U.S. patent application number 15/137568 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-26 for dynamic flex cooktop grate.
The applicant listed for this patent is Electrolux Home Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Roddy Burgess, Sam Carr, Brent Aaron Curtis, Lee Fain, Marek Moffett.
Application Number | 20170307225 15/137568 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58669009 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170307225 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Curtis; Brent Aaron ; et
al. |
October 26, 2017 |
DYNAMIC FLEX COOKTOP GRATE
Abstract
A collapsible grate for a cooktop is provided. The collapsible
grate includes a plurality of support members supported at either
end at spaced locations along flexible edge strips. In preferred
embodiments, each edge strip includes a plurality of sockets to
receive the respective ends of the support members. The flexible
edge strips allow the grate to be rolled up and folded over on
itself for ease of removal and cleaning the underlying cooktop
surface.
Inventors: |
Curtis; Brent Aaron;
(Terrell, NC) ; Burgess; Roddy; (Charlotte,
NC) ; Carr; Sam; (Charlotte, NC) ; Moffett;
Marek; (Charlotte, NC) ; Fain; Lee;
(Charlotte, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Electrolux Home Products, Inc. |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58669009 |
Appl. No.: |
15/137568 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 15/107 20130101;
F24B 1/205 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24C 15/10 20060101
F24C015/10; F24B 1/20 20060101 F24B001/20 |
Claims
1. A collapsible grate for a cooktop comprising: a plurality of
support members, wherein each support member has a first end and a
second end; a first flexible edge strip having a plurality of first
sockets disposed along a length thereof; a second flexible edge
strip having a plurality of second sockets disposed along a length
thereof; said first sockets and second sockets being configured to
receive therein the first and second ends, respectively, of said
plurality of support members.
2. The collapsible grate of claim 1, wherein a plurality of said
sockets have respective shapes complementary to the shape of an
associated end of one of the support members.
3. The collapsible grate of claim 1, wherein each said edge strip
is made from high-temperature resistant polymer.
4. The collapsible grate of claim 1, wherein each said edge strip
is made from high-temperature resistant silicone.
5. The collapsible grate of claim 1, wherein each said support
member is made from a material selected from the group consisting
of stainless steel, enameled steel, and cast iron.
6. The collapsible grate of claim 1, said grate being foldable such
that a first portion thereof can be reversibly folded over on
another portion thereof.
7. The collapsible grate of claim 1, said grate being rollable into
a substantially cylindrical bundle.
8. A kit comprising a plurality of collapsible grates for a
cooktop, each said grate comprising: a plurality of support
members, wherein each support member has a first end and a second
end; a first flexible edge strip having a plurality of first
sockets disposed along a length thereof; a second flexible edge
strip having a plurality of second sockets disposed along a length
thereof; said first sockets and second sockets being configured to
receive therein the first and second ends, respectively, of said
plurality of support members.
9. The kit of claim 8, said plurality of flexible grates together
cooperating to define a cooking area above a cooktop surface.
10. The kit of claim 8, wherein a plurality of said sockets have
respective shapes complementary to the shape of an associated end
of one of the support members.
11. The kit of claim 8, wherein each said edge strip is made from a
high-temperature resistant polymer.
12. The kit of claim 8, wherein each said edge strip is made from a
high-temperature resistant silicone.
13. The kit of claim 8, wherein each support member is made from a
material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel,
enameled steel, and cast iron.
14. A cooking apparatus comprising: a cooktop surface including at
least one heat source; and at least one collapsible grate provided
over a portion of the cooking surface to at least partially define
a cooking area of the apparatus; the at least one collapsible grate
including: a plurality of support members, wherein each support
member has a first end and a second end; a first flexible edge
strip having a plurality of first sockets disposed along a length
thereof; a second flexible edge strip having a plurality of second
sockets disposed along a length thereof; said first sockets and
second sockets being configured to receive therein the first and
second ends, respectively, of said plurality of support
members.
15. The cooking apparatus of claim 14, said cooktop surface
comprising a recessed portion wherein said at least one heat source
is disposed, a perimeter wall surrounding at least a portion of
said recessed portion, and a ledge disposed adjacent said perimeter
wall, wherein the at least one collapsible grate is configured to
rest on at least a portion of the ledge when installed on the
cooktop.
16. The cooking apparatus of claim 15, comprising a plurality of
said collapsible grates that together cooperate to define a cooking
area above said cooktop surface.
17. The cooking apparatus of claim 16, further comprising one or
more flanges extending over said recessed portion and resting on
said ledge, wherein a portion of at least one said collapsible
grate is configured to rest on said flange while another portion
thereof is configured to rest on said ledge.
18. The cooking apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a support
ridge or flange standing proud of the recessed portion along a
predetermined path corresponding to installation locations of said
plurality of grates so that a lateral edge of at least one of the
grates can rest and be supported therein when installed.
19. The cooking apparatus of claim 14, comprising a plurality of
said collapsible grates that together cooperate to define a cooking
area above said cooktop surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The following description relates generally to a cooktop
grate for a cooking range and, more specifically, to a roll-up
cooktop grate that can be removed from the cooktop, as well as
multiple such grates that together as a kit cover a cooktop.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Typically, a cooking apparatus such as a range includes at
least one grate that is used to support a cooking utensil such as a
pot or pan over a heating source, such as a gas burner.
Conventionally, the grates are located over the gas burners and
have a generally open configuration featuring a cooking support
surface formed of a plurality of support members for supporting the
cooking utensil. However, because of the open configuration the
cooktop can become soiled from spills that occur while cooking. The
grate can also become soiled from spills. Cleaning the cooktop
surface usually requires removing the grate from the cooktop. The
cooktop surface can then be cleaned and the grate can be cleaned in
the sink or dishwasher. Because traditional cooktop grates are made
from cast iron, they can be heavy and difficult to move around. The
total weight of a grate that covers the entire cooktop currently
can approach 40 pounds. Moreover, because the grates are rigid and
bulky, they can be unwieldy even when removed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A collapsible grate for a cooking apparatus is disclosed.
The collapsible grate includes a plurality of support members,
wherein each support member has a first end and a second end. The
collapsible grate further includes first and second flexible edge
strips, wherein each edge strip has a plurality of sockets disposed
along a length thereof. The sockets are configured to receive
therein the first and second ends, respectively, of the plurality
of support members.
[0005] Further, a kit having at least one collapsible grate for a
cooking apparatus is disclosed. Each collapsible grate has a
plurality of support members, wherein each support member has a
first end and a second end. Each collapsible grate further includes
first and second flexible edge strips, wherein each edge strip has
a plurality of sockets disposed along a length thereof. The sockets
are configured to receive therein the first and second ends,
respectively, of the plurality of support members.
[0006] A further cooking apparatus is disclosed. The cooking
apparatus includes a cooktop surface including at least one heat
source and at least one collapsible grate provided over a portion
of the cooking surface to at least partially define a cooking area
of the apparatus. The at least one collapsible grate includes a
plurality of support members, wherein each support member has a
first end and a second end. The at least one collapsible grate
further includes first and second flexible edge strips, wherein
each edge strip has a plurality of sockets disposed along a length
thereof. The sockets are configured to receive therein the first
and second ends, respectively, of the plurality of support
members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Preferred embodiments are disclosed and described in detail
herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example cooking apparatus
with a first example collapsible grate in an unrolled state;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the example cooking
apparatus of FIG. 1, wherein a portion of the collapsible grate has
been lifted up from the cooking surface;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view as in FIG. 2, wherein the
lifted portion of the grate has been rolled into a bundle;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view as in FIGS. 2 and 3, wherein
the entire grate has been rolled into a bundle;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example cooking apparatus
with a plurality of collapsible grates in unrolled states,
according to an additional embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view as in FIG. 5, wherein a portion
of one of the collapsible grates has been lifted up from the
cooking surface and laid back on itself;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view as in FIG. 6, wherein the
lifted portion of one of the grates has been rolled into a
bundle;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a close-up perspective view of a cooktop
illustrating a pair of adjacent collapsible grates as disclosed
herein at a location where the adjacent grates meet to cover the
cooktop.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a close-up perspective view of a cooktop
illustrating a support ridge or flange that is configured to
support collapsible grates as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] A collapsible grate 10 is provided for use with a cooking
apparatus 100, such as a range or cooktop. As seen in FIG. 1, the
cooking apparatus 100 includes at least one cooktop heat source 60.
The heat source 60 can be a burner, such as a gas burner, or any
other suitable heating apparatus. The at least one heat source 60
can be located at various locations across the cooktop, and in
various arrangements. The collapsible grate 10 is configured for
supporting cooking utensils over the at least one heat source 60.
The cooking utensil can be a pot, a pan, a container, or other
structure that is configured to hold or support food and to be
heated by the heat source 60 to cook the food. As seen in FIG. 1,
the cooking apparatus 100 can also include a control panel 80. The
control panel 80 can include a plurality of controls 82, such as
control knobs or touchpad elements useful to monitor and control
cooking functions.
[0018] As seen in FIG. 2, the cooktop has a cooktop surface 70. In
the example shown, the cooktop surface 70 is integral with the top
portion of the cooking apparatus 100. In this example, the cooktop
surface 70 can be comprised of sheet metal that forms a portion of
the top surface of the cooking apparatus 100. The cooktop surface
70 has cutouts or other structure (not shown) to accommodate the at
least one heat source 60 at or above that surface. In the
illustrated embodiment, the surface 70 features a recessed portion
74 where a plurality of heat sources 60 (configured as gas burners)
are disposed, surrounded by a perimeter wall 76 extending upward. A
ledge 72 is disposed about the perimeter wall 76 such that the
ledge 72 surrounds and is at an elevation above the recessed
portion 74 where the burners are disposed.
[0019] The collapsible grate 10 can be configured to cover all or a
portion of the cooktop surface 70; e.g. the recessed portion 74
wherein the burners are disposed.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a collapsible grate 10 that includes a
plurality of laterally-spaced support members 20 and a pair of edge
strips 30 and 31. The grate 10 is configured and dimensioned to
rest on the ledge 72 so that the grate 10 extends over burners
disposed in the recessed portion 74 of the cooktop. In the
embodiment of FIG. 1, the collapsible grate 10 is configured to
cover the entire recessed portion 74.
[0021] The collapsible grate 10 includes a front edge 11, a left
edge 12 (in the illustrated embodiment defined by the left-most
support member 20), a right edge 13 (in the illustrated embodiment
defined by the right-most support member), and a rear edge 14. In
the illustrated embodiment, the front and rear edges 11 and 12 are
defined by the respective edge strips 30 and 31. Each edge strip 30
and 31 includes a plurality of sockets 40 (best seen in FIG. 8)
spaced along its length to receive respective ends of the support
members 20.
[0022] Preferably, each support member 20 is configured to be
removably insertable into a socket 40 of the first edge strip 30
and an opposing socket 40 of the second edge strip 31. As shown in
FIG. 1, each socket 40 on the first edge strip 30 receives a first
end 21 of each support member 20. Each socket 40 of the second edge
strip 31 receives a second end 22 of each support member 20. Each
support member 20 can be removed from the respective sockets 40 of
the first and second edge strips 30 and 31, to be cleaned or
replaced.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment the support members 20 are
retained in the respective opposing sockets of the first and second
edge strips via an interference, frictional fit. In an alternative
embodiment (not illustrated), one or all of the sockets 40 can
include a retention mechanism to retain the associated support
member 20; for example a tab-and-notch system wherein either the
support member or the socket 40 has a raised tab (which may be a
ring or rib extending all or part of the circumference of the
member/socket), and the opposite element has a recess or notch
configured to seat the tab upon insertion of the support member 20.
Alternatively, a tab-and-slot structure can be used to inhibit the
associated support member 20 from rotating once received in a
socket 40. For example, each socket 40 can include a hole, recess,
or groove (i.e. a mortise) of finite expanse (i.e. that does not
extend substantially about the circumference of the socket wall) to
receive a protrusion (i.e. a tenon) located at or near the end of
each support member 20. In this example, the protrusion of the
support member 20 is dimensioned to substantially match a
complementary shape of the hole, recess, or groove in the socket
40.
[0024] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the sockets 40 in each edge
strip are equidistant along its length. The distance between
adjacent sockets 40 can be selected to accommodate particular
cooking operations and particular cooktops or utensils, and can be,
e.g., less than or equal to 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or 1/2 inches. In
another embodiment, the distances between adjacent sockets 40 on
each edge strip can vary. For example, the distance between
adjacent sockets 40 on each edge strip can vary based on the
location(s) of heat source(s) 60 on the cooktop surface 70. This
configuration permits the placement of additional support members
20 over heat sources 60 (e.g. to support the weight of larger
cooking utensils) while reducing the number of support members 20
over portions of the cooktop surface 70 that do not contain a heat
source 60.
[0025] The geometry of each socket 40 preferably corresponds to and
complements the geometry of the support member 20 that is received
within the socket 40. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-9, the
support members 20 are cylindrical in shape. However, the support
members 20 can be any suitable shape or geometry, e.g. formed as
extrusions having cross-sections such as circular or curved,
triangular, parallelogram, quadrilateral, etc. In a preferred
embodiment best seen in FIG. 8, at least a portion of each socket
40 has a circular or curved geometry complementary to the
cross-section of the support member 20 to be received therein. Also
in a preferred embodiment, the edge strip is made of an elastic
material and each socket therein 40 may have a cross-sectional
shape slightly smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the
associated support member 20. In this embodiment, as the member 20
is inserted into the socket 40, the portion of the edge strip
defining that socket deflects to accommodate insertion of the
member 20, and is secured thereto via a compressive interference
fit therewith. Suitable elastic materials are selected to withstand
operational temperatures at the cooktop surface 72, and include,
e.g. high-temperature resistant silicone elastomers.
[0026] Preferably, the support members 20 are made from suitable
materials to withstand cooking temperatures and having sufficient
flexure strength to support the weight of cooking utensils thereon.
Suitable materials include, for example, stainless steel, iron or
other metals, high-temperature composites, and coated steels, e.g.
enameled steels as known in the art.
[0027] As noted above, preferably the edge strips 30 and 31 are
made from a high-temperature resistant polymer material having
elastic properties. Suitable materials include, for example,
high-temperature resistant silicone. Such material also preferably
is sufficiently flexible to allow the collapsible grate 10 to be
rolled into a cylindrical configuration (i.e. a bundle) as seen in
FIGS. 2-3. Conventional high-temperature resistant polymers can be
selected and used by one of ordinary skill in the art for the edge
strips 30 and 31. Preferably, the selected material will possess
sufficient elasticity and flexibility to enable
interference-retention of the support members 20 and reversible
rolling and unrolling of the grate 10 as described herein for
select embodiments. The selected material also preferably will
possess a thermal resistance of at least 200.degree. F.,
250.degree. F., 300.degree. F., 350.degree. F., 400.degree. F.,
450.degree. F., 500.degree. F., 550.degree. F., 600.degree. F. or
650.degree. F.
[0028] FIGS. 5-8 show an embodiment wherein a plurality of
collapsible grates 10 are configured to cooperate to substantially
cover the entire recessed portion 74 wherein the burners are
disposed. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the
collapsible grates 10 shown in FIGS. 5-8 each include a plurality
of laterally-spaced support members 20 and a pair of edge strips 30
and 31. In this embodiment, each collapsible grate 10 is configured
to rest at least in part on the ledge 72 (or portion thereof) about
the perimeter of the recessed portion 74 of the cooktop. In this
embodiment, support ridges or flanges 73 can be provided as strips
that span the recessed portion 74 of the cooktop surface, and rest
at either end on the ledge 72 surrounding that portion 74. In this
embodiment, the flange 73 may have an inverted T-shape, wherein the
vertical segment faces upward and functions as a divider between
the edge strips of adjacent grates 10 resting on the flange 73.
This is best seen in FIG. 8. Alternatively, where only one grate 10
is to be supported the flange 73 can have an L-configuration,
wherein the vertical segment also faces upward to bound the edge
strip of the supported grate 10. Still further, two adjacent grates
10 can be supported on the upper flat surface of a flange 73 having
no vertical wall separating them. The support ridges or flanges 73
can be components of an after-market kit that can be used to
retrofit an existing cooking apparatus. The kit may also include
one or a plurality of flexible grates 10 as herein described.
[0029] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 9, support ridges
or flanges 73 can be stamped features in the recessed portion 74 of
the cooktop surface 70. In this embodiment, the support ridges or
flanges 73 stand proud of the recessed portion 74 along
predetermined paths corresponding to the installation locations of
the grates 10, so that lateral edges (e.g. edge strips 30, 31) of
associated grates 10 can rest and be supported on the ridges or
flanges 73 above the recessed portion 74 of the cooktop surface.
Alternatively, the support ridges or flanges 73 can be configured
as L- or T-shaped support ridges or flanges, wherein the upper,
flat segment of each is substantially parallel to the cooktop
surface for supporting edge strips of the grates 10 thereon. The
vertical segment of each flange 73 extends from the recessed
portion 74 of the cooktop a distance substantially corresponding to
the height of the perimeter wall 76, so that the upper surfaces of
the flat segments of the flanges and of the ledge 72 are
substantially coplanar. This ensures level support of the grates
10. The lower portions of the vertical segments can be secured to
the recessed portion 74 of the cooktop via conventional means; e.g.
via welding or snap-in features.
[0030] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8, the collapsible grates
10 located over the left side and the right side of the recessed
portion 74 of the cooktop surface 70 each cover approximately 40%
of the recessed portion 74 (i.e. the available cooking or heating
area), and the grate 10 over the center covers approximately 20% of
the recessed portion 74. In alternative embodiments, each
collapsible grate can cover less than 75%, 55%, 35%, or 15% of the
recessed portion 74 or available cooking or heating area of a
cooktop surface 70.
[0031] In order to access a soiled portion of the cooktop surface
70 beneath a grate 10 for cleaning, a user would grasp a portion of
the collapsible grate 10 and lift that portion away from the
cooktop surface 70. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment where a user has
grasped one support member 20 with his right hand and another
support member 20 with his left hand and lifted the left side 12 of
the collapsible grate 10 away from the cooktop surface 70. This
action provides access to the portion of the cooktop surface 70
beneath the removed portion of the grate. As seen in FIG. 2, the
grate 10 can be folded over onto itself to provide temporary access
to the (in the illustrated embodiment) left side of the recessed
portion 74 of the cooktop surface 70. Alternatively, as seen in
FIGS. 3-4 the grate 10 can be rolled up into a cylindrical
configuration (i.e. a bundle) to facilitate easy removal and
handling; i.e. to expose the entire cooktop surface 70 for
cleaning. It will therefore be appreciated that a user can
selectively expose only the soiled portion of the cooking surface
70 for cleaning, rather than having to remove an entire grate 10,
or remove the entire grate if desired. If the collapsible grate 10
has become soiled, a user can roll the entire grate 10 into a
cylindrical configuration (FIG. 4) and place the grate 10 into a
sink or dishwasher for cleaning.
[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8, a portion of the
heating area of the cooktop surface 70 (e.g. recessed portion 74)
can be exposed by lifting away all or a portion of a select one or
ones of the collapsible grates 10 that cooperate to define the
cooking area. As shown in FIG. 6, a portion of the collapsible
grate 10 located over the left side of the cooking surface 70 can
be lifted up from the cooking surface 70 and laid back on itself.
Alternatively, a portion of the collapsible grate can be lifted
from the cooking surface 70 and rolled into a cylindrical
configuration (i.e. a bundle) as shown in FIG. 7. In both
instances, a corner of the cooking surface 70 is exposed and can be
cleaned to remove soil and debris without having to remove the
entire grate from the cooking apparatus 100. If one or more of the
plurality of collapsible grates 10 has become soiled, a user can
roll the entire grate 10 into a cylindrical configuration and place
the grate 10 into a sink or dishwasher for cleaning.
[0033] Illustrative embodiments have been described, hereinabove.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above
apparatuses and methods may incorporate changes and modifications
without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The invention
is therefore not limited to particular details of this disclosure
except to the extent that the following claims are necessarily so
limited.
* * * * *