Removable Stove Top Protector

Abstract

A removable stovetop cover, cut to fit the specific stove, that will cover the entire stovetop, except the burners. It will be sturdy enough to be left in place while cooking, and will contain all cooking splatters.

Description

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to protecting a stove top from damage related to baked-in food splatter, and for easy cleaning of kitchen stove tops.

Most electrical and all gas stoves use separate burners, and during cooking food splatters in between the burners on the stove top, leaving baked-in spots and making it hard to clean the stove.

This is the reason for the introduction of electrical radiant heat glass top stoves.

Although these stoves are easier to clean, they are expensive and less sturdy in use than conventional gas or electrical stoves with conventional burners.

So the problem of easy cleaning and protection of conventional stoves remains.

Current art consists of stamped metal rings, usually thin un-tempered aluminum. These rings fit over each burner and can only cover the area around the burner, not the entire stove top. In addition, the rings are hard to clean and usually have to be replaced.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This invention is a one piece of fairly thick (0.063″-0.080″) aluminum or stainless steel that is precisely cut to fit around all the burners and cover the entire stove top. It can easily be removed for cleaning and because of it's sturdy construction can be vigorously scrubbed to remove stains. It can also be cleaned with strong agents, such as acetone, without the risk of damaging the stove.

Unlike the current art, it will last the life of the stove.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Shows the general shape of the invention, the one shown is cut to fit the Kenmore series of gas stoves.

FIG. 2: Shows the flat version with no bends (like the prototype). This drawing shows the “pan” version as well with edges bent up for more coverage. Both are compared in this figure.

FIG. 3: Shows the “take down” variant.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

This invention is manufactured from flat sheet of aluminum or stainless steel and cut to fit between the burners and cover the entire stove top. It will be expected that the invention will be manufactured to the dimensions of each make of stove, and will be sold with the stove, or offered as an aftermarket accessory cut to fit a wide variety of stoves.

The prototype was plasma-cut to size out of 0.063″ Alcad 2024-T3 aluminum. The material should have some temper to resist bending. The protype has been in use for over six years with no sign of wear.

To use, the owner simply places the device on the stove top and removes it to clean, either in a sink or outdoors.

In the case of gas stove, the device is placed under the removable cast-iron grates and on the stove top.

Ribbing or embossing is not needed if the material is of sufficient stiffness and is not recommended because it would be harder to scrub compared to a flat surface.

As previously mentioned, Alcad aluminum or stainless steel is preferred, but it can be made out of any type of sheet metal. If plain steel is used, it should be painted with a stain and heat resistant paint, or coated with ceramic or enamel. It could also be molded from ceramic material, or even molded from plastic if a suitable plastic could be found to resist heat. It is fact, however, that stainless steel or Alcad aluminum would be the most cost effective material.

The prototype was plasma-cut, but the device can be stamped out from flat sheet metal with a conventional press as well.

If Alcad aluminum or stainless steel is used, no special coatings are required as well.

In summary this invention, though very simple, will make the lives easier for people who slave over and have to clean conventional stoves.

Another variant of the design is shown in FIG. 2. This variant has it's edges bent up to conform with edge of the stove top. The bent up section is around the entire edge including the corners, and has the appearance of a shallow “pan”. The advantage of this variant is that it will cover slightly more of the stove top and it will increase the stiffness of the pan.

It will be more difficult to manufacture because it would have to be stamped from a die, but this can be done easily if desired. Once again, other embossing of the cover is not recommended, but this design can be made from slightly less thick aluminum or stainless steel.

FIG. 2 shows both the original flat and “pan” version for comparison. As previously mentioned, my flat protector has been in use for over six years with no problems and I routinely clean it with acetone, MEK, or lacquer thinner to minimize scrubbing.

Another variant of this design is shown in FIG. 3. This variant is similar to the “one piece” “pan” and flat design, but has incorporated four overlapping seams to allow the cover to be removed in four separate sections. This allows the cover sections to fit in a standard dishwasher for cleaning. This can be done for “pan” and flat versions.

This is for users who do not want to use acetone or other harsh chemicals to clean it. The seams should overlap and not butt together, as this would leave a seam for dirt and stains to build up on the stove top.

This variant will be more difficult to manufacture, but would give user the option of easier cleaning. This variant of course could still be cleaned with harsh chemicals if needed, and should be of sufficient thickness.

Claims

1. A sufficiently stiff, heat resistant material such as aluminum, stainless steel, or painted steel or ceramic coated steel made to conform to the shape of a particular stove top, and to lay on said stovetop matching all contours of said stovetop, with only the burners protruding the material, offering protection to the stovetop during use. It then can easily be removed for cleaning.

2. Above named material can also be made with a bent up circumference to conform with the circumference of the stovetop if desired.

3. Above named material can also be made in smaller sections with each section overlapping the preceding section allowing complete coverage of stovetop, yet can be removed in smaller sections. This can be done in simple “flat” edge variant or with bent up circumference. The smaller sized section can be removed for cleaning in a standard dishwasher.