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 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 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 use; Barbecues
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]
7.
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY ADVANCING STEPS OF COOK PROGRAMS FOR GRILLS BASED ON DETECTED LID POSITION DATA
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.
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 transversely-loadable rotisserie baskets are disclosed. An example rotisserie basket includes a base and a lid coupled to the base. The lid is movable relative to the base between an open position and a closed position. The example rotisserie basket further includes a first mounting bracket coupled to a first side of the base, and a second mounting bracket coupled to a second side of the base located opposite the first side of the base. The first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket are respectively configured to be transversely loadable onto a rotisserie spit.
Example transversely-loadable rotisserie forks are disclosed. An example rotisserie fork includes a first upper prong and a second upper prong spaced apart from the first upper prong. The example rotisserie fork further includes a first lower prong and a second lower prong spaced apart from the first lower prong. The example rotisserie fork further includes a mounting bracket coupled to the first upper prong, the second upper prong, the first lower prong, and the second lower prong. The mounting bracket is configured to be transversely loadable onto a rotisserie spit.
Example transversely-loadable rotisserie skewer racks are disclosed. An example rotisserie skewer rack includes a first support plate and a second support plate spaced apart from the first support plate. The example rotisserie skewer rack further includes a plurality of skewers extending between the first support plate and the second support plate. The example rotisserie skewer rack includes a first mounting bracket coupled to the first support plate, and a second mounting bracket coupled to the second support plate. The first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket are respectively configured to be transversely loadable onto a rotisserie spit.
Example L-shaped smoker boxes for gas grills are disclosed. An example smoker box includes a base and a lid. The base includes a bottom wall having an L-shaped profile. The lid includes a top wall having an L-shaped profile.
Example dual -burner assemblies for cookboxes of gas grills are disclosed. An example dual-burner assembly includes a first burner tube and a second burner tube. The first burner tube has a first maximum heat output. The second burner tube has a second maximum heat output. The second burner tube is spaced apart from the first burner tube by a distance of no more than 0.750 inches. The second maximum heat output is less than the first maximum heat output.
Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes an end cap, a liner coupled to the end cap, and a compartment formed between the end cap and the liner. The example pellet grill further includes a lighting module having a light source. The light source is positioned within the compartment. The light source is configured to project light through an opening formed in the liner and into an interior of a cooking chamber of the pellet grill.
Example handle-integrated lighting assemblies including one or more lighting module(s) located substantially within a handle of a lid of a grill are described. An example lighting assembly configured to be coupled to a lid of a grill includes a handle and a lighting module. The handle includes a crossbar and a stem coupled to and oriented at an angle relative to the crossbar. The lighting module includes a light source located within the handle. The light source is configured to project light through the stem in a direction away from the crossbar.
F21S 9/02 - Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator
F21V 33/00 - Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
F21V 23/00 - Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
F21V 23/04 - Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
F21V 5/04 - Refractors for light sources of lens shape
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 has a hook configured to couple the warming rack 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.
Slidable waste management systems for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example waste management system is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example waste management system includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail that are couplable to the cookbox, The example waste management system further includes a waste tray slidably coupled to the first guide rail and the second guide rail. The waste tray is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The waste tray has an upper opening and a lower opening. The upper opening is configured to receive waste from the cookbox when the waste tray is in the closed configuration. The example waste management system further includes a waste bin coupled to and located below the waste tray. The waste bin is configured to receive the waste from the waste tray via the lower opening.
Example inset frames configured to interchangeably support cooking accessories of various shapes and sizes within a cookbox of a grill are described. An example inset frame is configured to be positioned within a cookbox of a grill. The inset frame comprises a support lattice configured to interchangeably support a rectangular cooking accessory and a circular cooking accessory within the cookbox of the grill.
Example smoker boxes having slidable lids are disclosed. An example smoker box includes a base and a lid. The base includes a bottom wall, a front wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, a rear wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, a right sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, a left sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, a first pin coupled to the right sidewall, and a second pin coupled to the left sidewall. The lid includes is slidably coupled to the base and movable between a closed position and an open position. The lid includes a top wall, a right lip extending downwardly from the top wall, and a left lip extending downwardly from the top wall. The right lip includes a first slot, and the left lip includes a second slot. The first pin extends into and is slidable within the first slot. The second pin extends into and is slidable within the second slot.
Portable cooking stations having interlocking sear grates and griddles are disclosed. An example portable cooking station includes a sear grate and a griddle. The griddle is configured to be removably interlocked to the sear grate in a side-by-side arrangement.
Dutch ovens having lids with integral griddles are disclosed. An example Dutch oven includes a pot and a lid. The pot has a rim. The lid is configured to be seated on the rim of the pot. The lid includes a central portion having an upper surface forming a griddle. The upper surface of the central portion is oriented away from the pot when the lid is seated on the rim of the pot.
Mountable trays for temperature probe hubs are disclosed. An example mountable tray includes a central portion, a peripheral portion, and a mounting arm. The central portion includes at least one drainage opening extending through the central portion. The peripheral portion is coupled to and extends upwardly from the central portion. The mounting arm is coupled to and extends upwardly from the peripheral portion. The mounting arm is configured to mount the mountable tray to a flange.
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.
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues
F23B 40/02 - Combustion apparatus with driven means for feeding fuel into the combustion chamber the fuel being fed by scattering over the fuel-supporting surface
B65G 33/04 - Screw or rotary spiral conveyors for articles conveyed between a single screw and guiding means
Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame, a cookbox, a lid, and a lid lock assembly. The cookbox is coupled to the frame. The lid is movably coupled to the cookbox. The lid is movable relative to the cookbox between a closed position and an open position. The lid lock assembly is coupled to the frame. The lid lock assembly is configured to enable movement of the lid from the closed position into the open position when the portable grill is in the erected configuration, and to lock the lid in the closed position in response to the portable grill being moved from the erected configuration into the collapsed configuration.
Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame and a leg unit coupled to the frame. The leg unit includes a first leg, a second leg spaced apart from the first leg, and a support bar coupled to and extending between the first and second legs. The support bar further extends at an angle away from the first and second legs. The support bar is configured to contact an underlying surface to support the portable grill when the portable grill is in the collapsed configuration and oriented horizontally relative to the underlying surface. The support bar is further configured to provide a handle by which the portable grill can be hung when the portable grill is in the collapsed configuration and oriented vertically relative to the underlying surface.
Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill includes a cookbox, a lid, a cooking grate, and a grate retainer. The lid is movably coupled to the cookbox, and is movable relative to the cookbox between a closed position and an open position. The lid and the cookbox define a cooking chamber when the lid is in the closed position. The cooking grate is located within the cooking chamber and supported by the cookbox. The cooking grate is movable relative to the cookbox when the lid is in the open position. The grate retainer is coupled to the lid, and extends inwardly from an inner surface of the lid. The grate retainer is configured to restrict movement of the cooking grate relative to the cookbox when the lid is in the closed position.
Methods and apparatus to indicate presence of a flame are disclosed. An example gas grill includes a burner tube having apertures to emit a fuel for combustion, an ignition element to cause ignition of the fuel emitted from the apertures of the burner tube, a flame sensor to detect the presence of a flame associated with the combustion of the fuel emitted from the apertures of the burner tube, and flame sense circuitry including a flame signal accessor to access a flame sense signal from the flame sensor, and a terminal to output an indication of the presence of the flame, the indication of the presence of the flame output without respect to an open or closed state of a lid of the grill.
Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame, a leg unit, and a leg lock assembly. The leg unit is movably coupled to the frame. The leg unit includes a first leg and a second leg spaced apart from the first leg. The leg lock assembly is operatively coupled to the leg unit and located partially within the frame. The leg lock assembly is configured to lock the leg unit in a first position relative to the frame when the portable grill is in the erected configuration, and to unlock the leg unit from the first position to enable movement of the portable grill from the erected configuration into the collapsed configuration.
Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a valve and regulator assembly and a tank blocker. The valve and regulator assembly includes a tank connector configured to removably couple a fuel tank to the valve and regulator assembly. The tank blocker is configured to prevent the portable grill from being moved from the erected configuration into the collapsed configuration when the portable grill is in the erected configuration and the fuel tank is coupled to the tank connector.
Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame and a leg unit coupled to the frame. The leg unit includes a first leg, a second leg spaced apart from the first leg, and a foldable foot pivotally coupled to and extending between the first and second legs. The foldable foot is movable relative to the first and second legs between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration. The foldable foot contacts an underlying surface to support the portable grill when the foldable foot is unfolded and the portable grill is erected and oriented horizontally relative to the underlying surface. The foldable foot provides a handle by which the portable grill can be picked up when the foldable foot is folded and the portable grill is collapsed and oriented horizontally relative to the underlying surface.
Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame and a leg unit coupled to the frame. The leg unit includes a first leg, a second leg spaced apart from the first leg, and a support bar coupled to and extending between the first and second legs. The support bar further extends at an angle away from the first and second legs. The support bar is configured to contact an underlying surface to support the portable grill when the portable grill is in the collapsed configuration and oriented vertically relative to the underlying surface. The support bar is further configured to provide a handle by which the portable grill can be picked up when the portable grill is in the collapsed configuration and oriented horizontally relative to the underlying surface.
Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill includes a frame, a leg unit, and a leg latch assembly. The leg unit is coupled to the frame. The leg latch assembly includes a post rigidly coupled to the leg unit, and a swing plate pivotally coupled to the frame. The swing plate includes an opening to receive the post when the portable grill is in a collapsed configuration. The opening includes a first post-receiving portion having a first diameter, and a second postreceiving portion having a second diameter less than the first diameter. The swing plate is pivotable to selectively locate the post in the first post-receiving portion or the second postreceiving portion. The swing plate is separable from the post when the post is located in the first post-receiving portion, and inseparable from the post when the post is located in the second postreceiving portion. The leg latch assembly latches the leg unit in a fixed position relative to the frame when the post is located in the second post-receiving portion, and unlatches the leg unit from the fixed position when the post is located in the first post-receiving portion.
Temperature probe hubs are disclosed. An example temperature probe hub includes a housing and a control button. The housing includes a base. The base has a central portion, a peripheral portion bounding the central portion, and a filler extending between the central portion and the peripheral portion. The filler is configured to move the central portion relative to the peripheral portion in response to a compressive force applied to the filler. The control button is located within the housing. The control button is configured to be actuated in response to movement of the central portion of the housing relative to the peripheral portion of the housing.
Temperature probe hubs are disclosed. An example temperature probe hub includes a housing, a drain, and a probe jack. The drain extends through the housing. The probe jack is located within the housing in fluid communication with the drain. The drain is configured to remove fluid from the probe jack.
Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a burn pot including an upper end having a first opening, a lower end located opposite the upper end and having a second opening, and a sidewall extending between the upper and lower ends. The example pellet grill further includes a fuel grate positioned within the burn pot between the upper and lower ends. The fuel grate is configured to support pellet fuel within the burn pot. The fuel grate includes a plurality of ash openings dimensioned to enable ash produced from combustion of the pellet fuel to pass downwardly through the fuel grate toward the second opening.
Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a main body defining a cooking chamber. The main body includes a first end, a second end located opposite the first end, and an outer wall extending between the first and second ends. The main body has a lateral extent defined by the first and second ends. The example pellet grill further includes a hopper mounted to a rear portion of the outer wall of the main body. The hopper includes a fuel intake opening extending from a first location within the lateral extent of the main body to a second location outside of the lateral extent of the main body.
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues
F23B 40/02 - Combustion apparatus with driven means for feeding fuel into the combustion chamber the fuel being fed by scattering over the fuel-supporting surface
Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes an auger and an auger motor operatively coupled to the auger. The example pellet grill further includes one or more processors configured to determine whether the auger is jammed. The one or more processors are further configured, in response to determining that the auger is jammed, to command the auger motor to modify a direction of rotation of the auger.
F23B 40/02 - Combustion apparatus with driven means for feeding fuel into the combustion chamber the fuel being fed by scattering over the fuel-supporting surface
B65G 33/04 - Screw or rotary spiral conveyors for articles conveyed between a single screw and guiding means
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues
Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a burn pot configured to combust pellet fuel received within the burn pot. The pellet grill further includes an auger configured to deliver the pellet fuel to the burn pot. The pellet grill further includes an auger motor operatively coupled to the auger. The pellet grill further includes one or more processors configured to determine whether a shutdown sequence of the pellet grill has been initiated. The one or more processors are further configured, in response to determining that the shutdown sequence has been initiated, to command the auger motor to reverse a direction of rotation of the auger. The reversal is to cause pellet fuel which the auger has not yet delivered to the burn pot to be purged in a direction away from the burn pot.
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues
F23B 40/02 - Combustion apparatus with driven means for feeding fuel into the combustion chamber the fuel being fed by scattering over the fuel-supporting surface
B65G 33/04 - Screw or rotary spiral conveyors for articles conveyed between a single screw and guiding means
Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a one or more processors configured to detect an improper shutdown of a control system of the pellet grill. The one or more processors are further configured to generate a notification in response to the control system regaining power following detection of the improper shutdown, the notification indicating that the control system was improperly shutdown. The one or more processors are further configured to cause the notification to be presented at a user interface of the pellet grill.
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues
F23B 50/12 - Combustion apparatus in which the fuel is fed into or through the combustion zone by gravity, e.g. from a fuel storage situated above the combustion zone the fuel being fed to the combustion zone by free fall or by sliding along inclined surfaces, e.g. from a conveyor terminating above the fuel bed
Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes an ignitor configured to be activated. The ignitor has a duty cycle associated with a number of activations of the ignitor. The example pellet grill further includes one or more processors configured to determine whether the duty cycle has violated a threshold. The one or more processors are further configured, in response to determining that the duty cycle has violated the threshold, to generate a notification indicating that the threshold has been violated. The one or more processors are further configured to cause the notification to be presented at a user interface of the pellet grill.
Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a main body defining a cooking chamber. The example pellet grill further includes a burn pot located within the main body. The burn pot includes an upper end, a lower end located opposite the upper end, and a sidewall extending between the upper end and the lower end. The sidewall has an opening. The example pellet grill further includes an ignitor extending into the burn pot through the opening of the sidewall. The example pellet grill further includes an ignitor carrier removably coupled to the ignitor. The ignitor carrier extends away from the burn pot and is accessible from outside the main body.
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues
F23B 50/12 - Combustion apparatus in which the fuel is fed into or through the combustion zone by gravity, e.g. from a fuel storage situated above the combustion zone the fuel being fed to the combustion zone by free fall or by sliding along inclined surfaces, e.g. from a conveyor terminating above the fuel bed
Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a main body defining a cooking chamber. The example pellet grill further includes a grease deflection bar assembly located within the main body. the grease deflection bar assembly includes a first rack removably positioned on first tabs of the main body, a second rack removably positioned on second tabs of the main body, and a grease deflection bar extending between and removably positioned on the first and second racks.
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues
F23B 40/02 - Combustion apparatus with driven means for feeding fuel into the combustion chamber the fuel being fed by scattering over the fuel-supporting surface
Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a main body defining a cooking chamber. The main body includes a first opening extending through a bottom portion of an outer wall of the main body. The main body further including a grease channel formed along the bottom portion of the outer wall and extending to the first opening. The example pellet grill further includes a burn pot located within the main body. The burn pot includes a lower end having a second opening aligned with the first opening. The second opening is configured to enable pellet fuel ash to pass downwardly from the burn pot onto an ash slide positioned below the second opening. The example pellet grill further includes a waste collection drawer located below the main body. The waste collection drawer is movable relative to the main body between a closed position and an open position. The waste collection drawer includes a grease bin positioned below the first opening and configured to receive grease from the grease channel when the waste collection drawer is in the closed position. The waste collection drawer further includes an ash compartment positioned below the ash slide and configured to receive pellet fuel ash from the burn pot, via the ash slide, when the waste collection drawer is in the closed position.
A47J 37/07 - Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues
F23B 40/02 - Combustion apparatus with driven means for feeding fuel into the combustion chamber the fuel being fed by scattering over the fuel-supporting surface
patents
