Electric cooktop safety system

The present disclosure relates to an electric cooktop safety system. More particularly, the electric cooktop safety system pertains to safety cookware vessels having special fastening components that secure these safety cookware vessels to an electric cooktop, preventing a user from accidentally tipping or pulling off the safety cookware vessels from the electric cooktop. In one implementation, the fastening components may include a safety stem having keyed members and stem locking members disposed on a safety cooktop to secure the safety cookware vessel to the safety cooktop. In another implementation, the fastening components may include electro-magnetic fastening components to secure the safety cookware vessel to the safety cooktop.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/847,366 filed on Apr. 13, 2020 and U.S. application Ser. No. 16/872,011 filed on May 12, 2020, which are herein incorporated by reference to the present application.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an electric cooktop safety system. More particularly, the electric cooktop safety system pertains to safety cookware vessels (e.g., safety pots or pans) having special fastening components that secures these safety cookware vessels to an electric cooktop having safety features, preventing a user from accidentally tipping over or pulling off the safety cookware vessels from the electric cooktop.

BACKGROUND

Burn injuries to children and some adults in the United States which require medical attention are in the hundreds of thousands each year based on some burn statistics of children between 1-17 years old. A substantial number of these injuries are frequently related to scalds from spilled food such as, for example, when a person accidentally pulls a cooking vessel off of a cooktop.

Conventional gas ranges and cooktops are generally equipped with metal grates which are either mounted or seated on top of the cooktops, while electric ranges and cooktops have heating elements (calrods or coils) that are applied to the top or bottom portion of cooktops. The problem of accidentally tipping over pots or pans off the cooktop may occur in both types of cooktops (gas or electric) since the cooking vessel is free to move on the surface of the cooktop.

To prevent such injuries, some conventional cooktop safety devices are designed specifically for gas cooktops which retain, cover, or prevent access to the cooking vessels on gas ranges or cooktops. One example of a cooktop safety device includes a stove pot retainer having a retaining member contacting the sides of a cooking vessel to support the vessel in unstable conditions. In another example, the cooktop safety device may include lateral securing elements which are fixed onto the stove by means of suction cups, the lateral securing elements holding the pot or pan in place, making accidents less likely. In yet another example, the cooktop safety device may include a burner grate flame deflector having a plate-like member and a downwardly extending protective skirt for preventing flames or heat from heating a pot or pan handle.

Therefore, for electric cooktops, there is a need for a safety device and system that prevents accidentally tipping or pulling a cookware vessel off of the electric cooktop, thereby decreasing the risk of burn injuries or deaths to children and/or adults.

SUMMARY

One object of this disclosure is to provide an electric cooktop safety system including a safety cooking vessel having a safety stem coupled to a bottom portion of the safety cooking vessel. The safety stem may include a stem body, a first keyed member disposed along a first end of the stem body, and a second keyed member disposed along a second end of the stem body; and a safety cooktop having a bottom stem locking member disposed within a topside portion of the safety cooktop. Also, the second keyed member may be detachably coupled to the bottom stem locking member, preventing the safety cooking vessel from tipping over when the second keyed member is fastened to the bottom stem locking member.

Another object of this disclosure is to provide a safety cooking vessel for cooking food on an electric oven including a cooking body having at least a cookware surface, a bottom portion, and a handle, and a safety stem coupled to the bottom portion of the cooking body. The safety stem may include a stem body, a first keyed member disposed along a first end of the stem body, and a second keyed member disposed along a second end of the stem body. In addition, the second keyed member may engage with a bottom stem locking member disposed within a safety cooktop, preventing the safety cooking vessel from tipping over when the second keyed member is fastened to the bottom stem locking member.

It is yet another object of this disclosure is to provide a safety cooktop of an electric range for heating a safety cooking vessel having a stem body and a second keyed member disposed along a second end of the stem body, the safety cooktop may include a planar cooking surface disposed on a top portion of the electric range, and a bottom stem locking member disposed on a topside portion of the planar cooking surface. In addition, the bottom stem locking member may be configured to receive the second keyed member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1illustrates a side view of an electric range100with a cooking vessel102(e.g., pan) sitting on top of a cooktop101of the electric range100. The cooking vessel102may include a handle103which can extend beyond the electric range100as shown, depending on how it is positioned on the range100. Since the cooking vessel102is not secured to the cooktop101, the chances of accidentally tipping over the pan increases when the handle103is pointing away from the range100, making the cooking vessel102accessible and in reach of small children to pull down105the handle and possible obstruction for adults to accidentally tip it over,

FIG.2illustrates a top-front perspective view of the electric range100with the cooking vessel102sitting on top of the cooktop101of the electric range100. The electric range100may have multiple burning stations (101-1to101-4) on which cooking vessels may be heated. In most burn cases, the risk of injuries due to accidentally tipping over the cooking vessel increases with more vessels placed on the cooktop101which likely occurs on the front side cooking areas (101-1and101-3) of the electric range100.

FIG.3A-FIG.3Cillustrate different types of electric ranges available on the market. For example,FIG.3Adepicts an electric range100-1having one or more external burning elements107(or calrods) mounted above the cooktop101.FIG.3Bdepicts an infrared electric range100-2having internal burning elements (not shown) mounted below the cooktop101.FIG.3Cdepicts an electric induction range100-3having internal induction coils (not shown) mounted below the cooktop101. In some applications, the cooktop101may be made from metal, glass, ceramic, or ceramic-glass blend, depending on the electric range type. Though the external appearance of the electric ranges (100-1to100-3) may appear similar, the way each electric range heats the cooking vessel differ in operation and heating elements applied in the electric range. For example, food in the cooking vessel102may be heated on the electric range100-1by applying the cooking vessel directly onto the external burning element107via thermal conduction. In operation, when a user turns on a controllable switch on the electric range via a knob, an electric current flows through the burning element107thereby heating it to a temperature of up to 1000° F., producing temperatures hot enough to get the burning elements to glow red hot which heats the food in the cooking vessel. Heating elements found in common electric range appliances include metallic resistance alloys such as Fe—Cr—Al and Ni—Cr(Fe). From a material stand point cooking is best achieved by cooking vessels made from cast iron, copper, stainless steel and aluminum.

For infrared electric range100-2, the internal electric burner elements are located underneath the cooktop101, transferring heat through the cooktop101allowing it to heat the cooking vessel102placed on top of it. During heating, electrical current flows through the heating elements causing it to become extremely hot. Once the heating elements are heated, this heat is transferred through the cooktop101via transmitted heat or indirect radiation. The thermal conduction is heated evenly across each burning station (101-1to101-4) on the cooktop which heats food contained in the cooking vessel102. Once the heating elements are turn off, the cooktop (glass or ceramic) will continue to be hot, even after the electrical current is turned off. The residual heat on the cooktop surface remains for a period of time until it is cooled to room temperature. Many electric cooktops today have a light indicator letting the user know when the burner has cooled down.

For electric induction ranges100-3, the heating operations in these types of cooktops are quite different from the other two types of electric cooktops previously presented. During induction cooking, heat is generated by using direct induction heating of the cooking vessels, rather than heat generated by indirect radiation, convection, or thermal conduction as described in the previous electric cooktops. Though all electric cooktops provide heat through a heating element, the induction cooktops uses a copper coil, instead of the calrod, as a primary heating source to heat the cooking vessel. For example, many of today's induction heating appliances utilize electromagnetic radiation via a magnetic copper coil located underneath the cooktop to generate and distribute heat the cooking vessel through the cooktop. In operation, a current of electricity alternates as it passes through the copper coil and directly to the cooking vessel through the cooktop. In turn, this alternating current forms a magnetic field that oscillates, inducing an electrical current in the cooking vessel which in turn heats the cooking vessel and food contained therein.

The electric induction ranges100-3have several advantages over gas cooktops and the other two types of electric cooktops previously presented, including better heating efficiencies (i.e., less wasted heat), quick on/off response times, extremely safe as compared to gas cooktops, outputs virtually no air pollution, easy to clean because of the smooth and planar surface on these types of cooktops, and virtually no induced heating on the surface of the cooktop since only the cooking vessel is heated during induction heating, and not the cooktop itself.

FIG.4A-FIG.4Billustrate a side exploded view and a front-side exploded view of the electric range100-1having one or more external burning elements107. In this arrangement, the one or more external burning elements107are disposed above the surface of the cooktop101while the cooktop101is disposed on a top portion of the electric range100-1, covering a chamber108contained therein. The chamber108may include and support other electronic devices (not shown) such as switches, relays, transformers, circuit boards, and controllers which operate the electrical components within the electric range100-1.

FIG.5A-FIG.5Billustrate a side exploded view and a front-side exploded view of an electric cooktop safety system200for the electric range100-1, according to an embodiment. The electric cooktop safety system200may include a safety cooking vessel202having a handle202-1and a safety stem202-2. The electric cooktop safety system200may also include a safety cooktop201having a planar surface and a bottom stem locking member201-2embedded in the safety cooktop201. In application, the safety cooktop201may replace the existing cooktop101shown in the previous examples. In addition, the safety stem202-2of the safety cooking vessel202has a stem length Ls which allows the safety stem202-2to extend through the external burning elements107having a thickness Tb and fasten to a bottom stem locking member201-1embedded in the safety cooktop201. In practice, a bottom portion of the safety stem202-2having a first keyed member may be detachably coupled to the bottom stem locking member201-1.

FIG.6A-FIG.6Billustrate a side view and a perspective front-side view of the electric cooktop safety system200secured to the electric range100-1, according to an embodiment. A bottom outer surface of the safety cooking vessel202sits flushed against a top surface of the external burning elements107when the safety stem202-2of the safety cooking vessel202is properly secured to the safety cooktop201. When fastened to the safety cooktop201, the secured safety cooking vessel202is unable to move in a vertical direction V, preventing the cooking vessel202from being pulled off, tipping over, or falling off the electric range100-1.

FIG.7A-FIG.7Billustrate a top view and a front-side perspective view of the external burning elements (calrods)107, according to an embodiment. In some applications, the external burning elements107may or may not have an opening in the center portion of the external burning elements107. In the case where there is no center opening in the external burning elements107, the external burning elements107may be adapted to include a center fixture205which provides a slot207through which the safety stem202-2of the safety cooking vessel202may pass.

FIG.8A-FIG.8Billustrate a side view and a bottom-side perspective view of the safety cooking vessel202and safety stem202-2, according to an embodiment. In one implementation, the safety stem202-2may be permanently mounted or welded to the safety cooking vessel202along a center portion thereof. In another implementation, the safety stem202-2may have quick-release components which allow it to be detachably coupled to a top stem locking member202-3disposed and embedded in an outer bottom surface202-5of the safety cooking vessel202as shown inFIG.8A-FIG.8B. In practice, the quick-release components allow the user to easily detach and easily remove the safety stem202-2from the outer bottom surface202-5of the safety cooking vessel202which can then be used on conventional ranges not equipped with the safety cooktop201. In addition, having a detachable safety stem202-2allows the user to replace or upgrade the safety stem202-2should it get lost, damaged, or broken.

FIG.9A-FIG.9Cillustrate a steps for inserting and fastening the detachable safety stem202-2into the top stem locking member202-3, according to an embodiment. For example, the quick-release components of the safety stem202-2may include a first keyed member202-2adisposed at a first distal end of the safety stem202-2and a second keyed member202-2bdisposed at a second distal end of the detachable safety stem202-2. Steps for inserting and securing the detachable safety stem202-2into the top stem locking member202-3are as follows:1. Positioning the detachable safety stem202-2with the first keyed member202-2aaligned to the top stem locking member202-3, as shown inFIG.9A.2. Inserting the first keyed member202-2aby pushing it into a slot or opening in the top stem locking member202-3, and resting against an inner planer surface of the safety cooking vessel202, as shown inFIG.9B.3. After insertion, twisting the detachable safety stem202-2about an eighth-of-a-turn (or about 45 degrees) in a clockwise direction CW to lock the safety stem202-2into top stem locking member202-3, as shown inFIG.9C.

Steps for removing the detachable safety stem202-2from the top stem locking member202-3are in reverse order from the previous steps, including:1. With the detachable safety stem202-2attached to the top stem locking member202-3, twisting the detachable safety stem202-2about an eighth of a turn (or about 45 degrees) in a counter-clockwise direction CCW to unlock the safety stem202-2from top stem locking member202-3.2. Removing the detachable safety stem202-2from the safety cooking vessel202by pulling it away from the safety cooking vessel202.

FIG.10A-FIG.10Billustrate close-up and detailed view of the detachable safety stem202-2, according to an embodiment. The detachable safety stem202-2may have a cylindrical shaped stem body202-2cwith the first keyed member202-2aand the second keyed member202-2bdisposed along both outer ends of the stem body202-2c. The first keyed member202-2aand the second keyed member202-2bhave one or more ridges or teeth-like members similar to that of a key which have a shape and pattern that is complementary to the top stem locking member202-3and bottom stem locking member201-1, respectively. In this implementation, each tooth-like member may have a similar curved plate structure which is equally distributed along the outer edge of the detachable safety stem202-2(seeFIG.10B). In practice, both the cylindrical shaped stem body202-2cand the first keyed member202-2aand the second keyed member202-2bof the detachable safety stem202-2may be constructed and fabricated from durable, strong, and heat-resistant materials such as stainless steel and cast iron. In addition, the entire detachable safety stem202-2may be made from magnetic materials which can provide additional bonding strength to the safety cooking vessel202.

FIG.11A-FIG.11Billustrate expanded and detailed view of the top stem locking member202-3and bottom stem locking member201-1, according to an embodiment. The bottom stem locking member201-1is embedded in the safety cooktop201and the top stem locking member202-3is embedded in the safety cooking vessel202. Each stem locking members (202-3,201-1) may be configured as keyed slots formed into which the first and second keyed members (202-2a,202-2b) of the safety stem202-2are fastened. For example, the top and bottom stem locking members (202-3,201-1) may have an opening (slot or hole) disposed in the safety cooking vessel202and the safety cooktop201, each opening having a complementary shape209to that of the first and second keyed members (202-2a,202-2b) as shown a front facing view inFIG.11B. In addition, the opening provides an access port through which the first and second keyed members (202-2a,202-2b) are inserted and then twisted an eighth-of-a-turn in the CW direction to fasten and lock the safety stem202-2to the top and bottom stem locking members (202-3,201-1), resting and pressing against an inner planer surface211of the safety cooktop201or the safety cooking vessel202. In practice, the second keyed member202-2bof the safety stem202-2may be detachably coupled to the bottom stem locking member201-1, thereby allowing the safety cooking vessel202to be easily attached and detached to and from the safety cooktop201.

FIG.12A-FIG.12Cillustrate other design configurations of the detachable safety stem202-2, according to an embodiment. In one implementation, the keyed members of the detachable safety stem202-2may include one or more spring-loaded ball locking fasteners (202-2a1,202-2b1) and a quick-release lever213that allows the spring-loaded balls to plunge into a recessed opening213-1disposed within the stem body202-2cwhen the quick-release lever213is depressed, and locks the spring-loaded balls into place when the quick-release lever213is released, preventing it from being pushed into the stem body202-2c, as shown inFIG.12A. In yet another implementation, the keyed members of the detachable safety stem202-2may include one or more spring-loaded teeth-like locking fasteners (202-2a2,202-2b2) and also a quick-release lever213that allows the teeth-like fasteners to plunge into the recessed opening213-1disposed within the stem body202-2cwhen the quick-release lever213is depressed, and locks the teeth-like fasteners into place when the quick-release lever213is released, preventing it from being pushed into the stem body202-2c, as shown inFIG.12B. In still yet another implementation, the keyed members of the detachable safety stem202-2may have a combination of the different types of fasteners (202-2a1,202-2b) disposed at each end portions of the detachable safety stem202-2, as shown inFIG.12C. In other implementations, the stem body202-2cmay include bars, rods, or other elongated shaped bodies capable of supporting the keyed members.

FIG.13A-FIG.13Cillustrate various configurations of the stem locking members (201-1,202-3), according to an embodiment. InFIG.13A, the stem locking members (201-1,202-3) may have an insert slot215configured to receive the detachable safety stem202-2having keyed members (202-2a,202-2b) which locks into the stem locking members (201-1,202-3) via twisting the detachable safety stem202-2by an eighth-of-a-turn in the CW direction as previously described. InFIG.13B, the stem locking members (201-1,202-3) may include an insert slot215having spherical slots217disposed along a sidewall of the insert slot215and configured to receive the detachable safety stem202-2having spring-loaded ball locking fasteners (202-2a1,202-2b1), which is locked into place when the quick-release lever213of the detachable safety stem202-2is released. InFIG.13C, the stem locking members (201-1,202-3) may include an insert slot215having an elongated keyed slots219disposed along a sidewall of the insert slot215and configured to receive the detachable safety stem202-2having spring-loaded teeth-like fasteners (202-2a2,202-2b2), which is locked into place when the quick-release lever213of the detachable safety stem202-2is released. In another implementation, a reinforcement member221, such as high density metal plates or rings, may encompass and surround the stem locking members (201-1,202-3), providing additional tensile strength and support to stem locking members (201-1,202-3). Preferably, portions reinforcement member221of contrastingly great material strength to support the weight of the safety cooking vessel202and food disposed thereon. Portions reinforcement member221may also be integrally formed with reinforced walls so that, while resilient, may also resist bending the safety stem202-2or the insert slot215during use.

FIG.14A-FIG.14Billustrate a side exploded view and a front-side exploded view of electric ranges100-2or100-3having internal heating elements107B. For these types of electric ranges, the cooktop101is disposed above the internal heating elements107B which are enclosed in an upper chamber108of a top portion of the electric ranges100-2or100-3. The chamber108may a platform (not shown) which support other electronic devices (not shown) such as switches, relays, transformers, circuit boards, and controllers which operate the electrical components within the electric ranges100-2and100-3.

FIG.15A-FIG.15Billustrate a side exploded view and a front-side exploded view of an electric cooktop safety system300for the electric ranges100-2or100-3, according to an embodiment. The electric cooktop safety system300may include a safety cooking vessel302(including an optional handle302-1) and a safety stem302-2having similar features and functionalities to the safety cooking vessel202and safety stem202-2described in the previous safety system200hereinabove. The internal heating elements107B are disposed underneath a safety cooktop301and supported by the platform100afor both the infrared and induction electric ranges100-2and100-3. In this implementation, the safety stem302-2can mount directly onto the safety cooktop301, securing to a bottom stem locking member301-1disposed therein. In application, the safety cooktop301can be fabricated and configured to be a direct replacement to the conventional cooktop101shown in the earlier examples.

FIG.16A-FIG.16Billustrate an internal side view and an internal perspective front-side view of the electric cooktop safety system200which is applied to the electric ranges100-2or100-3, according to an embodiment. A bottom outer surface of the safety cooking vessel302sits flushed against a top planar surface of the safety cooktop301when the safety stem302-2of the safety cooking vessel302is properly secured to the safety cooktop301. When fastened to the safety cooktop301, the secured safety cooking vessel302is unable to move in a vertical direction V, preventing the cooking vessel302from being pulled off, tipping over, or falling off the electric range100-2or100-3.

FIG.17A-FIG.17Billustrate a side view and a bottom-side perspective view of the safety cooking vessel302and safety stem302-2, according to an embodiment. In one aspect, the safety stem302-2may be permanently mounted or welded to the safety cooking vessel302along a center portion thereof. In another aspect, the safety stem302-2may have quick-release components which allow it to be detachably coupled to a top stem locking member302-3disposed and embedded in an outer bottom surface302-5of the safety cooking vessel302as shown inFIG.18A-FIG.18B. In operation, the quick-release components allow the user to easily detach and easily remove the safety stem302-2from the outer bottom surface302-5of the safety cooking vessel302which can then be used on other types of cooking ranges not equipped with the safety cooktop301. In addition, having a detachable safety stem302-2allows the user to replace or upgrade the safety stem302-2should it get lost, damaged, or broken.

FIG.18A-FIG.18Cillustrate close-up and detailed view of the detachable safety stem302-2, according to an embodiment. The detachable safety stem302-2may have a cylindrical shaped stem body302-2cwith keyed members (302-2a,302-2b) disposed along its outer ends. The keyed members (302-2a,302-2b) have one or more ridges or teeth-like members similar to that of a key which have a shape and pattern that is complementary to the stem locking members (301-1,302-3). As shown inFIG.18AandFIG.18C, each tooth-like member may have a similar curved plate structure which is equally distributed along the outer edge of the detachable safety stem302-2forming a keyed structured that is configured to fit and detachably fasten to the stem locking members (301-1,302-3). In addition, the stem body302-2cof the detachable safety stem302-2may a stem length Ls which is short in length for accommodating electric range100-2or100-3which have internal heating elements, as shown inFIG.18B.

In practice, both the cylindrical shaped stem body302-2cand keyed members (302-2a,202-2b) of the detachable safety stem302-2may be constructed from durable, high-density, and heat-resistant materials such as stainless steel and cast iron. In addition, the entire detachable safety stem302-2may be made from magnetic materials which can provide additional bonding strength to the safety cooking vessel302.

FIG.19A-FIG.19Billustrate expanded and detailed view of the stem locking members (301-1,302-3), according to an embodiment. The bottom stem locking member301-1embedded in the safety cooktop301and top stem locking member302-3embedded in the safety cooking vessel302may be configured as keyed slots into which the safety stem302-2is fastened and secured. For example, the stem locking members (301-1,302-3) may have a slot disposed in the safety cooking vessel202and the safety cooktop301, each slot having a complementary shape309to that of the keyed members (302-2a,302-2b) as shown a front facing view inFIG.19B. In addition, each slot may provide an access port through which the keyed members (302-2a,302-2b) are inserted and then twisted an eighth-of-a-turn in the CW direction to lock and fasten the safety stem302-2to stem locking members (301-1,302-3), resting and pressing against an inner planer surface311of the safety cooktop301or the safety cooking vessel302.

FIG.20A-FIG.20Billustrate front-side perspective views of the two types of internal burning elements107B applied to the electric range100-2or100-3. In one implementation shown inFIG.20A, the internal burning element107B may include a tubular heating elements107B1, or calrods, having a high power density that convert electricity into heat via electric heating which is transferred through the cooktop301to heat the cooking vessel302-2. In another implementation shown inFIG.20B, the internal burning element107B may include copper coils107B2which generates an oscillating magnetic field when an alternating electric current passing through it, inducing an electrical current passing through the cooktop301to heat the cooking vessel302-2.

FIG.21illustrates a front-side perspective view of another electric cooktop safety system400, according to an embodiment. The electric cooktop safety system400may include a safety cooktop401having multiple stem locking members (401-1a,401-1b) embedded into a top side portion of the safety cooktop401and a safety cooking vessel402having multiple safety stem members (402-1a,402-1b) which are adapted to fasten to the multiple stem locking members (401-1a,401-1b) when inserted therein, securing the safety cooking vessel402to the safety cooktop401.

FIG.22illustrates a close-up view of a bottom side surface of the safety cooking vessel402with the safety stem members (402-1a,402-1b) disposed near an edge perimeter of the safety cooking vessel402, according to an embodiment. In one implementation, both safety stem members (402-1a,402-1b) may be permanently affixed to the bottom side surface of the safety cooking vessel402via hardware fasteners, welding, metal casting, or metal injection molding (MIM) techniques. In another implementation, each safety stem members (402-1a,402-1b) may be detachably coupled to the bottom side surface of the safety cooking vessel402allowing the user to easily remove the safety stem members (402-1a,402-1b) therefrom. Some detachable components which can be applied to the safety stem members (402-1a,402-1b) include keyed members (202-2a,202-2a1,202-2a2) as described in the previous embodiments. In addition, each safety stem members (402-1a,402-1b) may include a stem body (404a,404b) having a first distal end portion401-1coupled to the bottom side surface of the safety cooking vessel402and second distal end portion404-2coupled to a stem locking plate (406a,406b). In some examples, the stem locking plate (406a,406b) may include a flat coin-shaped head (as shown), a rectangular plate, or similar types of flange members.

FIG.23illustrates a close-up view of a top side view of the safety cooktop401having stem locking members (401-1a,401-lb) disposed near an edge perimeter of the burning station101-3on the electric safety cooktop401, according to an embodiment. Each stem locking member (401-1a,401-1b) may include a keyhole (408a,408b) for receiving stem locking plates (406a,406b) and channel inserts (410a,410b) for receiving a portion of the stem body (404a,404b) when inserted and rotated therein. In addition, each stem locking member (401-1a,401-1b) may be configured to be structurally formed into the surface of the safety cooktop401, being made planar and flushed to its surface. In practice, each stem locking member (401-1a,401-1b) provides a main opening and locking slot when the safety stem members (402-1a,402-1b) are inserted therein. In other implementations, the stem locking member (401-1a,401-1b) may include other design structures such as tapered slots, zig-zag slots, u-slots, and other types of meandering slots configurations supporting and fastening to a portion of the stem body (404a,404b). In another implementation, a reinforcement plate may encompass the stem locking member (401-1a,401-1b), providing additional strength and support to the surface of the safety cooktop401.

FIG.24A-FIG.24Billustrate top views of the safety cooktop401with the safety cooking vessel402in an unlocked position (FIG.24A) and locked position (FIG.24B), according to an embodiment. InFIG.24A, the stem locking plates (406a,406b) of the safety cooking vessel402are aligned and directly inserted into keyholes (408a,408b) of the safety cooktop401. The safety cooking vessel402remains unlocked when initially inserted and rotated in a counter-clockwise direction. After insertion, the safety cooking vessel402may be rotated in a clockwise direction to engage the portion of the stem bodies (404a,404b) into channel insert410, thereby locking stem locking plates (406a,406b) to the safety cooktop401via stem locking plates (406a,406b).

FIG.25illustrates a front-side exploded view of an electric cooktop safety system500having magnetic fastening components applied to the electric ranges100-2or100-3, according to an embodiment. The electric cooktop safety system500may include a safety cooking vessel502(including an optional handle502-1) made of, or contain, a ferrous metal such as cast iron or some stainless steels, a safety cooktop501disposed above a top portion of the electric range (100-2or100-3), and an electro-magnetic assembly504disposed underneath the safety cooktop501. The electro-magnetic assembly504may include an electro-magnetic core504athat is powered by a controller504b, thereby generating a powerful magnetic field when electric current is supplied to the electro-magnetic core504a. In one implementation, the electromagnet core504amay include a wire wound into a coil. In operation, the magnetic field is actuated when the electric current is applied to the coil and disabled when the current is turned off. The magnetic core may be made from a ferromagnetic material such as iron or steel.

FIG.26A-FIG.26Billustrate a top view and a perspective view of the electro-magnetic assembly504, according to an embodiment. In this implementation, the electro-magnetic core504amay include an inner core which is underneath the disposed in near the center of the internal burning element107B and an outer core which encompasses the internal burning element107B. Both the electro-magnetic assembly504and the internal burning element107B are electromagnetically coupled to the safety cooktop501from an underside portion of the safety cooktop501.

FIG.27A-FIG.27Billustrate a top view and a perspective view of the electro-magnetic core504aembedded into the safety cooktop501of the electric range (100-2or100-3), according to an embodiment. In this implementation, the electro-magnetic core504amay be integrated and embedded into the safety cooktop501instead of being disposed underneath it as presented in the previous example. In addition, the electro-magnetic core504amay be about the same thickness as the safety cooktop501, thereby allowing it to be flushed and planar to the top surface of the safety cooktop501. Having the electro-magnetic core504aembedded into the cooktop501provides direct metal surface-to-surface contact to the cooking vessel502when placed thereon, allowing a stronger magnetic attraction between the electro-magnetic core504aand the metal cooking vessel502.

FIG.28A-FIG.28Billustrate a side view and a perspective view of the safety cooking vessel502secured to the safety cooktop501by the electro-magnetic assembly504, according to an embodiment. A bottom outer surface of the safety cooking vessel502sits flushed against a top planar surface of the safety cooktop501when placed thereon. When the electro-magnetic assembly504is enabled via an on/off switch of the controller504b, an electro-magnetic field Em is generated which magnetically secures the cooking vessel502to the safety cooktop501, thereby preventing the cooking vessel502from being pulled off, tipping over, or falling off the electric range100-2or100-3. In another example, the electro-magnetic assembly504is automatically enabled via a motion sensor or proximity sensor disposed within the safety cooktop501after the safety cooking vessel502is placed on the safety cooktop501. In another implementation, the motion sensor or proximity sensor may be controlled by a timer which enables the electro-magnetic assembly504after a predetermined time period.

In the embodiments presented above, the number of cooking vessels and safety fastening components (e.g., safety stem and stem locking members) are not so limited to a single burning station, but may preferably be applied to any number of multiple burning stations (101-1to101-4) on the electric cooktop.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” included plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The foregoing disclosure has been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and is in no way to be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. Although the present disclosure has been shown and described with respect to several preferred embodiments thereof, various changes, omissions, and additions to the form and detail thereof, may be made therein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure in its aspects.

Other embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of these teachings. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be limited only by the following claims which include all other such embodiments and modifications when viewed in conjunction with the above specifications and accompanying drawings.