Rotisserie for a grill

Abstract

A rotisserie device for a grill. The rotisserie device has a first side attachment element configured to be positioned on an upper lip or sidewall of the grill, and a second side attachment element configured to be positioned on an upper lip or sidewall of the grill at a location that is diametrically opposed to the first side attachment element. A rotatable spit is positioned between the first and second side attachment elements and driven by an electric motor. With the rotisserie device in place, the cover of the grill can be closed to maintain heat within an inner chamber of the grill.

Description

ROTISSERIE FOR A GRILLField of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to rotisserie devices, systems and methods for a grill. More specifically, the present invention relates generally to rotisserie devices, systems and methods for adding a rotisserie device to a grill.Background of the Invention

[0002] Rotisserie devices generally comprise an electric motor and a removable spit for holding food in a desired position over a heat source, such as charcoal in a grill. The motor can rotate the spit so that the heat source cooks the food evenly. The motor and the spit can be mounted on, coupled to or formed in the side of the grill. For example, it is common for a pair of opposed slots or apertures to be formed in sides of the grill for supporting the spit and the motor. In this manner, the cover of the grill can be closed while the spit rotates so that a desired temperature can be maintained within the grill.

[0003] Kamado grills are formed from ceramic materials having solid sidewalls with no slots or apertures. Conventional rotisserie devices for kamado grills include an adapter that sits on the base of the grill, with the top of the grill necessarily remaining open. The adapter can position the motor and spit in a desired position. However, heat generated by the grill is quickly lost due to the open top. It can therefor be difficult or impossible to maintain a desired temperature within the grill.

[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide rotisserie devices that can be coupled to a grill, and systems and methods for adding a rotisserie device to a grill, such that the food is positioned in a desired position above the heat source and allows the cover of the grill to remain closed while the food is cooking.SUMMARY

[0005] Presented herein includes a rotisserie device, and systems and methods for adding a rotisserie device to a grill. In one aspect, the rotisserie device comprises a first side attachment element, a separate second side attachment element and a rotatable spit that is positionable between the first and second side attachment elements. The first and second side attachment elements are configured to matingly engage an upper lip and / or a sidewall of a grill. The spit can be supported by the first and second side attachment elements and is configured to hold food above a heat source in the grill. The spit can be rotated relative to the heat source by an electric motor.

[0006] The present invention relates to rotisserie systems for grills, and to associated methods of assembly and use. More particularly, the invention concerns a system for supporting a rotisserie spit in relation to a grill base and heat source, in a manner that allows reliable positioning, stability, and compatibility with covers, motors, and other grill components.

[0007] According to aspects of the invention, a rotisserie system is provided for a grill having a base and a cover configured to close against the base, the base including an inner base surface defining an opening for receiving a heat source, an outer base surface, and an upper lip extending between the inner and outer surfaces. The rotisserie system may comprise a first attachment element and a second attachment element arranged at generally opposite sides of the opening to support opposite ends of a rotisserie spit.

[0008] Each attachment element may include an inner wall, an outer wall, and an upper wall extending between them, the upper wall being configured to support an end of the spit. The inner wall may include at least one inner support surface for engagement with the inner base surface, and the outer wall may include at least one outer support surface for engagement with the outer base surface. In certain arrangements, the inner support surface and outer support surface of a given attachment element are vertically displaced from one another, thereby enhancing stability of engagement with the base.

[0009] In some embodiments, the support surfaces are configured to frictionally engage corresponding surfaces of the base. Pads may be provided at theinner support surfaces to facilitate such engagement. The spacing between inner and outer walls may correspond substantially to the width of the base lip, allowing the upper walls to rest on or engage the lip.

[0010] The outer walls of the attachment elements may include multiple wall portions, such as a first portion extending substantially parallel to the inner wall, a tapered second portion, and a third portion extending parallel to the outer base surface. The upper walls may further define notches or grooves for receiving the spit, optionally dividing the attachment elements into left and right side portions connected by a connector element. Such connector elements may incorporate grooves of U- or V-shape for guiding and retaining the spit while permitting rotation. Raised portions adjacent the grooves may provide clearance for the grill cover when closed while still supporting rotation of the spit.

[0011] In some configurations, one attachment element may be longer than the other, or its left and right sides may extend further than corresponding sides of the other attachment element, thereby accommodating grill geometry or motor mounting. At least one attachment element may include an aperture or interface configured for connection to a drive motor. Portions of the upper walls supporting the spit may be cantilevered relative to the inner support surfaces, and may be positioned over the upper lip of the grill base. The cantilever arrangement allows for the attachment elements to attach to the sides of the grill without a secondary action, such as turning the screrv of a clamp.

[0012] The invention further provides methods of assembling a rotisserie system, including engaging opposite sides of the grill base with the attachment elements, engaging inner and outer base surfaces with vertically displaced support surfaces, and extending a spit across the opening by positioning its ends on the attachment elements. Cantilevered support may be used to position the spit above the heat source.

[0013] Methods of use are also provided, comprising operating the grill with the rotisserie system and optionally with a motor drive, while supporting a cover in a closed position without interfering with spit rotation.

[0014] Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may belearned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

[0015] Related methods of operation are also provided. Other apparatuses, methods, systems, features, and advantages of the rotisserie device will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional apparatuses, methods, systems, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the rotisserie device, and be protected by the accompanying claims.DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a rotisserie device for a grill, according to one aspect, the rotisserie device comprising a first side attachment element, a second side attachment element, a rotatable spit extending between the attachment elements, and a motor;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the rotisserie device of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a first perspective view of the first side attachment element and the second side attachment element of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a second perspective view of the first side attachment element and the second side attachment element of FIG. 1 ;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second side attachment element of FIG. 1, showing the second side attachment element coupled to the grill; and

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first side attachment element of FIG. 1, showing the first side attachment element coupled to the grill.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, and claims, and their previous and following description. Before the present system, devices, and / or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to thespecific systems, devices, and / or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0023] The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known aspect. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that many changes can be made to the aspects described, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof.

[0024] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to an “element” includes aspects having two or more such elements unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and''or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0026] As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0027] The rotisserie device is shown in Figures 1-6. In various aspects, the rotisserie device 10 can comprise a first side attachment element 12, a separate secondside attachment element 14 and a spit 16 that is positionable between the first side attachment element 12 and the second side attachment element 14. The first and second side attachment elements 12, 14 can be sized and shaped to securedly engage an upper lip 18 of a grill 20. The spit 16 can be supported by the first side attachment element 12 and the second side attachment element 14 and can be configured to hold food. The spit 16 can be rotated relative to the first and second side attachment elements 12, 14 by an electric motor 22. Note that while reference will be made herein to the use of the rotisserie device 10 with a kamado grill 20, is contemplated that the rotisserie device 10 is not limited to such application and can be used with many other applications in which it is desirable to rotate food in proximity to a heat source.

[0028] The grill 20 can have a base 24 and a cover 26 rotatably coupled to the base 24 about and between an open position, in which an inner chamber 28 of the grill 20 is accessible (as shown in Figures 1-6), and a closed position, in which the inner chamber 28 of the grill 20 is not accessible. The base 24 can have an inner surface 30, an outer surface 32 and the upper lip 18 extending between the inner surface 30 and the outer surface 32. Optionally, a flexible gasket 34 formed from a heat-resistant material can be positioned on the upper lip 18. A hinge band 25 can extend around the circumference of the base 24 adjacent to the upper lip 18, and a step ring 27 having an increased diameter relative to other portions of the base 24 can be formed in the base 24 such that the step ring 27 extends around the circumference of the base 24 adjacent to and below the hinge band 25.

[0029] As seen in Figures 3 and 4, the first side attachment element 12 comprises an inner wall 36, an outer wall 38 spaced from the inner Avail 36 a predetermined distance, and an upper wall 40 extending between the inner wall 36 and the outer wall 38. In one aspect, at least a portion of the outer wall 38 can extend substantially parallel to the inner wall 36. In another aspect, the predetermined distance between the inner wall 36 and the outer wall 38 can be substantially the same as, or greater than a width of the upper lip 18 of the grill 20. For example, the first side attachment element 12 can be sized and shaped so that in use, described more fully below, the inner wall 36 can be positioned on the inside of the grill 20 adjacent to and in contact with the inner surface 30 of the grill 20, while simultaneously, the outer wall 38 can be positioned on the outside of the grill 20 adjacent to and / or incontact with the outer surface 32 of the grill 20. Similarly, the upper wall 40 can be positioned adjacent to and in contact with the upper lip 18 and / or the gasket 34 positioned on the upper lip 18. This frictional engagement between the inner wall 36 of the first side attachment element 12 and the inner surface 30 of the grill 20, the outer wall 38 of the first side attachment element 12 and the outer surface 32 of the grill 20, and''or the upper wall 40 of the first side attachment element 12 and the upper lip 30 of the grill 20 can maintain the first side attachment element 12 in a desired position on the base 24.

[0030] In one aspect, the outer wall 38 of the first side attachment element 12 can comprise a first portion 44 extending substantially parallel to the inner wall 36 and a second portion 46 positioned below the first portion 44 that tapers towards the inner wall 36. That is, the second portion 46 can be positioned at an acute angle relative to the inner wall 36. The outer wall 38 of the first side attachment element 12 can further comprise a third portion 42 extending substantially parallel to the inner wall 36 and / or to the first portion 44. Optionally, a pad 48 or gripping device can be fixedly attached to the third portion 42 so that in use, the pad 48 can frictionally engage the outer surface 32 of the grill 20. More specifically, the outer wall 38 can be sized and shaped so that in use, the first portion 44 of the outer wall 38 can be spaced from the outer surface of the grill, and the third portion 42 can frictionally engage the outer surface 32 of the grill 20. That is, the taper of the outer wall 38 can be sized and shaped to conform to the tapering shape of the base 24 so that the first side attachment element 12 can engage the outer surface 32 of the grill 20 in an area below the upper lip 18. Optionally, the outer wall 38 can be sized and shaped so that the outer wall 38 does not contact or otherwise engage the hinge band 25 adjacent to the upper lip 18, and the outer wall 38 does not contact or otherwise engage the step ring 27 having an increased diameter that is adjacent to the hinge band 25. Instead, the outer wall 38 can be sized and shaped so that, in use, the outer wall 38 is spaced from the hinge band 25 and the step ring 27, but is frictionally engaged with the outer surface 32 of the grill 20 at an area below the step ring 27.

[0031] In another aspect, a notch 50 can be defined in the upper wall 40, the inner wall 36 and / or at least a portion of the outer wall 38 of the first side attachment element 12. In this aspect, the notch 50 can separate the first side attachment element 12 into a left side 52 and a right side 54. The first side attachment element 12 canfurther comprise a connecting element 56 that connects the upper wall 40 on the left side 52 of the first side attachment element 12 to the upper wall 40 on the right side 54.

[0032] The connecting element 56 of the upper wall 40 can be shaped so that at least one groove 58 can be defined in or by the connecting element 56. In one aspect, at least a portion of the connecting element 56 can be U-shaped or V-shaped so that the groove 58 is formed. In this aspect, the at least one groove 58 can be sized and shaped so that a portion of the spit 16 can rotatably ride in the groove. Optionally, at least a portion 60 of the connecting element 56 can be positioned above a plane which contains the upper wall 40. That is, at least one raised portion 60 of the connecting element 56 can extend upwards and away from the upper wall 40 so that in use, the cover 26 of the grill 20 can contact the raised portion 60 of the connecting element 56. In one example, the portions of the connecting element 56 adjacent to the groove 58 can be the raised portion 60 so that in use, the cover 26 can contact the raised portion 60 adjacent to the groove 58, thereby securedly but rotatably holding the spit 16 in place therein the groove 58. In this example, there can be a first raised portion 60 adjacent to the left of the groove 58 and a second raised portion 60 adjacent to the right of the groove 58.

[0033] Still with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the second side attachment element 14 comprises the inner wall 36, the outer wall 38 spaced from the inner wall 36 a predetermined distance, and the upper wall 40 extending between the inner wall 36 and the outer wall 38. In one aspect, at least a portion of the outer wall 38 can extend substantially parallel to the inner wall 36. In another aspect, the predetermined distance between the inner wall 36 and the outer wall 38 can be substantially the same as, or greater than a width of the upper lip 18 of the grill 20. For example, the second side attachment element 14 can be sized and shaped so that in use, described more fully below, the inner wall 36 can be positioned on the inside of the grill 20 adjacent to and in contact with the inner surface 30 of the grill 20, while simultaneously, the outer wall 38 can be positioned on the outside of the grill 20 adjacent to and / or in contact with the outer surface 32 of the grill 20. Similarly, the upper wall 40 can be positioned adjacent to and in contact with the upper lip 18 and / or the gasket 34 positioned on the upper lip 18. This frictional engagement between the inner wall 36 of the second side attachment element 14 and the inner surface 30 of the grill 20, theouter wall 38 of the second side attachment element 14 and the outer surface 32 of the grill 20, and / or the upper wall 40 of the second side attachment element 14 and the upper lip 30 of the grill 20 can maintain the second side attachment element 14 in a desired position on the base 24.

[0034] In one aspect, the outer wall 38 of the second side attachment element 14 can comprise the first portion 44 extending substantially parallel to the inner wall 36 and the second portion 46 positioned below the first portion 44 that tapers towards the inner wall 36. That is, the second portion 46 can be positioned at an acute angle relative to the inner wall 36. The outer wall 38 of the second side attachment element 14 can further comprise the third portion 42 extending substantially parallel to the inner wall 36 and''or to the first portion 44. Optionally, the pad 48 or gripping device can be fixedly attached to the third portion 42 so that in use, the pad 48 can frictionally engage the outer surface 32 of the grill 20. More specifically, the outer wall 38 can be sized and shaped so that in use, the first portion 44 of the outer wall 38 can be spaced from the outer surface of the grill, and the third portion 42 can frictionally engage the outer surface 32 of the grill 20. That is, the taper of the outer wall 38 can be sized and shaped to conform to the tapering shape of the base 24 so that the second side attachment element 14 can engage the outer surface 32 of the grill 20 in an area below the upper lip 18. Optionally, the outer wall 38 can be sized and shaped so that the outer wall 38 does not contact or otherwise engage the hinge band 25 adjacent to the upper lip 18, and the outer wall 38 does not contact or otherwise engage the step ring 27 having an increased diameter that is adjacent to the hinge band 25. Instead, the outer wall 38 can be sized and shaped so that, in use, the outer wall is spaced from the hinge band 25 and the step ring 27, but is frictionally engaged with the outer surface 32 of the grill 20 in an area below the step ring 27.

[0035] In another aspect, a notch 50 can be defined in the upper wall 40, the inner wall 36 and / or at least a portion of the outer wall 38 of the second side attachment element 14. In this aspect, the notch 50 can separate the second side attachment element 14 into the left side 52 and the right side 54. The second side attachment element 14 can further comprise the connecting element 56 that connects the upper wall 40 on the left side 52 of the second side attachment element 14 to the upper wall 40 on the right side 54.

[0036] The connecting element 56 of the upper wall 40 can be shaped so that the at least one groove 58 can be defined in or by the connecting element 56. In one aspect, at least a portion of the connecting element 56 can be U-shaped or V-shaped so that the groove 58 is formed. In this aspect, the at least one groove 58 can be sized and shaped so that a portion of the spit 16 can rotatably ride in the groove 58. Optionally, at least a portion 60 of the connecting element 56 can be positioned above a plane which contains the upper wall 40. That is, at least the raised portion 60 of the connecting element 56 can extend upwards and away from the upper wall 40 so that in use, the cover 26 can contact the raised portion 60 of the connecting element 56. In one example, the portions of the connecting element 56 adjacent to the groove 58 can be the raised portion 60 so that in use, the cover 26 can contact the raised portion 60 adjacent to the groove 58, thereby securedly but rotatably holding the spit 16 in place therein the groove 58. In this example, there can be a first raised portion 60 adjacent to the left of the groove 58 and a second raised portion 60 adjacent to the right of the groove 58.

[0037] In one aspect, the second side attachment element 14 can have a length that is greater than the length of the first side attachment element 12. Optionally, the left side 52 of the second side attachment element 14 can have a length that is greater than the length of the left side 52 of the first side attachment element 12. Similarly, the right side 54 of the second side attachment element 14 can have a length that is greater than the length of the right side 54 of the first side attachment element 12. In another aspect, at least one mounting aperture 62 can be defined in the outer wall 38 of the second side attachment element 14. In this aspect, the mounting aperture 62 can be sized and shaped so that the motor 22 can be securedly coupled to the second side attachment element 14. For example, the at least one mounting aperture 62 can be a slot configured to engage a tab of the motor 22 so that the motor can be fixedly attached to the second side attachment element 14. In another example, the at least one mounting aperture 62 can comprise a plurality of screw holes so that the motor 22 can be securedly screwed or bolted to the second side attachment element 14.

[0038] In order to mount the rotisserie device 10 to the grill, the cover 26 can be rotated to the open position in which the inner chamber 28 of the grill 20 is accessible. The first side attachment element 12 can be positioned on the grill 20 by positioning the inner wall 36 of the first side attachment element 12 into contact withthe inner surface 30 of the grill 20, and by positioning the outer wall 38 of the first side attachment element 12 into contact with the outer surface 32 of the grill 20. The upper wall 40 of the first side attachment element 12 can rest on the upper lip 30 or the gasket 34 of the grill 20. The second side attachment element 14 can be positioned on the grill 20 by positioning the inner wall 36 of the second side attachment element 14 into contact with the inner surface 30 of the grill 20, and by positioning the outer wall 38 of the second side attachment element 14 into contact with the outer surface 32 of the grill 20. The upper wall 40 of the second side attachment element 14 can rest on the upper lip 30 or the gasket 34 of the grill 20. The second side attachment element 14 can be positioned on the grill 20 and at location diametrically opposed to the first side attachment element 12.

[0039] The motor 22 can be coupled to the second side attachment element 14 through engagement of a portion of the motor 22 with the at least one mounting aperture 62. The spit 16 can be positioned in the groove 58 of both the first side attachment element 12 and the second side attachment element 14, and an end of the spit 16 can be coupled to the motor 22 so that rotation of the motor 22 can cause the spit 16 to rotate.

[0040] In use, food to be cooked or heated can be secured to the spit 16 and the cover 26 of the grill 20 can be rotated to the closed position, in which the inner chamber 28 of the grill 20 is not accessible. As the cover is closed, a portion of the cover 26 can contact the at least one raised portion 60 of the connecting element 56 of both the first side attachment element 12 and the second side attachment element 14, so that the engagement between the cover 26 and the at least one raised portion securedly yet rotatably holds the spit in the groove 58 of both the first side attachment element 12 and the second side attachment element 14.

[0041] The spit 16 holds the food a desired distance from the heat source in the grill 20, and rotation of the spit 16 helps the food cook or be heated more evenly. Because the upper wall 40 of the first and second side attachment elements 12, 14 is substantially flat (except for the at least one raised portion 60), the cover 26 can be folly closed or substantially folly closed with the rotisserie device 10 in place, so that heat from the heat source is maintained in the inner chamber 28 of the grill 20.

[0042] Although several aspects of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other aspects of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the invention is not limited to the specific aspects disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A rotisserie system for a grill having a spit, a base and a cover configured to close against the base, wherein the base includes an inner base surface defining an opening for holding a heat source, an outer base surface and an upper lip extending between the inner and outer surfaces, the rotisserie system comprising: a first attachment element having a first inner wall, a first outer wall and a first upper wall, wherein the first inner wall includes at least one first inner support surface and wherein the first outer wall includes at least one first outer support surface and wherein the first upper wall extends between the first inner and outer walls and is configured to support a first end of the spit; and a second attachment element having a second inner wall, a second outer wall and a second upper wall, wherein the second inner wall includes at least one second inner support surface and wherein the second outer wall includes at least one second outer support surface and wherein the second upper Avail extends betw een the second inner and outer walls to support a second end of the spit: wherein the first and second attachment elements are configured to engage the base at generally opposite locations across the opening holding the heat source; wherein the first inner support surface is configured to engage the inner base surface vertically displaced from where the first outer support surface is configured to engage the outer base surface; wherein the second inner support surface is configured to engage the inner base surface vertically displaced from where the second outer support surface is configured to engage the outer base surface; and wherein the spit, when supported by the attachment elements, extends across the opening holding the heat source.

2. The rotisserie system of claim 1, wherein the inner and outer support surfaces are configured to frictionally engage the inner base wall and the outer base wall, respectively.

3. The rotisserie system of any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a first and second pads and wherein the first inner support surface is on the first pad and wherein the second inner support surface is on the second pad.

4. The rotisserie system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein a predetermined distance is defined between the first inner wall and the first outer wall and between the second inner wall and the second outer wall and wherein the predetermined distances is at least substantially the same as a width of the upper lip of the base.

5. The rotisserie system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first and second upper walls are configured to engage the upper lip of the grill base.

6. The rotisserie system of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising a first portion of the first or second outer walls, wherein the first portion extends substantially parallel to the first and second inner walls.

7. The rotisserie system of claim 6, further comprising a second portion of the first and second outer walls, wherein the second portion is positioned below the first portion and is configured to taper towards the outer base surface.

8. The rotisserie system of claim 7, further comprising a third portion of the first and second outer walls, wherein the third portion is positioned below the second portion and is configured to extend parallel to and engage the outer base surface.

9. The rotisserie system of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the first upper wall defines a first notch and the second upper wall defines a second notch.

10. The rotisserie system of claim 9, wherein the first notch divides the first attachment element into a left side and a right side and wherein the second notch divides the second attachment element into a left side and a right side.

11. The rotisserie system of claim 10, wherein the first attachment element includes a first connector connecting the first upper wall of the left side and the right side and wherein the second attachment element includes a second connector connecting the second upper wall of the left side and the right side.

12. The rotisserie system of claim 11 , wherein each of the first and second connecting elements defines at least one groove configured to receive a portion of the spit.

13. The rotisserie system of claim 12, wherein a raised portion of the first and second connecting elements is configured to extend away from the upper base wall and to support the cover when closed while allowing the spit to rotate in the groove.

14. The rotisserie system of claim 13, wherein the groove is defined at the bottom of a U or V-shape and the U or V-shape includes a pair raised portions on opposite sides of the groove.

15. The rotisserie system of any one of claims 10-14, wherein the second attachment element is longer than the first attachment element.

16. The rotisserie system of claim 15, wherein the left side of the second attachment element is longer than the left side of the first attachment element.

17. The rotisserie system of claim 16, wherein the right side of the second attachment element is longer than the right side of the first attachment element.

18. The rotisserie system of any one of claims 1-17, the second outer wall of the second attachment element defines a mounting aperture configured for coupling to a motor.

19. The rotisserie system of any one of claims 1-18, wherein a portion of the first upper wall is configured to support the first end of the spit is cantilevered with respect to the first inner support surface and wherein a portion of the second upper wall is configured to support the second end of the spit is cantilevered with respect to the second inner support surface.

20. The rotisserie system of claim 19, wherein the portion of the first upper wall is configured to be positioned over the upper lip and wherein the portion of the second upper wall is configured to be positioned over the upper lip.

21. A method of assembling a rotisserie system, the method comprising:engaging a base of a grill with a first and second attachment elements at generally opposite locations across an opening of the base defining an opening holding a heat source: engaging an inner base surface with a first inner support surface of the first attachment element vertically displaced from engaging an outer base surface with a first outer support surface of the first attachment element; engaging the inner base surface with a second inner support surface of the second attachment element vertically displaced from engaging the outer base surface with a second outer support surface of the first attachment element; and extending a spit across the opening holding the heat source by positioning a first end of the spit on the first attachment element and a second end of the spit on the second attachment element.

22. A method of claim 21, wherein extending the spit includes cantilevering a first upper wall of the first attachment element relative to the first inner support surface and cantilevering a second upper wall of the second attachment element relative to the second inner support surface and supporting the spit on the first and second upper walls.

23. A method of using any one of the rotisserie systems of claims 1-20.

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