Grate apparatus and method of cleaning

Abstract

A grate assembly includes a cook top defining a support surface, and a grate that includes a projection extending from a peripheral portion. The projection is configured to support a cooking vessel on the grate. The peripheral portion is configured to support the grate on the support surface. A hole is formed in one of the peripheral portion of the grate or the support surface of the cook top. An insert is disposed within the hole and between the support surface of the cook top and the peripheral portion of the grate.

1 . A grate assembly comprising;
 a cook top defining a support surface;   a grate comprising a projection extending from a peripheral portion, the projection configured to support a cooking vessel on the grate, and the peripheral portion configured to support the grate on the support surface;   a hole formed in one of the peripheral portion of the grate or the support surface of the cook top; and   an insert disposed within the hole and between the support surface of the cook top and the peripheral portion of the grate.   
   
   
       2 . The grate assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the insert comprises a shaft portion and a head portion, the shaft portion disposed in the hole and having a first diameter, and the head portion disposed between the cook top and the peripheral portion of the grate and having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. 
   
   
       3 . The grate assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the shaft of the insert further comprises a bulge at an end opposite the head portion, the bulge having a third diameter greater than the first diameter and smaller than the second diameter. 
   
   
       4 . The grate assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the insert is made of pliable material. 
   
   
       5 . The grate assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the insert and the hole comprise corresponding threads. 
   
   
       6 . The grate assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the insert is retained in the cook top surface with a retention force. 
   
   
       7 . The grate assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the insert is retained in the peripheral portion of the grate with a retention force. 
   
   
       8 . The grate assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the insert is made of heat resistant material. 
   
   
       9 . The grate assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the heat resistant material is graphite foil. 
   
   
       10 . A cooking appliance comprising;
 a cook top;   a plurality of gas burners;   a grate comprising a surface portion for supporting a cooking vessel and a peripheral portion for resting on the cook top;   a hole formed in one of the peripheral portion or the cook top; and   an interface between the cook top and peripheral portion, wherein the interface permits cleaning the grate in a self-clean oven and comprises a plurality of pliable inserts in the holes, each of the inserts comprises a shank portion and a head portion, the head portion having a cross section greater than the shank portion, the shank portion positioned within a respective one of the holes.   
   
   
       11 . The cooking appliance according to  claim 10 , wherein the inserts are retained in the cook top with a retention force. 
   
   
       12 . The cooking appliance according to  claim 10 , wherein the inserts are retained in the peripheral portion with a retention force. 
   
   
       13 . The cooking appliance according to  claim 12 , wherein the inserts are made of heat resistant material. 
   
   
       14 . The cooking appliance according to  claim 13 , wherein the heat resistant material is graphite foil. 
   
   
       15 . A method of cleaning a grate for a burner assembly of a cook top, the burner assembly comprising a gas burner and a grate for supporting a cooking vessel, the method comprising:
 placing the grate into a self-clean oven for at least one cycle of a self-clean feature of the oven;   removing the grate from the self-clean oven; and   supporting the grate on an interface between the cook top and the grate, the interface comprising a plurality of pliable inserts in holes, each insert comprising a shank portion and a head portion, the head portion having a cross section greater than the shank portion, and the shank portion positioned within a respective one of the holes.   
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 15 , further comprising:
 removing the inserts from the holes, which are in the grate, prior to placing the grate into the self-clean oven; and   placing the inserts in the holes after removing the grate from the self-clean cycle.   
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the inserts are made of a heat resistant material. 
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the heat resistant material is graphite foil. 
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the shank portion of each insert comprises a thicker cross-section and a necked down cross-section, where the necked down cross-section is adjacent the head portion. 
   
   
       20 . The cooking appliance according to  claim 19 , wherein the inserts are retained in the cook top with a retention force.