WO2014033471A1

WO2014033471A1 - Elongate member for a heating rack

Info

Publication number: WO2014033471A1
Application number: PCT/GB2013/052286
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey Alexander MOORE
Original assignee: Moore Jeffrey Alexander
Priority date: 2012-08-30
Filing date: 2013-08-30
Publication date: 2014-03-06
Also published as: GB201215458D0; GB2507945A

Abstract

An elongate member (1) for a heating rack is provided. The elongate member (1) has a heatable support surface on which, in use, an object to be heated for cooking can be placed. The elongate member (1) also includes a trough (5, 7) disposed below the support surface for receiving and directing exudate from the object to one or both ends of the trough (5, 7). The width of the trough (5, 7) is less than the width of the support surface and the trough (5, 7) lies within the lateral extent of the support surface.A heating rack comprising a plurality of elongate members (1) is also provided. There is also provided a heating rack assembly incorporating a heating rack and a cooking grill for directing a build-up of exudate and/or runoff from an ingestible-consumable foodstuff away from a cooking surface.

Description

Elongate Member For A Heating Rack

This invention relates to an elongate member for a heating rack and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an elongate member for a heating rack for heating and cooking food. The invention has particular relevance to the cooking of fatty foods over naked flames, such as in the use of barbecues. The invention also relates to a heating rack and to a heating rack assembly including such an elongate member.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not confined to an elongate member for a heating rack for a barbecue and may be applied, for example, to cooking ovens or grills and to industrial ovens. Where the context permits, the present invention may be used for the heating of other objects, in particular where heating an object results in the melting or exuding of at least part of the object. One of the main problems with cooking fatty foods such as sausages, meat, kebabs, burgers and the like over charcoal, gas burners, infra-red heat sources or electric heaters, is that the fat runs down and drips onto the heated metal, glass or coals and ignites. This causes flames to rise and overcook or burn the food being cooked, and a resulting flare- up may cause personal danger to a user.

There have been a number of attempts at overcoming these problems, for example as described in GB2410421, which involves the provision of a channel for receiving exudate from an object being heated. However, the provision of such a channel gives rise to further problems in that the channel itself can obstruct direct exposure to a heat source positioned beneath an elongate member of the heating rack.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a heating rack which overcomes, or at least ameliorates, the abovementioned problems. According to the present invention there is provided an elongate member for a heating rack, the elongate member having a heatable support surface on which, in use, an object to be heated for cooking is placed, the elongate member including a trough disposed below the support surface for receiving and directing exudate from the object to one or both ends of the trough wherein the width of the trough is less than the width of the support surface and the trough lies within the lateral extent of the support surface. The elongate member in this form may provide a heatable cooking surface for supporting an object to be cooked. In this way, the cooking surface of the heating rack may be used to heat and/or cook the object directly, for example by being heated in the form of a heating element, or provide a support surface around which heat may be directed and may flow. The heating rack may be provided as part of a conventional cooking oven or grill, or an industrial oven, for cooking objects placed thereon.

The present invention also provides an elongate member for a heating rack, the elongate member having a support surface on which, in use, an object to be heated is placed to be exposed to a heat source beneath the heating rack, the elongate member including a trough disposed below the support surface and above the heat source for receiving and directing exudate from the object to one or both ends of the trough, wherein the width of the trough is less than the width of the support surface and the trough lies within the lateral extent of the support surface. The elongate member may be provided with two troughs, one trough being provided at each side of an upwardly extending portion of the elongate member, for example at the base thereof, wherein the combined width of the troughs is less than the width of the support surface and the troughs lie within the lateral extent of the support surface. The elongate member may include an upper part which is substantially Y-shaped in cross-section with a trough formed at either side of the base of the Y.

Alternatively, the elongate member may comprise an upper, triangular portion having a substantially horizontal upper support surface and a lower portion forming the trough.

The elongate member may be provided with two spaced apart support surface portions with a recess formed therebetween. Preferably, the elongate member has an upper part which is substantially Y-shaped with a trough provided at either side of the base of the Y. The upper part is also preferably provided with a recess. In this way, each arm of the Y-shaped upper part has an external surface, and an internal surface which defines at least a portion of the recess. The provision of the recess thus forms an upper trough, and the surface of the upper trough may form at least a portion of the support surface.

The Y-shaped upper part forms two arms and at least one arm may be provided with an aperture which extends from the internal surface to the external surface.

Advantageously, the provision of an aperture in this way provides a further flow path along which exudate can flow from the recess of the Y-shaped upper part to the or each trough positioned at the base of the Y. This is particularly useful in the event that the upper trough formed by the recess of the Y-shaped upper part becomes blocked due to, for example, a build-up of food debris. The provision of the aperture promotes flow between the upper trough and the lower trough(s), thus reducing exudate from backing up and collecting in the upper trough. The build-up and collection of exudate in the recess or trough of the upper part is particularly problematic in that trapped exudate can spit when heated by the heat source during cooking and this is overcome or at least partially mitigated by the provision of such an aperture. It is envisaged that the surface wetting of exudate over the external surface of the Y-shaped upper part will promote the flow of exudate through the aperture, thus overcoming the surface tension effect that might normally prevent or restrict the flow of exudate through the aperture. Each arm may be provided with an aperture and each aperture may be positioned directly above the lower trough formed at or each side of the base of the Y. Positioning the aperture in this way is advantageous in that exudate is directed from the upper trough to the or each lower trough along the external surface of the Y-shaped elongate member, thus minimising the distance travelled and promoting the efficient flow of exudate from the upper trough to the or each lower trough. This ensures that exudate is channelled in a liquid form, reducing the likelihood of it becoming congealed, which may prevent the flow of exudate and/or block the aperture, thus reducing its effectiveness. Furthermore, positioning the apertures in this way provides for gravity- assisted flow of exudate from the upper trough to the lower trough(s).

Preferably, the or each aperture is in the form of a slot. The provision of the or each aperture in the form of a slot is advantageous in that a channel is provided, thus allowing exudate to flow from the recess in the upper trough whilst flowing or travelling along the upper trough. As such, a slot or other open-bottomed channel ensures the efficient exit and flow of exudate from the upper trough, thus preventing a build-up of exudate in the aperture.

In one arrangement, there may be a plurality of slots provided along the longitudinal extent of the or each arm of the upper part. The slots may be opposing, on opposing sides and offset, and/or on only one side, as necessity dictates. The elongate member may be made of iron, steel or aluminium, and may be manufactured by, for example, casting, extrusion or pressing from sheet material.

The elongate member may be provided with a high-temperature resistant coating, such as a porcelain enamel.

A single elongate member or a plurality of unitarily formed elongate members may be provided either singularly or as a pack for selective interengagement in order to form a modular heating rack. The present invention also concerns a heating rack comprising a plurality of elongate members as hereinbefore defined, each elongate member being spaced laterally from an adjacent elongate member.

The spacing between adjacent elongate members is ideally substantially the same as the lateral extent of the support surface. Where a recess is provided in the support surface, the spacing between adjacent elongate members, the lateral extent of the recess and the lateral extent of each support surface portion are ideally substantially the same. The heating rack may be configured such that, in use, the elongate members are inclined along their length such that any contents of the trough flow towards one or each end thereof. The trough may be formed with a radius at one or each end of each elongate member.

The heating rack may include a collection region for liquid at one or both ends of the trough.

Adjacent elongate members may be interconnected by channels. The channels may interconnect the troughs of adjacent elongate members. The channels may be provided with sidewalls of substantially the same height as the troughs. The channels may be arranged at an angle relative to the elongate members to promote the flow of the liquid.

An upper region of adjacent elongate members may be interconnected by bridging members. The bridging members, for example the underside thereof, may be configured to encourage liquid to flow laterally (that is, in the longitudinal direction of the bridging members) towards the closest elongate member. For example, the underside of each bridging member may be in the form of an arch or an inverted V-shape. A bridging member may be provided immediately above each channel, where provided. The upper faces of the bridging members may be substantially coplanar with the support surfaces of the elongate members.

The present invention also relates to a heating rack assembly incorporating a heating rack including a plurality of elongate members as hereinbefore defined.

The heating rack assembly may include a reservoir for receiving liquid from the object to be heated. Liquid may be directed from the or each end of the elongate members into a secondary channel communicating with the ends of the elongate members and then into a reservoir. Alternatively, the reservoir may be in the form of a channel communicating with the ends of the elongate members. The channel may be separate from or integral with the remainder of the heating rack assembly. The present invention also relates to a cooking grill for directing a build-up of fat away from a cooking surface and the cooking grill may be incorporated into a barbecue, or grill, and the barbecue or grill may be for domestic or commercial use. For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an end view of part of one embodiment of a heating rack incorporating a plurality of elongate members according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a heating rack incorporating the part shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the heating rack shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of part of the heating rack shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a modification of the heating rack part shown in Figure 1 with an alternative form of secondary channel;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a modification of the heating rack part shown in Figure 1 with a further alternative form of secondary channel;

Figure 7 is an end view of a modification of the heating rack part shown in Figure 1 ;

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate heating rack bars according to the present invention, the bars having alternative cross-sections to that shown in Figures 1 to 7;

Figures 10 to 20 illustrate further heating rack bars according to the present invention, the bars having further alternative cross-sections; and Figures 21 to 23 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a heating rack incorporating a plurality of modified elongate members of Figure 1.

The heating rack shown in Figures 1 to 7 comprises a plurality of elongate members in the form of bars 1, each bar including an upper part 3 which is generally Y-shaped in cross-section with a trough 5, 7 formed at either side of the base of the Y. The bars 1 may be made of any suitable material, for example iron, steel or aluminium, and may be manufactured in any suitable manner, for example, by casting, extrusion or pressing from sheet material.

The upper part of each bar provides a support surface on which, in use, an object to be heated is placed. In the illustrated embodiment, two support surface portions 9, 11 of the support surface are provided, one at the top of each arm of the Y with a recess 13 formed between the two arms. The support surface can therefore be defined as including both of the support surface portions 9, 11 and a further intermediate support surface portion extending between the two support surface portions 9, 11 and being formed by the provision of the recess 13. The intermediate support surface is thus defined by the internal surface of each arm of the Y and the base of the recess 13. By way of example, the distance spanning the outer edges of the tops of the Y may be about 20.5 mm and the distance spanning the inner edges of the tops of the Y may be about 10.5 mm, with each support surface portion therefore having a lateral extent of about 5 mm. The recess 13 may taper from about 10.5 mm at the top to about 4 mm at the bottom, over an upright distance of about 4 mm. The overall height of each bar is about 14 mm with side walls 15, 17 of the troughs 5, 7 extending upwardly from the base by about 6 mm. The side walls and base of the troughs 5, 7 may have a thickness of about 2.5 mm. The base of each bar may have a width of about 14.5 mm, and the side walls of the troughs 5, 7 may extend outwardly a small amount; however, the overall width of the troughs 5, 7 is less than the distance spanning the outer edges of the tops of the Y and both troughs are within the lateral extent of the support surface. Within the heating rack, the outer edges of the tops of adjacent Ys may be spaced in the range of about 4 to 15 mm, preferably about 8 to 12 mm, with the tops of adjacent troughs being spaced substantially 2 mm more than the tops of adjacent Ys. As can be seen from Figures 2 and 4, adjacent bars 1 are interconnected by channels 19. As can be seen, the channels 19 actually interconnect adjacent troughs and are provided with sidewalls of substantially the same height as the troughs. As can be seen from Figure 2, the channels 19 are not necessarily perpendicular to the bars 1, but may be at an alternative angle ideally being directed to promote liquid flow. However, the angle is not important in practice. The channels 19 allow continued flow of liquid (exudate from the object to be heated) in the event that one of two interconnected troughs should become blocked and additionally serve as cross bracing allowing the heating rack better to resist flexing and twisting.

The side elevation of Figure 3 shows that the bars 1 are not horizontal when assembled into a heating rack, but inclined at a small angle along their length such that any contents of the troughs 5, 7 flows towards one end where it may collect or be conducted away. Moreover, at the exit point 21 at the end of each bar 1, the troughs are formed with a downwardly curved radius to prevent the back-up of exudate and to allow the exudate to flow freely, ideally exiting the troughs under the influence of gravity and surface wetting. The radius should be at least 2 mm, but is 10 mm in the illustrated embodiment. The radius is shown in more detail in the insert to Figure 3. The bars 1 may be provided with a suitable high-temperature resistant coating, such as porcelain enamel, which may additionally have non-stick properties. The products sold under the trade marks TFIERMOLON or REALEASE (a porcelain enamel hybrid material) are suitable. In use of the heating rack shown in Figures 1 to 4, melted fat and/or other exudate from an object being heated on the rack flows from the underside of the object. Provided adjacent bars 1 are not spaced too far apart, i.e., they are within the range of about 4 to 15 mm, and preferably about 8 to 12 mm, the exudate will flow along the underside of the object being heated under the influence of surface tension effects, until it encounters one of the arms of the Y of the bar. As soon as the exudate comes into contact with an outer edge of the Y it will run down the outside of the arm of the Y under the effect of gravity and collect in the troughs 5, 7, from where it flows to an end of the troughs. The spacing between adjacent bars 1 does not necessarily need to correspond to the width of the recess 13, although equal spacing has the advantage of giving an even appearance to the sear lines that form on the object being heated on the rack. Additionally, the central recess 13 between the two arms of the Y receives exudate which flows under the effect of gravity towards the end of the bar 1.

The central recess 13 and the troughs 5, 7 allow for controlled flow of exudate which produces both smoke and vapour to flavourise and tenderise the object to be heated.

Although not shown in detail, exudate from the troughs 5, 7 and from the recess 13 is directed into a single secondary channel which extends past the ends of the bars 1, from which the exudate is directed to a reservoir (not shown in Figures 1 to 4) from which it is collected and disposed of. As an alternative to collecting the exudate in a secondary channel at one end of the bars, the bars 1 may be convex, that is to be tilted downwards from the centre towards both ends, and exudate may be collected in a secondary channel interconnecting each of the ends of the bars, from which it is directed to one or two reservoirs (not shown in Figures 1 to 4) from which it is collected and disposed of. As a further alternative, the secondary channel(s) may also serve as a reservoir.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a heating rack which incorporates an alternative secondary channel in the form of an integral secondary channel 22 for receiving exudate, while Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a heating rack which incorporates an alternative secondary channel in the form of a secondary channel 24 provided with a spout 26 for passing exudate to a drip cup 28.

Figure 7 diagrammatically illustrates a modification of the heating racks shown in Figures 1 to 4, 5 and 6. As shown in Figure 7, the outer edges of the Y of adjacent bars 1 are interconnected by bridging members 23. The bridging members, and particularly the underside thereof, are configured to encourage exudate to flow laterally (that is, in the longitudinal direction of the bridging members) towards the closest bar 1. In practice, this is accomplished as shown in Figure 7 by forming the underside of each bridging member in the form of an arch, although the underside of each bridging member 23 could have other forms (such as an inverted V-shape) which encourages flow towards the closest bar 1. The bridging members may have a width, for example, in the range of about 3 to 20 mm, ideally about 10 mm, and a depth of at least 0.6 mm, for example up to about 20 mm. The bridging members 23 serve as cross bracing allowing the heating rack better to resist flexing and twisting. If desired, a bridging member 23 may be provided immediately above each channel 19. The upper faces of the bridging members may be substantially coplanar with the support surfaces of the bars 1.

The bars shown in cross-section in Figures 8 and 9 may also be used in a heating rack according to the present invention and the same references are used to denote the same or similar features. In the case of the bars 1 in Figures 8 and 9, the upper support surface may have a width of about 5 to 25 mm, ideally about 5 to 10 mm, with a substantially corresponding distance between adjacent bars. In the case of the bar shown in Figure 8, the triangular portion may be formed of a cast or extruded material, such as cast iron, while the lower portion forming the troughs 5, 7 may be formed from a pressed sheet material, such as sheet steel. In this case, the lower edge of the triangular portion abuts directly onto the lower trough portion along its entire length. In the case of the bar shown in Figure 9, the bar may be formed from a pressed sheet material, such as sheet steel.

The bars shown in cross-section in Figures 10 to 20 may alternatively be used in a heating rack according to the present invention and the same references are used to denote the same or similar features. As with the bars of Figures 8 and 9, the bars of Figures 10 to 20 may be formed variously from cast or extruded materials, formed sheet materials, or a combination of both.

It will be noted that in each case the width of the trough(s) is less than the width of the support surface forming part of the upper portion of the bars 1 and the trough(s) lie/lies within the lateral extent of the support surface. The effect of this is that the trough(s) does/do not interfere with the passage of heat, especially radiant heat, from beneath the bars towards an object to be heated and supported on the bars. Consequently, a greater proportion of the heat energy passes directly to the object to be heated and the object is heated (or cooked) more efficiently. In addition, any debris falling from the object to be heated or from the outer edges of the support surface will generally not fall into a trough.

The effect of the recess 13, where provided, is to allow exudate from the object to be heated to flow away more efficiently. Additionally, though, the exudate is hot and gives off vapours helping to retain moisture in the object to be heated and/or cooked. Referring now to Figures 21 to 23, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a heating rack incorporating a plurality of modified elongate members in the form of bars 1. The same references are used to denote features which are the same or similar as those of the first embodiment described above. Each bar 1 again includes an upper part 3 which is generally Y-shaped in cross-section with a lower trough 5, 7 formed at either side of the base of the upper part 3. The Y- shaped upper part 3 has a first arm 3a and a second arm 3b and each arm 3a, 3b has an external surface 31 formed on the outside of the arm 3a, 3b and an internal surface 33 formed by at least part of the recess 13.

An aperture 35 is provided in the or each arm 3 a, 3b of the upper part 3. Preferably, the aperture 35 is in the form of an elongate slot, but other shapes can be considered. For example, the aperture could be in the form of a series of circular holes spaced apart from or in relative proximity to each other. It is possible to provide the aperture 35 in just one arm 3a or 3b of the upper part 3, or in both arms 3a, 3b, as necessity dictates and as described in more detail below. However, in each case, an outlet of the or each aperture 35 opens directly above or into at least one of the lower troughs 5, 7. This ensures that exudate reliably flows from the recess 13 to a respective trough 5, 7. The or each aperture 35 extends from the internal surface 33 of the upper part 3 to the external surface 31 (best seen by the phantom lines in Figure 22). Positioning the apertures 35 in this way promotes the flow of exudate through the aperture 35 when exudate flows along the external surface 31 of the upper part 3.

By way of example only, the overall length of each aperture 35 may be in the range of from 10 mm to 50 mm, preferably in the range of from 15 mm to 40 mm, most preferably in the range of from 20 mm to 30 mm. The overall width of each aperture 35 may be in the range of from 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of from 2 mm to 4 mm, most preferably in the range of from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. The apertures 35 may be in the form of channels along the longitudinal extent of each bar 1 and so the overall length of each aperture 35 may be considerably longer than abovementioned range of 20 mm to 30 mm, if necessary.

The apertures 35 are positioned so as to be substantially contiguous with the base of the recess 13 and the internal side wall of the recess 13 (again, best seen by the phantom lines in Figure 22). This ensures that exudate flows freely and unimpeded from the recess 13 into the aperture 35, thus preventing exudate from backing up. In an alternative arrangement, apertures 35 may be provided along the longitudinal extent of each bar 1, at different lateral positions along an arm 3a or 3b, so as to accommodate for different volumes of flow. To assist with the flow of exudate from the upper trough to the or each lower trough 5, 7, the base of the recess 13 may be angled, sloped or convex so as to be raised towards the centre and descend to a lower region adjacent to the aperture 35.

As noted above, an aperture 35 may be provided in either one or both arms of the upper part 3. In a preferred arrangement, an aperture 35 is provided in each arm 3a, 3b and each aperture 35 is positioned so as to directly oppose an adjacent aperture 35 provided in another arm.

With reference to Figure 21, it can be seen that three pairs of opposing apertures 35 may be provided along the longitudinal extent of each bar 1. However, it will be appreciated that any number of apertures 35 may be provided along the longitudinal extent. Furthermore, although the provision of a opposing apertures 35 is advantageous in promoting the lateral flow of exudate from each side of the recess 13, it will also be appreciated that any apertures 35 provided may be positioned in one of a number of locations along the longitudinal extent of each bar 1, for example, a number of apertures 35 may be offset and/or staggered along the longitudinal extent of each bar 1. The location of the or each aperture 35 may also be adjusted, as necessity dictates, along the extent of each bar. For example, in one arrangement, a pair of apertures 35 is provided and located prior to the or each interconnecting channels 19. Alternatively, only a single aperture 35 can be provided adjacent to or within close proximity of a channel 19. Locating the or each aperture 35 in close proximity to a channel 19 ensures that exudate flowing from the recess 13 to a respective trough 5, 7 is channelled away from the trough 5, 7 in order to prevent a build-up and/or mitigate a blockage of exudate.

The present invention also relates to a heating rack assembly incorporating a heating rack including a plurality of bars as described above.

The present invention also relates to a cooking grill incorporating a plurality of elongate members, such as bars, as described above.

Claims

1. An elongate member (1) for a heating rack, the elongate member (1) having a heatable support surface on which, in use, an object to be heated for cooking is placed, the elongate member (1) including a trough (5, 7) disposed below the support surface for receiving and directing exudate from the object to one or both ends of the trough (5, 7), wherein the width of the trough (5, 7) is less than the width of the support surface and the trough (5, 7) lies within the lateral extent of the support surface.

2. An elongate member (1) for a heating rack, the elongate member (1) having a support surface on which, in use, an object to be heated is placed to be exposed to a heat source beneath the heating rack, the elongate member (1) including a trough (5, 7) disposed below the support surface and above the heat source for receiving and directing exudate from the object to one or both ends of the trough (5, 7), wherein the width of the trough (5, 7) is less than the width of the support surface and the trough (5, 7) lies within the lateral extent of the support surface.

3. An elongate member (1) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the elongate member (1) has an upwardly extending portion and is provided with two troughs (5, 7), one trough (5, 7) being provided at each side of the upwardly extending portion of the elongate member, wherein the combined width of the troughs (5, 7) is less than the width of the support surface and the troughs (5, 7) lie within the lateral extent of the support surface.

4. An elongate member (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the troughs (5, 7) are provided at the base of the upwardly extending portion of the elongate member (1).

5. An elongate member (1) as claimed in any preceding claim and including an upper part (3) which is substantially Y-shaped in cross-section with a trough (5, 7) formed at either side of the base of the Y.

6. An elongate member (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elongate member (1) comprises an upper, triangular portion having a substantially horizontal upper support surface and a lower portion forming the trough.

7. An elongate member (1) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the elongate member (1) is provided with two spaced apart support surface portions (9, 11) with a recess (13) formed therebetween.

8. An elongate member (1) as claimed in claim 7 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the Y-shaped upper part (3) has two arms (3a, 3b), each arm (3a, 3b) having an external surface (31), and an internal surface (33) defined by at least a portion of the recess (13).

9. An elongate member (1) as claimed in claim 8, wherein an aperture (35) is provided in at least one arm (3a, 3b), the aperture (35) extending from the internal surface (33) to the external surface (31).

10. An elongate member (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein an aperture (35) is provided in each arm (3a, 3b).

11. An elongate member (1) as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the aperture (35) is positioned directly above the trough (5, 7) formed at the or each side of the base of the upper part (3).

12. An elongate member (1) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the aperture (35) is an elongate slot.

13. An elongate member (1) as claimed in claim 12, wherein a plurality of said slots (35) are provided in a spaced-apart relationship along the longitudinal extent of the or each arm (3a, 3b) of the upper part (3).

14. An elongate member (1) as claimed in claim 13, wherein at least three slots (35) are provided along the or each arm (3a, 3b) of the upper part (3).

15. An elongate member (1) as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein a slot (35) is provided in each arm (3a, 3b) such that a pair of opposing slots (35) is formed in the upper part (3).

16. An elongate member (1) as claimed in any preceding claim and made of iron, steel or aluminium.

17. An elongate member (1) as claimed in any preceding claim and manufactured by, for example, casting, extrusion or pressing from sheet material.

18. An elongate member (1) as claimed in any preceding claim and provided with a high-temperature resistant coating.

19. An elongate member (1) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the coating comprises a porcelain enamel .

20. An elongate member (1) substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

21. A heating rack comprising a plurality of elongate members (1) as claimed in any preceding claim, each elongate member (1) being spaced laterally from an adjacent elongate member (1).

22. A heating rack as claimed in claim 21, wherein the spacing between adjacent elongate members (1) is substantially the same as the lateral extent of the support surface.

23. A heating rack as claimed in claim 21 or 22 when dependent on claim 7 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the spacing between adjacent elongate members (1), the lateral extent of the recess (13) and the lateral extent of each support surface portion are substantially the same.

24. A heating rack as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the rack is configured such that, in use, the elongate members (1) are inclined along their length such that any contents of the trough (5, 7) flows towards one or each end thereof.

25. A heating rack as claimed in claim 24, wherein the trough (5, 7) is formed with a radius (21) at one or each end of each elongate member (1).

26. A heating rack as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 25 and including a collection region (22) for liquid at one or both ends of the trough (5, 7).

27. A heating rack as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein adjacent elongate members (1) are interconnected by channels (19).

28. A heating rack as claimed in claim 27, wherein the channels (19) interconnect the troughs (5, 7) of adjacent elongate members (1).

29. A heating rack as claimed in claim 28, wherein the channels (19) are provided with side walls (15, 17) of substantially the same height as the troughs (5, 7).

30. A heating rack as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the channels (19) are arranged at an angle relative to the elongate members (19) to promote the flow of the liquid.

31. A heating rack as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 30, wherein an upper region (3) of adjacent elongate members (1) is interconnected by bridging members (23).

32. A heating rack as claimed in claim 31, wherein the bridging members (23) are configured to encourage liquid to flow laterally towards the closest elongate member (1).

33. A heating rack as claimed in claim 32, wherein the undersides of the bridging members (23) are configured to encourage liquid to flow laterally towards the closest elongate member (1).

34. A heating rack as claimed in claim 33, wherein the underside of each bridging member (23) is in the form of an arch or an inverted V-shape.

35. A heating rack as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 34 when dependent on claim 27 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein a bridging member (23) is provided immediately above each channel (19).

36. A heating rack as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the upper faces of the bridging members (23) are substantially coplanar with the support surfaces of the elongate memb er s ( 1 ) .

37. A heating rack substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

38. A heating rack assembly incorporating a heating rack as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 37.

39. A heating rack assembly as claimed in claim 38 and including a reservoir for receiving liquid from the object to be heated.

40. A heating rack assembly as claimed in claim 39, wherein liquid is directed from the or each end of the elongate members (1) into a channel (22) communicating with the ends of the elongate members and then into the reservoir.

41. A heating rack assembly as claimed in claim 39, wherein the reservoir is in the form of a channel (22, 24) communicating with the ends of the elongate members.

42. A heating rack assembly as claimed in claim 41, wherein the channel (24) is separate from the remainder of the heating rack assembly.

43. A heating rack assembly as claimed in claim 41, wherein the channel (22) is integral with the remainder of the heating rack assembly.

44. A heating rack assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

45. A cooking grill for directing a build-up of exudate and/or runoff from an ingestible-consumable foodstuff away from a cooking surface, the cooking grill incorporating a plurality of elongate members (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, each elongate member (1) being spaced laterally from an adjacent elongate member.