Extended lid member for cooking utensils

Abstract

The subject device is an energy savings lid for cooking utensils to be placed on a stove burner, with the subject device being essentially a covering lid for such a utensil having a surrounding downwardly turned flange extension all or part of the outer circumference of the lid such surrounding flange being structured to extend downwardly around the outer circumferential perimeter of the utensil beyond the outer surface of the utensil, ideally all the way to the stove surface, so that the inner semi-enclosed space under extended flange of the lid collects heat from the portion of the burner that is not covered by the bottom of the utensil and thence transfer such heat upwardly and inwardly into the inner circumferential surface of the utensil to be transferred in turn to the inner part of the utensil to help add heat in the cooking process.

Description

KNOWN PRIOR ART

U.S. Pat. No. 3,960,134
U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,806

DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART AND RELEVANT BACKGROUND

The process of heating cooking utensils on ceramic of flat burner units, or other types of stove burners involves efficiency problems in most instances. More specifically, the efficiency problem stems from wasted heat rising from the burner surface.

More particularly, in conventional stove structures, particularly ceramic covered burners, the burner units are usually flush with the upper surface of the stove, or in other burner types may be raised slightly above the upper surface of the stove. In the usage of burners that are relatively level or flush with the upper surfaces of the stove, there are several heating efficiently concerns involved, and other problems, as alluded to above. A problem encountered in utilizing burners of the type specified above is that a substantial amount of heat is wasted in process of heating a cooking utensil on a stove top burner. In particular, when a utensil or other type of cooking utensil is heated on top of such a burner generally only the very bottom of the utensil receives the heat generated and in the process, the heating takes a greater period of time since only the bottom is heated and significant amount of heat rises up and around the sides of the cooking utensil and into the air. This wasted heat represents a loss of energy that could be other wise used to help heat the cooking utensil in the process and thus save energy. One of the causes of this heat loss in this regard is that the bottom of the cooking utensil, such as a pan, covers only a partial portion of the upper surface area of the burner. As a result, that portion of the burner not covered by the bottom of the utensil rises rapidly in the air around the pan, and up into the air above the utensil, a substantial amount of which thus is wasted heat. Therefore, some means is needed to capture that heat generated from the burner so as to focus same onto the utensil to help in the intended cooking process.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the subject invention to provide an improved device for conserving heat from a stove during cooking processes;

Still another object of the subject invention is to provide an improved lid for a cooking utensil that improves safety in the usage of a stove when cooking food;

Another object of the subject invention is to provide an improved heat savings device to be used when cooking on a stove;

Still another object of the subject invention is to provide supplemental heat transfer means for energy conservation purposes for use in cooking on a stove;

Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide an improved lid apparatus for a cooking utensil for conserving heat in the process of cooking on a stove;

A further object of the subject, invention is to provide an improved device that provides optimal energy conservation and safety features for a cooking utensil on a stove surface;

Another object of the subject invention is to provide a cooking utensil lid device that will improve the efficiency of the cooking process on stoves;

Other and further objects of the subject invention will become apparent from a reading of the description taken in conjunction with the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top elevational view, in of a stove burner without a cooking utensil in place;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the subject lid member shown in a position over a cooking utensil;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the subject lid member, in a cross-sectional configuration, showing the subject invention with a cooking utensil in place;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view showing a flat stove burner with a conventional cooking utensil, demonstrating schematically the heat losses up around the vertical surfaces of a cooking utensil without means to capture the heat emanating from the uncovered portion of the stove burner unit.

DESCRIPTION OF GENERAL EMBODIMENT AND SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The subject device is an energy savings lid for cooking utensils to be placed on a stove burner, with the subject device being essentially a covering lid for such a utensil having a surrounding downwardly turned flange extension all or part of the outer circumference of the lid such surrounding flange being structured to extend downwardly around the outer circumferential perimeter of the utensil beyond the outer surface of the utensil, ideally all the way to the stove surface, so that the inner semi-enclosed space under extended flange of the lid collects heat from the portion of the burner that is not covered by the bottom of the utensil and thence transfer such heat upwardly and inwardly into the inner circumferential surface of the utensil to be transferred in turn to the inner part of the utensil to help add heat in the cooking process.

In the general embodiment of the invention herein, as discussed below, the invention focuses on a cooking utensil covering lid member, generally structured in part as a conventional lid member that has the additional feature of having a surrounding downwardly turned circumferential flange that is structured to extend from the upper portion of the lid and extend outwardly and downwardly from the lid out a distance from the outer surface of the utensil and downwardly towards or upon the upper surface of the burner. Although not essential, this flange is generally circular or rounded with a corresponding outer perimeter that may be circular or of other configuration. In this regard, the space formed between sides of the utensil and the flange and will be able to capture heat from the stove burner to impinge such heat propagation towards the sides of the utensil. This lid flange is generally circular or rounded with a corresponding outer perimeter that may be circular, but not essentially so. More specifically, as discussed the flange member if preferably round member somewhat bell shaped with a lower perimeter lip that is structured, as the utensil height dictates to extend or close to the upper surface of the stove burner, as well as outwardly distance from the outer surface of the utensil. As stated, the flange need not be rounded.

Stated alternately, in the general embodiment of the subject invention, the subject device is a lid with a perimeter flange member adapted with an outer perimeter lip, with such lip being structured to be flush or close to touching the upper surface of a stove burner.

As stated, a round flange member is desirable, although the outer flange of the lid may be formed other than as a rounded member to accomplish the purposes of the subject invention. By this latter arrangement, the bottom outer rim of the flange member is structurally adapted to rest flush against the upper surface of the stove burner. As the outer lower lip of the flange of the lid rests flush or near so against the upper surface of the stove, it will generally surround to a large extent that portion of the stove burner that is not covered by the bottom surface of the utensil as the bottom perimeter of the outer flange rests close against the stove surface, when the lid is placed over the utensil. As a result of the latter structural aspects, a substantial close spatial area will exist under the flange extending upwardly towards the lid and towards the sides of the utensil.

The heat radiation arising up under the flange from the stove burner will be directed in part towards the side of the pan and will be utilized as a supplemental heating system for the utensil. In the process with the bottom of the flange member being of sufficient diameter to cover most of the area of the burner rising heat from the uncovered part of the burner will cause heat from the burner to be transferred through this the inner spatial area to the part of the circumferential outer surface of the cooking utensil to supplement the heat transfer to the very bottom surface of the utensil from the burner unit. In the overall process, a substantial amount of the heat emanating from the burner will be saved to render the cooking process more efficient.

The subject device is an energy savings lid for cooking utensils to be placed on a stove burner, with the subject device being essentially a covering lid for such a utensil having a surrounding downwardly turned flange extension all or part of the outer circumference of the lid such surrounding flange being structured to extend downwardly around the outer circumferential perimeter of the utensil beyond the outer surface of the utensil, ideally all the way to the stove surface, so that the inner space under the extended flange of the lid collects heat from the portion of the burner that is not covered by the bottom of the utensil and thence transfer such heat upwardly and inwardly into the inner circumferential surface of the utensil to be transferred in turn to the inner part of the utensil to help add heat in the cooking process.

In the general embodiment of the invention herein, as discussed below, the invention focuses on a cooking utensil covering lid member, generally structured in part as a conventional lid member that has the additional feature of having a surrounding downwardly turned circumferential flange that is structured to extend from the upper portion of the lid and extend outwardly and downwardly from the lid out a distance from the outer surface of the utensil and downwardly towards or upon the upper surface of the burner. Although not essential, this flange is generally circular or rounded with a corresponding outer perimeter that may be circular or of other configuration. In this regard, the spatial area that formed will exist between sides of the utensil and the inner surfaces of the lid flange and it will be able to capture heat from the outer fringe portions of the stove burner to cause heat propagation of such air towards the sides of the utensil. This lid flange is generally circular or rounded with a corresponding outer perimeter that may be circular, but not essentially so. More specifically, as discussed the flange member if preferably round member would be somewhat of a bell shaped with a lower perimeter lip that is structured, as the utensil height dictates to extend or close to the upper surface of the stove burner, as well as outwardly distance from the outer surface of the utensil.

Stated alternately, in the general embodiment of the subject invention, the subject device is a lid with a perimeter flange member adapted with an outer perimeter lip, with such lip being structured to be flush or close to touching the upper surface of a stove burner.

As stated, a round flange member is desirable, although the outer flange of the lid may be formed other than as a rounded member to accomplish the purposes of the subject invention. By this latter arrangement, the bottom outer rim of the flange member is structurally adapted to rest flush against the upper surface of the stove burner. As the outer lower lip of the flange of the lid rests flush or near so against the upper surface of the stove, it will generally surround to a large extent that portion of the stove burner that is not covered by the bottom surface of the utensil as the bottom perimeter of the outer flange rests close against the stove surface, when the lid is placed over the utensil. As a result of the latter structural aspects, a substantial close spatial area will exist under the flange extending upwardly towards the lid and towards the sides of the utensil.

The heat radiation arising up under the flange from the stove burner will be directed in part towards the side of the pan and will be utilized as a supplemental heating system for the utensil. In the process with the bottom of the flange member being of sufficient diameter to cover most of the area of the burner rising heat from the uncovered part of the burner will cause heat from the burner to be transferred through this the inner spatial area to the part of the circumferential outer surface of the cooking utensil to supplement the heat transfer to the very bottom surface of the utensil from the burner unit. In the overall process, a substantial amount of the heat emanating from the burner will be saved to render the cooking process more efficient.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

The following description of the subject invention covers one specific embodiment, and description of such a particular and preferred embodiment shall not restrict the scope of the invention, as set forth in the claims herein. The general embodiment of the lid member with the outer flange is best embodied in several forms, and the description of a limited embodiment will not restrict the scope of the inventions and claims thereto.

The subject device is an energy savings lid for cooking utensils to be placed on a stove burner, with the subject device being essentially a covering lid for such a utensil having a surrounding downwardly turned flange extension all or part of the outer circumference of the lid such surrounding flange being structured to extend downwardly around the outer circumferential perimeter of the utensil beyond the outer surface of the utensil, ideally all the way to the stove surface, so that the inner semi-enclosed space under extended flange of the lid collects heat from the portion of the burner that is not covered by the bottom of the utensil and thence transfer such heat upwardly and inwardly into the inner circumferential surface of the utensil to be transferred in turn to the inner part of the utensil to help add heat in the cooking process.

In the general embodiment of the invention herein, as discussed below, the invention focuses on a cooking utensil covering lid member, generally structured in part as a conventional lid member that has the additional feature of having a surrounding downwardly turned circumferential flange that is structured to extend from the upper portion of the lid and extend outwardly and downwardly from the lid out a distance from the outer surface of the utensil and downwardly towards or upon the upper surface of the burner. Although not essential, this flange is generally circular or rounded with a corresponding outer perimeter that may be circular or of other configuration. In this regard, the space formed between sides of the utensil and the flange and will be able to capture heat from the stove burner to impinge such heat propagation towards the sides of the utensil. This lid flange is generally circular or rounded with a corresponding outer perimeter that may be circular, but not essentially so. More specifically, as discussed the flange member if preferably round member somewhat bell shaped with a lower perimeter hp that is structured, as the utensil height dictates to extend or close to the upper surface of the stove burner, as well as outwardly distance from the outer surface of the utensil. As stated, the flange need not be rounded.

Stated alternately, in the general embodiment of the subject invention, the subject device is a lid with a perimeter flange member adapted with an outer perimeter lip, with such lip being structured to be flush or close to touching the upper surface of a stove burner.

As stated, a round flange member is desirable, although the outer flange of the lid may be formed other than as a rounded member to accomplish the purposes of the subject invention. By this latter arrangement, the bottom outer rim of the flange member is structurally adapted to rest flush against the upper surface of the stove burner. As the outer lower lip of the flange of the lid rests flush or near so against the upper surface of the stove, it will generally surround to a large extent that portion of the stove burner that is not covered by the bottom surface of the utensil as the bottom perimeter of the outer flange rests close against the stove surface, when the lid is placed over the utensil. As a result of the latter structural aspects, a substantial close spatial area will exist under the flange extending upwardly towards the lid and towards the sides of the utensil.

The heat radiation arising up under the flange from the stove burner will be directed in part towards the side of the pan and will be utilized as a supplemental heating system for the utensil. In the process with the bottom of the flange member being of sufficient diameter to cover most of the area of the burner rising heat from the uncovered part of the burner will cause heat from the burner to be transferred through this the inner spatial area to the part of the circumferential outer surface of the cooking utensil to supplement the heat transfer to the very bottom surface of the utensil from the burner unit. In the overall process, a substantial amount of the heat emanating from the burner will be saved to render the cooking process more efficient.

The subject device is an energy savings lid for cooking utensils to be placed on a stove burner, with the subject device being essentially a covering lid for such a utensil having a surrounding downwardly turned flange extension all or part of the outer circumference of the lid such surrounding flange being structured to extend downwardly around the outer circumferential perimeter of the utensil beyond the outer surface of the utensil, ideally all the way to the stove surface, so that the inner space under the extended flange of the lid collects heat from the portion of the burner that is not covered by the bottom of the utensil and thence transfer such heat upwardly and inwardly into the inner circumferential surface of the utensil to be transferred in turn to the inner part of the utensil to help add heat in the cooking process.

In the general embodiment of the invention herein, as discussed below, the invention focuses on a cooking utensil covering lid member, generally structured in part as a conventional lid member that has the additional feature of having a surrounding downwardly turned circumferential flange that is structured to extend from the upper portion of the lid and extend outwardly and downwardly from the lid out a distance from the outer surface of the utensil and downwardly towards or upon the upper surface of the burner. Although not essential, this flange is generally circular or rounded with a corresponding outer perimeter that may be circular or of other configuration. In this regard, the spatial area that formed will exist between sides of the utensil and the inner surfaces of the lid flange and it will be able to capture heat from the outer fringe portions of the stove burner to cause heat propagation of such air towards the sides of the utensil. This lid flange is generally circular or rounded with a corresponding outer perimeter that may be circular, but not essentially so. More specifically, as discussed the flange member if preferably round member would be somewhat of a bell shaped with a lower perimeter lip that is structured, as the utensil height dictates to extend or close to the upper surface of the stove burner, as well as outwardly distance from the outer surface of the utensil.

Stated alternately, in the general embodiment of the subject invention, the subject device is a lid with a perimeter flange member adapted with an outer perimeter lip, with such lip being structured to be flush or close to touching the upper surface of a stove burner.

As stated, a round flange member is desirable, although the outer flange of the lid may be formed other than as a rounded member to accomplish the purposes of the subject invention. By this latter arrangement, the bottom outer rim of the flange member is structurally adapted to rest flush against the upper surface of the stove burner. As the outer lower lip of the flange of the lid rests flush or near so against the upper surface of the stove, it will generally surround to a large extent that portion of the stove burner that is not covered by the bottom surface of the utensil as the bottom perimeter of the outer flange rests close against the stove surface, when the lid is placed over the utensil. As a result of the latter structural aspects, a substantial close spatial area will exist under the flange extending upwardly towards the lid and towards the sides of the utensil.

The heat radiation arising up under the flange from the stove burner will be directed in part towards the side of the pan and will be utilized as a supplemental heating system for the utensil. In the process with the bottom of the flange member being of sufficient diameter to cover most of the area of the burner rising heat from the uncovered part of the burner will cause heat from the burner to be transferred through this the inner spatial area to the part of the circumferential outer surface of the cooking utensil to supplement the heat transfer to the very bottom surface of the utensil from the burner unit. In the overall process, a substantial amount of the heat emanating from the burner will be saved to render the cooking process more efficient.

In the general embodiment of the invention herein, as discussed below, the invention focuses on a cooking utensil covering lid member, generally structured in part as a conventional lid member that has the additional feature of having a surrounding downwardly turned circumferential flange that is structured to extend from the upper portion of the lid and extend outwardly and downwardly from the lid out a distance from the outer surface of the utensil and downwardly towards or upon the upper surface of the burner. Although not essential, this flange is generally circular or rounded with a corresponding outer perimeter that may be circular or of other configuration. In this regard, the space formed between sides of the utensil and the flange and will be able to capture heat from the stove burner to impinge such heat propagation towards the sides of the utensil. This lid flange is generally circular or rounded with a corresponding outer perimeter that may be circular, but not essentially so. More specifically, as discussed the flange member if preferably round member somewhat bell shaped with a lower perimeter lip that is structured, as the utensil height dictates to extend or close to the upper surface of the stove burner, as well as outwardly distance from the outer surface of the utensil. As stated, the flange need not be rounded.

Stated alternately, in the general embodiment of the subject invention, the subject device is a lid with a perimeter flange member adapted with an outer perimeter lip, with such lip being structured to be flush or close to touching the upper surface of a stove burner.

As stated, a round flange member is desirable, although the outer flange of the lid may be formed other than as a rounded member to accomplish the purposes of the subject invention. By this latter arrangement, the bottom outer rim of the flange member is structurally adapted to rest flush against the upper surface of the stove burner. As the outer lower lip of the flange of the lid rests flush or near so against the upper surface of the stove, it will generally surround to a large extent that portion of the stove burner that is not covered by the bottom surface of the utensil as the bottom perimeter of the outer flange rests close against the stove surface, when the lid is placed over the utensil. As a result of the latter structural aspects, a substantial close spatial area will exist under the flange extending upwardly towards the lid and towards the sides of the utensil.

The heat radiation arising up under the flange from the stove burner will be directed in part towards the side of the pan and will be utilized as a supplemental heating system for the utensil. In the process with the bottom of the flange member being of sufficient diameter to cover most of the area of the burner rising heat from the uncovered part of the burner will cause heat from the burner to be transferred through this the inner spatial area to the part of the circumferential outer surface of the cooking utensil to supplement the heat transfer to the very bottom surface of the utensil from the burner unit. In the overall process, a substantial amount of the heat emanating from the burner will be saved to render the cooking process more efficient.

The subject device is an energy savings ring for cooking utensils to be placed on a stove burner, with the subject device being essentially a covering lid for such a utensil having a surrounding downwardly turned flange extension all or part of the outer circumference of the lid such surrounding flange being structured to extend downwardly around the outer perimeter of the lid beyond the outer surface of the utensil, ideally all the way to the stove surface, so that the inner space under the extended flange collects heat from the portion of the burner that is not covered by the bottom of the utensil and thence transfer such heat upwardly into the inner circumferential surface of the utensil to be transferred in turn to the inner part of the utensil to help add heat in the cooking process.

In the general embodiment of the invention herein, as discussed below, the invention focuses on a cooking utensil covering lid member, generally structured in part as a conventional lid member that has the additional feature of having a surrounding downwardly turned circumferential flange that is structured to extend from the upper portion of the lid and extend outwardly and downwardly from the lid out a distance from the outer surface of the utensil and downwardly towards or upon the upper surface of the burner. Although not essential, this flange is generally circular or rounded with a corresponding outer perimeter that may be circular or of other configuration. In this regard, the spatial area that formed will exist between sides of the utensil and the inner surfaces of the lid flange and will be able to capture heat from the outer fringe portions stove burner to cause propagation of such air towards the utensil. More specifically, as discussed, the flange member if preferably round member would be somewhat bell shaped with a lower perimeter lip that is structured, as the utensil height dictates to extend or close to the upper surface of the stove burner, as well as outwardly distance from the outer surface of the utensil.

Stated alternately, in the general embodiment of the subject invention, the subject device is a lid with a perimeter flange member adapted with an outer perimeter lip, with such lip being structured to be flush or close to touching the upper surface of a stove burner.

As stated, a round flange member is desirable, although the outer flange of the lid may be formed other than as a rounded member to accomplish the purposes of the subject invention. By this latter arrangement, the bottom outer rim of the flange member is structurally adapted to rest flush against the upper surface of the stove burner. As the outer lower lip of the flange of the lid rests flush or near so against the upper surface of the stove, it will generally surround to a large extent that portion of the stove burner that is not covered by the bottom surface of the utensil as the bottom perimeter of the outer flange rests close against the stove surface, when the lid is placed over the utensil. As a result of the latter structural aspects, a substantial close spatial area will exist under the flange extending upwardly towards the lid and towards the sides of the utensil.

The heat radiation arising up under the flange from the stove burner will be directed in part towards the side of the pan and will be utilized as a supplemental heating system for the utensil. In the process with the bottom of the flange member being of sufficient diameter to cover most of the area of the burner rising heat from the uncovered part of the burner will cause heat from the burner to be transferred through this the inner spatial area to the part of the circumferential outer surface of the cooking utensil to supplement the heat transfer to the very bottom surface of the utensil from the burner unit. In the overall process, a substantial amount of the beat emanating from the burner will be saved to render the cooking process more efficient.

In the general embodiment of the invention herein, as discussed below, the invention focuses on a cooking utensil covering lid member, generally structured in part as a conventional lid member that has the additional feature of having a surrounding downwardly turned circumferential flange that is structured to extend from the outer perimeter edge of the lid and extend outwardly and downwardly from the lid out a distance from the outer surface of the utensil and downwardly towards the upper surface of the burner. In this regard, the space formed between sides of the utensil and the flange will be able to capture heat from the stove burner to impinge such heat propagation towards the utensil. This flange is generally circular or rounded with a corresponding outer perimeter that may be circular, but not essentially so. More specifically, as discussed the flange member if preferably round member somewhat bell shaped with a lower perimeter lip that is structured, as the utensil height dictates to extend or close to the upper surface of the stove burner, as well as outwardly distance from the outer surface of the utensil.

In this latter respect, the subject invention has application to any type of stove, including electric, gas, ceramic type stoves and similar types of cooking stoves. In a general perspective however, the subject invention is also applicable to other types of stove on which variant types of cooking utensils are attempted to be heated in the cooking process.

As stated in the general embodiment of the subject invention, the subject device is a lid with an extended perimeter flange member adapted with a perimeter lip being structured to be flush with or close to touching the upper surface of a stove burner. Such outwardly extending perimeter lip would ideally touch the upper surface of the stove surface so that any heat generated by the stove burner would be collected upwardly under such extended flange of the lid and collect and substantially trap the heat rising up from the burner surface and retain such heat to help heat the sides of the cooking pan. As stated, a round flange member is the preferable shape of the outer flange of the lid may be formed other than as a rounded member to accomplish the purposes of the subject invention. As the outer lower rim of the outer lid flange rests flush or near so against the upper surface of the stove, it will generally surround to a large extent that portion of the stove burner that is not covered by the bottom of the cooking utensil since the bottom perimeter of the outer flange rests close against the stove surface, when the lid is placed over the utensil. A substantial close spatial area will exist under the flange extending upwardly towards the lid and towards the sides of the utensil.

The heat radiating up under the outer lid flange from the stove burner will rise up into this spatial area towards the side of the pan and will be utilized as a supplemental heating system for the utensil. In the process with the bottom of the outer lid flange member being of sufficient diameter most of the area of the burner rising heat from the uncovered part of the burner inner spatial area to the part of the circumferential outer surface of the cooking utensil to supplement the heat transfer to the very bottom surface of the utensil from the burner unit. In the overall process, a substantial amount of the heat emanating from the burner will be saved to render the cooking process more efficient.

More specifically, as can be seen in the drawings, stove 10 is shown, can utilize any type of heating system for heating the burner elements, such as electrical, gas or any other type of energy source. Moreover, the subject invention can be adapted to stoves in which the burner members are ceramic, glass, metallic electric elements or gas fed, resistance coils, or any other types of burner elements. In this respect, the invention is also made applicable to recessed burner units that have upwardly extending surrounding walls and a bottom surface, either fully or partially surrounded the upwardly extending walls, and description of the subject invention and concept as to a particular type of stove burner will not limit the scope thereof. However, the most practical application of the subject device is to stoves having flat upper surface burner units that are flush with the upper surface of the stove.

As previously stated, the inventive concept herein incorporates the concept of including additional heat transfer means to the cooking utensil to provide additional heat input in conjunction with and in addition to the heat provided directly to the bottom of the cooking utensil from the burner, thereby adding heat input to the cooking utensil from the burner, and thereby maximize the heat input to the utensil. The result of such a heating system helps additionally to minimize the heat loss in the cooking process, and improve the efficiency of the cooking process.

For purposes of schematically showing the inefficiency of using stove top burner for cooking, FIG. 4 demonstrates graphically the heat loss that occurs on a flat stove burner under circumstances where the bottom of a cooking utensil 15 does not cover the entire area of the burner 30 on stove surface 20. As can be seen in FIG. 4, shown is a conventional cooking utensil with a vertical side 95, interior spatial area 90, inner bottom surface 80 and upper rim 95. Heat rises up the sides of the cooking utensil 15 from areas of the burner 30 that are not covered by the utensil 15. This heat that arises from the upper part of the burner is mostly wasted as it rises in the air around and upperwardly beyond the utensil, unused, as demonstrated graphically in FIG. 4. More specifically, for purposes of placing the subject invention in the perspective of the objectives herein, FIG. 4 shows a stove 10 with a stove top 20 having a conventional flat burner 32 that is essentially flush with the upper surface 20 of the stove 10. As seen essentially only the very bottom surface 70 of the cooking utensil 15 is heated on such burner, with attendant loss of heat up and around the sides of the utensil from the portions of the burner not covered by the bottom of surface 70 of the utensil 15, as shown schematically in FIG. 4. For purposes of describing a specific embodiment, cooking stove 10 utilizes a flat surfaced burner unit, however, such reference to a specific stove burner will not limit the concept to a flat ceramic burner. Accordingly, FIG. 1 shows an upper cooking surface 20 that incorporates and utilizes one or more heating elements such as heating element burner 30 variantly referred to as a burner unit having coils 35, 40, 45 and 50 and an outer periphy 60. Again, while the drawings and description are mostly directed to a flat or electric electric burner type stove, as stated above, the subject invention is equally applicable to stove types using gas or other forms of heating source or, other heat transfer means.

Referring again to the drawings in which a specific embodiment of the subject invention is shown, and particularly FIGS. 2 and 3 cooking utensil 150 is shown as being a rounded pan with a rounded upper rim 165 and open cooking space 172 below the upper rim of the cooking utensil 150. Cooking utensil 150 as described and shown is a conventionally structural cooking pan and thus no novelty is claimed in the utensil structure itself. Moreover cooking utensil 150 has a bottom surface 174.

In many instances in the cooking process a covering lid 180 is used on the upper part of the cooking utensil 150. The lid 180 is conventionally structured only on the upper portion 185 thereof as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and is a circular like member, or of other structural configuration, which has an inner circumferential edged surface 190 and an outer circumferential edge surface or rim, 195. The lid 180 additionally has an upper surface 200 and an opposing lower surface 205. Affixed on the upper surface 200 of such lid 150 may be a handle 210. Moreover, the lid member 180 has an outer circumferential portion 220 which conforms with outer rim 195 of such lid. Thus far the lid 180 described is of general conventional structure, however, and the improved lid structure herein has an additional feature which is a bell shaped flange member 240, the upper circumferential edge 250 of which flange member is affixed in a circumferential manner to a portion of the base lid structure 180, generally to the outer circumference edge of 195 of lid 180. The addition of the skirt-like flange 240 to lid 180 is the only basic change to the otherwise conventionally formed upper portion of the lid. More particularly the ultimate structural form of lid member 180 incorporating features of the subject invention is the skirt-like flange 240 appended circumferentially to the outer portion of the base lid structure. The skirt-like flange 240 is essentially a circumferentially shaped bell shaped member, which flange member has a lower circumferential edge 260 when appended to the base lid structure 180. The upper part of the flange member 240 has an upper circumferential edge 250 affixed, to the outer circumferential edge 195 of the base lid 180, as seen in the drawings. Alternately stated, such upper edge 250 of flange 240 is joined in a circumferential manner to the outer circumferential edge 195 of the base lid structure 180.

More particularly, shown in the drawings, is a lid member 180 incorporating features of the subject invention. This specialized lid member 180 has the modification of the external round flange 240, which can function as a heat savings member, as discussed above.

Variously stated, in the specific embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer flange member 240 is a somewhat of a bell shaped-skirt like member, the upper portion of which is integrated into the upper portion of the lid 180. Phrasing it differently, the upper part of the flange 240 may form the upper part of the bell configuration, with the remaining part of the skirt-like configuration extending radially outwardly and downwardly from the base lid 180, extending downwardly surrounding the outside lateral surface 285 of the cooking utensil 150, and the flange 240 extends downwardly to the upper surface 174 of the stove burner 30 or somewhere just above the upper surface of the stove 20.

When the lid 180 with its circumferential flange 240 is placed on top of the cooking utensil as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, with the bottom surface 184 of utensil 150 resting flush on burner 30, the bottom circumferential edge 260 of the flange 240 is situated either at the level of stovetop 20 or somewhere above such upper surface. In this position the circumferential flange 240 forms on the inside surface 305 of such flange a substantially enclosed spatial area 310 that will be able to collect heat emanating up from the upper surface 35 on stove burner 30. This collected heat flow shown schematically in FIG. 3 will yield additional heat to help warm the vertical or lateral side or side 285 of the cooking utensil 150, thus enhancing the heating process as to the cooking utensil. This process thereby conserves any energy output from the stove.

Stated alternately, in the specific embodiment shown in the drawings, lid 180 has an added feature integrated onto the outer peripheral perimeter of the lid as described below. As described above, specifically, namely lid 180 had an added circumferential flange 240, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, which flange extends from the outer circumferential edge of the lid 180, as seen in a flaring bell shaped configuration, with the radically outer portion of the flange projecting downwardly in a skirt like manner so that the outer extremity of the flange extends downwardly a sufficient to the upper surface of burner 30 or fairly close to such surface. Other embodiments of the subject invention.

In the subject invention, the lid 180 with integral flange 240 has a continuous outer upper surface 340 which upper surface if formed partially by the upper surface 200 of the lid 180 and partially by the upper outer surface 365 of the flange 240, so as to form a continuous upper outer surface 340, formed of both such described upper surface portions of the lid 180 and flange 240, with the upper surface portion of the flange 365 forming the radially outer portion of the extended lid. Other embodiments are contemplated in such invention.

As can be determined, the outer flange is not necessarily bell shaped but could have some appropriate shape so as to surround the outer vertical sides of the cooking utensil in a skirt like manner when the modified lid 180 is placed over the top of the utensil as shown. More specifically, the flange 240 on the lid 180 should extend radially outwardly from the side of the cooking utensil 150 a distance sufficient so that the entire flange 240 extends over and above the entire outer areas or most of such areas of the burner 30 on which the utensil 150 does not cover. Moreover, as stated, it is preferable that the flange 240 extend downwardly at its greatest radial distance from the utensil so that the bottom of the outer rim or circumferential edge 260 of the flange 240 comes close to the upper surface of the stove or in actual contact with the stove surface. The described structural attributes are not considered as limiting the scope of the subject invention.

Moreover, the flange member 240 need not be a closed member, but can be opened at some point along the flange with appropriate gap or gaps in the flange 240 to accommodate specific features of a given utensil, such as a handle 390 shown on the utensil in FIG. 2. Other embodiments may include a means to accommodate features unique to a given utensil. Other embodiments of the subject invention are contemplated.

In summary, the subject invention is a cooking utensil lid member comprising of:

(a) a base lid member having an upper surface and a lower surface such lid member having an outer circumferential rim portion disposed between such upper surface and such lower surface;

(b) an external flange member affixed to such outer rim portions of said base lid, such flange extending radially outwardly from such lid member.

In further summary, the subject invention is a supplemental heat absorbing apparatus in the form of a covering member for a cooking utensil with an open chamber for holding food to be heated on a stove burner comprising:

(a) a cooking utensil having a bottom surface with an upwardly extending sidewall surrounding such open chamber in such cooking utensil, such sidewall extending from such bottom surface, and wherein the upper portion of such open chamber is formed by an upper perimeter edge on such cooking utensil;

(b) a circumferentially extending covering member for such cooking utensil, such covering member having an upper surface and a lower surface with such covering member having an outer perimeter rim, with such outer circumferential rim of such covering member being adapted to be placed upon such upper edge of such rim;

(c) a circumferentially radially extending flange extension affixed to and extending beyond such outer perimeter rim of such covering member;

(d) lower perimeter means on a part of the bottom portion of such flange extension, such perimeter means adapted to be placed adjacent to such stove burner to receive heat from such structural stove burner.

In still further summary the subject invention is a cooking utensil lid member comprising of:

(a) A base lid member having an upper surface and a lower surface such lid member having an outer circumferential rim portion disposed between said upper surface and said lower surface;

(b) an external flange member affixed to said outer rim portions of said base lid, said flange extending radially outwardly and downwardly towards said stove burner.

In yet further summary, a supplemental heat absorbing apparatus in the form of a covering member for a cooking utensil with an open chamber for holding food to be heated on a stove burner comprising:

(a) a cooking utensil having a bottom surface with an upwardly extending sidewall surrounding said open chamber in said cooking utensil, said sidewall extending from said bottom surface, and wherein the upper portion of said open chamber is formed by an upper perimeter edge on said cooking utensil;

(b) a circumferentially extending covering member for said cooking utensil, said covering member having an upper surface and a lower surface with said covering member having an outer perimeter rim, with said outer circumferential rim of said covering member being adapted to be placed upon said upper edge of said rim;

(c) a circumferentially radially extending flange extension affixed to and extending beyond said outer perimeter rim of said covering member;

(d) lower perimeter means on a part of the bottom portion of said flange extension, said means adapted to be placed adjacent to said stove burner to receive heat from said structural stove burner.

In still further summary, a lid member for a cooking utensil having an outer surface wherein said lid member has an outer circumferentially extending skirt, said skirt extending radially outwardly and downwardly from said lid member, with said skirt having a lower perimeter edge when extends radially outwardly from outer surface.

Claims

1: A cooking utensil with an upper rimmed opening lid member comprising of

(a) A base lid member having an upper surface and a lower surface such lid member having an outer circumferential rim portion disposed between said upper surface and said lower surface, said outer rim portion of said base lid member being adapted to fit conformingly on said upper rimmed opening goof said cooking utensil;

(b) an external flange member affixed circumtentially to said outer rim portions of said base lid, said flange extending radially outwardly and downwardly from said lid member beyond the outer circumferential rim portion of said base member

2: A supplemental heat absorbing apparatus in the form of a covering member for a cooking utensil with an open chamber for holding food to be heated on a stove burner comprising:

(a) a cooking utensil having a bottom surface with an upwardly extending sidewall surrounding said open chamber in said cooking utensil, said sidewall extending from said bottom surface, and wherein the upper portion of said open chamber is formed by an upper perimeter edge on said cooking utensil;

(b) a circumferentially extending covering member for said cooking utensil, said covering member having an upper surface and a lower surface with said covering member having an outer perimeter rim, with said outer circumferential rim of said covering member being adapted to be placed upon said upper edge of said rim;

(c) a circumferentially radially extending flange extension affixed to and extending beyond said outer perimeter rim of said covering member;

(d) lower perimeter means on a part of the bottom portion of said flange extension, said means adapted to be placed adjacent to said stove burner to receive heat from said structural stove burner.

3: A supplemental heat absorbing apparatus for a cooking utensil to be heated on a stove burner comprising:

(a) a cooking member having a bottom surface with upwardly extending sidewall extending from said bottom surface;

(b) a circumferentially extending flange extension affixed around a portion of said sidewall of said utensil said extension flange having an inner chamber portion that is adjacent in part to a portion of the sidewall of such utensil, said flange extension having means to place liquids into said chamber, and wherein said flange extension has a bottom portion;

(c) lower surface mans on a part of said bottom portion of said flange extension to receive heat from said burner, said bottom portion being aligned with said bottom portion of said utensil.