U.S. patent application number 13/366012 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-16 for cooking device with ventilation and filtration system.
Invention is credited to John J. Huber.
Application Number | 20120204855 13/366012 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46635934 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120204855 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huber; John J. |
August 16, 2012 |
Cooking Device with Ventilation and Filtration System
Abstract
A cooking device with a ventilation and filtration system is
disclosed that may be a mobile cart. The ventilation and filtration
system provides removal of heated and effluent-laden air from the
vicinity of the cooking device utilizing a manually telescoping
vent having a handle for positioning the vent. The telescoping vent
piece may be easily manually removable and reattachable for
cleaning. Further, the downdraft ventilator is in communication
with a filtration and effluent removal system that may have one or
more filters and may also have a drip tray.
Inventors: |
Huber; John J.; (Delafield,
WI) |
Family ID: |
46635934 |
Appl. No.: |
13/366012 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61439635 |
Feb 4, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
126/299R |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 15/2035 20130101;
F24C 15/2042 20130101; F24C 15/2092 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/299.R |
International
Class: |
F24C 15/20 20060101
F24C015/20 |
Claims
1. A cooking device comprising: a housing; one or more heating
elements; a vent assembly with a manually removable first duct
portion having an inlet, and a second duct portion in communication
with the manually removable first duct portion; at least one filter
for removing effluents from air, in communication with a volume of
air flowing through the second duct portion; at least one effluent
trapping and filtration assembly to receive the at least one
filter; a motor for moving a volume of air into the inlet and
through the at least one filter; and an access opening in the
housing to remove or insert the at least one filters into the at
least one effluent trapping and filtration assembly.
2. The cooking device of claim 1 wherein the at least one effluent
trapping and filtration assembly comprises a filter housing with
the at least one filter therein that is slidably accessible from
the access opening in the housing.
3. The cooking device of claim 1 wherein the at least one effluent
trapping and filtration assembly comprises an exhaust duct filter
housing with the at least one filter therein, which is accessible
from the access opening in the housing.
4. The cooking device of claim 1 further comprising at least one
removable grease and condensate tray in the effluent trapping and
filtration assembly that is removable from the access opening in
the housing.
5. The cooking device of claim 2 wherein the at least one filter is
one or more selected from a group consisting of a grease filter, a
particulate filter, and a carbon filter.
6. The cooking device of claim 3 wherein the at least one filter is
one or more selected from a group consisting of a particulate
filter, and a carbon filter.
7. The cooking device of claim 1 wherein the at least one filter is
a grease filter.
8. The cooking device of claim 1 wherein the at least one filter is
a particulate filter.
9. The cooking device of claim 1 wherein the at least one filter is
a carbon filter.
10. The cooking device of claim 1 wherein the housing further
comprises a cart having wheels and a cart handle.
11. A cooking device comprising: a housing; one or more heating
elements; a ventilation and filtration assembly comprising: a first
duct portion having an inlet, a manual height adjustment device for
the first duct portion, a second duct portion in communication with
a first duct portion, at least one filter for removing effluents
from air in communication with a volume of air flowing through the
second duct portion; a motor for moving a volume of air into the
inlet and through the at least one filter; and an access opening in
the housing to remove or insert the at least one filter into at
least one effluent trapping and filtration assembly.
12. The cooking device of claim 11 wherein the manual height
adjustment device comprises a handle connected to the top of the
vent assembly for manually raising and lowering at least the vent
assembly inlet and first duct portion.
13. The cooking device of claim 12 further comprising a first duct
portion that is removable and the handle is configured for removing
and replacing at least the first duct portion.
14. The cooking device of claim 12 wherein the handle is removable
and reattachable.
15. The cooking device of claim 11 wherein the ventilation and
filtration assembly comprises a filter housing that is accessible
from the access opening in the housing wherein the filter housing
houses the at least one filter; wherein the at least one filter is
configured to be manually removable and the at least one filter is
selected from a group consisting of a grease filter, a particulate
filter, and a carbon filter.
16. The cooking device of claim 15 wherein the at least one filter
is a grease filter selected from a group consisting of a mesh
filter, an impingement filter, a baffle filter, a cyclonic filter,
or another grease entrapment device, and the at least one filter
further comprises a particulate filter that is one selected from a
group consisting of a mesh filter, a bag filter, a cartridge
filter, and a carbon filter.
17. The cooking device of claim 11 further comprising at least one
removable grease and condensate tray in the effluent trapping and
filtration assembly that is removable from the access opening in
the housing.
18. The cooking device of claim 11 wherein the housing further
comprises wheels and a cart handle.
19. The cooking device of claim 1 further comprising a
fire-suppression system having a sensor for detecting at least one
selected from a group consisting of a temperature, a resistance, a
heat, a smoke, and a fire.
20. A method of removing effluents from a cooking device
comprising: a. drawing a volume of air proximate to the cooking
device into a ventilation inlet using a motor; b. directing the air
through at least one substantially vertical duct; c. directing the
air over a substantially horizontal surface for collecting
effluents thereon; d. directing the air through at least one filter
for filtration of effluents; e. directing the air through a baffle
in communication with the motor; and f. directing the air through a
substantially vertical exhaust filter.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/439,635 filed on Feb. 4, 2011.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention pertains to the art of cooking
appliances and, more particularly, to a cooking appliance with a
ventilation system, such as an adjustable vent and a corresponding
filtration system.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] While cooking, it is often considered beneficial to utilize
some type of ventilation system to evacuate the airborne
contamination and heated air from the vicinity of the cook top,
oven, or other cooking device, either upward through a venting hood
or downward into a draft flue. In kitchens, most known venting
arrangements take the form of a hood which is fixed above a cooking
surface and which can be selectively activated to evacuate the
contaminated air.
[0006] Downdraft vent arrangements are also widely known in the art
wherein a cooking surface will incorporate a vent opening that is
positioned upon or extends from the cooktop. During cooking, the
heated pots and cooking vessels may radiate heat and effluent-laden
air, gases, and fumes. A downdraft ventilation system is used to
evacuate this heat and effluent-laden air, gases, and fumes
downwards, usually into the cooking appliance housing.
[0007] The vertical distance between the cooking surface and a vent
hood is typically fixed between 24 and 30 inches. When in an
operating position, downdraft vent arrangements known in the art
are also limited in this respect. Depending upon the food being
cooked and even the particular height of the individual doing the
cooking, it may be desired to vary the distance between the cooking
surface and the vent inlet. On a cooking surface, it is considered
beneficial to arrange a vent closer to the cooking surface in order
to increase the removal of contamination. On the other hand, it is
often desirable to raise a vent inlet relative to a cooking surface
in order to more easily access different portions of the cooking
surface or to pull heated air from the vicinity of the tops of
cooking vessels.
[0008] A cook top using heating for cooking purposes is normally
constructed of a metal housing supporting a glass or other cooking
surface upon which there is located a number of heating
elements.
[0009] As noted, many conventional cook tops often have integrated
downdraft ventilators. Present designs are rectangular inlets,
usually on the surface of the cook top, connected to long
rectangular box-shaped ducts extending below the cook top, also
known as a plenum.
[0010] Downdraft ventilators are generally designed to draw air
from the vicinity of the cooktop downwardly at about a
ninety-degree angle with the use of a motor assembly having a fan,
thereby removing contaminated and heated air from a cook top
surface, and exhausting it outside the ventilation assembly or
outside the cooking device to return to the room. In such
conventional systems, the airflow stream is pulled from the front
and sides of the work area to the middle where the ventilator is on
the cook top surface. The airflow stream has to then turn 90
degrees downwardly, once inside the plenum chamber.
[0011] Present downdraft ventilator designs also present problems
when integrated into a cook top. Because of the low profile,
spilled food and liquids can enter the grate and removal of the
items that are not captured by the filter cannot be removed easily.
This is due to the required depth of the plenum and the narrow box
size.
[0012] Therefore, a need exists for a state-of-the-art indoor or
outdoor cooking device with a ventilation and filtration system to
reduce heat, fumes, and contaminants in the cook top area to
improve the cooking environment, and so forth. Additionally, there
exists a need for a cooking device that resists penetration by
contaminants and is easy to clean. Further, there is also a need
for a proper vent design to efficiently remove undesired heated air
from the housing of the cooking device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention relates to a mobile or stationary
cooking device with a ventilation and filtration system that
preferably a) removes heated air, effluents, and contaminants from
the cooking environment, b) provides a filtration system that
removes the effluents and contaminants from the air, and c)
provides easily accessible and easily cleanable or replaceable
ventilation and filtration system components. More particularly,
this invention relates to an improved cooking device having a
manually adjustable vent to optimize the removal of said
contaminants and heated air that is easily manually removable for
cleaning, and easily reinstalled. In particular, easy access is
provided for removal and replacement of filter components and a
drip tray for catching grease and other liquids and solids.
[0014] The invention preferably includes a cooking device having a
housing with one or more heating elements that may be arranged on
top of or within the housing. A vent assembly is provided with a
manually removable first duct portion having an inlet, and a second
duct portion in communication with the removable first duct
portion. At least one filter is present for removing effluents from
air in communication with a volume of air flowing through the
second duct portion. At least one effluent trapping and filtration
assembly receives at least one filter. A motor is provided for
moving a volume of air into the inlet and through the at least one
filter. The housing has an access to remove or insert the one or
more filters into the at least one effluent trapping and filtration
assembly.
[0015] It is thus one aspect of the invention to provide a cooking
device with a removable duct element and removable filters for ease
of cleaning.
[0016] In another aspect of the invention, the cooking device's
effluent trapping and filtration assembly includes a filter housing
that is slidably accessible from the access opening in the housing.
It is thus another aspect of the invention to provide easy access
to the filter housing and the replaceable filters within.
[0017] In still another aspect of the invention, the effluent
trapping and filtration assembly includes a filter housing with at
least one filter therein, which is slidably accessible from the
access opening in the housing. Thus, the invention preferably
provides for at least one filter with easy access through the
cooking device housing. The filter may be a grease filter, a
particulate filter, or a carbon filter. Thus, the invention may
remove effluents and other contaminants, such as grease, smoke, and
odor, utilizing a range of filtering types.
[0018] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the
cooking device further includes at least one removable grease and
condensate tray in the effluent trapping and filtration assembly
that is easily removable from the access opening in the
housing.
[0019] In yet another aspect of the invention, the effluent
trapping and filtration assembly includes an exhaust duct filter
housing with at least one filter, which is also easily replaceable
from the access opening in the housing. The filter in the exhaust
filter housing may be a particulate filter or a carbon filter,
where the particulate filter may be a mesh filter, a bag filter, a
cartridge filter, or a carbon filter. Thus, the exhaust filter
serves to substantially remove the smaller smoke and odor particles
from the effluent-laden air.
[0020] As described above, the effluent trapping and filtration
assembly also has a filter housing that may also house a grease
filter and a particulate filter. The grease filter may be a mesh
filter, an impingement filter, a baffle filter, a cyclonic filter,
or another grease entrapment device. The particulate filter may be
a mesh filter, a bag filter, a cartridge filter, or a carbon
filter. Thus, it is one aspect of the invention to remove effluents
and other contaminants over a range of particle types with a
variety of filters for removing grease, particulate matter, smoke,
steam, and so forth.
[0021] Another aspect of the present invention has a housing
further comprising a cart having wheels and a cart handle. Thus, it
is yet another aspect of the invention to provide for a mobile
cooking device that is easily moved and otherwise repositioned.
[0022] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
cooking device comprises a housing, a cook top having one or more
heating elements, and a ventilation and filtration assembly
comprising: a first duct portion having an inlet, a manual height
adjustment device for the first duct portion, a second duct portion
in communication with a first duct portion, and at least one filter
for removing effluents from air, in communication with a volume of
air flowing through the second duct portion, a motor for moving a
volume of air into the inlet and through the at least one filter,
and an access opening in the housing to remove or insert the one or
more filters into the at least one effluent trapping and filtration
assembly. The heating elements may comprise burners on a cook top,
a range, an oven, a hibachi, a grill, and the like.
[0023] Thus, it is another aspect of the invention to provide for a
manually adjustable vent whereby the user may optimize the removal
of effluents and gases from the cooking area.
[0024] The present invention may also comprise a manual height
adjustment device having a handle connected to the top of the vent
assembly for manually raising and lowering at least the vent
assembly inlet and first duct portion. Thus, allowing the user to
easily control the position of the inlet vent.
[0025] Furthermore, the present invention may also have a first
duct portion that is removable and the handle is configured for
removing and replacing at least the first duct portion. In
addition, the handle may be removable and reattachable. Thus, it is
one aspect of the invention to allow manual removal and replacement
of the inlet vent portion with an easily graspable handle that is
itself removable for more complete cleaning.
[0026] The present invention may also have a fire suppression
system. The fire suppression system may be compliant with UL710B or
other applicable standards. The system may contain a detector or
fire detection apparatus which senses heat, temperature, smoke,
resistance, fire, and so forth. The associated sensors may fuse,
close a relay, or otherwise send an indication or control signal to
enact a fire suppression response. For example, overheated exhaust
may be sensed by a fusible link, which activates a damper assembly
which closes fire damper louvers substantially eliminating airflow
through the ventilation system. In another example, a sensor in
communication with the cook top of the cooking device may sense
excessive heat or smoke and remove power to the heating elements
and the fan in the ventilation and filtration assembly. Fire
detection may also cause the release of fire-extinguishing material
using, for example, nozzles in the vicinity of the cooking device
and internal to the ventilation system.
[0027] These aspects of the present invention offer advantages of
fire safety, energy efficiency, decreased stress on the blower
motor and more rapid cooling of induction hobs (for longer
component life), an improved cooking environment with less odor,
heat, and contaminants, and a cooking device that is able to be
used more efficiently to prepare a wider variety of foods. These
and other aspects of the present invention will be better
appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the
following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be
understood, however, that the following description, while
indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given
by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and
modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention
without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention
includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] A clear conception of the advantages and features
constituting the present invention, and of the construction and
operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present
invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the
exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in
the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification,
wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the
several views, and in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the cooking device
of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the cooking device
of FIG. 1 sans housing and cooktop;
[0031] FIG. 3a illustrates a cutaway side view of cooking device of
FIG. 2 along the 3a axes with airflow paths;
[0032] FIG. 3b illustrates a cutaway side view of cooking device of
FIG. 2 along the 3b axes with airflow paths;
[0033] FIG. 3c illustrates a cutaway front view of cooking device
of FIG. 2 along the 3c axes with airflow paths;
[0034] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of the cooking device of the
current invention showing the vent in its non-extended position and
the front panel cutaway;
[0035] FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the cooking device of the
current invention showing the vent in its extended position and the
front panel cutaway;
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of yet another
embodiment of the present invention with the filter drawer,
filters, and drip tray insertion details shown with arrows;
[0037] FIG. 6a is a close-up perspective view of the vent handle
illustrating the handle position allowing for removal of the
handle;
[0038] FIG. 6b is a close-up perspective view of the vent handle
illustrating the handle position allowing the manual
extension/retraction of the vent;
[0039] FIG. 7a is a close-up perspective view of the vent handle
and vent illustrating the extended handle position; and
[0040] FIG. 7b is a close-up perspective view of the vent handle
and vent illustrating the recessed handle position.
[0041] In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention
which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be
resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended
that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and
it is to be understood that each specific term includes all
technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the words "connected",
"attached", or terms similar thereto, are often used. They are not
limited to direct connection but include connection through other
elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by
those skilled in the art.
[0042] Further, before any embodiments of the invention are
explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being
carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of
"including," "comprising," "at least one of," or "having" and
variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] The present invention and the various features and
advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with
reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in
the following description.
[0044] Note that the detailed description that follows the
drawings, which are used, do not show all the details of every
product described, but only certain features of the invention that
aid in describing the invention. One skilled in the art will see
the benefits of this new invention and know of all the other
methods of construction and design.
1. System Overview
[0045] The present invention relates to an indoor or outdoor
cooking device having a ventilation and filtration system for
removing heated and effluent-laden air and gases from the cooking
area. Briefly, this is accomplished by providing a manually
adjustable vent connected to a filtration assembly that may include
traps and filters for removing grease, particulate matter,
effluents, and the like. Also disclosed is a manually removable
duct portion with an attached vent cover that can be easily removed
with a handle, cleaned, and then replaced. The handle itself may be
removable for more thorough cleaning. The inventive cooking device
may be a mobile unit, an island unit, or an otherwise fixed
location unit.
[0046] With the increasing heat and effluent emissions from cook
tops and the reduction in overall form, removal and filtration of
heated and effluent-laden air from the cooking area has become a
much more important element of cooking product design. The
performance, reliability, and life expectancy of the cooking
device, and the comfort and environment of the cook, are strongly
related to proper management of the heated and effluent-laden cook
top air. Long life with increased reliable performance of a
component may be achieved by effectively controlling the device
operating temperature and exposure to contaminants in the effluents
and gases. In addition, controlling the exposure of the cook and
the cooking device to the effluent-laden air may improve the user's
experience. Furthermore, the cook, restaurant staff, and guests
will have a more pleasant restaurant experience.
[0047] In one embodiment, the cooking device preferably comprises a
ventilation and filtration assembly having a filter housing that is
slidably accessible from an access opening in the housing wherein
the filter housing houses at least one manually removable filter.
The filter housing may have a filter that may be a grease filter, a
particulate filter, or a carbon filter. The ventilation and
filtration assembly also has an exhaust filter housing that may
house a carbon filter or particulate filter.
[0048] Thus, it is one aspect of the invention to provide a
ventilation and filtration assembly that is easily accessed for
cleaning, replacement, and so forth.
[0049] In another embodiment, the cooking device may provide a
ventilation and filtration assembly having an exhaust filter
housing with a manually removable exhaust filter therein accessible
from the access opening in the housing, which is one selected from
a group of a disposable carbon filter and a washable carbon filter.
The manually removable filter may be a mesh filter, a carbon
filter, or a filter configured to substantially remove particles
such as smoke particles and odor particles.
[0050] The housing may further include a cart with wheels and a
cart handle. Thus, it is yet another aspect of this invention to
provide for a mobile cooking device that is easily moved or
otherwise repositioned.
[0051] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
cooking includes a housing with one or more heating elements and a
ventilation and filtration assembly. The assembly preferably
includes a first duct portion having an inlet, a manual height
adjustment device for the first duct portion, a second duct portion
in communication with a first duct portion, and at least one filter
for removing effluents from air, in communication with a volume of
air flowing through the second duct portion. A motor is provided
for moving a volume of air into the inlet and through the at least
one filter. An access opening in the housing allows for removing or
inserting one or more filters from the effluent trapping and
filtration assembly.
[0052] Thus, the inventive, manually-adjustable vent allows the
user to remove effluents and gasses from the cooking area.
[0053] The present invention may also include a manual height
adjustment device having a handle connected to the top of the vent
assembly. The handle aids in manually raising and lowering the vent
assembly inlet and first duct portion, and allows the user to
better control and adjust the position of the inlet vent.
[0054] Furthermore, a first duct portion may also be removable and
a handle may be configured for removing and replacing at least the
first duct portion. In addition, the handle may be removable and
reattachable. The inlet vent portion preferably has an easily
graspable handle that is itself removable for more complete
cleaning.
[0055] In yet another embodiment, the cooking device may also have
a fire suppression system operably connected to the cooking device.
The fire suppression system may have a sensor for detecting a
temperature, a resistance, a heat, a smoke, and/or a fire. Thus,
this system provides for a safe and fire-suppressive cooking
environment.
[0056] The preferred inventive method of removing effluents and
contaminants from the cooking environment includes steps of: [0057]
a. drawing a volume of air proximate to the cooking device into a
ventilation inlet using a motor; [0058] b. directing the air
through at least one substantially vertical duct; [0059] c.
directing the air over a substantially horizontal surface for
collecting effluents thereon; [0060] d. directing the air through
at least one filter for filtration of effluents; [0061] e.
directing the air through a baffle in communication with the motor;
and [0062] f. directing the air through a substantially vertical
exhaust filter.
[0063] Thus, the invention provides a method of eliminating
effluents and other contaminants from the cooking environment
through a series of steps of ventilation and filtration.
2. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
[0064] Various embodiments of the present invention are shown in
FIGS. 1 through 7b are described in additional detail below.
[0065] FIG. 1 shows one preferred embodiment of the cooking device
10 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the cooking device
10 includes a housing 18, and a cook top surface 12 with heating
elements shown as burners 14, 16. The housing 18 and cooking
surface 12 are preferably comprised of a metal, glass, stone,
plastic, other materials, or a combination thereof.
[0066] The device 10 has a cook top vent assembly 20 for removing
effluent and hot air from the cooking surface or cooktop 12. The
vent assembly 20 may consist of a substantially vertical duct
portion 22 and vent inlet 24. A handle 25 may be provided for
manually raising and lowering the vent assembly 20. The outer
surface of the vent assembly 20 is preferably made from metal,
although glass, stone, plastic, other materials, or some
combination thereof may be used. Because of the flexibility of the
design and the low profile, the outer shape of the vent assembly 20
can be styled to meet nearly any requirements.
[0067] Also shown in FIG. 1 are various controls 26 which may
include controls for heat or temperature settings for the burners
28, 30, a control for the speed of the ventilation motor 32, and
the like. In addition, the cooking device 10 of FIG. 1 may comprise
a cart 33 that includes wheels 34 for mobility and a handle 36 for
ease of movement. Furthermore, the cooking device 10 may also have
an access panel 38 for access to internal removable components
further explained below. The access panel 38 may have a handle 40,
and provide for ventilation with openings 42.
[0068] FIG. 2 shows the interior of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with
the cooking device housing 18 and cook top 12 removed to show the
vent assembly 20 and effluent trapping and filtration assembly 54,
which may be an integrated assembly 50. As mentioned, the vent
assembly 20 may consist of a substantially vertical first duct
portion 22 and vent inlet 24 and may have a handle 25. In addition,
there is a second duct portion 52 (as shown by its external housing
surface), which may slidably receive the first duct portion 22. The
first duct portion 22 may also be removable from the second duct
portion 52 using handle 25. The integrated assembly 50 also has an
effluent trapping and filtration assembly 54 which contains filters
51 and effluent traps 53, as will be described below. The filters
66, 68 and grease trap 64 (as shown below in FIGS. 3a-c) are
accessed through access panel 38 (as shown in FIG. 1) which may
have an additional door or drawer 56 having a handle 58 for
accessing the filters and traps within. The effluent-laden air is
moved through the integrated assembly 50 by motor 60. The air moves
through blower assembly 61 and exits from the exhaust filter
housing 62.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 3a-3c, the operation of the
integrated assembly's 50 vent assembly 20 and effluent trapping and
filtration assembly 54 is illustrated. Starting with FIG. 3a, a
cross-sectional side view taken along axis 3a-3a in FIG. 1 is
shown. Vent assembly 22 is shown extended with air designated by
arrow A.sub.1 entering the vent inlet 24. The air flow A.sub.2
turns downward and travels vertically downward through the first
and second duct portions 22, 52 and turns at about a 90-degree
angle to flow substantially horizontally into the lower portion of
the filtration assembly 54 as shown by airflow arrow A.sub.3. The
airflow may release liquid or solid effluent onto an effluent
receptacle shown as drip tray 64. The airflow then turns at about a
90-degree angle to flow upward into the filters 66, 68. The
filtration assembly 54 may contain one or more filters such as
filter elements 66, 68. The effluent-laden air moves through the
filters which remove some of the effluents. The air continues
upward, shown by air flow arrows A.sub.4, and into the blower
assembly 61 having an air-moving element such as blades 63 being
moved by motor 60. FIG. 3b shows another cross-sectional side view
of the integrated assembly 50 taken along axis 3b-3b in FIG. 1.
This cross-section shows the major airflow path A.sub.1 into the
vent 22 and A.sub.5 through the vent 52 and upward through the
filter housing 54. FIG. 3c shows yet another cross-section front
view of the assembly 50 taken along axis 3b-3b in FIG. 1. Airflow
A.sub.1 enters the vent 22 through vent inlet openings 24. The
airflow may move vertically downward (not shown) and then upward as
shown by airflow arrows A.sub.6 through the filter elements 66, 68
of the filtration assembly 54. The airflow A.sub.7 proceeds through
the blower assembly 61 impelled by motor 60 and makes a turn of
about 90 degrees to form airflow A.sub.8 which exits thorough the
exhaust filter housing 62 as exhaust air flow A.sub.9.
[0070] Two types of ventilators may be used with the present
invention, ducted and non-ducted. In a non-ducted-type ventilator,
there may be outlets, but no duct that is used for venting air to
the outside. See, e.g., FIG. 1. This embodiment has exhaust outlet
vents 42 that are not in communication with a duct. Alternatively,
the outlet vents or openings 42 may be at the top, back, or bottom
of the housing 18 for directing exhausted air upward, sideways, or
downward. In a ducted-type ventilator, there is a duct that is used
for venting air to the outside (not shown) in communication with
one or more outlet vents. Similarly, this duct unit can be vented
at the top, side, back, front, and/or directed downward to the
floor in a room.
[0071] Turning now to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the operation of the
telescoping vent assembly 20 is described. The cooking device 10 of
the present invention is shown with the first vent portion 22 flush
with the cooking surface 12 in FIG. 4a. In this embodiment, the
vent may be operable for moving air while vent assembly 20 is in
the lowered position. In FIG. 4b, however, the telescoping vent
assembly 20 is shown in the extended and operable position, having
been manually raised by the user.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 5, the operation of the removable and
replaceable components of the cooking device 10 is detailed. The
cooking device 10 is shown with an effluent trapping and filtration
assembly 54. Here, the effluent trapping and filtration assembly 54
is shown as an extended drawer 70 with an upper filter element 68
that is visible. The filter element 68 is removed revealing a lower
filter element 66. The lower filter element 66 is removed from the
drawer 70 to reveal a portion of the effluent-receiving surface,
here shown as drip tray 64. Once filter assembly drawer 70 is
removed, the drip tray 64 can be seen partially extended (65).
Another removable component is shown, i.e., the exhaust filter 72
that is being inserted (74) into the drawer 70.
[0073] Turning now to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the removal and replacement
operations of the handle 25 are shown. A close-up of the top 27 of
the first vent portion 22 shows handle 25. Handle 25 may be
removable by allowing it to rest against the top of the vent 27 as
shown in FIG. 6a. From this position, the handle 25 may be removed
by lifting a lower portion of the handle 31 along path M, which
lifts the handle 25 from opening 29. Otherwise, the handle 25 may
be in a raised position as shown in FIG. 6b. In this position, a
lower portion of the handle 31 is positioned so that it cannot be
removed from opening 29.
[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 7a and 7b, the retraction and
extension operations of the handle 25 are described. The handle 25
may be raised through opening 29 so that it is fully extended from
the vent 22, as shown in FIG. 7a. Alternatively, the handle 25 may
be retracted so that it is flush or below top surface 27.
[0075] Referring again to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the cooking
device 10 has a fire-suppression system sensor 100 operably
connected to, for example, the exhaust filter housing 62 for
sensing and suppressing fires for added safety. A
temperature-sensing and fire-suppression system that is electronic
or mechanical with fusible links may be employed in such a system.
The temperature-sensing system may be operably connected to the
cooking device or cook top for detecting at least one of
temperature, resistance, heat, fire, or smoke. Such sensors may
have at least one of an electronic, an electromechanical, and
mechanical component.
[0076] There are virtually innumerable uses for the present
invention, all of which need not be detailed here. Of course, this
and all of the other disclosed embodiments can be practiced without
undue experimentation.
[0077] Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of
carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of
the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest
that various additions, modifications, and rearrangements of the
features of the present invention may be made without deviating
from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. In
addition, the individual components need not be fabricated from the
disclosed materials, but could be fabricated from virtually any
suitable materials. For example, construction materials for the
cooking device, the downdraft ventilator, and the blower are at
least one of metal, glass, stone, a transparent material, tile,
plastic, and manmade material.
[0078] Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in
the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration,
but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in
virtually any configuration. Further, although various components
are described herein as physically separate modules, it will be
manifest that they may be integrated into the apparatus with which
they are associated. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of
each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for,
the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except
where such features are mutually exclusive.
[0079] Various alternatives and modifications are contemplated as
being within the scope of the following claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as
the invention.
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