Ring of fire

Abstract

“Ring of Fire” is a simple device for insuring that electric stovetop burners are not left on inadvertently. It consists of a circular fluorescent light bulb that is either encased in Pyrex, or is itself constructed of Pyrex, and plugged, via a socket located underneath the stovetop, into a circuit that is completed whenever the corresponding burner is turned on. The bulb is recessed into a circular concavity in the stovetop, immediately surrounding the outer rim of the drip tray, and held in place by four metal clips. The bulb is covered by a flat circle of red, translucent Pyrex whose inner rim is attached to the outer rim of the drip tray by metal clips, and whose outer rim rests on a small “shelf” in the stovetop. Thus, whenever a burner is turned on, regardless of its setting, (e.g., high or low), it will be surrounded by a bright red, glowing, “Ring of Fire.” The Pyrex circle is easily removable to allow access for changing the bulb. Alternatively, the bulb itself could be colored red, and the Pyrex cover, clear and transparent. If desired, the bulb could operate in the fashion of existing electric fireplaces, giving the illusion of a burning flame.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1) Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to indicating that an electric stovetop burner is turned on, and more particularly pertains to an improved indicator light system that shows which burner is on, regardless of heat setting, and is evident at the site of the individual burner. [0003] 2) Description of the Prior Art [0004] Current conventional electric stoves with the burners located on the stovetop (as opposed to the more expensive glass-top models) utilize a single, small indicator light, located on the back part of the stove, to show that a burner is currently on. The light gives no indication which particular burner is on, and the burners themselves provide no visible evidence of being on except at relatively high settings. In addition, the small size of the light, as well as its location on the back part of the stovetop with no immediate relation to the operating burner, makes it extremely easy to forget that a burner...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a safer and more effective electric stovetop burner indicator light. It consists of a circular fluorescent light bulb surrounded by a protective cover and placed in a concavity in the stovetop. The cover is secured in place by metal clips and a drip tray. The light is plugged into the same electrical circuit as the control switch of the individual burner. The invention has advantages over previous burner indicator lights, including being more efficient, economical, and aesthetically pleasing. It also reduces the likelihood of burners being left on inadvertently."

Problems solved by technology

Leaving a burner turned on, especially when the burner itself does not glow red, presents a substantial risk of fire or injury.

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