Supports – Stand – Receptacle
Reexamination Certificate
2001-08-10
2004-05-25
Braun, Leslie A. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Stand
Receptacle
Reexamination Certificate
active
06739558
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a barbecue grill assembly with a shelf component. More specifically, the present invention relates to a shelf for a barbecue grill assembly that provides support to a portion of the assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As the popularity of gas barbecue grills has increased, manufacturers have employed many types of shelves or trays for use in the frame supporting the barbecue grill. Generally, the tray is connected to a lower portion of the frame. The vast majority of existing trays are sheet metal or plastic, and have a thin-wall construction. Typically, the trays are connected to the extremities of the lower portion with fasteners such as nuts and bolts. The tray can be configured to provide support for other elements, including a fuel tank.
A concern with trays of this type is the difficulty in properly connecting the tray to the lower portion of the frame. A second concern is providing sufficient structural integrity of the tray and frame. A related concern is a possible loss of structural integrity due to the multiplicity of fasteners used to connect the tray to the lower portion of the frame.
An example of a gas barbecue grill having a tray design susceptible of such concerns identified above is U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,755 to Johnston. As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2
therein, the barbecue grill is supported by a complex frame with a lower portion. The tray is connected to vertical supports positioned at the extremities of the lower portion of the frame. A combination of threaded fasteners and nuts are used to connect the tray to the vertical supports. Prior to connecting the tray to the vertical supports, the lower portion of the frame lacks any cross-member support.
Due to the thin-wall construction of the tray and the use of threaded fasteners that are susceptible to loosen over time, the frame may naturally experience a reduction in structural integrity.
Another example of a barbecue grill design with the concerns identified above is U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,718 to Seal. Referring to
FIG. 2
therein, the barbecue grill is supported by a frame comprising a plurality of bent tubular members and a tray. The tray is connected to vertical supports positioned at the extremities of the frame. A combination of threaded fasteners and nuts are used to connect the tray to the vertical supports. Like the '755 Patent to Johnston, prior to connecting the tray to the vertical supports, the lower portion of the frame lacks any cross-member support.
Therefore, there is a definite need for a shelf for use in a barbecue grill assembly that is durable and provides an enhanced degree of structural integrity to the frame supporting the barbecue grill. In addition, there is a need for a shelf that can be simply and reliably connected to the frame without the use of fasteners.
The present invention is provided to solve these and other problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a barbecue grill assembly comprising an upper frame assembly and a lower frame assembly, the upper assembly adapted to receive a cooking chamber. The lower assembly having a shelf and a plurality of lower frame members. The lower frame members define an interior space. The shelf is a rigid structure with a perimeter cooperatively dimensioned with the interior space such that the shelf can be positioned within the interior space. Alternatively, the barbecue grill assembly has a single frame assembly with a plurality of frame members defining an interior space.
At least one of the lower frame members has an aperture. The shelf has at least one pin positioned on an edge of the shelf. The pin is cooperatively dimensioned with the aperture such that the pin is removably received by the aperture. When the shelf and the frame member are connected in this manner, the lower assembly has a rigid and stable construction thereby increasing the structural rigidity of the barbecue grill assembly.
Because the pin is adapted to be removably received by the aperture, the shelf can be quickly and easily disengaged from the lower frame member. As a result, the packaging and storage options for the grill assembly are increased.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the shelf has at least one securing member and at least one supporting member. The securing member is adapted to move between a first position, wherein the securing member engages an inner portion of the lower frame member, and a second position, wherein the securing member engages a bottom portion of the lower frame member. In the second position, the supporting member engages at least an upper portion of the lower frame member.
The first position is a transitory position, whereas the second position is a stable position. In the second position, the shelf is connected to the lower frame member thereby securing the lower assembly. As a result, the structural rigidity of both the lower assembly and the barbecue grill assembly is increased.
In another preferred embodiment, the shelf has at least one securing member, one supporting member, and one finger. In the first position, the finger slidingly engages an inner portion of the lower frame member. In the second portion, the finger engages the inner portion to prevent movement of the shelf with respect to the lower frame member.
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Bruno Adrian A.
Choi Daniel S.
Sieg Ewald
Stephen Robert T.
Braun Leslie A.
Wallenstein Wagner & Rockey Ltd.
Weber-Stephen Products Co.
Wujciak, III A. Joseph
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