A SMOKELESS GRILL PAN

Abstract

Provided is a grill pan comprising a base with an aperture configured for the egress of fat, oil and grease from the grill pan and a closure device configured to operably open and close the aperture.

Claims

1. A grill pan comprising: a base with an aperture configured for the egress of fat, oil and grease from the grill pan; and a closure device configured to operably open and close the aperture.

2. The grill pan of claim 1 further comprising a receptacle tray configured to collect the fat, oil and grease egressing the aperture.

3. The grill pan of claim 2 wherein the receptacle tray is engageable with the underside of the grill pan.

4. The grill pan of claim 2 further comprising a slot in which the receptacle tray is slidable.

5. The grill pan of claim 4 wherein the slot is formed by rails on an underside of the grill pan on which the receptacle tray is slidable.

6. The grill pan of claim 4 wherein the receptacle tray is configured to engage with the closure device when inserted in the slot.

7. The grill pan of claim 4 wherein the closure device is configured to retract to fully open the aperture when the receptacle tray is fully inserted in the slot.

8. The grill pan of claim 7 wherein the closure device is resilient and configured to close the aperture as the receptacle tray is retracted from the slot.

9. The grill pan of claim 7 wherein the closure device is configured to retract and open the aperture upon a force being applied directly on the closure device by the insertion of the receptacle tray into the slot.

10. The grill pan of claim 1 wherein the closure device comprises a raised section shaped to conform to the shape of the aperture.

11. The grill pan of claim 10 wherein the closure device is configured to slide horizontally with respect to the base of the grill pan to open and close the aperture.

12. The grill pan of claim 1 wherein the closure device is configured to slide vertically with respect to the base of the grill pan to open and close the aperture.

13. The grill pan of claim 2 wherein the receptacle tray includes a protrusion in a base of the receptacle tray, the protrusion configured to engage the closure device.

14. The grill pan of claim 13 wherein the protrusion of the receptacle tray is configured to push the closure device vertically with respect to the base of the grill pan to open the aperture.

15. The grill pan of claim 12 wherein the closure device extends through the base of the base of the grill pan.

16. The grill pan of claim 15 wherein the closure device includes a planar section at each side of the base of the grill pan.

17. A grill pan comprising: a base with an aperture configured for the egress of fat, oil and grease from the grill pan; and a poppet valve extending through the base of the grill pan configured to operably open and close the aperture.

18. The grill pan of claim 17 wherein the poppet valve includes a planar section external to the base of the grill pan configured to engage with a receptacle tray to actuate the valve.

19. The grill pan of claim 17 further comprising a spring configured to return the valve to an aperture closed position when the valve is not being actuated.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the grill pan in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the grill pan of FIG. 1 from underneath;

[0031] FIG. 3 is an expanded view of the grill pan of FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 4 is an expanded view of the grill pan 100 of FIG. 3 from beneath;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a view of the grill pan with a portion of the grill pan cut away;

[0034] FIG. 6a is a side view of the grill pan shown in FIG. 5;

[0035] FIG. 6b is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 6a;

[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the grill pan with a portion of the grill pan removed fore ease of viewing;

[0037] FIG. 8a is a side view of the grill pan of FIG. 7;

[0038] FIG. 8b is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 8a;

[0039] FIG. 9a is perspective view of the closure device removed from the grill pan;

[0040] FIG. 9b is further perspective view of the closure device removed from the grill pan;

[0041] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the grill pan in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 11a provides a view of the grill pan of the further embodiment with a portion of the grill pan cut away for improved visibility;

[0043] FIG. 11b provides a similar view as FIG. 11 with a receptacle tray removed; and

[0044] FIG. 12 is an expanded view of the grill pan of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The present teaching will now be described with reference to an exemplary grill pan. It will be understood that this grill pan is provided to assist in an understanding of the present teaching and is not to be construed as limiting in any fashion. Furthermore, elements or components that are described with reference to any one figure may be interchanged with those of other figures without departing from the scope of the present teaching. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

[0046] An exemplary arrangement of a grill pan in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is best described with reference to FIG. 1. Here, a perspective view of the grill pan 100 is shown. As will be evident to those skilled in the art, the grill pan shares many of the characteristics of a conventional grill pan. For example, the grill pan 100 includes a grill or mesh 101 on which food is placed. Oil, grease fat and any other cooking material falls through the grill 101 during the grilling process. The grill pan 100 also includes a base 105 on which the grill pan 100 sits. Elevated sides of the grill pan 100 ensure that the grease, oil and fat cannot escape from the grill pan 100.

[0047] A detachable handle is also provided on the grill pan 100. As is known in the art, such a handle comprises a suitable heat resistant material. The handle 102 is removably attachable to a bracket on the grill pan 100. The handle 102 is generally removed from the grill pan 100 during the grilling process. That is, when the grill pan 100 is inserted in the grilling compartment of a cooker or stove.

[0048] The grill pan 100 is generally composed of metal. For example, the grill pan may comprise coated aluminium. However as is known by those skilled in the art, other materials may also be used. The grill pan 100 can become extremely hot during the grilling process. Therefore the grill pan 100 cannot be safely removed from a grilling compartment of a cooker without the use of the handle 102 or an equivalent implement.

[0049] The grill pan 100 of the exemplary embodiment further comprises a drain hole or aperture 103. The aperture 103 is an opening in the base 105 of the of the grill pan 100. Although the aperture 103 is shown as circular in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, it may be configured in any suitable shape. The aperture 103 is shaped for the egress of fat, oil and grease from the grill pan. Specifically, the aperture 103 provides a smooth path from the base of the grill pan 100, which allows fat, oil, grease and any other materials that result from grilling to exit the grill pan 100.

[0050] The base 105 of the grill pan 100 is sloped towards the aperture 103 to encourage the materials produced during grilling to flow towards the aperture 103. In alternative embodiments, a portion of the base is sloped towards the aperture or the base may not be sloped at all. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, it is desirable that such materials are removed from the grill pan 100 during the grilling process. If such materials remain in the base of the grill pan 100, they are directly exposed to high temperature radiant heat and can generate smoke. Removal of the materials from the base of the grill pan 100 ensures that such materials cannot generate undesirable smoke and odours.

[0051] The grill pan 100 of the exemplary embodiment further includes a drip tray or receptacle tray 104. The receptacle tray 104 is configured to collect the fat, oil and grease egressing the aperture 103. As can be appreciated from FIG. 1, the receptacle tray 104 is operably attached to the underside of the grill pan 100. In particular, the receptacle tray 104 is positioned underneath the aperture 103 such that any materials produced by grilling and exiting the aperture are securely collected within the receptacle tray 104. In operation, the oil, fat and grease as well as any other materials produced by grilling process drop onto the base 105 of the grill pan 100. The materials then drain from the grill pan 100 through the aperture 103. The materials are then collected in the receptacle tray 104.

[0052] The receptacle tray 104 may be composed of the same material as the grill pan 100 e.g., coated aluminium. However, the receptacle tray may be formed from any material suitable for securely collecting the material produced by grilling. In one embodiment, the receptacle tray may be disposable. In such cases, the receptacle tray may be composed of lightweight aluminium material. Such material is known in the art for use with disposable barbecues. However, a disposable receptacle tray 104 is not limited to such a material and any material that is both heat and flame resistant may be used.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the grill pan of FIG. 1 from underneath is shown. From this view, the configuration of the receptacle tray 104 can be appreciated. The receptacle tray 104 is slidable within a slot on the underside of the grill pan 100. The slot may be formed by a frame 205 that is configured to match the shape of the receptacle tray 104. The frame 205 is integral with the grill pan 100. For example, at the time of manufacturing the grill pan 100, the frame may also be moulded in the same process. The receptacle tray may be easily removed from the grill pan by sliding it out of the slot.

[0054] When in position within the slot under the grill pan 100, the receptacle tray may be locked in place using a latch 202. As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the latch ensured the receptacle tray 104 stays securely in place. For removal of the receptacle tray, a user simply squeezes the latch 202 to release the receptacle tray 104.

[0055] A stopper, closure device or mechanism 203 may also be provided on the grill pan 100. The closure device 203 comprises a resilient material that is deformable. The closure device 203 acts as a barricade or hatch. As will be explained in more detail herein after, the closure device 203 is configured to operably close the aperture 103. As can be appreciated from FIG. 2, the receptacle tray 104 is configured to contact the closure device 203 when inserted in the slot. The contact of the receptacle tray 104 with the closure 203 holds the closure device 203 in an open position. In this manner, the aperture 103 is open when the receptacle tray 104 in inserted in the slot of the grill pan 100.

[0056] It can also be seen in FIG. 2 that the grill pan 100 is optionally provided with in-built handles 204. These handles may be used for lifting and maneuvering the grill pan 100 when it has been removed from the grill compartment of a cooker or stove.

[0057] With reference to FIG. 3, an exploded view of the grill pan of FIG. 1 is shown. In this view the receptacle tray 104 is removed from the grill pan 100. The grill pan handle 102 is also removed. A bracket 301 to which the handle is removable attachable is more clearly visible from this view. Any bracket configuration may be used as long as it is sufficient to securely hold the handle 102.

[0058] It will be appreciated that the receptacle tray 104 may be much smaller then the grill pan 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the receptacle tray 104 is approximately one third the size of the grill pan 100. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, grill pans 100 can often have a relatively large size such that they are awkward to handle. They may also be awkward to wash as they may not fit in a conventional kitchen sink. The provision of a smaller sized receptacle tray 104 that can be quickly and easily cleaned and washed is particularly advantageous.

[0059] FIG. 4 shows a view of the exploded grill pan 100 of FIG. 3 from beneath. With the receptacle tray 104 removed, the configuration of the closure device 203 can be more easily observed.

[0060] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the aperture 103 is blocked or closed by the closure device 203. It will be appreciated that since the receptacle tray 104 is not inserted in the slot beneath the grill pan 100, it is not applying a force to the closure device 203. The closure device is configured to be resilient and naturally springs towards the aperture 103. Without the presence of the receptacle tray 104 against the closure device, the closure device 203 moves to close the aperture 103. As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the closure device 203 is resilient in nature and therefore springs to the closed position once the receptacle tray 104 is retracted within the slot.

[0061] The configuration of the underside of the receptacle tray 104 is also shown in more detail in FIG. 4. It will be appreciated that the receptacle tray 104 includes a protruding lip 401 at either side of the tray 104. The lips 401 are configured to cooperate with guide rails 402 provided on the grill pan 100. Although only a single guide rail 402 is shown in FIG. 4, preferably a guide rail 402 is provided at each side of the slot. The lips 401 sit on top of the guide rails 402 when the receptacle tray 104 is inserted into the slot. The receptacle tray 104 is then free to slide on the guide rails 402.

[0062] FIG. 5 provides a view of the grill pan 100 of the exemplary embodiment with a portion of the grill pan 100 cut away for improved visibility. The grill 101 is also not shown. In this configuration, the receptacle tray 104 is fully inserted in the slot beneath the grill pan 100. The receptacle tray is latched in place. Due to the complete insertion of receptacle tray 104, the closure device 203 is forced back and away from the aperture 103. That is, in this embodiment of the invention, the closure device moved laterally to open the aperture 103. The aperture is therefore open when the receptacle tray 104 is fully inserted in the grill pan 100.

[0063] FIG. 6a shows a side view of the grill pan 100 of FIG. 5. As previously mentioned, a portion of the grill pan 100 has been cut away for ease of visibility. The receptacle tray 104 is fully inserted in the grill pan 100. The closure device 203 is configured to move laterally or horizontally with respect to the base 105 of the grill pan 100. In this manner the closure device 203 is fully retracted and the aperture 103 is open.

[0064] The receptacle tray 104 may be held in place by the latch 202. The latch 202 may take any of a number of configurations. The latch must be sufficient to hold the receptacle tray securely. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the resilient closure device 203 is applying a force against the receptacle tray. That is the closure device is applying a force to eject the receptacle tray from the grill pan 100. Without the latch 202 or an equivalent holding mechanism, the receptacle tray would not be able to maintain the aperture 103 in an open position i.e., the closure device 203 could not be held in the retracted position. In the exemplary embodiment, the latch 202 may comprise a protrusion that is held against the grill pan 100 to stop the receptacle tray from being pushed from the slot in the grill pan 100. The protrusion may be withdrawn using a push button mechanism as is known in the art. It will be understood that once the latch 202 is released the receptacle tray will be pushed outwards by the closure mechanism 203 returning to its natural position closing the aperture 103.

[0065] FIG. 6b shows an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 6a. In particular, the closure mechanism 203 is shown retracted or deformed by the receptacle tray. The force applied by the receptacle tray 104 as it is pushed into place by a user forces the closure mechanism away from the aperture 103. The closing mechanism 203 is held away from the aperture once the receptacle tray 104 is fully inserted. As described above, the latch 202 of the receptacle tray insures that it stays in place.

[0066] It can be seen that the closure mechanism 203 includes a “bead” or raised section 601 that is fashioned to conform to the shape of the aperture 103. In the exemplary embodiment, the raised section 601 is circular to conform to the circular aperture 103. The raised section 601 ensures a sealed closure of the aperture when the receptacle tray is withdrawn from the grill pan 100. Furthermore, the shape and resilient nature of the closure mechanism 203 results in the closure mechanism applying a force upwards against the underside of the base of the grill pan 100. This ensures that once the raised section 601 of the closure mechanism reaches the aperture 103, the raised section is forced upwards and into the aperture.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 7, a view of the grill pan 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is shown. In this configuration, the receptacle tray 104 is slightly retracted such that it protrudes from the grill tray 100. With the receptacle tray 104 retracted, the pressure applied on the closure device 203 is insufficient to maintain the closure device in the retracted position. Therefore the resilient closure device 203 moves towards the aperture 103. The raised section 601 of the closure device 203 enters the aperture 103 and forms a seal around the aperture 103. It will be appreciated that with such a configuration, the aperture is immediately closed upon retraction of the receptacle tray 104. At no point is the aperture open without the receptacle tray being underneath the aperture to capture any material that may be exiting the aperture 103.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 8a, a side view of the grill pan 100 of FIG. 7 is shown. A portion of the grill pan 100 has been cut away for increased visibility. The aperture is closed by the closure device 203 with the raised section 601 of the closure device within the aperture 103. The latch 202 has been released by a user and the receptacle tray 104 is pushed forward or outwardly by the closure device 203 acting as a spring. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the closure device functions as a cantilever spring.

[0069] FIG. 8b shows an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 8a. The closure device 203 is configured to move in a plane parallel to the plane of the base of the grill pan 100. In particular, a top portion of the closure device 203, having the protrusion 601 thereon, is configured to in a plane parallel to the plane of the base of the grill pan 100. It will be appreciated that the configuration of the closure device 203 ensures that the aperture 103 is fully closed while the receptacle tray 104 is still beneath the aperture 103. In this manner, any material that exits from the aperture 103 while it is open or semi-open is captured by the receptacle tray 104 beneath the grill pan 100.

[0070] It can also be seen from FIG. 8b that the closure mechanism is securely attached to the frame 205. As previously described the frame 205 forms the slot in which the receptacle tray 104 is inserted. The side of the frame 205 is removed in FIG. 8b for improved visibility. The closure device is shown attached to the back of the frame 205. However the closure device may be attached to any secure surface on the underside of the grill pan 100.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the closure device 203 is shown in isolation. As can be seen in FIGS. 9a and 9b the closure device 203 comprises a generally U shaped or Z shaped member, a front wall 901 of which has a flange 902 projecting therefrom. The flange has the “bead” or raised section 601, which is engageable in the aperture 103 in the base of the grill pan 100. When the receptacle tray is inserted in the grill pan, an edge of the front wall of the receptacle tray 104 engages the front wall 901 of the U or Z shaped member.

[0072] In the configuration of FIG. 9a, the closure device 203 is in a retracted position i.e., the closure device is deformed. Specifically, the closure device 203 is in the position that results from the receptacle tray 104 being fully inserted in the grill pan 100. It will be appreciated that the closure device 203 is shaped such that it is resilient and will act against any force that causes the closure device 203 to deform.

[0073] FIG. 9b shows the closure device in its natural shape i.e., the shape that the closure device takes when no force is applied to it. This is also the shape that the closure device 203 takes when in the closed position on the grill pan 100.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment, the closure device 203 may be constructed of metal. For example spring steel suitably shaped to spring back into place upon removal of any force may be used. It should also be appreciated that the closure device is not limited to the exemplary embodiment shown. For example, a helical spring in conjunction with a plate may be used as the closure device 203. The use of a leaf spring is also envisaged.

[0075] Turning to FIG. 10, another embodiment of a grill pan 1000 in accordance with the present teachings is shown. It can be seen in this configuration that the slot is formed by the use of two rails 1001. The rails hold a receptacle tray 1002 on the underside of the grill pan 1000. As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the receptacle tray 1003 is different to the previously described receptacle tray in that it includes a central protrusion 1003. The protrusion 1003 is a raised portion of the base of the receptacle tray configured to engage the closure device.

[0076] FIG. 11a provides a view of the grill pan 1000 of the further embodiment with a portion of the grill pan 1000 cut away for improved visibility. In this view, the receptacle tray 1002 is fully inserted in the slot beneath the grill pan 1000. As can be observed, this embodiment of the grill pan includes a closure device 1101 that is different than the previously described closure device. This closure device 1101 has two planar sections with a connecting section there between. The connecting section is generally perpendicular to the planar sections. The connecting section of the closure device 1101 extends through an opening or aperture 1102 in the base 1103 of the grill pan 1000.

[0077] The closure device of this embodiment may also be considered as a poppet valve. The valve includes a tapered plug configured to block the aperture. The plug is disk shape on the end of a shaft also called a valve stem. The portion of the hole or aperture where the plug meets with it is referred to as the ‘seat’ or ‘valve seat’. The poppet valve of FIG. 11a includes a second disk beneath the base of the grill pan configured to engage with the receptacle tray 1002.

[0078] As will be described in more detail hereinafter, the closure device 1101 acts as a valve or plunger that is actuated by the protrusion 1003 of the receptacle tray 1002. It can be seen from FIG. 11a that due to the insertion of the receptacle tray 1002 under the grill pan (in the slot); the protrusion 1003 contacts the closure device 1101 and pushes it generally vertically with respect to the base 1103 of the grill pan 1000. The aperture 1102 in the base 1103 of the grill pan is opened when the closure device 1101 is pushed vertically. Fat, oil and grease and any other materials held in the grill pan 1000 are free to flow through the open aperture 1102 into the receptacle tray 1002.

[0079] Turning to FIG. 11b, the closure device 1101 can be seen in the closed position i.e., blocking the aperture 1102. That is, the receptacle tray 1002 has been withdrawn from underneath the grill pan 1000 such that the protrusion is no longer contacting the closure device 1101. The closure device drops down such that the planar section at the top of the closure device—first planar section—contacts the inside of the base of the grill pan and closes or blocks the aperture 1102. A spring may be provided between the planar section of the closure device 1101 underneath of the grill pan—second planar portion—and the underside of base 1103 of the grill pan 1000. The spring applies pressure to the closure device forcing it to keep the aperture closed.

[0080] It will be appreciated that the protrusion 1003 in the receptacle tray 1002 is sloped or inclined. In this manner, the underside of the closure device—second planar section—contacts the incline of the protrusion as the receptacle tray is inserted on the rails 1001. The incline of the protrusion 1003 ensures that the closure device is gradually and smoothly engaged as the receptacle tray 1002 is inserted. The protrusion may be formed of the same material as the receptacle tray.

[0081] The closure device 1101 is configured to move in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the base of the grill pan 1000. In particular, the closure device 1101 has a central axis and is configured to move up and down perpendicular to the plane of the base of the grill pan 1000.

[0082] A projection 1104 may be provided on the underside of the second planar portion of the closure device 1101. This projection engages a groove or notch 1105 on the protrusion 1003 of the receptacle tray 1002. The incline of the protrusion 1003 on the receptacle tray ensures that the projection 1104 of the closure device 1101 is guided to the groove 1105 as the receptacle tray 1002 is inserted. In this manner, the receptacle tray 1002 may latch onto the closure device 1101 when inserted in the slot (on the rails 1001) of the grill pan. This configuration ensures that the receptacle tray 1002 is held in place in the slot while also ensures that the closure device is held in the open position—pushed vertically away from the base of the grill pan 1000.

[0083] FIG. 12 shows a view of the exploded grill pan 1000 in accordance with this further embodiment. With the receptacle tray 104 removed, the configuration of the closure device 1101 can be more easily observed. The previously described connecting section or central shaft of the closure device has been removed for ease of viewing. The spring 1201, which is inserted between the planar section and the underside of the case of the grill pan, can be seen. As the closure device is pushed vertically, the spring 1201 acts to return the closure device or valve to the closed position. That is, the spring 1201 is configured to return the valve to an aperture closed position when the valve is not being actuated.

[0084] It should also be appreciated that the spring does not need to be a separate element. The spring may be integral with the closure device 1101 e.g., where a spring leaf projects from the bottom planar section of the closure device to the underside of the base of the grill pan. The closure device may be formed of any suitable resilient material. Preferably the closure device is deformable around the aperture to seal the aperture. The closure device may comprise metal or a heat resistant plastic/rubber.

[0085] The words comprises/comprising when used in this specification are to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.