Abstract: A cooking surface for a cooktop. Encrusted, spilled, or overflowing food is deposited on the cooking surfaces of cooktops during cooking and the removal of such residue is difficult because the surface of a cooktop is typically rough and uneven. The invention teaches the manufacture of an easy-to-clean glass ceramic cooktop from a floated glass ceramic. As a result of the increased use of controls in cooking devices, an increased number of displays are also being used under the surface of the cooktops. The invention provides a cooktop with a smooth, distortion-free surface that is easy to clean. The invention also relates to window panes for enclosed hot areas with high temperatures, which are typically made of transparent glass ceramic. When used as windows in warming stoves or in self-cleaning ovens, combustion residues are thereby deposited on the windows, which residues must then be removed.

Abstract: A method for protecting a stove control panel from splatter. A first step involves providing a precut flexible transparent heat resistant polymer film adapted to conform to an underlying form. The polymer film has peripheral edges adapted to adhere to an underlying surface. A second step involves covering the stove control panel with the polymer film and securing the peripheral edges of the polymer film to peripheral edges of the stove control panel.

Abstract: A cooking unit, such as a stove, for cooking food, which cooking unit may have a cooking hob and cooking elements associated therewith; a mounting and a method of manufacture for a mounting; and a method of manufacture for a cooking unit, such as a stove, for cooking food, which cooking unit may have a cooking hob and cooking elements associated therewith.

Abstract: A cooktop hygiene device removably mountable to a cooktop for collecting food sputterings or spillings and preventing such sputterings or spillings from contaminating the cooktop comprises a plate-like structure, which can be flexible or rigid, having an upper surface adapted to receive the spillings or sputterings and a lower surface adapted to interface with the cooktop surface, and a plurality of openings on the plate-like structure to receive the heaters on the cooktop and to allow a user to place a cookware or utensil on the heaters. A fold facilitator is provided on the plate like structure to facilitate the folding of the device to fit into a dishwasher. A plurality of drip pans secured to the plate-like structure is provided for catching the food and liquid spillings or sputterings. The plurality of openings may be covered by heater covers to provide cooking zones on the plate-like structure to engage with the heaters and conduct heat from the heaters to cookware on the cooking zones.

Abstract: A versatile surface cooking cartridge for use in an appliance includes a lower container portion to which is attached a lid member. A first heating element is arranged in the lower container portion and a second heating element is carried by and extends along a lower surface of the lid member. One of a replaceable rack or cooking plate can be positioned in the lower container portion, above the first heating element, to enable food items to be cooked by heat generated by either or both of the first and second heating elements. The cooking plate preferably has a sloped surface leading to a recess trap for collecting byproducts generated during cooking upon the plate. The cooking plate can define a grilling plate, a griddle plate, or a reversible, combination grilling/griddle plate.

Abstract: A versatile surface cooking cartridge for use in an appliance includes a lower container portion to which is attached a lid member. A first heating element is arranged in the lower container portion and a second heating element is carried by and extends along a lower surface of the lid member. One of a replaceable rack or cooking plate can be positioned in the lower container portion, above the first heating element, to enable food items to be cooked by heat generated by either or both of the first and second heating elements. The cooking plate preferably has a sloped surface leading to a recess trap for collecting byproducts generated during cooking upon the plate. The cooking plate can define a grilling plate, a griddle plate, or a reversible, combination grilling/griddle plate.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a stove burner shield having multiple panels 16, 18, 48, 50 hingedly 42 mounted onto a substantially horizontal frame 12 which is mounted onto a stove top 14 by using fasteners 34 mounted onto downwardly extending flanges 46 spaced apart about the frame 12. When in a raised position, the rear panel 16 and control knob panel 18 act as splash guards. When lowered, the rear panel 16 covers the rear stove burners 52 and the control knob panel 18 covers the control knobs 36. The control knob panel 18 has a release button 32 by means of which it is opened. A hingedly mounted right 50 and left 48 panel are also provided for covering the front stove burners 40.

Abstract: A mounting for a cooking surface held at its periphery by at least one support part comprising a fiberglass reinforced duromer or thermosetting resin selected from the group consisting of an unsaturated polyester resin, a melamine resin, a phenol resin, and an epoxy resin, wherein the fiberglass reinforcement are glass fibers having a length of 15 mm to 65 mm.

Abstract: A cooking surface for a cooktop. Encrusted, spilled, or overflowing food is deposited on the cooking surfaces of cooktops during cooking and the removal of such residue is difficult because the surface of a cooktop is typically rough and uneven. The invention teaches the manufacture of an easy-to-clean glass ceramic cooktop from a floated glass ceramic. As a result of the increased use of controls in cooking devices, an increased number of displays are also being used under the surface of the cooktops. The invention provides a cooktop with a smooth, distortion-free surface that is easy to clean. The invention also relates to window panes for enclosed hot areas with high temperatures, which are typically made of transparent glass ceramic. When used as windows in warming stoves or in self-cleaning ovens, combustion residues are thereby deposited on the windows, which residues must then be removed.

Abstract: A cooktop includes a cooktop frame with at least one decorative frame strip, which entirely surrounds a one-piece cooktop panel, and with at least one decorative separating strip disposed on a top side of the cooktop panel and separating an operating area of the cooktop panel from the cooking area of the cooktop panel. In order to simplify the construction of the cooktop, the cooktop panel is configured in one piece. The at least one decorative frame strip is formed integrally with the decorative separating strip. The at least one decorative frame strip and the decorative separating strip are preferably made from high-grade steel. The decorative separating strip has at least one bead-like elevation at least over a part of it length. The at least one bead-like elevation has an underside and defines a cavity between the underside of the elevation and the top side of the cooktop panel and the cavity is substantially filled with an adhesive.

Abstract: A versatile surface cooking cartridge for use in an appliance includes a lower container portion to which is attached a lid member. A first heating element is arranged in the lower container portion and a second heating element is carried by and extends along a lower surface of the lid member. Separate controls are provided for selectively operating the first and second heating elements, either individually or simultaneously. A rack is positioned in the lower container portion, above the first heating element, to enable food items to be cooked on the rack by either or both of the first and second heating elements. In addition to or in the alternative of performing a selected cooking operation within the lower container portion, the upper surface of the lid member preferably defines a further cooking surface upon which additional cooking operations can be performed through operation of at least the second heating element.

Abstract: A stove cover device for creating additional counter space by covering the top surface of the stove. The stove cover device includes a covering member for covering the top surface of a stove. The covering member includes a plate. The plate has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral edge. A peripheral wall extends away from and is integrally coupled to the peripheral edge. A pair of securing means removably secures the peripheral wall to the panel on the stove. Each of the securing means is adapted for removably coupling to a panel of the stove.

Abstract: A hob (1) consisting of a sheet (2) of tempered glass for kitchen appliances, wherein said sheet of glass (2) has holes (3, 4) with shaped edges, such as to create raised parts or protrusions (5) which rise above the surface of said sheet of glass (2). Preparation of the hob (1) comprises heating of said sheet (2) to the softening temperature of glass, after creation of the holes (3, 4),. In this manner said raised parts (5) arc formed and the microcracks that are generated during creation of the holes in the sheet of glass are also eliminated.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a cooking surface is provided. The mounting arrangement is mounted in a cut-out of a work plate in the top of a kitchen range. The mounting arrangement includes a one-piece frame connected to an assembly unit to form a sub-assembly. The cooking surface is supported on a supporting section of either one of the frame or the assembly unit. The frame can be joined to the assembly unit in a simple manner by providing catch projections and catch receptacles on both the frame and the assembly unit in order to form a catch connection. The frame and the assembly unit form a one-piece sub-assembly, being connected to each other via the catch connection formed by the catch projections and catch receptacles.

Abstract: An appliance, such as a cooking range, a clothes dryer, a clothes washer, an oven or the like, includes a console along a rear edge of the appliance which can pivot between an upright in-use position and a lower shipping, repair and/or servicing position. The console is preferably of a two-part construction including a front housing body having an integrally injection molded encapsulation or frame peripherally retaining a touch sensor control panel which can be readily accessed when the console is in its lower repair position.

Abstract: Arrangement of an electrical heating element as a cooking zone, having as a carrier a ceramic of very high thermal conductivity, in a cutout of a cooking surface comprising glass-ceramic, glass, ceramic, metal or plastic. The ceramic carrier of the heating element has, above the plane of the cooking surface, a region, by means of which region the carrier engages over the cutout onto the top of the cooking surface and by means of which region the carrier rests on the cooking surface by a gasket. The ceramic carrier forms, in the plane of the cooking surface, a further region, by which further region the carrier is positioned in the cutout at a distance from the end faces of the latter, and, below the plane of the cooking surface, a region having shaped-out portions serves as a bearing for an element which element, with the aid of the cooking surface as an abutment, fixes the heating element in the cutout of the cooking surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting arrangement for a cooking plate having a perimeter edge. The arrangement includes the plate and a frame around the plate, the frame having a support portion extending over the perimeter edge and a rib extending away from the support portion. In the improvement, the perimeter edge and the rib define a space between them and the space is filled with reaction foam. A related method for mounting a cooking plate and a mounting support to one another includes the steps of constructing a mounting support having a support portion and a rib and providing a cooking plate having a perimeter edge. The cooking plate and the mounting support are placed against one another so that the cooking plate and the rib have a space between them. The space is filled with reaction foam, preferably by injecting such foam through a nozzle.

Abstract: An efficient cooking range system for maximizing the contact between the heating element of a cooking range and a cooking pot or pan being heated by the heating element. The efficient cooking range system includes a cooking range with a cook top having a cooking well therein. The cooking well has an interior base wall and an interior perimeter side wall upwardly extending around the interior base wall of the cooking well. An insulating layer is provided on the interior base wall and the interior perimeter side wall of the cooking well. A drop basin is provided in the cooking well. The drop basin has a bottom wall and a side wall upwardly extending around the bottom wall. A coiled heating element is provided in the cooking well beneath the bottom wall of the drop basin.

Abstract: A transport shield is provided for brittle glass and glass ceramic panels susceptible to scratching and fracturing to be integrated into a cooker, in particular as cooking surfaces. The transport shield remains permanently joined to the panel during installation, assembly and operation and is formed to act as a protector during mounting, a positioning aid, a separator, an elongation compensating medium and/or a sealing member and/or an inspection window in profiled panels.

Abstract: A radiant electric heater is provided with at least one covering sheet (7) made of mica which is at least partially transparent. The at least partially transparent mica may be in the form of natural mica.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a cooking surface is mounted in a cut-out of a work plate, such as in a kitchen range top, with the aid of a frame unit having a supporting section on which the mounting arrangement is supported. The mounting arrangement also includes functional elements which support electronic built-in elements, such as heating elements, cables or similar. The electronic built-in elements can be easily mounted with few parts by molding an assembly unit and the frame unit into a one-piece assembly having separatable areas. The assembly unit has a tub-shaped base body and the assembly unit includes a floor unit. The functional elements are at least partially molded into the assembly unit.

Abstract: Unit with at least one plate made of a material, which material is permeable to thermal radiation, such as glass ceramic, glass, ceramic or a similar material, as a surface for cooking, frying and/or keeping warm. The unit with at least one plate is on a frame construction with different types of adjustable heat sources distributed underneath and on the plate. Some of the heat sources are distributed under the plate in the form of radiant burners and act indirectly by radiation through the plate. Other heat sources are located above the level of the plate in the form of open atmospheric or atmospheric pressure gas burners and transmit heat directly by producing open flames. The respective heat sources correspond to the cooking, frying and/or warming positions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a top cover for a barbecue grill which includes a casting with an aperture formed in the surface. A flexible insert is designed to close the aperture. The casting includes a support on at least one side of the aperture and at least one fastener to hold the insert in place in the casting. The support and fastener also seal the aperture by pressing the insert against the casting.

Abstract: An induction cooktop is formed of a light construction of a stone surface. The surface of the induction cooktop can also be used as a robust work surface top. The cooktop includes a uniformly flat, sufficiently thin stone plate (1) being laid on an equally flat, reinforcement plate (2) for mechanical stability. Induction coils (3 or 3a) are positioned in or under the reinforcement plate for inductive heating of the cooking pots. This arrangement is additionally stabilized through a frame (4) and a substructure (7) and is closed off at the edge through a border or a trim (8) or embedded in a work surface top (6) surrounding the cooktop.

Abstract: A stove safety guard system that includes a lower safety guard that is detachably attachable to the side walls of a stove unit and supported in the front by the oven handle and an upper safety guard that is detachably secured to the upper and side exterior surfaces of the exhaust hood of the stove unit.

Abstract: In combination, a range having at least a first burner and a first burner control disposed on a horizontal surface. First and second spaced vertically disposed guide tracks are secured to the range proximate the first burner. A cover is operably connected to the range. The cover has a vertical orientation permitting access to the burner and the burner control, and a horizontal orientation covering the burner and the burner control for prohibiting access thereto. A handle extends from the cover for permitting the cover to be shifted between the orientations. First and second rollers are secured to an extend from the cover, and are each received in one of the guide tracks for guiding movement of the cover during shifting thereof between the orientations.

Abstract: In a cooking device composed of a frame for receiving a heating element, the device further including a cooking plate supported on the frame and elements for fixing the cooking plate to the frame, the fixing elements are constituted by at least one adhesive band having two active adhesive surfaces, with a first one of the adhesive surfaces contacting and adhering to the frame and a second one of the adhesive surfaces contacting, and adhering to, the plate. A process for assembling a cooking device composed of a cooking plate and a frame, the process including the steps of providing at least one adhesive band having two opposed active adhesive surfaces, and assembling the cooking plate to the frame with the at least one adhesive band interposed between the cooking plate and the frame such that a first one of the active adhesive surfaces is fixed to the frame and a second one of the active adhesive surfaces is fixed to the cooking plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a guard for surrounding the exposed perimeter of the top of a domestic stove. The guard is releasably attached to the stove top such that when it is attached to the stove it securely encloses the burners and pots resting on the burners. The guard prevents the passage of a finger through the guard such that a person is prevented from contacting the burner or pots on the stove when the guard is attached to the stove.

Abstract: A spice rack for a cooking range including a one piece shelf defining an elongated channel for receipt of spice containers. The spice rack includes a front panel and a rear panel, the rear panel having barrier members extending therefrom generally toward the front panel which separate the elongated channel into a series of smaller spaces for segregation of spice containers. The rear panel has a flange member extending therefrom which cooperates with the rear panel to define a channel for receipt of a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is secured to a rear wall of the cooking range and vertically supports the spice rack and spaces the spice rack from heat producing portions of the cooking range. The spice rack also includes lateral flanges that serve as stops to limit lateral movement of the spice rack relative to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A tubular-shaped sleeve of insulative material is disclosed adapted to fit around and encase the sides of a pan of the type used in steam tables to limit the degree of heat reaching the sides of the pan from steam or water to thereby substantially reduce the susceptibility of the inside side surface of the pan to adherence of food product being heated in the pan.

Abstract: A counter-top or free-standing cooking unit with a top surface of natural stone, such as granite, is made especially resistant to cracking and fracture caused by mechanical or thermal stress. The natural stone's perimeter is cut and holes cut to match the diameters of the heating elements to be installed. The stone is preferably annealed for a suitable time at a suitable temperature to relieve stresses introduced by cutting. A reinforcing plate material is selected to have sufficient tensile strength, good thermal conductivity, and a thermal expansion coefficient that matches to some extent the stone's lateral thermal expansion. The plate may be a laminated composite of several metals, chosen such that the thermal expansion of the laminate matches that of the stone as closely as possible. The plate is cut smaller than the stone slab's outer dimensions.

Abstract: A substantially U-shaped guard that is attached to pivots that are mounted on the side of the stove. The pivots allow the guard to be moved quickly into or out of position and are detachably secured to the guard so the guard can be removed for cleaning.

Abstract: A process for forming a permanently elastic adhesive connection, easily detachable in the case of disassembly, especially adhesive connections made of temperature-stable silicone compounds, between a plate made of glass, glass ceramic or a similar material, from a holding frame on which the plate rests. In particular, the process can be used to provide such an adhesive connection between a cooking surface in a recess of a working surface, wherein a sealing frame, supported by its edge, is arranged in the recess, and a holding frame connected with the sealing frame, on which the plate rests. The adhesive strength between the permanently elastic adhesive connection and the parts of the plate in contact therewith is adjusted by the use of separating agents.

Abstract: A reliable, easily installable and replaceable range top system sealingly and removably connects a sealed glass panel to the structure of a range top. The system comprises a glass panel-elastic seal assembly, including a glass range top panel and an elastic seal attached at the periphery of the glass range top panel, a carrier for the glass panel-elastic seal assembly and means for removably fastening the glass panel into sealing engagement with the range top structure without tools, the fastening means providing an easily disengageable interlock with the range top structure.

Abstract: A stove-mounted grease splatter guard made of a flexible plastic or glass protection portion which attaches to a range via a base portion. The protection portion extends outwardly from the range at an obtuse angle and prevents children from reaching a top surface of the stove. The protection portion also aids in preventing splattering grease from striking the children or reaching the floor on which the stove rests. The base portion is connected to the range with a magnet and hook-and-loop fastener combination.

Abstract: A cooktop for a food cooking apparatus includes a cooking surface having a number of heating units, wherein the cooking surface is located within a well defined by the surface and surrounded by walls on all four sides. The front wall at least prevents direct access to the cooking surface by a child standing on a floor surface in front of the apparatus, as a safety measure. The walls also serve to prevent a saucepan or other cooking utensil being pulled off the cooking surface, or accidentally dislodged. Also, any spilled food or the like will be constrained within the well and will not spill off the cooktop.

Abstract: A stove-top guard for attachment to a cooking stove or range, to prevent small children, and others, from reaching surface burner units or hot cooking containers on the stove-top surface, is described. The guard includes a venting system, which dissipates heat, and thus prevents the guard from becoming a hazard itself.

Abstract: A guard to prevent children from contacting stove controls comprising a planar sheet of material having long parallel upper and lower edges and short side edges therebetween in a rectangular configuration to form a guard plate; an attachment plate having long parallel front and rear edges of a length equal to the length of the guard plate, the front edge of the attachment plate being formed integrally with the lower edge of the guard plate and forming an obtuse angle whereby when the attachment plate is horizontal, the upper edge of the guard plate extends outwardly from the front edge of the attachment plate; and a pair of triangular side plates, the triangular side plates having a long vertical rearward edge, and a short upper horizontal edge and a connecting hypotenuse edge therebetween, the hypotenuse edge being formed integrally with the side edges of the guard plate and extending rearwardly at about 90 degrees, the ends of the side plates remote from their short edges being parallel with the short edges

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cooktop unit for mounting in a frame structure or in a cutout of a work surface. The cooktop unit includes a plate made of glass ceramic and this plate defines the cooking surface. The cooktop unit also includes a metal frame permanently-elastically connected by a silicone adhesive to the lower side in the peripheral region of the plate. A leg of the holding frame connected to the cooktop plate extends flush from the edge of the plate inwardly and parallel to the plate and then bends downwardly at right angles to the plate. The adhesive effects the force-tight connection or bond between the plate and the holding frame. The adhesive defines a peripheral silicone flange at the lateral edges of the plate and at the lateral edge of the leg cemented to the plate. This silicone flange terminates flush with the surface of the plate and projects beyond the lower edge of the leg connected to the plate to form a sealing lip.

Abstract: A glass ceramic cooktop includes a free surface on which containers containing food to be prepared are placed, below surface there being provided a light and heat generator, such as a halogen lamp at which there is positioned a reflecting element having at least one face facing the generator and an opposing face facing an external environment. This latter face is exposed to an air flow generated by a cooling member positioned below the reflecting element, the air flow cooling the reflecting element, which heats up during the operation of the halogen lamp.

Abstract: The device for holding a built-in cooking apparatus, especially a glass ceramic cooking apparatus, in an opening provided in a cooking apparatus receptacle (1), includes a cooking apparatus housing (2) containing heating elements; a cooking apparatus upper portion including a cooking panel (6) and a border frame (4, 5) around the cooking panel (6); a releasable clamping connection device (3, 8) for releasably attaching the cooking apparatus upper portion from above with the cooking apparatus housing; and an attachment device (3) for attaching the cooking apparatus housing (2) in the cooking apparatus receptacle (1).

Abstract: A shield assembly is disclosed for use with a stove, which comprises a stove top with a work surface, a heating mechanism disposed on the horizontal top surface and at least one control knob affixed to the work front surface. The shield assembly comprises a shield made of a material transparent to visible radiation, and a mechanism affixed to the shield assembly for releasably securing the shield assembly to the vertical front surface at a point intermediate the control knob and the heating mechanism.

Abstract: A grease or splatter shield for kitchen ranges and stoves comprising a flexible vinyl material having an edge mounted upon the range adjacent the burner controls whereby the shield may be extended to overlie and protect the controls during cooking, and retracted to provide access to the controls. In a variation, the shield may be wound upon an auto-wind roller mounted upon the range permitting the shield to be readily extended, and automatically retracted.

Abstract: A cooktop includes a horizontal cooking surface having boundary sides and preferably a plurality of cooking locations. A narrow control surface is disposed at an angle relative to the cooking surface along at least one of the boundary sides of the cooking surface. The control surface slopes upwardly, is oriented toward the cooking surface and directly adjoins the cooking surface in a flush manner, at least substantially seamlessly. Operating and/or indicator devices and at least one heating element are provided for the at least one cooking location. A cooktop frame supports the cooking and control surfaces, the at least one heating element, and the operating and/or indicator devices.

Abstract: A sanitary, attractive food preparation cutting board made of hardwood or colored non-wood material, having a high-friction non-slip backing applied, which fits on top of recreational vehicle stove burners to silence rattles, add counter space, and enhance interior decor, and which is relatively inexpensive and is easily stored when not in use.

Abstract: A cooking range with a cooking zone plate made of glass, glass ceramics or similar materials. A frame for the cooking zone plate serves as edge protection on the one hand and as closing for the upper edge of the plate. On the other hand, the cooking zone plate is bonded with the frame on the edge side.According to the invention, the frame includes an attachment frame part and a visual frame part separated from the attachment frame part. The attachment frame is a standardized component that is connected with the lower plate edge. The visual frame serves as protection edge and upper closing. In this way a frame modular system can be put together for all applications in a simple, economical manner.

Abstract: A cooking assembly for a cooker or a cooking top and comprises a cooking plate (1) and at least one heat generator (200) enabling a receptacle to be heated without coming directly into contact therewith. The cooking plate (1) includes an opening (4) associated with each heat generator (200) and enabling said generator to act directly, together with retractable closure means such as a moving plug (203) associated with each opening (4) to close said opening when the heat generator (200) is not in use, the moving plug (203) then being flush with the top surface (2) of the cooking plate (1), motorized means being provided for retracting said moving plug in order to unmask the heat generator so that it can be put into use. The invention is applicable to cooking assemblies for gas cookers and/or electric cookers having a cooking plate made of molded glass, of vitroceramic, or of agglomerated inorganic fibers.

Abstract: A countertop cooking unit provides an upper surface that is level with the countertop and has removable interior parts that are exposed to the residues of cooking operations. A cooktop housing is supported by the countertop and forms a burner box having an open top level with the countertop. A removable drip pan is recessed below the open top of the housing within the burner box and is removably carried by the housing at its peripheral edges. A downdraft ventilation plenum is recessed below, and includes an air flow opening below, the open top of the housing and is carried, at least in part, by the burner box, and at least one heating unit is recessed and removably carried within the removable drip pan. In grilling units, a removable grill pan liner is recessed within, and removably carried by, the drip pan at its peripheral edge and removably carries a grill heater recessed within its periphery.