The present disclosure relates to a device and system for easily cleaning the cooking grate of a barbeque grill. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an automated device and system for cleaning, degreasing, and sanitizing an entire cooking grate, including the top cooking surface and opposing underside surface of the grate. The present cleaning device and system provides a more effective method for cleaning, degreasing, and sanitizing a barbeque cooking grate over standard manual cleaning methods.
Cooking food over a grill is a popular activity. Gas grills are commonly used for their ease and efficiency. Food items to be cooked are generally placed directly on a flat horizontal grill grate inside the grill and positioned above the heat source. The grill grate is typically constructed from metals, such as steel, alloy or iron, provided in the shape of bars or rods arranged in a parallel, spaced apart configuration. The spacing of the grill grate permits heat and flames to reach the food, while ensuring that the food does not fall into the fire.
It is inherent that during the cooking process juices, fat and other cooking byproducts will fall through the grill grate, and onto the fire source below. Many of these byproducts are burned off during the cooking process. However, some cooking byproducts, whether fat or grease from high fat content foods, marinades, or other seasonings can cause a buildup of residue not only on the top cooking surface of the grate, but also on the underside surface of the bars of the grate. Although some of the residue may be burned off through high heat of the grill, sometimes residue remains and simply becomes baked onto the grate. Not only can this buildup lead to potential flareups of flames during subsequent cooking, which may ruin or impart undesirable flavors to the food currently on the grill, but the residue may also contain bacteria which could potentially cross-contaminate the new food.
Although there are many tools (brushes, scrapers) and sprays useful for cleaning the top surface of the grill grate, these tools may not be effective for efficiently cleaning the entire grate, including the underside surfaces. Abrasive tools, such as brushes, are frequently used at the beginning of the cooking process and before the grill is heated. Sometimes the brush is used after the cooking is completed, while the grill is still warm. Another option is that the grill is heated at a very high temperature in an attempt to burn off any remaining cooking byproducts. Even with these cleaning methods, however, residue buildup can still occur on the top and underside surfaces of the grate, which may lead to flare-ups, odors, smoke, and potential contamination of subsequently cooked items. As well, brushes, scrapers and other cleaning tools are not always used properly or often enough to completely clean the cooking grate. Additionally, it is not easy to reach the underside of the grill grate without removing it from the inside of the grill.
In view of the above, it would be desirable to provide an easy cleaning option for cleaning the entire cooking grate of a barbeque grill. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a cleaning device and system for easily cleaning the entire cooking grate, both the top cooking surface and underside surfaces of the grate, without requiring abrasive cleaning tools or sprays. Finally, it would be desirable to provide an automatic cleaning device and system for cleaning the entire surface, top and underside of the cooking grate with ease.
A need, therefore, exists for an improved device and system for easily and effectively cleaning the cooking grate of a barbeque grill. Specifically, a need exists for an improved automated device and system for cleaning, degreasing, and sanitizing an entire cooking grate, including the top cooking surface and opposing underside surface of the grate.
Moreover, a need exists for an improved device and system for easily and effectively cleaning the top and underside surfaces of a cooking grate of a barbeque grill without the use of abrasive tools and sprays.
A need further exists for an improved device and system for easily and effectively cleaning the top and underside surfaces of a cooking grate of a barbeque grill using an automated cleaning device.
The present disclosure relates to an improved device and system for easily cleaning the cooking grate of a barbeque grill. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an automated device and system for cleaning, degreasing, and sanitizing an entire cooking grate from a barbeque grill, including the top cooking surface and opposing underside surface of the cooking grate.
To this end, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for cleaning a cooking grate of a barbeque grill is provided. The apparatus comprises a frame; an axle extending through the frame, wherein the axle comprises a first rotatable brush on the axle, wherein rotation of the axle causes the first rotatable brush to rotate; a shaft extending orthogonally from the axle, wherein rotation of the shaft causes the axle to rotate, wherein the shaft is configured to be held by a chuck of a rotatable drill.
In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second rotatable brush on the axle.
In an embodiment, the first rotatable brush is on a first terminal end of the axle and the second rotatable brush is on a second terminal end of the axle.
In an embodiment, the first and second rotatable brushes are each disposed outside the housing.
In an embodiment, the first rotatable brush is disposed outside a first side of the housing and the second rotatable brush is disposed outside a second side of the housing.
In an embodiment, the first rotatable brush is on a terminal end of the axle.
In an embodiment, the first rotatable brush is positioned on the axle outside the frame.
In an embodiment, the shaft is connected to the axle through a pair of beveled gears.
In an embodiment, the pair of beveled gears forms a right angle gear pair.
In an embodiment, the first rotatable brush comprises bristles that are configured to clean a grill grate when rotated at high speed and contacting the grill grate.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of using an apparatus for cleaning a surface is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing an apparatus comprising a frame, an axle extending through the frame, wherein the axle comprises a first rotatable brush on the axle, wherein rotation of the axle causes the first rotatable brush to rotate, a shaft extending orthogonally from the axle, wherein rotation of the shaft causes the axle to rotate, wherein the shaft is configured to be held by a chuck of a rotatable drill; rotating the shaft, causing the axle to rotate, causing the first rotatable brush to rotated; and cleaning a surface with the first rotatable brush.
In an embodiment, the shaft is attached to a chuck of a drill, further comprising the step of rotating the first rotatable brush using the drill.
In an embodiment, the surface is a grill cooking grate.
In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a second rotatable brush on the axle.
In an embodiment, the first rotatable brush is on a first terminal end of the axle and the second rotatable brush is on a second terminal end of the axle.
In an embodiment, the first and second rotatable brushes are each disposed outside the housing.
In an embodiment, the first rotatable brush is disposed outside a first side of the housing and the second rotatable brush is disposed outside a second side of the housing.
In an embodiment, the shaft is connected to the axle through a pair of beveled gears.
In an embodiment, the pair of beveled gears forms a right angle gear pair.
In an embodiment, the first rotatable brush comprises bristles that are configured to clean a grill grate when the rotatable brush is rotated on the axle.
It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide an improved device and system for easily and effectively cleaning the top and underside surfaces of a cooking grate of a barbeque grill.
It is yet another advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide an improved device and system for easily and effectively cleaning the top and underside surfaces of a cooking grate of a barbeque grill without abrasive tools and sprays.
It is a further advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide an improved device and system for easily and effectively cleaning the top and underside surfaces of a cooking grate of a barbeque grill using an automated cleaning chamber.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the present embodiments and from the drawings.
The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.
The present disclosure relates to an improved device and system for easily cleaning the cooking grate of a barbeque grill. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an automated cleaning device and system for cleaning, degreasing, and sanitizing an entire cooking grate from a barbeque grill, including the top cooking surface and opposing underside surface of the cooking grate. The present device and system provide a more efficient and effective way to clean both the top and underside surfaces of the grate, without the need for brushes, scrapers, or other abrasive products. Cleaning the cooking grate, whether before or after the grilling process can be a laborious task. The present cleaning device and system easily and effectively completes this task, providing an improved method over traditional cleaning methods.
Now referring to the figures,
Referring to FIG. B, there is shown a sectional view of the cleaning device 10 of the present disclosure in an exemplary embodiment thereof. The device 10 includes a chamber 12 having an interior space 14. The chamber includes a first opening 16, which serves as an entry into the interior space 14, and an opposing second opening 18, which serves as the exit from the interior space 14. The first opening 16 and second opening 18 are configured for receiving a standard size barbeque cooking grate 50, positioned horizontally for entry into the chamber. In this manner, both the top surface 52 and underside surface 54 of the grate 50 are accessible for cleaning within the chamber 12.
Incorporated within the interior space 14 of the chamber 12 is a plurality of horizontal rollers 20a-20d. The rollers 20a-20d can be constructed from any suitable non-corrosive material. The rollers 20a-20d have a length spanning the width of the interior space 14 of the chamber 12. The rollers 20a-20d can be provided in any number and in various arrangements within the interior space 14, with the presumption that at least two opposing rollers 20a, 20b are positioned near the first entry opening 16 and a second set of opposing rollers 20c, 20d are positioned near the second, exit opening 18. Preferably, the individual rollers 20a-20d are positioned opposing each other, one near the top of the interior space 14 and one near the bottom of the interior space. The rollers 20a-20d are rotated using a power source, such as a 20V angle motor 22, although it should be noted that the rollers 20a-20d may be powered via any power source, such as standard AC or DC power, as apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
After the grate 50 is initially placed within the first entry opening 16 to the chamber 12, the first set of opposing rollers 20a, 20b rotate and engage the grate 50 between them, specifically both the top 52 and underside 54 of the grate, to assist in moving the grate horizontally into the interior space 14 of the chamber 12. The first set of rollers 20a, 20b feed the grate 50 into the chamber 12 where it is cleaned as will be described below. After the cleaning process, the grate 50 engages at least a second set of opposing rollers 20c, 20d, which rotate and assist in moving the grate out of the interior space 14 and through the second exit opening 18.
As shown in
The cleaning liquid or solution useful in the present cleaning device 10 may be stored in a separate compartment 26 below the chamber 12 and fed to the sprayer 24 or spray nozzle through a hose or tube 25 using a standard pump 28, which may be powered via the power source, as described above. Alternatively, there may be a connection similar to a hose connection, for connecting a separate, stand-alone container of cleaning solution directly to the chamber 12 and sprayer 24 or sprayers. The cleaning solution is ideally a grease cutting formula, such as a dishwashing solution, which is also safe for use on cooking surfaces. It may also be useful to include an antibacterial agent in the cleaning solution.
After the grate 50 enters the interior space 14 of the chamber 12 and is sprayed with the cleaning solution, the grate engages at least one set of cleaning brushes 30a, 30b. The cleaning brushes 30a, 30b are designed as a cylindrical body having a plurality of bristles 32 spaced around the outer circumference of the cylindrical body. Preferably, the cleaning brushes 30a, 30b are provided as an opposing pair, having a similar arrangement to that of the rollers 20, with one brush near the top of the interior space 14, and a second opposing brush near the bottom of the interior space. As with the rollers 20a-20d, the cylindrical cleaning brushes 30a, 30b span the width of the interior space 14 of the chamber 12. Rotation of the cleaning brushes 30a, 30b is accomplished using a power source, such as the 20V angle motor 22 similar to that used to power the rollers 20a-20d. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning brushes 30a, 30b may rotate opposite of similarly positioned rollers 20a, 20b and 20c, 20d, thereby providing a cleaning action on the grate 50 as the grate 50 is fed therethrough.
Although one set of cleaning brushes 30a, 30b is shown, it should be understood there can be multiple sets of cleaning brushes within the chamber 12, having a variety of arrangements. However, regardless of the number and arrangements, it is preferable to configure the cleaning brushes so that both the top surface 52 and the underside surface 54 of the grate 50 are effectively contacted and cleaned. As shown in the embodiment of
When the grate 50 passes between the set of cleaning brushes 30a, 30b, the top cylindrical brush rotates and its bristles 32 effectively clean the top surface 52 of the grate, while the second bottom cylindrical brush rotates and its bristles 32 effectively clean the underside surface 54 of the grate. The rotating action of the cylindrical brushes 30a, 30b, combined with the cleaning solution previously sprayed onto the grate, work to simultaneously clean both the top 52 and underside 54 surfaces of the grate 50. As mentioned, effectively cleaning the entire grate 50, top surface 52 and underside surface 54 is an important advantage of the present disclosure, providing more effective cleaning of the entire grate than traditional cleaning methods, which may result in better cooking results overall.
Once the grate 50 completes its passage through the cylindrical brushes 30a, 30b, and before it exits the chamber 12, it may be important to rinse the grate of the cleaning solution. At least one second sprayer 29 or spray nozzle located before the exit opening 18 is provided as a rinsing sprayer. This sprayer 29 is designed to disperse a water rinse onto the grate 50 as it passes along on the second set of rollers 20c, 20d, or just after passing the second set of rollers and before exiting the chamber. As with the cleaning solution, the water supply may be housed in a separate compartment 40 below the chamber and fed to the sprayer 29 through a tube or hose 41 via a pump 42. Alternatively, the grate 50 may be sprayed with a water rinse after completely exiting the chamber, using a stand-alone source of water.
Although
In one embodiment, the cleaning device 10 may be offered as a free-standing device, and/or may have wheels, a handle or a plurality of handles, or other means for moving the device 10 from one location to another. In another embodiment, as illustrated in
In yet another embodiment, illustrated in
In another alternate embodiment,
In another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning device apparatuses disclosed herein may be portable as part of a portable tool cart 800 as illustrated in
The shaft 914 may be inserted into a shaft gripping chuck 920 of, preferably, a drill 922, as illustrated in
The brushes 902, 904 may be made from a material that may be useful in cleaning cooking grates, such as grill grates. For example, the brushes 902, 904 may have bristles made from plastic, metal, or other like material. For example, the brushes 902, 904 may be made from nylon material formed into bristles and extending from the rotatable brushes 902, 904 such that, when rotated at high speed, as described above, on a cooking grate or other surface, may clean the same.
It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.
The present invention claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/406,519, titled “Grill Cooking Grate Cleaning Device and System for Cleaning a Cooking Grate,” filed Aug. 19, 2021, which claims priority as a continuation-in-part to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/206,837, titled “Grill Cooking Grate Cleaning Device and System for Cleaning a Cooking Grate,” filed Mar. 19, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 62/991,787, titled “Grill Cooking Grate Cleaning Device and System for Cleaning a Cooking Grate,” filed Mar. 19, 2020, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62991787 | Mar 2020 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 17406519 | Aug 2021 | US |
Child | 18230524 | US | |
Parent | 17206837 | Mar 2021 | US |
Child | 17406519 | US |