Grill inserts and tool for the same
A tool for removing an interchangeable cooking insert from a grill has a handle end and an engagement end. A handle extends from the handle end toward the engagement end. A support arm extends from the handle toward the engagement end. The support arm has a first lateral edge defining a first lifting hook and a second lateral edge defining a second lifting hook. The first lifting hook and second lifting hook are configured to engage a portion of the cooking insert. A support pin extends across the support arm between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge. A latch member is pivotally coupled to one of the support arm and the handle. The latch member includes a first end selectively engageable with a portion of the cooking insert and a second end extending through the handle for actuation of the latching member by a user.
1. A tool for removing an interchangeable cooking insert from a grill, the tool comprising:
a handle extending from a handle end toward an engagement end;
a support arm extending from the handle toward the engagement end, the support arm having a first lateral edge defining a first lifting hook and a second lateral edge defining a second lifting hook, the first lifting hook and second lifting hook configured to engage a portion of the cooking insert;
a support pin extending across the support arm between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge, the support pin configured to engage a portion of an interchangeable cooking insert; and
a latch member pivotally coupled to one of the support arm and the handle, the latch member including a first end selectively engageable with a portion of the cooking insert to grip the cooking insert and a second end extending through the handle for actuation of the latching member by a user.
2. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the handle defines a slot, the slot receiving the second end of the latching member.
3. The tool of claim 2 , wherein the handle defines a recess substantially surrounding the slot, the recess for receiving a user's thumb for actuation of the latching member.
4. The tool of claim 1 , further comprising a pivot pin extending through the one of the handle and the support arm, the latching member being pivotally coupled to the pivot pin.
5. The tool of claim 1 , further comprising a biasing member coupled to the latching member.
6. The tool of claim 5 , wherein the biasing member biases the latching member first end toward the engagement end.
7. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the latch member first end defines a latch hook, the latch hook being configured to engage a distal edge of the cooking insert.
8. The tool of claim 7 , wherein the latch hook is configured to engage the distal edge of the cooking insert simultaneously with the support pin, the first lifting hook, and the second lifting hook engaging portions of the cooking insert.
9. The tool of claim 7 , wherein the latch member second end defines an actuation arm.
10. The tool of claim 8 , wherein the latch member defines a pivot lobe between the latch hook and the actuation arm.
11. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the first lifting hook and second lifting hook are unitarily formed as one piece.
12. An interchangeable cooking insert for use with a grill, the insert comprising:
a cooking surface surrounded by an outer ring; and
a lifting member extending outwardly radially from the outer ring in cantilever fashion, the lifting member including a distal end, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge, a lateral groove extending from the first edge to the second edge, a first lifting ear projecting outwardly from the first edge, and a second lifting ear projecting outwardly from the second edge, wherein the first and the second lifting ears are located between the outer ring and the lateral groove.
13. The insert of claim 12 , wherein the first lifting ear has a semi-circular cross section.
14. A grill accessory combination comprising,
an interchangeable cooking insert including
a cooking surface surrounded by an outer ring, and
a lifting member extending outwardly radially from the outer ring in cantilever fashion, the lifting member including a distal end, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge, a lateral groove extending from the first edge to the second edge, a first lifting ear projecting outwardly from the first edge, and a second lifting ear projecting outwardly from the second edge; and
a tool including
a handle extending from a handle end toward an engagement end,
a support arm extending from the handle toward the engagement end, the support arm having a first lateral edge defining a first lifting hook and a second lateral edge defining a second lifting hook, the first lifting hook being configured to engage the first lifting ear, the second lifting hook being configured to engage the second lifting ear,
a support pin extending across the support arm between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge, and
a latch member pivotally coupled to one of the support arm and the handle, the latch member being configured to selectively engage the distal end while the support pin is at least partially disposed in the lateral groove.
15. The combination of claim 14 , wherein the first lifting ear has a semi-circular cross section.
16. The combination of claim 15 , wherein the first lifting hook defines a semi-circular recess substantially conforming to the first lifting ear.
17. The combination of claim 14 , wherein the tool further includes a pivot pin extending through the one of the handle and the support arm, the latching member pivotally coupled to the pivot pin.
18. The combination of claim 14 , wherein the tool further includes a biasing member coupled to the latching member.
19. The combination of claim 18 , wherein the biasing member biases the latch member toward the engagement end.
20. The combination of claim 14 , wherein the handle defines a slot, the slot receiving a portion of the latching member for actuation by a user.