Patent Publication Number: US-2023148793-A1

Title: Deployable grill

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/405,028, filed on May 7, 2019, entitled “DEPLOYABLE GRILL,” the disclosure to which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a deployable grill, and more specifically, to a deployable grill for a cooktop. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Grilling devices often utilize a flat pan or flat grates for cooking food products. The food may be kept in certain positions, and often requires a user to move or flip the food product to evenly cook the food product. Other grilling devices allow for rotating the food product, but often require a user to manually rotate the food product and monitor the cooking process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a deployable grill including a support frame having a support member operable between a stowed position and a deployed position. First and second brackets outwardly extend from the support member and are spaced-apart from one another to define a receiving area therebetween. A heating element is disposed on the support member adjacent to the receiving area. At least one spit rod is received in the receiving area. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a deployable grill includes a support member operable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A drive system is disposed on the support member for movement therewith. At least one spit rod has first and second ends and a body portion disposed therebetween, wherein the at least one spit rod is operably coupled to the drive system for rotating the at least one spit rod. A heating element is disposed on the support member, wherein the body portion of the at least one spit rod is disposed adjacent to the heating element. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a cooktop includes a support frame. A support member is coupled to the support frame and is operable between first and second positions with respect to the support frame. At least one spit rod is operably coupled to a receiving area of the support member. A heating element is disposed on the support member. A hinge assembly is coupled between the support member and the support frame, wherein the hinge assembly rotatably couples the support member to the support frame. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of a cooking appliance having a deployable grill, according to at least one example; 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded view of the deployable grill, according to at least one example; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of  FIG.  1    of a portion of the deployable grill including a drive system, according to at least one example; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of  FIG.  1    of a portion of the deployable grill including the drive system, according to at least one example; 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of the deployable grill in a stowed position, according to at least one example; 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the deployable grill in a deployed position, according to at least one example; and 
         FIG.  6    is an exploded view of a portion of the deployable grill including a hinge assembly, according to at least one example. 
     
    
    
     The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a deployable grill. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in  FIG.  1   . Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 6   , reference numeral  10  generally designates a deployable grill including a support frame  14  having a support member  18  operable between a stowed position  22  and a deployed position  26 . First and second brackets  30 ,  34  outwardly extend from the support member  18  and are spaced-apart from one another to define a receiving area  38  therebetween. A heating element  42  is disposed on the support member  18  adjacent to the receiving area  38 . At least one spit rod  46  is received in the receiving area  38 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , the deployable grill  10  is illustrated as part of a cooktop  50  of a cooking appliance  54 , and is shown in the deployed position  26 . In various examples, the deployable grill  18  may be integrated into the cooktop. It is contemplated that the deployable grill  10  may not be part of a cooktop  50  or a cooking appliance  54 . Further, it is contemplated that the deployable grill  10  and/or the cooktop  50  may be disposed on a countertop. It is also contemplated that the deployable grill  10  may be a stand-alone appliance. The support frame  14  is positioned about at least a portion of a perimeter of the cooktop  50 . The support frame  14  includes and/or is coupled to the support member  18  of the deployable grill  10 . The cooktop  50  may include at least one burner  58 . As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG.  1   , the deployable grill  10  is disposed between burners  58 . Accordingly, burners  58  are positioned on opposing sides of the deployable grill  10 . However, it is contemplated that the cooktop  50  may not include burners  58 , or that the burners  58  may be positioned on a single side of the deployable grill  10 . 
     The cooktop  50  illustrated in  FIG.  1    is a gas-powered cooktop. Accordingly, the cooking appliance  54  includes burner pipes  62  for supplying a gas heat source to the burners  58 . The burner pipes  62  are disposed under the cooktop  50 , and may be disposed on the cooking appliance  54 . It is also contemplated that the cooktop  50  may be an electric-powered cooktop without departing from the teachings herein. Additionally or alternatively, the cooktop  50  includes grates  66  positioned about each burner  58 . The cooktop  50  may also include a drip pan  70  disposed within a cavity  74 . The drip pan  70  may collect grease or food as food product is cooked on the deployable grill  10 . Further, the cooktop  50  includes a control  72  for controlling operation of the cooktop  50  and/or the cooking appliance  54 . The control  72  may be disposed adjacent to the cooktop  50 , or may be disposed elsewhere on the cooktop  50  and/or cooking appliance  54 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the deployable grill  10  includes the support member  18 . The support member  18  is operable between first and second positions relative to the support frame  14 . In various examples, the first and second positions may be the deployed position  26  and the stowed position  22  ( FIG.  4   ). The support member  18  includes an inner surface  78  and an outer surface  82 . The outer surface  82  may include a cover  86 . The cover  86  may dissipate heat from the deployable grill  10 . Additionally or alternatively, the cover  86  may include a non-conductive material to reduce heat transfer. 
     In various examples, the first and second brackets  30 ,  34  outwardly extend from the inner surface  78  of the support member  18 . The first and second brackets  30 ,  34  are spaced-apart from one another to define the receiving area  38  therebetween. When the support member  18  is in the deployed position  26 , the first and second brackets  30 ,  34  may define a vertically-oriented receiving area  38 . In such examples, the receiving area  38  extends longitudinally relative to the support member  18 . It is contemplated that the receiving area  38  may be horizontally-oriented, such that the receiving area  38  extends laterally relative to the support member  18 . Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first and second brackets  30 ,  34  may include a curved edge  98 . The first and second brackets  30 ,  34  are disposed proximate to first and second end portions  90 ,  94  of the support member  18 , respectively. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the first bracket  30  is disposed on the first end portion  90  of the support member  18  above the heating element  42 , and the second bracket  34  is disposed on the second end portion  94  of the support member  18  below the heating element  42 . In such examples, the second bracket  34  includes a rim  102  disposed around a perimeter of the second bracket  34 . The rim  102  may be advantageous to collect grease and other drippings from food product disposed on the spit rod  46 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the spit rod  46  is operably coupled to the receiving area  38  of the support member  18 . The spit rod  46  includes a first end  106 , a second end  110 , and a body portion  114  disposed therebetween. The first and second ends  106 ,  110  of the spit rod  46  are removably coupled to the first and second brackets  30 ,  34 , respectively, for rotation thereon. Accordingly, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the spit rod  46  extends between the first and second brackets  30 ,  34 . The deployable grill  10  includes at least one spit rod  46 . As illustrated, the at least one spit rod  46  includes a plurality of spit rods  46  spaced-apart from one another as received in the receiving area  38 . Each spit rod  46  of the plurality of spit rods  46  includes first and second ends  106 ,  110  removably coupled to the first and second brackets  30 ,  34 , respectively, for rotation thereon. In various examples, the spit rods  46  may extend through the first and second brackets  30 ,  34 . At least one of the first and second brackets  30 ,  34  define slots  122  for receiving the spit rods  46 . The other of the first and second brackets  30 ,  34  define apertures  118  for receiving the spit rods  46 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the first bracket  30  defines the slots  122  and the second bracket  34  defines the apertures  118 . In such examples, the deployable grill  10  includes retaining members  126  for retaining the spit rods  46  within the slots  122  of the first bracket  30 . The retaining members  126  may retain the spit rods  46  while allowing rotation. The retaining members  126  may rotate with the spit rods  46 . Additionally or alternatively, the retaining members  126  may remain substantially stationary while the spit rods  46  rotate. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , the heating element  42  is disposed on the inner surface  78  of the support member  18 . The heating element  42 , as illustrated, is disposed between the first and second brackets  30 ,  34 . The heating element  42  may be an electric-powered heating element. In such examples, the heating element  42  may include coils or tubes configured to radiate heat. The heating element  42 , illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG.  2   , is disposed in a central portion  130  of the support member  18 . The heating element  42  may include a heating element frame  134 . The heating element frame  134  may be configured to couple the heating element  42  to the inner surface  78  of the support member  18 . The heating element frame  134  may operate to minimize the heat transferred to the support member  18  from the heating element  42 . A heating portion  138  may be disposed between the heating element  42  and the heating element frame  134 . The heating portion  138  may include conductive materials to generate heat in addition to the heating element  42 . The heating portion  138  may operate to increase the area configured to generate heat for cooking food products. It is contemplated that the deployable grill  10  may not include the heating portion  138 . In such examples, the heating element frame  134  may be disposed adjacent to the heating element. Additionally or alternatively, the heating element  42  may be larger to include the heating portion  138  area. 
     The heating element  42 , as illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG.  2   , is disposed on the support member  18  adjacent to the receiving area  38 . The spit rods  46  are received within the receiving area  38  and disposed adjacent to the heating element  42 . In various examples, the body portions  114  of the spit rods  46  are disposed adjacent to the heating element  42  for cooking a food product disposed on at least one of the spit rods  46 . The heating element  42  is configured to radiate heat toward the receiving area  38 . In various examples, the heat generated from the heating element  42  may be adjustable. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  3 A , the deployable grill  10  includes a drive system  142  operably coupled to the support member  18  and the spit rods  46 . The drive system  142  may be disposed on the support member  18  for movement therewith. In various examples, the drive system  142  operates to rotate the spit rods  46 . In other words, the spit rods  46  are operably coupled to the drive system  142  for rotating the spit rods  46  relative to the support member  18 . The drive system  142  may be disposed within a housing  146  at least partially defined by one of the first and second brackets  30 ,  34 . As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the drive system  142  is disposed proximate to the second bracket  34 . However, the drive system  142 , and the housing  146  for the drive system  142 , may be disposed adjacent to the first bracket  30  without departing from the teachings herein. In various examples, the one of the first and second brackets  30 ,  34  that at least partially defines the housing  146  defines the apertures  118  for receiving the spit rods  46 , and the other of the first and second brackets  30 ,  34  defines the slots  122 . The one of the first and second brackets  30 ,  34  having the apertures  118  being disposed in proximity to the drive system  142  may increase stability of the spit rods  46  as the spit rods  46  rotate. Additionally or alternatively, the drive system  142  may be configured to rotate each of the spit rods  46  around its own vertical axis y. However, other methods of rotating the spit rods  46  may be used without departing from the teachings herein. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  2  and  3 A , the drive system  142  includes a pulley system  150 . In such examples, the drive system  142  includes at least one pulley  154 , and may include a plurality of pulleys  154 . Accordingly, the pulley system  150  may be coupled to the spit rods  46  and configured to rotate the spit rods  46 . The plurality of pulleys  154 , illustrated in  FIG.  3 A , includes a drive pulley  158  and at least one follower pulley  162 . The plurality of pulleys  154  correlate to the plurality of spit rods  46 . In other words, each of the pulleys  154  of the plurality of pulleys  154  corresponds with an associated spit rod  46  of the plurality of spit rods  46 . Similarly, each spit rod  46  corresponds to the associated pulley  154  of the plurality of pulleys  154 . As illustrated, each of the follower pulleys  162  is coupled to the associated spit rod  46 , however, it is contemplated that the drive pulley  158  may also be coupled to a spit rod  46 . The pulleys  154  are operably coupled to one of the first and second ends  106 ,  110  of the spit rods  46 , respectively, for driving rotation. 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  2  and  3 A , the drive pulley  158  is coupled to a motor  166 . The motor  166  includes a drive gear  170  to engage the drive pulley  158 . The motor  166  may be, for example, a stepper motor or a solenoid motor. However, the drive system  142  may include other types of motors  166 , without departing from the teachings herein. In various examples, the drive pulley  158  is coupled to the follower pulleys  162  via a drive belt  174 . The pulleys  154  each define a v-shaped indent  178  for retaining the drive belt  174 . The drive belt  174  may be configured to rotate each of the follower pulleys  162  in time with the rotation of the drive pulley  158 . In other words, the follower pulleys  162  are driven by the drive belt  174 . Accordingly, the pulleys  154  rotate the associated spit rods  46  at a substantially similar speed. Additionally or alternatively, the speed of rotation of the pulleys  154  and/or the spit rods  46  may be adjustable. The drive system  142  may be configured to continually rotate the spit rods  46  at a predetermined speed. Additionally or alternatively, the drive system  142  may be configured to pause the rotation of one or more spit rods  46 . In such examples, the rotation of some spit rods  46  may be paused while other spit rods  46  continue to rotate. 
     It is also contemplated that different variations for the drive system  142  may be used without departing from the teachings herein. For example, each spit rod  46  may be configured to be independently operable. In such examples, the drive system  142  may include a plurality of motors  166  to correspond to the spit rods  46 . In other words, each spit rod  46  may be coupled to a motor  166 . The speed of all the spit rods  46  and/or some of the spit rods  46  may be adjustable. Accordingly, each spit rod  46  may be operated at a different speed of rotation. Additionally or alternatively, the drive system  142  may include more than one drive pulley  158 . In such examples, the spit rods  46  may operate in groupings. In other words, some spit rods  46  may be coupled to at least one drive pulley  158  and other spit rods  46  may be coupled to another drive pulley  158 . This may allow different groupings of spit rods to operate independently and/or at different speeds of rotation. 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  2  and  3 A , each spit rod  46  is disposed within openings  182  defined by the associated pulleys  154 , respectively. The pulleys  154  may be fastened or otherwise coupled to the spit rods  46 . For example, the pulleys  154  may each be coupled to the corresponding spit rod  46  via a fastener  186 , such as for example, a pin, a screw, or a bolt. Additionally or alternatively, each pulley  154  includes the opening  182  having an angled cross-section. In such examples, the second end  110  of each spit rod  46  engages with the angled opening  182  and is configured for rotation. The second ends  110  of the spit rods  46  are configured to slide into the openings  182  of the pulleys  154 , respectively, and engage the pulleys  154  for rotation. Accordingly, each pulley  154  and corresponding spit rod  46  are configured to rotate together. The drive pulley  158  may be coupled to the second bracket  34 . Alternatively, the drive pulley  158  may be supported by the drive gear  170  coupled to the motor  166 . The drive gear  170  may extend into the opening  182  defined by the drive pulley  158 . When assembled, the motor  166  is engaged with the drive pulley  158 , which is operably coupled to the follower pulleys  162  via the drive belt  174 . The drive belt  174  extends through the v-shaped indents  178  of each of the pulleys  154 . In such examples, the activation of the motor  166  provides for rotation of the pulleys  154  and, therefore, rotation of the spit rods  46 . The motor  166 , as illustrated, is coupled to the housing  146  via the fasteners  186 , however, it is contemplated that the motor  166  may otherwise be coupled or fastened to the housing  146 . As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG.  3   , the drive system  142  is disposed within the housing  146 , which is at least partially defined by the second bracket  34 . The housing  146  and drive system  142  are disposed proximate to the second end portion  94  of the support member  18  and the drive system  142  is coupled to the second ends  110  of the spit rods  46 . However, it is also contemplated that the drive system  142  may be coupled to the first ends  106  of the spit rods  46 . In such examples, the drive system  142  may be disposed proximate to the first end portion  90  of the support member  18  and the housing  146  may be at least partially defined by the first bracket  30 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3 A , in various examples, the deployable grill  10  includes a controller  194 . The controller  194  may include a processor, other control circuitry, and a memory. Stored in the memory and executable by the processor are various instructions. The controller  194  may also include a timer  202 . The controller  194  may be operably coupled to the motor  166 . Additionally or alternatively, the deployable grill  10  may have preset cooking times based on food category and/or rotation speed of the spit rods  46 . In such examples, a user may set the timer  202  and/or select a preset cooking time within the timer  202 . The controller  194  may then control the drive system  142  to operate the drive system  142  for the selected and/or preset time. Upon completion of the selected and/or preset time, the controller  194  may operate to stop the drive system  142 . Further, the controller  194  may be operably coupled to the heating element  42 . The controller  194  may control the heating element  42  based on the selected and/or preset time. Accordingly, the controller  194  may activate the heating element  42  and deactivate the heating element  42  after the selected and/or preset time ends. The controller  194  may be disposed on the deployable grill  10 . Alternatively, the controller  194  may be disposed elsewhere on the cooktop  50  and/or cooking appliance  54 , such as, for example, proximate the control  72  ( FIG.  1   ). 
     Referring to  FIG.  3 B , in various examples, the drive system  142  includes a drive handle  206 . The drive handle  206  is operably coupled to the drive pulley  158  and/or at least one of the follower pulleys  162 . The drive handle  206  may allow a user to manually rotate the spit rods  46 . The drive handle  206  may be advantageous for rotating the spit rods  46  without using electricity. The drive handle  206  includes the drive gear  170  to engage the drive pulley  158 . A user may rotate the drive handle  206  to rotate the drive pulley  158 . The rotation of the drive pulley  158  operates to rotate the follower pulleys  162  via the drive belt  174 . In various examples, the motor  166  ( FIG.  2   ) and the drive handle  206  may be interchangeable, such that the drive system  142  may include either the motor  166 , the drive handle  206 , or a combination thereof. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 ,  4 , and  5    the cooktop  50  may be a substantially planar cooktop  50 . As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the cooktop  50  defines the cavity  74  adjacent to the support member  18  of the deployable grill  10 . When in the stowed position  22 , the cavity  74  accommodates the deployable grill  10 . In other words, at least a portion of the deployable grill  10  is disposed within the cavity  74  when the deployable grill  10  is in the stowed position  22 . For example, the spit rods  46  may be disposed within the cavity  74 , when the support member  18  is in the stowed position  22 . In various examples, when in the stowed position  22 , the cover  86  of the deployable grill  10  is on a same or parallel plane as the grates  66 . Additionally or alternatively, an outer surface  88  of the cover  86  may be flush with the grates  66  in a substantially horizontal position when the deployable grill  10  is in the stowed position  22 . The stowed position  22  is substantially horizontal and the deployed position  26  is upright. In various examples, when in the deployed position  26 , the support member  18  extends at an angle in a range of about 45° to about 135° relative to the cooktop  50 . However, the support member  18  may extend at other angles without departing from the teachings herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 - 6   , the support member  18  of the deployable grill  10  is operable between the stowed position  22 , as shown in  FIG.  4   , and the deployed position, as shown in  FIG.  5   . A hinge assembly  210  is coupled between the support member  18  and the support frame  14 . In other words, the hinge assembly  210  rotatably couples the support member  18  to the support frame  14 . As illustrated, the hinge assembly  210  is disposed on the second end portion  94  of the support member  18 . The hinge assembly  210  includes first and second hinge members  214 ,  218  pivotally coupled to one another. The first hinge member  214  is coupled to the support frame  14 . The support frame  14  defines tabs  222  extending vertically and coupling to the first hinge member  214 . The second hinge member  218  is coupled to the support member  18 . The second end portion  94  of the support member  18  includes a flange  226  extending therefrom and configured to couple with the second hinge member  218 . It is also contemplated that the second hinge member  218  may be coupled to the support frame  14  and the first hinge member  214  may be coupled to the support member  18 . The hinge assembly  210  is illustrated in  FIG.  6    including left and right first hinge members  214  pivotally coupled to left and right sides of the second hinge member  218 . However, it is contemplated that the hinge assembly  210  includes the first hinge member  214  pivotally coupled to one of the left and right sides of the second hinge member  218 . As illustrated in the embodiment in  FIG.  6   , the hinge assembly  210  includes a biasing mechanism  230  operably coupled to the first and second hinge members  214 ,  218 . The biasing mechanism  230  may be configured to bias the support member  18  towards the deployed position  26 . It may be advantageous for the biasing mechanism  230  to bias the support member  18  to the deployed position  26  to allow for easier movement to the deployed position  26 . However, it is also contemplated that the biasing mechanism  230  biases the support member  18  to the stowed position  22 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  4 - 6   , at least one of the first and second hinge members  214 ,  218  is an elongated hinge member that corresponds to a width of the flange  226  of the support member  18 . The flange  226  extends outwardly from the second end portion  94  of the support member  18 . As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG.  6   , the second hinge member  218  is the elongated hinge member. In such examples, the second hinge member  218  includes an attachment element  234  for coupling the second hinge member  218  to the flange  226  of the support member  18 . At least a portion of the first hinge member  214  may be disposed on the second hinge member  218 . Additionally or alternatively, the second hinge member  218  may define a channel  238  and the first hinge member  214  may be disposed at least partially within the channel  238 . In such examples, the first hinge member  214  may define a projection  242  configured to cooperate with a notch  244  defined by the second hinge member  218 . The projection  242  and notch  244  cooperate to define the range of motion of the support member  18 . Accordingly, when the outer edges of the notch  244  contact the projection  242 , the support member  18  may be prevented from moving further in the respective direction. In other words, the outer edges of the notch  244  may define the stowed position  22  and the deployed position  26 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the hinge assembly  210  is coupled to a rear portion  246  of the support frame  14 . Accordingly, the support member  18  may rotate about the rear portion  246  of the support frame  14 . However, it is also contemplated that the hinge assembly  210  may coupled to a lateral portion of the support member  18  without departing from the teachings herein. In such examples, the support member  18  may rotate about a portion of the cooktop  50  adjacent to the deployable grill  10 . 
     In various examples, the deployable grill  10  includes a grasp handle  250 . The grasp handle  250  is coupled to the first end portion  90  of the support member  18  opposing the hinge assembly  210 . The grasp handle  250  assists a user in moving the deployable grill  10  between the stowed and deployed positions  22 ,  26 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 6   , the deployable grill  10  may be operational and/or functional in the deployed position  26 , the stowed position  22 , and positions therebetween. In other words, the heating element  42  is configured to radiate heat toward the receiving area  38  when the support member  18  is disposed in both the stowed and deployed positions  22 ,  26 . Accordingly, the deployable grill  10  may be configured to cook food product when in both the stowed and deployed positions  22 ,  26 . Additionally or alternatively, a user may move the deployable grill  10  between the stowed and deployed positions  22 ,  26  while the heating element  42  is radiating heat toward the spit rods  46 . 
     Use of the present disclosure may provide a variety of advantages. First, the deployable grill  10  may operate in both the stowed position  22  and the deployed position  26 . Second, the drive system  142  may allow food product to be cooked evenly with less human attention to the cooking process. Third, the drive system  142  may minimize the manual monitoring of the cooking process. 
     According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a deployable grill including a support frame having a support member operable between a stowed position and a deployed position. First and second brackets outwardly extend from the support member and are spaced-apart from one another to define a receiving area therebetween. A heating element is disposed on the support member adjacent to the receiving area. At least one spit rod is received in the receiving area. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one spit rod has first and second ends and a body portion disposed therebetween. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second ends of the at least one spit rod are removably coupled to the first and second brackets, respectively, for rotation thereon. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a pulley system is coupled to the at least one spit rod, wherein the pulley system operates to rotate the at least one spit rod. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the pulley system is disposed within a housing at least partially defined by one of the first and second brackets. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one spit rod includes a plurality of spit rods spaced-apart from one another as received in the receiving area, wherein each spit rod of the plurality of spit rods includes first and second ends removably coupled to the first and second brackets, respectively, for rotation thereon. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a pulley system includes a plurality of pulleys, wherein the plurality of pulleys correlates to the plurality of spit rods, and further wherein each pulley of the plurality of pulleys is operably coupled to an associated spit rod of the plurality of spit rods. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a deployable grill including a support member operable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A drive system is disposed on the support member for movement therewith. At least one spit rod has first and second ends and a body portion disposed therebetween, wherein the at least one spit rod is operably coupled to the drive system for rotating the at least one spit rod. A heating element is disposed on the support member, wherein the body portion of the at least one spit rod is disposed adjacent to the heating element. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, first and second brackets extend outwardly from the support member, wherein the first and second ends of the at least one spit rod are removably coupled to the first and second brackets, respectively, for rotation thereon. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one spit rod includes a plurality of spit rods. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the drive system includes a plurality of pulleys, and the plurality of pulleys correlates to the plurality of spit rods. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the drive system further includes a motor, and further plurality of pulleys includes a drive pulley operably coupled to the motor and at least one follower pulley. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the support stowed position is substantially horizontal and the deployed position is upright. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a hinge assembly is disposed on an end portion of the support member, and the hinge assembly includes first and second hinge members pivotally coupled to one another. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the hinge assembly further includes a biasing mechanism configured to bias the support member towards the deployed position. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a cooktop includes a support frame. A support member is coupled to the support frame and is operable between first and second positions with respect to the support frame. At least one spit rod is operably coupled to a receiving area of the support member. A heating element is disposed on the support member. A hinge assembly is coupled between the support member and the support frame, and the hinge assembly rotatably couples the support member to the support frame. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the hinge assembly includes a first hinge member coupled to the support frame and a second hinge member coupled to the support member, and the first and second hinge members are pivotally coupled to one another. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the hinge assembly further includes a biasing mechanism configured to bias the support member towards a deployed position. 
     According to another aspect of the resent disclosure, a drive system operably coupled to the support member and the at least on spit rod coupled rotates the at least one spit rod relative to the support member. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating element is configured to radiate heat toward the receiving area when the support member is disposed in both the first and second positions. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.