Gas burner assembly

Abstract

A gas burner assembly that comprises a gas burner and a plate. The gas burner includes a first surface having an indentation and a second surface defining a gas chamber between the first surface and second surface. The plate is attached to the gas burner such that the plate covers at least a portion of the indentation to define a gas collection area between the plate and the indentation. The indentation comprises at least one gas collector aperture permitting gas transmission from the gas chamber to the gas collection area. The indentation and the plate each include an electrode assembly receiving aperture.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Gas burners are well known in the gas barbeque grill industry. Specifically, two-section burners have been proposed for gas barbeque grills and the like in which a seal is employed between the two sections to effectively seal off each section so that there are two independent combustion chambers. Example of such construction is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,958 (“the '958 patent) and the contents of such are herein incorporated by reference.

[0002] Gas grills typically use propane or natural gas as fuel and generally employ an ignition device in order to ignite same. Such an ignition device may include an electrode assembly having an electrode tip and a manually operated piezoelectric transducer that acts as a spark generator. The electrode assembly is typically attached to a gas collector assembly and positioned therein such that a spark gap is formed between the tip of the electrode and a surface of the gas collector box. The gas collector box allows for the accumulation of gas and air to provide for a proper gas/air mixture necessary for ignition. The manually operated piezoelectric transducer is electrically connected to the electrode assembly such that activation of the piezoelectric transducer provides the spark that is required to ignite the fuel/air mixture within the gas collector box. The electrode assembly typically includes an electrode retained within a sleeve of ceramic material that acts as an insulator between the electrode and the gas collector box. The sleeve of ceramic material is typically attached to the gas collector box by one or more retaining rings or other attachment means.

[0003] Gas collector boxes have many configurations depending upon their application. Typically, gas collector boxes include three-dimensional enclosures or structures that attach to a gas burner in such a manner as to create a gas collection area either within the gas collector box itself or between the gas collector box and the gas burner. Although these gas collector boxes function adequately, the costs associated with the production of these three-dimensional enclosures or structures are relatively high. The process to produce these parts requires at least two steps: 1) stamping out the blank from sheet metal and 2) bending the blank to the desired three-dimensional structure.

[0004] Because of the foregoing, it has become desirable to develop a gas burner assembly that provides for a simple, inexpensive gas collection area where the gas burner assembly can be installed in new gas grills or supplied as a replacement gas burner assembly. By utilizing an indented feature in the gas burner, a simple two-dimensional plate can be used to cover at least a portion of the indentation in the gas burner to provide for the gas collection area therebetween. Essentially, the use of a two-dimensional plate to at least partially cover the indented feature of the gas burner provides for a less expensive and unique approach to create a gas collection area that replaces the need for a three-dimensional gas collector structure. Accordingly, the manufacturing costs associated with the production of a two-dimensional plate are less than the manufacturing costs associated with the production of the three-dimensional gas collector structures because of the absence of the bending process step.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to a gas burner assembly that provides a unique approach to creating a gas collection area. A gas burner assembly comprises a gas burner and a plate. The gas burner includes a first surface that has an indentation. The plate is attached to the gas burner such that the plate covers at least a portion of the indentation to define a gas collection area therebetween.

[0006] The gas burner further includes a second surface to define a gas chamber therebetween. The indentation comprises at least one gas collector aperture permitting gas transmission from the gas chamber to the gas collection area. The indentation is defined by a first pair of side walls that extend from the first surface towards the second surface to form a top indentation wall therebetween. The second surface of the gas burner comprises a second pair of side walls that extend from the second surface towards the first surface to form a bottom indentation wall therebetween. The meeting of the bottom indentation wall and the top indentation wall forms a barrier wall.

[0007] The gas burner assembly further comprises an electrode assembly that has an electrode tip. In one embodiment, the barrier wall comprises an electrode assembly receiving aperture. The electrode assembly is receivable within the aperture in the barrier wall such that the electrode tip is positioned within the gas collection area forming a spark gap between the electrode tip and the plate. The gas burner assembly further comprises means for attaching the electrode assembly to the barrier wall.

[0008] In another embodiment, the plate comprises an electrode assembly receiving aperture. The electrode assembly is receivable within the aperture in the plate such that the electrode tip is positioned within the gas collection area forming a spark gap between the electrode tip and the barrier wall. The gas burner assembly further comprises means for attaching the electrode assembly to the plate.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the present invention includes a kit for attachment to a gas burner having an indentation to create a gas collection area. The kit comprises a plate including means for attaching the plate to the gas burner. The plate covers at least a portion of the indentation in said gas burner to define a gas collection area therebetween. The means for attaching the plate to the gas burner include at least one screw-receiving aperture in the plate.

[0010] The kit further comprises an electrode assembly that has an electrode tip. In one embodiment of the kit, the plate comprises an electrode assembly receiving aperture. The electrode assembly is receivable within the aperture in the plate such that the electrode tip is positioned within the gas collection area forming a spark gap between the electrode tip and the indentation in the gas burner. The kit further comprises means for attaching the electrode assembly to the plate.

[0011] In another embodiment of the kit, the indentation comprises an electrode assembly receiving aperture. The electrode assembly is receivable within the aperture in the indentation such that the electrode tip is positioned within the gas collection area forming a spark gap between the electrode tip and the plate. The gas burner assembly further comprises means for attaching the electrode assembly to the indentation in the gas burner.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the present invention includes a gas burner for use with a plate in a gas burner assembly to create a gas collection area. The gas burner comprises a first surface and a second surface defining a gas chamber therebetween. The first surface has an indentation to define a gas collection area between the indentation and the plate when the indentation is at least partially covered with the plate. The indentation comprises at least one gas collector aperture permitting gas transmission from the gas chamber to the gas collection area. The indentation is defined by a first pair of side walls that extend from the first surface towards the second surface to form a top indentation wall therebetween. The second surface of the gas burner comprises a second pair of side walls that extend from the second surface towards the first surface to form a bottom indentation wall therebetween. The meeting of the bottom indentation wall and the top indentation wall forms a barrier wall. The barrier wall includes an electrode assembly receiving aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a top view of a gas burner according to the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a gas burner according to the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional elevation taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2 according to the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a gas burner assembly in the “ports down” configuration as seen from the top;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a gas burner assembly in the “ports down” configuration as seen from the bottom;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of a gas burner assembly in the “ports down” configuration;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a top view of a gas burner assembly in the “ports down” configuration where the plate 12 is shown with hidden lines to view the gas collection apertures 40 beneath plate 12;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a gas burner assembly in the “ports up” configuration as seen from the top;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a gas burner assembly in the “ports up” configuration as seen from the bottom;

[0023] FIG. 10 is a side view of a gas burner assembly in the “ports up” configuration; and

[0024] FIG. 11 is a top view of a gas burner assembly in the “ports up” configuration where the plate 12 is shown with hidden lines to view the gas collection apertures 40 beneath plate 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Referring now to the drawings where the illustrations are for the purpose of describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention described herein, FIG. 1 is a top view of a gas burner according to the present invention. FIGS. 2 and 3 show the side view and the bottom view of a gas burner according to the present invention, respectively. The gas burner 10 of the present invention provides for improvements over the gas burner of the '958 patent. The gas burner 10 of the present invention is provided 10 for use with a plate 12 in a gas burner assembly to create a gas collection area 46 between the plate 12 and an indented feature in the gas burner 10 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10. The gas burner 10 comprises a first exterior surface 14 and a second exterior surface 22 to define a gas chamber 96 therebetween. The first exterior surface 14 has a first indentation 42 to define a gas collection area 46 between the first indentation 42 and the plate 12 when said first indentation 42 is at least partially covered with the plate 12. The first indentation 42 also includes at least one gas collector aperture 40 to permit gas transmission from the gas chamber 96 to the gas collection area 46.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment, the first exterior surface 14 has a sloped rim 24 extending around the periphery of the first surface 14. The sloped rim 24 is formed with a row of gas transmission ports 26 that feed the gas to maintain a flame at each port. The sloped rim 24 extends outward to define a flange 78 that extends around the periphery of the gas burner 10. The first indentation 42 is defined as a first pair of side walls 28 that extend from the first surface 14 towards the second surface 22 to form a top indentation wall 29 therebetween. The second surface 22 of the gas burner 10 includes a second indentation 44. The second indentation 44 is defined as a second pair of side walls 30 that extend from the second surface 22 towards the first surface 14 to form a bottom indentation wall 31 therebetween. The top indentation wall 29 and the bottom indentation wall 31 are spot welded or notched to each other to form a barrier wall 34 that divides the gas chamber 96 into a first gas chamber section 18 and a second gas chamber section 20. The barrier wall 34 isolates the gas in the first gas chamber section 18 from the gas in the second gas chamber section 20. Additionally, the barrier wall 34 is formed with at least one aperture 38 capable of receiving an electrode assembly.

[0027] Typically, two venturi ports 80 are formed in the first surface 14 of the gas burner 10. One venturi port 80 communicates with the first gas chamber section 18 from the first surface 14 and the other venturi port 80 communicates with the second gas chamber section 20 from the first surface 14. Similarly, two venturi ports 80 are formed in the second surface 22 of the gas burner 10. One venturi port 80 communicates with the first gas chamber section 18 from the second surface 22 and the other venturi port 80 communicates with the second gas chamber section 20 from the second surface 22. Because the venturi ports 80 are formed in both the first surface 14 and the second surface 22, the gas burner 10 is reversible in nature. Therefore, the gas burner 10 can be utilized in a “ports down” or “ports up” configuration.

[0028] In the “ports down” configuration, the second surface 22 is exposed to the grilling surface. In this configuration, the gas transmission ports 26, which are formed within the sloped rim 24 of the first surface 14, are shielded away from the grease and food drippings by the flange 78. In the “ports up” configuration, the first surface 14 is exposed to grilling surface. In this configuration, the gas transmission ports 26 are exposed to the grease and food drippings. Therefore, in a “ports up” configuration, a drip vaporizer bar (not shown) is placed above the gas burner 10 to prevent grease and food drippings from clogging the gas transmission ports 26.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 4-11, the gas burner assembly of the present invention comprises a gas burner 10 having a first exterior surface 14 and a plate 12 attached to the gas burner 10. The gas burner 10 has a first indentation 42 formed within the first surface 14. The plate 12 is attached to the gas burner 10 covering at least a portion or all of the first indentation 42 to define a gas collection area 46 therebetween.

[0030] The gas burner 10 may also include a second exterior surface 22 that defines a gas chamber 96 between the first surface 14 and the second surface 22. The first indentation 42 may extend across a portion or all of the width of the gas burner 10. Preferably, the first indentation 42 includes at least one gas collector aperture 40 formed within the first indentation 42 to permit gas transmission from the gas chamber 96 to the gas collection area 46. The first indentation 42 may also include an aperture 38 capable of receiving an electrode assembly.

[0031] The plate 12 can have any number of configurations and the configuration in FIGS. 4 and 8 are merely for illustrative purposes. The plate 12 may take the form of any one of the following shapes: T-shaped, rectangular, circular, oval, or any other polygonal shape as long as at least a portion of the first indentation 42 is covered. The plate 12 may be formed from any rust resistant metal, preferably stainless steel. The plate 12 may include an aperture 48 capable of receiving an electrode assembly.

[0032] The gas burner assembly of the present invention may further comprise an electrode assembly 50 receivable either within the aperture 38 in the first indentation 42 or within the aperture 48 in said plate 12. The electrode assembly 50 is used to create a spark required to ignite the gas/air mixture. One end of the electrode assembly 50 has a electrode tip 52 that creates the spark and the other end of the electrode assembly 50 includes a wire lead 54 and a connector 56 to electrically connect to a manually operated piezoelectric transducer (not shown) or the like.

[0033] As shown in the “ports down” configuration in FIGS. 4-7, the electrode assembly 50 is receivable within the aperture 48 in the plate 12 such that the electrode tip 52 is positioned within the gas collection area 46. The present invention may further include means for attaching the electrode assembly 50 to the plate 12. The attachment means 76 may include any one of the following or any combination thereof: retaining ring, spring clip, threaded attachment, snap ring, cotter pin, threaded nut, set screw, or any other mechanical attachment method known in the art. When positioned within the gas collection area 46, the electrode tip 52 and the barrier wall 34 form a spark gap 60 therebetween. Preferably, the spark gap 60 between the electrode tip 52 and the barrier wall 34 is less than a ½ inch. More preferably, the spark gap 60 is between ⅛ inch and ¼ inch.

[0034] As shown in the “ports up” configuration in FIGS. 8-11, the electrode assembly 50 is receivable within the aperture 38 in the barrier wall 34 such that the electrode tip 52 is positioned within the gas collection area 46. The present invention may further include means for attaching the electrode assembly 50 to the barrier wall 34. The attachment means 76 may include any one of the attachment means 76 as described above. When positioned within the gas collection area 46, the electrode tip 52 and the plate 12 form a spark gap 61 therebetween. Preferably, the spark gap 61 between the electrode tip 52 and the plate 12 is less than a ½ inch. More preferably, the spark gap 61 is between ⅛ inch and ¼ inch.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment, the gas burner assembly comprises a gas burner 10 and a plate 12 attached to the gas burner 10. The gas burner 10 includes a first exterior surface 14 and a second exterior surface 22 that defines a tightly sealed gas chamber 96 therebetween. The first surface 14 has a raised rim 24 extending around the periphery of the first surface 14. The raised rim 24 is formed with a row of gas transmission ports 26 that feed the gas to maintain a flame at each port. The gas burner 10 is formed with a central indented rib 16 having a first indentation 42 and a second indentation 44. The indented rib 16 extends transversely of or across the width of the gas burner 10 to divide the gas chamber 96 into a first gas chamber section 18 and a second gas chamber section 20. The first indentation 42 is defined by a first pair of side walls 28 that extend from the first surface 14 towards the second surface 22 to form a top indentation wall 29 therebetween. The second indentation 44 is defined by a second pair of side walls 30 that extend from the second surface 22 towards the first surface 14 to form a bottom indentation wall 31 therebetween. The top indentation wall 29 and the bottom indentation wall 31 are spot welded or notched to each other to form a barrier wall 34 that divides the gas chamber 96 into a first gas chamber section 18 and a second gas chamber section 20. The barrier wall 34 isolates the gas in the first gas chamber section 18 from the gas in the second gas chamber section 20. The barrier wall 34 is formed with at least one aperture 38 capable of receiving an electrode assembly. Two venturi ports 80 are formed in the first surface 14 of the gas burner 10. One venturi port 80 communicates with the first gas chamber section 18 from the first surface 14 and the other venturi port 80 communicates with the second gas chamber section 20 from the first surface 14. Similarly, two venturi ports 80 are formed in the second surface 22 of the gas burner 10. One venturi port 80 communicates with the first gas chamber section 18 from the second surface 22 and the other venturi port 80 communicates with the second gas chamber section 20 from the second surface 22.

[0036] The plate 12 is flat and T-shaped and covers a portion of the first indentation 42 to define a gas collection area 46 therebetween. Further, each of the first pair of side walls 28 is formed with a plurality of gas collector apertures 40 that permit gas transmission from both gas chamber sections 18 and 20 to the gas collection area 46. Additionally, the plate 12 is formed with an aperture 48 capable of receiving an electrode assembly.

[0037] The gas burner assembly of the present invention may further comprise an electrode assembly 50 for creating the spark to ignite the gas. One end of the electrode assembly 50 includes a electrode tip 52 that creates the spark and the other end of the electrode assembly 50 includes a wire lead 54 and a connector 56 to electrically connect to a manually operated piezoelectric transducer (not shown).

[0038] In the “ports down” configuration, venturi tubes 68 are attached to the first surface 14 of the gas burner 10 in communication with the venturi ports 80 in the first surface 14 to supply gas to the gas chamber 96. Venturi cover plates 68 are attached to the second surface 22 of the gas burner to cover the venturi ports 80 in the second surface 22 to prevent gas from escaping the gas chamber 96. In this configuration, the plate 12 is attached to the flange 90 of the venturi tubes 68 to create the gas collection area 46 defined between the plate 12, the first pair of side walls 28, and the barrier wall 34. Although this is the preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the plate 12 can be directly attached to the first surface 14 to provide for the gas collection area 46. There should be at least one space 88 in between the leg of the T-shaped plate 12 and the flange 90 of the venturi tube 68 to permit air to flow into the gas collection area 46. The electrode assembly 50 is receivable within the aperture 48 in the plate 12 such that the electrode assembly 50 tip is positioned within the gas collection area 46. The electrode assembly 50 is attached to the barrier wall 34 using a retaining ring 76. The electrode tip 52 and the barrier wall 34 form a spark gap 60 therebetween. The spark gap 60 between the electrode tip 52 and the barrier wall 34 is {fraction (3/16)} inch.

[0039] In the “ports up” configuration, venturi cover plates 68 are attached to the first surface 14 of the gas burner to cover the venturi ports 80 in the first surface 14 to prevent gas from escaping the gas chamber 96. Venturi tubes 68 are attached to the second surface 22 of the gas burner 10 in communication with the venturi ports 80 in the second surface 22 to supply gas to the gas chamber 96. In this configuration, the plate 12 is attached to the venturi cover plates 66 to create the gas collection area 46 defined between the plate 12, the first pair of side walls 28, and the barrier wall 34. Although this is the preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the plate 12 can be directly attached to the first surface 14 to provide for the gas collection area 46 and function as a cover regarding the venturi ports 80. There should be at least one space 88 in between the leg of the T-shaped plate 12 and the venturi cover plate 66 to permit air to flow into the gas collection area 46. The electrode assembly 50 is receivable within the aperture 38 in the barrier wall 34 such that the electrode tip 52 is positioned within the gas collection area 46. The electrode assembly 50 is attached to the barrier wall 34 using a retaining ring 76. The electrode tip 52 and the plate 12 form a spark gap 60 therebetween. The spark gap 61 between the electrode tip 52 and the plate 12 is {fraction (3/16)} inch.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, the aperture 38 in the barrier wall 34 of the gas burner 10 is offset from the aperture 48 in the plate 12. When the electrode assembly 50 is installed in the aperture 48 in the plate 12, the offset aperture 38 ensures that the electrode tip 52 is perpendicular to a metal surface (i.e., the barrier plate 34). Conversely, when the electrode assembly 50 is installed in the aperture 38 in the barrier wall, the offset aperture 48 in the plate 12 ensures that the electrode tip 52 is perpendicular to a metal surface (i.e., the plate 12).

[0041] In operation, when the gas valve is opened, gas flows into the gas burner 10 and fills the both the first gas chamber section 18 and the second gas chamber section 20. As each gas chamber section 18, 20 is being filled with gas, gas begins to flow from each gas chamber section 18, 20 through the gas collector supply apertures 40 and into the gas collection area 46. In the gas collection area 46, air begins to mix with the supply of gas to form a combustible mixture. When the manually operated piezoelectric transducer (not shown) is actuated, a spark “jumps across” the spark gap 60 between the electrode tip 52 and the gas burner 10 in the “ports down” configuration and a spark “jumps across” the spark gap 61 between the electrode tip 52 and the plate 12 in the “ports up” configuration. The spark ignites the combustible air/gas mixture in the gas collection area 46. Ignition of the combustible mixture within the gas collection area 46 causes the gas flowing from the row of gas transmission ports 26 to be immediately ignited.

[0042] Another aspect of the present invention provides for a kit for attachment to a gas burner having an indentation to create a gas collection area. The kit comprises a plate 12 having means for attaching the plate to the gas burner wherein the plate covers at least a portion of the indentation in the gas burner to define a gas collection area therebetween. The means for attaching the plate 12 to the gas burner 10 may include screw receiving apertures 62 in the plate 12, screw receiving slots in the plate 12, or slots in the gas burner 10 that can receive the plate 12. As stated earlier, the plate 12 can have any number of configurations and the configuration in FIGS. 4 and 8 are merely for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, the plate 12 may include an aperture 48 capable of receiving an electrode assembly. The kit may further include an electrode assembly 50 receivable within the aperture 48 of the plate 12 or the aperture 38 of the barrier wall 34 and means for attaching the electrode assembly 50 to the plate 12 or barrier wall 34. The attachment means 76 may include any one of the following or any combination thereof: retaining ring, spring clip, threaded attachment, snap ring, cotter pin, threaded nut, set screw, or any other mechanical attachment method known in the art.

[0043] Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing. It should be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability, but are nonetheless properly within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A gas burner assembly comprising:

a gas burner comprising a first surface, said first surface having an indentation; and

a plate attached to said gas burner, said plate covers at least a portion of said indentation to define an gas collection area therebetween.

2. The gas burner assembly of claim 1, wherein said gas burner further comprising a second surface, said first surface and said second surface define a gas chamber therebetween.

3. The gas burner assembly of claim 2, wherein said indentation comprises an electrode assembly receiving aperture.

4. The gas burner assembly of claim 3, wherein said indentation further comprises at least one gas collector aperture permitting gas transmission from said gas chamber to said gas collection area.

5. The gas burner assembly of claim 4, further comprising an electrode assembly receivable within said aperture.

6. The gas burner assembly of claim 1, wherein said plate comprises an electrode assembly receiving aperture.

7. The gas burner assembly of claim 6, further comprising an electrode assembly receivable within said aperture.

8. A gas burner assembly comprising:

a gas burner comprising a first surface and a second surface defining a gas chamber therebetween, said first surface having an indentation; and

a plate attached to said gas burner, said plate covers at least a portion of said indentation to define a gas collection area therebetween wherein said indentation comprises at least one gas collector aperture permitting gas transmission from said gas chamber to said gas collection area.

9. The gas burner assembly of claim 8, wherein said indentation is defined by a first pair of side walls extending from said first surface towards said second surface forming a top indentation wall therebetween.

10. The gas burner assembly of claim 9, wherein said second surface comprises a second pair of side walls extending from said second surface towards said first surface forming a bottom indentation wall therebetween.

11. The gas burner assembly of claim 10, wherein said top indentation wall and said bottom indentation wall meet to form a barrier wall.

12. The gas burner assembly of claim 11, wherein said barrier wall comprises an electrode assembly receiving aperture.

13. The gas burner assembly of claim 12, further comprising an electrode assembly having an electrode tip, said electrode assembly receivable within said aperture such that said electrode tip is positioned within said gas collection area.

14. The gas burner assembly of claim 13, further comprising means for attaching said electrode assembly to said gas burner.

15. The gas burner assembly of claim 14, wherein said electrode tip and said plate form a spark gap therebetween.

16. The gas burner assembly of claim 8, wherein said plate comprises an electrode assembly receiving aperture.

17. The gas burner assembly of claim 16, further comprising an electrode assembly having an electrode tip, said electrode assembly receivable within said aperture in said plate such that said electrode tip is positioned within said gas collection area.

18. The gas burner assembly of claim 17, further comprising means for attaching said electrode assembly to said plate.

19. The gas burner assembly of claim 18, wherein said electrode tip and said indentation form a spark gap therebetween.

20. A gas burner assembly comprising:

a gas burner comprising a first surface and a second surface defining a gas chamber therebetween, said first surface having a first pair of side walls extending from said first surface towards said second surface forming a top indentation wall therebetween, said second surface having a second pair of side walls extending from said second surface towards said first surface forming a bottom indentation wall therebetween;

a barrier wall formed by the meeting of said first and second walls, said barrier wall comprises an electrode assembly receiving aperture; and

a plate attached to said first surface of said gas burner, said plate covers at least a portion of said barrier wall to define a gas collection area therebetween wherein said first pair of sidewalls comprises at least one gas collector aperture permitting gas transmission from said gas chamber to said gas collection area.

21. The gas burner assembly of claim 20, further comprising an electrode assembly having an electrode tip, said electrode assembly receivable within said aperture in said barrier wall such that said electrode tip is positioned within said gas collection area.

22. The gas burner assembly of claim 21, further comprising means for attaching said electrode assembly to said gas burner.

23. The gas burner assembly of claim 22, wherein said electrode tip and said plate form a spark gap therebetween.

24. The gas burner assembly of claim 20, wherein said plate has an electrode assembly receiving aperture.

25. The gas burner assembly of claim 21, further comprising an electrode assembly having an electrode tip, said electrode assembly receivable within said aperture in said plate such that said electrode tip is positioned within said gas collection area.

26. The gas burner assembly of claim 22, further comprising means for attaching said electrode assembly to said plate.

27. The gas burner assembly of claim 23, wherein said electrode tip and said barrier wall form a spark gap therebetween.

28. A kit for attachment to a gas burner having an indentation to create a gas collection area, said kit comprising:

a plate having means for attaching said plate to said gas burner wherein said plate covers at least a portion of said indentation to define a gas collection area therebetween.

29. The kit of claim 28, wherein said plate comprises an electrode assembly receiving aperture.

30. The kit of claim 29, further comprising an electrode assembly receivable within said aperture of said plate.

31. The kit of claim 30, further comprising means for attaching said electrode assembly to said plate.

32. The kit of claim 28, wherein said indentation comprises an electrode assembly receiving aperture.

33. The kit of claim 32, further comprising an electrode assembly receivable within said aperture of said gas burner.

34. The kit of claim 33, further comprising means for attaching said electrode assembly to said gas burner.

35. The kit of claim 28, wherein said means for attaching said plate to said gas burner comprises at least one screw receiving aperture in said plate.

36. A gas burner for use with a plate in a gas burner assembly to create a gas collection area, said gas burner comprising:

a first surface and a second surface defining a gas chamber therebetween, said first surface having an indentation to define said gas collection area between said indentation and said plate when said indentation is at least partially covered with said plate, said indentation comprising at least one gas collector aperture permitting gas transmission from said gas chamber to said gas collection area.

37. The gas burner of claim 36, wherein said indentation is defined by a first pair of side walls extending from said first surface towards said second surface forming a top indentation wall therebetween.

38. The gas burner of claim 37, wherein said second surface comprises a second pair of side walls extending from said second surface towards said first surface forming a bottom indentation wall therebetween.

39. The gas burner of claim 38, wherein said top indentation wall and said bottom indentation wall meet to form a barrier wall.

40. The gas burner assembly of claim 39, wherein said barrier wall comprises an electrode assembly receiving aperture.