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  Grill rack and methodUSPTO Application #: 20070204856Title: Grill rack and method Abstract: Food products are characterized by grill markings, wherein the grill markings are generated by a simulated grilling process. The simulated grilling process includes maintaining a food item on a grill rack, the grill rack including a plurality of substantially solid rods, each of the plurality of rods being substantially parallel to, and laterally spaced from, an adjacent rod to define a plurality of spaces between the plurality of rods. The plurality of rods each define a substantially flat top surface and include a non-stick coating over the substantially flat top surfaces. The process also includes disposing the food product as maintained on the plurality of rods in a convection oven. The oven is convectively heated at or above about 400 degrees F such that the plurality of rods impart the grill markings on the food product, the grill markings being substantially darker than surrounding portions of the food item. (end of abstract)
Agent: Stites & Harbison, PLLC - Louisville, KY, US Inventors: Eric S. Elwell, Esther Chui Lian Ang, Lonita Barron, Mauriee E. Edwards, Michael E. Harlamert, John C. Murray, Paul Shuter USPTO Applicaton #: 20070204856 - Class: 12633700R (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070204856. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] People around the world are familiar with the taste of flame-grilled foods. The smokey flavor, the texture, and the grill markings, among other attributes, contribute to a person's perception that food has been grilled on an open flame or charcoal. For example, meat products like chicken or steak are often associated with grilled preparation. However, at times it can be less desirable to actually grill on an open flame or charcoal. Alternative cooking methods, such as convective baking, for example, are often selected over open-flame or charcoal grilling as easier, less expensive, safer, or for other reasons. [0002] To accomplish the appearance, taste, and/or texture of grilling, various chemical coloring agents and/or chemical smoke additives have been used in combination with baking processes in an effort to reproduce the attributes of grilled foods. Unfortunately, the taste, texture, and/or appearance achieved with such techniques are readily discernible from those otherwise associated with grilled foods. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] One embodiment of the present invention relates to food products characterized by grill markings, wherein the grill markings are generated by a simulated grilling process. The simulated grilling process includes maintaining a food item on a grill rack, the grill rack including a plurality of substantially solid rods, each of the plurality of rods being substantially parallel and laterally spaced from an adjacent rod to define a plurality of spaces between the plurality of rods. The plurality of rods each defines a substantially flat top surface with a non-stick coating over the top surfaces. The process also includes disposing the food product as maintained on the plurality of rods in a convection oven. The oven is convectively heated at or above about 400 degrees F. such that the plurality of rods impart the grill markings on the food product, the grill markings being substantially darker than surrounding portions of the food item. [0004] While some aspects of the invention have been described above, other related products and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0005] Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which: [0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grill, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0007] FIG. 2 is a top view of the grill of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0008] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the grill of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0009] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0010] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along line 5-5 of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0011] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along line 6-6 of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0012] FIG. 7 is a side view of the grill of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0013] FIG. 8 is a front view of the grill of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0014] FIG. 9 is a diagram of a method using the grill of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0015] FIGS. 10-12 are illustrative of a method of baking, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and [0016] FIG. 13 is a top view of a grilled food item, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0017] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "leading," "trailing," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0018] For reference, actual grilling, or natural grilling, is a dry-heat cooking method whereby heat is radiated from below and transferred to a metal grid supporting food to be grilled. Actual grilling is often accomplished over an open flame and/or charcoal heat source and at a relatively high temperature, with food in relatively close proximity to the heat source. Embodiments of the present invention generally address methods of simulated grilling using convection-type ovens as opposed to the traditional radiant heat cooking associated with open flame and/or charcoal heating, for example. [0019] FIG. 1 shows a grill 20, which is otherwise described as a rack, a grill rack, a cooking utensil, or a baking framework, for example. Generally speaking, the grill 20 includes a border 22, also described as a frame, a racking portion 24, a backing portion 26, and a plurality of legs 28. As will be described in greater detail below, the grill 20 is generally used in a baking operation, or baking process, to simulate open-flame grilling. [0020] FIG. 2 illustrates the grill 20 from a top view. With reference to FIG. 2, the border 22 includes a plurality of frame members, for example a first side member 30, a second side member 32, a first end member 34, and a second end member 36. The border 22 defines an interior 38 centrally located relative to the first and second side members 30, 32, and the first and second end members 34, 36. The border 22 also defines an inner surface 40 (FIG. 3) proximate the interior 38, a top surface 42, a bottom surface 44 (FIG. 3), and a thickness between the top and bottom surfaces 42, 44. Continue reading... Full patent description for Grill rack and method Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Grill rack and method patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Grill rack and method or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Steam system for continuous cleaning of hood fans Next Patent Application: Heating system and method Industry Class: Stoves and furnaces ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Grill rack and method patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.0879 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Qualcomm , Schering-Plough , Schlumberger , Seagate , Siemens , Texas Instruments , |
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