FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is of a food preparation device and more specifically a grill with multiple griddle plates each of which can be moved outward from a connected central base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electric grill plates generally present a single sometimes ridged surface for food preparation. Often when preparing grilled foods, it would be useful to grill multiple foods simultaneously but prevent these from mixing. With a single flat or ridged surface this is not possible.

Further, social grilling, where diners sit around a food preparation surface and prepare their own food is becoming popular. Ideally the food preparation surfaces are similarly sized and at the same temperature for all diners so that each diner can prepare similar foods in the same way as other diners. Alternatively it might be desirable to have individually adjustable cooking temperatures per diner. Current approaches to social grilling either rely on a single large surface that is shared by all diners, or require purpose built grills that share the same heat source (such as a coal fire).

It would therefore be advantageous if there was a grilling device that included separate preparation surfaces for simultaneous preparation of different foods. It would also be advantageous if there was a grilling unit that included separate preparation surfaces for social grilling and where such a unit provided for easy cleaning and compact storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the background art by providing an electric grill with a plurality of separated moveable grilling plates each with its own heat source. The separation of the plates enables separated simultaneous grilling on each plate. Further, by allowing moving of the plates, each plate can be positioned in front of a diner while remaining connected to a central base to enable social grilling. The griddle plates are removable for easy cleaning and the plate assemblies may be removed from the base for compact storage.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, an electric grill comprises: a base; a plurality of horizontally folding extensions attached to the base; and a plurality of griddle plate assemblies each removably connected to one of the plurality of extensions.

Preferably, the extensions each comprise an electrical socket and each plate assembly each comprises a coupling connector and electrical power is distributed from the base to the assemblies by connection of the connector to the socket. Preferably the grill further comprises a second extension placed between the extension and the plate assembly.

The verb "grill" as used herein refers to a method of cooking by placing food on a heated surface for heating by direct conduction. The verb "grill" as used herein may also refer to any of sauteing, toasting, simmering, barbequing, shallow frying, stir frying, pan frying, browning, blackening, grilling, baking, braising, a la plancha, roasting, and flambeing.The grill surface may be referred to interchangeably herein as a griddle, plate, grill, flattop grill, hot plate or plancha.

According to at least some embodiments, there is provided an electric grill comprising: a. a base; b. a plurality of horizontally folding extensions attached to said base; and c. a plurality of griddle plate assemblies each removably connected to one of said plurality of extensions, each griddle plate assembly comprising a plate.

Optionally each griddle plate assembly comprises a heating element for heating the plate. Optionally said extensions each comprise an electrical socket and each plate assembly each comprises a coupling connector and electrical power is distributed from said base to said assemblies by connection of said connector to said socket for powering said heating element.

Optionally the grill further comprises a second extension placed between said extension and said plate assembly.

Optionally said folding extensions fold into and out from the base for positioning each plate assembly. Optionally each plate comprises a beveled edge. Optionally each plate comprises a grilling surface and wherein said grilling surface comprises one or more of cast or wrought iron, aluminum, carbon steel, A36 steel, stainless steel, composites of stainless steel and aluminum, or a combination thereof. Optionally each plate comprises a clay, stone or brick slab or tablet. Optionally each plate comprises a stick-resistant coating on a top surface, wherein said top surface is heated. Optionally each plate comprises a top surface and said top surface is chrome-plated. Optionally each plate has a thickness of between 10 to 25mm thick. Optionally each plate comprises a top surface and said top surface is grooved. Optionally each plate comprises a top surface and said top surface is heated to a temperature of between 150 and 300 degrees Celsius.

Optionally the grill further comprises a heating coil, preferably as part of the grill assembly. Optionally said coil is not covered as part of the grill assembly. If not covered, then the grill assembly would lack a top surface as described herein, or such a top surface would be underneath the coil.

Optionally each extension comprises a plurality of grill assemblies. Optionally said plurality of grill assemblies of said extension are arranged in a "Y" shape. Optionally said plurality of grill assemblies of said extension are arranged in a linear shape.

Implementation of the apparatus (grill), method and system of the present invention involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. While various embodiments of the electronics are described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art could easily create further embodiments and implementations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A-1G are exemplary, non-limiting illustrations of a grill according to at least some embodiments of the present invention; FIGS. 2A-2G are exemplary, non-limiting illustrations of a grill according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are exemplary circuit diagram of a grill according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;

Figures 4A and 4B show another non-limiting embodiment of a grill;

Figures 5A and 5B show yet another non-limiting embodiment of a grill; and

Figures 6A and 6B show yet another non-limiting embodiment of a grill, which may optionally be implemented with any of the grills as described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention in at least some embodiments is related to a system, device and a method for grilling food. The grill of the present invention comprises a plurality of griddle plates removably attached to a base, each with its own heat source. The plates are attached to arms that fold out of the base enabling the plates to be positioned apart from one another such that individual diners may grill food on the plate nearest them. The base comprises a connection to an electricity source and this cable is in turn connected to a coupler socket on each arm. Each plate comprises a coupler connector such that insertion of the coupler connector of the plate into the socket on the arm connects electricity to a heating element in the plate and thereby heats the plate.

The grilling surface of each griddle plate comprise one or more of cast or wrought iron, aluminum, carbon steel, A36 steel, stainless steel, and/or composites of stainless steel and aluminum. Alternatively each plate comprises a clay, stone or brick slab or tablet. The surface of each plate preferably comprises Teflon or other stick-resistant coatings. Optionally, the surface of each plate may be chrome-plated. The plate thickness is between 10 to 25mm thick. The plate grilling surface may optionally be grooved. The grilling surface of the plate is preferably heated to a temperature of between 150 and 300 degrees Celsius.

Reference is now made to figures 1A-1G are exemplary, non-limiting illustrations of a grill according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in figure 1 A, grill 100 comprises griddle plate assembly 102. In the illustrations four plate assemblies 102 are shown however it should be appreciated that this number is illustrative and grill 100 preferably comprises more or less plate assemblies 102. Plate assembly 102 comprises griddle plate 105 and beveled edge 104 to prevent food from falling off plate 105. Each plate assembly 102 comprises legs 106.

Grill 100 comprises a base 112 with extensions 114 that fold horizontally outwards or towards from base 112. Extension 114 is connected pivotally on a proximal end to base 112 and on its distal end to second extension 116 which is pivotally connected at its proximal end to extension 114 such that it folds horizontally outwards or towards extension 114. By folding extensions 116 and 114, plate assemblies 102 may thus be moved closer or further from base 112 and from one another. For example, as shown in figures 1 A and IB, extensions 116 and 114 are folded such that plate assemblies 102 are proximal to one another. In figures 1C and ID, plate assemblies 102 are moved further apart and in figures IE and IF plate assemblies 102 are shown furthest apart with extensions 114 and 116 fully folded outwards away from base 112.

Second extension 116 comprises an electric coupler socket 118. Base 112 comprises a wire (not shown) extending from base 112 for connection to an electricity source such via an electrical outlet. Wires (not shown) inside base 112 distribute electricity to coupler sockets

118. Each plate assembly 102 comprises a coupler connector 120 such that insertion of the coupler connector 120 of assembly 102 into the socket 118 on the second extension 116 connects electricity to a heating element (not shown) in the plate and thereby heats the plate. Each of plate assemblies 102 optionally comprises a switch (not shown) for switching assembly 102 on and off.

Coupler connector also functions to attach assembly 102 to extension 116. Plate assemblies 102 may therefore be removed from extensions 116 such as for cleaning or for storage. Optionally, grill 100 may be locked in the position shown in figures 1 A and IB via a latch (not shown) for easier storage.

Serving dish 110 is removably placed on top of base 112 for optionally placing there within food items for grilling on griddle plates 105.

Reference is now made to figures 2A-2G which are exemplary, non-limiting illustrations of a grill according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. The grill 200 of figures 2A-2G is similar to that of figures 1 A-1G but the embodiment of figures 2A-2G does not include second extension 116, and the connection point to the griddle assembly 202 is in a slightly different position.

As shown in figure 2F, grill 200 comprises griddle plate assemblies 202. In the illustrations four plate assemblies 202 are shown however it should be appreciated that this number is illustrative and grill 200 preferably comprises more or less plate assemblies 202. Plate assembly 202 comprises griddle plate 205 which itself comprises groove 204 for collecting food residue and spout 207 for emptying collected residue. Each plate assembly 202 comprises legs 206 mounted on assembly base 209. Heating element 230 is installed in plate assembly base 209 and griddle plate 205 may be removed from base 209 for easy cleaning.

Grill 200 comprises a base 212 with extensions 214 that fold horizontally outwards or towards base 212. Extension 214 is connected pivotally on a proximal end to base 212. Plate assemblies 202 attach to the distal end of extension 214. By folding extension 214, plate assemblies 202 may thus be moved closer or further from base 212 and from one another. For example, as shown in figure 2C extensions 214 are folded into base 212 such as for storage. When extensions 214 are folded into base 212 as in figure 2C, assemblies 202 cannot be attached to extensions 214. As shown in figure 2F plate assemblies 202 are shown furthest apart with extensions 214 fully folded outwards away from base 212.

Extension 214 comprises electric coupler socket 218. Base 212 comprises a wire 230 extending from base 212 for connection to an electricity source such via an electrical outlet (not shown). Wires 232 inside base 212 distribute electricity to coupler sockets 218. Each plate assembly 202 comprises a coupler connector 220 such that insertion of the coupler connector 220 of assembly 202 into the socket 218 on extension 214 connects electricity to a heating element 236 in the plate 205 and thereby heats the plate 205. Each of plate assemblies 202 optionally comprises a switch (not shown) for switching assembly 202 on and off.

Coupler connector 220 also functions to attach assembly 202 to extension 214. Plate assemblies 202 may therefore be removed (as shown in figures 2A to 2E) from extensions 214 such as for cleaning or for storage.

In use, base 212 is connected to a power source using wire 230. Extensions 214 are unfolded from base 212. Plate assemblies 202 are then attached to extensions 214 by connecting coupler connector 220 of assembly 202 into the socket 218 on extension 214. Diners then grill food on griddles 205 for eating. When the grilling is complete, assemblies 202 are removed from extensions 214.

Reference is now made to figures 3 A and 3B which are exemplary circuit diagram of a grill according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. The circuit diagrams as shown may be used for either of the embodiments described above. The circuit diagram of figure 3B accommodates a griddle plate made from stone, granite or clay. As shown, circuit diagram shown 5 major components; base 312 and four plate assemblies 302. As above, although four assemblies 302 are shown optionally more or less assemblies 302 may be connected to base 312.

Electric power is provided at input 340 comprising live, neutral and earth connections.

Plate assemblies 302 are connected to base 312 by connecting coupler connector 320 of assembly 302 into the socket 318 of base 312. Each assembly 302 comprises a heating element 336. A signal lamp 338 connected in parallel with element 336 provides an indication that power is on and/or heating is in progress. Signal lamp may be any of an LED, neon lamp or other light emitting device.

In the embodiment of figure 3B, for a stone or granite griddle plate, thermostat 350 and a thermal fuse/protector 352 are added to assembly 302.

Figures 4 A and 4B show another non-limiting embodiment of a grill. As shown in Figure 4A, a grill 400, featuring a grill assembly 402 that is circular and that may optionally have a groove around its perimeter for more secure insertion of a pan with a corresponding flange, such as pan 404. Grill 400 and assembly 402 may operate, electrically and physically (for example, in terms of folding and unfolding the arms) as described above, and may optionally be combined with any feature or function as described above. The groove 406 and the flange 408 are shown in close-up isolation in Figure 4B. This provides greater stability and also a more even cooking surface for pan 404.

Figures 5 A and 5B show yet another non-limiting embodiment of a grill, which may optionally be implemented with any of the above grills. As shown a grill 500 features a plurality of grill assemblies 502. Grill 500 and assembly 502 may operate, electrically and physically (for example, in terms of folding and unfolding the arms) as described above, and may optionally be combined with any feature or function as described above. In this case, each grill assembly 502 does not feature a plate but rather a coil 504 as shown. The cooking surface that presents a barrier to direct contact with coil 504 may be provided by a pan 506 as shown, or by placing a cooking surface on coil 504 (not shown). Figure 5B shows this embodiment without the pan.

Figures 6A and 6B show yet another non-limiting embodiment of a grill, which may optionally be implemented with any of the grills as described herein. Grill 600 and assembly 602 may operate, electrically and physically (for example, in terms of folding and unfolding the arms) as described above, and may optionally be combined with any feature or function as described above.

Grill 600 features an extender, for extending and electrically connecting additional grill assemblies 602 beyond a single grill assembly 602 that is attached to a central hub 606 (which for example may provide power, and may also provide storage when all grill assemblies 602 are folded in). In this non-limiting example, the extension is "y-shaped" as indicated by the yellow "Y" placed over the drawing as reference number 604.

Figure 6B is similar but the extension is a single line, shown as reference number 608. Optionally y-shaped and linear extensions may be combined (not shown).

It should be appreciated that the above described methods and apparatus may be varied in many ways, including omitting or adding steps, changing the order of steps and the type of devices used. It should be appreciated that different features may be combined in different ways. In particular, not all the features shown above in a particular embodiment are necessary in every embodiment of the invention. Further combinations of the above features are also considered to be within the scope of some embodiments of the invention.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other

applications of the invention may be made.

Different components, embodiments and sub-embodiments may optionally be combined herein in any suitable manner, beyond those explicit combinations and sub combinations shown herein. The invention is now further described by the claims which follow.