AU2016222373A1 - Range hood arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

RANGE HOOD ARRANGEMENT Abstract The present invention comprises a range hood arrangement that allows for a filter element to extend above the range hood skirt into a ceiling, and accessed through a hatch from underneath. 1100 5000 4000 A-- 6000 7t -------- -- ---- 1200 Figure 1

Description

1 2016222373 31 Aug 2016

Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

Provisional Specification For The invention Entitled:

RANGE HOOD ARRANGEMENT

The invention is described in the following statement: 2 2016222373 31 Aug 2016

Field of the Invention [1] The present invention relates to a range hood arrangement and in particular to a commercial range hood arrangement for use in commercial kitchens.

[2] The invention has been developed primarily for use in/with a commercial range hood arrangement in a commercial kitchen, and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention [3] At present, commercial range hood arrangements are used above cooking areas to remove airborne grease, smoke and steam from cooking areas, thereby making the environment in which chefs or cooks work safer and more pleasant.

[4] Such range hood arrangements typically include a housing that presents an inlet to the area from which smoke and steam is to be removed. An air pump such as an impeller is used to create a suction into the inlet, which draws steam and smoke into the inlet.

[5] Such range hood arrangements typically also include a filter element that is received within the body of the range hood arrangement. When the steam and smoke is drawn through the filter element, particular matter is removed from the air flow.

[6] Commercial range hood arrangements typically use electrostatic filters which are convenient in that they can be washed and reused. Most such electrostatic filters are either housed in a separate filter housing in the ceiling, or within the range hood itself. However, in order to wash the electrostatic filters, the filter elements are required to be removed from their housing, which may be inconvenient fo access.

[7] [8] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred fo herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention [9] it is an object of the present invention to provide a range hood arrangement which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

[10] According to a first aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a range hood arrangement for drawing an airflow from above a cooking area, the range hood arrangement comprising: 3 2016222373 31 Aug 2016 a. a housing comprising a surrounding portion configured for surrounding at least part of the periphery of a volume above a cooking area; b. the housing at least partially defining a passage for guiding air from the volume above a cooking area to a filter element; c. the housing being configured for mounting a filter element to extend upwardly of the surrounding portion in operation; and d. wherein the housing comprises an access hatch configured for facilitating access to the filter element from underneath the filter element.

[11] In one embodiment, the access hatch is configured for facilitating access to the filter element from within the surrounding portion.

[12] In one embodiment, the surrounding portion is configured for surrounding a surrounded zone, and the access hatch is configured for facilitating access to the filter element from the surrounded zone.

[13] In one embodiment, the access hatch is configured for allowing access to the filter element from the cooking area.

[14] In one embodiment, the access hatch is configured for allowing access to the filter element through the range hood.

[15] in one embodiment, the range hood arrangement comprises a plenum chamber configured for guiding air from the volume above a cooking area to the mounted filter element.

[16] In one embodiment, the housing comprises a filter housing for at least partially housing the filter element.

[17] In one embodiment, the filter housing extends upwardly of the surrounding portion.

[18] In one embodiment, the access hatch comprises a closure arrangement for closing access to the filter element.

[19] In one embodiment, the closure arrangement comprises a closure member and a pivoting arrangement.

[20] in one embodiment, the closure member is movable between an open position in which the filter element is able to be inserted or removed through the access hatch; and a closed position in which access through the access hatch is restricted. 4 2016222373 31 Aug 2016 [21] in one embodiment, the closure member comprises a catch for holding it in a dosed position.

[22] in one embodiment, the closure member is biased to one selected from its open position and its closed position.

[23] In one embodiment, the closure member is spring-loaded.

[24] In one embodiment, the range hood arrangement comprises a filter engaging arrangement configured for engaging with and holding the filter element.

[25] In one embodiment, the filter engaging arrangement is movable between an engaging condition in which it engages with the filter element and holds it in position in the airflow, and a release condition in which the filter element is removable.

[26] In one embodiment, the filter engaging arrangement is movable between an engaging condition in which it engages with the filter element and holds it in position in the airflow, and a release condition in which the filter element is removable via the access hatch.

[27] In one embodiment, the pivoting arrangement is one or more selected from a hinge and a flap.

[23] In one embodiment, the range hood arrangement comprises an air moving arrangement configured for moving air from the volume above a cooking area through the passage.

[29] In one embodiment, the filter element is one or more selected from a. an electrostatic filter element; b. a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter; c. a replaceable filter; d. a carbon filter; e. a bag filter.

[30] In one embodiment, the housing comprises a lighting arrangement configured for lighting the cooking area.

[31] In one embodiment, the range hood comprises a filter element.

[32] In a further aspect, the invention may be said to consist in a range hood arrangement for drawing an airflow from above a cooking area , the range hood arrangement comprising: 5 2016222373 31 Aug 2016 a. a. housing comprising a surrounding portion configured for surrounding at least part of the periphery of a volume above a cooking area; b. the housing at least partially defining a passage for ducting air from the volume above a cooking area to a filter element; c. the housing being configured for mounting a filter element to extend upwardly of the surrounding portion in operation, d. wherein the housing comprises an access hatch configured for facilitating access to the filter element from within the area surrounded by the surrounding portion, [33] In a further aspect, the invention may be said to consist in a range hood arrangement for drawing an airflow from above a cooking area , the range hood arrangement comprising; a. a housing comprising a surrounding portion configured for at least partially surrounding a surrounded zone, the surrounded zone including at least part of the periphery of a volume above a cooking area; b. the housing at least partially defining a passage for ducting air from the volume above a cooking area to a filter element; c. the housing being configured for mounting a filter element to extend upwardly of the surrounding portion in operation. d. wherein the housing comprises an access hatch configured for facilitating access to the filter element from the surrounded zone.

[34] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations ot any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[35] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting, [36] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. 6 2016222373 31 Aug 2016

Brief Description of the Drawings [37] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fail within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [38] Figure 1: shows a schematic cutaway side view of a range hood above a cooking area; [39] Figure 2: shows a schematic cutaway side view of a range hood; and [40] Figure 3: shows a front perspective view of a range hood.

Description of Embodiments [41] With reference to the above drawings, in which similar features are generally indicated by similar numerals, a range hood arrangement according to a first aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 1000.

[42] in one embodiment now described, there is provided a range hood arrangement 1000 for ducting or guiding an airflow (shown as arrow A in figure 2) from above a cooking area 3000. The range hood arrangement 1000 comprises a housing 1100. The housing 1100 includes a surrounding portion 1200 that is configured for surrounding at least part of the periphery of a volume above the cooking area 3000, and preferably surrounds the entire periphery by being configured in a skirt formation. The area surrounded by the surrounding portion is the surrounded zone.

[43] The housing 1100 a!so defines a passage 1600 for ducting the airflow A from the volume above a cooking area 3000 to a filter element 5000. As may be seen in figure 1, the passage 1600 is defined partially by the surrounding portion 1200, and partially by a plenum chamber 1300, which serves to guide the airflow A from the surrounding portion or skirt formation to the filter element 5000. At a position close to the volume above the cooking area 3000, a filter 1210 is located in the passage 1600 for initially removing larger particles from the airflow A.

[44] The housing 1100 is configured for mounting preferably an electrostatic filter element to extend upwardly of the surrounding portion in operation. The top of the surrounding portion is preferably substantially planar and is typicaliy locatable up against a ceiling 3200 in operation, with the filter element extending upwardly of the surrounding portion 1200 into the ceiling 3200. However, it will be appreciated that a ceiling 3200 may not always be present. 7 2016222373 31 Aug 2016 [45] The housing 1100 further comprises a filter housing 1400 for housing the filter element 5000. The filter housing 1400 extends above the surrounding portion 1200. The plenum chamber 1300 extends from a passage or aperture in the surrounding portion 1200 to the filter housing 1400, to allow the airflow A to be guided into and through the filter element 5000 in a. substantially horizontal direction, where it is guided onward by downstream ducts 4000.

[46] In alternative embodiments, it is envisaged that a filter housing 1400 is not a necessity for operation of the range hood 1000. It is envisaged that the filter element 5000 itself may operate to contain the airflow A while filtering it. It is envisaged that the housing 1100 can merely comprise mounting formations for mounting the filter element 5000 in position.

[47] The housing 1100 further allows for access to the internal cavity 1410 of the filter housing 1400, and the filter element 5000 via an access hatch 1500 located underneath the filter element and preferably centrally of the surrounding portion 1200. The access hatch 1500 is configured for accessing the filter element 5000 from underneath the filter element and preferably within the area surrounded by the surrounding portion or surrounded zone, and preferably from the cooking area. The access hatch 1500 is covered by a closure arrangement 1510. The closure arrangement 1510 comprises a closure member 1530 that is pivotally movable on a pivoting arrangement such as a flap or a hinge 1512, between an open position in which the filter element 5000 is able to be inserted or removed through the access hatch 1500; and a closed position in which access through the access hatch 1500 is restricted. Movement of the closure member 1530 is shown in figure 1 as arrow B. In alternative embodiments (not shown), it is envisaged that the closure member need not necessarily be pivotally connected to the surrounding portion 1200, and instead could be completely removable. The closure member 1530 preferably also includes a handle 1520 by which it can be manually manipulated between its open position and its closed position, and a catch by which it can be held in a closed position. It is also envisaged that in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the closure member 1530 could be biased to its open position or its closed position by a biasing arrangement such as a spring or elastic member.

[48] In this way, the filter element 5000 can be accessed via the access hatch 1500 from the cooking area 3000 and/or surrounded zone.

[49] Preferably the range hood arrangement 1000 also includes a filter engaging arrangement (not shown) that is configured for engaging with and holding the filter 8 2016222373 31 Aug 2016 element 5000 in position inside the interna! cavity 1410 of the filter housing 1400. Such a filter engaging arrangement could include fasteners such as screws. It is envisaged that the filter engaging arrangement will be movable between an engaging condition in which it engages with the filter element 5000 and holds it in position in the airflow A, and a release condition in which the filter element 5000 is removable through the access hatch 1500.

[50] From the filter housing 1400, the airflow A will be ducted along downstream ducts 4000, and preferably into the environment outside of the building (not shown) that the cooking area 3000 is in. The airflow A is preferably driven by an air moving arrangement 6000 such as a fan, turbine, air pump, impeller or the like. In alternative embodiments it is envisaged that the range hood arrangement 1000 can include an air moving arrangement for moving air from the volume above the cooking area 3000 through the passage 1600. The air moving arrangement can be housed internally within the housing or mounted externally, for example to the filter housing 1400.

[51] The filter element 5000 need not necessarily be and electrostatic filter unit, but could be a high efficiency particulate air (HERA) filter, a replaceable filter, or any other suitable filtering arrangement. It is further envisaged that the range hood arrangement 1000 could also include a lighting arrangement (not shown) configured for lighting the cooking area.

[52] in use, when the filter element 5000 needs to be replaced or cleaned, the catch will be unlocked to allow movement of the closure member 1532 its open position. The filter engaging arrangement will then be moved to its release condition, allowing the filter element 5000 to be conveniently removed through the access hatch 1500, without having to access the filter housing 1400 via the ceiling 3200.

Markush Groups [53] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Embodiments: [54] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an 9 2016222373 31 Aug 2016 embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[55] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[56] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different instances of Objects [57] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details [58] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details, in other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. 10 2016222373 31 Aug 2016

Terminology [59] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to 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 technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly”, "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[60] For the purposes of this specification, the term “plastic” shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.

[61 ] As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

[62] As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Comprising and Including [63] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[64] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the eiements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention [65] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fail within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among 2016222373 31 Aug 2016 11 functional biocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[66] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability [67] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the food preparation and maintenance industries.

Claims (22)

1. Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows: 1) A range hood arrangement for drawing an airflow from above a cooking area , the range hood arrangement comprising: a) a housing comprising a surrounding portion configured for surrounding at least part of the periphery of a volume above a cooking area; b) the housing at least partially defining a passage for ducting air from the volume above a cooking area to a filter element; c) the housing being configured for mounting a filter element to extend upwardly of the surrounding portion in operation, d) wherein the housing comprises an access hatch configured for facilitating access to the filter element from underneath the filter element.
2. 2) A range hood arrangement as claimed in claim 1), wherein the access hatch is configured for facilitating access to the filter element from within the surrounding portion.
3. 3) A range hood arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1) to 2), wherein the surrounding portion is configured for surrounding a surrounded zone, and the access hatch is configured for facilitating access to the filter element from the surrounded zone.
4. 4) A range hood arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1) to 3), wherein the access hatch is configured for allowing access to the filter element from the cooking area.
5. 5} A range hood arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1) to 4), wherein the access hatch is configured for allowing access to the filter element through the range hood.
6. 6) A range hood arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1) to 5), wherein the range hood comprises a plenum chamber configured for ducting air from the volume above a cooking area to the mounted filter element.
7. 7) A range hood arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1) to 6), wherein the housing comprises a filter housing for at least partially housing the filter element.
8. 8) A range hood arrangement as claimed in claim 7), wherein the filter housing extends upwardly of the surrounding portion.
9. 9} A range hood arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1) to 8), wherein the access hatch comprises a closure arrangement for closing access to the filter element.
10. 10) A range hood arrangement as claimed in claim 9), wherein the closure arrangement comprises a closure member and a pivoting arrangement,
11. 11) A range hood arrangement as claimed in claim 10), wherein the closure member is movable between an open position in which the filter element is able to be inserted or removed through the access hatch; and a closed position in which access through the access hatch is restricted.
12. 12) A range hood arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 10) to 11) , wherein the closure member comprises a catch for holding it in a closed position.
13. 13) A range hood arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 10) to 12), wherein the closure member biased to one selected from its open position and its dosed position.
14. 14) A range hood arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 10) to 13), wherein the closure member is spring-loaded.
15. 15) A range hood arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1) to 14), wherein the range hood arrangement comprises a filter engaging arrangement configured for engaging with and holding the filter element.
16. 16) A range hood arrangement as claimed in claim 15), wherein the filter engaging arrangement is movable between an engaging condition in which it engages with the filter element and holds it in position in the airflow, and a release condition in which the filter element is removable.
17. 17) A range hood arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 15) to 16), wherein the filter engaging arrangement is movable between an engaging condition in which it engages with the filter element and holds it in position in the airflow, and a release condition in which the filter element is removable via the access hatch.
18. 18) A range hood arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1) to 17)Error! Reference source not found., wherein the range hood arrangement comprises an air moving arrangement configured for moving air from the volume above a cooking area through the passage.
19. 19) A range hood arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1) to 18), wherein the range hood comprises a filter element.
20. 20) A range hood arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1) to 19), wherein the filter element Is one or more selected from: a) an electrostatic filter element; b) a high efficiency particulate air (HERA) filter; c) a replaceable filter; d) a carbon filter; and e) a bag filter.
21. 21) A range hood arrangement for drawing an airflow from above a cooking area , the range hood arrangement comprising: a) a housing comprising a surrounding portion configured for surrounding at least part of the periphery of a volume above a cooking area; b) the housing at least partially defining a passage for ducting air from the volume above a cooking area to a filter element; c) the housing being configured for mounting a filter element to extend upwardly of the surrounding portion in operation; and d) wherein the housing comprises an access hatch configured for facilitating access to the filter element from within the area surrounded by the surrounding portion.
22. 22) A range hood arrangement for drawing an airflow from above a cooking area , the range hood arrangement comprising: a) a housing comprising a surrounding portion configured for at least partially surrounding a surrounded zone, the surrounded zone including at least part of the periphery of a volume above a cooking area; b) the housing at least partially defining a passage for ducting air from the volume above a cooking area to a filter element; c) the housing being configured for mounting a filter element to extend upwardly of the surrounding portion in operation; and d) wherein the housing comprises an access hatch configured for facilitating access to the filter element from the surrounded zone.