Cooking vessel support grate

According to one example, a cooking vessel support grate includes a grate with at least two downward extending legs, with each leg having a lower surface. The cooking vessel support grate further includes an upward extending cavity disposed on the lower surface of each of the legs, and an elastic member attached to each of the legs. The elastic member has an upper portion that at least partially fills the cavity of the respective leg. The elastic member further has a lower portion that projects downward from the lower surface of the respective leg and that covers the surface area of the lower surface of the respective leg.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to the field of cooking and more specifically to a cooking vessel support grate.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, one or more grates may be positioned over gas burners of a cooking range. These grates may support a cooking vessel (e.g., a cooking pot) over the flame emitted by the gas burners. The grates may be removable from the cooking range, allowing a user to clean spilled food, spatter, and debris off of the cooking range (e.g., off of a pan positioned on the cooking range). These traditional grates, however, may be deficient.

SUMMARY

In a first example, a cooking vessel support grate comprises: a grate with four downward extending legs positioned on opposing corners of the grate, each leg having a lower surface; an upward extending cavity disposed on the lower surface of each of the legs, the upward extending cavity having a non-circular cavity region that extends upward from the lower surface of the respective leg, the upward extending cavity further having an upper cavity region that extends upward from the non-circular cavity region of the respective leg; and an elastic member attached to each of the legs, the elastic member having an upper portion that at least partially fills the cavity of the respective leg, the elastic member further having a lower portion that projects downward from the lower surface of the respective leg and that covers the surface area of the lower surface of the respective leg, the upper portion of the elastic member having a non-circular elastic member region that extends upward from the lower portion of the elastic member, the non-circular elastic member region being shaped to substantially fill the non-circular cavity region of the respective leg to preclude lateral rotation of the elastic member within the cavity of the respective leg, the upper portion of the elastic member further having an upper elastic member region that extends upward from the non-circular elastic member region, the upper elastic member region being shaped to at least partially fill the upper cavity region of the respective leg.

In a second example, a cooking vessel support grate comprises: a grate with at least two downward extending legs, each leg having a lower surface; an upward extending cavity disposed on the lower surface of each of the legs; and an elastic member attached to each of the legs, the elastic member having an upper portion that at least partially fills the cavity of the respective leg, the elastic member further having a lower portion that projects downward from the lower surface of the respective leg and that covers the surface area of the lower surface of the respective leg.

Another example includes any such cooking vessel support grate, wherein the at least two downward extending legs comprises four downward extending legs positioned on opposing corners of the grate.

Another example includes any such cooking vessel support grate, wherein the at least two downward extending legs comprises two downward extending legs positioned on opposing sides of the grate, each leg extending across the lateral expanse of the grate.

Another example includes any such cooking vessel support grate, further comprising an adhesive that bonds the upper portion of the elastic member to the cavity of the respective leg.

Another example includes any such cooking vessel support grate, wherein: the upward extending cavity has a non-circular cavity region that extends upward from the lower surface of the respective leg; and the upper portion of the elastic member has a non-circular elastic member region that extends upward from the lower portion of the elastic member, the non-circular elastic member region being shaped to substantially fill the non-circular cavity region of the respective leg to preclude lateral rotation of the elastic member within the cavity of the respective leg.

Another example includes any such cooking vessel support grate, wherein: the upward extending cavity further has an upper cavity region that extends upward from the non-circular cavity region of the respective leg; and the upper portion of the elastic member further has an upper elastic member region that extends upward from the non-circular elastic member region, the upper elastic member region being shaped to at least partially fill the upper cavity region of the respective leg.

Another example includes any such cooking vessel support grate, wherein the upper elastic member region of the elastic member has circular symmetry.

Another example includes any such cooking vessel support grate, further comprising an adhesive that bonds the upper portion of the elastic member to the cavity of the respective leg, wherein the adhesive fills a space in-between a horizontal outer surface of the upper elastic member region and a horizontal inner wall of the upper cavity region of the respective leg.

Another example includes any such cooking vessel support grate, wherein: the upward extending cavity further has a top cavity region that extends upward from the upper cavity region of the respective leg and also extends upward from the upper elastic member region of the elastic member of the respective leg; and the top cavity region is filled with an adhesive that bonds the upper portion of the elastic member to the cavity of the respective leg.

Another example includes any such cooking vessel support grate, wherein: the adhesive further fills a space in-between a horizontal outer surface of the upper elastic member region and a horizontal inner wall of the upper cavity region of the respective leg; and the adhesive extends within the cavity no further than the non-circular cavity region of the respective leg.

In a third example, a method comprises: providing a grate that has at least two downward extending legs, each leg having a lower surface, the grate further having an upward extending cavity disposed on the lower surface of each of the legs, the upward extending cavity having a non-circular cavity region that extends upward from the lower surface of the respective leg, the upward extending cavity further having an upper cavity region that extends upward from the non-circular cavity region of the respective leg; and attaching an elastic member to each of the legs, the elastic member having an upper portion that at least partially fills the cavity of the respective leg, the elastic member further having a lower portion that projects downward from the lower surface of the respective leg and that covers the surface area of the lower surface of the respective leg, the upper portion of the elastic member having a non-circular elastic member region that extends upward from the lower portion of the elastic member, the non-circular elastic member region being shaped to substantially fill the non-circular cavity region of the respective leg to preclude lateral rotation of the elastic member within the cavity of the respective leg, the upper portion of the elastic member further having an upper elastic member region that extends upward from the non-circular elastic member region, the upper elastic member region being shaped to at least partially fill the upper cavity region of the respective leg.

Another example includes any such method, wherein the at least two downward extending legs comprises four downward extending legs positioned on opposing corners of the grate.

Another example includes any such method, wherein the at least two downward extending legs comprises two downward extending legs positioned on opposing sides of the grate, each leg extending across the lateral expanse of the grate.

Another example includes any such method, wherein attaching the elastic member to each of the legs comprises positioning the upper portion of the elastic member into the cavity of each of the legs.

Another example includes any such method, wherein attaching the elastic member to each of the legs comprises positioning adhesive into the cavity of each of the legs, and then positioning the upper portion of the elastic member into the cavity of each of the legs.

Another example includes any such method, wherein: the upward extending cavity has a non-circular cavity region that extends upward from the lower surface of the respective leg; and the upper portion of the elastic member has a non-circular elastic member region that extends upward from the lower portion of the elastic member, the non-circular elastic member region being shaped to substantially fill the non-circular cavity region of the respective leg to preclude lateral rotation of the elastic member within the cavity of the respective leg.

Another example includes any such method, wherein: the upward extending cavity further has an upper cavity region that extends upward from the non-circular cavity region of the respective leg; and the upper portion of the elastic member further has an upper elastic member region that extends upward from the non-circular elastic member region, the upper elastic member region being shaped to at least partially fill the upper cavity region of the respective leg.

Another example includes any such method, wherein the upper elastic member region of the elastic member has circular symmetry.

In a fourth example, a cooking vessel support grate comprises: a grate with at least two downward extending legs, each leg having a lower surface; an upward extending cavity disposed on the lower surface of each of the legs, the upward extending cavity having a non-circular cavity region that extends upward from the lower surface of the respective leg, the upward extending cavity further having an upper cavity region that extends upward from the non-circular cavity region of the respective leg.

In a fifth example, an elastic member comprises: an upper portion that is configured to at least partially fills a cavity of a respective leg of a cooking vessel support grate; a lower portion that is configured to project downward from a lower surface of the respective leg and that is configured to cover the surface area of the lower surface of the respective leg, the upper portion of the elastic member having a non-circular elastic member region that extends upward from the lower portion of the elastic member, the upper portion of the elastic member further having an upper elastic member region that extends upward from the non-circular elastic member region.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are best understood by referring toFIGS. 1-5of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

Traditionally, one or more grates may be positioned over gas burners of a cooking range. These grates may support a cooking vessel (e.g., a cooking pot) over the flame emitted by the gas burners. The grates may be removable from the cooking range, allowing a user to clean spilled food, spatter, and debris off of the cooking range (e.g., off of a pan positioned on the cooking range). These traditional grates, however, may be deficient. For example, these traditional grates may be likely to cause damage to the cooking range. As such, a user may be required to exercise exceptional care when removing and replacing the grates, so as to avoid marring or scratching the pan of the cooking range.

Some traditional grates may utilize rubber or elastic bumpers to absorb the shock of placing heavy pots on the grate, so as to avoid marring the cooking range (e.g., avoid marring the pan positioned on the cooking range). These traditional rubber or elastic bumpers, however, tend to be small. As such, they do not protect the cooking range from scratches or damage when the grate is moved or removed for cleaning the pan of the cooking range, unless the grate is held perfectly horizontal during the movement. Some larger bumpers have been used with these traditional grates. These larger bumpers tend to accidentally catch on surfaces and dislodge from the grate, causing the cooking range to no longer be protected from damage.

Contrary to these traditional grates and bumpers, the cooking vessel support grate100ofFIGS. 1-4may address one or more of these deficiencies. For example, the cooking vessel support grate100may include an upward extending cavity120disposed on the lower surface111of each leg110of the cooking vessel support grate100, and may further include an elastic member130that is positioned on the lower surface111of each leg110and that extends upward into the cavity120of each leg110. The elastic member130may cover the entire surface area of the lower surface111and may provide an elastic cushion to the legs110of the cooking vessel support grate100. This may provide protection to the pan10of the cooking range1000when the cooking vessel support grate100is moved from the cooking range1000and replaced back on the cooking range1000. Additionally, by extending upward into the cavity120, the elastic member130may be more securely bonded to the leg110, which may prevent accidental dislodgement of the elastic member130.

FIG. 1illustrates an example cooking range1000having an example cooking vessel support grate100disposed thereon. The cooking range1000may be any range used for cooking. As an example, the cooking range1000may be a gas cooking range1000. The cooking range1000may integrated with an oven, a kitchen appliance that sits on the floor, any other kitchen appliance (e.g., a warming drawer, microwave oven, etc.), any similar cooking equipment, or any combination of the preceding. Alternatively, the cooking range1000may be a self-contained unit that fits inside of (and is supported by) an inner rim surrounding an opening or fitted cavity (e.g., a rectangular hole) in a counter or cabinet unit. The oven, appliance, counter, or cabinet unit may be referred to as a support structure1010for the cooking range1000.

The cooking range1000may include one or more gas burners1001that emit a flame when turned on. The cooking range1000may include any number of gas burners1001. For example, the cooking range1000may include 1 gas burner1001, 2 gas burners1001, 3 gas burners1001, 4 gas burners1001, 5 gas burners1001, 6 gas burners1001, or any other number of gas burners1001.

The cooking range1000may further include a pan10surrounding the gas burners1001, causing the gas burners1001to be disposed proximal to a bottom portion of the pan10. The pan10may provide a cleanable surface to catch food drippings, food splatters, accidental spills, fluid boiling over from a pot, spilt food, or any combination of the preceding. The pan10may be made of stainless steel (e.g., highly polished stainless steel), porcelain, any other cooking material, or any combination of the preceding. The pan10may include an upper flange15that generally rests on an upper frame of the support structure1010, and may further include an inner rim1011that surrounds an opening (or fitted cavity)1002in the support structure1010.

The cooking range1000may also include one or more cooking vessel support grates100disposed over and resting on the pan10. The cooking vessel support grate100may be a support structure that supports a cooking vessel (e.g., a cooking pan, a cooking pot, etc.) over one or more of the gas burners1001, allowing the cooking vessel to be heated by the flames emitted by the gas burners1001. The cooking vessel support grate100may expand over an entire width of the pan10, allowing it to support cooking vessels over the entire width of the pan10.

The cooking range1000may include any number of cooking vessel support grates100. For example, the cooking range1000may include 1 cooking vessel support grate100, 2 cooking vessel support grates100, 3 cooking vessel support grates100, 4 cooking vessel support grates100, or any other number of cooking vessel support grates100. In some examples, the cooking range1000may include 1 cooking vessel support grate100for each gas burner1001. In other examples, the cooking range1000may include 1 cooking vessel support grate100for two (or more) gas burners1001. In examples where the cooking range1000includes multiple cooking vessel support grates100, the cooking vessel support grates100may be positioned adjacent to each other on the pan10.

The cooking vessel support grate100may include an upper surface (or plane)101that supports the cooking vessel over one or more of the gas burners1001. The upper surface101may be defined by an expanse of interconnected support members, as is illustrated inFIG. 2A(which is a top view of an example cooking vessel support grate100). The interconnected support members may be shaped in any manner, and connected in any configuration that allows the support members to support one or more cooking vessels.FIG. 2Aprovides one example of such a shape and configuration.

The cooking vessel support grate100may further include two or more legs110that extend downward from the upper surface101(e.g., extend downward from the interconnected support members that define the upper surface101). When the cooking vessel support grate100is positioned on the cooking range1000, the downward extending legs110may rest indirectly on the pan10, holding the upper surface101a desired distance above pan10and/or the gas burners1001. The cooking vessel support grate100may include any number of legs110. For example, as is seen inFIG. 2B(which is a bottom view of an example cooking vessel support grate100), the cooking vessel support grate100may include 4 legs110(e.g., legs110a-110b) positioned on (e.g., at or adjacent) opposing corners of the cooking vessel support grate100.

As a further example, the cooking vessel support grate100may include only 2 legs110(e.g., legs110aand110b), as is seen inFIG. 2C. In such an example, leg110amay be positioned on a first side (e.g., the left side) and may extend across the lateral expanse of the cooking vessel support grate100(e.g., from the upper corner to the lower corner of the cooking vessel support grate100on the left side), and leg110bmay be positioned on an opposing side (e.g., the right side) and may extend across the lateral expanse of the cooking vessel support grate100(e.g., from the upper corner to the lower corner of the cooking vessel support grate100on the right side). In such an example, the legs110may be referred to as sides110. Two such sides110may function equivalently to four legs110, in some examples.

Each leg110of the cooking vessel support grate100may rest on a peripheral region11of the pan10, as is illustrated inFIG. 1. This peripheral region11may define the region adjacent to the periphery of the pan. In other examples, each leg110may rest on a rim of the pan110.

As is illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B, each leg110may include a cavity120disposed on a lower surface111of the leg110. This cavity120may extend upward from the lower surface111and into the leg110. Alternatively, if the cooking vessel support grate100includes only two legs110(e.g., 2 sides110, as is illustrated inFIG. 2C), each downwardly extending side110may include two (or more) cavities120. Each cavity120may receive an upper portion131of an elastic member130, as is discussed below.

As is mentioned above, the cooking vessel support grate100may further include an elastic member130positioned on the lower surface111of each leg120. The elastic member130may be a structure or device that provides an elastic cushion to the legs120of the cooking vessel support grate100. This may, in some examples, provide protection to the pan10. For example, it may allow a user to more easily remove the cooking vessel support grate100from the pan10(so as to clean the pan10and/or the cooking vessel support grate100) and more easily replace the cooking vessel support grate100on the pan10(after the pan10and/or the cooking vessel support grate100has been cleaned). In such an example, the elastic members130may provide a cushion that prevents the legs110(or any other portion of the cooking vessel support grate100, such as the interconnected members that make up the upper surface101) from accidentally contacting the pan10and accidentally scratching, marring, or damaging the pan10. As such, the cooking vessel support grate100may be removed and/or replaced without considerable strength, skill, and/or attention that might otherwise be required to avoid such accidental damage.

As another example, the elastic members130may provide a cushion that absorbs the energy and/or weight of a cooking vessel. In such an example, a heavy cooking vessel (e.g., a pot) or a full cooking vessel may be dropped on the cooking vessel support grate100, and this energy may be absorbed by the elastic members130, preventing damage to the pan10(and/or the surrounding frame and cabinetry) from such an impact.

The elastic members130may also extend upward into the cavities120(and may also be strongly bonded in multiple regions to the cavities120) in the legs110, allowing the elastic members130to absorb shocks caused by the moving of heavy pots and pans filled with food stuffs, without being deformed, dislodged or rotated, and further allowing the elastic members130to prevent the cooking vessel support grate100from slipping and marring the pan10.

The elastic member130may be made of any material that provides a cushion. Furthermore, the elastic member130may also be made of any material that both provides a cushion and that also is elastic (i.e., the material resumes its normal shape spontaneously after contraction, dilation, or distortion). In a preferred example, the elastic member130may be made of silicone, silicone rubber, fluoridated silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, thermo-set resin (e.g., resin soft enough to not scratch polished or satin finished stainless steel, or ceramic-like porcelain finishes on metal), or any combination of the preceding. In another preferred example, the elastic material130may be made of the material SE01770T from Chang Horing Rubber Co., LTD. In some examples, the elastic material130may be made of a resilient elastic material. Such a resilient elastic material may be a material (e.g., silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, and the like) that is soft enough not to scratch or mar stainless steel, as well as not compress under the load of the cooking vessel support grate100, cooking vessels, and their contents so that a portion (e.g., a metal portion) of the cooking vessel support grate100would contact the pan10(e.g., a stainless steel pan10). Also, such a resilient elastic material may withstand and not degrade from repeated exposure to heat from cooking such as about 150-200° C. or greater, and not undergo compression set, creep, or tear when subjected to repeated compressive and shear stress of at least about 50% or at anticipated loading of the cooking vessel support grate100, cooking vessels and their contents.

As is illustrated inFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, the elastic member130may include an upper portion131and lower portion132. The upper portion131may extend upward from the lower portion132. Furthermore, the upper portion131may be shaped to fit within the cavity120of leg110. As such, when the elastic member130is attached to a leg110, the upper portion131may extend upward into the cavity120so as to at least partially fill the cavity120. In some examples, the upper portion131may fill the cavity120entirely. In other examples, the upper portion131may fill only a portion of the cavity120, as is illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3B. The upper portion131may have any size and/or shape that allows it to extend upward into the cavity120so as to at least partially fill the cavity120. Preferred examples of the size and/or shape of the upper portion131are discussed in detail below.

To hold the upper portion131within the cavity120, the cooking vessel support grate100may include an adhesive140disposed within the cavity120. The adhesive140may bond the upper portion131to the cavity120(e.g., it may bond the upper portion131to one or more inner walls of the cavity120), holding the upper portion131within the cavity120. This bond may prevent the elastic member130from being removed from the lower surface111of the leg110. The adhesive140may be any type of adhesive that may bond the upper portion131to cavity120. In a preferred example, the adhesive140may be a liquid adhesive (e.g., glue).

In some examples, the upper portion131may be held within the cavity120without the use of an adhesive. For example, the upper portion131may be designed to hold itself within the cavity120. As an example of this, a diameter of the upper portion131may be slightly larger than a diameter of the cavity120. In such an example, the larger diameter of the upper portion131may create a snug fit with the smaller diameter of the cavity120, and the friction created by such a snug fit may hold the upper portion131within the cavity120.

The elastic member130may further include a lower portion132that extends downward from the upper portion131. When the elastic member130is attached to a leg110, the lower portion132may project downward from the lower surface111of the leg110. This downward projection may provide the elastic cushion to the legs110of the cooking vessel support grate100, preventing the lower surface111of the legs110from touching the pan10.

The lower portion132may have any size and/or shape that allows it to project downward from the lower surface111of the leg110, so as to provide the elastic cushion to the legs110. In a preferred example, the lower portion132may be sized and/or shaped to extend substantially or completely across the full lateral expanse of the leg110, while also projecting downward from the lower surface111of the leg110. As an example of this, the lower portion132may extend laterally (e.g., in orthogonally opposing directions) over the lower surface111of the leg110so as to substantially or completely cover the surface area of the lower surface111.FIGS. 3A-3Billustrate one example of this, with the lower portion132extending laterally all the way up to edges112of the lower surface111. This may allow the lower portion132to extend downward from the edges112, covering those edges112, and preventing the edges112from scratching, marring, or damaging the pan10. In some examples, the lower portion132may extend laterally beyond the edges112, so as to further cover the edges112.

In a cooking vessel support grate100that includes only two legs110(e.g., 2 sides110, as is illustrated inFIG. 2C), the lower portion132of the elastic member130may extend laterally over the entire side110, so as to substantially or completely cover the surface area of the lower surface111of the side110. In such an example, the lower portion132may provide the elastic cushion to the entire side110. Furthermore, the elastic member130may further include 2 (or more) upper portions131which extend upward into the 2 (or more) cavities120included on each side110.

The lower portion132of the elastic member130may further be shaped to provide a more secure connection between the pan10and the cooking vessel support grate100. For example, as is illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3B, the bottom surface135of the lower portion132of the elastic member130may have an upward extending depression136. This upward extending depression136may be shaped and/or sized to mate with a reverse and upward extending protuberance12of the pan10(e.g., positioned adjacent the pan periphery11), so as to seat the cooking vessel support grate100on the pan10. This mating may securely connect the pan10and the cooking vessel support grate100, so that when the cooking vessel support grate100is properly positioned on the protuberances12, the cooking vessel support grate100is restricted from being moved laterally in relation to the pan10. This may, in some examples, encourage the user to lift the cooking vessel support grate100vertically for removal, and may assist the user in properly replacing the cooking vessel support grate100by allowing the user to align the cooking vessel support grate100with the protuberances12(and the sides of the pan10). Furthermore, this may allow for a more stable and proper alignment between the cooking vessel support grate100and the pan10. It may also prevent the cooking vessel support grate100from being dislodged from its alignment on the pan10when full heavy cooking vessels are slid over the cooking vessel support grate100, in some examples.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4further illustrate examples of the size and/or shape of cavity120and the upper portion131of the elastic member130. As is illustrated inFIG. 3B, the cavity120may include a non-circular cavity region (or flange or shelf)123that extends upward from the lower surface111of the leg110, and the upper portion131of the elastic member130may include a non-circular elastic member region133that extends upward from the lower portion132of the elastic member130. When the upper portion131of the elastic member130is inserted into the cavity120, this non-circular cavity region123may engage the non-circular elastic member region133, so as to prevent the elastic member130from rotating laterally (e.g., prevent the elastic member130from rotating along a horizontal plane) within the cavity120and in relation to the leg110.

It should be understood that the term “non-circular” refers to a geometric shape that deviates from a perfect geometric circle by a sufficient amount to prevent lateral rotation of the elastic member130within the cavity and in relation to the leg110. Examples of a “non-circular” geometric shape include a square, a rectangle, a diamond, a triangle, a crescent shape, or any of such shapes with minor deviations (e.g., rounded corners, fluting, depressions, etc.). A non-circular geometric shape further includes geometric shapes having circular symmetry, but that also deviate from a perfect geometric circle by a sufficient amount to prevent lateral rotation of the elastic member130within the cavity and in relation to the leg110. For example, non-circular geometric shapes include a circular shape with fluting (e.g., peripheral fluting) or depressions (e.g., concave depressions), a gear shape (e.g., having teeth), or a polygonal shape with fluting or depressions (e.g., forming a gear-like shape). In some examples, if the elastic member130is made of a material having a low compressive modulus that can deform under rotary shear, the shape of the non-circular elastic member region133may need to deviate further from a perfect geometric circle by a sufficient amount in order to be a “non-circular” geometric shape.

In some examples, the shape of the non-circular cavity region123may be complimentary to the shape of the non-circular elastic member region133. That is, the two shapes may fit together. For example, if the non-circular cavity region123of the cavity120is shaped as a rectangle or substantially shaped as a rectangle (e.g., a rectangle with minor deviations, such as rounded corners, fluting, etc.), the non-circular elastic member region133of the elastic member130may be shaped as a slightly smaller rectangle or may be substantially shaped as a slightly smaller rectangle, allowing the non-circular elastic member region133to fit within the non-circular cavity region123. In some examples, the two complimentary shapes may assist in preventing the elastic member130from rotating laterally within the cavity120and in relation to the leg110.

In some examples, the shape of the non-circular cavity region123may not be entirely complimentary to the shape of the non-circular elastic member region133. However, in such examples, the two shapes may still be sufficiently complementary to prevent the elastic member130from rotating laterally within the cavity120and in relation to the leg110. As an example of this, if the non-circular cavity region123of the cavity120is shaped as a rectangle, the non-circular elastic member region133of the elastic member130may also be shaped as a slightly smaller rectangle, but the slightly smaller rectangle may include gaps (or flutes) in its shape (i.e., it may be substantially rectangular). In some examples, this deviation from an entirely complementary shape may allow an adhesive140to flow into the gaps (or flutes) in the shape of non-circular elastic member region133of the elastic member130. As such, the adhesive140may be able to provide a more secure bond between the elastic member130and the inner walls of the cavity120. In some examples, the shape of the non-circular cavity region123may correspondingly conform to the shape of the non-circular elastic member region133. That is, both the non-circular cavity region123and the non-circular elastic member region133may have the same non-circular shape, and the strength of the adhesive140applied between the cavity120and the elastic member130may be sufficient to prevent the elastic member130from rotating in the cavity120.

In some examples, the non-circular elastic member region133may also be shaped (i.e., shaped and sized) to substantially fill the non-circular cavity region123. Such a substantial filling may refer to a shape (and size) of the non-circular elastic member region133that fills a sufficient amount of the volume of the non-circular cavity region123to prevent the elastic member130from rotating laterally within the cavity120and in relation to the leg110. For example, such a substantial filling may refer to a shape (and size) of the non-circular elastic member region133that fills at least 85% (i.e., 85%-100%) of the volume of the non-circular cavity region123. As another example, such a substantial filling may also refer to a shape (and size) of the non-circular elastic member region133that in combination with the adhesive140fills at least 90% (i.e., 90%-100%) of the volume of the non-circular cavity region123. The substantial filling may, in some examples, allow for gaps to be created between the outside surface of the non-circular elastic member region133and the inner walls of the non-circular cavity region123. The adhesive140may fill all or a portion of these gaps, thereby creating a stronger bond between the elastic member130and the inner walls of the cavity120.

As is also illustrated inFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, the cavity120may also include an upper cavity region128that extends upward from the non-circular cavity region123, and the upper portion131of the elastic member130may also include an upper elastic member region138that extends upward from the non-circular elastic member region133. When the upper portion131of the elastic member130is inserted into the cavity120, this upper elastic member region138may extend upward into the upper cavity region128of the cavity120, so as to provide additional surface area for bonding the elastic member130to the cavity120(e.g., using adhesive140). Additionally, the upper elastic member region138may also distribute stress to prevent the elastic member130from being dislodged from the leg110. In some examples, this may allow the elastic member130to be stably attached to the leg110, even though the elastic member130is large enough to prevent damage to the pan10.

The upper cavity region128of the cavity120and the upper elastic member region138of the elastic member130may each have any shape and/or size that allows the upper elastic member region138to extend upward into the upper cavity region128. For example, one or both of the upper cavity region128and the upper elastic member region138may have a circular shape or a non-circular shape (examples of which are discussed above). As another example, the upper cavity region128and the upper elastic member region138may have complementary shapes or partially complementary shapes (examples of both of which are also discussed above). As is illustrated inFIG. 4, the upper elastic member region138of the elastic member130has circular symmetry, but it also includes fluting (e.g., peripheral fluting) that deviates from the circular shape. This fluting may create gaps between the outside surface of the upper elastic member region138and the inner sides of the upper cavity region128.

The upper elastic member region138of the elastic member130may be shaped (i.e., shaped and sized) to at least partially fill the upper cavity region128of the cavity120. In some examples, the upper elastic member region138of the elastic member130may be shaped (i.e., shaped and sized) to substantially fill the upper cavity region128of the cavity120. For example, such a substantial filling may refer to a shape (and size) of the upper elastic member region138that fills at least 85% (i.e., 85%-100%) of the volume of the upper cavity region128. As another example, such a substantial filling may also refer to a shape (and size) of the upper elastic member region138that in combination with the adhesive140fills at least 90% (i.e., 90%-100%) of the volume of the upper cavity region128. The substantial filling (or the partial filling) may, in some examples, allow for gaps to be created between the outside surface of the upper elastic member region138and one or more inner walls (e.g., horizontal inner walls, top vertical wall) of the upper cavity region128of the cavity120. The adhesive140may fill all or a portion of these gaps, thereby creating a stronger bond between the elastic member130and the inner walls of the cavity120. In some examples, the upper elastic member region138may be shaped (and sized) to receive a sufficient volume of adhesive140to bond the elastic member130within the cavity120and to the leg110.

As is further illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the cavity120may also include a top cavity region139that extends upward from upper cavity region128of the cavity120. Furthermore, when the upper portion131of the elastic member130is inserted into the cavity120, this top cavity region139may also extend upward from the upper elastic member region138of the elastic member130, as is illustrated inFIG. 3A. The top cavity region139may have any size and/or shape. As is illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3B, the top cavity region139is conical shaped.

The top cavity region139may be filled with the adhesive140. In some examples, it may be preferable to fill the top cavity region139with an amount of adhesive140that exceeds the volume of the top cavity region139. As such, when the upper portion131of the elastic member130is inserted into the cavity120, the upper portion131may apply pressure to the adhesive140. To escape this pressure, the adhesive140may travel into (and fill) a space (or gap)141in-between the horizontal outer surface of the upper elastic member region138and a horizontal inner wall of the upper cavity region128, as is illustrated inFIG. 3A. This space141may be the result of a size difference between the upper elastic member region138and the upper cavity region128. This space141may also be the result of gaps created by deviations in the shape of the upper elastic member region138. In some examples it may be preferable to provide this space141so as to allow the adhesive140to escape downward (via extrusion). By escaping into the space141, the adhesive140may surround the sides of the upper elastic member region138, creating a stronger bond between the elastic member130and the cavity120.

In some examples, the shape of the elastic member130may prevent the adhesive140from travelling past the top most surface of the non-circular elastic member region133of the elastic member130. As such, the adhesive140may be prevented from extending further downward than the non-circular elastic member region133of the elastic member130. In other examples, the adhesive140may travel past the top most surface of the non-circular elastic member region133of the elastic member130. For example, the adhesive may travel into (and fill) gaps created between the outside surface of the non-circular elastic member region133and inner walls of the non-circular cavity region123.

As is discussed above, the cavity120and the elastic member130may have any size. In some examples, it may be preferable for the total depth (or height) of the cavity120to be twice the diameter (or width) of the non-circular cavity region123, or greater. This total depth (or height) of the cavity120, however, may be limited by the height of the legs110. Additionally, in some examples it may also be preferable for the diameter (or width) of the non-circular cavity region123to be at least half the diameter (or width) of the leg110. Such dimensions and proportions may provide for a more secure attachment between the elastic member130and the cavity120. Thus, it may provide for a more optimal durability considering the potential for dislodging the elastic member130in normal use over time.

Modifications, additions, and/or substitutions may be made to the cooking vessel support grate100, the components of the cooking vessel support grate100, and/or the functions of the cooking vessel support grate100without departing from the scope of the specification. For example, the cooking vessel support grate100may have any dimensions, may include additional components, and/or may not include one or more of the components discussed above.

FIG. 5illustrates one example method200of forming a cooking vessel support grate. One or more of the steps (such as all of the steps) of method200may be performed using the cooking vessel support grate100ofFIGS. 1-4. Furthermore, one or more of the steps (such as all of the steps) of method200may be performed by a manufacturer of a cooking vessel support grate, a re-seller of a cooking vessel support grate, a shipper of a cooking vessel support grate, an installer of a cooking vessel support grate, and/or a user of a cooking vessel support grate. Additionally, one or more of the steps of method200may be performed by different entities.

The method200begins at step205. At step210, a cooking vessel support grate100may be provided. The cooking vessel support grate100may be substantially similar (or identical) to the cooking vessel support grate100discussed above with regard toFIGS. 1-4; however, it may not include the elastic members130. Also, the cooking vessel support grate100may be provided in any manner. For example, the cooking vessel support grate100may be built, formed, purchased, shipped, acquired, received, provided in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding. In some examples, building or forming the cooking vessel support grate100may include drilling (or otherwise adding) one or more cavities120into the legs110of the cooking vessel support grate100.

At step215, one or more elastic members130may be provided. The elastic members130may be substantially similar (or identical) to the elastic members130discussed above with regard toFIGS. 1-4. Any number of the elastic members130may be provided. Also, the elastic members130may be provided in any manner. For example, the elastic members130may be built, formed, purchased, shipped, acquired, received, provided in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding.

At step220, each of the elastic members130may be attached to a bottom surface111of a respective leg110of the cooking vessel support grate100. The elastic member130may be attached to the bottom surface111of the respective leg110in any manner. For example, a user (via their hands and/or a device) may position the upper portion131of the elastic member130into the cavity120of the leg110. As another example, a user (via their hands and/or a device) may first position an amount of adhesive140into the cavity120of the leg110, and then the user (via their hands and/or a device) may position the upper portion131of the elastic member130into the cavity120of the leg110. Following attachment of the elastic members130to the bottom surfaces111of the legs110, the method may move to step225, where the method200ends.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to method200. For example, the method200may include one or more additional steps. As an example of this, the method may further include positioning the formed cooking vessel support grate100onto a cooking range1000, such as onto a pan10of the cooking range1000. Furthermore, the method200may not include one or more of the steps. As an example of this, the method200may only include building or forming the cooking vessel support grate100(without the elastic member130), or may only include building or forming the elastic member(s)130. Additionally, the steps of method200may be performed in parallel or in any suitable order.

This specification has been written with reference to various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments or examples. However, it will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions, modifications, or combinations of any of the disclosed embodiments or examples (or portions thereof) may be made within the scope of this specification. Thus, it is contemplated and understood that this specification supports additional embodiments or examples not expressly set forth in this specification. Such embodiments or examples may be obtained, for example, by combining, modifying, reorganizing, or removing any of the disclosed steps, components, elements, features, aspects, characteristics, limitations, and the like, of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments or examples described in this specification.