CA1330755C - Adjustable gas intake assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an adjustable gas intake assembly for a barbeque grill includes a venture tube and a supply tube are connected by a flexible section which will provide horizontal or vertical adjustment of the supply tube. In one embodiment the supply tube has a flexible section which permits axial compression or expansion and a telescoping section is provided in the venturi portion or the supply tube portion. In another embodiment the venturi tube and the supply tube are connected by threaded, flexible portions. In all embodiments an internal air shutter can be provided to cover the lateral opening of the air regu-lator in the verturi tube. The gas intake assembly of the invention can be used with various types of gas barbeque grill burners.

Description

Background of the Invention This invention relates to a gas venturi tube for a burner element in a gas barbecue grill. More particularly, in one embodiment it relates to a flexible and threaded, adjustable gas intake assembly for a gas burner element so that proper connection can be made between the burner elernent and a gas supply nozzle irrespective of the vertical and/or horizontal distance the burnerelement is supported from the floor in relation to the gas supply.
Varlous barbecue grill bases have floors for the burner element located at various positions and located vertically or horizontally from the gassupply no~zle. Accordingly, it is necessary to construct each gas intake pipe and venturi tube to match the particular distance from the burner element and the gas supply nozzle so that the burner element is in communication with the gas supply pipe. Cost savings could be effected if a venturi tube is fabricated so as to fit in a suitable manner many burner elements in a barbecue base portion and provide proper connection with a gas supply. `
The state of the art for gas delivery systems for barbecue grills is illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,638,635 and 4,373,505. In U.S. Pat. No.
3,368,635 a one-piece, nonadjustable venturi tube 63 extends from gas valve 70 to burner 25 and is attached thereto by base 65 and screws 63. In U.S.
Pat. No. 4,373,505 which is commonly assigned, adjustable securing means such as represented by screw 51 and dimples 50 are provided on the venturi tube 24 and a gas intake tube 55. In German Patent 25 24 492 there is described a gas cooking unit wherein a gas connection can be made with VL~

X ~' flexible coiled tubes or telescoping tubes. The particular unit is of the range and oven type.
It is an advantage of the presen~ invention to provide a venturi tube or gas intake assembly for a burner in a gas barbecue grill which can S operatively provide connection between numerous gas burner elements in grill base floors and a gas intake nozzle which is spaced horizontally or vertically from the burner. It is another advantage of this invention to provide a multi adjustable gas intake assembly which includes telescoping sections between a gas venturi tube and a burner element and can afford positioning of the 10 burner element at various elevations from the floor as well as being spaced horizontally from the 3as supply pipe. It is still another advantage of this invention to provide a secure adjustable gas intake assembly of the foregoing type between a burner element and a gas supply pipe which is easily compressible and expandable in a vertical position in a gas barbecue grill 15 which will provide quick adjustment without leakage. It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide a dual adjustable gas intake assembly for a gas grill burner element which can VLS:~U 2 : 1 330755 be manufactured and assembled in,an economical manner. It is still another advantage of this invention to provide ,, I horizontal and vertical adjustment between the lenturi tube ! i:
and a gas intake pipe as well as rotatable adjustment between the connecting flange of the venturi assembly and the burner J`.:
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Summary of the Invention ~, The foregoing advantages are accomplished by the present adjustable gas intake tube assembly for a gas burner element 10 wherein the burner element has the usual hollow, apertured ' body member having a portion for receiving a gas intake `,, member. In one embodiment, a first tubular member i 6 defined ,'`
by a ccmbined flexible and threaded portion. A second tub~
ular member also defines a combined flexible and threaded portion. The flexible and threaded portions of each tubular member are constructed and arranged to threadably engage I '~
each other. Air regulator and gas supply inlet means are operatively associated with one of said tubular members and means are operatively associated with the other of the ,'`, ~`~
tubular members or colmection with a gas burner element.
In a preferre'd embodiiment, the air regulator means is of the ,:
rotary type with an aperture at the end to receive the gas supply inlet meansS The flexible sections can provide a right-angled flexible section or can be employed in a linear ,~
vertical manner with some offset. The flexible sections '~ ,,,' provide both horizontal and vertical adjustment of the ' '~
tubular members with the burner element. Also in a preferred "j~
manner the threaded tubular portions can have threads extend-ing substantially the entire length of the portions. The threaded portions are preferably formed from stainless ~teel i, -3- '~

- and will be subjected to an annealing process. The annealed stainless steel will have a wall thickness to provide hand flexibility or compression which can be inthe range of 0.006 to 0.012 inch. As an alternative embodiment, an additional tubular member has a smooth wall surface and is slidably received in one of the S first or second tubular members. In this instance the air regulator means isoperatively connected to the smooth walled surface tubular member.
In still another embodiment a telescoping relationship is provided between the first and second tubular members with at least one of the tubular members being flexible as aforesaid.
Broadly speaking, therefore, the present invention provides a multi-adjustable gas intake assembly for a gas burner element comprising: a first tubular member; a second tubular member having a flexible section, the first tubular member telescoping within the second tubular member; air regulator and gas supply inlet means operatively associated with one of the tubular members;
and means operatively associated with the other of the tubular members for connection with a gas burner element.
Bri~f Descrint7On ~f the Drawinqs A bet~er understanding of the present adjustable gas intake assembly for a burner element will be accomplished by reference to the drawings wherein:

2~ Fig. 1 is perspective view of a gas barbecue grill unit with portions broken away showing the adjustable venturi tube of this invention and a burner element.
Fig. 2 is a side assembly view depicting the adjustable venturi tube shown in Fig. 1 with a mounting flange VLS:ii 4 .~.
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Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the adjust-able ven-turi tube assembly attached to the double burner ¦ unit shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a top plan view of a mounting flange for attachment of the gas intake assemblies of this inve~tion to - a double burner unit.
Fig. 5 is a view in side elevation illustrating an alternative embodiment of a gas intake assembly of this -invention.

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1 3~0755 Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing an alterna-tive mounting flange for a single adjustable gas intake ', assembly.
Fig. 7 is a view in side elevation and partially broken 5 away of the assembled gas intake assembly shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 6 showing yet another alternative embodiment of a mounting bracket.
Fig. 9 is a view in vertical section of an alternative grill unit showing still another alternative embodiment of a 10 gas intake asne~bly o this invention.
Fig. 10 is a view in top perspective showing the gas ;~
intake assembly of Fig. 9 removed from the grill unit.
~ , Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing yet another L,, ` ~' alternative embodiment of a gas intake assembly of this invention. ~,~
Fig. 12 is a view in top perspective showing the gas intake assembly of Fig. 11 removed from the grill unit.
Fig. 13 is a view eimilar to Fig. 9 showing still another embodiment of the gas intake assembly of this inven~
tion.
Fig. 14 is a view in top perspective showlng the gas il intaka assembly of Fig. 13 removed from the grill unit.
Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating yet another grill unit for use with a gas intake assembly of this invention.
Eig. 16 is A view similar to Fig. 2 showing still another embodiment of a gas intake assembly of this inven- c~ ~;
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Fig. 17 is a top plan view showing still another ~;
alternative embodiment of a mounting flange for a-ttachment ~-of -the adjustable venturi -tube assembly shown in Figs. 18 and 19. !,~
Fig. 18 is a view in side elevation taken along line 18-18 of Fig. 19.
Fig. 19 is a view in front elevation taken along line 19-19 of Fig. 17.
Fig. 20 is a view in par-tial vertical section and ~, ; ,, partial side elevation taken along line 20-20 of Fig. 18 but wi-th the lower tubular member extended. ,'~
Fig. 21 is a view depicting an internal air shutter ;~
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arrangement for the venturi tube assembly.

Fig. 22 is a view in side elevation showing the embodi-,i :. .
ment of Fig. 21 removed from the gas supply nozzle. ';

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Description of the Preferred Embodiments :~

Proceeding to a detailed description of the present invention, the novel gas intake assembly generally 31 i8 shown in Fig. l and is especially adapted to be employèd for both horizontal and vertical adjustment with the dual burner unit generally 48. The ~rill unit~ generally ~2~ has a base member 54 and will include the usual grate (not ~hown) ov~r the dual burner element 48 as well as a cover 55. The base -~
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54 is supported and secured to a post 56 which in turn is ;:~:
10 secured to a foot base 57. A gas supply tank 58 is eieated ' :
on the base 57 and has a valve 59 which is interconnected to a gas control 61 in the housing 62 equipped Wtf th the control knobs 63. The gas feed lines 64 and 65 extend from the gas . . ~;. ~ .
control 61 as well as through a support bracket 66 where each will be positioned in fluid communication with the dual ; ~ :~
adJustable venturi or the gas intake asse,mbly generally 31. ii Each venturi tube afsembly in turn is connected with the H-shaped dual burner element 48.
Referring to Fig. 2, two; of the tubular members 30 and, ,~
26 of the gas intake assembly 31 as shown in Fig. 1 ~
depicted. Tubular member 30 has a flexible and threaded :: tubular portion 32 and tubular member 26 has a flexible and threaded_ tubular portion 33 as well as a venturi portion 37 for threading into and inside tubular gas intake portion 3~
The venturi section 37 has a flanged portion 34 and opposing lateral openings,lone of which is shown at 36. The usual i;: , .
rotatable regulator 35 is adapted to be secured to venturi section 37 by the usual slot 38 and screw 50 which will be threaded into aperture 43.

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Fig. 3 represents the gas intake assembly 31 and the dual burner element 48 apart from the grill unit 53. It will be seen that two tubular members 30 are secured to the burner element 48 such as by the flange 39 (See ~ig. 2). Le~ members ~2 extend from the burner element 48 and will be 5 later discussed. Two tubular members 26 will be threadably received in the flexible and threaded gas intake portions 32. Apertures or openings 43 are disposed in the rotatable air regulators 35 for reception of a gas nozzle or orifice 23, such as shown in Fig. 9. These provide a gas supply inlet means.
Figs. 4 and 5 represent an adjustable dual gas intake or venturi 10 assembly 71 wlth tubular components similar to gas intake assembly 31.
Accordingly, similar parts are indicated by similar numbers. The tubular members 30 are interconnected by the flange or bracket 83 which in turn can be connected to the burner element 48 by ~he screws 40. The difference between gas intake assembly 31 and 71 is that adjustable venturi assembly 1571 has the slidable tubular extension 80 with the rotatable regulator 35 attached thereto as well as the lateral opening 36. This will provide a venturi section 37. Tubular extension 80 will be slidably received in the threaded flexible tubular portion 33 adjacent the flanged portion 34 which can contain a seal washer 28. Tne flanged portion 34 and the wash0r 28 are optional and 20 can be eliminated without affecting the performance of the assembly 71.
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Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, gas intake assembly 51 generally is depicted and is similar to gas intake assembly 31 except that it has only one tubular member 30 secured to a burner mounting flange 45. Arcuate slots 46 and 47 will VLS:iJ 9 , : . 1 3~0755 ~ .
afford attac~nent to the burner by the screws 40. Shown in Fig. 8 is a different type of mounting flange 44 having open slots 68 and 69 for the mounting screws 40. The same compo-nent parts as described in conjunction with venturi tube assembly 31 are designated by the same numbers.
Referring to Figs. 9 and 10 the gas intake assembly generally 51 is shown utilized in conjunction ~ith the gas barbecue grill unit generally 11 of the post type. Thè
grill unit 11 has the burner element generally 10 and the 10 usual base member 12. It will include the usual ~rate andl;~
cover (not shown) placed over the burner 10. The base 12 i~
supported and secured by the normal post 13 by means of a ;`
flange 14 and a screw 15. A post 13 will carry a gas control 16 and have an air vent ~not shown). It will be noted that the burner element 10 is formed from a i~ollow body member 17 having a central por~ion 18 and four arm portions two of which are shown at 19 and 20 resulting in~ ~ H-shaped configuration With apertures 21. Extending from each arm portion i5 a leg member such as 22 which i8 positioned near -20 the end of the arm portions nnd in the direction o the ;~
floor 24. The lèg members 22 are pivotally and extendably i secured to the bottom of the arm portions 19 and 20 and will -: ~ :
contact the foot pads such as 25 on floor 24 of the base "
" member 12. The leg members 22 are slidably positioned in l ~ .
the tubular portions 27 and fastened by the screws 29. They "
are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 4 267 816 by , ~ ;~
the same inventor. The burner element 10 communlcates With the novel venturi tube assembly generally 51 having a ~as intake tubular member 30 with the threaded portion 32 and a 30 venturi tube member 26 with a venturi section 37 and the threaded portion 33. The rotatable alr regulator 35 is 1 0 ,, ~

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slidably disposed at one end of the tubular member 26 as indicated in conjunction with venturi assembly 31 and has the adjustable lateral opening 36 the size of wjhich is controlled by the regulator 35. The venturi tube assembly 51 is positioned on a control 16 by means of the air regula- ' tor 35 in the form of a rotatable collar. The usual slot and the screw 50 are disposed in the air regulator 35 for , air adjustmen-t. A gas supply orifice 23 fed by a gas supply line 52 is centered in an opening such as 43 provided by the tubular member 26 and the air regulator 35 (See Fig. 3). At !
the opposite end, the venturi assembly gas intake tubular member 30 is operatively connected to the burner element 10 ~ ;
by means of a flange 45 and the screws 40 and nuts 67 with the flange 45 extending from the intahe tubular member 30. '~
Figs. 11 and 12 illustrate a gas intake assembly gen~
erally 71 in the grill unit 53 which was ~earlier described.
Accordingly, similar parts are indicated by similar numbers. ~j It will be seen that there will be an elbow type bending of the tubular members 30 and an extension o the slidable ' 20 extensions 80. ; i`~
Figs. 13 and ~4 depict a venturi assembly generally 72 ;~
similar to assemblies 51 and~ ~. It is ShOWII in conjunction with the previously desçribed grill unit 11. Similarly to venturi assembly 71, it has the slidable, telescoping tube i 80 for reception inside the tubular portion 33. In a manner similar to assembly 51 it has a single venturi unit with the tubular members 30 and 26. l~
Fig. 15 is presented for the purpose of showing the l~
venturi assembly 31 in conjunction with a modified front panel type grill unit 73 which is similar to gr,ill unit 53.
Similar parts are designated by similar number,s. The major difference between the two griil units is in a shorter front panel section 82.
Accordingly the control valves of the gas control 61 are moved in closer proximity to the venturi assembly 31 and gas feed lines 64 and 65 as well as bracket 66 are eliminated.
In Fig. 16 there is shown a modified gas intake assembly 41 which is similar to venturi assembly 31 except that the hollow flange portion 34 of assembly 31 has been eliminated. As a result, a smooth walled portion 42 results between the flexible tubular portion 33 and the lateral opening 36.
In all other respects the assemblies are the same as indicated by the same reference numerals indicating the same components.
Fig. 17-20 illustrate a further modification of an adjustable venturi assembly generally 100. It has two tubular portions 101 and 102 with flexible portions 32 preferably extending substantially the entire length of thetubular portions. However, it will be seen that this assembly also has a venturl tube member 106 which is slidable within tubular portion 101. Such venturi member will not have a flexible section 32. However, it will have the previously descrlbed rotatable air regulator 35 and lateral opening 36 with the regulator 35 controlled by the screw 50 sliding in slot 105 of the regulator in the usual manner. A flange 103 is provided to house a seal 104 for contact with the smooth walled venturi tube 106. However, it has been found that the flange 103 and the seal 104 are optional and can be eliminated. As indicated in Figs. 18 and 19, a similar smooth walled and slidable venturi tube ~; 107 will telescope within tubular portion 102. A gas nozzle connection is made through the opening 43 in the rotatable regulator 35.
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~ 1 330755 , An importan-t aspec-t of this invention is the fact tha-t multiple adjustments between gas burners such as 48 ,~
and 10 and the gas feed lines 64 and 65 or the gas control i~
61 which will have the usual nozzle portions such as 23 at the end thereof can be effected.
When it is desired to assemble venturi assembly 31, the flange 39 will be secured to the burner 48 such as with the screws 40 (See Figs, 4 and 9 with respect to ,~
burner 10 and flange 45). Referring specifically to Fig.
2, threaded portion 33 of tubular member 26 may have pre~
viously been threaded into the -threaded portion 32 of gas intake tubular member 30. Burner 48 will be suitably positioned in base member 54. Gas intake tubular member or portion 30 will be bent or flexed into an elbow like manner such as indicated in Fig. 1. The next adjustment is the alignment of the venturi tubular member or portion 26 and the gas nozzles which will be fastened on the inside oE the support bracket 66. This is eEfected by turning ,i~
the threaded tubular portion 33 into or out,of the threaded portion 32 oE the gas in-take '` :'"': : :

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portion 30. It will be appreciated that any additional alignment between the burner 48 and the gas nozzles is easily effected by deflective movement of either or both of the flexible gas intake portions 30 and venturiltubular portions 26.
When ~t is desired to a~semble the venturi assembly 51, ";::
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the flange 45 will be fastened to burner 10 by the ~crèws 40 , ~:
and nuts 67. The venturi portion 33 will be placed over the gas supply nozzle 23 and legs such as 22 suitably adjusted 10 to sit on the foot pads 25. It will be appreciated that any .
adjustment in height between nozzle 23 and the burner 10 as restinq on the foot pads 25 is easily compensated for as flexible tubular member 26 can be threaded into and out of :!
gas intake portion 30 for height adjustment. In addition, any axial deviation can be compensated for by lateral de- , flection of either or both flexible tubular members 30 and l::
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Ad~ustable Venturi assembly 71 With the burner element ~;
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48~ Will be assembled in grill unit 53 in the same manner as 20 assembly 31. The addltional advantage of this assembly 71 ,~
is that additional horizontal adjustment between the inlet ! nozzles and th~ burner 48 is afforded by the telescoping ¦
tubular extension.B0.
Similarly, adjustable Venturi assembly 72 Fan be assem- p!,~
bled and adjusted in somewhat the same manner as venturi ; assembly 51. Again, the added adjustment is provided by the t . smooth walled slidable tubular member 80. Any additional ~: , vertical height adjustment ls effected by this tubular 'r', ' member 80 which can be moved into and out of tubular portion ~, :~.. :
~. Any vertical deviation between noz~le ~3 and the central connection With burner 10 through flange 45 is easlly compen~

¦- ' '''`' 1 3 3 0 7 5 !-sated for by deflecting either or both flexible gas intake portion 30 or flexible tubular por-tion 33.
Venturi assembly 100 also of~ers both vertical and horizontal adjustment in either barbecue grill units 11 or ~' 53. When utili~ed in grill unit 11 the flexible section 32 will allow movement in a horizontal manner to adjust for any ~.
ver-tical alignment varia-tions. The slidable venturi tubes 106 and 107 will offer the addi-tional adjustment of vertical height adjustment. When the ven-turi assembly! 100 is to be employed in conjuction with barbecue grill unit 53, -the s flexible section 32 will act as an elbow such as indicated ';
in venturi assemblies 71 and 72. This will provide both F
horizontal and vertical adjustment between burners 48 and gas nozzle support bracket 66. Additional horizon-tal adjust~
ment will be aEEorded by the slidable venturi tubes 106 and 107. '`~
Venturi assembly 31 with dual venturi tubular unitEi is ~ ;
shown ~n con~unc~ion with gas grill unit 53. If desired, venturi assembly 51 with a single venturi unit could be employed in a grill unit 53 in the above indicated manner ,~
W~th a single burner unit such as 10. To further assist in ti -the connection of single tube venturi assem`oly 51, flan~es 44 or 45 could be utili~ed~! Flange 44 has the advantage of .~
,, the open slots 6a and 69 whereas flange 45 affords the same ~, -rotational adjustment by the arcuate slots 46 And 47. ~` -- :~
Gas-fired grill units 11 and 53 are made of cast alumi~
num whereas the burner elements 10 and 48 are manufactured ,R
from stainless steel. Flexible and threaded tubular members '.`~
30 and 26 are fabricated from RF stainles~ steel and are annealed. However, other heat :reslstant materials such ~s aluminum, copper or plastic could be employed. The ':hreads forming the ~hreaded portions 32 and 33 have a pitch of .140 inch. The threads forming threaded portion 32 has a wldth ,' . 'r : ~ :
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` 1 330755 .: '-of .090 inch whereas for threaded portion 33 i4 is .065 inch. The inside major diameter for threaded portion 32 is ;~
.695 inch and the inside minor diameter is .515 inch. The outside maj~r diameter of threaded portion 33 is .690 inch ~.,:: :: -whereas the outside minor diameter is .510. It will beappreciated that the terms "outside" and "inside" refer to the fact that tubular member 26 fits inside tubular member ii~
30. The wall thickness for the threaded portions 32 and 33 ~.,:
can range from .004 to .012 inch. Also preferably the threads forming threaded portions 32 and 33 will have multi~
plicity of convolutions per inch and eight such convolutions per inch have been found to work well. In the instance of r~ -venturi ~ection 37 and slidable tubular extension 80, these '`~
are also made from steel and are usually chromeplated.
While the screws 40 and nuts 67 have been indicated as a preerred means for securing flanges 39, 44 and 45 to burners 10 and 48, screws alone could be used. While burners 10 and 48 are Rhown as H or U-shaped in configuration, it will be appreciated that the adjustable venturi tube assembl~
ies of this invention could be utilized with any configura-tion of burner, as indicated by burner 48, and can be of a 8traight tube, star-shaped or figure eight variety. Also, while the ~as supply tubes and orifices have been ihdicated for connection through an air regulator or shutter 35, obviously various types of connections can be made with the t ~-b ~.`j ~ .
gas supply tube and the venturi tube assemblies. Neither is 1i it necessary that flexible and threaded ga~ int71ce assembly be utilized :lith a rotatable air regulator 35. Any air ~', . . .
regulato^ could be employed such as one that has a prese~ i`~

or pre~ixed opening. While certain types of gas fired grill ~Inits have been shown in conjunction with the gas f-intake assembly, it is obvious that it can be utilized in any gas grill unit whether of the permanent built-in type } , ": '` ~
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such as supported between permanent support walls or from a post, or of the p~r-table type such as mounted on wheels or on a movable stand. Fur-ther, any type of hydrocarbon ~s fuel gas such as natural gas, propane and butane can utilize the adjustable features of venturi assemblies of this invention.
Throughout the foregoing description of the present invention it has been seen that the venturi tùbe assembly has been provided with an external air shutter ,~
as the air regulator means. The external air shutter can advan-tageously be replaced by an internal air shutter which ~i -is illustrated in Figures 21 and 22 in conjuction with a two piece venturi tube arrangement generally 100 having an upper flexible tubular section 101 with a smooth walled section 112 and a lower internal telescoping tube 106.
Two oppositely disposed openings (one oE which is shown at 114) ac-t in conjunction with an internal tubular .: i, shutter portion 116 Eor air regulating purposes. Shutter portion 116 is rotatably retained inside tube 106 by the screw 118 riding in the slot 120 oE tube 106. ~s best seen in Fig. 22, four projections 122 may be provided to extend inwardly from internal tube 116 for gripping onto ~!'' "
nozzle housing 23. ~lternatively the base of tube 116 ! ' k may have the usual opening, such as 43, for fitment over the nozzle 23. U-shaped slots (one of which is designated ~;
at 124) will be further described below.
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In-ternal air shu-tter 116 offers an added advan--tage as it allows internal shutter tube 106 to be completely '~
collapsed inside -tube 100 and still allow for air intake. ,~
This is no-t possible with external air shutters such as f' 35 shown elsewhere. This is effected by slot 124 in tube 112 which will allow ven-turi opening 114 and intake slot -~6 oE shutter tube 116 to be aligned therein as -tube 106 ':
is moved inwardly into tube 112. This results in an added ,:~ :
adjustmen-t for the venturi tube 100 when it is positioned between control housing 16 and a burner 18.

It will tllus be seen that in the present in- i vention -there is now provided an adjustable venturi as-r, sembly which i.s fabricated to Eit numerous types of gas I ~arbecue grills irrespective oE the vertical or horizontal space diE~erences between the burner element and the gas supply.means. Not ~. .,: ~
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- . ,, only is hori20ntal or vertical adjustment afforded but also ,~
radial adjustment as well. The various adjustments of the ~-venturi tube and gas supply ~ubes are ea~ily effected by means of threaded engagement between flexible tubular por r :~ :tions as well as compression or expansion of these flexible ~ ~-tube portlons. These adjustments can be employed alone or in conjunction with slidable tubular extensions. All of ', these adjustment features can be utilized with adjustable -~
leg members to afford adjustment of the burner and thé ;
venturi tubular member. The adjustable venturi assemblies are advantageously employed in conjunction with gas barbecue -grill units where only vertical adjustment is required between the burner and its source of gas or where the gas #Upply i5 positioned at right angles to the burner element.
Additionally, the venturi tube assemblies provide for sturdy placement of the burner in the grill units. The multi~
ad~u~table gas intake assembly is easily packaged with the '~
burner element to which is to be subsequently attached in the ~ ~;
grill unit.
The foregoing invention can now be practiced by those skilled in the art.' Such skilled persons will know that the invention is not necessarily restricted to the particular '~
embodiments presented herein. The scope of the invention i8 .~.; .:
to be defined by terms of the followiny claims as given , meaning by the preceding description.

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Claims (29)

1. A multi-adjustable gas intake assembly for a gas burner element comprising:
a first tubular member defining a combined flexible and threaded portion;
a second tubular member defining a combined flexible and threaded portion, said flexible and threaded portions constructed and arranged to threadably engage each other;
air regulator and gas supply inlet means operatively associated with one of said tubular members; and means operatively associated with the other of said tubular members for connection with a gas burner element.

2. A multi-adjustable gas intake assembly for a gas grill burner element comprising:
a first tubular member defining a combined flexible and threaded portion;
air regulator means operatively associated with said first tubular member;
an opening defined by said first tubular, member to receive a gas supply means;
a second tubular member defining a combined flexible.
and threaded portion, said flexible and threaded portions constructed and arranged to threadably engage each other;
and means operatively associated with said second tubular member for connection with a gas burner element.

3. A multi-adjustable gas intake assembly as defined in Claim 2 wherein said air regulator means is defined by a lateral aperture extending through said first tubular member and an air regulator member slidably received by said first tubular member to controllably cover said lateral aperture.

4. The multi-adjustable gas in take assembly as defined in Claim 2 wherein the threaded portion extends sub-stantially the entire length of said first and second tubular members except for a section accommodating said air regulator means.

5. The multi-adjustable gas intake assembly as defined in Claim 3 wherein said air regulator member includes an opening for receiving said gas supply means.

6. The multi-adjustable gas intake assembly as defined in Claim 2 wherein said first and second tubular members are comprised of a flexible heat resistant material.

7. The multi-adjustable gas intake assembly as defined in Claim 6 wherein said threadably engageable portions include helical threads having a multiplicity of convolutions per inch.

8. The multi-adjustable gas intake assembly as defined in Claim 2 wherein at least one additional first and second tubular member are present and joined by a bracket member.

9. A multi-adjustable gas grill burner assembly comprising:
a first tubular member defining a smooth wall surface;
an air regulator means operatively associated with said first tubular member;
an opening defined by said first tubular member to receive a gas supply means;
a second tubular member defining a combined flexible and threaded portion;
a third tubular member defining a combined flexible and threaded portion; said flexible and threaded portions being constructed and arranged to threadably engage each other;
said first tubular member adapted to be slidably received within one of said second or third tubular members; and means operatively associated with one of the second or third tubular members for connection with a gas burner element.

10. The multi-adjustable gas intake assembly as defined in Claim 9 wherein at least one additional first and second tubular member are present and joined by a bracket member.

11. An improved gas burner assembly for a gas barbecue grill having a floor comprising:
a burner element;
a first tubular member defining a combined flexible and threaded portion;
a second tubular member defining a combined flexible and threaded portions, said flexible and threaded portion constructed and arranged to threadably engage each other;
air regulator and gas supply inlet means operatively associated with one of said tubular members; and means operatively associated with the other of said tubular members for connection with said burner element.

12. The improved gas burner assembly of Claim 11 further including leg members extending from said burner element for contact with said barbecue grill floor.

13. The improved gas burner assembly of Claim 11 wherein said burner element is constructed to be placed in a grill unit of the post type.

14. The improved gas burner assembly of Claim 11 wherein said burner element is constructed to be placed in a grill unit of the front control type.

15. A universally adjustable gas intake tube assembly for use as a replaceable connection between a fixed gas supply means and a burner element in a gas barbecue grill unit wherein said burner element and a gas control unit having a gas supply orifice are positioned in a stationary manner in said barbecue grill unit where the spacing therebetween is variable comprising:
a first tubular member defining at least one aperture;
an air regulator means received by said first tubular member at one end thereof to control the flow of air entering through said aperture;
an opening defined by said first tubular member at one end for receiving a gas supply means;
a second tubular member, said second tubular member connected to said first tubular member at the other end, one of said tubular members having a flexible section and a compartment positioned adjacent one of the open ends of said first or second tubular members with a seal member retained in said compartment, said first and second tubular members defining a freely telescoping and slidable sealing relationship with respect to each other; and means for securing said second tubular member to said gas burner element which is supported in a generally horizontal manner with respect to a floor of said barbecue grill unit, said flexible section being positioned between said air regulator means and said burner element, said securing means being adapted to permit replacement of said gas intake tube assembly.

16. The universally adjustable gas intake tube assembly as defined in Claim 15 wherein said telescoping relationship is defined by said first tubular member telescoping within said second tubular member.

17. The universally adjustable gas intake tube assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein said gas burner element is connected to said second tubular member.

18. The universally adjustable gas intake tube assembly as defined in Claim 15 wherein said flexible section is operatively associated with said second tubular member and provides axial compression or expansion.

19. The universally adjustable gas intake assembly as defined in Claim 15 wherein said universally adjustable gas intake tube assembly includes a second universally adjustable gas intake tube assembly with both said tube assemblies housed in a common gas grill unit.

20. A universally adjustable gas intake tube assembly for use as a replaceable connection between a fixed gas supply means and a burner element in a gas barbecue grill unit wherein said burner element and a gas control unit having a gas supply orifice are positioned in a stationary manner in said barbecue grill unit where the spacing therebetween is variable comprising:
a first tubular member defining at least one aperture at one end for connection with a gas supply means;
air regulation means operatively connected to said first tubular member for use with said gas supply means;
a second tubular member having a flexible section and a compartment positioned adjacent an open end of said second tubular member with a seal member retained in said compartment, said second tubular member connected to said first tubular member at the other end in a slidable manner, said first tubular member freely telescoping within said second tubular member with said air regulation means being movable therewith; and means for securing said second tubular member to said gas burner element which is supported in a generally horizontal manner with respect to a floor of said barbecue grill unit, said flexible section being positioned between said air regulation means and said burner element, said securing means being adapted to permit replacement of said gas intake tube assembly.

21. The adjustable gas intake tube assembly as defined in Claim 20 wherein said flexible section of said second tubular member extends substantially the entire length of said second tubular member.

22. The adjustable gas intake tube assembly as defined in Claim 20 wherein said adjustable gas intake tube assembly includes a second adjustable gas intake tube assembly with both said tube assemblies housed in a common gas grill unit.

23. The adjustable gas intake tube assembly as defined in Claim 20 wherein said first tubular member has a smooth wall.

24. A flexible and length adjustable gas/air feeder venturi tube assembly for use as a replaceable connection between a gas burner element and gas controls on diverse types of gas fired barbecue grills, said assembly comprising:
a flexible conduit section having a substantially flat mounting flange secured to one end thereof;
a straight cylindrical substantially rigid venturi tube section telescopically and slidably engaged with the flexible conduit section, said flexible conduit section having a reduced diameter cylindrical sleeve extension on one end thereof telescopically and slidably receiving said venturi tube section therein;

a compartment positioned in said reduced diameter cylindrical sleeve extension with a seal member retained in said compartment to contact said straight cylindrical venturi tube section in a slidable and sealing relationship; and air inlet and air regulation means on said venturi tube section near the end thereof away from said flexible conduit section and freely movable therewith, said mounting flange being adapted to permit replacement of said adjustable gas/air feeder assembly.

25. The adjustable gas intake assembly as defined in Claim 2, 9 or 15 wherein said air regulator means is defined by a lateral aperture extending through said first tubular member, and an internal air shutter operatively located inside said first tubular member to controllably cover said lateral aperture.

26. The adjustable gas intake assembly as defined in Claim 2, 9 or 15 wherein said air regulator means is defined by a lateral aperture extending through said first tubular member, a tubular internal air shutter operatively located inside said first tubular member to controllably cover said lateral aperture, a slot in said first tubular member, and an adjusting screw extending through said slot to be received by said air shutter.

27. The adjustable gas intake assembly as defined in Claim 2, 9 or 15 wherein said air regulator means is defined by a lateral aperture extending

28 through said first tubular member, a tubular internal air shutter operatively located inside said first tubular member to controllably cover said lateral aperture, a slot in said first tubular member, an adjusting screw extending through said slot to be received by said air shutter, and a slot in said second tubular member to register with said lateral aperture when said first tubular member is moved into said second tubular member.

28. The adjustable gas grill burner assembly as defined in Claim 9 including means sealing the slidable connection between said first tubular member and the one of said second or third tubular members in which said first tubular member is slidably received.

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