Combination gas and charcoal grill

• US 5,878,739 A
• Filed: 02/06/1997
• Issued: 03/09/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Percy Guidry, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Percy Guidry, Inc.
• Inventors: Guidry, Gregg A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yeung, James C.
• Application Number:
  US08/796,717
• Time in Patent Office: 761 Days
• Field of Search: 126/25 R, 126/25 A, 126/25 B, 126/41 R, 126/41 E, 126/41 A, 126/50, 99/447, 99/446, 99/443, 99/421 HV, 99/401
• US Class Current: 126/25.00R
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 37/0704 with horizontal fire box
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 37/0713 with gas burners
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 37/0731 with a fire box movable between different positions, e.g. horizontal, vertical, inclined
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 37/0786 Accessories

Abstract

A combined gas and charcoal grill having an adjustable height burner. A combined gas and charcoal grill are provided in which the burner element is pivotably mounted within the grill enclosure so as to permit location adjustment of the burner relative to the grid which supports the food to be cooked. The burner element is configured along with a charcoal tray to form a burner/tray assembly which is vertically movable. Flame height from the burner is also adjustable independent of burner location. A deflector shield is provided to prevent grease and food debris from coming into contact with the burner itself. A removable tray also permits the use of water for steaming and wood chips for smoking. A self-cleaning feature is also provided.

Claims

1. A grilling apparatus comprising:

an openable enclosure, having a food support member therein, and

a burner element pivotably connected to a gas source and movable within said enclosure and having an inlet for receiving a combustible gas, said pivotable movement permitting vertical adjustment of said burner element relative to said food support member;

a charcoal tray in which said pivotable burner element is disposed so as to form a combined burner and tray assembly; and

a deflector shield removably positioned in said charcoal tray above said burner element for shielding said burner element.

2. A grilling apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said deflector shield assists said tray in supporting charcoal coals and shields said burner element from the charcoal coals.

3. A grilling apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising a removable tray positionable above said burner element and below said food support member, said tray configured to hold materials selected from the group of materials consisting of water, wood chips and charcoal.

4. A grilling apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the flame height of said burner element is adjustable independent of the location of said burner element relative to said food support member.

5. A grilling apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising an ash and debris holder positioned at the bottom of said enclosure below said burner element so as to permit removal of ashes and debris from said grilling apparatus.

6. A grilling apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said enclosure includes a cover hingedly attached to a lower enclosure member, thereby permitting said enclosure to be opened and closed.

7. A grilling apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said combined burner and tray assembly are adjustable in position below said food support member while remaining level throughout said adjustment.

8. A grilling apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said enclosure includes at least one air inlet port.

9. A grilling apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said enclosure includes a support externally mounted to said enclosure for supporting a combustible gas fuel supply tank.

10. A grilling apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said burner element includes a plurality of holes along the length of said burner element.

11. A grilling apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said burner element is configured as a tube having two right angle bends, thereby permitting pivotable movement about a pivot axis located near a gas jet from a combustible gas fuel supply.

12. A grilling apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said deflector shield includes a plurality of holes along the length thereof so as to permit flame from said burner element to pass therethrough.

13. A grilling apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said charcoal tray includes a hole therein for communicating with an ash and debris holder which is removable and communicates with said enclosure so as to permit said grilling apparatus to be self-cleaning.

14. A grilling apparatus comprising:

an operable enclosure, having a food support member therein, and

a combined gas burner and charcoal tray assembly mounted within said enclosure, said assembly having a gas burner element having an inlet for receiving a combustible gas, said burner element pivotably connected to a gas source and movable about a pivot axis located at said inlet, said pivotable movement permitting vertical adjustment of said assembly relative to said food support member; and

a deflector shield removably positioned between said burner element and said food support member, said deflector shield including a plurality of holes along the length thereof so as to permit flame from said burner element to pass there through.

15. A grilling apparatus as in claim 14, further comprising a removable tray positionable above said burner element and below said food support member, said tray configured to hold materials selected from the group of materials consisting of water, wood chips and charcoal.

16. A grilling apparatus as in claim 14, wherein the flame height of said burner element is adjustable independent of the location of said burner element relative to said food support member.

17. A grilling apparatus as in claim 14, further comprising an ash and debris holder positioned at the bottom of said enclosure below said burner element so as to permit removal of ashes and debris from said grilling apparatus.

18. A grilling apparatus as in claim 17, wherein said combined gas burner and charcoal tray assembly includes a hole therein for communicating with an ash and debris holder which is removable and communicates with said enclosure so as to permit said grilling apparatus to be self-cleaning.

19. A grilling apparatus as in claim 14, wherein said enclosure includes a cover hingedly attached to a lower enclosure member, thereby permitting said enclosure to be opened and closed.

20. A grilling apparatus as in claim 14, wherein said combined burner and tray assembly are adjustable in position below said food support member while remaining level throughout said adjustment.

21. A grilling apparatus as in claim 14, wherein said enclosure includes at least one air inlet port.

22. A grilling apparatus as in claim 14, wherein said enclosure includes a support externally mounted to said enclosure for supporting a combustible gas fuel supply tank.

23. A grilling apparatus as in claim 14, wherein said burner element includes a plurality of holes along the length of said burner elements.

24. A grilling apparatus as in claim 14, wherein said burner element is configured as a tube having two right angle bends, thereby permitting pivotable movement about a pivot axis located near a gas jet from a combustible gas fuel supply.