AU2019320842A1 - Cooktop system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a kitchen bench having a base and at least one heating element, the worktop comprising a slab adapted to cover the heating element, wherein the slab comprises a relative thin thickness to permit operation of the worktop. There is also provided a cooking pad comprising a surface adapted to receive a surface of a cooking vessel, the cooking pad comprising a particular thickness for distancing the surface of the cooking vessel from the cooking bench and a cooking system comprising the cooktop and the cooking pad as well as a method for cooking using a cooking vessel, the method comprising the step of mounting the cooking pad a on a cooking region of the kitchen bench and operating the heating element for heating of the coking vessel for cooking purposes.

Description

Cooktop System and Method

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to kitchen appliances.

[0002] The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to cooking appliances and in particular kitchen benches including cooking regions and counter regions.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] Kitchen benches typically comprise a cooking surface and a counter surface; in particular, particular arrangements of kitchen benches have been developed that comprise a slab having a seamless planar upper surface that incorporates cooking regions and counter regions comprising identical upper surface not permitting to distinguish the cooking region and counter region. These particular arrangements of kitchen benches are not only aesthetically pleasing but also are particular useful because these kitchen benches are easy to clean and reduce the possibility of spilling foods due to neither presenting conventional heating elements protruding from the bench surface nor seams defining the boundaries between the cooking regions and counter regions.

[0005] Typically, the above described kitchen benches comprises induction heating elements located underneath the worktop of the kitchen bench. The heating elements are arranged in a particular arrangement defining the cooking region adapted to receive cooking vessels such pots and pans.

[0006] During operation of the induction heating elements, the magnetic field generated by the induction heating elements radiate through the region (the cooking region) of the worktop covering the induction elements for heating of the cooking pots and pans. The worktop is not heated by the magnetic field radiating therethrough; however, the cooking vessels, as they are being heated transfer heat to the worktop on which the cooking vessels rest; thus, increasing the temperature of the cooking region. The increase of temperature of the cooking region can (depending on the temperature that the cooking process generates) damage the worktop of the kitchen bench.

[0007] Solutions have been developed to avoid damaging of the worktop due to the increased temperature. For example, one of these solutions is to define a clearance between the bottom of the cooking pot and the cooktop by attaching footing to the bottom of the cooking pots. However, attaching footing to the bottom of the cooking pots increases the cost for manufacturing the pots and the presence of the footing is not necessarily aesthetically appealing to customers. Also, the presence of the footings makes cleaning and maintenance of the pots more difficult and cumbersome.

[0008] Further, the fact that the cooking region of these particular kitchen benches is heated has as consequence that only particular materials can be used for manufacturing the slab of the kitchen bench. Alternatively, if particular materials such as natural stones or porcelain are used to define the worktop, the cooking temperature needs to be capped at a particular temperature so as to avoid damage of the slab manufactured from these particular materials - this typically renders any cooking appliance inoperative or at least not suitable for most cooking processes.

[0009] An aesthetically pleasing kitchen bench surface may be made out of natural stone surfaces such as marble, porcelain, ceramic, among other; however, these particular materials will not sustain to the range of temperatures that occur during typical cooking processes. This disadvantage requires that the maximum cooking temperature need to be capped to a particular temperature that will not damage the worktop; unfortunately, this maximum temperature may not be suitable for most cooking processes. Therefore, currently, the kitchen benches using induction heating elements are manufactured using slabs made out of materials that may not be aesthetically pleasing.

[0010] Solutions have been develop to be able to create an aesthetically pleasing and seamless kitchen bench surface comprising heating and counter regions. However, these solutions are based on slabs comprising a plurality of layers having, for example, an upper layer defining an aesthetically pleasing surface and a plurality of layers attached below the aesthetically pleasing surface. These multilayered slabs are costly and cumbersome to manufacture; also, they may be relative thick and relative heavy; thus, increasing the manufacturing cost of the kitchen bench.

[0011] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a worktop for a kitchen bench having a base and at least one heating element, the worktop comprising a slab adapted to cover the heating element, wherein the slab comprises a relative thin thickness to permit operation of the worktop.

[0013] Preferably, the heating element comprises an induction heating element.

[0014] Preferably, the slab comprises porcelain material.

[0015] Preferably, the slab has a thickness of between about 1 mm - 25 mm.

[0016] In a particular arrangement, the slab has a thickness of between about 3 mm - 20 mm.

[0017] Preferably, the kitchen bench comprises an induction heating module having a plurality of induction heating elements and an upper surface (the slab) covering the induction heating elements.

[0018] Preferably, the upper surface comprises hard wearing material adapted to allow electromagnetic radiation radiate therethrough.

[0019] Preferably, the upper surface comprises any one of porcelains, natural stone such as granite, glass-ceramic material or composites made out of these materials..

[0020] Preferably, the slab may comprise an upper layer comprising any of the materials mentioned in the previous paragraph and a substrate adhered to the lower surface of the upper layer wherein the substrate is located around a centre area (the lower surface of the cooking regions) of the lower surface of the slab.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a cooking pad for mounting on a worktop in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the cooking pad being adapted to receive a surface of a cooking vessel, the cooking pad comprising a particular thickness for distancing the surface of the cooking vessel from the slab.

[0022] Preferably, the cooking pad releasably rests on the worktop.

[0023] In alternative arrangement, the cooking pad comprises at least one protrusion extending from the worktop at a location above the induction heating element defining the cooking pad.

[0024] Preferably, the cooking pad comprises a plurality of layers.

[0025] Preferably, a first layer of the cooking pad comprises any one of Porcelain, ,

Compressed Fibre Cement, Glass, Vermiculite, Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) and Expanded polystyrene, and plastic and polymers, any type of wood and/or metal.

[0026] Preferably, the first layer comprises a thickness of about between 0.2 mm - 20 mm.

[0027] Preferably, a second layer of the cooking pad comprises any one of Carbon Fibre, Compressed Fibre Cement and Vermiculite, Silicon Rubber, plastic and polymers, any type of wood and/or metal,.

[0028] Preferably, the second layer comprises a thickness of between about 0.2mm - 20 mm.

[0029] In a particular arrangement, the cooking pad further comprises a third layer.

[0030] Preferably, the third layer of the cooking pad comprises any one of Porcelain,

Silicone Rubber, Compressed Fibre Cement, Glass, Vermiculite, Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), and Expanded polystyrene, plastic and polymers, any type of wood and/or metal,.

[0031] Preferably, the third layer comprises a thickness of about between 0.2mm - 20 mm.

[0032] In an alternative arrangement, the pad comprises a top layer and a bottom layer.

[0033] Preferably, the upper layer of the cooking pad comprises Glass, Porcelain, any type of wood and any type of metal such as cooper, aluminum, steel and stainless steel, plastic and polymers.

[0034] Preferably, the upper layer comprises a thickness of about between 0.2mm - 20 mm.

[0035] Preferably, the lower layer of the cooking pad comprises Silicon, Silicon Rubber, Carbon fibre, Compressed Fibre Cement, Vermiculite, Expanded polystyrene, plastic and polymers, any type of wood and/or metal.

[0036] Preferably, the lower layer comprises a thickness of between about 0.2mm - 20 mm.

[0037] Preferably, the second cooking pad may be assembled by mounting the upper and lower layers on the top of each other and joining them together via adhesives such silicon adhesives or any other methods that permit maintaining the layers together for defining of the second cooking pad.

[0038] Preferably, the cooking pad may be configured as any geometric shapes such as circles, polygons having more than three sides (e.g. triangles, quadrilateral, etc...).

[0039] Preferably, the upper layer may be configured as plurality of discrete elements arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other over the lower layer. [0040] Preferably, the cooking pad is adapted to receive a cooking pot thereon.

[0041] Preferably, the cooking pad comprise a body having a centre from which arms extend outward.

[0042] Preferably, the pad comprises a cross-shaped body.

[0043] In alternative arrangement, the pad comprises a star-shaped body with a plurality of arms extending from the centre.

[0044] Preferably, discrete sections of the lower layer are covered with the upper layer.

[0045] Preferably, the pad comprises a plurality of elements comprising the upper layer, the elements being arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other over the lower layer.

[0046] Preferably, one element is mounted on the centre and each arm comprises a plurality of elements arranged in a spaced apart relationship along each arm of the pad.

[0047] In an alternative arrangement, the upper layer may configured as having the same shape than the lower layer.

[0048] In a further alternative arrangement, the elements extend from the body of the pad such that the elements abut the cooktop area to space the body of the pad from the cooktop. In this manner, the body define an upper layer for receiving the cooking pot and the plurality of elements define the lower layer for mounting on the cooktop.

[0049] Preferably, the upper layer (the body of the pad) may comprise Glass, Porcelain, any type of wood and any type of metal such as copper, aluminum, steel and stainless steel, plastic and polymers, and have a thickness of between about: 0.2 mm - 20 mm.

[0050] Preferably, the lower layer (the plurality of elements) may comprise Silicone, Silicone Rubber, Carbon fibre, Compressed Fibre Cement, Vermiculite, Expanded polystyrene, plastic and polymers , any type of wood and/or metal and have a thickness of between about 0.2 mm - 20 mm.

[0051] Preferably, the body of the pad comprises a centre from which arms extend outward defining a star-shaped pad.

[0052] Preferably, the body comprises a plurality of disc-shaped bodies for receiving the elements.

[0053] Preferable, the centre of the body comprise a disc-shaped body.

[0054] Preferably, the ends of the arms comprise disc-shaped bodies.

[0055] Preferably, the disc-shaped bodies of the ends of the arms comprise the elements.

[0056] Alternatively, the body of the pad comprises a washer-shaped body defining a rim for receiving the elements.

[0057] Preferably, the elements extend from the body of the pad such that the elements abut the cooktop area to space the body of the pad from the cooktop.

[0058] Preferably, the rim comprises a plurality of disc-shaped bodies arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other.

[0059] Preferably, the disc-shaped bodies of the rim comprise the elements.

[0060] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a cooking system comprising the worktop in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and the cooking pad in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

[0061] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for cooking using a cooking vessel, the method comprising the step of mounting a cooking pad in accordance with the second aspect of the invention on a cooking region of the worktop in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and operating the heating element for heating of the coking vessel for cooking purposes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a particular arrangement of a kitchen bench comprising a worktop in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the kitchen worktop shown in figure 1 along the line 2-2’;

Figure 3 is a front view of the kitchen worktop shown in figure 1 in operation including a plurality of cooking pads;

Figure 4 is a cross section of a particular arrangement of a cooking pad in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a first arrangement of a cooking pad in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is a plan view of a second arrangement of a cooking pad in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a side view of the a cooking pad shown in figure 6;

Figure 8 is a plan view of another version of the second arrangement of a cooking pad in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is a plan view of a first arrangement of a cooking pad in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a side view of the cooking pad shown in figure 9;

Figure 11 is a bottom view of the cooking pad shown in figure 9;

Figure 12 is a plan view of a second arrangement of a cooking pad in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13 is a side view of the cooking pad shown in figure 12;

Figure 14 is a bottom view of the cooking pad shown in figure 12;

Figure 15 is top view of the cooking pad shown in figure 3; and

Figure 16 is a side view of the cooking pad shown in figure 3.

[0063] It should be noted that the figures are schematic only and the location and disposition of the components can vary according to the particular arrangements of the embodiments of the present invention as well as of the particular applications of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

[0064] Figure 1 shows a plan view of the particular arrangement of a kitchen bench 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, the kitchen bench 10 comprises a worktop 12 defined by an upper surface 26 defined by a slab made out of, for example, porcelain to provide to the kitchen bench 10 an aesthetically pleasing seamless upper surface.

[0065] The worktop 12 comprises a cooking region 14 and counter regions 16. In particular, the particular arrangement of worktop 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention provides the kitchen bench 10 with a seamless upper surface such that the cooking regions 14 and counter regions 16 may not be distinguished with respect to each other. The cooking regions 14 and counter regions 16 may not be distinguished with respect to each other because there are no seams defining boundaries between the cooking regions 14 and counter regions 16. The seams in worktops are not only aesthetically displeasing but unhygienic due to debris and germs building up in the seams.

[0066] Further, the cooking region 14 is adapted to receive cooking vessels (such as pots and pans) for heating thereof for cooking purposes. For this, the kitchen bench 10 comprises an induction heating module 11 having a plurality of induction heating elements 18 (shown in figures 1 and 3 for illustrations purposes only in dotted lines) located under the worktop 12. A control panel 20 may be embedded in the worktop 12 as shown in figure 1 for operation of the heating elements 18.

[0067] Referring now to figure 2, figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the kitchen bench 10 shown in figure 1 along the line 2-2’. As shown in figure 2, the kitchen bench 10 comprises a base 22 adapted to receive the induction heating module 11. In the particular arrangement shown in the figures, the base 22 comprises an indentation 24 for receiving the induction heating module 11. In this manner, the upper surface 26 of the induction module 11 is flush with the regions of the base 22 surrounding the indentation 24 permitting the worktop 12 to rest on the base 22 as shown in figure 2.

[0068] The upper surface 26 may comprise a material resistant to wear and impact (hard wearing material) adapted to allow electromagnetic radiation radiate therethrough. Examples of such materials may comprise porcelains, natural stone such as granite, glass-ceramic material or composites made out of these material.

[0069] The upper surface 26 may be defined by a slab of any of the materials mentioned in the previous paragraph. In a particular arrangement, the slab may comprise an upper layer comprising any of the materials mentioned in the previous paragraph and a substrate adhered to the lower surface of the upper layer; in particular, the substrate comprises fiber cement sheet. Particular arrangements of the slab comprises a lower surface wherein the substrate is located around a centre area (the lower surface of the cooking regions 14) of the lower surface of the slab. In this manner, when the slab is mounted on the kitchen bench 12 (to define the upper surface 26 of the kitchen bench 12) the induction heating module 11 is covered by the centre area of the lower surface of the slab that does not comprise a substrate; this is particularly advantageous, because the substrate will not act as barrier for the electromagnetic radiation generated by the induction modules during operation of the induction heating module 11. [0070] In accordance with particular arrangements of the first embodiment of the invention, the worktop 12 may be manufactured of porcelain and has a thickness of between about 1 mm to 25, in particular 3 mm - 20 mm.

[0071] Furthermore, In accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cooking system comprising the worktop 12 and a first cooking pad 30 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

[0072] As mentioned before and shown in figure 3, the worktop 12 permits mounting on the cooking region 14, for example, a pot 28 for heating thereof for cooking purposes.

[0073] As shown in figure 3, the first cooking pad 30 is adapted to rest on, for example, the heating region 14 above a particular induction heating element 18a and to receive the pot 28. In an arrangement, the first cooking pad 30 may be releasably resting on the worktop 12.

[0074] The use of the first cooking pad 30 during operation of the cooking system is particularly advantageous because it impedes damaging of the worktop 12 during heating of the pot 28 during operation of the heating induction element 18a. This is particularly useful because it is possible to use a worktop 12 (defined by a relative thin and single-layered slab) to provide the kitchen bench 10 with an aesthetically pleasing upper planar surface.

[0075] In particular, a kitchen bench 10 may be defined by covering the base 22 - incorporating the induction heating module 11 - with, for example, a relative thin slab (to define the worktop 12) manufactured out of porcelain to define an aesthetic pleasing uniform upper surface not comprising any seams defining boundaries between the cooking region 14 and the counter regions 16.

[0076] Figure 4 shows a particular arrangement of the first cooking pad 30 . The first cooking pad 30 comprises a plurality of horizontal layers 32a, 32b and 32c arranged on the top of each other. In a particular arrangement, the first cooking pad 30 may comprise layers 32a and 32b and omitting layer 32c. Figures 15 and 16 are top view and side views of the first cooking pad 30. [0077] In accordance with particular arrangements of the second embodiment of the invention, each layer 32 of the first cooking pad 30 may be manufactured of several material and have particular thicknesses. In particular: a. The layer 32a may comprise Porcelain, Compressed Fibre Cement, Glass, Vermiculite, Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), Expanded polystyrene, plastic and polymers, any type of wood and/or metal, and have a thickness of between about 0.2mm - 20 mm. b. The layer 32b may comprise Carbon Fibre, Compressed Fibre Cement, Vermiculite, Silicon Rubber, plastic and polymers, any type of wood and/or metal, and have a thickness of between about 0.2 mm - 20 mm. c. The layer 32c may comprise Porcelain, Silicone Rubber, Compressed Fibre Cement, Glass, Vermiculite, Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), Expanded polystyrene, plastic and polymers, any type of wood and/or metal, and have a thickness of between about 0.2mm - 20 mm.

[0078] Further, the first cooking pad 30 may be assembled by mounting the layers 32 on the top of each other and joining them together via adhesives and/or sewing processes or any other methods that permit maintaining the layers 32 together for defining of the first cooking pad 30.

[0079] Referring now to figures 5 to 8, Figures 5 to 8 show particular arrangements of the second pad 30 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The second pad 30 according to the third embodiment is similar to the first pad 30 according to the pad 30 of the first embodiment and similar reference numerals are used to identify similar parts.

[0080] A particular arrangement of the pad 30 in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention comprises at least two layers 32a and 32b (see figure 7). In particular: a. the upper layer 32a may comprise Glass, Porcelain, any type of wood and any type of metal such as cooper, aluminum, steel and stainless steel, plastic and polymers, and have a thickness of between about: 0.2 mm - 20 mm; and b. the lower layer 32b may comprise Silicon, Silicon Rubber, Carbon fibre, Compressed Fibre Cement, Vermiculite, Expanded polystyrene, plastic and polymers , any type of wood and/or metal and have a thickness of between about 0.2 mm - 20 mm.

[0081] In alternative arrangements, the pad 30 in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention, may comprises more than two layers 32a and 32b; for example, the pad 30 in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention may comprise the same layers 32 as the pad 30 in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention.

[0082] Further, the second cooking pad 30 may be assembled by mounting the layers 32 on the top of each other and joining them together via adhesives such silicon adhesives or any other methods that permit maintaining the layers 32 together for defining of the second cooking pad 30.

[0083] The cooking pad 30 in accordance with the third embodiment of invention may be configured as any geometric shapes such as circles, polygons having more than three sides (e.g. triangles, quadrilateral, etc...).

[0084] In particular arrangements, the upper layer 32a may configured as having the same shape than the lower layer 32b; thus, covering the entirety of the lower layer 32b; alternatively, the upper layer 32a may be configured as plurality of discrete elements 40 (see figures 6 to 8) arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other over the layer 32b.

[0085] Further, the cooking pad 30 may also be configured as any other shape that permits mounting of a cooking pot thereon. In some arrangements, the cooking pad 30 may comprise a body 34 having a centre 36 from which arms 38 extend outward for defining for example: cross-shaped bodies 34 with four arms 38 or star- shaped bodies 34 with more than four arm 38 extending the centre 36.

[0086] For example, figures 5 to 8 show particular arrangements cooking pads 30 configured as a cross-shaped body 34 having four arms 38 extending perpendicularly from the centre 36. [0087] In particular, figure 5 shows a first arrangement wherein the upper layer 32a covers the entire lower layer 32b including the centre 36 and the arms 38.

[0088] Figures 6 and 8 show second arrangements having discrete sections of the lower layer 32b covered with the upper layer 32a. In figure 6, the cooking pad 30 comprises nine elements 40 (configured in this particular arrangement as discs) arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other over the lower layer 32b.

[0089] In figure 8, the cooking pad 30 comprises five elements 40 (configured in this particular arrangement as discs) arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other over the lower layer 32b. In both arrangements, one element 40 is mounted on the centre 36 and each arm 38 comprises a plurality of elements arranged in a spaced apart relationship along each arm 38.

[0090] As shown in figure 7, the elements 40 are mounted on the lower layer 32a protruding therefrom and attached to the lower layer 32b via adhesive such as silicon based adhesive.

[0091] The pads 30 in accordance with the second and third embodiment, are particular useful in view that a single pad 30 may be used for any type of cooking pots. Also, the pad 30 eliminates the need to attached footing to cooking pots. And, in view that the pad 30 is not permanently attached to the cooktop or the bottom of the cooking pot, the pad 30 may be used as a table pad for mounting of the hot cooking pot on a table.

[0092] Referring now to figures 9 to 14, figures 9 to 14 show particular arrangements of the pad 30 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The pad 30 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the pad 30 according to the pad 30 of the second embodiment and similar reference numerals are used to identify similar parts.

[0093] In accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention, the pad 30 may be configured as having any geometric shapes such as circles, polygons having more than three sides (e.g. triangles, quadrilateral, etc...). [0094] Figures 9 to 11 show the first arrangement of the pad 30 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention as star-shaped comprising a body 34 having a centre 36 from which arms 38 extend outward for defining the star-shaped pad. In the particular arrangement shown in figures 9 to 11, the centre body 36 and ends 44 of the arms 38 are configured as disc-shaped bodies 42 and 46. The disc-shaped configuration of the bodies 42 and 46 is particularly useful because it permits attachment of the protruding elements 40. In the arrangement shown in figures 9 to 11 only the disc-shaped bodies 46 comprise the elements 40; however, in alternative arrangements, the centre disc-shaped body 42 may also comprise an element 40.

[0095] Further, figures 12 to 14 shows the second arrangement of the pad 30 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention as circular-shaped comprising a body 34 having a rim 48 with a plurality of disc-shaped bodies 46 arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. In the particular arrangement shown in figures 12 to 14, there are four disc-shaped bodies 46 for attachment of the protruding elements 40; in alternative arrangements, there may be a plurality such as three or more disc-shaped bodies 46 for attachment of the protruding elements 40.

[0096] In accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention, the protruding elements 40 extend from the body 34 so that the elements are abutting the cooktop area spacing apart the body from the cooktop. In this manner, the body 34 define an upper layer for receiving the cooking pot; the plurality of elements 40 define the lower layer.

[0097] Furthermore, the pads 30 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention may be manufactured in the same manner and with the same materials than the pads in accordance with, for example, the third embodiment of the invention (e.g.: a base of silicone rubber and a upper surface of aluminum/glass). In particular, the upper layer (the body 34) may comprise Glass, Porcelain, any type of wood and any type of metal such as copper, aluminum, steel and stainless steel, plastic and polymers, and have a thickness of between about: 0.2 mm - 20 mm; and the lower layer (the plurality of elements) may comprise Silicone, Silicone Rubber, Carbon fibre, Compressed Fibre Cement, Vermiculite, Expanded polystyrene, plastic and polymers , any type of wood and/or metal and have a thickness of between about 0.2 mm - 20 mm. [0098] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. For example, in an alternative arrangement the cooking pad may be defined by at least one protrusion extending from the worktop at a location above a particular induction heating element.

[0099] Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed.

[00100] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (52)

1. A kitchen bench having a base and at least one heating element, the worktop comprising a slab adapted to cover the heating element, wherein the slab comprises a relative thin thickness to permit operation of the worktop.

2. A kitchen bench according to claim 1 wherein the heating element comprises an induction heating element.

3. A kitchen bench according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the slab comprises any one of porcelain material, natural stone such as granite, glass-ceramic material or composites made out of these materials.

4. A kitchen bench according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the slab comprises an upper layer comprising any of the materials mentioned in the previous paragraph and a substrate adhered to the lower surface of the upper layer wherein the substrate is located around a centre area (the lower surface of the cooking regions) of the lower surface of the slab.

5. A kitchen bench according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the slab has a thickness of between about 1 mm to 25 mm.

6. A kitchen bench according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the slab has a thickness of between about 3 mm to 20mm

7. A kitchen bench according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the kitchen bench comprises an induction heating module having a plurality of induction heating elements and an upper surface (the slab) covering the induction heating elements.

8. A kitchen bench according to claim 7 wherein the upper surface comprises hard wearing material adapted to allow electromagnetic radiation radiate therethrough.

9. A kitchen bench according to claim 7 wherein the upper surface comprises any one of porcelain material, natural stone such as granite, glass-ceramic material or composites made out of these materials..

10. A cooking pad comprising a surface adapted to receive a surface of a cooking vessel, the cooking pad comprising a particular thickness for distancing the surface of the cooking vessel from the slab.

11. A cooking pad according to claim 10 wherein the cooking pad releasably rests on the worktop.

12. A cooking pad according to claims 10 or 11 wherein the cooking pad comprises at least one protrusion extending from the worktop at a location above the induction heating element defining the cooking pad.

13. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the cooking pad comprises a plurality of layers.

14. A cooking pad according to claim 13 wherein a first layer of the cooking pad comprises any one of Porcelain, Compressed Fibre Cement, Glass, Vermiculite, Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) and Expanded polystyrene, and plastic and polymers, any type of wood and/or metal.

15. A cooking pad according to claim 14 wherein the first layer comprises a thickness of about between 0.2 mm - 20 mm.

16. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 10 to 15 wherein, a second layer of the cooking pad comprises any one of Carbon Fibre, Compressed Fibre Cement and Vermiculite, Silicon Rubber, plastic and polymers, any type of wood and/or metal,.

17. A cooking pad according to claims 16 wherein the second layer comprises a thickness of between about 0.2mm - 20 mm.

18. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 10 to 17 wherein the cooking pad further comprises a third layer.

19. A cooking pad according to claim 18 wherein the third layer of the cooking pad comprises any one of Porcelain, Silicone Rubber, Compressed Fibre Cement, Glass, Vermiculite, Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), and Expanded polystyrene, plastic and polymers, any type of wood and/or metal.

20. A cooking pad according to claims 18 or 19 wherein the third layer comprises a thickness of about between 0.2mm - 20 mm.

21. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 10 to 20 wherein the pad comprises an upper layer and a bottom layer.

22. A cooking pad according to claim 21 wherein the upper layer of the cooking pad comprises Glass, Porcelain, any type of wood and any type of metal such as cooper, aluminum, steel and stainless steel, plastic and polymers.

23. A cooking pad according to any claims 21 or 22 wherein the upper layer comprises a thickness of about between 0.2mm - 20 mm.

24. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 21 to 23 wherein the lower layer of the cooking pad comprises Silicon, Silicon Rubber, Carbon fibre, Compressed Fibre Cement, Vermiculite, Expanded polystyrene, plastic and polymers, any type of wood and/or metal.

25. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 21 to 24 wherein the lower layer comprises a thickness of between about 0.2mm - 20 mm.

26. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 10 to 20 wherein the cooking pad may be assembled by mounting the upper and lower layers on the top of each other and joining them together via adhesives.

27. A cooking pad according to claim 26 wherein the adhesives comprise silicon adhesives.

28. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 10 to 27 wherein the cooking pad may be configured as any geometric shapes such as circles, polygons having more than three sides.

29. A cooking pad according to claim 28 geometric shapes comprise triangles and quadrilaterals.

30. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 10 to 29 wherein the upper layer may be configured as plurality of discrete elements arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other over the lower layer.

31. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 10 to 30 wherein the cooking pad is adapted to receive a cooking pot thereon.

32. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 10 to 31 wherein the cooking pad comprise a body having a centre from which arms extend outward.

33. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 10 to 32 wherein the pad comprises a cross-shaped body.

34. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 10 to 32 wherein the pad comprises a star-shaped body with a plurality of arms extending from the centre.

35. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 30 to 34 wherein discrete sections of the lower layer are covered with the upper layer.

36. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 10 to 27 wherein the pad comprises a plurality of elements comprising the upper layer, the elements being arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other over the lower layer.

37. A cooking pad according to claim 36 wherein one element is mounted on the centre and each arm comprises a plurality of elements arranged in a spaced apart relationship along each arm of the pad.

38. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 10 to 36 wherein the upper layer may configured as having the same shape than the lower layer.

39. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 10 to 37 wherein the elements extend from the body of the pad such that the elements abut the cooktop area to space the body of the pad from the cooktop.

40. A cooking pad according to claims 38 or 39 wherein the upper layer (the body of the pad) may comprise Glass, Porcelain, any type of wood and any type of metal such as copper, aluminum, steel and stainless steel, plastic and polymers, and have a thickness of between about: 0.2 mm - 20 mm.

41. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 38 to 40 wherein the lower layer (the plurality of elements) may comprise Silicone, Silicone Rubber, Carbon fibre, Compressed Fibre Cement, Vermiculite, Expanded polystyrene, plastic and polymers , any type of wood and/or metal and have a thickness of between about 0.2 mm - 20 m m .

42. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 10 to 40 wherein the body of the pad comprises a centre from which arms extend outward defining a star-shaped pad.

43. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 37 to 42 wherein the body comprises a plurality of disc-shaped bodies for receiving the elements.

44. A cooking pad according to claim 43 wherein the centre of the body comprise a disc-shaped body.

45. A cooking pad according to claims 43 or 44 wherein the ends of the arms comprise disc-shaped bodies.

46. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 37 to 45 wherein the disc shaped bodies of the ends of the arms comprise the elements.

47. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 37 to 46 wherein the body of the pad comprises a washer-shaped body defining a rim for receiving the elements.

48. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 37 to 47 wherein the elements extend from the body of the pad such that the elements abut the cooktop area to space the body of the pad from the cooktop.

49. A cooking pad according to claims 47 or 48 wherein the rim comprises a plurality of disc-shaped bodies arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other.

50. A cooking pad according to any one of claims 47 to 49 wherein the disc shaped bodies of the rim comprise the elements.

51. A cooking system comprising the worktop as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7 and the cooking pad as defined in any one of claims 10 to 50.

52. A method for cooking using a cooking vessel, the method comprising the step of mounting a cooking pad as defined in any one of claims 10 to 50 on a cooking region of the kitchen bench as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7 and operating the heating element for heating of the coking vessel for cooking purposes.