unit that is located remotely from the first unit during heating. The second unit is programmable with the desired temperature and/or heating parameters of the item. By monitoring the temperature status of the item over time, the system determines when the food has reached the desired temperature or degree of cooking, and notifies the user.
A47J 36/00 - Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor useBarbecues
G01K 1/024 - Means for indicating or recording specially adapted for thermometers for remote indication
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
Pellet grills including a control system that implements, manages, and/or controls various ignition-based protocols are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a cooking chamber, a burn pot, an ignitor, and a controller. The ignitor extends into the burn pot and is configured to ignite pellet fuel located within the burn pot. The controller is configured to detect a temperature pattern of the cooking chamber corresponding to a flame out condition of the burn pot. The controller is further configured, in response to detecting the temperature pattern, to command the ignitor to activate during a first duration. The controller is further configured to determine, following expiration of the first duration, whether a temperature of the cooking chamber increased during the first duration. The controller is further configured, in response to determining that the temperature has not increased during the first duration, to command the ignitor to activate during a second duration.
F23Q 7/02 - Incandescent ignitionIgnition using electrically-produced heat, e.g. lighters for cigarettesElectrically-heated glowing plugs for igniting solid fuel
G07C 3/10 - Registering or indicating the production of the machine either with or without registering working or idle time using counting means
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor useBarbecues
A47J 36/32 - Time-controlled igniting mechanisms or alarm devices
F24B 13/04 - Arrangements for feeding solid fuel, e.g. hoppers
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
Goods & Services
Cooking appliances, namely, electric and gas-powered griddles, and electric and gas-powered flattop grills Cooking utensils, namely, griddle inserts for electric and gas-powered cooking appliances
Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a waste collection drawer and one or more processors. The waste collection drawer is movable between a closed position and an open position. The one or more processors are configured to determine whether a duty cycle of the waste collection drawer has violated a threshold corresponding to a predetermined usage expectancy of the waste collection drawer. In response to determining that the duty cycle has violated the threshold, the one or more processors are configured to generate a notification indicating that the threshold has been violated.
F24B 13/04 - Arrangements for feeding solid fuel, e.g. hoppers
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor useBarbecues
F23B 40/08 - Combustion apparatus with driven means for feeding fuel into the combustion chamber the fuel being fed along the fuel-supporting surface into pot- or trough-shaped grates
H04L 67/125 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks involving control of end-device applications over a network
F24B 15/00 - Implements for use in connection with stoves or ranges
41 - Education, entertainment, sporting and cultural services
43 - Food and drink services, temporary accommodation
Goods & Services
Educational services, namely, conducting classes, workshops and presentations in the field of cooking; training services in the nature of cooking classes Providing of food and drink; catering services
62.
PORTABLE GRILLS INCLUDING A BASE HAVING SUPPORTS FOR STORING REMOVABLE SIDE TABLES
Example portable grills including a base having supports for storing removable side tables are disclosed. An example portable grill includes a cookbox, a base, and a side table. The base is coupled to the cookbox. The base is configured to support the cookbox above an underlying surface onto which the base is to be placed. The side table is configured to be removably coupled to the base in a storage position. The side table is to be located beneath the cookbox when the side table is coupled to the base in the storage position.
Example portable grills including a base having supports for storing removable side tables are disclosed. An example portable grill includes a cookbox, a base, and a side table. The base is coupled to the cookbox. The base is configured to support the cookbox above an underlying surface onto which the base is to be placed. The side table is configured to be removably coupled to the base in a storage position. The side table is to be located beneath the cookbox when the side table is coupled to the base in the storage position.
Example portable grills having reversible steam tray assemblies are disclosed. An example portable grill includes a cookbox, a heating element, a water pan, and a steam tray. The heating element is located within the cookbox. The water pan is located within the cookbox above the heating element. The water pan includes a bottom wall. The steam tray is located within the water pan. The steam tray includes a horizontally-oriented support wall having a plurality of openings extending therethrough. The steam tray is configured to be reversibly positioned within the water pan in a first orientation and a second orientation. The support wall is spaced from the bottom wall by a first distance when the steam tray is positioned in the first orientation. The support wall is spaced from the bottom wall by a second distance greater than the first distance when the steam tray is positioned in the second orientation.
Example portable grills having reversible steam tray assemblies are disclosed. An example portable grill includes a cookbox, a heating element, a water pan, and a steam tray. The heating element is located within the cookbox. The water pan is located within the cookbox above the heating element. The water pan includes a bottom wall. The steam tray is located within the water pan. The steam tray includes a horizontally-oriented support wall having a plurality of openings extending therethrough. The steam tray is configured to be reversibly positioned within the water pan in a first orientation and a second orientation. The support wall is spaced from the bottom wall by a first distance when the steam tray is positioned in the first orientation. The support wall is spaced from the bottom wall by a second distance greater than the first distance when the steam tray is positioned in the second orientation.
Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a lid, a cooking chamber, an engine, and one or more processors. The lid is movable between a closed position and an open position. The engine is configured to output heat to the cooking chamber. The one or more processors are configured to detect a closing movement of the lid. In response to detecting the closing movement, the one or more processors are configured to command the engine to operate in an increased output mode that increases the heat output of the engine.
F24B 13/04 - Arrangements for feeding solid fuel, e.g. hoppers
A47J 36/32 - Time-controlled igniting mechanisms or alarm devices
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor useBarbecues
F23B 40/08 - Combustion apparatus with driven means for feeding fuel into the combustion chamber the fuel being fed along the fuel-supporting surface into pot- or trough-shaped grates
F24B 15/00 - Implements for use in connection with stoves or ranges
H04L 67/125 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks involving control of end-device applications over a network
Provided is an apparatus and method for a digital power supply that can provide independent power control for two or more electrical loads. Some disclosed embodiments provide continuous, variable power and other disclosed embodiments provide discrete power levels. Disclosed embodiments may reduce the magnitude of harmonic currents and/or flicker introduced into a power system. Embodiments include a microprocessor that delivers power to electric loads using phase-controlled AC current. In some embodiments, the microprocessor may calculate a power array corresponding to a requested power for each electric load. Logic is provided for populating the power array in a pattern that reduces the magnitude of harmonic currents and flicker. Portions of the disclosure include a band controller for delivering power to achieve and maintain a desired target temperature, and a wireless controller for controlling temperature from a remote device.
Example methods and apparatus for presenting location-based food movement notifications in connection with cook programs of grills are disclosed. An example grill includes a cookbox, a lid, a cooking chamber, a controller, and a lighting module. The cooking chamber is defined by the cookbox and the lid. The controller implements a cook program to cook an item of food within the cooking chamber. The cook program includes a food movement step requiring the item of food to be added to the cooking chamber, to be removed from the cooking chamber, or to be moved within the cooking chamber. In response to determining that the cook program has advanced to the food movement step, the controller causes the lighting module to present a location-based food movement notification indicating a location within the cooking chamber at which the food movement step is to be performed.
Example methods and apparatus for communicating control signals in a gas grill are disclosed herein. An example user-interface assembly for use in a grill includes control knob, knob sensor to detect a user interaction with the control knob, lighting circuitry including a plurality of light emitting diodes, and user-interface controller circuitry to identify an addressing block connected via an input wiring harness, the knob controller to select an address to be used to communicate with a central controller of the gas grill.
Example methods and apparatus for presenting location-based food movement notifications in connection with cook programs of grills are disclosed. An example grill includes a cookbox, a lid, a cooking chamber, a controller, and a lighting module. The cooking chamber is defined by the cookbox and the lid. The controller implements a cook program to cook an item of food within the cooking chamber. The cook program includes a food movement step requiring the item of food to be added to the cooking chamber, to be removed from the cooking chamber, or to be moved within the cooking chamber. In response to determining that the cook program has advanced to the food movement step, the controller causes the lighting module to present a location-based food movement notification indicating a location within the cooking chamber at which the food movement step is to be performed.
Example methods and apparatus for communicating control signals in a gas grill are disclosed herein. An example user-interface assembly for use in a grill includes control knob, knob sensor to detect a user interaction with the control knob, lighting circuitry including a plurality of light emitting diodes, and user-interface controller circuitry to identify an addressing block connected via an input wiring harness, the knob controller to select an address to be used to communicate with a central controller of the gas grill.
Provided is an apparatus and method for protecting against unsafe electric current conditions. A protections circuit may be used in a device, such as an electric grill, that has one or more electric loads, such as heating elements. The protection circuit may protect against various failure scenarios, including, without limitation, instances of ground fault, over current, driver failure, and failure of a microprocessor. In response to a failure, the protection circuit may trip a latch relay or disable a triac driver to stop current from flowing.
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor useBarbecues
H02H 1/00 - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
H02H 3/08 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current
H02H 3/10 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current additionally responsive to some other abnormal electrical conditions
H02H 3/16 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to fault current to earth, frame or mass
H02H 3/32 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to difference between voltages or between currentsEmergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to phase angle between voltages or between currents involving comparison of the voltage or current values at corresponding points in different conductors of a single system, e.g. of currents in go and return conductors
H02H 3/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection Details with warning or supervision in addition to disconnection, e.g. for indicating that protective apparatus has functioned
Pellet grills including a control system that implements, manages, and/or controls various ignition-based protocols and/or processes are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a cooking chamber, a burn pot, an ignitor, and a controller. The ignitor extends into the burn pot and is configured to ignite pellet fuel located within the burn pot. The controller is configured to command the ignitor to activate during a first duration. The controller is further configured to determine, following expiration of the first duration, whether a temperature of the cooking chamber has reached a threshold temperature. The controller is further configured, in response to determining that the temperature has not reached the threshold temperature, to command the ignitor to activate during a second duration.
F23Q 7/02 - Incandescent ignitionIgnition using electrically-produced heat, e.g. lighters for cigarettesElectrically-heated glowing plugs for igniting solid fuel
G07C 3/10 - Registering or indicating the production of the machine either with or without registering working or idle time using counting means
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor useBarbecues
A47J 36/32 - Time-controlled igniting mechanisms or alarm devices
F24B 13/04 - Arrangements for feeding solid fuel, e.g. hoppers
86.
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PRESENTING SAFETY-BASED TEMPERATURE STATUS NOTIFICATIONS FOR GRILLS
Example methods and apparatus for presenting safety-based temperature status notifications for grills are disclosed. An example grill includes a controller to determine whether a condition indicative of a safety-based temperature status of the grill is satisfied. In response to determining that the condition is satisfied, the controller is to instruct a lighting module or a user interface of the grill to present a notification indicating the safety-based temperature status.
Example methods and apparatus for presenting safety-based temperature status notifications for grills are disclosed. An example grill includes a controller to determine whether a condition indicative of a safety-based temperature status of the grill is satisfied. In response to determining that the condition is satisfied, the controller is to instruct a lighting module or a user interface of the grill to present a notification indicating the safety-based temperature status.
Example methods and apparatus for supplying configuration data to controllers of grills are disclosed. An example grill includes a controller and a dongle. The dongle is connectable to the controller. The dongle includes memory storing configuration data associated with the grill. The controller is to read the configuration data from the memory in response to the dongle being connected to the controller.
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor useBarbecues
G06F 3/06 - Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
H04W 12/04 - Key management, e.g. using generic bootstrapping architecture [GBA]
91.
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING CONFIGURATION DATA TO CONTROLLERS OF GRILLS
Example methods and apparatus for supplying configuration data to controllers of grills are disclosed. An example grill includes a controller and a dongle. The dongle is connectable to the controller. The dongle includes memory storing configuration data associated with the grill. The controller is to read the configuration data from the memory in response to the dongle being connected to the controller.
Example methods and apparatus for automatically advancing steps of cook programs for grills based on detected lid position data are disclosed. An example grill includes a cookbox, a lid, a cooking chamber, and a controller. The lid is movable relative to the cookbox between a closed position and an open position. The cooking chamber is defined by the cookbox and the lid, and is accessible to a user of the grill when the lid is in the open position. The controller is to implement a cook program to cook an item of food within the cooking chamber. The cook program includes a plurality of ordered steps, which include a lid-opening step requiring the lid to be moved from the closed position to the open position. In response to determining, based on lid position data, that the lid-opening step has been performed, the controller is to automatically advance the plurality of ordered steps from the lid-opening step to a next step of the plurality of ordered steps.
An example grill includes a cookbox, a lid, a cooking chamber, and a controller. The lid is movable relative to the cookbox between a closed position and an open position. The cooking chamber is defined by the cookbox and the lid, and is accessible to a user of the grill when the lid is in the open position. The controller is to implement a cook program to cook an item of food within the cooking chamber. The cook program includes a plurality of ordered steps, which include a lid-opening step requiring the lid to be moved from the closed position to the open position. In response to determining, based on lid position data, that the lid-opening step has been performed, the controller is to automatically advance the plurality of ordered steps from the lid-opening step to a next step of the plurality of ordered steps.
Example methods and apparatus for automating startup processes of gas grills are disclosed. An example grill includes a first burner, a second burner, a first burner valve operatively positioned between the first burner and a manifold of the grill, a second burner valve operatively positioned between the second burner and the manifold, a first ignitor operatively positioned relative to the first burner, and a second ignitor operatively positioned relative to the second burner. The example grill further includes a controller operatively coupled to the first burner valve, the second burner valve, the first ignitor, and the second ignitor. In response to determining that a user-based startup request has been received at the grill, the controller is to instruct the first burner valve and the second burner valve to open, and instruct the first ignitor and the second ignitor to ignite corresponding ones of the first burner and the second burner.
Example methods and apparatus for controlling gas flow in grills based on position data detected via rotary encoders. An example grill includes a burner valve, a rotary encoder, and a controller. The burner valve is movable between an open position and a closed position. The rotary encoder includes a rotatable portion and a fixed portion. The control knob is mechanically coupled to the rotatable portion. The rotatable portion is rotatable relative to the fixed portion. The rotary encoder is to detect a rotational position of the control knob. The rotational position of the control knob corresponds to a rotational position of the rotatable portion relative to the fixed portion. The controller is in electrical communication with the rotary encoder. The controller is to determine a target position of the burner valve based on the rotational position of the control knob. The controller is to instruct the burner valve to move to the target position.
Example methods and apparatus for automating startup processes of gas grills are disclosed. An example grill includes a first burner, a second burner, a first burner valve operatively positioned between the first burner and a manifold of the grill, a second burner valve operatively positioned between the second burner and the manifold, a first ignitor operatively positioned relative to the first burner, and a second ignitor operatively positioned relative to the second burner. The example grill further includes a controller operatively coupled to the first burner valve, the second burner valve, the first ignitor, and the second ignitor. In response to determining that a user-based startup request has been received at the grill, the controller is to instruct the first burner valve and the second burner valve to open, and instruct the first ignitor and the second ignitor to ignite corresponding ones of the first burner and the second burner.
Methods and apparatus for controlling gas flow in grills based on position data detected via rotary encoders are described. An example grill includes a burner valve, a rotary encoder, and a controller. The burner valve is movable between an open position and a closed position. The control knob is mechanically coupled to a rotatable portion of the rotary encoder. The rotary encoder is to detect a rotational position of the control knob. The rotational position of the control knob corresponds to a rotational position of the rotatable portion relative to a fixed portion of the rotary encoder. The controller is in electrical communication with the rotary encoder. The controller is to determine a target position of the burner valve based on the rotational position of the control knob. The controller is to instruct the burner valve to move to the target position.
Example methods and apparatus for automating shutdown processes of gas grills are disclosed. An example grill includes a first burner, a second burner, a first burner valve operatively positioned between the first burner and a manifold of the grill, and a second burner valve operatively positioned between the second burner and the manifold. The example grill further includes a controller operatively coupled to the first burner valve and the second burner valve. In response to determining that a shutdown request has been received at the grill, the controller is to instruct the first burner valve and the second burner valve to close.
Example methods and apparatus for automating shutdown processes of gas grills are disclosed. An example grill includes a first burner, a second burner, a first burner valve operatively positioned between the first burner and a manifold of the grill, and a second burner valve operatively positioned between the second burner and the manifold. The example grill further includes a controller operatively coupled to the first burner valve and the second burner valve. In response to determining that a shutdown request has been received at the grill, the controller is to instruct the first burner valve and the second burner valve to close.
