WO2013059380A1

WO2013059380A1 - Grill with safety system

Info

Publication number: WO2013059380A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/060694
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bonnie Lee Buzick; Robert James BAIR
Original assignee: Bonnie Lee Buzick; Bair Robert James
Priority date: 2011-10-17
Filing date: 2012-10-17
Publication date: 2013-04-25
Also published as: AU2012326144A1; EP2768362A1; AU2012326144B2; EP2768362A4; CA2959056A1

Abstract

An electric grill for cooking food items comprises: a receptacle for receiving fats and breakaway solids generated during the cooking of the food; and a safety mechanism configured to prevent the grill from operating without at least one movement of the receptacle subsequent to the grill being powered on. Optionally, other safety features include, a fire suppression system, temperatures sensors, proximity sensors for detecting obstructions near the grill, weight sensors, liquid level sensors and infrared photo-interrupter sensors for detecting whether the tray has been removed from the grill, since the grill's last operation.

Description

Grill With Safety System

Cross-References to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Application Serial Number 61/627,662 filed on October 17, 2011, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to cooking appliances for use in domestic and commercial kitchens. The invention relates particularly to electric grills that can be used to cook food in a way that removes fat from the food that is cooked. In particular the invention relates to a safety systems for an electric grill.

Background of the Invention

[0003] The present application addresses the need for additional safety systems in grills to prevent fires from occurring. One way to prevent fires is to clean the drip tray between each use. Methods and systems are provided to encourage this by forcing the user to interact with the tray between each use.

Brief Summary of Embodiments of the Invention

[0004] (1) In a variant, an electric grill for cooking food items comprises a receptacle for receiving fats and breakaway solids generated during the cooking of the food, and a safety mechanism configured to prevent the grill from operating without at least one movement of the receptacle subsequent to the grill being powered on.

[0005] (2) In another variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism is configured to prevent the grill from operating without at least one movement of the receptacle subsequent to the grill being powered on and powered off.

[0006] (3) In a further variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a mechanical lock configured to mechanically engage the receptacle prior to the grill being powered off and mechanically disengage the receptacle when the unit is powered off. [0007] (4) In still a further variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a first biasing element to urge the receptacle out of the grill. The mechanical lock is configured to lock the receptacle in place while the receptacle is under outward bias by the first biasing element.

[0008] (5) In another variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a moveable stop configured to hold the receptacle against the biasing element when the receptacle is placed into the grill prior to being powered on.

[0009] (6) In a further variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a plunger configured to engage the receptacle after the grill is powered on and to hold the receptacle against the force of the biasing element.

[0010] (7) In yet another variant of the electric grill, the moveable stop is biased to maintain a position against the receptacle to prevent the receptacle from moving under the influence of the first biasing element.

[0011] (8) In still a further variant of the electric grill, the first biasing element is a spring.

[0012] (9) In another variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a mechanical lock configured to mechanically engage the receptacle prior to the grill being powered off and mechanically disengage the receptacle when the unit is powered off. The mechanical lock comprises: a power on off switch; a plunger connected to the power on off switch; a spring configured to urge the receptacle out of the grill; a moveable stop disposed below the plunger and the moveable stop being biased upward toward the plunger, and configured to hold the receptacle against the spring; and a port in the receptacle, configured to receive the plunger, and the port disposed above the moveable stop, wherein when the power switch is placed in an on position, the plunger is pushed through the port, and is configured to push the moveable stop down to disengage the stop from holding the receptacle back against the urging of the spring.

[0013] (10) In a further variant of the electric grill, a side of the port is configured to abut the plunger when the plunger is pushed through the port, and is pressing down on the stop to move the stop away from the receptacle and the receptacle being released under the bias of the spring. Ejection of the receptacle from the grill is prevented while the plunger is through the port.

[0014] (11) In still another variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a mechanical lock configured to mechanically engage the receptacle. The mechanical lock comprises: a ridge disposed on the receptacle; and a moveable stop configured to engage the ridge, and having slope to guide the ridge over the moveable stop when the receptacle is placed into the grill into its docked position.

[0015] (12) In yet a further variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises an infrared photo-interrupter sensor having an emitter and a receiver, configured with the grill such that when the receptacle is either removed or properly docked into the grill, the status of the photo-interrupter sensor is changed.

[0016] (13) In a variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a proximity sensor configured to detect a change in position of the receptacle, wherein the receptacle in its docked position with the grill comprises a first state of the sensor and any position where the grill is not docked comprises a second state of the sensor. The grill is configured to preclude operation of the grill until the state of sensor has changed at least once after the most recent occurrence of the grill being powered off.

[0017] (14) In another variant of the electric grill, an electric grill for cooking food items comprises: a receptacle for receiving fats and breakaway solids generated during the cooking of the food; and a safety mechanism configured to prevent a fire in the unit.

[0018] (15) In a further variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a weight sensor disposed below the receptacle configured to output a signal based on the weight of the receptacle. The grill is configured to power off if the weight of the receptacle reaches a predetermined threshold amount.

[0019] (16) In still another variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a liquid level sensor configured to measure the level of liquid in the receptacle.

[0020] (17) In yet a further variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature inside the receptacle. The grill is configured to power off when the temperature sensor measures above a predetermined temperature.

[0021] (18) In a variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a proximity sensor configured to detect an obstruction above an opening of the grill. The grill is configured to power down or is precluded from powering on if the proximity sensor detects an obstruction within a predetermined distance from the opening. [0022] (19) In a further variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a fire suppression system configured to activate if the temperature of the grill reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0023] (20) In another variant, a method of ensuring safe operation of an electric grill having drip tray comprises: powering off the grill; detecting that the grill has been powered off; precluding the grill from being powered on subsequent to being powered off, without the drip tray first being moved from its docked position within the grill.

[0024] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims attached hereto.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] The present invention, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the invention and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

[0026] Some of the figures included herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention from different viewing angles. Although the accompanying descriptive text may refer to such views as "top," "bottom" or "side" views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply or require that the invention be implemented or used in a particular spatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0027] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a grill;

[0028] Fig. 2 is a diagram of a grill having a mechanical safety system; [0029] Fig. 3 is a diagram of a grill having a mechanical safety system;

[0030] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a grill having a safety system based on a infrared photo- interrupter sensor; [0031] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a grill having a safety system based on a proximity sensor for detection of movement of the drip tray between each use;

[0032] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a grill having a safety system based on a weight sensor for detection of movement of the drip tray between uses;

[0033] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a grill having a safety system based on a liquid level sensor;

[0034] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a grill having a safety system based on a temperature sensor;

[0035] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a grill having a safety system based on a proximity sensor for detection of obstructions near the grill;

[0036] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a grill having a safety system comprising a fire suppression system;

[0037] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a grill having a safety system comprising a timing system; and

[0038] Fig. 12 is a flow chart of a method for ensuring safe operation of a grill.

[0039] The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

[0040] Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof using an operating system.

[0041] For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non- volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments of the Invention

[0042] From time-to-time, the present invention is described herein in terms of example environments. Description in terms of these environments is provided to allow the various features and embodiments of the invention to be portrayed in the context of an exemplary application. After reading this description, it will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how the invention can be implemented in different and alternative environments.

[0043] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in applications, published applications and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this document prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] The following variants discuss applications of various safety systems which are applicable to electrical grills with internal or external drip trays. Various systems are provided to prevent the grill from being operated, without the drip tray first being removed from the grill. This action encourages users to clean the tray to reduce the likelihood of fire.

[0045] Optionally, other safety features include, a fire suppression system, temperatures sensors, proximity sensors for detecting obstructions near the grill, weight sensors, liquid level sensors and infrared photo-interrupter sensors for detecting whether the tray has been removed from the grill, since the grill's last operation.

[0046] (1) In a variant, referring to Fig. 1, an electric grill 100 for cooking food items having a safety system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention, comprises a receptacle 105 for receiving fats and breakaway solids generated during the cooking of the food, and a safety mechanism configured to prevent the grill from operating without at least one movement of the receptacle 105 subsequent to the grill being powered on. The grill may be powered on and off via an on off switch 110.

[0047] (2) In another variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism is configured to prevent the grill from operating without at least one movement of the receptacle subsequent to the grill being powered on and powered off.

[0048] (3) In a further variant of the electric grill, referring to Figs. 2 and 3 the safety mechanism comprises a mechanical lock 115 configured to mechanically engage the receptacle 105 prior to the grill being powered off and mechanically disengage the receptacle when the unit is powered off.

[0049] (4) In yet another variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a first biasing element 120 configured to urge the receptacle 105 out of the grill. Referring to Fig. 3, the mechanical lock 115 is configured to lock the receptacle in place while the receptacle is under bias from the first biasing element 120.

[0050] (5) In another variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a moveable stop 125 configured to hold the receptacle 105 against the biasing element 120 when the receptacle is placed into the grill prior to being powered on.

[0051] (6) In a further variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a plunger 130 configured to engage the receptacle 105 after the grill is powered on and to hold the receptacle against the force of the biasing element 120.

[0052] (7) In yet another variant of the electric grill, the moveable stop 125 is biased to maintain a position against the receptacle 105 to prevent the receptacle from moving under the influence of the first biasing element 120.

[0053] (8) In still a further variant of the electric grill, the first biasing element is a spring 120. Optionally, the spring is housed in a spring box.

[0054] (9) In another variant of the electric grill, referring to Figs. 2 - 3, the safety mechanism comprises a mechanical lock configured to mechanically engage the receptacle 105 prior to the grill being powered off and mechanically disengage the receptacle when the grill is powered off. The mechanical lock comprises: a power on off switch 135; a plunger 130 connected to the power on off switch; a spring 120 configured to urge the receptacle out of the grill; a moveable stop 125 disposed below the plunger 130 and the moveable stop 125 being biased upward toward the plunger 130, and configured to hold the receptacle 105 against the spring 120; and a port 140 in the receptacle, configured to receive the plunger 130. The port 140 is disposed above the moveable stop 125. When the power switch 135 is placed in an on position, the plunger 130 is pushed through the port 140, and pushes the moveable stop 125 down to disengage the stop 125 from holding the receptacle 105 back against the urging of the spring 120.

[0055] (10) In a further variant of the electric grill, a side 145 of the port 140 is configured to abut the plunger 130 when the plunger is pushed through the port 140, and is pressing down on the stop 125 to move the stop away from the receptacle 105, and thus releasing the receptacle and allowing it to move under the bias of the spring 120 until it abuts the plunger 130. Ejection of the receptacle 105 from the grill 100 is prevented while the plunger is through the port 140.

[0056] (11) In still another variant of the electric grill, the safety mechanism comprises a mechanical lock configured to mechanically engage the receptacle. The mechanical lock comprises: a ridge 150 disposed on the receptacle and the moveable stop 125 configured to engage the ridge. The ridge has a slope 155 to guide the ridge over the moveable stop when the receptacle is placed into the grill into its docked position.

[0057] (12) In yet a further variant of the electric grill, referring to Fig. 4, the safety mechanism comprises an infrared photo-interrupter sensor 160 having an emitter 165 and a receiver 170, configured with the grill such that when the receptacle is either removed or properly docked into the grill, the status of the photo-interrupter sensor is changed, by virtue of the receptacle 105 either blocking or unblocking the path of the light from the emitter 165 to the receiver 170.

[0058] (13) In a variant of the electric grill, referring to Fig. 5, the safety mechanism comprises a proximity sensor 180 configured to detect a change in position of the receptacle 105. The receptacle in its docked position with the grill (which is during normal cooking for example, as shown in Fig. 1) comprises a first state of the sensor and any position where the grill is not docked comprises a second state of the sensor. The grill is configured to preclude operation of the grill until the state of sensor has changed at least once after the most recent occurrence of the grill being powered off. Optionally, the receptacle 105 has a sensor element 185 disposed on a side of the receptacle to function with the proximity sensor 180.

[0059] (14) In another variant of the electric grill, an electric grill for cooking food items comprises: a receptacle for receiving fats and breakaway solids generated during the cooking of the food; and a safety mechanism configured to prevent a fire in the unit. [0060] (15) In a further variant of the electric grill, referring to Fig. 6, the safety mechanism comprises a weight sensor disposed below the receptacle configured to output a signal based on the weight of the receptacle. The grill is configured to power off if the weight of the receptacle reaches a predetermined threshold amount.

[0061] (16) In still another variant of the electric grill, referring to Fig. 7, the safety mechanism comprises a liquid level sensor 195 configured to measure the level of liquid in the receptacle. When liquid reaches the level of contacts 200 of the sensor, the sensor is tripped.

[0062] (17) In yet a further variant of the electric grill, referring to Fig. 8, the safety mechanism comprises a temperature sensor 205 configured to measure the temperature inside the receptacle 105. Optionally, the sensor is configured to measure the mean temperature inside the grill. The grill is configured to power off or to preclude being powered on when the temperature sensor measures above a predetermined temperature.

[0063] (18) In a variant of the electric grill, referring to Fig. 9, the safety mechanism comprises a proximity sensor 210 configured to detect an obstruction 215 above an opening 212 of the grill. The grill is configured to power down or is precluded from powering on if the proximity sensor detects an obstruction within a predetermined distance from the opening.

[0064] (19) In a further variant of the electric grill, referring to Fig. 10, the safety mechanism comprises a fire suppression system 220 configured to activate if the temperature of the grill reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0065] In yet another variant, referring to Fig. 11 , the safety mechanism comprises a timer 225. Optionally, the unit can only be powered on by turning the timer to the desired time. Optionally, the unit is powered on by simultaneously by turning the timer to the desired position.

[0066] (20) In another variant, referring to Fig. 12, a method 300 of ensuring safe operation of an electric grill having drip tray comprises: powering off the grill 305; detecting that the grill has been powered off 310; precluding the grill from being powered on subsequent to being powered off, without the drip tray first being moved from its docked position within the grill 315.

[0067] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0068] Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0069] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term "including" should be read as meaning "including, without limitation" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms "a" or "an" should be read as meaning "at least one," "one or more" or the like; and adjectives such as "conventional," "traditional," "normal," "standard," "known" and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future. [0070] A group of items linked with the conjunction "and" should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as "and/or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction "or" should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as "and/or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.

[0071] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or more," "at least," "but not limited to" or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term "module" does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and can further be distributed across multiple locations.

[0072] Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. An electric grill for cooking food items, comprising:

a receptacle for receiving fats and breakaway solids generated during the cooking of the food;

a safety mechanism configured to prevent the grill from operating without at least one movement of the receptacle subsequent to the grill being powered on.

2. The electric grill of claim 1, wherein the safety mechanism is configured to prevent the grill from operating without at least one movement of the receptacle subsequent to the grill being powered on and powered off.

3. The electric grill of claim 1, wherein the safety mechanism comprises a mechanical lock configured to mechanically engage the receptacle prior to the grill being powered off and mechanically disengage the receptacle when the unit is powered off.

4. The electric grill of claim 3, wherein the safety mechanism comprises a first biasing element configured to urge the receptacle out of the grill; and

wherein the mechanical lock is configured to lock the receptacle in place while the receptacle is under outward bias by the first biasing element.

5. The electric grill of claim 4, wherein the safety mechanism comprises a moveable stop configured to hold the receptacle against the biasing element when the receptacle is placed into the grill prior to being powered on.

6. The electric grill of claim 5, wherein the safety mechanism comprises a plunger configured to engage the receptacle after the grill is powered on and to hold the receptacle against the force of the biasing element.

7. The electric grill of claim 5, wherein the moveable stop is biased to maintain a position against the receptacle to prevent the receptacle from moving under the influence of the first biasing element.

8. The electric grill of claim 4, wherein the first biasing element is a spring.

9. The electric grill of claim 1, wherein the safety mechanism comprises a mechanical lock configured to mechanically engage the receptacle prior to the grill being powered off and mechanically disengage the receptacle when the grill is powered off, the mechanical lock, comprising:

a power on off switch;

a plunger connected to the power on off switch;

a spring configured to urge the receptacle out of the grill;

a moveable stop disposed below the plunger and the moveable stop being biased upward toward the plunger, and configured to hold the receptacle against the spring; and

a port in the receptacle, configured to receive the plunger, and the port disposed above the moveable stop, wherein when the power switch is placed in an on position, the plunger is pushed through the port, and is configured to push the moveable stop down to disengage the stop from holding the receptacle back against the urging of the spring.

10. The electric grill of claim 9, wherein a side of the port is configured to abut the plunger when the plunger is pushed through the port, and is pressing down on the stop to move the stop away from the receptacle and the receptacle being released under the bias of the spring; and wherein ejection of the receptacle from the grill is prevented while the plunger is through the port.

11. The electric grill of claim 1, wherein the safety mechanism comprises a mechanical lock configured to mechanically engage the receptacle, the mechanical lock comprising:

a ridge disposed on the receptacle; and

a moveable stop configured to engage the ridge, and having a slope to guide the ridge over the moveable stop when the receptacle is placed into the grill into its docked position.

12. The electric grill of claim 1, wherein the safety mechanism comprises an infrared photo- interrupter sensor having an emitter and a receiver, configured with the grill such that when the receptacle is either removed or properly docked into the grill, the status of the photo-interrupter sensor is changed.

13. The electric grill of claim 1, wherein the safety mechanism comprises a proximity sensor configured to detect a change in position of the receptacle, wherein the receptacle in its docked position with the grill comprises a first state of the sensor and any position where the grill is not docked comprises a second state of the sensor; and

wherein the grill is configured to preclude operation of the grill until the state of sensor has changed at least once after the most recent occurrence of the grill being powered off.

14. An electric grill for cooking food items, comprising:

a receptacle for receiving fats and breakaway solids generated during the cooking of the food; and

a safety mechanism configured to prevent a fire in the unit.

15. The electric grill of claim 14, wherein the safety mechanism comprises a weight sensor disposed below the receptacle configured to output a signal based on the weight of the receptacle; and wherein the grill is configured to power off if the weight of the receptacle reaches a predetermined threshold amount.

16. The electric grill of claim 14, wherein the safety mechanism comprises a liquid level sensor configured to measure the level of liquid in the receptacle;

wherein the grill is configured to power off or the grill is precluded from powering on when the liquid level sensor measures a predetermined level of liquid in the receptacle.

17. The electric grill of claim 14, wherein the safety mechanism comprises a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature inside the receptacle; and

wherein the grill is configured to power off when the temperature sensor measures above a predetermined temperature.

18. The electric grill of claim 14, wherein the safety mechanism comprises a proximity sensor configured to detect an obstruction above an opening of the grill; and

wherein the grill is configured to power down or is precluded from powering on if the proximity sensor detects an obstruction within a predetermined distance from the opening.

19. The electric grill of claim 14, wherein the safety mechanism comprises a fire suppression system configured to activate if the temperature of the grill reaches a predetermined temperature.

20. A method of ensuring safe operation of an electric grill having drip tray, comprising: powering off the grill;

detecting that the grill has been powered off;

precluding the grill from being powered on subsequent to being powered off, without the drip tray first being moved from its docked position within the grill.