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Title:
COOKING SPLATTER PROTECTION DEVICE AND METHOD
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2016/210338
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
A method of cooking is provided that includes providing a cooking splatter guard that includes a surface extending up from a top edge of a cooking implement at an angle. The angle formed between a plane defined by a top edge of the cooking implement and the surface is greater than about 90 degrees. The surface forms a friction fit with the top edge of the cooking implement. A lip of the cooking implement formed by the top edge the cooking implement is a same size or slightly smaller than a bottom edge of the cooking splatter guard. The method further includes frying food in the cooking implement. A cooking splatter guard is provided that provides only limited overhang over the surface area of the cooking implement. A method of using a cooking splatter guard holder is provided.

Inventors:
REINER YAIR (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2016/039378
Publication Date:
December 29, 2016
Filing Date:
June 24, 2016
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
GOWANUS KITCHEN LAB LLC (US)
International Classes:
A47J37/10; A47J43/28
Other References:
See references of EP 3313242A4
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
RESEK, John (Liang & Frank LLP11 Broadway,Suite 61, New York New York, US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1 . A method of cooking comprising:

providing a cooking splatter guard comprising a surface extending up from a top edge of a cooking implement at an angle, the angle being formed between a plane defined by a top edge of the cooking implement and the surface, the angle being greater than 90 degrees; and

frying food in the cooking implement.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein:

the surface extends up from the top edge of the cooking implement at least about 4 inches measured along the surface of the shield and at least about 3.5 inches measured vertically.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein:

the surface extends up from the top edge of the cooking implement at least about 5 inches measured along the surface of the shield and at least about 4 inches measured vertically.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein:

the surface extends up from the top edge of the cooking implement at least about 6 inches measured along the surface of the shield and at least about 5 inches measured vertically.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein:

the surface extends up from the top edge of the cooking implement at least about 7 inches measured along the surface of the shield and at least about 6 inches measured vertically.

6. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:

forming by the surface a fit with the top edge of the cooking implement, a first diameter of a first circumference formed by the top edge of the cooking implement being slightly larger than a second diameter of a second circumference formed by a bottom edge of the cooking splatter guard.

7. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:

forming by the surface a fit with the top edge of the cooking implement, a first diameter of a first circumference formed by the top edge of the cooking implement being one of a same size and slightly smaller than a second diameter of a second circumference formed by a bottom edge of the cooking splatter guard.

8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein:

the cooking splatter guard provides substantially complete access to a bottom of the cooking implement;

the bottom edge of the cooking splatter guard is prevented from touching the bottom of the cooking implement; and

the cooking splatter guard fits variations of pan sizes of a same nominal size. 9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein:

the angle is between about 90 and about 150 degrees.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein:

the angle is between about 1 15 and about 125 degrees.

1 1 . The method according to claim 10, wherein:

the angle is approximately about 120 degrees.

12. The method according to claim 1 , wherein:

the surface comprises food-grade silicone.

13. The method according to claim 1 , wherein:

the surface comprises aluminum. 14. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the cooking splatter guard further comprises:

a frame; and

a handle extending from the frame.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein:

the frame forms a closed loop around a top edge of a cooking surface.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein:

the frame is adapted to rest on an outer rim of a cooking implement, the cooking implement being one of a pot, a pan, and a wok.

17. The method according to claim 1 , wherein:

a thickness of the surface increases from a top edge to a bottom edge.

18. A cooking splatter guard comprising:

a surface extending up from a top edge of a cooking implement at an angle, the angle being formed between a plane defined by a top edge of the cooking implement and the surface, the angle being between about 100 degrees and 140 degrees, the surface extending up from the top edge of the cooking implement between about 4 inches and about 10 inches measured along the surface, and between about 3.5 inches and about 9 inches measured vertically.

19. The cooking splatter guard according to claim 18, wherein:

the surface forms a fit with the top edge of the cooking implement, the lip of the cooking implement formed by the top edge of the cooking implement being slightly larger than a bottom edge of the cooking splatter guard, the cooking splatter guard when fitted to the cooking implement providing access to at least about 80% percent of a horizontal cooking surface area of the cooking implement.

20. The cooking splatter guard according to claim 18, wherein:

the surface extends up from the top edge of the cooking implement about 7 inches measures along surface of shield and about 6 inches measured vertically; and

the angle is about 120 degrees.

21 . A method for storing a cooking splatter guard, comprising:

providing a cooking splatter guard holder comprising a conical section having an open top and an open bottom, the open top being a greater diameter than the open bottom, the conical section adapted to receive the cooking splatter guard, the cooking splatter guard comprising a surface extending up from a top edge of a cooking implement at an angle, the angle being formed between a plane defined by the top edge of the cooking implement and the surface, the angle being greater than 90 degrees;

folding the cooking splatter guard from a bottom edge of the cooking splatter guard to a top edge of the cooking splatter guard to form at least one crease extending from the bottom edge to the top edge; and

receiving, by the conical section of the cooking splatter guard holder, the cooking splatter guard after the folding operation.

Description:
COOKING SPLATTER PROTECTION DEVICE AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the cooking arts, and in particular provides protection for the cook and cooking area from material expelled from a cooking pot, pan or other cooking surface during frying, and methods for frying foods using a cooking splatter protection device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cooking food has historically been messy. Pots and pans are utilized to contain liquids rendered by, or added to, an item being cooked. High temperatures impart high energy to both the food and any associated liquids, and this combination can lead to splattering of the cooking liquids and oils. Back splashes in kitchens are used to make clean up after cooking easier, and to prevent permanent damage to walls in the cooking area.

Screens mounted on handles have been used to reduce and/or eliminate splashing and splattering of cooking liquids. However, screens have the distinct disadvantage that they must be removed in order to fully inspect and/or adjust the item being cooked. Likewise, spices and oils, or any other material, may not be added spontaneously to the cooking implement without first removing the screen. Removal of the screen during such junctures interrupts the screen's function and leaves the cook and the stovetop without splatter protection. Additionally, screens can trap cooking vapors, which can create condensation, increasing the splatter and compromising the cooking process.

There is a need for an effective splatter guard that allows cooking vapors to escape freely and also enables a cook to inspect and/or adjust the item being cooked, as well as enabling the addition or removal of material from the cooking implement, without interrupting the splatter protection function. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method of cooking is provided that includes providing a cooking splatter guard that includes a surface extending up from a top edge of a cooking implement at an angle. The angle formed between a plane defined by a top edge of the cooking implement and the surface is greater than 90 degrees. The method also includes frying food in the cooking implement.

In the method, the surface may extend up from the top edge of the cooking implement at least 4 inches, about 5 inches, about 6 inches, about 7 inches, about 8 inches, about 9 inches or about 10 inches. The surface extends up from the top edge at least about 4 inches measured along the surface of the shield and at least about 3.5 inches measured vertically. Often, the surface may extend up from the top edge of the cooking implement at least about 6 inches measured along the surface of the shield and at least about 5 inches measured vertically. In some embodiments, the surface may extend up from the top edge of the cooking implement at least about 7 inches measured along the surface of the shield and at least about 6 inches measured vertically.

The method further may include forming by the surface a fit with the top edge of the cooking implement. A first diameter of a first circumference formed by the top edge of the cooking implement may be slightly larger than a second diameter of a second circumference formed by a bottom edge of the cooking splatter guard.

The method also may include forming by the surface a fit with the top edge of the cooking implement. A first diameter of a first circumference formed by the top edge of the cooking implement may be one of a same size and slightly smaller than a second diameter of a second circumference formed by a bottom edge of the cooking splatter guard. The cooking splatter guard may provide substantially complete access to a bottom of the cooking implement. The bottom edge of the cooking splatter guard may be prevented from touching the bottom of the cooking implement. The cooking splatter guard may fit variations of pan sizes of a same nominal size. In the method, the angle formed by the cooking implement and the surface is between about 100 and about 140 degrees, between about 1 15 and about 125 degrees, or about 120 degrees. The surface may be comprised of food-grade silicone, aluminum, or other food-safe, heat-resistant materials.

The surface may include a flat sheet and fasteners adapted to provide an adjustable size for the cooking splatter guard. The surface may form a friction fit with the top edge of the cooking implement when the adjustable size is selected that is one of a same size and slightly smaller than a lip of the cooking implement formed by the top edge.

The cooking splatter guard may include a frame and a handle extending from the frame. The frame may form a closed loop around a top edge of a cooking surface. The frame may be adapted to rest on an outer rim of a cooking implement, which may be a pot, a pan, or a wok.

The cooking splatter guard may be adapted to be folded. A thickness of the surface may decrease from a bottom edge to a top edge. A cooking splatter guard is provided that includes a surface extending up from a top edge of a cooking implement at an angle. The angle is formed between a plane defined by a top edge of the cooking implement and the surface and is greater than 90 degrees. The surface extends up from the top edge of the cooking implement between about 4 inches and about 10 inches measured along the surface of the edge, and extends up between about 3.5 inches and about 9 inches measured vertically.

A surface of the cooking splatter guard may form a fit with the top edge of the cooking implement. The lip of the cooking implement formed by the top edge of the cooking implement may be slightly larger than a bottom edge of the cooking splatter guard. The cooking splatter guard when fitted to a cooking implement with angled walls, such as a skillet, may provide complete access to the cooking implement's horizontal cooking surface. When fitted to a cooking implement with vertical walls, such as a saute pan, the bottom of the splatter guard may slightly overhang the cooking implement's horizontal cooking surface. The overhang would typically extend over a maximum of about 10% of the cooking surface's diameter. In other words, if a saute pan has a horizontal cooking surface with a diameter of about 10 inches, then the opening in the bottom of the splatter guard adapted to use with the saute pan may have a diameter of at least about 9 inches. The surface of the cooking splatter guard may extend up from the top edge of the cooking implement about 7 inches measured along the surface of the guard and about 6 inches measured vertically. A method for storing a cooking splatter guard is provided that includes providing a cooking splatter guard holder that includes a conical section having an open top and an open bottom. The open top is a greater diameter than the open bottom. The conical section is adapted to receive the cooking splatter guard, which includes a surface extending up from a top edge of a cooking implement at an angle. The angle is formed between a plane defined by the top edge of the cooking implement and the surface, and the angle is greater than about 90 degrees. The method further includes folding the cooking splatter guard from a bottom edge of the cooking splatter guard to a top edge of the cooking splatter guard to form at least one crease extending from the bottom edge to the top edge. The method also includes receiving, by the conical section of the cooking splatter guard holder, the cooking splatter guard after the folding operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGURE 1 A is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIGURE 1 B is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention including a frame.

FIGURE 2 is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention including a handle.

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a disassembled state.

FIGURE 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a fastening element according to the present invention.

FIGURE 5A is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a holder for a cooking splatter guard according to the present invention. FIGURE 5B is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of the holder shown in FIGURE 5A holding a cooking splatter guard according to the present invention.

FIGURE 6A is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a cooking splatter guard according to the present invention in combination with a frying pan or skillet.

FIGURE 6B is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a cooking splatter guard according to the present invention in combination with a vertical side-walled cooking implement or saute pan.

FIGURE 7 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary device according to the present invention may shield a stovetop and a chef from being soiled by oils and cooking liquids that splatter when preparing food in a cooking utensil such as a pan, skillet, griddle or pot. In particular, the present technology addresses the issue of splattering liquid and oil during frying, which is cooking in a pan, pot or on a griddle over direct heat, usually with or in fat or oil.

In the present invention, the skirt-shaped shield rises from its base at an obtuse angle relative to the cooking utensil, such that the opening at the top of the shield is broader than its base. The base of the shield approximates the shape and size of the rim of the cooking utensil for which it is intended, such that the shield does not substantially cover or overhang the cooking surface. This design element serves two ends. First, compared to a shield that stands at a right angle to the cooking surface, it provides the chef freer access to the cooking surface, allowing easy manipulation of the cooking food. Second, it allows steam and vapor to escape more freely, thereby minimizing the condensation that can increase splatter and also compromise the cooking process. In exemplary embodiments, the shield element is foldable, allowing it to be stored in a space-efficient manner and to assume its cooking shape without need for complex assembly.

FIGURE 1 A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of splatter guard 100 according to the present invention. Splatter guard 100 includes a conical surface 1 10 having a top edge 120 and a bottom edge 130. Bottom edge 130 forms a circle of a diameter that approximates the diameter of a top edge of the cooking implement. Top edge 120 forms a circle of a diameter larger than the diameter of the circle formed by bottom edge 130.

Splatter guard 100 illustrates a splatter guard for a round pan, but alternative exemplary embodiments may be provided for square, rectangular, or any other appropriately shaped cooking surface. Therefore, in alternative exemplary embodiments, one or both of bottom edge 130 and top edge 120 may not be a circle.

FIGURE 1 B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of splatter guard 100 according to the present invention including a frame, described herein as a flange. Splatter guard 100 includes a conical surface 1 10 having a top edge 120 and a bottom edge 130. Bottom edge 130 forms a circle of a diameter that approximates the diameter of a top edge of the cooking implement. Top edge 120 forms a circle of a diameter larger than the diameter of the circle formed by bottom edge 130. Splatter guard 100 illustrates a splatter guard for a round pan, but alternative exemplary embodiments may be provided for square, rectangular, or any other appropriately shaped cooking surface. Therefore, in alternative exemplary embodiments, one or both of bottom edge 130 and top edge 120 may not be a circle.

Splatter guard 100 includes flange 140 extending downwards from bottom edge 130. Flange 140 may be optionally provided, and/or may be removable, and may provide engaging edge 150 enabling a friction fit with an interior top edge surface of a cooking implement, for instance a pan. Some or all of the exterior of the surface of flange 140 may contact the interior top surface edge of the cooking implement.

FIGURE 2 illustrates splatter guard 200 which includes frame 210 and handle 220 attached to conical surface 1 10 for use with a cooking surface. Splatter guard 200 is illustrated without a flange, however a flange may be provided below frame 210 to provide a friction fit with a cooking implement, and/or to provide a positioning function for splatter guard 200 with respect to the cooking implement. Additionally or alternatively, a flange may be provided above frame 210 and below bottom edge 130. Frame 210 and handle 220 may be detachable from splatter guard 200. In a disposable exemplary embodiment made of aluminum, the skirt, the flange, and the handle may come preassembled and may not be detachable. In exemplary embodiments, frame 210 may be fixedly or detachably connected to bottom edge 130. A detachable connection may be accomplished by any appropriate method, for example a groove, a friction fit, and/or a magnet. Frame 210 may include a downward extending flange. The flange may be of a diameter greater than the diameter of the target cooking surface to enable a positioning function to be performed by the flange. The frame 210 may include handle 220 adapted to provide easy control of frame 210 and splatter guard 200 attached thereto. Handle 220 may be detachable from frame 210. FIGURE 3 illustrates splatter guard 100 in an optionally deconstructed condition, which may be provided for shipping of the original splatter guard, and/or for cleaning and/or storage by a user of splatter guard 100. Splatter guard 100 may be deconstructed by detaching coupling projections 300 from one of coupling receivers 310, 312 and 314. Coupling projections may be arranged on a line extending from from top edge 120 to bottom edge 130. Alternatively, coupling projections 300 and coupling receivers 310, 312 and 314 may be arranged in alternative positions to provide a variety of sizes and shapes for splatter guard 100 for use with a variety of cooking implements. Coupling projections 300 and coupling receivers 310, 312 and 314 may be any appropriate attachment mechanism, including holes paired with pins.

FIGURE 4 illustrates a side view of one coupling projection 300. Coupling projection 300 may be composed of food-grade silicone, and may be flexible. Coupling projection may include tip 420, locking projection 400 and post 410. Post 410 may be fixedly attached to a surface of the splatter guard, and/or may be composed of the same material as the splatter guard. Post 410 may be attached to the splatter guard opposite tip 420. Post 410 may have a size and shape to match a coupling receiver, for example coupling receivers 310, 312 and 314. In particular, post 410 may have a circular cross section, and coupling receivers 310, 312 and 314 may be circular holes. Coupling projection 300 may be adapted to be pushed through a coupling receiver by pressure provided manually. Locking projection 400 may be deformed during the coupling process by folding down away from tip 420 while passing through a coupling receiver, and may return to the shape shown in Figure 4 after passing through the coupling receiver. In this manner, locking projection 400 may prevent coupling projection 300 from sliding back through the coupling receiver. Deconstructing the splatter guard may be accomplished by exerting sufficient manual force on coupling projection 300 that locking projection 400 deforms to pass through the coupling receiver.

FIGURE 5A is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of holder 500 for a cooking splatter guard according to the present invention. Holder 500 includes a conical surface 510 forming a top opening 520 and a bottom opening 530. Tab 540 may optionally be provided along a top edge of top opening 520, or alternatively in another location. Tab 540 may form hold 550, which may be adapted to receive a hook for hanging a cooking splatter guard being held by holder 500.

FIGURE 5B is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of holder 500 shown in FIGURE 5A holding cooking splatter guard 100 according to the present invention. Cooking splatter guard 100 may be folded along a length from top to bottom, such that at least one crease is formed that extends from the bottom edge to the top edge. In FIGURE 5B, inside crease 540 is positioned in the center of the rolled up cooking splatter guard 100, and outside crease 550 is positioned on the outside of the rolled up cooking splatter guard 100. Each of inside crease 540 and outside crease 550 extend from the bottom edge to the top edge of cooking splatter guard 100. In this manner, cooking splatter guard 100 may be positioned in holder 500. In other words, the conical section of holder 500 may form a smaller conical section than that formed by cooking splatter guard 100, and folding cooking splatter guard 100 may be required to fit cooking splatter guard 100 in holder 500. In this folded position, holder 500 may tightly hold cooking splatter guard 100 and may also reduce the space occupied by cooking splatter guard 100. The reduced spatial footprint provided by holder 500 to cooking splatter guard 100 may be advantageous for reducing shelf space requirements for a seller, as well as storage requirements by a user.

Holder 500 in FIGURE 5B may include a tab for hanging holder 500 and cooking splatter guard 100, but this is not shown in FIGURE 5B for the sake of clarity. The sizes and angles shown in FIGURES 1 A-5B are not to scale and are for illustration purposes only.

The device is a splatter guard that rests atop a cooking utensil and is comprised of a flexible or bendable, collar-shaped (or skirt-shaped) shield that is optionally supported by a rigid frame (with a handle).

The device may have two elements, a shield and a frame with a handle to hold the shield.

The shield has a collar-like (or skirt like) shape whose cross section at the base approximates the inner contour of the frame element, and whose surface extends upward from the base at an obtuse angle. The shield is made of heat-resistant, foldable material, for example food-grade silicone or aluminum foil. The shield is delivered to the user (i.e. packaged) in the folded position and is opened prior to usage. After usage, the shield may be refolded for disposal or storage. The frame with the handle has two functions. It holds and stabilizes the shield in place atop the cooking surface. When used atop a pan, the handle also allows the shield and the pan to be held simultaneously with a single hand. This is useful for sauteing and similar techniques that require the cooking surface to be moved. The shape of the frame may approximate the shape of the rim of the cooking implement for which it is intended. A frame intended for a round pan should generally be round; for a square pan, square; for a rectangular griddle,

rectangular; etc. In exemplary embodiments, the device may consist of the shield without a frame. In this embodiment, the exterior contour of the bottom of the shield creates a form fit with the interior contour of the cooking device's sides. In this embodiment, the rim or sides of the cooking device serve as a de facto frame for the shield. The de facto frame supports the shield and prevents the bottom of the shield from reaching the cooking surface, where it may interfere with the cooking process.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, a shield and a frame are provided. The frame has a downward-extending flange along its outside edge to prevent it from sliding off the cooking pan. The flange also allows a single device to be used on any utensil whose rim may be covered by the top of the frame while being contained within the inside surface of the flange. In this manner, the range of the splatter guard's usefulness may be expanded. The inner contours of the frame hold the shield, such that the inner contours of the frame describe and match the shape of the shield near its base.

In additional alternative exemplary embodiments, a handle is not attached to the splatter guard, and a frame without a handle is sufficient. In still further alternative exemplary embodiments, a disposable shield with or without a handle, and with or without a flange, is used. In these alternatives, the frame element is used for support and the shield folds and has an obtuse angle when in the usage position.

In operation, the device is used by placing it atop a cooking utensil by means of either the handle or the edge of the shield. Once atop the cooking utensil, the device works by blocking splattering oil, other liquids, and small food particles from reaching the stove top or the chef. The device also has a secondary use that is related but distinct from preventing splatter: in cases when a cooking device is filled to near capacity, or beyond capacity, the skirt wall prevents food from spilling over the edge of the cooking device, as might happen when sauteing leafy greens. After usage, the shield element of the device may be folded and disposed of, or cleaned and folded for storage and subsequent reuse.

Four elements make this device both unique and uniquely well-suited to its function:

1 ) the obtuse angle of the collar, which renders the cooking surface easy to access with implements such as tongs or spatulas.

2) the similarity in size and shape between the bottom of the collar and the rim of the cooking utensil to which it is adapted, which keeps the cooking surface uncovered, allowing for the addition, removal, and manipulation of ingredients, and enabling vapors to escape freely.

3) the material allows the shield to be easily folded and unfolded to allow for easy set-up as well as space-efficient packaging, storage, and disposal.

4) in some exemplary embodiments, a rigid frame is provided to hold the shield and stabilize the shield above the cooking vessel.

Optionally, a flange is provided to assist in placement and positioning during the cooking process.

In exemplary embodiments, the shield, intended for a medium size pan of about 10 inches in diameter, may be about 5 to about 7 inches high, measured from the top of the frame to the rim of the shield along the surface of the shield (as opposed to vertically). A shield intended for a smaller pan may have a shorter wall, while a shield intended for a larger pan (or a griddle) may have a taller wall. Typical embodiments include a device fitted for a small pan of about 8 inches in diameter, and having a height of about 5 inches; for a pan of about 10 inches in diameter, and having a height of about 6 inches; or for a pan of about 12 inches in diameter, and having a height of about 7 inches.

The heights of various cooking splatter guards according to the present invention may vary from about 7 inches by plus or minus about 3 inches. This range of between 4 and about 10 inches may capture the majority of use cases. Measured vertically, the shield may measure between 3.5 inches and 9 inches in height, measured at a right angle from a horizontal plane defined by the bottom edge of the shield to another horizontal plane described by the top edge of the rim of the shield. In exemplary embodiments, the shield, intended for a medium size pan of about 10 inches in diameter, may have a vertical height of about 4 to about 6 inches high. A shield intended for a smaller pan may have a shorter wall, while a shield intended for a larger pan (or a griddle) may have a taller wall. Typical

embodiments include a device fitted for a small pan of about 8 inches in diameter, and having a vertical height of about 4 inches; for a pan of about 10 inches in diameter, and having a vertical height of about 5 inches; or for a pan of about 12 inches in diameter, and having a vertical height of about 6 inches. The angles of various cooking splatter guards according to the present invention may vary from about 120 degrees by plus or minus about 20 degrees. This range of between about 100 and about 140 degrees may capture the majority of use cases. Conventional overboil devices differ from the present invention in that they do not extend up as high, with sidewalls typically measuring less than 2 inches vertically. Additionally, typical overboil devices extend significantly over the center of the pot, thereby limiting access to the food cooking in the cooking implement. Additionally, conventional overboil devices have a higher angle (measured from the plane defined by a top edge of the cooking implement and the surface of the overboil device) than the present technology, and address a significantly different problem, namely overboil as opposed to splatter from a frying operation.

Overboil prevention devices address a problem that is distinct from the problem addressed by the present technology. In particular, an effective cooking splatter device may aim to provide as complete access as possible to the entire cooking surface of a pan, where frying and similar cooking operations occur. In contrast, when boiling liquids or cooking food in boiling liquids, partial access to the pan and its cooking surface is sufficient for stirring contents and for advancing the cooking process. Additionally, anti-splatter devices are designed to block small droplets of liquid that would otherwise fly high above the surface of the cooking implement, whereas overboil devices are designed to prevent large volumes of liquid from marginally overflowing a rim of a pot. Furthermore, anti-splatter devices are typically used with pans and skillets, or other devices used for sauteing, frying, etc. In contrast, overboil devices are designed for cooking using deep pots suitable for boiling. This accessibility to the cooking surface is significant to the use case for frying and sauteing, as opposed to boiling, since when using a pan or a skillet to fry a burger, a steak, bacon and/or onions, the chef needs access to the entire cooking surface in order to manipulate the cooking food (e.g. to flip a burger with a spatula). This access allows the chef to make effective use of the entire cooking surface. Additionally, when frying, searing, browning or sauteing, it is desirable for the area above the cooking surface to be substantially uncovered so that vapors can escape freely, as this facilitates proper searing and prevents the formation of condensation, which can redouble splatter. None of these concerns are relevant to boiling operations. Indeed, when boiling, it is advantageous to partially cover the cooking utensil, as this helps to retain steam and heat, and promotes faster, more efficient boiling. In overboil devices, partial coverage (or overhang) of the cooking area promotes the desired cooking technique (i.e. of boiling), just as overhang and coverage detracts from non-boiling cooking techniques such as frying.

A thickness of the cone decreases from the bottom to the top. In other words, a thickness of the surface of the cooking splatter guard increases from a top edge to a bottom edge. The greater thickness at the bottom provides stability.

Additionally, tapering to a reduced thickness at the top reduces the weight borne by the bottom of the shield, while also decreasing material costs.

The fit of the cooking splatter guard according to the present technology provides substantially complete access the bottom of the cooking implement. For instance, when used in combination with a skillet or other cooking implement with angled side walls, the splatter guard may provide complete access to the skillet's horizontal cooking surface. When fitted to a cooking implement with vertical walls, such as a saute pan or a pot, the bottom of the splatter guard may overhang the horizontal cooking surface of the cooking implement by up to about 10%. In other words, if a saute pan has a horizontal cooking surface with a diameter of about 10 inches, then the opening in the bottom of the splatter guard adapted to use with the saute pan may have a diameter of at least about 9 inches. An overhang of about 10% provides access to a minimum of about 80% of the cooking

implement's horizontal cooking surface area. Additionally, the present technology prevents a bottom of the shield from touching a bottom of the cooking surface, even on a shallow skillet. Furthermore, the close fit allows for some variation of pan sizes (e.g. the 3/4 inch variance typical amongst pans of the same nominal size, though this prevents the same shield from being used on pans of different nominal sizes). In other words, if a shield intended for a nominal 10 inch pan is used on pan with a rim diameter of 9.75 inches, it will sit slightly higher up on the rim of the pan than if used on a pan with a rim diameter of exactly 10 inches. The close fit between the top of the cooking element and the bottom of a shield according to the present technology suggests that different sized shields are needed for different sized pans (i.e. a 10 inch model for nominal 10 inch pans, a 12 inch model for 12 inch nominal pans, etc.).

FIGURE 6A is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of cooking splatter guard 100 according to the present invention in combination with cooking implement 600, which may be a frying pan or skillet, or any other cooking implement having angled sidewalls. Cooking splatter guard 100 includes conical surface 1 10 having a top edge 120 and a bottom edge 130. Conical surface 1 10 is also described as a sidewall, and may be about 7 inches in length, plus or minus about 3 inches, and about 6 inches in vertical height, plus or minus about 2.5 inches. Bottom edge 130 forms a circle of a diameter that approximates the diameter of a top edge of cooking implement 600. In this manner, fit 610, which may be a friction fit, pressure fit, or a fit maintained by the weight of cooking splatter guard 100, is formed between of cooking splatter guard 100 and cooking implement 600. Since fit 610 does not limit access to the bottom surface of cooking implement 600, access to food being fried in cooking implement 600 is not impaired by the use of cooking splatter guard 100. Top edge 120 forms a circle of a diameter larger than the diameter of the circle formed by bottom edge 130. FIGURE 6B is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of cooking splatter guard 100 according to the present invention in combination with cooking implement 620, which may be any cooking implement having vertical sidewalls, such as a saute pan or a pot. Cooking splatter guard 100 includes conical surface 1 10 having a top edge 120 and a bottom edge 130. Conical surface 1 10 is also described as a sidewall, and may be about 7 inches in length, plus or minus about 3 inches, and about 6 inches in vertical height, plus or minus about 2.5 inches. Bottom edge 130 forms a circle of a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of a top edge of cooking implement 620. In this manner, fit 630, which may be a pressure fit or a fit maintained by the weight of cooking splatter guard 100, is formed between cooking splatter guard 100 and cooking implement 620. Since fit 630 does not significantly limit access to the bottom surface of cooking implement 620, access to food being fried in cooking implement 620 is not substantially impaired by the use of cooking splatter guard 100. For example, the overhang of the bottom surface of cooking implement 620 by cooking splatter guard 100 may be less than 3/4 of an inch, measured horizontally from the bottom of the shield to the most proximate wall of the cooking implement. Top edge 120 forms a circle of a diameter larger than the diameter of the circle formed by bottom edge 130.

FIGURE 7 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary method 700 according to the present invention. Method 700 begins in start circle 710, and proceeds to operation 720, which indicates to provide a cooking splatter guard including a surface extending up from a top edge of a cooking implement at an angle. The angle being formed between a plane defined by a top edge of the cooking implement and the surface is greater than 90 degrees. From operation 720, the flow in method 700 optionally proceeds to operation 730, which indicates to form by the surface a fit with the top edge of the cooking implement. The top edge of the cooking implement is slightly larger than a bottom edge of the cooking splatter guard. From operation 730, the flow proceeds to operation 740, which indicates to fry food in the cooking implement. Frying here is understood broadly as cooking in a pan, pot, griddle, wok, or similar devices over direct heat, usually with or in fat or oil, but occasionally without fat, as when browning meat or cooking bacon. From operation 740, the flow in method 700 proceeds to end circle 750. The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the technology will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this disclosure. The scope of the technology should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.