Abstract:
A cooktop, having at least one burner and at least one control. Each burner may be associated with a particular control. A burner sensor detects the presence of a pot on the burner. When a pot is detected, an illuminated path is activated between the burner and its associated control. A control sensor detects a user&#39;s proximity to the control. When a user is detected, the illuminated path is also activated. Alternatively, a lighting effect is used to highlight the associated burner and control. Alternatively, each burner is associated with a burner selector button or burner user selection interface, and a controller is used to adjust the parameters of a burner selected using the burner selector button. A communication link may be provided between the cooktop and a hood, and a display provided on the hood to indicate burner status, as well as other settings such as timer progress.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/624,774, filed Apr. 16, 2012, entitled “LIGHTED SIGNALS TO PROVIDE DIRECTION TO USER,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention is in the field of lighted signals to provide user information and feedback relating to the operation and use of a cooktop. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In a first aspect, a cooktop includes a cooktop surface with at least one burner located thereon and at least one control knob, with each control knob associated with a particular burner. A burner sensor is provided to detect the presence of a pot on the at least one burner, and when a pot is detected, an illuminated path is activated leading from the relevant burner to an associated control knob of the relevant burner. A control knob sensor is also provided to detect the proximity or contact of a user with the at least one control knob. When a user is detected in proximity to the control knob, the illuminated path may also be activated, connecting the relevant control knob and an associated burner. 
         [0004]    In another aspect, a cooktop includes a cooktop surface with at least one burner located thereon and at least one control knob, with each control knob associated with a particular burner. The cooktop further includes a control knob heat intensity signal located on or around each of the at least one control knob, or both. The heat intensity signals include a lighting signal, which is adjusted in intensity (brightness/lumens), or in number of light signals to indicate in a corresponding manner the intensity of the heat setting for the relevant burner to the user. 
         [0005]    In a further aspect, a cooktop includes a cooktop surface with at least one burner located thereon and a hood having a hood display. A burner sensor is provided to detect the presence of a pot on the at least one burner. The cooktop is in connection with the hood, and provides information regarding burner status to the hood. 
         [0006]    These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    In the drawings: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a kitchen environment having a cooktop and a hood; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the cooktop; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3A  is a top plan view of the cooktop of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3B  is a top plan view of the cooktop of  FIG. 2  with a pan placed on the burner; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3C  is a top plan view of the cooktop of  FIG. 2  showing an illuminated path from the burner to the knob; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the cooktop of  FIG. 2  showing an illuminated path from the burner to the knob; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5A  is a top plan view of the cooktop of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5B  is a top plan view of the cooktop of  FIG. 2  with a hand of a user approaching the knob; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5C  is a top plan view of the cooktop of  FIG. 2  with a hand of a user touching the knob; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a cooktop; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7A  is a top plan view of the cooktop of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7B  is a top plan view of the cooktop of  FIG. 6  with a pan placed on the burner; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7C  is a top plan view of the cooktop of  FIG. 6  showing an illuminated burner and an illuminated control knob; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of the cooktop of  FIG. 6  with a pan on the burner; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9A  is a top plan view of the cooktop of  FIG. 6  with a hand of a user touching the knob; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9B  is a top plan view of the cooktop of  FIG. 6  when set on a low heat setting; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9C  is a top plan view of the cooktop of  FIG. 6  when set at a high heat setting; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a cooktop and hood; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of a cooktop and hood of  FIG. 10  showing burner mapping on the display; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12A  is a top plan view of the cooktop of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0028]    FIG.  12 AA is a front elevational view of the hood of  FIG. 10  showing the timer set; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12B  is a top plan view of the cooktop and a front elevational view of the hood of  FIG. 10  showing the timer counting down; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12C  is a top plan view of the cooktop and a front elevational view of the hood of  FIG. 10  showing the timer further counting down; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12D  is a top plan view of the cooktop and a front elevational view of the hood of  FIG. 10  showing the timer further counting down; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12E  is a top plan view of the cooktop and a front elevational view of the hood of  FIG. 10  with the timer expired; 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a lighted knob; 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is an exploded top perspective view of the lighted knob of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a lighted knob; 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of a light guide for use in the lighted knob of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the light guide shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a light guide for use in the lighted knob shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of a printed circuit board for use with the light guide of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a lighted knob; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 21  is a top perspective cross-sectional view of a light guide for use in the lighted knob shown in  FIG. 20 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations except for expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0043]      FIG. 1  provided herein illustrates the environment of a cooktop  20  and a hood  22  as described herein. The cooktop  20  may be a free-standing range or countertop installation, and may be a gas cooktop, a glass-on-glass cooktop, an electric coil cooktop, a smooth electric cooktop, an induction cooktop, or any other type of cooktop. The devices and the methods described herein are intended to direct the user to the proper burner and corresponding control and to make it easier for a user to use the cooktop. 
         [0044]    A first aspect, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-5 , includes the cooktop  20  having a cooktop surface  24  and at least one burner  26 . Each burner  26  has a corresponding control knob  28 , which controls the ignition and intensity of heat applied to the burner  26 . A burner sensor  29  is associated with each burner  26 . The burner sensor  29  detects the presence of a pot  30  (or other object to be heated) on the burner  26 . 
         [0045]    The burner sensor  29  used to detect the pot  30  on the burner  26  may be one of a number of types of sensors, including, but not limited to, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, a weight sensor, a magnetic sensor, a conductive sensor, an infrared sensor, an inductive sensor or a piezoelectric sensor. Additionally, the single burner sensor  29  may be capable of sensing the presence of the pot  30  on any one of a number of burners  26 , or there may be individual burner sensors  29 , with one associated with each burner  26 , so long as the burner sensor  29  is able to distinguish on which burner  26  the pot  30  has been placed. 
         [0046]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 3C and 4 , when the pot  30  is placed on one of the burners  26 , the burner sensor  29  detects the presence of the pot  30 , and sends a message to a controller, which causes an illuminated path  32  to be lighted, extending from the burner  26  with the pot  30  placed thereon to the corresponding control knob  28  for that burner  26 . 
         [0047]    Further, in the first embodiment as described herein, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5C , a control knob sensor  33  may be associated with each control knob  28 . The control knob sensor  33  detects the proximity or touch of a user U to the control knob  28 . When a user U is detected in close proximity or is touching a control knob  28 , the control knob sensor  33  sends a message to the controller, which causes the illuminated path  32  to be lighted, extending from the relevant control knob  28  that the user U has approached or touched. 
         [0048]    The control knob sensor  33  that is used to detect the proximity or contact of the user U with the control knob  28  may be one of a number of types of sensors, including, but not limited to, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, an infrared sensor, or a sensor to detect a force applied to the control knob  28 , such as a capacitive recognition sensor. Additionally, there may be a single control knob sensor  33  which is capable of sensing the presence of the user U adjacent to or touching any one of a number of the control knobs  28 , or there may be individual control knob sensors  33 , with one control knob sensor  33  associated with each control knob  28 , so long as the control knob sensor  33  is able to distinguish which control knob  28  the user U has approached or touched. 
         [0049]    The illuminated path  32  may include a solid light path or may include an intermittent line of lights. The illuminated path  32  may include a single intensity (brightness/lumens) of lights, or the intensity may be varied along the length of the illuminated path  32 . The illuminated path  32  may include a dotted or dashed line of lights, and the lights may vary in intensity or flash over time. The illuminated path  32  may use LED lights or an electroluminescent wire, a light guide to project illumination along a path, or a printed light circuit, having a configuration to permit illumination along the length of the illuminated path  32 . These lighting elements may be located on top of the cooktop surface  24 , embedded in the cooktop surface  24 , or below the cooktop surface  24  if the cooktop surface  24  is at least partially translucent or transparent to the illumination. Incandescent lighting may also be used. 
         [0050]    The illuminated path  32  serves to link each burner  26  with the dedicated control knob  28  of each burner  26  making it easier for the user U to determine the proper burner  26  or the proper control knob  28 . 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIGS. 6-9C , the illuminated signal used to assist the user U in linking the burner  26  with an associated control knob  28  may include an illuminated control knob indicator signal  34  and an illuminated burner indicator signal  36 . In one aspect, the illuminated indicator signals  34 ,  36  are used in combination with the illuminated path  32  described above. 
         [0052]    As noted above, the burner sensor  29  is provided to sense when the pot  30  has been placed on the burner  26 . As best shown in  FIGS. 7C and 8 , when the pot  30  is placed on the burner  26 , the illuminated burner indicator signal  36  is lit on or near the relevant burner  26  and the illuminated control knob indicator signal  34  is lit on or near the associated control knob  28 . Further, as best shown in  FIG. 9B , the control knob sensor  33  is provided, such that when the user U approaches or touches the control knob  28 , the illuminated control knob indicator signal  34  for the control knob  28  and the burner indicator signal  36  for the associated burner  26  are activated. 
         [0053]    With reference again to  FIGS. 6-9C , the illuminated burner indicator signal  36  may include a light on the burner  26 , a ring of light provided around the circumference of the burner  26 , a series of lights around the circumference of the burner  26 , or other lighting arrangements that serve to indicate which control knobs  28  are associated with which burners  26 . Similarly, the illuminated control knob indicator signal  34  may include a light on the control knob  28 , a ring of light provided around the circumference of the control knob  28 , a series of lights around the circumference of the control knob  28 , or other lighting, which is clearly associated with a particular control knob  28 . Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, optical fiber lighting with light guides, or electroluminescent wire lighting, as well as incandescent lighting devices, as desired. The illuminated control knob indicator signal  34  may include a variety of configurations, as described below. 
         [0054]    Additionally, to provide feedback to the user about the heat intensity of the setting of the burner  26 , the control knob  28  may be equipped with a control knob heat intensity signal  38 , the burner  26  may be equipped with a burner heat intensity signal  40 , or both the control knob  28  and the burner  26  may be equipped with heat intensity signals  38 ,  40 . The control knob heat intensity signal  38  may be lit using the same lighting mechanism as described in reference to the illuminated control knob indicator signal  34 . 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIGS. 9B and 9C , the control knob heat intensity signal  38  may include rings of light around the control knob  28 , with a greater number of rings indicating a higher intensity of heat. The burner heat intensity signal  40  may also include a ring or rings of light. Alternatively, a light signal may be provided where the intensity (brightness/lumens) of light may be increased to show an increased heat setting for either the control knob heat intensity signal  38  or the burner heat intensity signal  40 . Light signals that change in intensity may be integrated with or include the same aspects of the illuminated control knob indicator signal  34  or the illuminated burner indicator signal  36 . 
         [0056]    The heat intensity signals  38 ,  40 , as described herein, may be particularly helpful to indicate the heat setting of the burner  26  on the type of cooktop  20  where the level of heat is not readily visible, such as electric cooktops. However, the use of heat intensity signals  38 ,  40  is not limited to such cooktops  20 . 
         [0057]    Referring now to the embodiments of  FIGS. 10-12E , the cooktop  20  and the hood  22  are shown with the cooktop  20  having burner sensors  29 , as described in relation to the previous embodiments, and also includes a burner map  42  to set the controls of the burner  26 . The burner map  42  includes burner selector buttons  44  to correspond with each burner  26  of the cooktop  20 , with each burner selector button  44  being associated with a particular burner  26 , and with each of the burner selector buttons  44  being a mechanical button, a capacitive button, or other button that can be selected by the user U. Each burner selector button  44  further comprises a status display  46  for the associated burner  26 . The burner map  42  further comprises a control bar  48  or other controller. When the pot  30  is placed on the burner  26 , the burner sensor  29  detects the presence of the pot  30 , and a burner status indicator signal  50  is activated in the corresponding burner selector button  44 . The cooktop  20  communicates with the hood  22  via a communication link, which may be wired or wireless. The communication link may be, for example, radio frequency, infrared, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, audio, projection, or optical. 
         [0058]    The hood  22  includes a hood display  54  having a hood burner map  56 . Located on the hood burner map  56  are hood status display boxes  58  corresponding to each of the burners  26  on the cooktop  20 . Each hood status display box  58  further includes a hood burner status indicator signal  60 . 
         [0059]    The hood burner status indicator signal  60  may be activated to indicate when the pot  30  is placed on the burner  26  on the cooktop  20 , or may indicate when the burner  26  is turned on by the user U, or both. In one embodiment, the user U can select the timer control by selecting a timer button  62  and setting the timer using set buttons  64 . The hood display  54  includes a hood timer status indicator  66 , as shown in  FIGS. 11-12E , that provides the user U with a visual representation showing the amount of time left on the timer. When the timer expires, the hood burner status indicator signal  60  may blink, flash a different color light, turn a different color, or otherwise indicate to the user U that the timer for the applicable burner  26  has expired. 
         [0060]    Potential constructions useful for illuminating the control knob  28  to provide the illuminated control knob indicator signal  34  or the control knob heat intensity signal  38  are illustrated in  FIGS. 13-21 . The knob disclosure provided herein allows the surface of the control knob  28  to be lit in an even manner, and allows lighting to be projected around the base of the control knob  28 , if desired. 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , in one embodiment, the control knob  28  is mounted on an oven console  70 . The control knob  28  includes a skirt  72  with in inner ring  74  and an outer ring  76 , forming a channel  78  therebetween, with a central opening  80  located inside the inner ring  74 . Retaining features  82  are directed inwardly from the inner ring  74  of the skirt  72 . A transparent disk  84  having a central opening  86  is provided within the inner ring  74  of the skirt  72 , and the retaining features  82  of the skirt  72  engage with the transparent disk  84  to hold the transparent disk  84  in place. Alternatively, the skirt  72  and the transparent disk  84  may be integrally formed using materials of varying transparency or may be fastened together using other known methods, such as adhesives or other fasteners. Together, the skirt  72  and the disk  84  form the side of the control knob  28 , which faces the oven console  70 . 
         [0062]    A skirt cover  90 , having a disk shaped top  92  with a central opening  94  therethrough and a circumferential wall  96  extending therefrom, is located above the skirt  72 . A spring  98  is placed between the transparent disk  84  and the skirt cover  90 , to urge the skirt cover  90  upward, away from the transparent disk  84 . The skirt cover  90  is partially or completely transparent to light. The portion of the skirt cover  90  which is partially or completely transparent to light is also preferably capable of diffusing light, so that light which enters the control knob  28  through the transparent disk  84  is evenly distributed by the skirt cover  90 . The skirt cover  90  may also have graphics or designs printed thereon. 
         [0063]    A knob shaft body  100 , having a broad top portion  102  and a stem  104  is provided. The stem  104  of the knob shaft body  100  extends through the central openings  94 ,  86 ,  80  of the knob skirt cover  90 , the transparent disk  84 , and the skirt  72 , respectively, and engages, directly or indirectly with the gas control valve or electrical control features of the knob  28 . The stem  104  may include a mechanically engaging feature, such as a raised ring  106 , to engage with the central opening  86  of the transparent disk  84 , and to thereby hold the elements of the control knob  28  together. The broad top portion  102  of the knob shaft body  100  may have cutouts therein, or have portions which are partially or completely transparent to light, so that light reaches and is preferably diffused by the skirt cover  90  is viewable through the broad top portion  102  of the knob shaft body  100 . 
         [0064]    A shell  108  is provided that extends circumferentially around the periphery of the knob shaft body  100 , and extends downward into the channel  78  formed in the skirt  72 . The knob shaft body  100  and the shell  108  are provided with engaging features  110 ,  112 , so that the shell  108  is snap-fit over the knob shaft body  100 . 
         [0065]    Additionally, a cover  114  may optionally be provided over the broad top portion  102  of the knob shaft body  100 , with the cover  114  also having engaging features  116  to engage with the shell  108 . The cover  114  may be wholly or partially transparent to light. 
         [0066]    Below the oven console  70 , a console light guide  120  is provided, with a light source  122  and a power supply  124  to power the light source  122 . The console light guide  120  directs the transmission of light upwards, through an opening in the oven console  70 , to the transparent disk  84 . The transparent disk  84  allows the light to enter the control knob  28 , and transmits the light into the skirt cover  90 . The light is diffused by the skirt cover  90 , and transmitted to the broad top portion  102  of the knob shaft body  100 , where it can be transmitted through transparent or translucent sections thereof, or openings therein. The cover  114 , which is wholly or partially transparent to light, allows the light which has been reflected into the broad top portion  102  of the knob shaft body  100  to be viewed by the user U. Such light will be transmitted more strongly (to allow brighter light) in the areas of the cover  114  that have a greater transparency to the light. 
         [0067]    The control knob  28  having the construction depicted in  FIGS. 13 and 14  can be lighted to provide direction to the user U, and is also removable by the user U for cleaning or other maintenance of the surface of the oven console  70 . As described above, once assembled, the control knob  28  can be removed in a single piece by the user U, such that no electrical connections, wiring, or lighting elements are exposed. 
         [0068]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , the lighted control knob  28  may optionally be provided with lighting around the base of the control knob  28 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the control knob  28  includes a knob body  128 , which is adjusted by the user U and a stem  130 , which operatively connects the control knob  28  to the workings of the stove controlled by the control knob  28 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a light guide housing  132  having a central bore  134  therethrough and a flange portion  136  extending outwardly from the central bore  134  is attached to the oven console  70  at the base of the control knob  28 . The stem  130  passes through the central bore  134 , and the knob body  128  is provided above the oven console  70  and the light guide housing  132 . There is desirably a space  138  between the light guide housing  132  and the knob body  128 , allowing transmission of light that is visible to the user U. 
         [0069]    An optional decorative jacket  140  may be provided circumferentially around the outer edge of the light guide housing  132  to improve the appearance of the light guide housing  132 . The decorative jacket  140  may be attached using any known means, including, without limitation, adhesive, friction-fitting, or mechanical engagement, or may be applied in an overmolding process. 
         [0070]    As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 17 , a pocket  142  is arranged circumferentially around the flange portion  136  of the light guide housing  132 , permitting placement of an optical fiber  144  within the pocket  142 , such that the light emitted from the optical fiber  144  is distributed within and throughout the light guide housing  132 , causing an even glow of the light guide housing  132 . The optical fiber  144  used is desirably of the side-emitting type, and may be braided or jacketed. The use of side-emitting fiber reduces the lighting lost to areas not visible to the user U. Certain side-emitting optical fibers  144  include a plurality of fiber optics with a given refractive index, and a cladding material with a second refractive index, allowing the side-emitting property of the optical fibers  144 . The change in index of refraction, going from the fiber optics to the cladding material, permits light traversing the optical fiber  144  to more efficiently be diverted out of the optical fiber  144  through the side of the optical fiber  144 . Therefore, light is directed upwardly and or outwardly from the oven console  70 , as desired, and is visible to the user in the space  138  between the knob body  128  and the light guide housing  132 . The use of reflective coatings, textured diffractive surfaces, or both may be used to enhance the appearance of the lighting that is emitted from the light guide housing  132 , though with the use of the optical fiber  144 , the light emitted from the light guide housing  132  would generally be more evenly distributed than the light emitted from LEDs directed toward the light guide housing  132 . 
         [0071]    The use of the side-emitting optical fiber  144 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , permits placement of the light source  122  away from the hot region of the stove, with the optical fiber  144  optically connecting the light source  122  to the desired viewing region for the light. Separation of the light source  122  from the heated elements of the stove lengthens the operable life of the light source  122 . The optical fiber  144  may also be jacketed or otherwise protected from the heat source, further protecting the lighting mechanism. 
         [0072]    The light guide housing  132 , as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , includes the flange portion  136  and an optional threaded portion  146 . The flange portion  136  permits placement of the optical fiber  144 , as described above, while the threaded portion  146  facilitates installation in an opening of the oven console  70 . The light guide housing  132  described herein may also be used as the console light guide  120  with the control knob  28  having the knob shaft body  100 , if desired. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 18 and 19  depict an additional embodiment of a light guide assembly  150  illuminated directly by LED lights  156 , rather than the optical fiber  144 , which could be used with the control knobs  28 , as shown in  FIG. 13  or  15 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the light guide assembly  150  includes a light guide  152 , a printed circuit board  154  with the LED lights  156 , and an optional decorative trim piece  158 . The light guide  152  has a top diffuser surface  160  oriented generally upward toward the control knob  28  upon installation, a light guide stem portion  162  with a central opening  164  therethrough, and an LED notch  166  around the circumference thereof. The LED notch  166  is defined by a bottom flange  168 , an inner wall  170 , and a top transmission wall  172 . The LED notch  166  is located with at least a portion thereof radially inward from the edge of the opening in the oven console  70 , such that there is not a metal layer between the top transmission wall  172  and the top diffuser surface  160 . The printed circuit board  154  containing the LED lights  156  is positioned within the LED notch  166 , such that the light emitted by the LED lights  156  is directed upward through the transmission wall  172  and to the top diffuser surface  160 . 
         [0074]    Referring again to  FIG. 19 , the printed circuit board  154  may be manufactured in two pieces connected by a harness  182 , and fastened around the circumference of the light guide  152 . To attach the printed circuit board  154  to the light guide  152 , the printed circuit board  154  may be placed in a mold with the light guide  152 , and a plastic injected around the printed circuit board  154 , so that it will be permanently attached to the light guide  152 . Alternatively, the printed circuit board  154  could be adhered, soldered, or mechanically affixed to the light guide  152 . 
         [0075]    The decorative trim piece  158  ( FIG. 20 ) may optionally be affixed around the circumference of the light guide  152 , which will be located above the oven console  70  when installed. The decorative trim piece  158  may be affixed to the light guide  152  by any known process, including, without limitation, overmolding, adhering, and mechanical engagement. 
         [0076]    To improve the light diffusion characteristics of the light guide assembly  150 , the top diffuser surface  160  may be texturized or may be coated with a diffuser coating  174 , such as a thin layer of plastic, to eliminate “hot spots” or brighter areas. Additionally, a reflective coating  176  may be used on certain surfaces of the light guide  152  to reflect the light emitted from the LED lights  156  to the diffuser top surface  160 , such as around the interior of the central opening  164 , so that less light is lost through the central opening  164  where it cannot be viewed by the user when the control knob  28  is in place. 
         [0077]    The light guide assembly  150  may be glued or otherwise adhered or affixed to the oven console  70 , and the control knob  28  is installed through the central opening  164  in the light guide  152 . 
         [0078]    An additional embodiment of the lighted knob  28  is depicted in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , also including the knob  28  having the knob body  128  and the stem  130 . Like components in this embodiment are given the same reference numbers as used in previously described embodiments. An above-console light guide assembly  150  is shown, which includes the light guide  152 , the printed circuit board  154  with the LED lights  156 , and the decorative trim piece  158 . The light guide  152  in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21  includes the flange portion  136  with the top diffuser surface  160 , a bottom surface  180  generally opposed to the top diffuser surface  160 , and the central opening  164 . The light guide  152  in the light guide assembly  150  is located primarily above the oven console  70 . Where a wiring harness  182  is used to light the LED lights  156 , one or more additional holes  184  may be provided through the oven console  70  to allow the wiring harness  182  to pass through the oven console  70 . 
         [0079]    The printed circuit board  154  is in the shape of a ring, with LED lights  156  thereon. The printed circuit board  154  is positioned in an indentation  186  around the bottom surface  180  of the light guide  152 , with the LED lights  156  directed upwards toward the top diffuser surface  160 . The printed circuit board  154  and the LED lights  156  may be attached to the light guide  152  using conventional adhesive or mechanical engagement features, or may be attached using overmolding, second stage molding, or potting. Additionally, the optional decorative trim piece  158  is provided around the outer circumference of the light guide  152 . 
         [0080]    As described above, the diffuser coatings  174  and the reflective coatings  176  may be used on the light guide  152  to enhance the proportion of light that is visible around the top of the light guide  152 , and to enhance the appearance of the light and minimize the appearance of “hot spots” from the LED lights  156 . 
         [0081]    The assembled light guide assembly  150  is affixed to the top surface of the oven console  70 , using known methods including, without limitation, adhesives or mechanical engagement features. The stem  130  can be inserted through the central opening  164  of the light guide assembly  150  and the opening in the oven console  70  to operatively connect with control elements of the cooktop  20 . 
         [0082]    It is understood that the optical fiber  144  or individual LED lights  156  could be used with each of the types of light guides described herein with minor changes to allow the fitting of the parts, and that all combinations of the features described herein could be used together or separately to enhance the appearance and efficiency of the lighting. 
         [0083]    It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
         [0084]    For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
         [0085]    It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
         [0086]    It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
         [0087]    It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 
         [0088]    The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodiments only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.