Systems and apparatus for providing a universal multiple position warming rack for a grill

Abstract

A universal multiple-position warming rack for a grill is attached to the cooking surface with mounting blocks and pivotally supported in a limited range of angular travel. The universal multiple-position warming rack is engaged by the grill upper housing member such that when the upper housing member is opened the universal multiple-position warming rack is compelled to a position behind and above the cooking surface and when the upper housing member is closed the universal warming rack is compelled to a position substantially above the cooking surface.

1 . A system for providing a warming rack for a grill having a cooking structure, comprising: 
 a warming rack, configured to create a reduced heating position relative to a cooking structure;    a support, configured to maintain the reduced heating position; and    a universal mounting device, configured to secure the support to the cooking structure.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the universal mounting device comprises: 
 a bracket configured to receive the support; and    a fastener, for attaching the bracket to the cooking structure.    
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a retaining device attached to the support, for engaging the warming rack.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the retaining device restricts a range of rotational movement of the support relative to the warming rack.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a grill top cover, wherein the grill top engages the warming rack.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the warming rack comprises a first position when the grill top cover is closed and a second position when the grill top is open, such that the warming rack is substantially horizontal through the rotational transition from the first position to the second position.  
   
   
       7 . An apparatus for providing a warming device in a grill having a cooking structure, comprising: 
 a universal mount for attaching a warming rack to a cooking structure of a grill;    a fastener for securing the universal mount to the cooking structure;    a rack support leg pivotally attached to the universal mount;    a warming rack, substantially horizontally disposed, pivotally attached to the rack support leg;    a biasing element disposed between the warming rack and the rack support leg such that the biasing element limits an angular range through which the warming rack may pivot; and    a grill cover for engaging the warming rack wherein closing the grill cover pushes the warming rack to a forward position, such that the warming rack is substantially above the cooking structure, and wherein opening the grill cover pushes the warming rack to a rearward position, such that the cooking structure is substantially accessible.    
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the rack support leg comprises a plurality of substantially U-shaped legs, wherein each of the plurality of legs comprises distal ends, each pivotally attached to the universal mount, and wherein each of the plurality of legs comprises a base section pivotally attached to the warming rack.  
   
   
       9 . A system for providing a universally mountable warming rack for a grill having a cooking structure, comprising: 
 a mounting means for attaching a universally mountable warming rack to a grill;    a supporting means, pivotally attached to the mounting means, for connecting a rack to the mounting means;    a rack means, pivotally attached to the supporting means, for positioning objects relative to a cooking structure of the grill;    a biasing means, engaging the rack means and the supporting means, for limiting a pivot range, wherein the pivot range includes a first position at one end of the range and a second position at another end of the range; and    an engaging means for propelling the rack means from the first position to the second position, wherein the engaging means is further configured to propel the rack means from the second position to the first position.    
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the mounting means comprises a bracket.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the mounting means further comprises a fastener for securing the bracket to the cooking structure.  
   
   
       12 . A cooking grill, comprising: 
 a cooking structure, wherein the cooking structure is positioned above a heat source;    a warming structure, wherein the warming structure is movably mounted to the cooking structure;    a limiting device for defining a movement range of the warming structure relative to the cooking structure; and    a cover for covering the cooking structure, wherein the cover engages the warming structure such that when the cover is closed the warming structure is compelled to a first position and wherein when the cover is opened the warming structure is compelled to a second position.    
   
   
       13 . The grill of  claim 12 , wherein the first position is substantially above the cooking structure and wherein the second position is towards the rear of the grill such that the cooking structure is accessible.