Kitchen exhaust hood assembly having components secured together by threaded studs

Abstract

A kitchen exhaust hood assembly comprises a front subassembly and a rear subassembly connected together. The connected subassemblies including a top portion and opposed side surfaces. A pair of side panels is connected to opposed sides of the front and rear subassemblies. A series of threaded studs welded to either the front or rear subassemblies or to the side panels project into and through openings formed through either the front or rear subassemblies or the side panels such that the side panels are secured to the front and rear subassemblies secured to the threaded studs.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to commercial kitchen exhaust hoods and the construction thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Kitchen exhaust hoods are utilized to exhaust air including smoke and grease from a kitchen area. In restaurant environments, kitchen exhaust hoods are of a commercial quality and are designed to handle substantial volumes of air. Generally a kitchen exhaust hood would include a top, a surrounding sidewall structure and an open bottom. Formed inside the kitchen exhaust hood is a grease containment area, which ordinarily will include a filter for filtering the exhaust air as it passes through the grease confinement area. Of course, the top of the hood is at least partially open and connects to a duct. An exhaust fan is typically provided in the duct or outside of the structure for inducing air from the kitchen, through the exhaust hood and into the duct.

Kitchen exhaust hoods are typically constructed of stainless steel. They include a series of subassemblies that are generally welded or fastened by other conventional means. Exhaust hood assemblies are often expensive because of the labor requirements to manufacture them and because of the cost of materials.

It is also desirable that exhaust hood designs be clean and smooth, especially from the exterior. In the past, many construction techniques utilized in fabricating exhaust hoods have involved procedures where weld seams are visible about the exterior surfaces of the hood. This detracts from the overall appearance and perhaps the marketability of exhaust hoods.

Therefore, there has been and continues to be a need for an exhaust hood design that facilitates an efficient fabrication and which, at the same time, yields a pleasing appearance that from the exterior, at least, is free of many weldment seams.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a kitchen exhaust assembly having front and rear subassemblies. Rear subassembly is secured to the front subassembly and together the subassemblies include a top portion and opposed side surfaces. A pair of side panels is adapted to be connected to the front and rear subassemblies. To secure the side panels to the front and rear subassemblies, there is provided a series of threaded studs welded to either the front and rear subassemblies or to the side panels and projecting therefrom into and through openings formed in either the front and rear subassemblies or the side panels. To secure the side panels to the front and rear subassemblies, fasteners are provided that thread onto the threaded studs.

Further the present invention entails a method of fabricating a kitchen exhaust hood. This method entails forming front and rear subassemblies and securing the front and rear subassemblies together. A pair of side panels is adapted to be secured to the front and rear subassemblies. To secure the side panels to the front and rear subassemblies, the method entails securing a series of threaded studs by weldment to either the front or rear subassemblies or to the side panels and projecting the threaded studs therefrom into and through openings formed in either the front or rear subassemblies or the side panels. The method further includes securing fasteners to the threaded studs so as to retain the side panels about the exhaust hood assembly.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust hood assembly includes a sealed grease containment area. This sealed grease containment area is formed in part by a subassembly that is designed to receive and hold a filter through which air is exhausted in the course of air passing through the exhaust hood.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and obvious from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings, which are merely illustrative of such invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the kitchen exhaust hood of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the front and rear subassemblies of the exhaust hood and illustrating how one side panel attaches to the front and rear subassemblies.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the rear subassembly.

FIG. 3A is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating a side panel being secured to the hood assembly.

FIG. 3B is a fragmentary perspective view, similar to FIG. 3A, but showing a side panel secured to the hood assembly.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken through the line 4-4 of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration showing the hood assembly of the present invention secured in a kitchen area.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

With further reference to the drawings, the kitchen hoods assembly of the present invention is shown therein and indicated generally by the numeral 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, kitchen hood assembly 10 comprises a number of subassemblies including a first subassembly indicated generally by the numeral 12 and a second subassembly indicated generally by the numeral 14. For purposes of reference, the first subassembly 12 is referred to as a front subassembly while the second subassembly 14 is referred to as a rear subassembly. Sometimes the front and rear subassemblies 12 and 14 are together referred as an inner frame structure.

Turning first to the front subassembly 12, it comprises a center panel 16. Center panel 16, in one embodiment, is stamped or otherwise bent such that it includes a number of surfaces that lie at angles with respect to adjacent surfaces. Note, for example, that the lower portion of the center panel 16, as shown in FIG. 2, assumes a generally V-shape. Further, an end portion of the center panel is bent or angled such that it forms a top portion 16A of the hood assembly 10. FIG. 4 shows a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the top of the hood assembly. Note in FIG. 4 where the top portion 16A includes an end flange 18. In particular, the end flange 18 comprises an angled strip or a half T that extends up.

Front subassembly 12 includes side surfaces disposed on each side thereof that, as will be discussed later, lie generally adjacent side panels to be discussed subsequently herein. In any event, in FIG. 2, the side surfaces of the front subassembly 12 include a pair of plates 20. Plates 20 are secured and sealed to the center panel 16 by weldment. Note that each plate 20 assumes an irregular shape and projects outwardly or forwardly from panel 16. A series of openings 22 are formed in each plate, and as will be explained later, these openings serve to receive threaded studs that are welded to the side panels, which again, will be subsequently described herein.

Turning to rear subassembly 14, this subassembly includes a center panel 24. Center panel 24 is also irregularly shaped and extends upwardly along the back of the rear subassembly 14 and turns to where a portion of the center panel forms a top portion 24A of the hood assembly. Rear subassembly 14 is reinforced by a series of laterally spaced ribs or reinforcing members 26. See FIG. 2A. A cross bar 28 extends across the upper back portion of the subassembly such that upper portions of the ribs 26 lie between the cross bar 28 and the center panel 24.

Like front subassembly 12, rear subassembly 14 includes side surfaces. In this case the side surfaces comprise opposed plates 30. Each plate 30 in this design assumes a generally triangular configuration. Formed around a portion of the border of the plates 30 is a series of openings 32 which, like the openings 22 in the plates 20, serves to receive threaded studs that are welded, in this design, to the side panels.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, rear subassembly 14 includes a grease confinement area that is indicated generally by the numeral 40. Grease confinement area 40 is formed by transverse bottom panel 42 and a like upper panel 44. Panels 42 and 44 are vertically spaced apart and define an opening therebetween. Grease confinement area 40 is designed to receive a filter 46, which fits across the opening defined by panels 42 and 44. Bottom panel 42 and center panel 24 define a transverse trough in the lower rear corner of the hood assembly 10. As with conventional hoods, grease accumulates in the trough and is expelled through the trough through a dispensing tube 48 that includes an outlet that terminates over a grease cup 50. See FIGS. 1 and 5.

To secure the front and rear subassemblies 12 and 14 together, there is provided a pair of side members 60. Side members 60, in this embodiment, are in the form of a pair of generally L-shaped or angled rails. Both horizontal and vertical portions of the respective rails include a series of openings 62. The assembly formed by securing the front and rear assemblies 12 and 14 together further include an intermediate top panel 64 as shown in FIG. 2. Note that intermediate top panel 64 is disposed between top portions 16A associated with the front subassembly 12 and top panel or top portion 24A associated with rear subassembly 14. In any event, the side members 60 are secured to the top portions or panels 16A, 64 and 24A. Consequently, side members 60 serve to interconnect or secure together the front and rear subassemblies 12 and 14. In this particular case, there is provided a series of threaded studs 68 that are welded to the outer edges of the panel 16A, 64 and 24A. These three studs 68 project upwardly therefrom through openings within the horizontal portion or lower portion of the L-shaped side members 60. See FIG. 4. A securing nut 70 is threaded onto each threaded stud 68 so as to secure the side members or side rails 60 to the front and rear subassemblies 12 and 14 as well as to the intermediate panel 64.

Intermediate panel 64 includes a flange 66, as shown in FIG. 4. Flange 66 is similar to flange 18 associated with the top portion 16A. Flanges 18 and 66 are disposed in back to back relationship. Flanges 18 and 66 are secured or retained together by a retainer 72. Note that retainer 72 assumes a generally C-shape and can be threaded from one end over the upper portions of the flanges 18 and 66. Although the drawings in FIG. 4 schematically show a loose connection, the retainer 72 can fit tightly around the flanges 18 and 66 so as to secure them together.

As seen in FIG. 2, there is formed an opening that is indicated generally by the numeral 80. Opening 80 lies generally between the plates 20 and 32 of the first and second subassemblies 12 and 14. To cover this area of the hood assembly, there is provided a pair of side panels 82. One side panel 82 is designed to fit adjacent one side of the connected subassemblies of FIG. 2, while another side panel 82 is designed to fit adjacent the other side. In this case, each side panel 82 includes an innerface and projecting inwardly from the innerface is a series of threaded studs 84. Threaded studs 84 are welded to perimeter portions of each side panel 82. Threaded studs 84 are particularly spaced so as to align with openings in the side members 60 and the respective plates 20 and 32 discussed above. Once the threaded studs 84 are projected through the openings 62 and 22 of the side member 60 and plates 20 and 32, a series of nuts 86 are secured onto the threaded studs so as to securely fasten the two side panels 82 to the hood assembly.

It is also advantageous to seal the hood assembly 10. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, a bead of caulk 98 is extended around the perimeter of the innerface of the respective side panels 82. Thus, when the side panels 82 are secured in place the bead of caulk 98 forms a generally airtight seal between the panels 82 and the plates 20 and 30.

In order to facilitate the passing of exhaust air through the exhaust hood 10, an exhaust opening 94 is cut into the top of the hood assembly 10. See FIG. 2. Opening 94 is communicatively connected to a duct 96 that would extend from the top portion of the hood assembly 10 to an exterior area of the building. See FIG. 5.

To provide a finished appearance to hood assembly 10, a front panel 90 is secured across the front of the front subassembly 12. Front panel 90 can be secured in various ways to the hood assembly, but in one embodiment the front panel 90 would be welded to the front subassembly 12.

In order to suspend the hood assembly 10 from a ceiling or other overhead support structures, the top portion of the hood assembly can be provided with a series of hanger clips 92 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5.

From the foregoing discussion, it is seen that the present invention entails a kitchen exhaust hood assembly that includes a number of subassemblies that are secured together through the use of threaded studs welded to components of the hood assembly and projecting therefrom through adjacent openings of other components. This technique or procedure for fabrication increases the efficiency of constructing and assembling the hood assembly, and provides a clean and smooth exterior surface for the hood assembly. Thus, weldment seams are minimized on the exterior of the hood assembly 10, giving rise to a pleasing, aesthetic appearance. In addition, the design provides for a sealed and airtight hood assembly including a sealed and generally airtight grease compartment. Various materials can be used for the hood assembly 10, but in one embodiment it is contemplated that the components and subassemblies would be constructed of stainless steel.

The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and the essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are therefore to be construed in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A kitchen exhaust hood assembly, comprising:

a. a front subassembly;

b. a rear subassembly;

c. the front and rear subassemblies being secured together and including a top portion and opposed side surfaces;

d. a pair of side panels adapted to be connected to the front and rear subassemblies;

e. a series of threaded studs welded to either the front or rear subassemblies or to the side panels and projecting therefrom into and through openings formed in either the front and rear subassemblies or the side panels; and

f. the side panels being secured to the front and rear subassemblies by fasteners secured to the threaded studs:

2. The kitchen exhaust hood of claim 1 including a caulk seam interposed between the front and rear subassemblies and the side panels.

3. The kitchen exhaust hood of claim 1 wherein the threaded studs are welded to the side panels and project therefrom.

4. The kitchen exhaust hood of claim 3 wherein the threaded studs extend generally normal with respect to the plane of the side panels.

5. The kitchen exhaust hood of claim 1 wherein the rear subassembly includes a grease containment area and wherein the grease containment area is sealed.

6. The exhaust hood of claim 1 wherein the side surfaces of the front and rear subassemblies includes side surfaces associated with both the front and the rear subassemblies.

7. The exhaust hood of claim 1 wherein the side surfaces of the front and rear subassemblies includes the openings through which the threaded studs project, and wherein the threaded studs project from the side panels.

8. The kitchen exhaust hood of claim 1 including a pair of side members that interconnect the front and rear subassemblies.

9. The kitchen exhaust hood of claim 8 wherein the side members include a pair of rails.

10. The kitchen exhaust hood of claim 8 including a series of generally vertically disposed threaded studs for securing the side members to the front and rear assemblies.

11. The kitchen exhaust hood of claim 1 wherein the rear assembly includes a sealed grease compartment.

12. The kitchen exhaust hood of claim 1 including a front panel extending across the front of the front subassembly.

13. The kitchen exhaust hood of claim 1 wherein the front and rear subassemblies each include a top panel and wherein each top panel includes a flange associated therewith, and wherein when the front and rear subassemblies are secured together the respective flanges lie adjacent each other; and a retainer for holding the flanges.

14. The kitchen exhaust hood of claim 13 wherein each flange includes an elongated angle strip and wherein the angle strips of the two flanges lie back to back.

15. The kitchen exhaust hood of claim 14 wherein the retainer extends around portions of the angle strips.

16. The kitchen exhaust hood of claim 1 wherein the rear subassembly includes a back wall and wherein the back wall is reinforced by a series of spaced apart ribs.

17. The kitchen exhaust hood assembly of claim 1 wherein the side surfaces comprise at least two side panels disposed on each side of the front and rear subassemblies and wherein there is formed a side opening between the two side plates on each side of the front and rear subassemblies.

18. The kitchen exhaust hood assembly of claim 17 wherein the side panels are secured flush against the two side plates disposed on each side of the front and rear subassemblies.

19. A method of fabricating a kitchen hood assembly comprising:

a. connecting front and rear subassemblies;

b. securing a pair of side panels to the front and rear subassemblies;

c. wherein connecting the side panels to the front and rear subassemblies includes welding to either the front or rear subassemblies or to the side panels a series of threaded studs and projecting the threaded studs into and through openings formed in either the front or rear subassemblies or the side panels; and

d. securing fasteners to the studs so as to secure the side panels.

20. The method of claim 19 including placing a caulk seam between the side panels and the front and rear subassemblies.

21. The method of claim 19 including sealing innerfaces between the side panels and the front and rear subassemblies.

22. The method of claim 19 including welding the studs to the side panels such that the threaded studs project from the side panels.

23. The method of claim 19 including forming a grease compartment in the hood assembly and generally sealing areas of the grease compartment where components of the hood assembly innerface.

24. The method of claim 19 including securing the front and rear subassemblies together by securing a pair of side members to both the front and rear subassemblies.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the side members include a pair of side rails.

26. The method of claim 24 including projecting the threaded studs through openings formed in the side members for the purpose of at least partially securing the front and rear subassemblies to the side members.

27. The method of claim 19 including forming the rear subassemblies such that the same includes a central panel that includes a plurality of surfaces that extend at angles with respect to adjacent surfaces; and reinforcing the rear subassembly by securing spaced apart ribs adjacent the center panel.

28. A method of fabricating a kitchen hood assembly comprising: securing a series of components together to form a kitchen hood assembly having a surrounding sidewall structure, a top and an open bottom; welding a series of threaded studs to various components of the hood assembly and projecting the threaded studs through openings formed in other components of the hood assembly; and securing various components together by securing fasteners to the threaded studs wherein components of the hood assembly are secured together by the welded threaded studs projecting through various openings.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein the hood assembly includes a pair of side panels with each side panel having an inner surface having a series of the threaded studs welded about an innerface thereof and projecting inwardly therefrom through openings formed in other components such that the side panels can be secured in part, at least, by the threaded studs projecting therefrom.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein the hood assembly further includes an inner frame structure onto which the side panels are secured and wherein the inner frame structure includes a series of openings through which the threaded studs project, and wherein there is provided a series of threaded nuts that are secured to the threaded studs for securing the side panels to the inner frame structure.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein the inner frame structure includes front and rear subassemblies.

32. The method of claim 31 including securing a pair of rails to the front and rear subassemblies that at least partially connect the front and rear subassemblies together.