Safety Guard Cover for a Cooking Surface

Abstract

A safety guard device for a cooking surface, such as a stove or cook top that has a first guard piece slidably coupled to a second guard piece. The first guard piece has a first front piece and a first side piece, and the second guard piece has a second front piece and a second side piece. The second guard piece can be removed or inserted into the first guard piece via an upper lip and a first lower lip, both of which are situated horizontally along an upper length and a lower length of first guard piece, and secured to the cooking surface, such as a stove or cook top, by the use of a plurality of magnets.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims the priority date of provisional application No. 62/415,651 filed on Nov. 1, 2016, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Safety guard covers for cooking surfaces are generally used to protect people from injuries and surrounding areas from damage, particularly children and toddlers who may be able to reach the top of a stove or its contents. These covers are regularly used on indoor and outdoor kitchen-like areas, where heated appliances such as stove tops and grills are utilized. Current safety guard covers are made of substandard materials such as plastic, which are not heat resistant and can easily melt or warp the covers causing grave damage to a user or a child. The plastic covers also do not have side panels and therefore, can fall off and leave a person vulnerable to potential injuries. Conversely, other existing stove guard covers have folding side panels that make the protective guard unsteady and unable to be fully sturdy when in place upon a stove or grill, and makes the guard stove susceptible to collapsing.

[0003] Additionally, there are models that incorporate low quality adhesives that lose their seal at high temperatures that result in the guard covers to fall right off. These inferior materials may introduce deficiencies in the adhesives being used, frailty of the panels, injury to consumers, damage to the panels or neighboring areas, and other detrimental issues.

[0004] The materials used to make these safety guard covers need to be durable in material as well as have the means to be sturdily attached to a stove or similar cooking surface without affecting the integrity of the stove structure. As such there is a need for guard covers that are made of heat-resistant, durable materials, such as kitchen grade stainless steel. There is also a need for guard covers that can attach with stability to a stove, such as with the use of heavy-duty magnets and other superior adhesives that can carry substantial weight. Thus, a safety guard cover for cooking surfaces that can be employed without the hardware melting, emitting dangerous levels of heat, or instability issues is needed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] A safety guard device for a cooking surface, comprising a first guard piece slidably coupled to a second guard piece; wherein the first guard piece further comprises a first front piece and a first side piece, and the second guard piece further comprises a second front piece and a second side piece; wherein second guard piece is removably coupled to first guard piece via an upper lip and a first lower lip both of which are situated horizontally along an upper length and a lower length of first guard piece. A safety guard device for a cooking surface, comprising: a first guard piece slidably coupled to a second guard piece; wherein the first guard piece further comprises a first front piece and a first side piece, and the second guard piece further comprises a second front piece and a second side piece; wherein second guard piece is removably coupled to first guard piece via an upper lip and a first lower lip both of which are situated horizontally along an upper length and a lower length of first guard piece; wherein second guard piece further comprises a second lower lip extending perpendicularly from second guard piece; and further wherein, the first lower lip extends perpendicularly from the first front piece to form an enclosure over a top portion of lower lip that is configured to receive second lower lip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIGS. 1A-H illustrate an example embodiment of the present safety guard cover;

[0007] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary safety guard cover in an unexpanded state;

[0008] FIG. 2B shows an exemplary safety guard cover in an expanded state FIGS. 2C-E depict close-up views of a magnet and rubber encasing for use with an exemplary safety guard cover;

[0009] FIGS. 3A-H illustrate another embodiment of the safety guard cover utilizing magnets;

[0010] FIGS. 4A-G illustrate an alternate embodiment of the safety guard cover;

[0011] FIGS. 5A-G illustrates yet another embodiment of the safety guard cover; and

[0012] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate perspective views of the alternate embodiment of the safety guard cover in a closed and open state.

[0013] FIG. 6C illustrates a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of the safety guard cover.

TABLE-US-00001

[0014] LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS of EMBODIMENTS Safety guard cover 10 First guard piece 20 First front panel 21 First tapered end 21a Upper lip rail 21b Lower lip rail 21c Lower lip rail 21d First side panel 22 First side panel window 22a First support leg 22b First magnet leg support 22c Support lip 22d Second guard piece 30 Second front panel 31 Second tapered end 31a Side lip rail 31b Second side panel 32 Second side panel window 32a Second support leg 32b Second magnet leg support 32c Lower lip 31d Magnet 50 Rubber encasing 50a Metal Plate 60 Leveling Piece 70

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The detailed descriptions set forth below in connection with the appended drawings are intended as a description of embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The descriptions set forth the structure and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent structures and steps may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0016] FIGS. 1A-H illustrate an example embodiment of the present safety guard cover (10) with the components of the safety guard cover (10) depicted separately, including in planar views, and which may comprise a first guard piece (20) and a second guard piece (30) (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1E, respectively). In this embodiment, safety guard cover (10) may have a minimum length of 20 inches and a maximum length of approximately 37 inches, and suitable for fitting onto a standard sized electrical/gas stove or cook tops. Additional potential dimensions that may be utilized in connection with this embodiment are also depicted in FIGS. 1A-H, including the lengths, widths, and outside diameters. FIG. 1A illustrates a side perspective view of the front facing side and inner side views of first guard piece (20). In the exemplary embodiment, first guard piece (20) may be comprised of the following integrated components: a first front panel (21), a first tapered end (21a), and a first side panel (22). First tapered end (21a) may be situated horizontally along the lower portion of first guard piece (20). First tapered end (21a) may also be slanted inwardly away from the front facing side of first front panel (21) at an approximate angle of 45 degrees.

[0017] First guard piece (20) may also be comprised of an upper lip rail (21b) and a lower lip rail (21c), which are depicted in FIG. 1B. Upper lip rail (21b) may be connectively integrated with the top horizontal length of first guard piece (20) and the body of upper lip rail (21b) is generally flat in nature and is positioned substantially flush against the inner top side of first guard piece (20). Lower lip rail (21c) is connectively integrated with the bottom horizontal length of first guard piece (20) via first tapered end (21a), and the body of lower lip rail (21c) is generally curved outwardly in nature to allow adequate space for one or more magnets (50) (not shown in this view) to be connected along its length as well as for second guard piece (20) (See FIGS. 1E-H) to be inserted therein (See discussion with respect to FIG. 2A).

[0018] First side panel (22) is shown separately in FIG. 1C. First side panel (22) is connectively integrated with first guard piece (20) along the vertical and tapered height of first guard piece (20), and is generally situated perpendicular in nature to the first guard piece (20). The top end of first side panel (22) may be partially horizontal in shape with a downwardly curved portion that ends on the opposite side of first side panel (22) away from first guard piece (20). The bottom edge of first side panel (22) is generally horizontal in shape. First side panel (22) may also comprise a first side panel window (22a), which is connectively integrated with a first support leg (22b) (See FIG. 1D for additional detail). Support leg (22b) may provide a base support for a magnet leg support (22c) (Not shown in FIGS. 1A-H), which may be comprised of a threaded screw connected within a magnet (See FIG. 2B for further detail).

[0019] Second guard piece (30) may be comprised of the following connectively integrated components: a second front panel (31), a second tapered end (31a), and a second side panel (32). Second tapered end (31a) may be situated horizontally along the lower portion of second guard piece (30). Tapered end (31a) may also be slanted inwardly away from the front facing side of second front panel (31) at an approximate angle of 45 degrees, and substantially similar in angle to first tapered end (21a) so as to be positioned flush along any length of first tapered end (21a).

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1F, second guard piece (30) may also be comprised of a side lip rail (31b). Side lip rail (31b) is connectively integrated with the bottom horizontal length of second guard piece (30), and the body of side lip rail (31b) is generally curved outwardly in nature to allow adequate space for one or more magnets (50)(not shown in this view) to be connected along its length (See FIGS. 1F and 1H).

[0021] Second side panel (32) is shown separately in FIG. 1G. Second side panel (32) is connectively integrated with second guard piece (30) along the vertical and tapered height of second guard piece (30), and is generally situated perpendicular in nature to the second guard piece (30). The top end of second side panel (32) may be partially horizontal in shape with a downwardly curved portion that ends on the opposite side of second side panel (32) away from second guard piece (30). The bottom edge of second side panel (32) is generally horizontal in shape. Second side panel (32) may also comprise a second side panel window (32a), which is connectively integrated with a second support leg (32b) (See FIG. 1H for additional detail). Second support leg (32b) may provide a base support for a second magnet leg support (32c) (Not shown in FIGS. 1A-H), which may be comprised of a threaded screw connected within a magnet (See FIG. 2B for further detail). In other embodiments of safety guard cover (10), first and second side panel windows (22d and 32a) may be omitted, and in their places, a bracket, or other similar component, may be attached to first and second side panels (22 and 32) to provide a base support for first and second magnet legs (22c and 32c).

[0022] The first and second guard pieces (20 and 30) of safety guard cover (10) may be made of kitchen grade stainless steel, or another stainless steel that is suitable for use in kitchens according to industry and/or legal standards. Safety guard cover (10) may be made of 20 gauge (0.035'') stainless steel (SS 304 #4) with a brushed finish. Further, safety guard cover (10) may be made from kitchen grade stainless steel due to its properties such as resistance to heat and durability for use in kitchens. Depending on the style and material of a stove, the stainless steel of safety guard cover (10) may also provide or contribute to the aesthetics of the kitchen and/or cooking area.

[0023] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the safety guard cover (10) with the first guard piece (20) and second guard piece (30) positioned together for purposes of use with and attachment to a cooking surface/device. Second guard piece (30) may be inserted into first guard piece (20) by sliding it into upper and lower lip rails (21b and 21c) of first guard piece (20). In this view, first guard piece (20) and second guard piece (30) are shown in a closed position with the side lip rail (31b) and lower lip rail (21c) situated flush up against each other. In this view, magnets (50) are shown positioned on side lip rail (31b) and lower lip rail (21c). In an exemplary embodiment, side lip rail (31b) may contain one magnet (50) and lower lip rail (21c) may contain a plurality of magnets (50). In FIG. 2A, lower lip rail (21c) may contain three magnets (50) that are positioned at equidistant points along lower lip rail (21c) or at each end of lower lip rail (21c) and at or towards the middle of lower lip rail (21c). Magnets (50) may be positioned along lower lip rail (21c) in the manner described herein this section for purposes of providing enhanced support along the center portion of safety guard cover (10) when first guard piece (20) and second guard piece (30) are in a horizontally expanded position.

[0024] FIG. 2B shows safety guard cover (10) in an expanded state for when a user adjusts the overall length of first and second guard pieces (20 and 30) to fit around or upon the front side/end/rim of a stove, cooktop, or other similar cooking surface. The magnets (50) positioned within first and second guard pieces (20 and 30) may be attached to the front facing edge of a stove (or other similar cooking surface), with side panels (22 and 32) that may be fit along the left and right sides of the stove (and which may be positioned between each left and right side of the stove and adjacent countertops on each side of the stove, depending on the configuration of the stove within a kitchen area). Once in place, magnet leg supports (22c and 32c) may be adjusted above the left and right top surface of stove, and tightened into place for enhanced stability of safety guard cover (10) upon stove.

[0025] FIGS. 2C and 2D depict close-up views of a magnet (50) for use with the safety guard cover (10). In the exemplary embodiment, magnets (50) may be made of neodymium for its superior strength and ability to carry and withstand substantial weight and forces, such as those that may be regularly encountered around a cooking stove area. Magnets (50) further comprise a stainless steel Phillips screw integrated within the center of magnet (50). Each screw may be at least 1 inch in length so as to provide sufficient internal and external support for magnet (50) when connected to safety guard cover (10) as well as when situated upon a cooking surface. Each magnet (50) may be screwed into lower lip rail (21c) and side lip rail (31b) via generally circular openings therein (Not shown in this view; See FIGS. 1B, 1F, 3B, 3F, which depict areas where circular openings for magnets (50) may be positioned) that allows magnets (50) to be positioned into such openings via the threaded screw. Each magnet (50) may be covered by a rubber encasing (50a) (See FIG. 2E) that may provide protection to the cooking surface when safety guard cover (10) is placed upon it, but without diminishing the viability or strength of magnet (50).

[0026] As discussed earlier with respect to FIGS. 1A-H, first side panel (22) may further comprise a first magnet leg support (22c) situated within first support leg (22b) (See FIGS. 2A and 2B), and second side panel (32) may comprise a second magnet leg support (32c) situated within second support leg (32b) (Not shown). First magnet leg support (22c) and second magnet leg support (32c) may each further comprise magnets (50) that may be 0.75 inches in diameter, and which further comprise a Phillips screw integrated within the magnets of magnet leg supports (22c and 32c) along with a washer and wing nut elements for tightening purposes (See FIGS. 2A and 2B). The threaded screw within magnet leg supports (22c and 32c) may be at least 3 inches in length so as to allow adequate vertical adjustability via support legs (22b and 32b) of magnet leg supports (22c and 32c) upon the left and right sides of a top of a cooking surface. Magnet leg supports (22c and 32c) allow for enhanced support and stability of safety guard cover (10) when placed upon a stove or other similar cooking surface. Magnet leg supports (22c and 32c) provide additional stability and support for safety guard cover (10), such as when a child may attempt to move or grab safety guard cover (10), or when a user is utilizing the contents upon the cooking surface.

[0027] FIGS. 3A-H illustrate another embodiment of the safety guard cover (10) with the components of the safety guard cover (10) depicted separately in an exploded view, and which may comprise a first guard piece (20) and a second guard piece (30) (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3E, respectively). This embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-H is longer in size than the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-H, and is proportioned to fit upon cooktops, stoves or cooking surfaces that are larger in size, such as with Viking.RTM. stoves, or other similarly sized stove appliances. In this embodiment, the length safety guard cover (10) may have an overall length of approximately 33 inches in an unexpanded state.

[0028] FIG. 3A illustrates a side perspective view of the front facing side and inner side views of first guard piece (20). In this embodiment, first front panel (21) may have an approximate length of 32 inches and an approximate height of 6.707 inches, including first tapered end (21a). Second guard piece (30) may have an approximate length of 33.094 inches and an approximate height of 6.707 inches. Additional potential dimensions that may be utilized in connection with this embodiment are also depicted in FIGS. 3A-H, However, different measurements may be utilized in connection with safety guard cover (10) to accommodate different stove dimensions and measurements.

[0029] Also in this embodiment, first tapered end (21a) may also be situated inwardly away from the front facing side of first front panel (21) at an approximate angle of 45 degrees. Upper lip rail (21b) may be continuously integrated along the top horizontal length of first guard piece (20), and may be generally flat in nature, and positioned substantially flush against the inner top side of first guard piece (20). Lower lip rail (21c) may be continuously integrated with the bottom horizontal length of first guard piece (20). The body of lower lip rail (21c) may be generally curved outwardly in nature to allow adequate space for one or more magnets (50) (not shown) to be connected along its length as well as for second guard piece (30) (See FIGS. 3E-H) to be inserted therein (See discussion with respect to FIG. 2A).

[0030] This embodiment of safety guard cover (10) may also comprise first side panel (22) (FIG. 3C), first side panel window (22a), and first support leg (22b) (See FIG. 3D for additional detail). Support leg (22b) may also provide a base support for a magnet leg support (22c) (Not shown in FIGS. 3A-H; See FIG. 2B).

[0031] In this embodiment, second guard piece (30) may also be comprised of second front panel (31), second tapered end (31a), and second side panel (32) (See FIG. 3E). Second tapered end (31a) may be situated horizontally along the lower portion of second guard piece (30), and may be situated inwardly away from the front facing side of first front panel (21) at an approximate angle of 45 degrees. As shown in FIG. 3F, second guard piece (30) may also be comprised of a side lip rail (31b), which is horizontally integrated with the bottom horizontal length of second guard piece (30), and the body of side lip rail (31b) is generally curved outwardly in nature to allow adequate space for one or more magnets (50) (not shown) to be connected along its length (See FIGS. 3F and 3H).

[0032] This embodiment may also comprise second side panel (32) (FIG. 3G), which is continuously integrated along the vertical and tapered height of second guard piece (30), and is generally situated perpendicular in nature to the second guard piece (30). Second side panel (32) may also comprise a second side panel window (32a), second support leg (32b) (See FIG. 3H), and a second magnet leg support (32c) (Not shown in FIGS. 3A-H; See FIG. 2B for further detail).

[0033] FIGS. 4A-G illustrate another embodiment of the present safety guard cover (10) with the components of the safety guard cover (10) depicted separately, and which may contain an underlying adhesive layer. The embodiment of safety guard cover (10) may also comprise a first guard piece (20) and a second guard piece (30) (shown in FIGS. 4A and 4E, respectively). In this embodiment, safety guard cover (10) may have a minimum length of 24 inches. Other potential dimensions that may be utilized in connection with this embodiment are also depicted in FIGS. 4A-G. This embodiment may be suitable for fitting onto a standard sized electrical cook tops that has a cooking surface that may be substantially flat in nature. FIG. 4A illustrates an inner perspective view of first guard piece (20), which may be comprised of first front panel (21), and first side panel (22).

[0034] In this embodiment, first guard piece (20) may also be comprised of an upper lip rail (21b) and a lower lip rail (21d) (See FIGS. 4A, B and D), both of which are continuously integrated with first front panel (21). Upper lip rail (21b) may be generally flat in nature and is positioned vertically to and substantially flush against the top inner side of first guard piece (20). The length of lower lip rail (21d) may be substantially flat in nature, extend out perpendicularly from first guard piece (20), and may curve inwards at an approximate 45 degree along all or substantially all of its length for purposes of sliding second guard piece (30) therein when in use on a cooktop or other cooking surface.

[0035] First side panel (22) (FIG. 4C) is continuously integrated with first guard piece (20) along its height, and is generally situated perpendicular in nature to first guard piece (20), In this embodiment, first side panel (22) may also comprise a support lip (22d), which is substantially flat in nature and extends out perpendicularly from first side panel (22).

[0036] In this embodiment, second guard piece (30) (FIG. 4E), which may be comprised of second front panel (31), second side panel (32), and a lower lip rail (31c) (See FIGS. 4E-G), Both lower lip (31c) and second side panel (32) may be continuously integrated and connected with second front panel (31). The length of lower lip (31c) may be substantially flat in nature, extend out perpendicularly from second guard piece (30). Second side panel (32) (Shown in FIGS. 4E-G) is continuously integrated with second guard piece (30) along its height, and is generally situated perpendicular in nature to second guard piece (30). In this embodiment, second side panel (32) may also comprise a support lip (32d), which is substantially flat in nature and extends out perpendicularly from second side panel (32), Magnets (50) may be situated along the bottom sides of lower lip rails (21d and 31c) as well as support lips (22d and 32d). In other embodiments, magnets (50) may be placed solely at opposite end of the bottom of support lips (22d and 32d) (Also see FIG. 6C). In order to secure safety guard cover (10) to a stove piece, one or more metal plates (60) (not shown) may be positioned upon stove so that they match up with magnets (50) found on support lips (22d and 32d). Once positioned, metal plates (60) may be firmly secured to the stove by the use of an adhesive material, such as a double-sided 3M.RTM. tape. In an exemplary embodiment of the metal plates (60), metal plates (60) may be composed of neodymium, and circular in size, such as a disc shape, with a diameter of 0.75 inches or more, and a thickness of 0.125 inches. Once metal plates (60) are secured to a stove surface, safety guard cover (10) may be placed upon the stove surface by positioning magnets (50) upon metal plates (60). A leveling piece (70) (not shown) may be adhered to the bottom of either lower lip rail 21d or 31c to further stabilize safety guard cover's (10) placement upon the stove surface.

[0037] Attached to the flat portion of the bottom side of lower lip rail (21d) as well as support lip (22d), lower lip (31c), and support lip (32d) may have an optional adhesive layer (not shown in FIGS. 4A-G) for purposes of attaching safety guard cover (10) to a flat, or generally flat, cooktop surface. In the present embodiment, the adhesive layer employed may be 3M VHM adhesive tape (model 4991) for its adhesive strength, durability, and higher resistance to warmth or heat from the stove or oven, as well as compatibility with the surfaces to which it may be attached, such as granite, marble, or Formica.RTM.. When first and second guard pieces (20 and 30) are slidably coupled to each other, a user may adjust second guard piece (30) within first guard piece (20) to fit the width of a cooking surface. The adhesive layer may be exposed by removing the protective layer in order to attached safety guard cover (0) to a cooktop or other cooking surface. Depending on the length of the extension of second guard piece (30) within first guard piece (20), additional adhesive layering may need to be added in order to attach the entire length of lower lip (31c) to a cooktop.

[0038] FIGS. 5A-G illustrates another embodiment of the safety guard cover (10) with an underlying adhesive layer with larger dimensions than the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A-G. The embodiment of safety guard cover (10) shown in FIGS. 5A-G may be used with a larger cooktop surface, and which may have a minimum length of approximately 33 inches. Other potential dimensions that may be utilized in connection with this embodiment are also depicted in FIGS. 5A-G.

[0039] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate perspective views of the safety guard cover (10) with an underlying adhesive layer for purposes of use with and attachment to a cooking surface. Second guard piece (30) may be inserted into first guard piece (20) by sliding it into the lower lip rail (21c) of first guard piece (20). In FIG. 6A, first guard piece (20) and second guard piece (30) are shown in a non-expanded position. FIG. 6B shows safety guard cover (10) in an expanded state for when a user adjust the overall length of first and second guard pieces (20 and 30) to fit upon the top of a stove, cooktop, or other similar cooking surface.

[0040] FIG. 6C illustrates a bottom perspective view of an alternate embodiment of safety guard cover (10) where magnets (50) are placed at opposite end of the bottom of support lips (22d and 32d).

[0041] While particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited except by the claims.

Claims

1. A safety guard device for a cooking surface, comprising: a first guard piece slidably coupled to a second guard piece; wherein the first guard piece further comprises a first front piece and a first side piece, and the second guard piece further comprises a second front piece and a second side piece; wherein second guard piece is removably coupled to first guard piece via an upper lip and a first lower lip both of which are situated horizontally along an upper length and a lower length of first guard piece.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein second guard piece further comprises a second lower lip.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the first and second lower lips contain one or more magnets removably coupled along a length of the first lower lip and a length of the second lower lip.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first and second lower lips are tapered in nature and configured to fit upon a front rim of a stove surface.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the first and second side pieces further comprise one or more magnets.

6. A safety guard device for a cooking surface, comprising: a first guard piece slidably coupled to a second guard piece; wherein the first guard piece further comprises a first front piece and a first side piece, and the second guard piece further comprises a second front piece and a second side piece; wherein second guard piece is removably coupled to first guard piece via an upper lip and a first lower lip both of which are situated horizontally along an upper length and a lower length of first guard piece; wherein second guard piece further comprises a second lower lip extending perpendicularly from second guard piece; and further wherein, the first lower lip extends perpendicularly from the first front piece to form an enclosure over a top portion of lower lip that is configured to receive second lower lip.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the first side piece further comprises a first side lip extending perpendicularly from the first side piece.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the second side piece further comprises a second side lip extending perpendicularly from the second side piece.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein a plurality of magnets are coupled to a bottom side of first side piece and second side piece.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the magnets are circular in shape and configured to removably attach to the first and second side pieces.