Apparatus for Preventing Splatter on a Front Surface of a Kitchen Stove and Methods of Using the Same

Abstract

An apparatus prevents splatter on a front surface of a kitchen stove. More specifically, an apparatus attaches to a front surface of a kitchen stove. The apparatus prevents the splatter of cooking material, such as oils, grease, hot water and other like food material, from defiling the front of the kitchen stove, such as the dials and oven door disposed beneath the burners of a stovetop, and/or prevents splatter from ending up on the kitchen floor. Moreover, the apparatus helps to prevents injuries to children by preventing children access to the stovetop heating elements and cooking containers disposed thereon.

Description

PRIOR APPLICATION DATA

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/304,847, filed Feb. 16, 2010, entitled, "APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING SPLATTER ON A FRONT SURFACE OF A KITCHEN STOVE AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME," the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for preventing splatter on a front surface of a kitchen stove/oven combination unit and methods of using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus that is attachable to a front surface of a kitchen stove/oven combination unit (hereinafter "kitchen stove"). The apparatus prevents the splatter of cooking material, such as oils, grease, hot water and other like food material, from defiling the front of the kitchen stove, such as the dials and oven door disposed beneath the burners of a stovetop and further prevents splatter that would normally end up on the kitchen floor. Moreover, the apparatus helps to prevents injuries to children by preventing children access to the stovetop heating elements and cooking containers disposed thereon.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is, of course, known to utilize a kitchen stove to cook foods thereon. A typical modern kitchen stove generally includes a plurality of burners disposed on a top surface for the direct application of cooking pots and/or pans for the direct heating of foods contained therein. The burners may typically contain a heating element, such as an electrically-heated element or a natural gas burning element. As noted, cooking containers may be placed thereon for the cooking of foods on the heating elements.

[0004] Disposed beneath a kitchen stove is typically an oven for the baking of foods therein. The oven generally may consist of an enclosed space wherein access is obtained by opening a door. Racks for holding the foods thereon may be disposed within the oven. The oven may also be heated electrically or through natural gas.

[0005] Disposed between the stovetop surface and the oven door is typically a surface. On this surface may be a plurality of dials or other control features for controlling the heating elements of the stovetop or the oven. Alternatively, especially in electric stoves and ovens, the controls may be disposed on a panel behind and above the stovetop heating elements such that an individual must lean over the stovetop elements to turn the stovetop and/or oven elements on and off. In some cases, controls for controlling the stovetop elements are disposed on the surface between the stovetop and the oven, and controls for controlling the oven are disposed on the panel behind and above the stovetop heating elements.

[0006] The surface between the stovetop and the oven door as well as the oven door itself are susceptible to collecting oils, grease, and other like food components, as well as water stains and the like from splattering that may occur when foods are cooked on the stovetop elements. Cleaning this surface may be difficult, especially after greases and oils have congealed, creating stains on the surface as well as the oven door. Moreover, it may be difficult to clean when dials and/or other controls are present in this general vicinity.

[0007] In addition, it is further known that children may be susceptible to injury caused by reaching up and touching a hot element or a cooking container disposed on the stovetop having cooked food therein. Moreover, a child may further be injured by splattering of foods on cooking containers on stovetop elements if the child is standing adjacent the front of the stove or nearby.

[0008] A need, therefore, exists for an apparatus that shields the front surface of a kitchen stove, thereby protecting the front surface of the kitchen stove from splatters from foods cooked thereon. Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus that is easy to attach to a front surface of a kitchen stove and easily removable for cleaning and/or changing.

[0009] Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus for shielding the front surface of a kitchen stove that is easily cleaned when defiled by greases, oils, water stains, and other like components that may splatter from cooking containers disposed on the heating elements of the stovetop.

[0010] Further, a need exists for an apparatus that easily attaches to the front surface of a kitchen stove. Still further, a need exists for an apparatus that attaches to the front surface of a kitchen stove that does not mar, scratch, chip, or otherwise mark the front surface of the kitchen stove.

[0011] Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus that prevents spills and/or splatter from a stovetop from ending up on the kitchen floor.

[0012] In addition, a need exists for an apparatus that prevents injuries to people, especially children, and/or pets that may be standing, sitting, crawling or otherwise near the kitchen stove. Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus that prevents a child and/or pet from accessing the stovetop thereby preventing injuries from touching hot cooking containers or heating elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an apparatus for preventing splatter on a front surface of an oven and methods of making and using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus that is attachable to a front surface of a kitchen stove. The apparatus prevents the splatter of cooking material, such as oils, grease, hot water and other like food material, from defiling the front of the kitchen stove, such as the dials and oven door disposed beneath the burners of a stovetop, and/or prevents splatter from ending up on the kitchen floor. Moreover, the apparatus helps to prevent injuries to children by preventing children access to the stovetop heating elements and cooking containers disposed thereon.

[0014] To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention a kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus is provided. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus comprises a top plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge and first and second side edges; a downwardly extending side plate interconnecting with the top plate to form, generally, an L-shaped profile; and an attachment element capable of attaching the apparatus to the front surface of a stove.

[0015] In an embodiment, the kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus further comprises a flange extending rearwardly from the top plate.

[0016] In an embodiment, the attachment element is a magnet.

[0017] In an embodiment, the magnet is disposed on the rear surface of the downwardly extending side plate.

[0018] In an embodiment, the magnet is disposed in a pocket in the rear surface of the downwardly extending side plate.

[0019] In an embodiment, the kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus further comprises a flange extending rearwardly from the top plate, wherein the attachment element is a magnet, and further wherein the magnet extends rearwardly from the rear surface of the downwardly extending side plate.

[0020] In an embodiment, the flange includes a terminal portion and the magnet includes a terminal portion, wherein the terminal portions of the flange and the magnet terminate in the same vertical plane.

[0021] In an embodiment, the kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus further comprises a rearwardly disposed back plate extending from the side plate for stabilizing the splatter guard apparatus when attached to a kitchen stove.

[0022] In an embodiment, the rearwardly disposed back plate is disposed orthogonally to the side plate.

[0023] In an embodiment, the attachment element is adhesive.

[0024] In an embodiment, the attachment element is an adhesive pad.

[0025] In an embodiment, the adhesive pad is disposed on a rear surface of the side plate.

[0026] In an embodiment, the attachment element is disposed in a plurality of discrete locations on a rear surface of the side plate.

[0027] In an embodiment, the attachment element is a plurality of magnets.

[0028] In an embodiment, the attachment element is a plurality of adhesive pads.

[0029] In an embodiment, the attachment element is a magnetic strip disposed on the rear surface of the side plate.

[0030] In an embodiment, the attachment element is a J-shaped bolt.

[0031] In an embodiment, the J-shaped bolt includes a nut for tightening the J-shaped bolt to a stove.

[0032] In an embodiment, the rear edge of the top plate is straight from the first side edge to the second side edge.

[0033] In an embodiment, the rear edge of the top plate is curved over at least a portion of the rear edge.

[0034] It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus that shields the front surface of a kitchen stove, thereby protecting the front surface of the kitchen stove from splatters from foods cooked thereon.

[0035] Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is easy to attach to a front surface of a kitchen stove and easily removable for cleaning and/or changing.

[0036] And, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus for shielding the front surface of a kitchen stove that is easily cleaned when defiled by greases, oils, water stains, and other like components that may splatter from cooking containers disposed on the heating elements of the stovetop.

[0037] Further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus that easily attaches to the front surface of a kitchen stove.

[0038] Still further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus that attaches to the front surface of a kitchen stove that does not mar, scratch, chip, or otherwise mark the front surface of the kitchen stove.

[0039] Further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus that prevents spills and/or splatter from a stovetop from ending up on the kitchen floor.

[0040] In addition, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus that helps to prevent injuries to people, especially children, and/or pets that may be standing, sitting, crawling or otherwise near the kitchen stove.

[0041] Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus that helps to prevent a child and/or pet from accessing the stovetop thereby preventing injuries from touching hot cooking containers or heating elements.

[0042] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a splatter guard apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a splatter guard apparatus attached to a kitchen stove in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a splatter guard apparatus in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a splatter guard apparatus in the alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a splatter guard apparatus attached to a kitchen stove in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a splatter guard apparatus in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a splatter guard apparatus in the alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a splatter guard apparatus attached to a kitchen stove in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a splatter guard apparatus in a further alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a splatter guard apparatus in the further alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of a splatter guard apparatus attached to a kitchen stove in yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of a splatter guard apparatus in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of a splatter guard apparatus in a further alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective rear view of a splatter guard apparatus in a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective rear view of a splatter guard apparatus in a further alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a splatter guard apparatus in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 18 illustrates a front view of the splatter guard apparatus in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 19 illustrates a cut-away side view of the splatter guard apparatus in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 20 illustrates a top view of a splatter guard apparatus in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064] The present invention relates to an apparatus for preventing splatter on a front surface of an oven and methods of making and using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus that is attachable to a front surface of a kitchen stove. The apparatus prevents the splatter of cooking material, such as oils, grease, hot water and other like food material, from defiling the front of the kitchen stove, such as the dials and oven door disposed beneath the burners of a stovetop, or ending up on the floor, such as on a kitchen floor. Moreover, the apparatus prevents injuries to children by preventing children access to the stovetop heating elements and cooking containers disposed thereon.

[0065] Now referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 illustrates a splatter guard 10 in an embodiment of the present invention. The splatter guard 10 may have a top plate 12 and a side plate 14 interconnected together to form, generally, an L-shaped profile. Specifically, the top plate 12 and the side plate 14 may be a single integral piece, or two separate pieces that are adhered together to form the top plate 12 and the side plate 14. The top plate 12 and the side plate 14 may be made from any material apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, the top plate 12 and the side plate 14 may be made from transparent or translucent plastic, such as, preferably, Plexiglas.RTM., providing aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-clean surfaces. Alternatively, the top plate 12 and the side plate 14 may be opaque and colored, either a single color or multiple colors. For example, the splatter guard 10 may be made from metal or metal-coated such that the splatter guard 10 is made from or appears to be made from stainless steel or other metal. The splatter guard 10 may further include a flange 15 that extends from the top plate 12. The flange 15 may extend beyond the rear surface of the side plate 14.

[0066] The top plate 12 and the side plate 14 may be interconnected to each other in such a way that the top plate 12 and the side plate 14 are, generally, at 90 degrees to each other. Depending on the kitchen stove the splatter guard is attached to (as noted below with reference to FIG. 3), the top plate 12 and the side plate 14 may be interconnected to each other in angles other than 90 degrees, such as at a more acute or more obtuse angle, to ensure that the top plate 12 extends outwardly at the desired angle. Preferably, the angle that the top plate 12 extends from the side plate 14 allows the top plate to be level such that splatter contained thereon does not run off the top plate 12 but stays thereon. A depression (not shown) may be formed in the top plate 12 for holding the splatter of food material therein if splattered onto the top plate 12.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 2, an adhesive pad 16 may be disposed on the side plate 14 for adhering the splatter guard 10 onto the front surface 22 of a kitchen stove 20, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The adhesive pad 16 may be disposed over the entire surface of the side plate 14 from a first edge of the side plate 14 to a second edge of the side plate 14. Alternatively, splatter guard 10 may include a plurality of adhesive pads (not shown) disposed at various places on the surface of the side plate 14 for adhering the splatter guard 10 to the front of a kitchen stove, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The adhesive pad may contain any standard adhesive providing sufficient adherence of the splatter guard 10 to the front of a kitchen stove. Preferably, the adhesive may provide sufficient adhesion of the splatter guard 10 onto the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20. Moreover, the adhesive may allow the splatter guard 10 to be removable from the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20 without leaving residue. Alternatively, magnets may be used to affix the splatter guard 10 to the kitchen stove 20, as illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 7-9.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 3, the splatter guard 10 may be adhered to a kitchen stove 20 on a front surface 22 of the kitchen stove. Preferably, the splatter guard 10 may be disposed in a location wherein a top surface of the top plate 12 is generally level with a top surface 24 of the kitchen stove 20, although the splatter guard 10 may be disposed above or beneath the top surface 24 of the kitchen stove 20. Further, the kitchen stove 20 includes at least a burner 26 for disposing a cooking pot or pan (not shown) thereon for the cooking of food. Of course, the kitchen stove 20 may include a plurality of burners (not shown), as apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art.

[0069] The splatter guard 10 is disposed above the front area 28 of the kitchen stove. Specifically, the front area 28 may include an oven with an oven door 30 and oven door handle 32, a dial 34 or a plurality of dials (not shown) for controlling the burners on the kitchen stove 20 or the use of the oven. The splatter guard 10 provides a top surface on the top plate 12 that catches splatter from cooking pots and/or pans disposed on the burner 26. Specifically, splatter may include water, grease, fats, food that is in the process of being cooked, and other like material that may eject from the cooking pots and/or pans while heating and cooking the foods contained therein. The flange 15 of the splatter guard 10 allows the top surface of the top plate 12 to be disposed flush or nearly flush to the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20. This allows the splatter guard 10 to catch splatter that may fall down close to the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the flange 15 is not present on the splatter guard 10, although the flange 15 is preferred.

[0070] The splatter guard 10 allows the surface of the top plate 12 to catch most if not all of the splatter and may be easily cleaned, thereby protecting the front area 28 of the oven, including the oven door 30, the oven door handle 32 and/or the dial 34. Alternatively and/or in addition, the splatter guard 10 may prevent access to the top surface 24 of the kitchen stove 20 from children and/or pets, or other individuals that may be harmed if they were able to reach the top surface 24 of the kitchen stove 20 from beneath. Moreover, the splatter guard 10 helps to prevent much of the splatter of hot water, grease, fats, oils, food, or other like material from raining down on the children and/or pets that may be beneath the splatter guard 10.

[0071] Preferably, the splatter guard 10 may have a length (L) that is sufficient to cover the entirety or at least most of the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove. Preferably, the length (L) of the splatter guard 10 may be approximately 30 inches long to fit standard kitchen stoves. Most preferably, the length (L) of the splatter guard 10 may be 293/4 inches long. However, the platter guard 10 may be any length apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to fit any size stove.

[0072] It should be noted that some standard kitchen stoves include a lips or bevel around the perimeter of the front surface 22 that may interfere with the adherence of the side plate 14 to the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove. In this case, the side plate may have a length that is slightly smaller than the length of the top plate 14 so as to more fully adhere the splatter guard 10 to the front surface 22. FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate various embodiments of a side plate 14 that is shorter in length that the top plate 12 so as to keep from being disposed on the lip or bevel that may run around the perimeter of the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20.

[0073] Further, the side plate 14 may include a height (H) as illustrated in FIG. 2. The height (H) of the side plate 14 may be such that the side plate 14 provides a sufficient surface to be adhered to the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove but does not interfere with the proper use of the dial 34, the oven door 30 and/or the oven door handle 32. Preferably, the side plate 15 may extend about 1/2 inch to 2 inches downwardly from the top plate 12. More preferably, the side plate 14 may extend about 1 inch downwardly from the top plate 12. In addition, the top plate 12 may extend a distance away from the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20, sufficient to catch splatter thereon from stovetop cooking. Preferably, the top plate 12 may extend about 1 inch to about 4 inches away from the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20. More preferably, the top plate 12 may extend about 21/2 inches from the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20.

[0074] Now referring to FIGS. 4-6, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is presented. Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates a splatter guard 50 having a top plate 52 and a side plate 54, similar to the top plate 12 and the side plate 14, described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3. A back plate 56 may be provided adhered or otherwise attached to the back surface of the side plate 54. Alternatively, the back plate 56 may be integrally formed with the splatter guard 50. The back plate 56 may generally run parallel to the top plate 52 and is further illustrated with respect to FIG. 5. Specifically, the back plate 56 may preferably run the entirety of the back surface of the side plate 54 from a first side of the side plate 54 to a second side of the side plate 54. Alternatively, a plurality of back plates (not shown) may be disposed across the back surface of the side plate 14 in discrete locations, as apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art. The splatter guard 50 further may include an adhesive pad 58 similar to the adhesive pad 16 illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. Alternatively, the adhesive pad may be replaced with magnets, as illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 7-9.

[0075] In addition, the splatter guard 50 may include a flange 55 extending from the top plate 52 to dispose the top surface of the top plate 52 flush to the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20, thereby catching more splatter. The flange 55 is similar to the flange 15 of the splatter guard 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the splatter guard 56 may be affixed upon the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20. The adhesive pad 58 may adhere the side plate 54 to the front surface 22. The back plate 56 may disposed within a space 60 disposed between a top section 62 of the kitchen stove 20 and the lower section 64 of the kitchen stove 20. The top section 62 of the kitchen stove 20 may include the top surface 24 with the burner 26 (or plurality of burners, not shown). The back plate 56 provides rigidity to the splatter guard 50 and stability to the splatter guard 50 while disposed on the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20. Moreover, the back plate 56 allows the splatter guard 50 to be disposed on the front surface 22 easily in the desired location and prevents the splatter guard 50 from sliding downwards towards the dial 34, and/or the oven door 30, thereby anchoring the splatter guard 50 into its location.

[0077] The back plate 56 may be any thickness apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art and may be made of plastic, metal, or other rigid material. Preferably, the back plate 56 may be plastic, and may be the same material as the top plate 52 and the side plate 54. Alternatively, the back plate 56 may be metal and the top plate 52 and the side plate 54 may both be plastic. The back plate 56 may have a thickness that allows the back plate 56 to be disposed within the space 60 between the top section 62 of the kitchen stove and the bottom section 64 of the kitchen stove 20.

[0078] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, a splatter guard 100 is provided. The splatter guard 100 may include a top plate 102, a side plate 104 and a flange 105, similar to the top plates 12, 52, the side plates 14, 54 and the flanges 15, 55, illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 1-6, above. The splatter guard 100 may further include at least one magnet 106 disposed on a back surface of the side plate 104, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The magnet 106 may be disposed as a magnetic strip over the entire surface of the side plate 104 from a first edge of the side plate 104 to a second edge of the side plate 104. Alternatively, a plurality of magnets (not shown) may be disposed in discrete locations on the back surface of the side plate 104. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the magnet 106 may be sunk within the rear surface of the side plate 104 to allow the back edge of the top plate 102 to be flush to the front surface of the kitchen stove 20.

[0079] Moreover, the splatter guard 100 may include a back plate (not shown) that is similar to the back plate 56 illustrated and disclosed with reference to FIGS. 4-6, above. The back plate may provide rigidity and stability when disposed within the space 60 between the top section 62 and the bottom section 64 of the kitchen stove 20.

[0080] The magnet 106 may allow the splatter guard to be placed on the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20 and be easily removable when desired, such as for cleaning, for example. The magnet strip 106 should be strong enough to hold the splatter guard 100 on the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20. Preferably, the magnet 106 is relatively strong magnet, and may be made of magnetic materials apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, such as neodymium magnets.

[0081] FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a still further embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 10 illustrates a splatter guard 150 having a top plate 152, a side plate 154 and a flange 155. Disposed in the side plate 154 are one or more J-hooks 156 having a threaded end and a nut 157 for tightening thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the splatter guard 150 may be disposed on the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20 and the J-hook(s) 156 may be turned to hook within the bottom section 64 or the top section 62 of the kitchen stove 20. The nut 157 may be turned to tighten the J-hook(s) 156 thereby tightening the splatter guard 150 to the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20.

[0082] Moreover, an adhesive pad 158 may be disposed on the side plate 154 for adhering the top portion of the side plate 154 to the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20. Alternatively, the splatter guard 150 may include a magnet or a plurality of magnets (not shown) as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, above, for adhering the top portion of the side plate 154 to the front surface 22 of the kitchen stove 20, along with the J-hook(s) 156 for added stability.

[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, alternate embodiments of the present invention are illustrated. FIG. 15 illustrates a splatter guard 200 including a plurality of Z-shaped flanges 201, 203 extending downwardly from a top plate 202, and extending rearwardly, placed near outer edges of the top plate 202. The Z-shaped flanges 201, 203 may be made from plastic, metal or any other material apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art. The Z-shaped flanges 201, 203 allows the splatter guard 200 to be stabilized by fitting the rearwardly disposed sections 205, 207 into the space 60 between the top section 62 and the bottom section 64 of a kitchen stove (as illustrated in previous figures). Moreover, the splatter guard 200 may include a stabilizing flange 204 disposed generally in the center of the top plate 202 and downwardly and rearwardly from the top plate 202. The stabilizing flange 204 may also have a Z-shaped profile for stabilizing the splatter guard 200 within the space 60. Moreover, the stabilizing flange 204 may have a plurality of J-hooks 206 for attaching to the kitchen stove within the space 60, as described above with respect to FIGS. 10-12.

[0084] FIG. 16 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention. A splatter guard 250 may include a top plate 252, a side plate 254, a flange 255, and a back plate 256. The back plate 256 may extend nearly over the entire rear surface of the side plate 254, except for spaces 258, 260 disposed therein. Within the spaces 258, 260 may be disposed J-hooks 262, disposed through the side plate 254, for attaching the splatter guard 250 to the kitchen stove within the space 60, as described above. The space allows clearance for the J-hooks to engage the kitchen stove.

[0085] The splatter guards of the presently preferred embodiments, described herein, may have features contributing to the safety of the invention. Specifically, although the splatter guard is described and shown as having sharp corners, it may be preferred to include rounded corners and edges to minimize injuries for individuals utilizing the splatter guards on kitchen stoves. For example, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 17-19 illustrate a splatter guard 300 having a top plate 302, a side plate 304 interconnected together and having a flange 305 dispose rearwardly from the top plate. The corners 301, 303 of the top plate may be rounded, as well as the corners 307, 309 to minimize injuries to individuals. FIG. 18 illustrates a front view of the splatter guard 300, illustrating the rounded edges 307, 309. Further, the side plate 304 is attached to the top plate such that space is provided on either edge of the side plate to provide clearance of the splatter guard 300 when it is attached to the front surface of a kitchen stove. Magnets 306 are disposed on the rear surface of the side plate 304, as illustrated in FIG. 19.

[0086] FIG. 19 is a cut-away side view along line XIX-XIX. A magnet 306 is shown sunk within the rear surface of the side plate 304. Alternatively, one or magnets may be disposed on the rear surface of the side plate 304 without being sunk within the rear surface of the side plate 304. The magnet 306 may be held in place via glue or any other adhesive or means of attachment known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, the back edge 308 of the magnet 306 is in the same plane as the back edge 310 of the flange 305. This allows the flange to be flush or nearly flush with the front surface of the kitchen stove as the magnet magnetically sticks to the front surface of the kitchen stove.

[0087] FIG. 20 illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, certain kitchen stoves may have a curved or contoured front surface profile, when viewed from above looking downwardly. It may be difficult for a splatter guard, as described herein, to remain flush against the curved/contoured surface. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 20, splatter guard 350 may have a top plate 352 and a side plate 354 (in phantom). The top plate 352 may include a contoured rear edge 356 to fit a matching contour of the front surface of a kitchen stove. Preferably, the side plate 354 may be straight and only the rear edge 356 may be contoured. Alternatively, the side plate 354 may be contoured as well to maximize the surface of the side plate 354 in close proximity to the front surface of a kitchen stove, thereby maximizing adherence of the splatter guard 250 to the front surface of the kitchen stove.

[0088] In addition, in the embodiment described herein, the side plate may have a straight bottom edge for ease of manufacture. However, it is contemplated in the present invention that the bottom edge of the side plate may also be contoured or have cut-away sections to minimize interference of the side plate with dials and/or other controls disposed on or near the front surface of the kitchen stove.

[0089] Other means and mechanisms for attaching the splatter guards, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-20 may be contemplated as being within the scope of the invention, as described above. For example, the splatter guard may contain linkages to posts contained within the kitchen stove for attaching thereto. In addition, straps may extend from the sides of the splatter guards of the present invention for tightening around the back of the kitchen stove for holding the kitchen stove in its position. Moreover, hook-and-loop attachments may be utilized to attach the splatter guards of the present invention to the kitchen stove.

[0090] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.

Claims

1. A kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus comprising: a top plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge and first and second side edges; a downwardly extending side plate interconnecting with the top plate to form, generally, an L-shaped profile; and an attachment element capable of attaching the apparatus to the front surface of a stove.

2. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a flange extending rearwardly from the top plate.

3. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment element is a magnet.

4. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 3 wherein the magnet is disposed on the rear surface of the downwardly extending side plate.

5. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 3 wherein the magnet is disposed in a pocket in the rear surface of the downwardly extending side plate.

6. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a flange extending rearwardly from the top plate, wherein the attachment element is a magnet, and further wherein the magnet extends rearwardly from the rear surface of the downwardly extending side plate.

7. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 6 wherein the flange includes a terminal portion and the magnet includes a terminal portion, wherein the terminal portions of the flange and the magnet terminate in the same vertical plane.

8. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a rearwardly disposed back plate extending from the side plate for stabilizing the splatter guard apparatus when attached to a kitchen stove.

9. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 8 wherein the rearwardly disposed back plate is disposed orthogonally to the side plate.

10. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment element is adhesive.

11. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment element is an adhesive pad.

12. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 11 wherein the adhesive pad is disposed on a rear surface of the side plate.

13. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment element is disposed in a plurality of discrete locations on a rear surface of the side plate.

14. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 13 wherein the attachment element is a plurality of magnets.

15. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 13 wherein the attachment element is a plurality of adhesive pads.

16. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment element is a magnetic strip disposed on the rear surface of the side plate.

17. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment element is a J-shaped bolt.

18. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 17 wherein the J-shaped bolt includes a nut for tightening the J-shaped bolt to a stove.

19. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rear edge of the top plate is straight from the first side edge to the second side edge.

20. The kitchen stove splatter guard apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rear edge of the top plate is curved over at least a portion of the rear edge.