Abstract: The present invention provides a shelf 300 for a barbecue grill frame assembly 302 of a barbecue grill. The shelf 300 has a perimeter that is cooperatively dimensioned with the interior space of the barbecue grill frame assembly 302 such that the shelf 300 is positioned within the interior space. The securing member 308 secures the shelf 300 to the barbecue grill frame assembly 302 in a first position. The securing member 308 adjusts to a second position to detach the shelf 300 from the barbecue grill frame assembly 302.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein generally relate to isolating heat sensitive components from the heat source of a barbecue grill. In the preferred embodiment, ceramic bushings are used to isolate a glass-reinforced nylon grill stand from the cooking chamber of a barbecue grill. The bushing incorporates a beveled upper edge for engaging with lobes which downwardly depend from the cooking chamber. The bushing also incorporates a circular lower portion for engagement with an aperture in the grill stand. The bushing is locked into engagement with the cooking chamber using a threaded bolt and is locked into loose engagement with the grill stand using a spring clip. The combination of the beveled upper edge and the loose engagement with the grill stand allows the bushing to float with respect to both the grill stand and cooking chamber. As a result, manufacturing tolerance requirements can be relaxed.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein relate to restraint devices for gas tanks. In a first embodiment, the tank retainer includes a bracket for engaging with the collar of a gas tank and a tray for engaging with the base of the gas tank. The bracket is preferably stationary wherein the tank, while supported by the tray, is rotated into engagement with a slot formed into the bracket. The tray preferably includes a channel for receiving and restraining the base of a gas tank. The brackets and trays can be used in combination or independently of one another. The bracket and tray are preferably distinct components of a gas grill; however, it is contemplated that the features of the bracket and tray can be incorporated into other components of a barbecue grill such as the frame members and lower shelf of the grill cart.

Abstract: A portable cooking apparatus is provided comprising a grill body having a cooking chamber having a lower firebox; the firebox has a base and two sidewall. The apparatus further comprises a frame assembly with two frame members, and a mounting assembly having at least two mounting members attached to the firebox; the first mounting member is directly connected to the first frame member and the second mounting member is directly connected to the second frame member to thereby create a distance between the cooking chamber and the frame assembly to avoid heat damage to the frame assembly when the cooking chamber is in use and the mounting assembly creating a fixed special relationship between the first and second frame members without the need of a cross member between the frame members.

Abstract: A grill apparatus for cooking small and delicate food is provided. The grill apparatus is a cooking grate having a plurality of apertures extending through the cooking area of the cooking grate. Because of the location and dimension of the apertures, a continuous line of the cooking area extends a length that is substantially less than the distance from one edge of the cooking grate to an opposing edge of the cooking grate to prevent warping of the cooking grate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a support frame assembly for a firebox for a built-in gas barbecue grill assembly having a work structure. The support frame assembly has a first end substantially adjacent the firebox and a second end substantially adjacent a floor supporting the built-in grill assembly. In one embodiment the support assembly has a first mating member for supporting the firebox, and a second mating member for mating with the work structure to connect the support frame assembly to the work structure.

Abstract: The present invetnion provides a cooking grate for use within a barbecue grill assembly comprising a cooking chamber and a gas burner positioned in a lower portion of the cooking chamber. The grate has a plurality of elongated members defining a cooking surface and multiple openings. The grate further has a grease control assembly that is cooperatively positioned over a burner flame region to direct and control the flow of grease generated by cooking food on the grate. The grease control assembly has at least one rib group and at least one ledge. The rib group comprises a plurality of ribs, each rib having a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. The grease control assembly also has an outer ridge and an inner ridge depending from a lower surface of the grate. With these structures, the grate prevents grease and byproducts from draining onto the burner flame region.

Abstract: A portable cooking apparatus is provided comprising a cooking chamber having a fire bowl mounted on a base; and at least one shelf being directly and pivotally attached to the base, the shelf is foldable inwardly towards the fire bowl during a stowage position and extendable outwardly away from said fire bowl during the usage position and there is a distance between the shelf and the fire bowl to avoid heat damage to the shelf when the fire bowl is in use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a support apparatus for a fuel tank used in connection with a gas barbecue grill assembly. The support apparatus is connected to a portion of the frame assembly of the grill assembly. In one embodiment, the support apparatus includes a door having a first wall and a second wall adjacent and transverse to the first wall. In another embodiment, the support apparatus includes a door and a substantially vertical member rotatedly supporting the door. One wall of the door is adapted to support the fuel tank. The door is moveable between a first position wherein the fuel tank is stored for use, and a second position wherein the fuel tank is accessible. The support apparatus has a first vent and a second distal vent to vent the cavity of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a barbecue grill assembly with a grill body having a firebox and a cover and a burner element. The firebox is supported on a frame structure having a first frame member assembly and a second frame member assembly. The frame assemblies are secured together by combination of at least one cross member secured to the upper portion and being secured to the firebox at a lower region, without the need for additional cross members at the lower region. The invention further provides a frame with pivoting shelves secured to the frame, adapted to move from a use position to a storage position within the grill cooking chamber. The present invention further provides a frame assembly having a lateral slot for receiving and supporting a heat shield positioned below the firebox.