U.S. patent application number 11/067213 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-15 for mobile fume hood.
Invention is credited to Worland, Jeffrey L..
Application Number | 20050202777 11/067213 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34922115 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050202777 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Worland, Jeffrey L. |
September 15, 2005 |
Mobile fume hood
Abstract
An apparatus comprised of a fume hood, a box frame comprised of
a box frame chassis and a lift chase functionally engaging and
supporting the fume hood, the fume hood and the box frame forming a
hood/box frame unit, and a pedestal functionally engaging and
supporting the hood/box frame unit. The hood/box frame unit is
adapted to be separated from the pedestal and moved to another
location and/or placed on a second pedestal.
Inventors: |
Worland, Jeffrey L.;
(Jamestown, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
The Bilicki Law Firm, P.C.
1285 North Main Street
Jamestown
NY
14701
US
|
Family ID: |
34922115 |
Appl. No.: |
11/067213 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60547925 |
Feb 26, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
454/339 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B08B 15/023
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/339 |
International
Class: |
F24F 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An fume hood unit comprising: a fume hood; a box frame comprised
of a box frame chassis and a lift chase, said box frame functional
engaging and adapted to support said fume hood, wherein said fume
hood and said box frame comprise a hood/frame unit, and wherein
said box frame is comprised of an opening adapted to allow a
lifting device to lift said hood/frame unit; and a pedestal
functionally engaging and adapted to support said hood/frame unit;
wherein said hood/frame unit is adapted to be separable from said
pedestal.
2. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said fume hood and said
box frame of said hood/frame unit are permanently or
non-permanently secured to one another or are constructed as one
integral piece.
3. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said box frame chassis
and said lift chase are constructed of a material selected from a
group comprised of sheet metal, heavy gauge stainless steel,
penolic resin, stainless steel, polypropylene, cold-rolled steel,
steel, a uni-strut channel, a tubing welded frame covered in a
sheet metal and reinforced with a heavy gauge plate, wood, plastic
laminate, two pieces of sheet metal fastened to each other with a
fastener and functioning as an I-beam, and combinations
thereof.
4. The fume hood unit of claim 3, wherein said two pieces of sheet
metal functioning as an I-beam has a height to width ration of
approximately 6.4:1.
5. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said box frame is further
comprised of at least one additional support structure, wherein
said additional support structure is selected from a group
comprised of: at least one angled gusset connected to said lift
chase on a first end and to said box frame chassis on a second end;
a first top support member, said first top support member connected
to both said lift chase and said box frame chassis; a second top
support member, said second top support member connected to both
said lift chase and said box frame chassis; at least one angles
support bracket; and combinations thereof.
6. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said pedestal is made of
a material selected from a group comprised of wood, resin, a
plastic laminate, mild steel, stainless steel, cement, a tubing
welded frame, and combinations thereof.
7. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said opening is disposed
on a front surface of said box frame.
8. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said fume hood unit is
further comprised of an alignment mechanism for aligning said
hood/frame unit with said pedestal.
9. The fume hood unit of claim 8, wherein said alignment mechanism
is selected from a group comprised of a plurality of pins disposed
on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of
corresponding recesses disposed on an upper surface of said
pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper surface of
said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding recesses on said
lower surface of said hood/frame unit, a plurality of pins disposed
on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of
corresponding funnel-shaped recesses disposed on an upper surface
of said pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper
surface of said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding
funnel-shaped recesses on said lower surface of said hood/frame
unit, a plurality of curbs, a plurality of slide rails, a plurality
of guide rails, a plurality of blocks, a plurality of sockets, and
combinations thereof.
10. The fume hood unit of claim 8, wherein said alignment mechanism
is further comprised of a locking mechanism selected from a group
comprised of a cotter key and a latch.
11. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said hood/frame unit is
further comprised of a hood/frame unit mobile mechanism.
12. The fume hood unit of claim 11, wherein said hood/frame unit
mobile mechanism is comprised of a plurality of caster wheels
disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit.
13. The fume hood unit of claim 11, wherein said pedestal is
further comprised of a plurality of recesses, said plurality of
recesses adapted to receive said hood/frame mobile mechanism.
14. The fume hood unit of claim 13 wherein said plurality of
recesses disposed on said pedestal further acts as an alignment
mechanism.
15. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said fume hood unit is
further comprised of at least one quick-disconnect adaptable to be
connected to at least one corresponding hose, said at least one
corresponding hose providing gas, water, air, or a vacuum to said
fume hood.
16. The fume hood unit of claim 15, wherein said at least one
quick-disconnect is within an access panel substantially within a
top area of said fume hood.
17. An apparatus comprising: a fume hood; a box frame comprised of
a box frame chassis and a lift chase, said box frame functionally
engaging and supporting said fume hood, wherein said fume hood and
said box frame comprise a hood/frame unit, said hood/frame unit
being adapted to be set on a pedestal and being separable from said
pedestal; and means for lifting said hood/frame unit from said
pedestal.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said fume hood and said box
frame of said hood/frame unit are permanently or non-permanently
secured to one another or are constructed as one integral
piece.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said box frame chassis and
said lift chase are constructed of a material selected from a group
comprised of sheet metal, heavy gauge stainless steel, penolic
resin, stainless steel, polypropylene, cold-rolled steel, steel, a
uni-strut channel, a tubing welded frame covered in a sheet metal
and reinforced with a heavy gauge plate, wood, plastic laminate,
two pieces of sheet metal fastened to each other with a fastener
and functioning as an I-beam, and combinations thereof.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said two pieces of sheet
metal functioning as an I-beam has a height to width ration of
approximately 6.4:1.
21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said box frame is further
comprised of at least one additional support structure, wherein
said additional support structure is selected from a group
comprised of: at least one angled gusset connected to said lift
chase on a first end and to said box frame chassis on a second end;
a first top support member, said first top support member connected
to both said lift chase and said box frame chassis; a second top
support member, said second top support member connected to both
said lift chase and said box frame chassis; at least one angles
support bracket; and combinations thereof.
22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said pedestal is made of a
material selected from a group comprised of wood, resin, a plastic
laminate, mild steel, stainless steel, cement, a tubing welded
frame, and combinations thereof.
23. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said apparatus is further
comprised of an alignment mechanism for aligning said hood/frame
unit with said pedestal.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said alignment mechanism is
selected from a group comprised of a plurality of pins disposed on
a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of
corresponding recesses disposed on an upper surface of said
pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper surface of
said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding recesses on said
lower surface of said hood/frame unit, a plurality of pins disposed
on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of
corresponding funnel-shaped recesses disposed on an upper surface
of said pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper
surface of said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding
funnel-shaped recesses on said lower surface of said hood/frame
unit, a plurality of curbs, a plurality of slide rails, a plurality
of guide rails, a plurality of blocks, a plurality of sockets, and
combinations thereof.
25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said alignment mechanism is
further comprised of a locking mechanism selected from a group
comprised of a cotter key and a latch.
26. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said hood/frame unit is
further comprised of a hood/frame unit mobile mechanism, wherein
said hood/frame unit mobile mechanism is selected from a group
comprised of a plurality of caster wheels disposed on a lower
surface of said hood/frame unit.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said pedestal is further
comprised of a plurality of recesses, said plurality of recesses
adapted to receive said hood/frame mobile mechanism, wherein said
plurality of recesses disposed on said pedestal further act as an
alignment mechanism.
28. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said apparatus is further
comprised of at least one quick-disconnect adaptable to be
connected to at least one corresponding hose, said at least one
corresponding hose providing gas, water, air, or a vacuum to said
apparatus, and wherein said at least one quick-disconnects are
within an access panel substantially within a top area of said fume
hood.
29. An apparatus comprising: a fume hood; a box frame comprised of
a lift chase and a box frame chassis, wherein said box frame
chassis is comprised of a top surface, a front surface, a back
surface, and two side rails, said box frame functional engaging and
adapted to support said fume hood, wherein said fume hood and said
box frame comprise a hood/frame unit, and wherein said front
surface of said box frame is comprised of an opening adapted to
allow a lifting device to lift said hood/frame unit; and wherein
said hood/frame unit is separable from a pedestal, said pedestal
functionally engaging and adapted to support said hood/frame
unit.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said fume hood and said box
frame of said hood/frame unit are permanently or non-permanently
secured to one another or are constructed as one integral
piece.
31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said box frame chassis and
said lift chase are constructed of a material selected from a group
comprised of sheet metal, heavy gauge stainless steel, penolic
resin, stainless steel, polypropylene, cold-rolled steel, steel, a
uni-strut channel, a tubing welded frame covered in a sheet metal
and reinforced with a heavy gauge plate, wood, plastic laminate,
two pieces of sheet metal fastened to each other with a fastener
and functioning as an I-beam, and combinations thereof.
32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said two pieces of sheet
metal functioning as an I-beam has a height to width ration of
approximately 6.4:1.
33. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said box frame is further
comprised of at least one additional support structure, wherein
said additional support structure is selected from a group
comprised of: at least one angled gusset connected to said lift
chase on a first end and to said box frame chassis on a second end;
a first top support member said first top support member connected
to both said lift chase and said box frame chassis; a second top
support member, said second top support member connected to both
said lift chase and said box frame chassis; at least one angled
support bracket; and combinations thereof.
34. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said pedestal is made of a
material selected from a group comprised of wood, resin, a plastic
laminate, mild steel, stainless steel, cement, a tubing welded
frame, and combinations thereof.
35. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said apparatus is further
comprised of an alignment mechanism for aligning said hood/frame
unit with said pedestal.
36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said alignment mechanism is
selected from a group comprised of a plurality of pins disposed on
a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of
corresponding recesses disposed on an upper surface of said
pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper surface of
said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding recesses on said
lower surface of said hood/frame unit, a plurality of pins disposed
on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of
corresponding funnel-shaped recesses disposed on an upper surface
of said pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper
surface of said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding
funnel-shaped recesses on said lower surface of said hood/frame
unit, a plurality of curbs, a plurality of slide rails, a plurality
of guide rails, a plurality of blocks, a plurality of sockets, and
combinations thereof.
37. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said alignment mechanism is
further comprised of a locking mechanism selected from a group
comprised of a cotter key and a latch.
38. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said hood/frame unit is
further comprised of a hood/frame unit mobile mechanism.
39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said hood/frame unit mobile
mechanism is comprised of a plurality of caster wheels disposed on
a lower surface of said hood/frame unit.
40. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said pedestal is further
comprised of a plurality of recesses, said plurality of recesses
adapted to receive said hood/frame mobile mechanism, and wherein
said plurality of recesses disposed on said pedestal further acts
as an alignment mechanism.
41. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said apparatus is further
comprised of at least one quick-disconnect adaptable to be
connected to at least one corresponding hose, said at least one
corresponding hose providing gas, water, air, or a vacuum to said
apparatus, said at least one quick-disconnect being disposed within
an access panel substantially within a top area of said fume
hood.
42. An apparatus comprising: a box frame comprised of a box frame
chassis and a lift chase, said box frame chassis comprised of a
front surface, a back surface, two side rails, and a top surface,
wherein said box frame is adapted to be supported by a pedestal,
wherein said box frame is adapted to functionally engage and
support a fume hood, and wherein said box frame is capable of
forming a hood/frame unit with a fume hood, said hood/frame unit
adapted to be lifted off of said pedestal; and a hood/frame unit
mobile mechanism disposed on said bottom surface of said box frame
and adapted to permit said hood/frame unit to be movable between a
first location and a second location.
43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said box frame chassis and
said lift chase are constructed of a material selected from a group
comprised of sheet metal, heavy gauge stainless steel, penolic
resin, stainless steel, polypropylene, cold-rolled steel, steel, a
uni-strut channel, a tubing welded frame covered in a sheet metal
and reinforced with a heavy gauge plate, wood, plastic laminate,
two pieces of sheet metal fastened to each other with a fastener
and functioning as an I-beam, and combinations thereof.
44. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said two pieces of sheet
metal functioning as an I-beam has a height to width ration of
approximately 6.4:1.
45. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said box frame is further
comprised of an additional support structure, wherein said
additional support structure is selected from a group comprised of:
at least one angled gusset connected to said lift chase on a first
end and to said box frame chassis on a second end; a first top
support member, said first top support member connected to both
said lift chase and said box frame chassis; a second top support
member, said second top support member connected to both said lift
chase and said box frame chassis; at least one angled support
bracket; and combinations thereof.
46. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said apparatus is further
comprised of an alignment mechanism for aligning said box frame
with said pedestal.
47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said alignment mechanism is
selected from a group comprised of a plurality of pins disposed on
a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of
corresponding recesses disposed on an upper surface of said
pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper surface of
said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding recesses on said
lower surface of said hood/frame unit, a plurality of pins disposed
on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of
corresponding funnel-shaped recesses disposed on an upper surface
of said pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper
surface of said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding
funnel-shaped recesses on said lower surface of said hood/frame
unit, a plurality of curbs, a plurality of slide rails, a plurality
of guide rails, a plurality of blocks, a plurality of sockets, a
plurality of recesses disposed on said pedestal adapted to receive
said hood/fume unit mobile mechanism, and combinations thereof.
48. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said alignment mechanism is
further comprised of a locking mechanism selected from a group
comprised of a cotter key and a latch.
49. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said hood/frame unit mobile
mechanism is comprised of a plurality of caster wheels disposed on
a lower surface of said hood/frame unit.
50. A fume hood system comprised of: a fume hood, said fume hood
further comprised of at least one quick-disconnect hose disposed at
least partially within said fume hood, each of said at least one
quick-disconnect hose adaptable to be connected to a corresponding
hose, said corresponding hose providing said fume hood with one of
a group comprised of gas, water, air, and a vacuum. a box frame
comprised of a box frame chassis and a lift chase, said box frame
functional engaging and adapted to support said fume hood, wherein
said fume hood and said box frame comprise a hood/frame unit, and
wherein said hood/frame unit is portable; and a pedestal
functionally engaging and adapted to support said hood/frame
unit.
51. The system of claim 50, wherein said fume hood and said box
frame of said hood/frame unit are non-permanently or permanently
attached to one another or are constructed as one integral
piece.
52. The system of claim 50, wherein said box frame chassis and said
lift chase are constructed of a material selected from a group
comprised of sheet metal, heavy gauge stainless steel, penolic
resin, stainless steel, polypropylene, cold-rolled steel, steel, a
uni-strut channel, a tubing welded frame covered in a sheet metal
and reinforced with a heavy gauge plate, wood, plastic laminate,
two pieces of sheet metal fastened to each other with a fastener
and functioning as an I-beam, and combinations thereof.
53. The system of claim 52, wherein said two pieces of sheet metal
functioning as an I-beam has a height to width ration of
approximately 6.4:1.
54. The system of claim 50, wherein said box frame is further
comprised of an additional support structure, wherein said
additional support structure is selected from a group comprised of:
at least one angled gusset connected to said lift chase on a first
end and to said box frame chassis on a second end; a first top
support member, said first top support member connected to both
said lift chase and said box frame chassis; a second top support
member, said second top support member connected to both said lift
chase and said box frame chassis; at least one angled support
bracket; and combinations thereof.
55. The system of claim 50, wherein said pedestal is made of a
material selected from a group comprised of wood, resin, a plastic
laminate, mild steel, stainless steel, cement, a tubing welded
frame, and combinations thereof.
56. The system of claim 50, wherein said hood/frame unit is
portable by an instrument selected from a group comprised of: at
least one opening disposed on a front surface of said box frame,
adaptable to receive a fork lift arm; manual lifting; said
hood/frame unit having two side surfaces, each side surface having
a lip disposed thereon, under which arms of a fork lift slide; a
plurality of eyeholes or eyehooks, each of said plurality of
eyeholes or eyehooks adapted to receive a strap, said strap
connected to a crane; and combinations thereof.
57. The system of claim 50, wherein said apparatus is further
comprised of an alignment mechanism for aligning said hood/frame
unit with said pedestal.
58. The system of claim 57, wherein said alignment mechanism is
selected from a group comprised of a plurality of pins disposed on
a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of
corresponding recesses disposed on an upper surface of said
pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper surface of
said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding recesses on said
lower surface of said hood/frame unit, a plurality of pins disposed
on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of
corresponding funnel-shaped recesses disposed on an upper surface
of said pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper
surface of said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding
funnel-shaped recesses on said lower surface of said hood/frame
unit, a plurality of curbs, a plurality of slide rails, a plurality
of guide rails, a plurality of blocks, a plurality of sockets, and
combinations thereof.
59. The system of claim 57, wherein said alignment mechanism is
further comprised of a locking mechanism selected from a group
comprised of a cotter key and a latch.
60. The system of claim 50, wherein said hood/frame unit is further
comprised of a hood/frame unit mobile mechanism.
61. The system of claim 60, wherein said hood/frame unit mobile
mechanism is comprised of a plurality of caster wheels disposed on
a lower surface of said hood/frame unit.
62. The system of claim 60, wherein said pedestal is further
comprised of a plurality of recesses, said plurality of recesses
adapted to receive said hood/frame mobile mechanism, said plurality
of recesses disposed on said pedestal further acts as an alignment
mechanism.
63. The system of claim 50, wherein said at least one
quick-disconnect hose is within an access panel substantially
within a top area of said fume hood.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
provisional application No. 60/547,925 filed Feb. 26, 2004,
incorporated herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to fume hoods that
safely exhaust undesired gases and other materials from an enclosed
chamber. More particularly, the invention relates to a fume hood in
which the hood/frame unit is capable of being separated from its
pedestal and moved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of the fume hood
assembly in which the three general components, the hood, the box
frame, and the pedestal can be viewed.
[0004] FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of the
fume hood.
[0005] FIG. 3a shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of
the box frame.
[0006] FIG. 3b shows a cross-sectional view of one construction of
the walls of the box frame chassis.
[0007] FIG. 4a a top perspective view of one embodiment of the lift
chase.
[0008] FIG. 4b a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the lift chase.
[0009] FIG. 4c a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the lift chase
[0010] FIGS. 5A through 5D show top perspective views of alternate
embodiments of the chassis.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a front view of one embodiment of the box frame in
which one embodiment of the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism can be
viewed.
[0012] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of
hood/frame unit mobile mechanism in which the caster wheels and the
caster reinforcement pan can be appreciated.
[0013] FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of the
pedestal.
[0014] FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of the pedestal.
[0015] FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of the hood/fume unit being
lifted by a fork lift.
[0016] FIG. 11A shows one embodiment of a series of
quick-disconnects.
[0017] FIG. 11B is an enlarged cross-sectional version of one
embodiment of a quick-disconnect and hose.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Referring now to the drawings in detail, for ease of the
reader, like reference numerals designate identical or
corresponding parts throughout the views and embodiments depicted
in the drawings. It should be noted that the drawings do not depict
each and every embodiment of the present invention, and one of
ordinary skill in the art will recognize various alterations which
are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0019] The present invention is a fume hood in which the hood/frame
unit is capable of being separated from its pedestal and moved.
FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of fume hood assembly 50 in which the
three general components can be viewed: hood 100, box frame 200,
and base unit or pedestal 300. The two top components, hood 100 and
box frame 200 comprise what will hereinafter be referred to as the
"hood/frame unit." However, as will be discussed in greater detail
infra, hood 100 and box frame 200 need not be permanently connected
to each other. Furthermore, the hood/frame unit could also be
constructed as one integral piece.
[0020] Hood 100 is comprised of top surface 101, side surfaces 102,
and back surface 103, which define a generally enclosed work area
105. Some common features of fume hood assembly 50 can also be seen
in FIG. 1, such as sash 110, sash handle 115, work surface 120,
electrical outlets 130, light switch 140, nozzles 150, 151, 152,
and 153, access panels 160, and pedestal supports 310. It is
important to note that none of these features are intended to be
limiting. Rather, several of these features can be removed and/or
additional features can be added. For example, sash 110 is, in this
embodiment, vertically movable. A fume hood in which a
horizontally-sliding, or a combination of a vertically- and
horizontally-sliding sash could also be used. Nozzles 150-153
provide fume hood assembly 50 with water, gas, vacuum, and
pressurized air, but is also not intended to be limiting. Hood 100
could have a greater or lesser number of nozzles 150-153. Access
panels 160 could be doors and provide access to the lights (not
shown) above work area 105 and/or to the quick-disconnects
(discussed in greater detail infra). Furthermore, fume hood
assembly 50 could be configured to provide a user with data ports
or a phone line (neither shown). A sink (also not shown) could also
be included in fume hood assembly 50.
[0021] Nor is any particular size of fume hood 100 intended. The
particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is eight feet (96 inches)
wide, but could be a 3-foot, 4-foot, 5-foot, 6-foot, or 7-foot wide
fume hood assembly 50, fractions thereof (for example, 51/2 feet
wide) or any other width. The depth of fume hood assembly can also
be any length, standard or otherwise. That is, the invention is not
limited to any particular size, shape, use, or type of fume
hood.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of
fume hood 100. As with FIG. 1, sash 110, openings for electrical
outlets 131, opening for light switch 141, valves 150, 151, 152,
and 153, top surface 101, and side surface 102 can all be
appreciated. Also visible on top surface 101 is exhaust port 170
for exhausting fumes from fume hood 100 and access doors 104 which,
in this embodiment, provide access to the quick-disconnects (not
shown). Again, however, the invention is not limited to any
particular embodiment of fume hood 100.
[0023] FIG. 3a shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of
box frame 200, similar to that shown in FIG. 1, except that face
plate 220 with face plate handle 221 (as can be seen in FIG. 1) has
been removed from box frame opening 210. Box frame 200 is comprised
of box frame front 201, box frame rear surface 202, and box frame
side rails 203 (hereinafter referred to as "box frame chassis" 299)
and lift chase 290. In this embodiment, the components of box frame
chassis 299 are made of two pieces of sheet metal 253, 254 fastened
to one another via fasteners 255 and formed as seen in FIG. 3B,
such that the components act, in effect, as an I-beam. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the height is 8.000 inches and the
width is 1.250 inches, with a height to width ratio of 6.4:1.
However, any height, width, or height to width ratio can be used
that provides adequate structural support.
[0024] Box frame chassis 299 could also be made of steel I-beams, a
uni-strut channel, a tubing welded frame covered in a sheet metal
outer skin and reinforced by heavy gauge plates, heavy gauge
stainless steel, penolic resin, stainless steel, polypropylene,
cold-rolled steel, wood, plastic laminate, and combinations
thereof, or any other material that provides the necessary
structural support. Referring again to FIG. 3A, that box frame
opening 210 has portions of box frame front 201 defining box frame
opening 210 on three sides can more readily be appreciated.
[0025] The purpose of box frame opening 210 is to provide an
opening for a lifting device (for example, a fork lift) to lift
hood/frame unit off of the pedestal. One example of a lift that
this embodiment of box frame 200 is designed to be operable with is
model number P-52-20 from Blue Giant.RTM.. In an embodiment in
which a fork lift is used to lift hood/frame unit off of the
pedestal, box frame opening 210 must be wide enough to allow the
forks to enter box frame opening 210. In one embodiment, the fume
hood (not shown) and box frame 200 are ninety-six inches (96") wide
and box frame opening 210 is fifty-three inches (53") wide. In
addition, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
opening 210 need not be located on front surface 201, but could be
on box frame rear surface 202, or on box frame side rails 203.
[0026] Moreover, in an embodiment of hood/frame unit that is light
enough to be manually lifted, opening 210 is not necessary. The
operators would lift the hood/frame unit and place it on a dolly
for movement, for example. In addition, the hood/frame unit can
have a lip along the sides, under which the arms of the lift would
slide, or eyeholes with straps connected to a crane could also be
used to move hood/frame unit. Depending on the means chosen to move
the hood/frame unit, various support structures within box frame
200 will be necessary to prevent the hood/frame unit from bending
and/or twisting.
[0027] FIG. 4a shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of
lift chase 290. As stated supra, lift chase 290 is a component of
the box frame and is comprised of top 291, side members 292, and a
back panel (not visible). As additional structural support, four
(4) angled gussets 240 have been added to this embodiment. The
reader should understand that the number of angled gussets 240 is
not intended to be limiting; rather, lift chase 290 can be
constructed with any number of angled gussets 240, depending on the
structural requirements of lift chase 290. Lift chase 290 provides
structural support to the box frame to prevent it from binding,
bowing, or twisting when the hood/frame unit is being lifted off of
a pedestal, placed on a pedestal, or moved from one pedestal to
another or to an another location. In the embodiment shown, lift
chase 290 is made of sheet metal, but could also be made of any of
the same materials of which the box frame is made.
[0028] FIG. 4B shows a top perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of lift chase 290, in which top 291, side members 292,
and back panel (not visible) can all be appreciated, similar to
those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A. However, the embodiment
shown in FIG. 4B further includes, as an additional support
structure, top support member 294 and second top support member 295
added to top 291 of lift chase 290. The reader should understand
that one or both of top support members 294, 295 can be combined
with one or more angles gussets 240 (as shown in FIG. 4A),
depending on the structural requirements for lift chase 290.
[0029] The embodiment of lift chase 290 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B
are appropriate for smaller fume hoods. However, when lift chase
290 is intended to be used with larger or more weighty fume hoods,
an additional support structure within box frame 200 may be
necessary. For example, FIG. 4C shows an embodiment of lift chase
290 in which angled gussets 240, top support member 294, and second
top support member 295 have all been added to provide lift chase
290 with the necessary structural support to handle the added
weight. Gussets 240, top support member 294, and second top support
member 295 are a third embodiment of an additional support
structure, which can be used alone (as in FIGS. 4A and 4B) or
together (as in FIG. 4C). However, it should be appreciated that
other additional support structures to provide the needed
structural support can be used, whether instead of or in addition
to part or all of the additional support structures provided,
depending on the particular fume hood.
[0030] FIGS. 5A through 5D show top perspective views of alternate
embodiments of box frame chassis 299 within which lift chase (not
shown) is positioned. In the embodiment of box frame chassis 299
shown in FIG. 5A, box frame opening 210 is defined by box frame
front 201 on all four sides. FIG. 5B shows an embodiment of chassis
299 in which box frame front 201 defines box frame opening 210 on
only three sides. FIG. 5C shows an alternate embodiment of box
frame chassis 299 in which box frame opening 210 is defined only on
two sides by box frame front 201. Also visible in FIG. 5C is
support rail 230, which is vertically oriented. FIG. 5D shows an
alternate embodiment of box frame chassis 299 in which box frame
opening 210 is defined on four sides by box frame front 201, but
further includes support rail 231, which is horizontally mounted.
Support rails 230 and 231 are alternate additional support
structures and provide further structural support to the lift chase
(not shown).
[0031] Referring again to FIG. 3A, box frame opening 210 is defined
on three sides by box frame front 201 and lift chase 290 can be
seen within box frame chassis 299. Also visible are three (3)
support rails 232, gussets 240, and angled support brackets 250.
Support rails 232, gussets 240, and angled support brackets 250 are
yet another embodiment of an additional support structure.
[0032] One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the provided
embodiments of an additional support structure, or any combination
of these, could be employed. For example, box frame 200 could be
constructed with one or more support rails which run between box
frame front 201 and box frame rear 202, or with a combination of
these and support rails 230 and/or 231, which run the length of box
frame 200 between box frame side rails 203. That is, any
construction of box frame 200 could be used so long as box frame
200 can support the weight of the hood without excessive flexing.
Again, as with the construction of box frame chassis 299, many
alternate materials could be used for constructing box frame 200,
so long as they provide the necessary strength and rigidity.
[0033] In another embodiment of box frame 200, box frame 200
further includes a "hood/frame unit mobile mechanism" to more
readily facilitate the movement of the hood/frame unit. FIG. 6 is a
front view of one embodiment of box frame 200 with a hood/frame
unit mobile mechanism in which caster wheels 270 can be seen. In
one embodiment, one caster wheel assembly 275 (as seen in FIG. 7)
is attached to each side of the bottom surface of box frame 200,
either to the bottom surface of box frame 200 or within a recess in
the bottom of box frame 200 so that caster wheels 270 protrude at
least partially beyond the bottom surface of box frame 200, or
completely outside of, as shown in FIG. 6. One example of a caster
wheel is model number 5AS3P-7 made by Fred Hill and Son Co., which
is a polyurethane tread wheel with a five inch diameter.
[0034] In the embodiment of caster wheel assembly 275 shown in FIG.
7, two caster wheels 270 are mounted below caster reinforcement pan
277, which is then mounted to the bottom surface or within a recess
in the bottom of box frame 200. Caster wheels 270 and caster
reinforcement pan 277 comprise one embodiment of the hood/frame
unit mobile mechanism. However, one of ordinary skill will realize
that the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism could be comprised of
more than two caster wheels 270, having caster wheels 270 mounted
directly on box frame 200, or any other mechanism known to those of
ordinary skill in the art, and that the exact placement of the
hood/frame unit mobile mechanism could be placed on hood/frame unit
in alternate orientations. For example, the pedestal (not shown)
could also be less wide than the hood/frame unit, allowing caster
wheels 270 to hang over the edge of the pedestal. That is, for a
108 inch (nine foot) hood, for example, the pedestal is 96 inches
(eight feet) wide and caster wheels 270 would hang over in the
excess 6 inches on each side. An alignment mechanism would still be
needed because the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism would not be
able to perform this function in this embodiment. In an alternate
embodiment, the caster wheels hang over the sides of the box frame.
In this embodiment, brackets are needed to support the casters. In
one embodiment in which more than four (4) caster wheels are used,
smaller diameter wheels are used and each caster wheel assembly 275
has three (3) of the smaller diameter wheels. One of ordinary skill
in the art will also realize that the hood/frame unit mobile
mechanism is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the hood/frame
unit could not include the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism and be
placed on a dolly, a cart, and the like for transport.
[0035] FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of
pedestal 300, similar to that shown in FIG. 1, in which pedestal
supports 310 can be seen. Also included in the embodiment of
pedestal 300 of FIG. 8 are four horizontal supports 320 which
provide added support. As with the embodiment in FIG. 1, pedestal
has a generally hollow center 350 so that drawers, receptacles, or
other storage containers can be placed within the hollow center, or
to allow a chair or wheelchair to be partially positioned therein.
Also visible in the embodiment of pedestal 300 shown in FIG. 8 are
four guide holes 330 for ensuring proper alignment between the
hood/frame unit (not shown) and pedestal 300. In this embodiment,
the hood/frame unit has four corresponding pins or the like (not
shown) which fit into guide holes 330, which together form an
"alignment mechanism," to ensure that hood/frame unit is properly
and safely situated on pedestal 300. One of ordinary skill in the
art will realize that any number of pins and corresponding guide
holes 330 could be used, that the position of the pins and recesses
could be reversed so that the pins are disposed on pedestal 300 and
the recesses on the lower surface of the hood/frame unit, or that
any other alignment mechanism could be used. In addition, curbs,
slide or guide rails, blocks, sockets, and a funnel-shaped recess
(which is more forgiving when placing the hood/frame unit in place
and is self-center-finding) could all also be used as an alignment
mechanism.
[0036] Moreover, once in place, a locking mechanism can be employed
to help ensure that the hood/frame unit does not slip out of
alignment. Examples of a locking mechanism include, but are not
limited to, a cotter key and a latch.
[0037] One of ordinary skill in the art will realize that almost
any shaped pedestal supports 310 can be used, including a generally
solid shaped pedestal, two or more pedestal supports without any
horizontal supports connecting them, or even a slab, as long as the
pedestal is generally flat at the points of contact with the
hood/frame unit, level, and capable of safely supporting the weight
of the hood/frame unit. The embodiment of pedestal 300 shown in
FIG. 8 is made of heavy gauge stainless steel, but could also be
made of wood, resin, a plastic laminate, mild steel, stainless
steel, cement, and a tubing welded frame.
[0038] Another example of pedestal 300 can be seen in FIG. 9. FIG.
9 shows a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
pedestal 300. Pedestal 300 of FIG. 9 includes pedestal supports 310
as does the embodiment of pedestal 300 of FIG. 8, but includes five
horizontal supports 320, an additional horizontal support 320 being
on the back side of pedestal 300. However, in the embodiment of
pedestal 300 shown in FIG. 9, hood/frame unit mobile mechanism
recess 340 is also visible. For those embodiments of box frame 200
in which a hood/frame unit mobile mechanism (for example, as shown
in FIG. 7), hood/frame unit mobile mechanism recess 340 includes a
recess into which the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism slides/fits.
Hood/frame unit mobile mechanism recess 340 can be configured to
guide the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism into it so that the
combination of the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism and hood/frame
unit mobile mechanism recess 340 act to align hood/frame unit with
pedestal. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize
that alternate alignment mechanisms known to those of ordinary
skill in the art, or a combination thereof for added safety, can be
used.
[0039] FIG. 10 shows hood/frame unit 70, comprised of hood 100 from
FIG. 2 and box frame 200 from FIG. 3b, but can be any hood 100 or
box frame 200 disclosed or contemplated herein. Hood 100 is
comprised of top surface 101, side surfaces 102, back surface 103,
and work surface 120, which define a generally enclosed work area
105, sash 110, and exhaust port 170. Also visible on box frame 200
are box frame front 201, box frame side rail 203 and box frame
opening 210.
[0040] As stated previously, hood 100 and box frame 200 can be
non-permanently connected, permanently connected, or constructed as
one integral piece to form hood/frame unit 70. For example, box
frame 200 could be welded to hood 100, being one example of a
permanent attachment. In addition, a bracket could be screwed or
otherwise temporarily fastened to both box frame 200 and hood 100,
being an example of a non-permanent attachment. One other example
of a non-permanent attachment is to bolt the hood/frame unit to the
pedestal. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
other permanent and non-permanent means can be employed and that
these are non-limiting examples.
[0041] Also visible in FIG. 10 is lifting device 80, which is shown
to be a fork lift, in which fork lift arms 81 are inserted into box
frame opening 210 for the purpose of lifting hood/frame unit 70 off
of a pedestal (not shown). Hood/frame unit 70 can then be moved
and/or placed on another pedestal. One of ordinary skill will
realize that lifting device 80 is not intended to be limiting as
well, and a crane, or other device known to those of ordinary skill
in the art could instead be used. Furthermore, for those
embodiments which are of relatively small size and weight, hood
frame unit 70 could be lifted and carried manually, or lifted off
of the pedestal manually, and placed on a wheel cart, dolly, or the
like. In such an embodiment, hood/frame unit 70 could include
handles (not shown) disposed on each side surface of either box
frame 200 or hood 100 of hood/frame unit 70, and box frame opening
210 would be unnecessary.
[0042] To further facilitate the movement of the hood/frame unit,
one embodiment of fume hood 100 further includes quick-disconnects
400 within access door 104 on top surface 101 of fume hood 100.
FIG. 11A shows one embodiment of quick-disconnects 400 in which
there are four (4) quick-disconnects, for vacuum 401, air 402, gas
403, and water 404 connected to nozzles 150-153 (as can be seen in
FIGS. 1 and 2). However, one of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that almost any number of quick-disconnects 400 can be
used and with any variety of connections, not limited to these four
or the ones provided supra. In addition, quick-disconnects 400 need
not be mounted on the top of fume hood 100; rather, they could be
mounted to the back, sides, or underneath fume hood 100.
[0043] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, quick-disconnects 400
are mounted within access door 104 of top surface 101 of fume hood
100 so that the hood/fume unit is part of a system in which the
corresponding vacuum, air, water, and gas lines are situated within
the ceiling of the room in which the hood/fume unit is placed. This
allows the hood/fume unit to be placed against the wall and not use
up valuable floor space with vacuum, air, water, and/or gas
lines.
[0044] FIG. 11B is an enlarged cross-sectional version of one
embodiment of a quick-disconnect and hose. As can be seen,
quick-disconnect 401 is comprised of at least one serrated tip or
"hose barb" 410 to facilitate a gas-tight or liquid-tight
connection with hose 420. When it is desired to move the hood/fume
unit, quick-disconnects 401-404 are disconnected from their
corresponding hose 420, whether above the hood/fume unit, behind
it, under it, or on the side of it, and moved. When it is desired
to reconnect the hood/fume unit for use, it is placed on another
pedestal and quick-disconnects 401-404 are reconnected to their
respective hoses 410.
[0045] Although, for convenience, the method of use and
corresponding apparatus of the present invention have been
described hereinabove primarily with respect to specific
embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
many variations of this invention can be made without departing
from the spirit of the invention as claimed. The descriptions
presented in those embodiments are not intended to demonstrate all
of the possible arrangements and modifications to the design. For
those skilled in the art, changes will be apparent that will fall
within the spirit and the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *