Abstract:
A device for heating cooking utensils includes a stove, a food heating cover coupled with the stove, and a cover position mechanism for selectively covering and uncovering the stove by the food heating cover. The food heating cover is enabled to heat the cooking utensils when covering the stove, and the food heating cover is disabled to heat when uncovering the stove. The stove is enabled to heat the cooking utensils when uncovered by the food heating cover, and the stove is disabled to heat when covered by the food heating cover.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNIQUE 
       [0001]    The disclosed technique relates to stoves in general, and to methods and systems for cooking food or keeping prepared food in a warm condition, in particular. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNIQUE 
       [0002]    Stoves for heating a pot or a frying pan are known in the art. Such a stove generally includes a plurality of gas burners (or electric heating elements), and a grate upon which the pot is placed. The stove often includes a retractable cover which can freely rotate about two hinges located at each side of the stove at the rear portion of the stove. The user rotates the retractable cover up to a vertical position toward the rear portion, when using the stove, thus exposing the gas burners. The user rotates the retractable cover down toward the gas burners, such that the retractable cover covers the gas burners, when the stove is not in use. In this position of the retractable cover shields the stove against dust and food debris. 
         [0003]    Devices for keeping precooked food in a warm condition for a substantially long period of time without the intervention of the user, are also known in the art. Such a device includes a hollow metal plate, an electric heating element, and a thermostat. The electric heating element is located within the hollow space of the hollow metal plate. The electric heating element is connected to the mains through the thermostat, thereby heating the hollow metal plate and maintaining the hollow metal plate at a desired temperature. Such devices are used to keep the food warm in compliance with a Jewish Orthodox religious custom, during Sabbath and religious holidays (Yom-Tov). 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,837 issued to McCormick et al., and entitled “Method and Apparatus for Sabbath Compliance Cooking Process”, is directed to a cooking appliance which enables operation in Sabbath mode. The cooking appliance includes an oven, and a control panel. The oven includes a thermal cooking source, a door, and a light. The control panel includes a plurality of touch sensitive switches, and a display. When a user activates the Sabbath mode on the control panel, the word “Sab” is displayed on the display, and furthermore, the light and the thermal cooking source remain on irrespective of the position of the door. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,859 B2 issued to Yamada et al., and entitled “Flat Heating Surface Type Gas Stove”, is directed to a closed type gas stove. The closed type gas stove includes an outer casing, a pipe burner, a top plate, an inner casing, a gas-permeable porous body, a rectifying plate, an air blower, and an exhaust pipe. The pipe burner includes a plurality of vertical pipes. The inner casing is located within the outer casing. The pipe burner includes a plurality of flame ports in a periphery thereof. The inner casing includes a plurality of flame supply ports at portions facing each of the flame ports, in order to enable the flame to be directed toward a center of the outer casing. The bottom portion of each of the vertical pipes is engaged with a gas nozzle through an opening. 
         [0006]    A bottom surface of the outer casing is connected with an outlet of the air blower. The gas-permeable porous body is disposed within the inner casing, at a level somewhat below the flame ports. The rectifying plate includes a plurality of holes, and is disposed below the gas-permeable porous body. The exhaust pipe is disposed below the rectifying plate, in such a way that the exhaust pipe pierces through a wall of the inner casing. 
         [0007]    The air supplied by the air blower to a space between the inner casing and the outer casing, flows into the vertical pipes to be mixed with the fuel gas and to form a mixed gas. The mixed gas is ejected from the flame ports to form a flame. The flame passes through the flame supply ports to spread throughout a combustion chamber between the gas-permeable porous body and the top plate. Part of the air supplied by the air blower enters the combustion chamber together with the flame ejected from the flame supply ports, to assist the secondary combustion of the flame. 
         [0008]    The combustion heat produced by the combustion gas, is thermally conducted to the top plate, in order to heat a heating substance which is placed on the top plate. The combustion gas transfers to the exhaust pipe via the gas-permeable porous body. The gas-permeable porous body radiates heat toward the top plate. The rectifying plate prevents the combustion gas to generate a drift current as it transfers from the combustion space to the exhaust pipe. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,869 B1 issued to Abernethy and entitled “Stove Cover Device”, is directed to a stove cover device to create an additional counter space. The stove cover device includes a stove and a covering member. The covering member includes a peripheral edge, and a securing means. The stove includes a panel located at a back portion thereof. A peripheral wall extends from the peripheral edge. The peripheral wall defines a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, and a fourth wall. The first wall and the second wall are a first pair of opposing walls, and the third wall and the fourth are a second pair of opposing walls. The first wall and the second wall are located at each side of the stove. The third wall is located at the back portion of the stove, and the fourth wall is located at a front portion of the stove. 
         [0010]    The securing means includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm is positioned at a junction of the first wall and the third wall. The second arm is positioned at another junction of the second wall and the third wall. The first arm and the second arm include a first gripping means and a second gripping means, respectively. A user can place the stove cover device over a top surface of the stove, when the stove is not in use, by gripping the first gripping means and the second gripping means, and attaching the securing means to the panel. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNIQUE 
       [0011]    It is an object of the disclosed technique to provide a novel method and system for cooking food or keeping food warm using two alternate heat sources. 
         [0012]    In accordance with the disclosed technique, there is thus provided a device for heating cooking utensils. The device includes a stove, a food heating cover coupled with the stove, and a cover position mechanism for selectively covering and uncovering the stove by the food heating cover. The food heating cover is enabled to heat the cooking utensils when covering the stove, and is disabled to heat when uncovering the stove. The stove is enabled to heat the cooking utensils when uncovered by the food heating cover, and is disabled to heat when covered by the food heating cover. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed technique, there is thus provided a device for heating cooking utensils, to be coupled with a stove. The device includes a food heating cover, and a cover position mechanism for coupling the food heating cover with the stove and for selectively covering and uncovering the stove by the food heating cover. The food heating cover is enabled to heat the cooking utensils when covering the stove, and the food heating cover is disabled to heat when uncovering the stove. The stove is enabled to heat the cooking utensils when uncovered by the food heating cover, and the stove is disabled to heat when covered by the food heating cover. 
         [0014]    In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosed technique, there is thus provided a device for heating cooking utensils. The device includes a stove including at least one heat source, a food heating cover coupled with the stove, and a cover position mechanism for selectively covering and uncovering the stove by the food heating cover. The food heating cover includes a heat absorbing substance having a substantially large heat capacity. The heat absorbing substance stores heat there within, when heated by the at least one heat source, and when the food heating cover covers the at least one heat source. The food heating cover heats the cooking utensils when the heat absorbing substance releases the heat to the cooking utensils. 
         [0015]    In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed technique, there is thus provided a device for heating cooking utensils, to be coupled with a stove having at least one heat source. The device includes a food heating cover, and a cover position mechanism for coupling the food heating cover with the stove and for selectively covering and uncovering the stove by the food heating cover. The food heating cover includes a heat absorbing substance having a substantially large heat capacity. The heat absorbing substance stores heat there within, when heated by the heat source, and when the food heating cover covers the heat source. The food heating cover heats the cooking utensils when the heat absorbing substance releases the heat to the cooking utensils. 
         [0016]    In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosed technique, there is thus provided a device for heating cooking utensils. The device includes a stove including at least one heat source, a food heating cover coupled with the stove, and a cover position mechanism for selectively covering and uncovering the stove by the food heating cover. The food heating cover heats the cooking utensils when covering the stove and heated by the heat source. 
         [0017]    In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed technique, there is thus provided a device for heating cooking utensils, to be coupled with a stove having at least one heat source. The device includes a food heating cover, and a cover position mechanism for coupling the food heating cover with the stove and for selectively covering and uncovering the stove by the food heating cover. The food heating cover heats the cooking utensils when covering the stove and heated by the heat source. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The disclosed technique will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic illustration of a device for heating cooking utensils with a food heating cover in an open position, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technique; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1B  is a schematic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1A , with the food heating cover in a closed position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic illustration of an electric circuit of the device of  FIG. 1A , constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed technique; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2B  is a schematic illustration of the food heating cover controller of the electric circuit of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of an electric circuit of the device of  FIG. 1A , constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosed technique; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic illustration of a top view of a device for heating cooking utensils, with a food heating cover of the device in a retracted position, constructed and operative according to another embodiment of the disclosed technique; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic illustration of a side view (view I) of the device of  FIG. 4A , with the food heating cover of the device in the retracted position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4C  is a schematic illustration a side view of the device of  FIG. 4A , with the food heating cover in an extended position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic illustration of a side view of a device for heating cooking utensils, incorporated with a rollable food heating cover, constructed and operative according to a further embodiment of the disclosed technique; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5B  is a schematic illustration of a top view (view II) of the device of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration of a device for heating cooking utensils, incorporated with a food heating cover constructed and operative according to another embodiment of the disclosed technique; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of a food heating cover, constructed and operative according to a further embodiment of the disclosed technique; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of a device for heating cooking utensils, constructed and operative according to another embodiment of the disclosed technique. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    The disclosed technique overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a stove which is combined with a food heating cover including an embedded heating element. The gas burners of the stove can be used to cook food when the food heating cover is open. By lowering the food heating cover and turning on its heating element, the food heating cover can be used for keeping a prepared food in a warm condition, for a long period. In this mode cooking utensils can be heated or kept warm while complying with Jewish Orthodox religious custom requiring to refrain from performing certain tasks during Sabbath and religious Jewish holiday (Yom-Tov) (i.e., restrictions such as forbidding cooking, lighting fire, and turning electrical appliances on and off). 
         [0033]    Optionally, if sufficient electric power is allowed to be supplied to the heating element of the food heating cover, then the food heating cover can be used as an ordinary cooking surface for cooking or frying food However, such cooking may be deemed non-compliant with Jewish religious requirements. 
         [0034]    The term “active food heating cover” herein below, refers to a food heating cover which includes a cover heating element embedded there within. The active food heating cover generates heat when the cover heating element is turned on, and ceases to generate heat, when the cover heating element is turned off. The term “passive food heating cover” herein below, refers to a food heating cover which is made of a solid having a substantially high heat capacity (i.e., a heat absorbing substance), such as marble, brick, granite, limestone, and the like. Alternatively, the passive food heating cover can be in form of an enclosure (e.g., made of a metal), which contains a substance having a substantially large heat capacity, such as water, paraffin wax, borax, coal, cork, humus, sandstone, vulcanite, fir wood, oak wood, pine wood, and the like. 
         [0035]    The term “cooking” refers also to mere warming of food or liquids. The term “utensil” refers to a vessel, container, receptacle, pot, pan, dish, and the like, and even a mere wrapper or bag, in which solid food or a liquid can be contained. Accordingly, the term “cooking utensil” also refers, for example, to food bag or wrapper that can withstand only warming, not actual cooking. 
         [0036]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  2 A,  2 B, and  3 .  FIG. 1A  is a schematic illustration of a device for heating cooking utensils with a food heating cover in an open position, generally referenced  100 , constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technique.  FIG. 1B  is a schematic illustration of the device of  FIG. 1A , with the food heating cover in a closed position.  FIG. 2A  is a schematic illustration of an electric circuit of the device of  FIG. 1A , constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed technique.  FIG. 2B  is a schematic illustration of the food heating cover controller of the electric circuit of  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of an electric circuit of the device of  FIG. 1A , constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosed technique. 
         [0037]    Device  100  includes a stove  102 , a food heating cover  104 , a cover position mechanism  150 , a food heating cover controller  114 , and a main gas valve solenoid  116 . Cover position mechanism  150  includes a right hinge  110 , and a left hinge  112 . Food heating cover  104  includes a cover heating element  118 , and a handle  120 . Stove  102  includes a plurality of stove heating elements  106  (i.e., stove heat source), and a plurality of grates  108 . Right hinge  110  includes a right bracket  122 , and a right bearing element  124 . Left hinge  112  includes a left bracket  126 , and a left bearing element  128 . Food heating cover controller  114  ( FIG. 2B ) includes a switch  130 , a temperature control module  132 , a timer  134 , and a power level control module  136 . 
         [0038]    Each of stove heating elements  106  can be a gas burner, electric heating element, infrared heating element, halogen heating element and the like. Cover heating element  118  can be an electric heating element, infrared heating element, halogen heating element, and the like. 
         [0039]    A first end (not shown) of right bracket  122  is firmly coupled with a right rear portion (not shown) of stove  102 , and a second end (not shown) of right bracket  122  is coupled with a right portion (not shown) of food heating cover  104 , through right bearing element  124 . A third end (not shown) of left bracket  126  is firmly coupled with a left rear portion (not shown) of stove  102 , and a fourth end (not shown) of left bracket  126  is coupled with a left portion (not shown) of food heating cover  104 , through left bearing element  128 . In this manner, food heating cover  104  can freely rotate on right bearing element  124  and left bearing element  128 . A user (not shown) can lower food heating cover  104  onto a stove top surface  138  of stove  102 , from an open position illustrated in  FIG. 1A , to a closed position illustrated in  FIG. 1B , by gripping handle  120 . Likewise, the user can raise food heating cover  104 , from the closed position to the open position by gripping handle  120 . 
         [0040]    With reference to  FIG. 2A , food heating cover controller  114  is electrically coupled with an electric power source  140 , a main gas valve solenoid  116 , and with cover heating element  118 . Electric power source  140  can be the mains of a room (not shown) in which device  100  is located. Main gas valve solenoid  116  is an electromagnetically operated fluid valve having a fluid input and a fluid output. When an electromagnet (not shown) of main gas valve solenoid  116  is in an un-energized state, gas can flow from the input to the output. When the electromagnet is energized, substantially no gas can flow from the input to the output (i.e., main gas valve solenoid  116  is a normally open solenoid valve). 
         [0041]    Main gas valve solenoid  116  is coupled between a main gas valve (not shown), and a plurality of stove heating element controllers  142 , which control the operation of each of stove heating elements  106  (in this case gas burners). Stove heating element controllers  142  are located on a stove front surface  152 . The input of the main gas valve solenoid  116  is coupled with a gas source (not shown—such as a pressure vessel containing liquid butane), and the output of main gas valve solenoid  116  is coupled with stove heating element controllers  142 . When main gas valve solenoid  116  is in a closed position, no gas flows from the gas source to the gas burners, no matter whether stove heating element controllers  142  are in a closed position or a an open position. 
         [0042]    When switch  130  is in an off state, cover heating element  118  is disconnected from electric power source  140 , and main gas valve solenoid  116  is in an open state. When switch  130  is in an on state, cover heating element  118  is connected to electric power source  140 , and main gas valve solenoid  116  is switched to a closed state. 
         [0043]    Switch  130  includes a first contact (not shown) and a second contact (not shown). When switch  130  is in an off state, the first contact and the second contact are disconnected. When switch  130  is in an on state, the first contact is connected with the second contact. 
         [0044]    Temperature control module  132  is a module which substantially maintains the temperature of a body (not shown) at a selected temperature, by controlling the electric current flow to a heating element which transfers heat to the body. Temperature control module  132  can include a temperature sensor (not shown) and a switch (not shown). The user can set the switch at a selected temperature setting. The temperature sensor senses the temperature of the body. The switch is coupled with an electric power source, the heating element, and with the temperature sensor. The switch connects and disconnects the electric power source from the heating element, according to the selected temperature setting, and according to an input from the temperature sensor. Temperature control module  132  can be set within a range which satisfies Jewish religious requirements of keeping food in a warm condition (i.e., refrain from high temperatures which are considered a cooking operation). 
         [0045]    Alternatively, temperature control module  132  can be in form of a bimetallic switch. The bimetallic switch includes two different metallic elements having different coefficients of expansion, wherein one metallic element physically deforms relative to the other, due to changes in temperature. The gap between the bimetallic elements can be set at a selected value, which represents a selected temperature setting. The bimetallic switch connects and disconnects the heating element from the electric power source, according to the gap between the metallic elements, and the relative physical deformation of the metallic elements. 
         [0046]    Timer  134  includes a clock (not shown) and a switch (not shown). The switch is coupled with the electric power source, the clock and with the heating element. When the reading of the clock is less than a selected time, the switch is in an on state, and the switch connects the heating element with the electric power source. When the reading of the clock is equal to or greater than the selected time, the switch reverts to an off state, and the switch disconnects the heating element from the electric power source. 
         [0047]    Timer  134  can be set to an on state for a predetermined time period. Such a time period can be compliant with the Sabbath (or holiday) duration, or with religious requirements allowing its turning on and off during Sabbath and holiday. Timer  134  can also be set to turn on or off, according to a preprogrammed scheme. Such a preprogrammed scheme can be compliant with heating time requirements, for example a few hours before the heated food is to be served. Such a preprogrammed scheme can be compliant with religious requirements allowing turning cover heating element  118  on and off during Sabbath and holiday. 
         [0048]    Power level control module  136  is a variable resistor (not shown), whose resistance can be varied, thereby controlling the electric current which passes through the variable resistor. The variable resistor is coupled with the electric power source and with the heating element. Power level control module  136  controls the electric current supplied to the heating element, thereby controlling the heat which the heating element generates. Power level control module  136  can be set within a range which satisfies Jewish religious requirements of keeping food in a warm condition (i.e., refrain from high temperatures which are considered a cooking operation). 
         [0049]    Food heating cover controller  114  controls the operation of main gas valve solenoid  116  and cover heating element  118 . Following is a description of the operation of device  100 . 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIG. 1A , the user turns off the gas burners, via stove heating element controllers  142  and turns on switch  130 . Thus, electric power is supplied to cover heating element  118 , and simultaneously main gas valve solenoid  116  is switched to a closed state. With reference to  FIG. 2B , the user lowers food heating cover  104  onto stove top surface  138 . A stove cover bottom surface  144  of food heating cover  104  rests on grates  108 , and the user can place one or more cooking utensils (not shown), which contain food, on a food heating cover top surface  146  of food heating cover  104 . The heat generated by cover heating element  118  transfers to the cooking utensils by thermal conduction, thermal convection, and thermal radiation, or a combination thereof, thereby heating the cooking utensils. 
         [0051]    Switch  130 , temperature control module  132 , timer  134 , or power level control module  136 , is located on cover top surface  146 . Alternatively, switch  130 , temperature control module  132 , timer  134 , or power level control module  136 , is located on stove front surface  152 . Further alternatively, temperature control module  132 , timer  134 , power level control module  136 , and particularly Switch  130 , is located on the side of stove  102 , either on a cover side periphery or on stove side wall, for eliminating the possibility of a mistaken activation and deactivation. Further alternatively, the device is associated with a remote user interface and control, such as through Home Phoneline Networking Alliance (HPNA) computer network. 
         [0052]    The user can set temperature control module  132  at a selected temperature setting, thereby substantially keeping the temperature of the food at a selected temperature. The user can set timer  134  at a selected on state and a selected off state, according to a selected schedule, such as a Jewish calendar (e.g., Sabbath, Passover, Yom Kippur). This provision enables the user to operate the food heating cover in conformity with the requirements of the Jewish custom. 
         [0053]    When the reading of the clock is substantially equal to the selected on state, electric current flows through timer  134  during the time period between the selected on state and the selected off state, and cover heating element  118  generates heat during this time period. When the reading of the clock is substantially equal to or greater than the selected off state, electric current ceases to flow to cover heating element  118 , and cover heating element  118  ceases to generate heat. The user can set the amount of heat which cover heating element  118  generates per unit time, by setting power level control module  136  at a selected value. 
         [0054]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , in case each of stove heating elements  106  is an electric heating element, device  100  includes a stove heating element switch  148 . Food heating cover controller  114  is coupled with electric power source  140 , cover heating element  118 , and with stove heating element switch  148 . When switch  130  of food heating cover controller  114  is turned on, stove heating element switch  148  is turned off and cover heating element  118  is turned on. When switch  130  of food heating cover controller  114  is turned off, stove heating element switch  148  is turned on and cover heating element  118  is turned off. Stove heating element switch  148  is coupled with each of stove heating elements  106 . When stove heating element switch  148  is in an on state, electric current flows to each of stove heating elements  106 . When stove heating element switch  148  is in an off state, electric current ceases to flow to stove heating elements  106 . 
         [0055]    It is noted that switch  130  overrides the operation of each of temperature control module  132 , timer  134 , and power level control module  136  (i.e., switch  130  supplies electric current to each of temperature control module  132 , timer  134 , and power level control module  136 ). It is further noted that food heating cover controller  114  can operate with switch  130  alone, and that temperature control module  132 , timer  134 , and power level control module  136 , are optional elements. It is still further noted that each of main gas valve solenoid  116  ( FIG. 2A ) and stove heating element switch  148  ( FIG. 3 ), is an optional element of device  100 . Hence, main gas valve solenoid  116  is regarded as a safety device which prevents gas leakage if the user forgets to turn off stove heating element controllers  142 , before turning on cover heating element  118 , and lowering food heating cover  104  on stove top surface  138 . Likewise, stove heating element switch  148  disconnects electric power source  140  from stove heating elements  106 , in case the user forgets to turn off stove heating elements  106  via stove heating element controllers  142 , before turning on switch  130 . 
         [0056]    In the example set forth in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , food heating cover  104  is an active food heating cover, which includes a cover heating element. Alternatively, a stove similar to device  100  can include a passive food heating cover. In this case, the user lowers the passive food heating cover on the stove top surface and turns on one or more of the stove heating elements, thereby allowing the food heating cover to store the heat generated by the stove heating elements. Thereafter, the user can either raise the food heating cover, or leave the food heating cover in the lowered condition on the stove top surface. In order to keep the food in a warm condition, the user lowers the food heating cover on the stove top surface, and places the cooking utensil on the stove cover top surface. The heat which was previously stored in the food heating cover transfers to the cooking utensil, thereby keeping the food warm, relative to the room temperature. 
         [0057]    Further alternatively, in a stove similar to latter device, the passive food heating cover is kept warm by one or more of the stove heating elements. In this case, the user lowers the passive food heating cover on the stove top surface and turns on one or more of the stove heating elements for a time, power and temperature commensurate with the period of time of which food warming is required. Such time, power and temperature can be controlled by a timer, a power lever control module, or a temperature control module, similar to timer  134 , power lever control module  136 , or temperature control module  132 , correspondingly, which control the stove heating elements instead of the cover heating element. Such time, power and temperature can comply with Sabbath and Jewish holidays. However, the stove heating elements cannot include a gas burner if the Jewish religious requirements for Sabbath and Jewish holidays are to be observed by such an arrangement. 
         [0058]    Food heating cover  104  is in form of an enclosure for housing cover heating element  118 . This enclosure can be made of metal, glass, polymer, and the like. A metal enclosure can be made for example of a stainless steel. Alternatively, the metal enclosure can be made of steel, copper, aluminum, and alloys thereof. The metal can be coated with a substance having certain mechanical characteristics, such as corrosion resistance, surface smoothness, heat conductivity, hardness, and the like. 
         [0059]    In case of a food heating cover made of glass, the stove cover heating element may molded in glass. Such a stove cover heating element can be made of copper, a transparent material, such as Titanium Nitride (TIN), and the like. Optionally, the food heating cover may include a heating element, such as an electric infrared element or a halogen lamp sandwiched between a top glass surface and a bottom reflective surface. 
         [0060]    Alternatively, food heating cover  104  together with cover position mechanism  150 , can be designed as an add-on feature ready to be incorporated with a stove, rather than manufactured with stove  102 . 
         [0061]    It is noted that device  100  includes also an oven  154 . However, oven  154  is integrated with stove  102  in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  for demonstrative purposes only, as an oven integrated with a stove is very common. The disclosed technique equally relates to a stove without any oven, as illustrated for example in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0062]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C.  FIG. 4A  is a schematic illustration of a top view of a device for heating cooking utensils generally referenced  170 , with a food heating cover of the device in a retracted position, constructed and operative according to another embodiment of the disclosed technique.  FIG. 4B  is a schematic illustration of a side view (view I) of the device of  FIG. 4A , with the food heating cover of the device in the retracted position.  FIG. 4C  is a schematic illustration a side view of the device of  FIG. 4A , with the food heating cover in an extended position. 
         [0063]    Device  170  includes a stove  172 , a food heating cover  174 , and a cover position mechanism  230 . Stove  172  includes a stove top surface  180 , a stove rear surface  182 , and a plurality of cover supports  184 . Food heating cover  174  includes a cover heating element  186 , and a handle  192 . Cover position mechanism  230  includes a right guide  176 , a left guide  178 , a right pin  188 , and a left pin  190 . Right guide  176  includes a right vertical groove (not shown) and a right horizontal groove (not shown). Left guide  178  includes a left vertical groove  194 , and a left horizontal groove  196 . Device  170  is located on a ground surface  198 . 
         [0064]    A cross section of right guide  176  is in form of the letter “L”, whose one leg (i.e., a fastened leg, referenced  200 ), is firmly coupled with a right side (not shown) of stove rear surface  182 . The right vertical groove is formed on the other leg (i.e., a free leg, referenced  202 ) of right guide  176 . Right guide  176  is coupled with stove rear surface  182 , such that a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the right vertical groove is substantially perpendicular to ground surface  198 . The right horizontal groove is an extension of the right vertical groove, and the right horizontal groove is substantially parallel with ground surface  198 . The right horizontal groove is substantially shorter than the right vertical groove, and the right horizontal groove is located at an upper end (not shown) of right guide  176 , farthest from ground surface  198 . 
         [0065]    A cross section of left guide  178  is in form of the letter “L”, whose one leg (i.e., a fastened leg, referenced  204 ), is firmly coupled with a left side (not shown) of stove rear surface  182 . Left vertical groove  194  is formed on the other leg (i.e., a free leg, referenced  206 ) of left guide  178 . Left guide  178  is coupled with stove rear surface  182 , such that a longitudinal axis (not shown) of left vertical groove  194  is substantially perpendicular to ground surface  198 . Left horizontal groove  196  is an extension of left vertical groove  194 , and left horizontal groove  196  is substantially parallel with ground surface  198 . Left horizontal groove  196  is substantially shorter than left vertical groove  194 , and left horizontal groove  196  is located at an upper end  208  of left guide  178 , farthest from ground surface  198 . 
         [0066]    Fastened leg  200  is shorter than free leg  202 , and right guide  176  is coupled with rear surface  182 , such that an upper edge (not shown) of fastened leg  200  is substantially flush with stove top surface  180 . The right horizontal groove is formed in a region of free leg  202  between the upper edge of fastened leg  200 , and another upper edge (not shown) of free leg  202 . Fastened leg  204  is shorter than free leg  206 , and left guide  178  is coupled with rear surface  182 , such that an upper edge  210  of fastened leg  204  is substantially flush with stove top surface  180 . Left horizontal groove  196  is formed in a region of free leg  206  between upper edge  210 , and an upper edge  212  of free leg  206 . 
         [0067]    Each of right guide  176  and left guide  178  is made of metal, polymer, wood, and the like. Each of right guide  176  and left guide  178  can be coupled with stove rear surface  182  by fastening techniques known in the art, such as welding, an adhesive, mechanical fastener, and the like. Right guide  176  and left guide  178  are coupled with stove rear surface  182 , such that free legs  202  and  206  are substantially mutually parallel, and each one is substantially perpendicular to ground surface  198 . 
         [0068]    Right pin  188  is firmly coupled with an end  214  of food heating cover  174 , at a right side  216  of food heating cover  174 . Left pin  190  is firmly coupled with end  214 , at a left side  218  of food heating cover  174 . Handle  192  is firmly coupled with an end  220  of food heating cover  174  opposite to end  214 . 
         [0069]    A width (not shown) of food heating cover  174  is less than a space (not shown) between free legs  202  and  206 , such that food heating cover  174  can freely slide within the space between free legs  202  and  206 . Right pin  188  can move within the right vertical groove and the right horizontal groove, and left pin  190  can move within left vertical groove  194  and left horizontal groove  196 , thereby guiding the movement of food heating cover  174  between right guide  176  and left guide  178 . 
         [0070]    Cover supports  184  are coupled with stove top surface  180 . With reference to  FIG. 4B , right pin  188  and left pin  190  rest against bottom ends (not shown) of the right vertical groove and left vertical groove  194 , due to the weight of food heating cover  174 , such that food heating cover  174  remains in the retracted position. The user grabs handle  192  and pulls up food heating cover  174  in a direction designated by an arrow  222 , until right pin  188  reaches the upper end of right guide  176 , and left pin  190  reaches upper end  208 . With reference to  FIG. 4C , the user pulls up food heating cover  174 , while rotating food heating cover  174  in a direction designated by an arrow  226 , toward a front side  224  of stove  172 . A bottom surface  228  of food heating cover  174  rests against cover supports  184  and at this position, food heating cover  174  is ready for use, as described herein above in connection with  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C. 
         [0071]    Food heating cover  174  in the example set forth in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C, is an active food heating cover. Alternatively, food heating cover  174  can be a passive food heating cover. It is noted that food heating cover  174  is concealed in its retracted position whereas food heating cover  104  is exposed in its retracted position ( FIG. 1A ). It is further noted that the food heating cover can be coupled with the stove right surface as well as the stove left surface of the stove, instead of the stove rear surface. 
         [0072]    Alternatively, food heating cover  174  together with cover position mechanism  230 , can be designed as an add-on feature ready to be incorporated with a stove, rather than manufactured together with stove  172 . 
         [0073]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 5A , and  5 B.  FIG. 5A  is a schematic illustration of a side view of a device for heating cooking utensils generally referenced  250 , incorporated with a rollable food heating cover, constructed and operative according to a further embodiment of the disclosed technique.  FIG. 5B  is a schematic illustration of a top view (view II) of the device of  FIG. 5A . 
         [0074]    Device  250  includes a stove  252 , a flexible food heating cover  268 , and a cover position mechanism  254 . Stove  252  includes a stove front surface  308 , a stove rear surface  256 , a stove top surface  258 , a stove bottom surface  260 , a stove right surface  262 , a stove left surface  264 , a plurality of stove heating elements  266 , a front stop  278 , a rear stop  280 , a cover holder  282 , and a perforated cover support  284 . Cover position mechanism  254  includes a roller  270 , a central shaft  272 , a right bracket  274 , and a left bracket  276 . 
         [0075]    Flexible food heating cover  268  is made of a flexible material, such as polymer, linked elements, and the like, whose heat transfer coefficient is substantially large. Flexible food heating cover  268  includes a cover heating element (not shown) embedded there within or coupled thereto. Flexible food heating cover  268  has a substantially rectangular contour. A width of flexible food heating cover  268  is herein below defined as a side of the rectangular contour measured along a stove lateral axis (not shown) between stove right surface  262  and stove left surface  264 . A length of flexible food heating cover  268  is herein below defined as the length of the other side of the rectangular contour. 
         [0076]    In the example set forth in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , flexible food heating cover  268  is an active food heating cover. Alternatively, flexible food heating cover  268  can be a passive food heating cover. 
         [0077]    Right bracket  274  is firmly coupled with an upper rear side of stove right surface  262 . Left bracket  276  is firmly coupled with an upper rear side of stove left surface  264 . 
         [0078]    Central shaft  272  passes through roller  270  along a longitudinal axis (not shown) of roller  270 , and is firmly coupled therewith. Central shaft  272  protrudes from both ends (not shown) of roller  270 . Instead of central shaft  272 , cover position mechanism  254  can include a right pin (not shown) firmly coupled with a right end (not shown) of roller  270 , and a left pin (not shown) firmly coupled with a left end (not shown) of roller  270 . Each of right bracket  274  and left bracket  276  is provided with a bearing (not shown) to receive a right end  286  and a left end  288 , respectively, of central shaft  272 . 
         [0079]    Thus, roller  270  can freely rotate in the bearings clockwise (designated by an arrow  300 ) as well counterclockwise (designated by an arrow  302 ). Central shaft  272  is coupled with either one or both of right bracket  274  and left bracket  276 , by one or more elastic elements (not shown). The elastic element can be in form of a spiral metal spring, an elastic band made of a polymer, and the like. The elastic element applies a tangential force to central shaft  272 , to rotate roller  270  counterclockwise in the direction of arrow  302 . 
         [0080]    Rear stop  280  is in form of a plate or a sheet, having a substantially rectangular contour. Rear stop  280  is provided with a slot (not shown). A slot axis (not shown) of the slot, is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the substantially rectangular contour. A length of this slot is equal to or greater than the width of flexible food heating cover  268 , and a gap of this slot is equal to or greater than a thickness of flexible food heating cover  268 . Rear stop  280  is coupled with a rear side (not shown) of stove top surface  258 , such that the slot axis is substantially parallel with the stove lateral axis. 
         [0081]    One end of flexible food heating cover  268  is rolled around roller  270 , and cover holder  282  is firmly coupled with the opposite end of flexible food heating cover  268 . Flexible food heating cover  268  passes through the slot of rear stop  280 , and flexible food heating cover  268  can freely move along a stove longitudinal axis (not shown) between stove front surface  308  and stove rear surface  256 , within the slot. Due to the tangential force which the elastic element applies to roller  270  along arrow  302 , flexible food heating cover  268  tends to move in a direction designated by an arrow  304 , along the stove longitudinal axis. 
         [0082]    Food heating cover holder  282  is in form of a substantially slender body, whose thickness is greater than the gap of the slot of rear stop  280 . Hence, flexible food heating cover  268  moves within the slot in direction  304 , due to the tangential force of the elastic element, until food heating cover holder  282  makes contact with rear stop  280 , thereby preventing flexible food heating cover  268  to move any further. In this condition, the elastic element tightly holds flexible food heating cover  268  against rear stop  280 . 
         [0083]    Perforated cover support  284  can be in form of a screen, a wire mesh, and the like, which is strong enough to support the weight of cooking utensils (not shown). Perforated food heating cover support  284  is coupled with stove top surface  258 . Alternatively, perforated cover support  284  is in form of a grate of stove  252  which rests on stove top surface  258 . Preferably, perforated cover support  284  has large openings  310  allowing free space above stove heating elements  266 . A cover support height (not shown) of perforated cover support  284  from stove top surface  258 , is substantially equal to a slot height (not shown) of the slot of rear stop  280  from stove top surface  258 . 
         [0084]    Front stop  278  is in form of sheet or plate having a rectangular contour, which mates with cover holder  282 . Front stop  278  is coupled with a front side (not shown) of stove top surface  258  along the lateral axis of stove  252 . 
         [0085]    Normally, flexible food heating cover  268  is pulled back toward stove rear surface  256 , due to the tangential force of the elastic element, and remains in this position (i.e., retracted position), by cover holder  282 . The user can roll out flexible food heating cover  268  from roller  270  in a direction designated by an arrow  306 , along the stove longitudinal axis, over perforated cover support  284 , and tightly lock cover holder  282  with front stop  278 , in order to maintain flexible food heating cover  268  in this position (i.e., extended position), on perforated cover support  284 . In this extended position, the user can use flexible food heating cover  268  as described herein above in connection with  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C. In this position, flexible food heating cover  268  is stretched over perforated cover support  284 , and unrolled from roller  270 . In order to retract flexible food heating cover  268 , the user releases cover holder  282  from front stop  278 , in which case flexible food heating cover  268  rolls back on to roller  270 , due to the tangential force of the elastic element. 
         [0086]    It is noted that flexible food heating cover  268  occupies substantially less room than food heating cover  104  ( FIG. 1A ). It is further noted that the cover position mechanism can be coupled with the stove right surface as well as the stove left surface of the stove. 
         [0087]    Alternatively, flexible food heating cover  268  together with a rolling mechanism similar to that of device  250 , can be designed as an add-on feature ready to be incorporated with a stove, rather than manufactured with stove  252 . 
         [0088]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 6 , which is a schematic illustration of a device for heating cooking utensils generally referenced  330 , incorporated with a food heating cover constructed and operative according to another embodiment of the disclosed technique. Device  330  includes a stove  332 , a food heating cover  344 , and a cover position mechanism  334 . Stove  332  includes a stove right surface (not shown), a stove left surface  336 , a stove top surface  338 , a plurality of stove heating elements  340 , and a plurality of grates  342 . Food heating cover  344  includes a handle  346 . Cover position mechanism  334  includes a right hinge  348 , and a left hinge  350 . 
         [0089]    Food heating cover  344  is in form of a rigid wire mesh whose wires are actually the cover heating elements (i.e., wire mesh electric heating element). Right hinge  348  and left hinge  350  are similar to right hinge  110  ( FIG. 1A ), and left hinge  112 , respectively, as described herein above. Right hinge  348  is coupled with a top rear portion of the stove right surface, and with food heating cover  344 , as described herein above in connection with  FIG. 1A . Left hinge  350  is coupled with a top rear portion of stove left surface  336 , and with food heating cover  344 , as described herein above in connection with  FIG. 1A . 
         [0090]    Handle  346  is coupled with food heating cover  344 . The user grips handle  346  to lower food heating cover  344  toward stove top surface  338 . Food heating cover  344  rests on grates  342 , and the user can place a cooking utensil on top of food heating cover  344 , and operate food heating cover mechanism  334 , as described herein above in connection with  FIGS. 2A , and  2 B. 
         [0091]    Alternatively, food heating cover  344  together with food heating cover mechanism  334 , can be designed as an add-on feature ready to be incorporated with a stove, rather than manufactured with stove  332 . 
         [0092]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 7 , which is a schematic illustration of a food heating cover generally referenced  370 , constructed and operative according to a further embodiment of the disclosed technique. Food heating cover  370  is in form of a shallow pan and includes a cover heating element  372 , embedded within a bottom surface  374  thereof. The user can operate food heating cover  370  as described herein above in connection with  FIGS. 2A , and  2 B, to fry food, as well cook food or keep a prepared food in a warm condition, by placing a cooking utensil on bottom surface  374 . 
         [0093]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 8 , which is a schematic illustration of a device for heating cooking utensils generally referenced  400 , constructed and operative according to another embodiment of the disclosed technique. Device  400  includes a built-in stove  402 , a food heating cover  414 , and a cover position mechanism  404 . Built-in stove  402  includes a stove top surface  406 , a stove right surface (not shown), a stove left surface  408 , a control panel  410 , and a plurality of stove heating elements  412 . Food heating cover  414  includes a cover heating element  420 , and a handle  422 . Cover position mechanism  404  includes a right hinge  416 , and a left hinge  418 . 
         [0094]    Control panel  410  is used to operate stove heating elements  412 , and is located at a side of stove top surface  406 . A width and length of food heating cover  414  is substantially equal to those of stove top surface  406 . Alternatively, the width of food heating cover  414  is substantially equal to a width of stove top surface  406 , and the length of food heating cover  414  is substantially equal to a sum of the length of stove top surface  406  and a width of control panel  410 . 
         [0095]    Right hinge  416  and left hinge  418  are similar to right hinge  110  ( FIG. 1A ), and left hinge  112 , respectively, as described herein above. Right hinge  416  is coupled with a rear side of the stove right surface and with food heating cover  414 , as described herein above in connection with  FIG. 1A . Left hinge  418  is coupled with a rear side of stove left surface  408 , and with food heating cover  414  as described herein above in connection with  FIG. 1A . Handle  422  is coupled with food heating cover  414 . Built-in stove  402  is built in a cooking work surface (not shown) for example, of a kitchen (not shown). In the example set forth in  FIG. 8 , food heating cover  414  is an active food heating cover. Alternatively, the food heating cover is a passive food heating cover. 
         [0096]    The user can grip handle  422  to lower food heating cover  414  on stove top surface  406  to rest food heating cover  414  on grates (not shown) of stove  402 . The user can place a cooking utensil (not shown) on a stove cover top surface (not shown) of food heating cover  414 , and operate food heating cover  414  as described herein above in connection with  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C. 
         [0097]    Alternatively, food heating cover  414  together with cover position mechanism  404 , can be designed as an add-on feature ready to be incorporated with a built-in stove, rather than manufactured with built-in stove  402 . 
         [0098]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the disclosed technique is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the disclosed technique is defined only by the claims, which follow.