Dynamic flex cooktop grate

Abstract

A collapsible grate for a cooktop is provided. The collapsible grate includes a plurality of support members supported at either end at spaced locations along flexible edge strips. In preferred embodiments, each edge strip includes a plurality of sockets to receive the respective ends of the support members. The flexible edge strips allow the grate to be rolled up and folded over on itself for ease of removal and cleaning the underlying cooktop surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A collapsible grate for a cooktop comprising:
 a plurality of support members, wherein each support member has a first end and a second end;   a first flexible edge strip having a plurality of first sockets disposed along a length thereof;   a second flexible edge strip having a plurality of second sockets disposed along a length thereof;   said first sockets and second sockets being configured to receive therein the first and second ends, respectively, of said plurality of support members.   
     
     
         2 . The collapsible grate of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of said sockets have respective shapes complementary to the shape of an associated end of one of the support members. 
     
     
         3 . The collapsible grate of  claim 1 , wherein each said edge strip is made from high-temperature resistant polymer. 
     
     
         4 . The collapsible grate of  claim 1 , wherein each said edge strip is made from high-temperature resistant silicone. 
     
     
         5 . The collapsible grate of  claim 1 , wherein each said support member is made from a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, enameled steel, and cast iron. 
     
     
         6 . The collapsible grate of  claim 1 , said grate being foldable such that a first portion thereof can be reversibly folded over on another portion thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The collapsible grate of  claim 1 , said grate being rollable into a substantially cylindrical bundle. 
     
     
         8 . A kit comprising a plurality of collapsible grates for a cooktop, each said grate comprising:
 a plurality of support members, wherein each support member has a first end and a second end;   a first flexible edge strip having a plurality of first sockets disposed along a length thereof;   a second flexible edge strip having a plurality of second sockets disposed along a length thereof;   said first sockets and second sockets being configured to receive therein the first and second ends, respectively, of said plurality of support members.   
     
     
         9 . The kit of  claim 8 , said plurality of flexible grates together cooperating to define a cooking area above a cooktop surface. 
     
     
         10 . The kit of  claim 8 , wherein a plurality of said sockets have respective shapes complementary to the shape of an associated end of one of the support members. 
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 8 , wherein each said edge strip is made from a high-temperature resistant polymer. 
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 8 , wherein each said edge strip is made from a high-temperature resistant silicone. 
     
     
         13 . The kit of  claim 8 , wherein each support member is made from a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, enameled steel, and cast iron. 
     
     
         14 . A cooking apparatus comprising:
 a cooktop surface including at least one heat source; and   at least one collapsible grate provided over a portion of the cooking surface to at least partially define a cooking area of the apparatus;   the at least one collapsible grate including:
 a plurality of support members, wherein each support member has a first end and a second end; 
 a first flexible edge strip having a plurality of first sockets disposed along a length thereof; 
 a second flexible edge strip having a plurality of second sockets disposed along a length thereof; 
 said first sockets and second sockets being configured to receive therein the first and second ends, respectively, of said plurality of support members. 
   
     
     
         15 . The cooking apparatus of  claim 14 , said cooktop surface comprising a recessed portion wherein said at least one heat source is disposed, a perimeter wall surrounding at least a portion of said recessed portion, and a ledge disposed adjacent said perimeter wall, wherein the at least one collapsible grate is configured to rest on at least a portion of the ledge when installed on the cooktop. 
     
     
         16 . The cooking apparatus of  claim 15 , comprising a plurality of said collapsible grates that together cooperate to define a cooking area above said cooktop surface. 
     
     
         17 . The cooking apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising one or more flanges extending over said recessed portion and resting on said ledge, wherein a portion of at least one said collapsible grate is configured to rest on said flange while another portion thereof is configured to rest on said ledge. 
     
     
         18 . The cooking apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising a support ridge or flange standing proud of the recessed portion along a predetermined path corresponding to installation locations of said plurality of grates so that a lateral edge of at least one of the grates can rest and be supported therein when installed. 
     
     
         19 . The cooking apparatus of  claim 14 , comprising a plurality of said collapsible grates that together cooperate to define a cooking area above said cooktop surface.