Patent Publication Number: US-2015068511-A1

Title: Alternative Stove Top Counter Top

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/819,765 filed May 6, 2013, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “AACT America&#39;s Alternative Counter Tops.” 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains to the field of kitchen appliances, and more specifically to the field of stove guards and counter tops. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The prior art has put forth several designs for stove guards and counter tops. Among these are: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,282 to Rodney B. Fischer describes a disposable stove top covering that is used to protect the surface of the stove top during cooking. The stove top covering is comprised of a substantially planar sheet of material that has decorative indicia or graphic such as recipes, instructions and information. The cover protects the stove top as well as absorbs fluids such as oil, sauce and water. A bottom fluid impervious layer protects the stove top while an absorbent layer retains any spills with the top layer having micro holes for fluids to pass through and be retained. A lip passing around the periphery of the cover and each heating element contains fluids and food particles on the disposable cover. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,962 to W. S. Dominic Ng describes a glass top countertop range that is mounted on a structure formed by a first box structure that fits through a hole in the countertop and is supported by a peripheral flange and a second inverted box structure significantly smaller than the first box structure and telescopingly received in the first box structure to provide an air space between the two box structures. The top of the second box structure lies in face to face relationship with a glass top of the range and the glass top is secured to and supported by the second box structure which in turn is supported in the first box structure. 
     U.S. Patent 2008/0283032 to Qi Dang describes a stove guard for a drop in cooktop that is attached to the front edge of a kitchen countertop by inserting the guard panel into two holding devices which are attached onto the front surface of the countertop. The guard prevents young children from reaching the burners, control knobs and cookware on the cooktop. The guard is installable or removable in seconds. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,945 to Michael G. Somerton describes a sanitary attractive food preparation cutting board made of hardwood or colored non wood material, having a high friction non slip backing applied, which fits on top of recreational vehicle stove burners to silence rattles, add counter space and enhance interior decor. This invention is relatively inexpensive and is easily stored when not in use. 
     None of these prior art references describe the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a compactable and expandable surface to be placed over an existing stove top to create usable counter space, wherein the device comprises a series of hinged slats. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a prototypical top down diagonal view showing the present invention in a retracted position on a stove top. 
         FIG. 2  is a prototypical top down diagonal view showing the present invention in an expanded position covering a stove top. 
         FIG. 3  is a prototypical top down diagonal view showing the present invention in a partially expanded position covering the back half of a stove top. 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross section of a slat having a convex edge and a concave edge. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     People who reside in small living spaces, such as dorm rooms, studio apartments and mobile homes, readily attest that the main advantage of less space is less area to clean. However, small spaces have downsides when it comes to decorating and storage. Studio apartments and college dorms pose a particular problem due to the fact that all household functions are limited to one room. Eating, entertaining, sleeping and studying occur within one small room. When working with any compact living area, incorporating multifunctional furnishings and accessories optimizes usable space enormously. 
     The present invention, hereinafter referred as the Alternative Stove Top Counter Top, or simply alternative counter top, is a compactable and expandable surface to be placed over an existing stove top. The present invention provides an instantly usable area of counter space, especially for those who live and work in tiny quarters with constricted kitchen areas. An instant counter top is created in a small kitchen, providing residents with more working room when preparing meals in their compact homes. The alternative counter top is rectangular in shape. In its expanded form, shown in  FIG. 2 , the alternative counter top measures approximately thirty inches in length, twenty one inches in width and one and a quarter inches to one and seven eighths in depth. The counter top comprises a series of elongate slats  24  which are hinged together to create accordion folds when it is retracted, and mounted on top of the back of an existing stove. Any suitable hinges  26  can be used, however, spaced apart hinges, or piano type hinges are contemplated. 
     The mating edges of the slats are constructed to prevent spillage or anything from falling between the slats. One elongate edge of the slat comprises a convexly curved edge  32  and mates with the next consecutive slat having a concavely curved edge  34 . Each slat  24  has a concave edge  34  on one side and a convex edge  32  on the opposite side.  FIG. 4  shows a cross sectional view of a slat  24  showing convex edge  34  and concave edge  32 . 
     When the device is extended, the accordion folds extend to create functional and usable counter space. Configured to be installed over top of the stove top, the alternative counter top is constructed to expand and retract in an accordion fashion. The slats are constructed of any suitable material including aluminum, or plastic, for example. 
     The alternative counter top stretches fully over an entire stove top or partially over two burners, leaving the other two burners free for cooking while using the countertop. The alternative counter top compactly folds back together and can reside on the back of the stove until rolled out and used again. 
     The alternative counter top is expandable and compactable over a stove top in a matter of seconds, providing a fully functional and stably secure counter top work area without compromising any other usable space. For non cookers, the alternative counter top is left in place and utilized for housing nonperishable food items or even a selection of decorative items. Home chefs employ the alternative counter top as a support for a cutting board, slicing and dicing fruits, vegetables and meats, and then toss the foods into a hot pot or pan simmering beside the surface. This unique and practical work area proves especially beneficial to those living in college dormitories, studio apartments, mobile homes, assisted living facilities or anywhere else that space is extremely limited and more counter space is welcomed. The alternative counter top is very functional in businesses or schools with office and teacher lounges. Manufactured of durable, high quality materials and components, the alternative counter top will withstand years of continued use. 
     Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.