Patent Publication Number: US-2022235943-A1

Title: Cooktop with hinged burner grates

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/670,091 filed Oct. 31, 2019, entitled COOKTOP WITH HINGED BURNER GRATES, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a cooktop assembly, and more specifically, to a cooktop assembly including grates hingedly supported over associated burners. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cooktop for an appliance includes a cooktop base surface that defines an edge. A cooking burner is mounted on the cooktop surface. A support base is rigidly fixed with the cooktop base surface adjacent to the edge. The grate rotatably supported by the first and second support bases and is rotated between a raised position and a lowered position to alternately cover and uncovered the cooking burner. A biasing member is coupled to the support base. A biasing member is coupled to the first support base and exerts an upward biasing force on the grate. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cooktop for an appliance includes a cooktop surface that defines an edge. A first support base is rigidly fixed with the cooktop surface adjacent to the edge. A pivot member is coupled to the first support base. A second support base is rigidly fixed with the cooktop surface adjacent the first support base. A biasing assembly includes a first housing, a second housing, and a biasing member disposed therebetween. The biasing assembly is coupled to the second support base. A grate is coupled to the pivot member and the biasing assembly. The grate is rotatable between raised and lowered positions and biased toward the raised position by the biasing assembly. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a cooktop assembly includes a cooktop base surface that defines an edge. A grate is operably coupled to the cooktop surface. The grate defines a first receiving member that has a first channel and a second receiving member that has a second channel. A first support base is coupled to the cooktop base surface proximate the edge. A pivot member is coupled to the first support base and at least partially received within the first channel. A second support bases coupled to the second base surface proximate the edge. A biasing assembly is coupled to the second support base and received within the second channel and biasing the grate toward a raised position. 
     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  a front perspective view of a cooking appliance, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective detail view of a support base and corresponding interface with a grate associated with a cooktop; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective detail assembly view of a support assembly and corresponding interface with a grate; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a cooktop with a grate in a rotated position about a support assembly; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective detail view of a portion of a grate in a rotated position about a support assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is a detail view of a retention track and a pin associated with a support assembly and a grate; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a cooktop of a grate in a further rotated position about a support assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a cooktop of the second grate in a rotated position about an additional support assembly; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a cooktop, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a cooktop with a grate having a pivot assembly and a biasing assembly; 
         FIG. 10A  is a side plan view of a coupling member within a receiving member of a grate; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective detail view of the support assembly and a grate; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective detail view of a portion of a grate in a rotated position about a support assembly; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial rear perspective view of a cooktop with a grate having a pivot assembly and a biasing assembly; and 
         FIG. 13A  is a side plan view of a coupling member within a receiving member of a grate. 
     
    
    
     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 cooktop with hinged burner grates. 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 proceeded 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. 1-13A , reference numeral  10  generally refers to a cooktop for an appliance  14  that includes a cooktop base surface  18  defining an edge  22 . A cooking burner  26  is mounted on the cooktop base surface  18 . A first support base  30  is rigidly fixed with the cooktop base surface  18  adjacent to the edge  22 . A second support base  34  is rigidly fixed with the cooktop base surface  18  adjacent to the first support base  30 . A grate  38  is rotatably supported the first and second support bases  30 ,  34  and is rotatable between a raised position  42  and a lowered position  46  to alternately cover and uncover the cooking burner  26 . A biasing member  50  is coupled to at least one of the first and second support bases  30 ,  34  and exerts an upward biasing force on the grate  38 . 
     The appliance  14  is shown in the form of a range that includes the cooktop  10  and an oven in a single unit, but may also be in the form of a stand-alone cooking hob or the like. The appliance  14  can be generally similar to known cooking appliances, including the construction and arrangement of the above-mentioned cooking burner  26 . The cooking burner  26  may be one cooking burner  26   a  of a multi-burner arrangement. The appliance  14  of  FIG. 1  is illustrated including a five-burner arrangement, including additional cooking burners  26   b - 26   e . As used herein, the multi-burner arrangement  26   a - 26   e  is referred to using the general reference number  26 , unless a specific burner is discussed. The cooking burners  26  can be of any type that may be used in connection with the grate  38  positioned thereon to support a cooking article, such as a pan, a pot, or the like, above and/or spaced-apart from the cooking burner  26  with which it is used. In general, fuel-burning burners (e.g., those that rely on combustion of natural or propane gas for the generation of heat) are used with the grate  38 , and may be used in connection with the appliance  14  that has the cooking burners  26 , as discussed herein. Numerous types and configurations of the cooking burner  26  that are known or may be developed may be used, including various types of “hybrid” burners, which may generate heat by multiple means, including fuel-burning and/or electrical heating. 
     Additionally, the cooktop base surface  18  may be similar to known structures for similar components of a cooking appliance  14  and may be of any structure that can sufficiently support the grate  38  and is amenable to the coupling of the first and second support bases  30 ,  34  thereto. The first and second support bases  30 ,  34  may be coupled to the cooktop base surface  18  using mechanical fasteners, such as screws, rivets, or the like. The first and second support bases  30 ,  34  may further incorporate various alignment features, according to various known principles. In this manner, the cooktop base surface  18  may be generally structured to provide support and a location for the cooking burners  26  and may conceal the various lines and controls associated with the cooking burners  26 , as well as, to support the grate  38  over the cooking burners  26 . In many aspects, the cooktop base surface  18  may be a metal sheet stamped, or otherwise formed into the selected three-dimensional shape. Such metal may be steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or the like, and may be a gauge high enough to provide structural stability, given the particular material characteristics, without unnecessarily increasing weight or difficulty of the manufacture thereof. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the first and second support bases  30 ,  34  may be rigidly fixed to the cooktop base surface  18 . The first and second support bases  30 ,  34  may be directly coupled to the cooktop base surface  18 , or alternatively, may be coupled with a base plate or a similar feature. In various examples, the first and second support bases  30 ,  34  may be included in a support base assembly  54 , which may be coupled to the cooking base surface  18 . The first and second support bases  30 ,  34  may be coupled to the cooktop base surface  18  proximate the edge  22 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the edge  22  may be a side edge of the cooktop base surface  18 . However, it is also contemplated that the support base assembly  54  may be disposed proximate a rear edge or a front edge of the cooktop base surface  18 , without departing from the teachings herein. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first and second support bases  30 ,  34  may each include a mounting projection tab  58 . The mounting projection tabs  58  may extend outwardly from the first and second support bases  30 ,  34 , respectively, away from one another. The mounting projection tabs  58  may be generally wedged-shaped having a rounded end  62 . The mounting projection tabs  58  may be mounted on an axle  66  that is rotatably supported by the first and second support bases  30 ,  34 . In this way, the axle  66  may rotatably couple the mounting projection tabs  58  to the first and second support bases  30 ,  34 . Stated differently, the mounting projection tabs  58  may be rotatably coupled with the first and second support bases  30 ,  34  by the axle  66 . According to various aspects, the axle  66  may extend from one of the mounting projection tabs  58 , which may be rigidly coupled to the axle  66 , through a hole  70  in the first support base  30 . Similarly, the axle  66  may extend from the other of the mounting projection tabs  58  through the hole  70  defined by the second support base  34 . In this way, the axle  66  may extend between the first and second support bases  30 ,  34 . The axle  66  may be rotatably received within the holes  70  of the first and second support bases  30 ,  34  to support the mounting projection tabs  58  and facilitate rotation thereof. 
     The orientation and configuration of the mounting projection tabs  58  may provide support for the grate  38  during rotation thereof from the lowered position  46 , illustrated in  FIG. 1 , where the grate  38  is disposed towards and is generally parallel with the cooktop base surface  18  and overlies the cooking burner  26 , to the raised position  42 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . As illustrated, the grate  38  may extend along the entirety of the edge  22  and extending inwardly therefrom to cover at least approximately half of the cooktop base surface  18  when in the lowered position  46 . In this manner, the grate  38  may extend over the front left burner  26   a  and the rear left cooking burner  26   b , as well as approximately half of a central cooking burner  26   c . It is noted that the size of the grate  38  can be configured to cover multiple cooking burners  26 , or portions thereof, according to other burner arrangements according to the principles and concepts discussed herein. This arrangement, as presently described, can allow for easy access to portions of the cooktop base surface  18  underlying the grate  38 , as well as the cooking burners  26 , specifically for cleaning or service. 
     In various examples, the appliance  14  includes a first grate  38   a  and a second grate  38   b , which may be referred to using the general reference number  38 , unless a specific one of the first and second grates  38   a ,  38   b  is discussed. Each of the first and second grates  38   a ,  38   b  may be coupled to the cooktop base surface  18  by the support base assembly  54 . Stated differently, the first grate  38   a  may be coupled to the support base assembly  54  and the second grate  38   b  may be coupled to an additional support base assembly  54 . The first and second grates  38   a ,  38   b  may be substantially mirror images of one another. In various examples, the first grate  38   a  may cover the front left cooking burner  26   a  and the rear left cooking burner  26   b . Similarly, the second grate  38   b  may extend over the front right cooking burner  26   d  and the rear right cooking burner  26   e . In examples of appliance  14  including the central cooking burner  26   c , each of the first and second grates  38   a ,  38   b  may extend over a portion of the central cooking burner  26   c . However, it is contemplated that the cooktop  10  may not include the central cooking burner  26   c . In such examples, the cooking burners  26  may be arranged in a four-burner configuration with each of the first and second grates  38   a ,  38   b  are disposed over two cooking burners  26  when in the lowered position  46 . 
     According to various aspects, the grate  38  may be made of cast iron or another material with high heat resistance and high weight-bearing (including at temperature). The ability to rotate the grate  38 , rather than having to lift the grate  38  out of position and to properly align the grate  38  while holding and lowering it into position, may prove to be advantageous. Further, when typical grates are removed for cleaning or the like, the grates  38  must be stored or otherwise placed somewhere other than on the cooktop base surface  18 , which may be inconvenient. As discussed further below, the ability of the present cooktop  10  to retain the grate  38  when rotated upwardly to the raised position  42  may provide an easy alternative to separate storage of the grate  38  to move away from the cooktop base surface  18  and the cooking burners  26 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the grate  38  is configured to assemble with the first and second support bases  30 ,  34 , by including a slot  74  extending inwardly relative to a portion of the grate  38 . In particular, the slot  74  may be defined within a corresponding projection  78  that extends from a lower surface of the grate  38 . The projection  78  may define an outer face  82  that may be disposed generally towards the edge  22  of the cooktop base surface  18  and an inside face  86  that may be disposed towards one of the first and second support bases  30 ,  34 , when the grate  38  is assembled on the support base assembly  54 . The slot  74  may extend inwardly from both the outer face  82  and the inside face  86 , such that the slot  74  is enclosed on the remaining four sides thereof. In this manner, the slot  74  can closely receive the corresponding mounting projection tab  58  therein. In this way, the slot  74  and the mounting projection tab  58  support the grate  38  during the rotation thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the mounting projection tabs  58  may rotate with the grate  38  by way of the engagement between the slot  74  and the mounting projection tabs  58 . Stated differently, the projections  78  are engageable over mounting projection tabs  58 . This configuration where the slots  74  are opened on the inside face  86  may allow for the axle  66  to extend into the slots  74  to couple the mounting projection tabs  58 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the slots  74  may disengage from the mounting projection tabs  58  by movement of the grate  38 . During such movement, the slots  74  may move relative to the mounting projection tabs  58  with the outer faces  82  of the projections  78  passing over the mounting projection tabs  58 . As can be appreciated, the movement of the slot  74  from off of the mounting projection tab  58  may correspond with removal of the grate  38  from the support base assembly  54 . In this manner, the grate  38  can be completely removed from the support base assembly  54  and, therefore, the remainder of the appliance  14 , such as for cleaning of the grate  38 , or to facilitate upward rotation of the cooktop base surface  18  (e.g., for access to components therebeneath). The above-described wedge shape of the mounting projection tabs  58  can help to maintain a close fit with the slots  74  when in the assembled position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , while minimizing the effect of mutual friction between components during removal of the grate  38 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the support base assembly  54  may further include the biasing member  50  coupled between the axle  66  and at least one of the first and second support bases  30 ,  34 . In particular, the biasing member  50  may be a coil spring with the axle  66  extending therethrough. As illustrated, a first end  90  of the biasing member  50  may be coupled with the first support base  30 , such as by extending partially therein, and a second end  94  may be coupled to the axle  66 , such as by welding, mutual engagement, adhesives, and/or combinations thereof, or the like. By this arrangement, the biasing member  50  may compress and extend torsionally with rotation of the mounting projection tabs  58 , and correspondingly with the grate  38 . 
     According to various aspects, the biasing member  50  may be coupled between the first support base  30  and the axle  66  so as to torsionally compress under rotation of the grate  38  towards the cooktop base surface  18  (i.e., from the position shown in  FIG. 7  to the position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In this manner, the biasing member  50  may exert a rotational force on the axle  66  when the grate  38  is in the lowered position  46  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which can be controlled such that the rotational force of the biasing member  50  does not interfere with the grate  38  securely resting in the lowered position  46 , but provides an upward biasing force on the grate  38 . The upward biasing force, by way of the engagement between the mounting projection tabs  58  in the slots  74 , may assist a user in rotating the grate  38  into the raised position  42 . 
     In various examples, force on the axle  66  by the biasing member  50  may still be present on the grate  38  in the raised position  42 , or alternatively, the biasing force may reduce to about zero with movement of the grate  38  into the raised position  42 , depending on the configuration of the biasing member  50 . The characteristics of the biasing member  50  may be adjusted to achieve the desired biasing force and the level of assistance in lifting the grate  38  by known principles given, for example, the weight of the grate  38  and the angle through which the grate  38  rotates from the lowered position  46  to the raised position  42 . Further, it is also contemplated that the biasing member  50  may be, for example, a spring, a clock spring, magnets, or other features producing a biasing force. Moreover, it is also contemplated that the biasing member  50  may be coupled between the second support base  34  and the axle  66 , or alternatively, between the first and second support bases  30 ,  34 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-3 , the support base assembly  54  may include the first support base  30  and the second support base  34 . The first and second support bases  30 ,  34  may have similar configurations and may be mirror images of one another. The second support base  34  may be spaced-apart from the first support base  30  along the edge  22  of the cooktop base surface  18 . Each of the first and second support bases  30 ,  34  may include a respective mounting projection tab  58  configured to cooperate with the corresponding slot  74  of the grate  38 . In this manner, the grate  38  may be removably coupled with the mounting projection tabs  58  of both the first and second support bases  30 ,  34 . Use of both the first and second support bases  30 ,  34 , each with the mounting projection tab  58  engaging the corresponding slot  74  of the respective projection  78 , may provide for increased balancing and stability of the grate  38  during rotation and once positioned in the raised position  42  ( FIG. 7 ). Further, the opposing arrangement of the slots  74  may help to locate and maintain the grate  38  in place with respect to the support base assembly  54 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-6 , the first and second support bases  30 ,  34  may each define a retention track  98  in an inwardly-facing surface  102  of each of the first and second support bases  30 ,  34 . The retention tracks  98  may each include a closed portion  106  that extends in an arcuate manner and an open portion  110  that extends linearly in a substantially vertical manner from an end of the closed portion  106  to an upper surface  114  of the respective first and second support bases  30 ,  34 . The grate  38  includes pins  118  extending from the inside face  86  of each respective projection  78 . In particular, the pins  118  may be sized and positioned to fit within the retention tracks  98  and, more particularly, to travel within the closed portions  106  of the retention tracks  98  during rotation of the grate  38 . In this manner, the engagement between the pins  118  and the closed portions  106  of the respective retention tracks  98  may restrict movement of the grate  38  to prevent disengagement of the grate  38  from the support base assembly  54 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the configuration of the closed portion  106  and the open portions  110  with respect to the closed portion  106  is such that the pin  118  is within the closed portions  106  when the grate  38  is in the lowered position  46  and during rotation of the grate  38  upwardly towards the raised position  42 . This arrangement may be advantageous to prevent inadvertent removal of the grate  38  during the rotation of the grate  38 . When the grate  38  is fully in the raised position  42 , shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the pins  118  align with the open portions  110  of the retention tracks  98 . Movement of the grate  38  in direction  122  moves the pins  118  out of the closed portion  106 , through the open portion  110 , and past the upper surface  114  to disengage from the first and second support bases  30 ,  34 . This movement coincides with the movement of the slots  74  out of the engagement over the respective mounting projection tabs  58 . The grate  38  can be re-assembled with the support base assembly  54  by alignment of the slots  74  with the respective mounting projection tabs  58  and alignment of the pins  118  with the open portion  110  of the retention tracks  98  and movement opposite the direction  122 , at which point, the grate  38  can be rotated. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a blocking surface  126  of the grate  38  may extend along the edge thereof between the projections  78 . The blocking surface  126  may be spaced from the upper surfaces  114  of the first and second support bases  30 ,  34  to be away from when the grate  38  is in the lowered position  46 , and during rotation of the grate  38  upwardly away therefrom. When the grate  38  reaches the raised position  42 , including by rotation of the grate  38  through a predetermined angle  130  corresponding with the raised position  42 , the blocking surface  126  may contact with the upper surfaces  114 , such that further rotation of the grate  38  past the angle  130  is prevented. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , when the predetermined angle  130  is greater than 90°, such as an angle between about 100° and about 115°, for example, the center of mass  134  of the grate  38  may be positioned such that the weight of the grate  38  is oriented in a general direction of increasing rotation of the grate  38 . The increasing rotation may be prevented by contact between the blocking surface  126  and the upper surfaces  114  of the first and second support bases  30 ,  34 . This configuration may maintain the grate  38  in the fully raised position  42  until deliberately moved toward the lowered position  46  by a user. It is noted that a damper can be incorporated between the axle  66  and either or both of the first and second support bases  30 ,  34  to prevent rapid downward movement of the grate  38  into the lowered position  46  under the weight of the grate  38 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9-12 , an additional and/or alternative configuration of the cooktop  210  is illustrated (with similar features indicated by similar numbers increased by 200). In this example, the cooking burners  226  are arranged in a four-burner configuration including the cooking burners  226   a - 226   d . The first grate  238   a  may be disposed over the cooking burners  226   a ,  226   b , and the second grate  238   b  may be positioned over the cooking burners  226   c ,  226   d  when in the lowered positions  246 . The grate  238  may be operable between the raised position  242  and the lowered position  246  to alternately cover and uncover the cooking burners  226 . The first support base  230  may be rigidly fixed to the cooktop base surface  218  adjacent to the edge  222 . The second support base  234  may be rigidly fixed with the cooktop base surface  218  adjacent to the first support base  230 . In this way, the first and second support bases  230 ,  234  may be spaced-apart from one another and disposed proximate to the edge  222  of the cooktop base surface  218 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , first and second support bases  230 ,  234  of a support base assembly  254  are disposed proximate a rear edge of a cooktop base surface  218 ; however, the first and second support bases  230 ,  234  may be disposed proximate a side edge or front edge of the cooktop base surface  218 , without departing from the teachings herein. In various examples, a cooktop  210  may include a third support base  338  disposed proximate to the second support base  234  along an edge  222 . Stated differently, the cooktop  210  may include the first support base  230  disposed proximate a first portion  342  of the cooktop base surface  218 , the third support base  338  disposed proximate a second portion  346 , and the second support base  234  disposed therebetween proximate a center portion  350  of the cooktop base surface  218 . In this way, a first grate  238   a  may be rotatably supported by the first and second support bases  230 ,  234  and the second grate  238   b  may be rotatably supported by the second and third support bases  224 ,  338 . Moreover, the second support base  234  may be coupled to both the first and second grates  238   a ,  238   b . The first grate  238   a  may be coupled to a first side  354  of the second support base  234  and the second grate  238   b  may be coupled to a second side  358  of the second support base  234  opposing the first side  354 . It is noted that fewer or more support bases may be included in the support base assembly  254  based on the number of grates  238  associated with the cooktop  210 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the grate  238  may define a first receiving member  362  having a first receiving channel  366  and a second receiving member  370  having a second receiving channel  374 . First and second receiving members  362 ,  370  may extend from a first end  378  of the grate  238 . The first and second receiving members  362 ,  370  may be spaced-apart from one another such that the first receiving members  362  may be disposed proximate a first side edge  382  of the grate  238  and the second receiving member  370  may be disposed proximate a second side edge  386  of the grate  238 . In various examples, a coupling member  390  may be disposed within the first receiving channel  366  of the first receiving member  362 . The coupling member  390  may be configured as an elongated extruded member disposed within the first receiving channel  366 . According to various aspects, the coupling member  390  may be configured to interlock with a pivot member  394 . 
     In various examples, the pivot member  394  may be coupled between the first support base  230  and the first receiving member  362 . The pivot member  394  may be directly coupled to the first support base  230 , or alternatively, may be coupled to an interlocking base plate  398 , which may be directly coupled to the first support base  230 . According to various aspects, the pivot member  394  may be rotatable relative to the first support base  230 . In this way, the pivot member  394  may be configured to guide rotation of the grate  238  as the grate  238  rotates between a raised position  242  and a lowered position  246 . The pivot member  394  and the interlocking base plate  398  may form a pivot assembly  402  disposed between the first support base  230  and the first receiving member  362 . In such examples, the interlocking base plate  398  may couple the pivot assembly  402  to the first support base  230  and the pivot member  394  may engage the coupling member  390 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 10A , the coupling member  390  may define an interlocking fit with the first receiving member  362  in the first receiving channel  366 . In various examples, an interior surface  406  of the first receiving member  362  may define an indent  410 . In such examples, the coupling member  390  may be extruded with a protrusion  414 . When assembled, the protrusion  414  of the coupling member  390  may be disposed within the indent  410  of the first receiving member  362 . This configuration may be advantageous for preventing rotation of the coupling member  390  within the first receiving channel  366 . In this way, the coupling member  390  may rotate with the grate  238 . Additionally or alternatively, the coupling member  390  may define an inner channel  418  therein. An inner surface  422  of the coupling member  390  may define a cutout  426  forming an extension of the inner channel  418 . Additionally or alternatively, the pivot member  394  of the pivot assembly  402  may define a coupling extension  430  extending from an outer surface  434  of the pivot member  394 . The pivot member  394  may be at least partially received within the inner channel  418  of the coupling member  390 . Stated differently, the pivot member  394  may be at least partially received within the first receiving channel  366  of the first receiving member  362 . 
     The coupling extension  430  may be disposed within the cutout  426  of the coupling member  390 . In this way, the coupling extension  430  may define an interlocking fit within the cutout  426 . In this configuration, the pivot member  394  may rotate with the coupling member  390 , and correspondingly with the grate  238 . In examples where the pivot member  394  rotates with the coupling member  390 , the pivot member  394  may rotate relative to the interlocking base plate  398 . Alternatively, the coupling extension  430  may not be form fit within the cutout  426 . In such examples, the pivot member  394  may not rotate or may minimally rotate with the coupling member  390 . The pivot member  394  may engage the inner surface  422  within the cutout  426 , to define the raised and lowered positions  242 ,  246  of the grate  238 . In this way, the pivot member  394  may engage a first surface of the cutout  426  when the grate  238  is in the lowered position  246  and may engage an opposing surface of the cutout  426 , when the grate  238  is in the raised position  242 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the cooktop  10  may include a biasing assembly  438  that includes a biasing member  250 . The biasing assembly  438  may include a first housing  442 , a second housing  446 , and the biasing member  250  disposed between the first and second housings  442 ,  446 . The biasing assembly  438  may be coupled to at least one of the first and second support bases  230 ,  234 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the pivot assembly  402  is coupled to the first support base  230  and the biasing assembly  438  is coupled to the second support base  234 . However, it is contemplated that the pivot assembly  402  may be coupled to the second support base  234  and the biasing assembly  438  may be coupled to the first support base  230 , without departing from the teachings herein. 
     In examples that include the first and second grates  238   a ,  238   b , the first and second grates  238   a ,  238   b  may be coupled to first, second, and third support bases  320 ,  234 ,  338  and may be configured as mirror images of one another. As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the biasing assembly  438  is received within the second receiving channel  374  of the second receiving member  370 . The first housing  442  may be disposed proximate an inner end  450  of the second receiving channel  374  and the second housing  446  may be disposed proximate an outer end  454  of the second receiving channel  374 . In this way, the biasing member  250  may extend along a substantial portion of the second receiving channel  374 . The biasing assembly  438  stores potential energy by compressing the biasing member  250 . The biasing member  250  may torsionally compress under rotation of the grate  238  towards the cooktop base surface  218  (e.g., in the lowered position  246 ), but may provide an upward biasing force on the grate  238 . The biasing assembly  438  may be configured to bias the grate  238  toward the raised position  242 . It may be advantageous for the biasing assembly  438  to bias the grate  238  toward the raised position  242  to allow for easier movement to the raised position  242 . In this way, the biasing member  250  may be compressible under rotation of the grate  238  toward the lowered position  246 . However, it is also contemplated that the biasing assembly  438  may bias the grate  238  toward the lowered position  246 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the grate  238  may be coupled to the pivot assembly  402  and the biasing assembly  438 . The pivot assembly  402  and the biasing assembly  438  may be substantially disposed within the first and second receiving members  362 ,  370 , respectively, which may be advantageous for obscuring the pivot assembly  402  and the biasing assembly  438  from view of the user. This may be further advantageous for improving the aesthetics of the cooktop  310 . 
     In various examples, each of the first and second support bases  230 ,  234  may each define a notch  458 . The first housing  442  of the biasing assembly  438  and the interlocking base plate  398  of the pivot assembly  402  may each define a coupling protrusion  462 . The coupling protrusions  462  are configured to be received by the notches  458 . The coupling protrusions  462  may be slidably engaged in the notches  458  along direction  322 . In this way, the grate  238  may be removed and re-assembled with the first and second support bases  230 ,  234 . When in the raised position  242 , the grate  238  may be lifted by the user along the direction  322  upward and away from the cooktop base surface  218  to disengage the grate  238  from the cooktop base surface  218 . To re-assemble the grate  238 , the coupling protrusions  462  may be aligned with the notches  458 . The grate  238  may then be moved in a direction opposite of the direction  322  and the coupling protrusions  462  may be inserted into the notches  458 . The grate  238  may then be rotated to the lowered position  246 . It is contemplated that the grate  238  may be removed when in the fully raised position  242 , but not when the grate  238  is in the lowered position  246  due to internal friction created by the biasing member  250 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 12 , the biasing assembly  438  may have the biasing force that at least partially counteracts the weight of the grate  338 . The biasing force may be configured to not interfere with the positioning of the grate  338  in the lowered position  346  for use by the user. Additionally or alternatively, the biasing assembly  438  may be configured to retain the grate  238  in at least one intermediate position  466 . The intermediate position  466  may be any position between the raised and lowered positions  242 ,  246 . Stated differently, the grate  238  may be retained by the biasing assembly  438  at an angle less than a predetermined angle  330  of the fully raised position  242 . The intermediate position  466  may be advantageous for accessing the cooktop base surface  218 . The intermediate position  466  may also be advantageous for providing a “soft” movement of the grate  238  between the raised and lowered positions  242 ,  246 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 13A , an additional and/or alternative configuration of the cooktop  510  is illustrated (with similar features indicated by similar numbers increased by 300). First, second, and third support bases  530 ,  534 ,  638  may be disposed proximate a rear edge of the cooktop  510 . A grate  538 , including first and second grates  538   a ,  538   b  may be rotatably coupled to the first, second, and third support bases  530 ,  534 ,  638 . The grate  538  may include a receiving member  770  that defines a receiving channel  774  therein. The receiving member  770  may extend from a first end  678  of the grate  538  and engage two of the first, second, and third support bases  530 ,  534 ,  638 . In various examples, the receiving member  770  may extend between a first side edge  682  and a second edge  686  of the grate  538 . Additionally or alternatively, the receiving member  770  may extend an entire distance between the first and second side edges  682 ,  670  of the grate  538 . 
     According to various aspects, a coupling member  690  may be disposed within the receiving channel  774 . The coupling member  690  may extend an entire length of the receiving channel  774 . Alternatively, two coupling members  690  may be disposed within the receiving channel proximate each of the first and second side edges  662 ,  670  of the grate  538 . The two coupling members  690  may cumulatively extend the entire length of the receiving channel  774 , or alternatively, may be spaced-apart from one another. The coupling member  690  may be configured as an elongated extruded member disposed within the receiving channel  774 . The coupling member  690  may be configured to interlock with a pivot member  394  coupled to the first support base  530 . The pivot member  694  may be coupled between the first support base  530  and the receiving member  770 . In this way, a pivot assembly  702  may be disposed between the first support base  530  and the receiving member  770 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 13 and 13A , the coupling member  690  may define an interlocking fit with the receiving member  770 . A slot  778  may be defined by the receiving member  770 . As illustrated, the slot  778  is configured as two spaced-apart slots  778  extending inward from opposing edges  782  of the receiving member  770 . It is also contemplated that the receiving member  770  may define a single slot  778  along an entire length thereof. The coupling member  770  may define an interlocking feature  786  that extends through the slot  778  to interlock the coupling member  770  with the grate  538 . In examples with two slots  778 , the coupling member  770  may define a corresponding number of interlocking features  786  to extend therethrough. 
     A biasing assembly  738  may be coupled to one of the opposing side edges  682 ,  686  and the pivot assembly  702  may be coupled to the other of the opposing side edges  682 ,  686 . At least one of the biasing assembly  738  and the pivot assembly  702  may engage the coupling member  770 . It is also contemplated that the pivot assembly  738  may not engage the coupling member  770 . In such examples, the biasing assembly  738  may extend into the receiving channel  774  and be disposed adjacent to the coupling member  770 . According to various aspects, the coupling member  690  may include an inner channel  718  that defines a cutout  726  forming an extension of an inner channel  718  thereof. At least one of the pivot member  698  and the biasing assembly  738  may include a coupling extension  690  configured to be disposed within the cutout  726  and engage the inner channel  718 . In this way, one or both of the pivot member  698  and the biasing assembly  738  may form an interlocking fit with the coupling member  690 . 
     Use of the presently disclosed device may provide for a variety of advantages. For example, the grate  38  may be disengaged from the cooktop  10  when in the raised position  42 , but not the lowered position  46  or an intermediate position  266 . Additionally, the biasing assembly  238  with the biasing member  50  may provide increased control when moving the grate  38  between the raised and lowered positions  42 ,  46 . Further, the biasing member  50  and/or the biasing assembly  238  may retain the grate  38  in an intermediate position  266 . Moreover, the biasing member  50  may bias the grate  38  toward the raised position  42  to provide easier movement of the grate  38  to the raised position  42 . These and other advantages or benefits of using the presently disclosed device may also be realized and/or achieved. 
     According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure a cooktop or an appliance includes a cooktop base surface that defines an edge. A cooking burner is mounted on the cooktop basis surface. At least one support base is rigidly fixed to the cooktop base surface adjacent the edge. A grate is rotatably supported by the at least one support base and is rotated between raised and lowered positions to alternately cover and uncover the cooking burner. A biasing member is coupled to the at least one support base and exerts an upward biasing force on the grate. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one support base includes first and second support bases. A grate includes first and second mounting projections that define slots and are engageable over first and second mounting projection tabs that extend outwardly from first and second support bases, respectively. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an axle extends between and is rotatably coupled to the first and second support bases. The first and second mounting projection tabs are rotatably coupled with the first and second support bases by the axle. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a biasing member is a spring and is compressible under rotation of a grate toward a lowered position. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a grate defines a first receiving member having a first receiving channel and a second receiving member having a second receiving channel. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a pivot member is coupled between at least one support base and a first receiving member. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a biasing member is at least partially disposed within a second receiving channel. 
     According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a cooktop for an appliance includes a cooktop base surface that defines an edge. A first support bases rigidly fixed with the cooktop base surface adjacent the edge. A pivot member is coupled to the first support base and a second support base is rigidly fixed with the cooktop base surface adjacent to the first support base. A biasing assembly includes a first housing, a second housing, and a biasing member disposed therebetween. The biasing assembly is coupled to the second support base. At least one grate is coupled to the pivot member and the biasing assembly. The at least one grate is rotatable between raised and lowered positions and biased toward the raised position by the biasing assembly. 
     According to another aspect, a pivot member is rotatable relative to the first support base and is configured to guide rotation of at least one grate as the at least one grate rotates between raised and lowered positions. 
     According to still another aspect, at least one grate includes a first grate coupled to a first side of a second support base and a second grate coupled to a second side of the second support base. 
     According to yet another aspect, at least one grate defines a first receiving member having a first channel and a second receiving number having a second channel. 
     A pivot member is received within the first channel and a biasing assembly is received in the second channel. 
     According to still another aspect, a first housing is disposed proximate an inner end of a second channel and a second housing is disposed proximate an outer end of the second channel. 
     According to still another aspect, a coupling member is disposed within a first channel and a pivot member engages the coupling member. 
     According to another aspect, a biasing member is compressible under rotation of at least one grate toward a lowered position. 
     According to another aspect, a biasing assembly retains at least one grate in at least one intermediate position between raised and lowered positions. 
     According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a cooktop assembly includes a cooktop base surface that defines an edge. A grate is operably coupled to the cooktop base surface. The grate defines a first receiving member that has a first channel and a second receiving member that has a second channel. A first support base is coupled to the cooktop base surface proximate the edge. A pivot member is coupled to the first support base and at least partially received within the first channel. A second support base is coupled to the cooktop base surface proximate the edge. A biasing assembly is coupled to the second support base and received within the second channel and biases the grate toward a raised position. 
     According to another aspect, a biasing assembly includes a first housing, second housing, and a biasing member disposed therebetween. 
     According to yet another aspect, a biasing member is a spring and is compressible under rotation of a grate toward a lowered position. 
     According to another aspect, a coupling member is disposed within a first channel and configured to interlock with a pivot member. 
     According to still another aspect, a biasing assembly retains a grate in at least one intermediate position between raised and lowered 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.