U.S. patent application number 17/216812 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-15 for ventilation system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Broan-NuTone LLC. Invention is credited to Jesse Allen Hollingsworth, Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz, Eric Williams.
Application Number | 20210215347 17/216812 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005490082 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210215347 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams; Eric ; et
al. |
July 15, 2021 |
VENTILATION SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention provide a ventilation system
comprising a housing that includes a plurality of panels. At least
one socket can be defined through at least one of the panels and
the socket can be coupled to an electricity source. In some
embodiments, the ventilation system can include at least one
illumination system that can include a socket interface, an
extension member, and at least one illumination device. The socket
interface can be configured to engage the socket and the extension
member can be capable of moving in a plurality of directions.
Inventors: |
Williams; Eric; (Cedarburg,
WI) ; Hollingsworth; Jesse Allen; (West Bend, WI)
; Sinur; Richard R.; (West Bend, WI) ; Wellnitz;
Brian R.; (Grafton, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Broan-NuTone LLC |
Hartford |
WI |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
1000005490082 |
Appl. No.: |
17/216812 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16290548 |
Mar 1, 2019 |
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17216812 |
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13524047 |
Jun 15, 2012 |
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16290548 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 15/2064 20130101;
F24C 15/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24C 15/20 20060101
F24C015/20 |
Claims
1. A ventilation system configured to be arranged above a cooking
device, the ventilation system comprising: a housing; a filter
configured to remove at least a portion of cooking effluent from a
polluted airflow, wherein the cooking effluent is at least one of a
solid and a liquid; a rail arranged below the filter and the filter
is angled downward from a top of the filter to a bottom of the
filter to direct at least a portion of the cooking effluent removed
by the filter onto the rail; a reservoir arranged below the rail
and the rail is angled downward toward the reservoir to guide at
least a portion of the cooking effluent received from the filter
into the reservoir.
2. The ventilation system of claim 1 further comprising a handle
being coupled to the reservoir.
3. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the ventilation
assembly comprises at least one blower assembly capable of
generating a fluid flow through at least some portions of the
filter.
4. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the cooking effluent
comprises grease.
5. The ventilation system of claim 1 further comprising an
indicator member configured to provide notice to a user when the
reservoir needs to be emptied.
6. The ventilation system of claim 5, wherein the indicator member
comprises at least one of a mechanical sensor, an electrical
sensor, an electro-mechanical sensor, a timer, and a window member
disposed through at least one of the housing extension and the
housing.
7. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the cooking effluent
is directed from the top of the filter to the bottom of the filter
by gravity.
8. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the cooking effluent
is directed from the filter to the rail by gravity.
9. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the cooking effluent
is directed from the rail to the reservoir by gravity.
10. An effluent collection assembly configured to be arranged above
a cooking device, the effluent collection assembly comprising: a
housing; a filter to remove at least a portion of cooking effluent
from polluted air, wherein the cooking effluent is at least one of
a solid and a liquid; a rail arranged below the filter and the
filter is angled downward from a top of the filter to a bottom of
the filter to direct at least a portion of the cooking effluent
removed by the filter onto the rail; a reservoir arranged below the
rail and the rail is angled downward toward the reservoir to guide
at least a portion of the cooking effluent received from the filter
into the reservoir.
11. The effluent collection assembly of claim 10 further comprising
a handle being coupled to the reservoir.
12. The effluent collection assembly of claim 10, wherein the
cooking effluent comprises grease.
13. The effluent collection assembly of claim 10 further comprising
an indicator member configured to provide notice to a user when the
reservoir needs to be emptied.
14. The effluent collection assembly of claim 13, wherein the
indicator member comprises at least one of a mechanical sensor, an
electrical sensor, an electro-mechanical sensor, a timer, and a
window member disposed through at least one of the housing
extension and the housing.
15. The effluent collection assembly of claim 10, wherein the
cooking effluent is directed from the top of the filter to the
bottom of the filter by gravity.
16. The effluent collection assembly of claim 10, wherein the
cooking effluent is directed from the filter to the rail by
gravity.
17. The effluent collection assembly of claim 10, wherein the
cooking effluent is directed from the rail to the reservoir by
gravity.
18. A ventilation system configured to be arranged above a cooking
device, the ventilation system comprising: a housing; a contact
surface to collect at least a portion of cooking effluent from a
polluted airflow, wherein the cooking effluent is at least one of a
solid and a liquid; a rail arranged below the contact surface and
the contact surface is angled downward from a top of the contact
surface to a bottom of the contact surface to direct at least a
portion of the cooking effluent collected on the contact surface
onto the rail; a reservoir arranged below the rail and the rail is
angled downward toward the reservoir to guide at least a portion of
the cooking effluent received from the contact surface into the
reservoir.
19. The ventilation system of claim 18 further comprising a handle
being coupled to the reservoir.
20. The ventilation system of claim 18, wherein the ventilation
assembly comprises at least one blower assembly capable of
generating a fluid flow over the contact surface.
21. The ventilation system of claim 18, wherein the cooking
effluent comprises grease.
22. The ventilation system of claim 18 further comprising an
indicator member configured to provide notice to a user when the
reservoir needs to be emptied.
23. The ventilation system of claim 22, wherein the indicator
member comprises at least one of a mechanical sensor, an electrical
sensor, an electro-mechanical sensor, a timer, and a window member
disposed through at least one of the housing extension and the
housing.
24. The ventilation system of claim 18, wherein the cooking
effluent is directed from the top of the contact surface to the
bottom of the contact surface by gravity.
25. The ventilation system of claim 18, wherein the cooking
effluent is directed from the contact surface to the rail by
gravity.
26. The ventilation system of claim 18, wherein the cooking
effluent is directed from the rail to the reservoir by gravity.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] A conventional outdoor ventilation system can be useful for
the removal of cooking effluent arising from cooking episodes in
outdoor and/or partially enclosed spaces. At least some of the
outdoor and/or partially enclosed spaces can include one or more
cooking appliances that emit cooking effluent during a cooking
episode, similar to an indoor cooking configuration. For example,
some of these outdoor cooking configurations can include a
permanent roof structure, with at least some uncovered and/or
screened perimeter supports, such as walls. As a result, without an
outdoor ventilation system, cooking effluent will accumulate within
the local environment.
SUMMARY
[0002] Some embodiments of the invention provide a ventilation
system that can include a housing comprising a plurality of panels.
In some embodiments, at least one socket can be defined through at
least one of the plurality of panels and the at least one socket
can be capable of being coupled to an electricity source. In some
embodiments, the ventilation system can comprise at least one
illumination system. In some embodiments, the illumination system
can include a socket interface, an extension member, and at least
one illumination device. In some embodiments, the socket interface
can be configured and arranged to engage the socket. In some
embodiments, the extension member the extension member can be
capable of moving in a plurality of directions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ventilation system
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0004] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a ventilation system and
disposed in a cooking environment according to one embodiment of
the invention.
[0005] FIG. 2B is a side view of a ventilation system and disposed
in a cooking environment according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0006] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a ventilation system
according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 3B is a bottom view of a ventilation system according
to some embodiments of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an illumination system
according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a conventional illumination
device.
[0010] FIGS. 6A and 6B are views of an illumination system
according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a front view of a conventional illumination
system.
[0012] FIG. 8 a front view of a conventional illumination
system.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a side view of three conventional illumination
systems.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a ventilation system
according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a ventilation system
according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of a ventilation system
according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 13 is a side view of a conventional ventilation system
and grille.
[0018] FIG. 14A is a shadowgraph of a representation of a
conventional ventilation system.
[0019] FIG. 14B is a shadowgraph of a ventilation system according
to some embodiments of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a ventilation system
according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of a ventilation system
according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of a ventilation system
according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 17B is a bottom perspective view of a ventilation
system according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 18 perspective view of a ventilation system according
to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. 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," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise,
the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and
variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and
indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,
"connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or
mechanical connections or couplings.
[0026] The following discussion is presented to enable a person
skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention.
Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and
applications without departing from embodiments of the invention.
Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited
to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The
following detailed description is to be read with reference to the
figures, in which like elements in different figures have like
reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to
scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit
the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will
recognize the examples provided herein have many useful
alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the
invention.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a ventilation system 10 according to one
embodiment of the invention. The ventilation system 10 can include
a housing 12, a ventilation assembly 14, and an illumination system
16. In some embodiments, the housing 12 can comprise one or more
panels 18 that can be configured and arranged to support at least
some of the elements of the ventilation system 10. In some
embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can be installed
substantially adjacent to a cook top, range oven, grille, or other
surface on which a cooking episode could occur.
[0028] By way of example only, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, in
some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can be employed in an
indoor and/or outdoor cooking environment. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the ventilation system can be installed in an
outdoor kitchen. In some embodiments, an outdoor kitchen can be
configured substantially similar to an indoor kitchen so that it
includes an overhead structure (e.g., a roof), one or more walls or
other support structures, and one or more cooking surfaces (e.g., a
grille 20). In some embodiments, although configured as an outdoor
kitchen, cooking effluent produced by the grille 20 or other
cooking surface can linger and/or not be sufficiently evacuated,
leading to an unpleasant and/or an unhealthy outdoor kitchen
environment. In some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can be
used in conjunction with other surfaces that are capable of
producing cooking effluent or any other surface capable of
producing polluted fluids that a user may wish to exhaust. In some
embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can be employed in indoor
kitchens or other areas of homes, business, or any other area where
ventilation of polluted fluids is desired. Moreover, although
examples and discussion herein involve discussions of outdoor
kitchen environments, these discussions are not intended to limit
the scope of the invention.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the housing 12 can
be coupled to a support structure, such as a wall. For example, in
some embodiments, the housing 12 can be positioned substantially
adjacent to a grille 20 or other cooking apparatus (e.g., above the
grille 20). In some embodiments, a rear portion of the housing 12
can be coupled to the structure via conventional fasteners,
adhesives, or other suitable coupling methods so that the housing
12 is adequately supported adjacent to the grille 20. As shown in
FIG. 1 and discussed in greater detail below, in some embodiments,
an extension 22 can be coupled to a rear portion of the housing 12.
Moreover, in some embodiments, the extension 22 can be coupled to
the wall or support structure and, because the extension 22 is
coupled to the housing 12, the extension 22 can support the housing
12 and ventilation system 10.
[0030] Additionally, in some embodiments, the ventilation system 10
can be electrically coupled to an electricity source (e.g., a
battery, the structure's electrical network, or any other
electricity source) so that one or more elements of the ventilation
system 10 can receive electricity for operations. Moreover, in some
embodiments, as described in further detail below, the ventilation
system 10 can be coupled to one or more ducts 24 so that at least a
portion of the effluent or other fluid received from the grille 22
can be transported, via the duct 24, outside of the local area
(e.g., outside of the outdoor kitchen).
[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the housing 12 can
comprise at least one inlet 26. For example, in some embodiments, a
lower area of the housing 12 can include the inlet 26 so that the
inlet 26 is substantially adjacent to the grille 20. As shown in
FIG. 3, the housing 12 can comprise at least two side panels 18a
that can define at least a portion of the inlet 26. In some
embodiments, other portions of the housing 12 can define other
portions of the inlet 26. Moreover, in some embodiments, the inlet
26 can comprise a plurality of inlets 26 defined through some
portions of the housing 12.
[0032] In some embodiments, one or more electrical sockets 28 can
be at least partially coupled to and/or supported by the housing
12, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 3-5, in some
embodiments, the electrical sockets 28 can be positioned
substantially adjacent to the inlet 26 through one or more of the
side panels 18a. In some embodiments, the electrical sockets 28 can
be electrically coupled to the structure's electricity source so
that one or more elements coupled to the electrical sockets 28 can
receive power for operations. For example, in some embodiments, the
electrical sockets 28 can comprise a substantially conventional
configuration for receiving one or more illumination devices (e.g.,
a GU10 configuration) for illuminating a surface (e.g., the grille
20) below the ventilation system 10. In some embodiments, the
electrical sockets 28 can be configured to receive one or more
substantially conventional illumination devices (e.g., GU10 bulbs,
as shown in FIG. 5).
[0033] In some embodiments, the electrical sockets 28 can be
configured and arranged to receive one or more of the illumination
systems 16. In some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can
comprise a plurality of illumination systems 16. For example, as
shown in FIG. 3A, the ventilation system 10 can comprise at least
two illumination systems 16 disposed on opposing sides of the inlet
26. Moreover, in some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can
comprise electrical sockets 28 disposed through other portions of
the housing 12, such as adjacent to a front portion of the housing
12, as shown in FIG. 3B. In some embodiments, the illumination
systems 16 can each comprise a socket interface 30, an extension
member 32, and at least one illumination device 34. In some
embodiments, the illumination systems 16 can comprise a flexible
material that can insulate at least a portion of the thermal energy
produced by the illumination systems 16 (e.g., flexible silicone or
other suitable materials)
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the socket interface 30 can
comprise a configuration substantially similar to a conventional
illumination device for interfacing with the electrical sockets 28.
For example, in some embodiments, the socket interface 30 can be
configured to engage and/or be coupled to the electrical socket 28
in addition to or in lieu of a conventional illumination device.
Moreover, in some embodiments, the socket interface 30 can be
configured to engage any electrical socket 28 comprising a
conventional configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the
socket interface 30 can comprise a configuration similar to that of
an interface of a GU10 bulb that mediates electricity transfer from
the electrical socket 28 to the bulb. As a result, the illumination
systems 16 can be employed in ventilation systems 10 that comprise
similarly configured electrical sockets 28 (e.g., the illumination
systems 16 can be retrofitted to existing ventilation systems
10).
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 4, 6A, and 6B, in some embodiments, the
extension member 32 can be coupled to the socket interface 30. The
extension member 32 can comprise one or more wires or other
conductive members (not shown) that can function to relay current
from the electrical sockets 28 and the socket interfaces 30 to the
illumination devices 34. Moreover, in some embodiments, the
extension members 32 can comprise a flexible configuration. For
example, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the extension member 32
can be configured and arranged to move in a plurality of
directions. As shown in FIGS. 4, 6A, and 6B, the illumination
device 34 can be coupled to an end of the extension member 32
opposing the socket interface 30. In some embodiments, the
illumination device 34 can comprise at least one of incandescent,
fluorescent, compact fluorescent, halogen, and other lights and
lamps. Further, these illumination devices can be flood lights,
globe lights, light-emitting diodes, or other similar illumination
devices 34, including a combination of any of the above. In some
embodiments, a user can move the extension member 34 in any
direction to direct illumination from the illumination device 34 in
any direction required by the user. Moreover, the illumination
provided by the illumination systems 16 (i.e., via the illumination
devices 34) can be controlled using a conventional control panel
(not shown) that is configured to control one or more illumination
devices 34 that are coupled to the electrical sockets 28. For
example, a user can activate the illumination systems 16 to provide
illumination or change intensities of the illumination using the
control panel.
[0036] In some embodiments, the illumination systems 16 can provide
benefits compared to the conventional lighting systems of grilles
20 and other cooking surfaces. Although conventional illumination
devices can be needed to provid the user of a grille 20 or other
cooking surface with adequate illumination to view the food being
cooked, these conventional illumination devices and systems have
several shortcomings. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, some
conventional grilles 20 can comprise their own conventional
illumination devices. However, because the conventional
illumination devices can be coupled to the grille 20 and disposed
substantially adjacent to the cooking surface of the grille 20,
significant amounts of cooking effluent and other pollutants can
attach to a surface of the conventional illumination devices, which
can reduce the amount of illumination provided to the cooking
surface and possibly create a safety hazard. As a result, to
maintain safety and necessary amounts of illumination, the
conventional illumination devices can require frequent cleaning by
the user. The illumination systems 16 of the ventilation system 10
provide improvements over this conventional configuration. For
example, because the illumination systems 16 are disposed on the
ventilation system 10 and not directly coupled to the grille 20
(i.e., not immediately adjacent to the cooking surface), the amount
of cooking effluent directed toward and contacting the illumination
devices 34 is reduced relative to the conventional
configuration.
[0037] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, some other conventional
lighting systems can also include shortcomings. For example, some
lighting systems can comprise battery-operated clip-on style
lighting accessories that can be coupled to the grille 20 or
adjacent surface to provide illumination. Generally, these
conventional clip-on style lighting systems provide low-intensity
illumination that can be insufficient for properly illuminating the
cooking surface. In some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can
provide improvements over this conventional configuration. For
example, because the illumination systems 16 can be directly
coupled to the electrical network of the structure, the user does
not need to replace any batteries. Moreover, because conventional
illumination devices 34 can be used with the illumination systems
16, a sufficient amount of illumination can reach the cooking
surface and the shortcomings associated with the low-intensity
lighting systems can be avoided.
[0038] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, some conventional
ventilation systems can be configured so that some portions of the
grille 20 can obscure, block, or otherwise prevent the transmission
of illumination to the cooking surface. For example, as shown in
FIG. 9, a grille cover 36, when opened, can block at least a
portion of the illumination provided by conventional illumination
devices installed in the conventional ventilation system. As a
result, little to no illumination can reach the cooking surface of
the grille 20. In some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can
provide improvements over this conventional configuration. For
example, because of the flexibility of movement and capability of
moving in a plurality of different directions, the illumination
devices 34 can be positioned in any one of multiple positions so
that a grille cover 36 is not able to obscure or block material
amounts of illumination from reaching the cooking surface.
[0039] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the
housing 12 can comprise one or more pockets 38 that are configured
and arranged to receive at least a portion of the illumination
systems 16. In some embodiments, the pockets 38 can be configured
and arranged to receive at least a portion of the illumination
devices 34 coupled to the extension members 34. For example, as
shown in FIG. 10, when the illumination systems 16 are not in use
or needed by the user, the configuration of at least some of the
extension members 34 can be changed from a substantially vertical
position to a substantially horizontal position. As a result, the
illumination systems 16 can be stored for future use and the space
between the ventilation system 10 and the grille 20 can be free
from the illumination systems 16 extending in a generally downward
direction.
[0040] In some embodiments, the ventilation assembly 14 can be at
least partially positioned within and/or supported by the housing
12. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10-12, the ventilation assembly
14 can be positioned within the housing 12 and in fluid
communication with the inlet 26. As shown in FIG. 11, in some
embodiments, the ventilation assembly 14 can comprise a blower
assembly 40 that can be positioned within the housing 12 and
capable of generating a fluid flow from the cooking surface through
the inlet 26 and the ventilation assembly 14 and out of the
ventilation system 10 via the duct 24. Moreover, as shown in FIG.
12, the ventilation assembly 14 can comprise one or more capture
surfaces 42 that can be positioned between the blower assembly 40
and the inlet 26. In some embodiments, the ventilation assembly 14
can comprise one or more filters 44 immediately adjacent to the
capture surface 42 so that at least a portion of the pollutants
(e.g., cooking effluent, such as grease) can be removed from the
air and other fluids originating from the cooking surface.
Moreover, in some embodiments, the capture surface 42 can comprise
a non-planar configuration or ridged configuration, as shown in
FIGS. 16, 17A, and 17B, which can at least partially increase a
surface area of the capture surface 42 to improve effluent
capture.
[0041] In some embodiments, the ventilation assembly 14 can provide
benefits relative to some conventional ventilation systems. Some
conventional ventilation systems offer inadequate levels of fluid
flow through the system and, accordingly, an inadequate effluent
capture rate. Some of these drawbacks to conventional ventilation
systems occur because of the size and positioning of the capture
surface 42 and other elements of the ventilation assembly 14. For
example, as shown in FIG. 13, the capture area of some conventional
ventilation systems can be at least partially obscured when the
grille cover 36 is in the open position (e.g., the grille cover 36
can direct at least a portion of the cooking effluent to a position
that is too far forward for the conventional ventilation system to
capture). In some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can
provide improvements over this conventional configuration. For
example, the ventilation system 10 comprises a capture surface 42
that comprises a greater surface area relative to conventional
ventilation systems. Moreover, the inlet 26 and the capture
surfaces 42 can extend to a more forward position relative to the
overall depth of the housing 12, relative to conventional
ventilation systems, which can lead to greater effluent
capture.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, these improvements relative
to conventional ventilation systems can result in improved thermal
and effluent capture. For example, as shown in the shadowgraph of
FIG. 14A, a significant portion of the cooking effluent can escape
capture by a conventional ventilation system when the grille cover
36 is open. However, as shown in FIG. 14B, the positioning and the
configuration of the ventilation system 10 and ventilation assembly
14 can lead to greater amounts of effluent being captured relative
to the conventional system.
[0043] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the extension 22 can be
configured and arranged to further improve effluent and thermal
capture. For example, as previously mentioned and as shown in FIGS.
10 and 15, the extension 22 can be coupled to a rear portion of the
housing 12 and can the extension 22 can then be coupled to a wall
or structure to support the ventilation system 10. By way of
example only, in some embodiments, the extension 22 can comprise a
depth of about three inches so that the components of the
ventilation system 10 are moved about three inches further from the
wall, relative to embodiments without an extension 22. As a result,
the ventilation assembly 14 can be positioned more forward so that
more effluent can be captured because an even greater portion of
the inlet 26 and the capture surface 42 can be exposed to the
cooking effluent when the grille cover 36 is opened. In other
embodiments, the extension 22 can comprise other sizes (e.g.,
greater or less than about three inches) and dimensions to meet
user needs.
[0044] In some embodiments, the ventilation system 10 can comprise
a secondary ventilation assembly 46, as shown in FIG. 1. For
example, in some embodiments, a grille 20 can output a great enough
quantity of cooking effluent that the primary ventilation assembly
14 (i.e., the ventilation assembly 14 previously mentioned) can
become at least partially overwhelmed and unable to remove all of
the effluent from the outdoor kitchen area. In some embodiments,
the secondary ventilation assembly 46 can be configured to operate
in addition to or in lieu of the primary ventilation assembly 14
(e.g., to remove cooking effluent or other pollutants from the
local environment). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in some
embodiments, the secondary ventilation assembly 46 can be at least
partially disposed within, coupled to, and/or supported by the roof
of the outdoor kitchen. In some embodiments, the secondary
ventilation assembly 46 can be in fluid communication with a duct
24 (e.g., the same duct 24 that is in fluid communication with the
primary ventilation assembly 14 or a different duct 24) so that at
least a portion of the effluent exhausted from the cooking surface
can be directed to a remote location (e.g., outside of the local
area).
[0045] In some embodiments, the secondary ventilation assembly 46
can be in communication (e.g., wired, as shown in FIG. 1, or
wireless) with the primary ventilation assembly 14 to control
operations of the secondary ventilation assembly 46 (e.g., the
secondary ventilation assembly 46 can be activated when the primary
ventilation assembly 14 is activated). In some embodiments, the
primary and secondary ventilation assemblies 14, 46 can share one
or more blower assemblies 40 so that airflow from the blower
assembly 40 can be used to exhaust effluent through both assemblies
14, 46.
[0046] Moreover, in some embodiments, the secondary ventilation
assembly 46 can comprise one or more sensors (e.g., thermal
sensors, particulate sensors, infrared sensors, etc.) that can
automatically activate the secondary ventilation assembly 46 during
an occurrence of a cooking episode. In some embodiments, the
secondary ventilation assembly 46 can be manually controlled via
one or more switches on the control panel or remotely positioned on
a wall in the outdoor kitchen.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 18, in some embodiments, the secondary
ventilation assembly 46 can comprise other configurations. As shown
in FIG. 18, in lieu of or in addition to a secondary ventilation
assembly 46 being coupled to or supported by the roof of the
kitchen, one or more secondary ventilation assemblies 46 can be
disposed or supported by a wall of the kitchen. For example, the
ventilation system 10 can comprise two secondary ventilation
assemblies 46 that can resemble and/or function as duct covers. In
some embodiments, the blower assembly 40 can generate air flow
through both the primary ventilation assembly 14 and the secondary
ventilation assemblies 46 to remove cooking effluent. As previously
mentioned, in some embodiments, the secondary ventilation
assemblies 46 can operate independently of the primary ventilation
assembly 14.
[0048] As previously mentioned, the primary and/or secondary
ventilation assemblies 14, 46 can be configured to aid in removal
of cooking effluent from the local environment that arises from a
cooking episode. In some conventional ventilation systems, after
removal of a portion of the effluent from polluted air or other
fluids, the removed effluent can accumulate within the filters 44
and eventually lead to clogging of the filters 44 and overflow
effluent draining downward toward the grille 20. For example, some
conventional ventilation systems can comprise effluent collection
systems (e.g., baffle filters, mesh filters, centrifugal grease
wheels, etc) that can be configured to retain grease and other
effluent as it passes through the system. These conventional
effluent collection systems can become quickly overwhelmed, which
can lead to an accumulation of grease and other effluent that can
overflow out of the collection system.
[0049] In some embodiments, the extension 22 can be configured and
arranged to improve effluent clearance through the ventilation
assembly 10, relative to the conventional effluent collection
systems. In some embodiments, the extension 22 can comprise at
least one reservoir 49 that is at least partially movably
positioned within the extension 22. For example, as shown in FIGS.
16-17B, the reservoir 49 can be positioned in a generally lower
portion of the ventilation system 10 so that at least a portion
effluent collected by the ventilation assembly 14 can be directed
toward the reservoir 49 via gravity. Further, in some embodiments,
the ventilation assembly 14 can comprise one or more rails 47
coupled to an outer portion of the capture surface 42. As reflected
by the arrows in FIGS. 16 and 17A, in some embodiments, the
ventilation assembly 14 can be configured so that effluent (e.g.,
grease) removed from the local environment can be guided toward the
reservoir 49. For example, the rails 47, filters 44, and/or other
portions of the ventilation assembly 14 can be positioned within
the housing 12 at an angle so that at least a portion of the
effluent removed from the local environment is directed toward the
reservoir 49 via gravity. In some embodiments, the housing 12 can
comprise the reservoir 49 so that the ventilation system 10 can
operate without the extension 22.
[0050] In some embodiments, the reservoir 49 can be configured for
the ease of the user. For example, the reservoir 49 can comprise a
volume sufficient to receive a significant volume of effluent so
that the user does not have to frequently empty the reservoir 49.
In some embodiments, the reservoir 49 can comprise one or more
handles 48 or other features that can enable a user to readily
remove the reservoir 49 from the extension 22, as shown in FIG.
17B. As a result, the reservoir 49 can be removed and taken to a
remote location for removal of accumulated effluent and cleaning.
Moreover, in some embodiments, in order to improve movement of the
effluent and the cleaning process, portions of the ventilation
assembly 14, the extension 22, and/or the reservoir 49 can comprise
surfaces that are at least partially coated in a non-stick material
(e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene).
[0051] Additionally, in some embodiments, the ventilation system 10
can comprise one or more indicator members (not shown). In some
embodiments, the indicator member can be configured and arranged to
provide a signal (e.g., visual, audio, or other suitable signal) to
the user the reservoir 49 is in need of being emptied and/or
cleaned. In some embodiments, the indicator member can comprise a
mechanical configuration, an electrical configuration, an
electro-mechanical configuration, an aperture through a portion of
the ventilation system 10 through which a user can visualize the
effluent levels within the reservoir 49, a timer, or any other
suitable configuration.
[0052] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
while the invention has been described above in connection with
particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not
necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments,
examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments,
examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims
attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and
publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each
such patent or publication were individually incorporated by
reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention
are set forth in the following claims.
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