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.

1 . A new and improved indicator light for electric stovetop burners, said indicator light comprising: 
 For Each Burner:    a thin, circular (donut-shaped) fluorescent bulb, either clear or colored red; either encased in Pyrex or constructed of Pyrex    a flat, circular cover piece of Pyrex, either red or clear (depending on the bulb—e.g., red bulb, clear Pyrex);    a drip tray whose outer rim fits over a thin lip in the stovetop, and which incorporates four metal retaining clips to hold the circular Pyrex cover    a concavity in the stovetop around the burner, incorporating four metal retaining clips to hold the fluorescent bulb in place, a thin lip on its inner edge over which the outer rim of the drip tray fits, an opening through which the bulb is plugged into its corresponding electrical socket, and two small “shelves” upon which the Pyrex cover rests.    a separate electrical socket, located under the center portion of the stovetop and accessible via an opening in the outer edge of the stovetop concavity, into which the fluorescent bulb is plugged and by which it is connected to the same electrical circuit as its corresponding burner's control switch.    
   
   
       2 . A new and improved indicator light for electric stovetop burners as described in  claim 1 , wherein fluorescent bulb simulates a burning flame.