Abstract: A handle 10 includes a strap 12 having a central portion 14 and a pair of legs 16 depending therefrom. The central portion 14 is substantially covered by an insulating material 18 which extends down a portion of each leg 16. The insulating material 18 has an arcuate upper profile 20 and an arcuate lower profile 22. Ribs 28 running generally transverse to the length of the handle are provided on the lower arcuate profile 22. The legs 16 are arcuate. The insulating material is applied as a first, upper part 30 and a lower part 32 which define a channel 34 between them to accommodate the strap 12. In a preferred embodiment, a thermally isolated bolt 42 joins the first and second parts 30, 32 together. Various other features to improve grip, control, and safety of a grill lid or bowl used in conjunction with the handle 10 are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved cooking grate assembly 10 for use with barbecue grills. The cooking grate assembly 10 provides a cooking grate 12 that has an opening 34 and an insert 14 that is removably positioned therein. The cooking insert 14 is securely supported within the opening 34 by the supports 30 that are attached to the cooking grate 12. The insert 14 may have alternative cooking surfaces 64, 66 on opposite sides and may be flipped over to utilize the alternative surfaces 64, 66. Additionally, various cooking inserts 14, 102 having various cooking surfaces 64, 108 can be interchangeably positioned within the cooking grate 12.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for igniting charcoal typically used on an outdoor grill is disclosed. The apparatus (10) includes a generally cylindrical housing (12), a charcoal support member (30) disposed therein, a heat shield (18) attached to the outside of the housing, and a first (20) and a second (24) handle which cooperate together to provide safer handling of the apparatus and charcoal briquettes.

Abstract: A fuel support grill rack (10) for use in a barbecue grill (11) is disclosed. The grill rack (10) is positioned below a cooking grid. The grill rack (10) includes a substantially horizontal first surface (20) for supporting charcoal and a second surface (21) comprised of a pair of troughs (30a,30b) formed by at least two trough walls (31) angularly depending downwardly from the first surface (20). Each trough (30a,30b) further includes a first end trough (32), a second end trough (33), and an inner trough (34) disposed therebetween. The inner trough (34) is deeper and extends below the first and second end troughs (32, 33). The apices (35, 36) of the first end trough and the second end trough are positioned above an apex (37) of the inner trough (34).

Abstract: A friction reducing compound composed of a chlorinated paraffin, a rust-inhibiting compound, and an optional antimicrobial compound, and a lubricant comprising the friction reducing composition blended with a conventional lubricant.

Abstract: A gas burner (11) for a charcoal grill having a bowl (12) includes an elongated burner tube (30) secured to the bowl and passed through an opening (36) in the bowl (12) so as to be positioned in a substantially horizontal manner below and substantially parallel to a bed of charcoal supported on a charcoal support grid (18). The burner has a propane tank (42) connected to the free end thereof outside the bowl (12) and has air intake openings (44) in the tube (30) adjacent the free end. A venturi section (46) is formed into the tube (30) downstream of the air intake openings (44) and elongated diametrically-opposed, horizontal slots (50) defining the gas exit ports are positioned downstream of the venturi section (46). An igniter assembly (52) having its electrode (56,60) extending through an opening into the tube (30) is located between the venturi section (46) and the slots (50) to ignite the flowing gases.

Abstract: A smoker attachment 200 for a portable gas grill 10, the smoker attachment 200, 250 including a housing and a support mechanism (201, 300) for the housing above the heat producing section to allow the flavoring of food which is cooked using the gas grill. The housing defines an open topped chamber that is closed by a hinged cover (230) and has an apertured bottom wall segment (214). The housing supports a water tray (234) and has a bottom slotted wall (212, 213, S). The support (201, 300) defines a heat-directing channel which directs heat to the bottom wall.

Abstract: A barbeque kettle includes a bowl and a cover with the bowl having a food support grid adjacent an upper rim and a charcoal grid below the food grid along with a cover holder adjacent the rim of the bowl. The cover has a removable thermometer that can sense the internal temperature of the kettle and can also be used as a food thermometer. A pair of charcoal baskets are positionable on the charcoal grid for direct or indirect cooking.

Abstract: A universal food holder for a barbecue grill includes a generally rectrangular frame (32) that has opposite sides (34) and opposite ends (36) with opposite sides having slots (46) therein for receiving opposite ends of food support elements. The food support elements (72, 82) are configured to provide a cradle for the food product that is being cooked and have opposite ends received into the slots in the side frame member. The food support elements can take a variety of configurations to suit the desires of the food which is being cooked but all are designed to be usable with the same frame. The side frame members are reinforced by vertical flanges (44) while the end frame members are likewise reinforced (52) and defined support ledges for food products. Also, the end members or pieces have apertures (58) therein which receive opposite ends of support bars which are designed to support a drip pan below the food support articles.

Abstract: A portable barbecue grill includes a bowl (12) and a cover (14) having a gripping handle (44) with a carrying handle (50) pivoted on the bowl to lock the cover to the bowl. A latch member (60) cooperates with the carrying handle to define a cradle for the cover. The gripping handle includes two pieces that can be snap-fitted together.

Abstract: A barbeque kettle includes a bowl and a cover with the bowl having a food support grid adjacent an upper rim and a charcoal grid below the food grid along with a cover holder adjacent the rim of the bowl. The cover has a removable thermometer that can sense the initial temperature of the kettle and can also be used as a food thermometer. A pair of charcoal baskets are positionable on the charcoal grid for direct or indirect cooking.

Abstract: A sear bar for evaporating greases in an outdoor gas grill consists of an inverted V-shaped member having a pair of flat inclined walls defining an included angle of less than 90.degree. so that grease will evaporate while flowing across the heated inclined walls.