Patent Publication Number: US-2019191927-A1

Title: Grill Roller System

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     Example embodiments in general relate to a grill roller system which is elevated with respect to a grilling surface and which may be freely swung between multiple positions. 
     Related Art 
     Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
     Rollers are commonly used to cook hot dogs or other cylindrical food items. Generally, a roller will have its own heating element and thus comes packaged as a standalone unit. Where rollers have been connected to grills, they have done so in a manner which renders a large grilling surface of the grill unusable so that other food items may not be simultaneously cooked with the food items on the rollers. 
     SUMMARY 
     An example embodiment of the present invention is directed to a grill roller system. The grill roller system includes a base which is positioned or connected to a grill. A frame is pivotally connected to the base such that the frame may swing, pivot, or rotate between a plurality of positions including a first position which covers the grilling surface and a second position which exposes the grilling surface. A plurality of rollers on the frame may be utilized to rotate and evenly cook cylindrical food items such as hot dogs while other food items such as steaks are simultaneously cooking on the underlying grill surface. The system may also include a rotator assembly for automatically or manually rotating the rollers. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the grill roller system in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the grill roller system that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the grill roller system in detail, it is to be understood that the grill roller system is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The grill roller system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a grill roller system installed on a grill in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2 a    is a top view of a grill roller system with the frame in a first position in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2 b    is a top view of a grill roller system with the frame in a second position in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a frontal perspective view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a first rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a first rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a grill roller system with the frame in a first position in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a first rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 6  is a frontal perspective view of a grill roller system with the frame in a second position in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a first rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a first rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 8  is a first side view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a first rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 9  is a first side view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a first rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 10  is a rear view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a first rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 11  is a frontal view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a first rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a first rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 13  is a frontal perspective view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a second rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a second rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of a grill roller system with the frame in a first position in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a second rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 16  is a frontal perspective view of a grill roller system with the frame in a second position in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a second rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a second rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 18  is a first side view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a second rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 19  is a first side view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a second rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 20  is a rear view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a second rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 21  is a frontal view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a second rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 22  is an exploded perspective view of a grill roller system in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a second rotator assembly. 
         FIG. 23  is a frontal view of an exemplary gear for use as a roller gear or a rotator gear in accordance with an example embodiment which utilizes a second rotator assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A. Overview. 
     An example grill roller system  10  generally comprises a base  20  which is positioned or connected to a grill  12 . A frame  30  is pivotally connected to the base  20  such that the frame  30  may swing, pivot, or rotate between a plurality of positions including a first position which covers the grilling surface  13  and a second position which exposes the grilling surface  13 . A plurality of rollers  40  on the frame  30  may be utilized to rotate and evenly cook cylindrical food items  14  such as hot dogs while other food items  14  such as steaks are simultaneously cooking on the underlying grill surface  13 . The system  10  may also include a rotator assembly  50 ,  60  for automatically or manually rotating the rollers  40 . 
     B. Base. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2   a , and  2   b , a base  20  is removably positioned on or connected to the grill  12 . The base  20  may be secured to the grill  12 , such as by securing the base  20  to a sidewall of the grill  12  or by securing the base  20  to the grilling surface  13  itself. The base  20  may also be free-standing on the grilling surface  13 . The manner in which the base  20  is connected to the grill  12  and/or positioned on the grilling surface  13  may vary in different embodiments and should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the base  20  may comprise an outer support  21  and an inner support  25  adjustably connected to the outer support  21 . The use of outer and inner supports  25  allows for adjustment of the base  20 , such as adjusting its height. The outer support  21  may in some embodiments be connected to some portion of the grill  12 , such as its sidewall, via brackets, clasps, fasteners, or the like. The inner support  25  is preferably slidably adjustable between multiple vertical positions with respect to the outer support  21  such that the base  20  is height-adjustable. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 12 , the outer support  21  may comprise an L-shaped configuration in which one or more first connectors  22  extend vertically and a horizontal extension  24  extends horizontally from the lower end of the first connectors  22 . In the exemplary embodiment of the figures, the first connectors  22  comprise vertical walls which include first openings  23 . The first openings  23  may comprise elongated openings such as slots which extend vertically on the outer support  21 . These first openings  23  are utilized in conjunction with corresponding second openings  27  on the inner support  25  to adjust the base  20  as discussed herein. 
     The inner support  25  is removably and adjustably connected to the outer support  21 . The inner support  25  may comprise an elongated member with a generally U-shaped configuration as shown in  FIG. 12 . The inner support  25  may include second connectors  26  which are removably connected to the first connectors  22  of the outer support  21 . The second connectors  26  may comprise vertical walls which include second openings  27 . The second openings  27  may comprise elongated openings such as slots which extend vertically on the inner support  25 . The inner support  25  may also include a ledge  28  which supports the frame  30  when the frame  30  is positioned over the base  20  as discussed herein. 
     The outer and inner supports  21 ,  25  are interconnected so as to allow vertical adjustment of the height of the base  20 . This height-adjustable functionality is provided primarily by the first and second openings  23 ,  27 . The first openings  23  on the outer support  21  are aligned with the second openings  23 ,  27  on the inner support  25  such that the inner support  25  may be locked into various vertical positions with respect to the outer support  21 . Fasteners  16  may be utilized to lock the base  20  at a certain height position by extending the fasteners  16  through both first and second openings  23 ,  27  and securing with nuts  17  such as shown throughout the figures. 
     The base  20  may also include a first pivot connector  29  which is utilized to pivotally connect the frame  30  to the base  20 . The first pivot connector  29  generally is pivotally connected to a second pivot connector  33  on the frame  30  such that the frame  30  may pivot with respect to the base  20 . The frame  30  is preferably pivotally connected to the base  20  such that the frame  30  may swing outwardly or inwardly with respect to the base  20  as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 . The first pivot connector  29  is shown in  FIG. 3  as extending upwardly from the horizontal extension  24  of the outer support  21  of the base  20 . 
     Although the first pivot connector  29  is illustrated as comprising a pivot pin, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments the first pivot connector  29  may comprise a receiver, with the second pivot connector  29  instead comprising a pin. It should be appreciated that the first pivot connector  29  may be positioned at various locations along the base  20 . Preferably, the first pivot connector  29  will be positioned at or near a corner of the base  20  to prevent restriction of the swinging radius of the frame  30  with respect to the base  20 . 
     C. Frame. 
     As shown throughout the figures, a frame  30  is pivotally connected to the base  20  such that the frame  30  may swing inwardly or outwardly with respect to the base  20 . The frame  30  supports a plurality of rollers  40  which are adapted to support and rotate a plurality of food items  14  such as hot dogs. The frame  30  is preferably raised with respect to the grilling surface  13  by the base  20  such that food items  14  such as steaks or the like may be cooked on the grilling surface  13  underneath the frame  30  at the same time that other food items  14  are being cooked on the rollers  40  such as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     The frame  30  may comprise various constructions and should not be construed as limited in scope by the exemplary figures. In the exemplary figures, the frame  30  comprises a rectangular-shape having a frontal support  31 , a first side support  34 , a second side support  35 , and a rear support  36 . The frontal support  31  may include first indentations  22  and the rear support  36  may include second indentations  37  such as shown in  FIG. 12 . The rollers  40  are rotatably connected to the frame  30  between its frontal and rear supports  31 ,  36  by being rotatably positioned within the first and second indentations  22 ,  37  such as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The frame  30  generally include a second pivot connector  33  as shown in  FIG. 12  which interconnects with the first pivot connector  29  on the base  20  to pivotally interconnect the frame  30  and base  20 . The second pivot connector  33  may comprise a cylindrical receiver as shown in the figures which is adapted to receive the corresponding first pivot connector  29  on the base  20 . When the first pivot connector  29  is inserted within the second pivot connector  33 , the second pivot connector  33  may rotate with respect to the first pivot connector  29 . It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the reverse configuration may be utilized: the first pivot connector  29  may comprise a receiver and the second pivot connector  33  may comprise a pin or the like. 
     The frame  30  may also include a pivot handle  38  which may be grasped by the user to lift and pivot the frame  30  with respect to the base  20 . The pivot handle  38  may be positioned at various locations on the frame  30  and thus should not be construed as limited in scope by the positioning shown in the exemplary figures. 
     In the exemplary figures, the pivot handle  38  is shown as extending from the rear support  38  of the frame  30 . Other locations may be utilized. The pivot handle  38  may comprise a vertical extension as shown in the figures or may extend horizontally or angularly with respect to the frame  30 . 
     D. Rollers. 
     As shown throughout the figures, the frame  30  may include a plurality of parallel rollers  40  which extend between the frontal support  31  and the rear support  36  of the frame  30  such as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The spacing, positioning, orientation, and number of rollers  40  may vary in different embodiments. Thus, the exemplary configuration shown in the figures should not be construed as limiting on the scope. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown, each roller  40  comprises an elongated cylindrical rod or the like which is adapted to rotate within the frame  30 . Food items  14  such as hot dogs may be placed in between adjacent rollers  40  such that the rollers  40  rotate the hot dogs as the rollers  40  are rotated by the rotator assemblies  50 ,  60 . 
     As shown in the figures, each roller  40  includes a first end  41  and a second end  42 . The first end  41  of each roller  40  is positioned in one of the first indentations  32  of the frontal support  31  of the frame  30 . The second end  42  of each roller  40  is positioned in one of the second indentations  37  of the rear support  36  of the frame  30 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 12 , each roller  40  may include a first mount portion  43  at its first end  41  and a second mount portion  44  at its second end  42 . The mount portions  43 ,  44  may be of a smaller diameter than the rest of the rollers  40 . The mount portions  43 ,  44  fit within the indentations  32 ,  37  of the frame  30  and rotate therein to allow rotation of the rollers  40  within the frame  30  to evenly cook any food items  14  positioned on or between the rollers  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , each roller  40  may include a roller gear  45 . In the exemplary figures, each roller  40  includes a roller gear  45  at its first end  41 , though the roller gear  45  could be at the second end  42  of each roller  40  in some embodiments. The roller gear  45  interacts with the rotator assembly  50 ,  60  to transfer rotational force from the rotator assembly  50 ,  60  to the roller  40  as described in more detail below. 
     In some embodiments, the rollers  40  may each be individually removable. In this manner, the overall size of the present invention may be altered to meet different needs. Additionally, if one of the rollers  40  becomes damaged or needs maintenance/repair, the remaining rollers  40  may be retained for use while the broken roller  40  is serviced. 
     E. Rotator Assemblies. 
     As shown throughout the figures, a rotator assembly  50 ,  60  is provided which imparts rotational force to each of the rollers  40  so that the rollers  40  rotate with respect to the frame  30 . Various types of rotator assemblies  50 ,  60  may be utilized, and what follows should be considered an illustrative description of exemplary embodiments. The scope of the present invention should not be construed as limited to either of the two rotator assembly  50 ,  60  embodiments described or shown herein. 
     The figures illustrate two exemplary rotator assembly  50 ,  60  embodiments—a first rotator assembly  50  which is adjusted by a motor  55  and a second rotator assembly  60  which is rotated by hand. The first rotator assembly  50  is shown in  FIGS. 1-12  and the second rotator assembly  60  is shown in  FIGS. 13-22 . 
     i. First Rotator Assembly. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-12 , the first rotator assembly  50  utilizes a motor  55  to rotate the rollers  40 . One exemplary embodiment for the first rotator assembly  50  comprises a plurality of rotator gears  51 ,  52 ,  53  which are rotationally linked by a linkage  54  such as a chain. The rotator gears  51 ,  52 ,  53  may comprise sprockets, gears, or the like. The motor  55  directly rotates one of the rotator gears  51 ,  52 ,  53 , with the remaining rotator gears  51 ,  52 ,  53  being indirectly rotated by the linkage  54 . In some embodiments, the linkage  54  may be weighted to improve tension, such as by securing one or more weights to the bottom end of the linkage  54 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment as shown in  FIG. 3 , the rotator gears  51 ,  52 ,  53  comprise a first outer rotator gear  51 , a second outer rotator gear  52 , and a central rotator gear  53 . The central rotator gear  53  is illustrated as being directly connected to the motor  55  such that rotation of the motor&#39;s  55  drive shaft directly causes rotation of the central rotator gear  53 . It should be appreciated that the motor  55  may alternately be connected to either of the other rotator gears  51 ,  52 . In some embodiments, the motor  55  may be directly connected to multiple rotator gears  51 ,  52 ,  53 . 
     The linkage  54  will preferably comprise a plurality of indentations or projections which interconnect with the roller gears  45  such as shown in  FIG. 3 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the linkage  54  comprises a chain having a plurality of chain links. The roller gears  45  engage with the linkage  54  such that, as the linkage  54  traverses its loop, the roller gears  45  are rotated by the passing linkage  54 . The rotation of the roller gears  45  will directly cause the rotation of the respective rollers  40  to evenly cook the food item  14 . 
     ii. Second Rotator Assembly. 
       FIGS. 13-22  illustrate a second rotator assembly  60  which may be utilized to manually rotate the rollers  40 . A hand-rotated assembly  60  may be preferable for cooks who want to manually control the speed of rotation rather than relying upon the automation of a motor  55 . The second rotator assembly  60  utilizes a rotator handle  65  which is manually rotated to impart rotational force to the rollers  40 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 22 , the second rotator assembly  60  comprises a pair of brackets  61 ,  62  which are connected to or integrally formed with the frame  30 . In the exemplary embodiment of the figures, a first bracket  61  extends from a first side of the frontal support  31  and a second bracket  62  extends from a second side of the frontal support  31 . A rotator rod  63  extends between and through the brackets  61 ,  62  in a rotational manner such that the rotator rod  63  may rotate freely within the brackets  61 ,  62 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 13-16 and 22 , a plurality of rotator gears  64  are positioned along the length of the rotator rod  63 . The rotator gears  64  are connected to the rotator rod  63  such that the rotator gears  64  rotate with the rotator rod  63 . Corresponding roller gears  45  on the rollers  40  interconnect with the rotator gears  64  such that rotational force from the rotator rod  63  is imparted to rotate the rollers  40 . 
     In the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotator gears  64  are aligned with a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the rotator rod  63 . The roller gears  45  are aligned with a latitudinal axis extending parallel to the rotator rod  63  such that the axes of rotation of the roller gears  45  and rotator gears  64  are perpendicular with respect to each other. In other words, the roller gears  45  rotate around a first rotational axis and the rotator gears  64  rotate around a second rotational axis, wherein the first and second rotational axes are perpendicular with respect to each other. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 22 , a rotator handle  65  is positioned on the distal end of the rotator rod  63 . The rotator handle  65  may be manually rotated to impart rotational force through the rotator rod  63 , rotator gears  64 , and the roller gears  45  to rotate the rollers  40 . In some embodiments, a motor  55  or other mechanized rotational device may be connected to automatically rotate the rotator rod  63  or the rotator handle  65 . In the figures, the rotator handle  65  is illustrated as comprises a circular configuration, though other configurations may be utilized. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a gear configuration which may be utilized for the roller gears  45  and the rotator gears  64 . It should be appreciated that the exemplary figures and descriptions herein are merely exemplary with respect to the type of gear configuration, including shape and size, used for the roller or rotator gears  45 ,  64 . Thus, the gears  45 ,  64  should not be construed as limited in scope as to shape, size, or configuration by the exemplary figures. 
     F. Operation of Preferred Embodiment. 
     In use, the base  20  is first positioned on the grilling surface  13 . The base  20  may be connected to the grill  12  directly, such as by connecting to the sidewall of the grill  12 , or it may rest upon the grilling surface  13 . In some embodiments, the base  20  may be connected directly to the grilling surface  13 . 
     With the base  20  positioned on the grilling surface  13 , the height of the frame  30  may be adjusted. The inner support  25  of the base  20  may be adjusted with respect to the outer support  21  to the desired height and then locked in place with fasteners  16  and nuts  17  extending through the respective openings  23 ,  27  on the outer and inner supports  21 ,  25 . Adjustment of the effective height of the frame  30  by manipulation of the base  20  may be desirable to accommodate various different food items  14  to be cooked on the grilling surface  13  directly beneath the frame  30  when the frame  30  is in its first position such as shown in  FIG. 2   a.    
     With the base  20  positioned on the grill  12  and the effective height of the frame  30  adjusted, food items  14  may be positioned on the rollers  40  and/or the grilling surface  13  directly underneath the frame  30 . To cook a food item  14  underneath the frame  30 , the frame  30  may be swung into a second position that exposes the grilling surface  13  such as shown in  FIG. 2 b   . In  FIG. 2 b   , food items  14  comprised of steaks are positioned on the grilling surface  13  underneath the frame  30  while food items  14  comprised of hot dogs are positioned on the rollers  40 . 
     To swing the frame  30  between its at least two positions, the pivot handle  38  may be grasped and pulled upwardly to allow rotation of the frame  30  around the pivot connectors  29 ,  33 . In the exemplary figures such as shown in  FIGS. 2 a , 2 b   , and  6 , the frame  30  will rotate with respect to the base  20  around the pivot connectors  29 ,  33 . 
     The frame  30  may be swung or rotated between a first position which covers the grilling surface  13  and a second position which exposes the grilling surface  13 . When the frame  30  is in its first position, the frame  30  may rest upon and be supported by the ledge  28  of the base  20 . 
     The frame  30  will preferably be in an elevated position with respect to the grilling surface  13  so that there is space underneath the frame  30  for a food item  14  to be cooked underneath the rollers  40  when the frame  30  is in its first position. The frame  30  may be freely swung, rotated, or pivoted between its various positions to expose the underlying grilling surface  13  as needed. The height at which the frame  30  is elevated from the grilling surface  13  may vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments as described herein, the elevation may be adjusted by the operator. The desirable elevation of the frame  30  with respect to the grilling surface  13  will vary depending on the food item  14  being cooked on the grilling surface  13 . 
     The rollers  40  may be rotated to evenly apply heat around cylindrical food items  14  such as hot dogs. The food items  14  are first positioned on or between the rollers  40 . The rollers  40  may be rotated automatically in embodiments utilizing the first rotator assembly  50  of  FIGS. 1-12  or manually in embodiments utilizing the second rotator assembly  60  of  FIGS. 13-22 . 
     With respect to the first rotator assembly  50 , the motor  55  may be activated to rotate its drive shaft which directly rotates the central rotator gear  53 . A linkage  54  such as a chain is connected around the central rotator gear  53  and two outer rotator gears  51 ,  52  such that the chain traverses a loop when the motor  55  is operating. The roller gears  45  are interlinked with the linkage  54  such that the roller gears  45  and respective rollers  40  are rotated as the linkage  54  traverses its loop. 
     With respect to the second rotator assembly  60 , the rotator handle  65  may be manually or automatically rotated. As the rotator handle  65  is rotated, the rotator rod  63  rotates as well. The rotator gears  64  on the rotator rod  63  are thus rotated along with the rotator rod  63 , which causes the rollers  40  themselves to rotate. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the grill roller system, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The grill roller system may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.