VENTILATING RANGE HOOD

Abstract

A ventilating range hood having an interior transverse wall spanning between the side walls of the hood. The transverse wall separates the range hood into a rear chamber and a forward chamber. The transverse wall includes an aperture for allowing communication between the forward and rear chambers and a closure member for selectively opening and closing the aperture. A plate is removably connected to the back wall for covering the rear exhaust opening. In a recirculation only mode, the rear exhaust opening is covered by the removable plate and the closure member is opened so that air drawn into the rear chamber through the air intake flows through the aperture and out the top exhaust opening.

Description

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments herein generally relate to a ventilating device for placement over a source of heat and, more particularly, to a ventilating hood for cooking areas to exhaust heat, smoke and other related cooking odors.

It is known to provide a ventilating range hood over the kitchen stove to remove heat, smoke and other related cooking orders produced during cooking. Typically, the ventilating range hood will have an intake opening in a bottom wall and a fan or blower assembly for drawing heated air and smoke into the intake opening. In exhausting the heated air and smoke from the range hood, an exhaust path is provided through a top wall of the range hood by attaching a large cylindrical duct to the hood and extending ductwork upwardly through the building structure to the outside. However, it is oftentimes the case that the structural arrangement of the building or residence does not permit an exhaust duct to be extended through the space above. In that instance, it becomes necessary to provide alternate exhaust paths for the range hood. One alternative is to provide a rearwardly directed exhaust path through a back wall of the range hood by providing an opening in the back wall of the range hood to which a vent duct can be affixed. Another alternative is to provide a forwardly directed exhaust path through a front wall of the range hood.

As each of the different alternative exhaust paths are often encountered, manufacturers often provide a separate model adapted for use in a particular exhaust path mode. The result of having a number of different range hood models is that inventory control is made more difficult and the costs associated with numerous models is prohibitive. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a ventilating range hood having a number of selectable exhaust paths.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one aspect, a ventilating range hood comprises a top wall having a top exhaust opening, a back wall including a rear exhaust opening, a bottom wall having an air intake leading to an interior of the range hood, a pair of side walls interconnecting the top and bottom wall and connected to the back wall, and an interior transverse wall spanning between the side walls. The transverse wall is configured to provide strength and rigidity to the range hood and to separate the range hood into a rear chamber which is in direct communication with the air intake and rear exhaust opening and a forward chamber which is in direct communication with the top exhaust opening. The transverse wall includes an aperture for allowing communication between the forward and rear chambers. The transverse wall further includes a closure member provided in the aperture for selectively opening and closing the aperture. A plate is removably connected to the back wall for completely covering the rear exhaust opening. When the range hood is configured in a recirculation only mode, the rear exhaust opening is covered by the removable plate and the closure member is opened so that air drawn into the rear chamber through the air intake flows through the aperture and out the top exhaust opening. When the range hood is configured in a rear ducted only mode, the plate is removed from the back wall and the closure member blocks the aperture so that air drawn into the rear chamber through the air intake flows out the rear exhaust opening.

In accordance with another aspect, a ventilating range hood having a number of selectable exhaust paths comprises an enclosure member and a hood member separate from the enclosure member. The enclosure member includes a top wall, a back wall having a rear exhaust opening and a bottom wall having an air intake. The enclosure member defines a rear chamber. The hood member includes a sloping top wall having a top exhaust opening, a bottom wall and a transverse wall. The hood member defines a forward chamber. The transverse wall separates the forward chamber from the rear chamber. The transverse wall includes an aperture for communication between the forward and rear chambers and an integral closure member associated with the aperture for selectively opening and closing the aperture depending on an operational mode of the range hood. A pair of side walls interconnects the hood member and the enclosure member. A fan assembly is mounted in the rear chamber of the enclosure member and adapted to draw air into the rear chamber through the air intake. The fan assembly is aligned with both the aperture and rear exhaust opening. A knock-out plate is removably connected to the back wall of the enclosure member for completely covering the rear exhaust opening. An air baffle is positioned in the rear chamber and associated with the fan assembly. When the range hood is configured in a recirculation only mode, the rear exhaust opening is covered by the removable plate and the closure member is opened so that air drawn into the rear chamber through the air intake flows through the aperture into the forward chamber and out the top exhaust opening. When the range hood is configured in a rear ducted only mode, the plate is removed from the back wall and the closure member blocks the aperture so that air drawn into the rear chamber through the air intake flows out the rear exhaust opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ventilating range hood having a number of selectable exhaust paths according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the range hood of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, the range hood being configured in a recirculation only mode.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the range hood of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, the range hood being configured in a rear ducted only mode.

FIG. 4 is a partial bottom perspective view of the range hood of FIG. 1 in a recirculation only mode.

FIG. 5 is a partial bottom perspective view of the range hood of FIG. 1 in a rear ducted only mode.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the range hood of FIG. 1 in a recirculation only mode.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the range hood of FIG. 1 in a rear ducted only mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the present disclosure. It will also be appreciated that the various identified components of the exemplary ventilating range hood disclosed herein are merely terms of art that may vary from one manufacturer to another and should not be deemed to limit the present disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an exemplary ventilating range hood 100 according to the present disclosure. The range hood 100 generally comprises a top wall 110 having a horizontal section and a sloping section, a back wall 112, a bottom wall 114, a pair of side walls 116 and 118, and an interior transverse wall 120. The side walls interconnect the top wall and bottom wall and are connected to at least the back wall 112. The transverse wall 120 spans between the side walls 116, 118 and is substantially parallel to the back wall 112 and substantially perpendicular to the side walls 116, 118. More particularly, the exemplary range hood 100 is defined by an enclosure member 130 and a hood member 132 which is separate from the enclosure member. The enclosure member 130 includes the top wall 110, the back wall 112 and a bottom wall. The enclosure member 130 defines a rear chamber 140. The hood member 132 includes a sloping top wall 150, a bottom wall 152, and the transverse wall 120. The transverse wall is configured to provide strength and rigidity to the range hood 100. The top wall 150 at least partially defines a front wall of the range hood 100, and an end portion of the top wall 150 is connected to an end portion of the top wall 110 to define a seam line 156 therebetween. The hood member 132 defines a forward chamber 142. In the depicted embodiment, the transverse wall 120 spans between the top wall 150 and the bottom wall 152, the transverse wall separating the rear chamber 140 from the forward chamber 142.

The range hood 100 is configured to have a number of selectable exhaust paths which, in turn, requires a number of selectable exhaust openings. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the range hood 100 has a rear exhaust opening 160 provided in the back wall 112, a first top exhaust opening 162 provided in the top wall 150 of the hood member 132, and a second top exhaust opening 164 provided in the top wall 110 of the enclosure member 130. Each of the rear exhaust opening 160 and the second top exhaust 164 opening is rectangular shaped; although, this is not required. The first top exhaust opening 162 is defined by a pair of elongated slots that span between the side walls 116, 118 adjacent the seam line 156. However, it should be also appreciated that alternative shapes for the first top exhaust opening 162 are contemplated and that the first top exhaust opening can be located at various positions on the top wall 150.

The bottom wall 114 of the range hood 100, and particularly the bottom wall of the enclosure member 130, has an air intake 170 which leads to an interior of the rear chamber 140 of the range hood 100. As indicated above, the transverse wall 120 separates the range hood into the rear chamber 140 which is in direct communication with the air intake 170, the rear exhaust opening 160 and the second top exhaust opening 164 and the forward chamber 142 which is in direct communication with the first top exhaust opening 162. To this end, the transverse wall 120 includes a cutout or aperture 176 for allowing communication between the rear chamber 140 and forward chamber 142. The aperture 176 is sized to allow maximum airflow from the air inlet 170 into the forward chamber 142, and in the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 176 is rectangular shaped; although, this is not required. A closure member 178 is provided in the aperture 176 for selectively opening and closing the aperture depending on the operational mode of the range hood 100. In addition to the closure member 178, a first plate 180 (i.e., a first knock-out plate) is removably connected to the back wall 112 for completely covering the rear exhaust opening 160. A second plate 182 (i.e., a second knock-out plate) is removably connected to the top wall 110 for completely covering the second exhaust opening 164. The removable plates 180, 182 can be connected via conventional manners, the only requirement being that the selected first or second plate is completely removed in a ducted only operation mode of the range hood 100.

With particular reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the closure member 178 is integrally formed with the transverse wall 120, and as such, is not removable from the transverse wall 120 regardless of the operational mode of the range hood 100. The closure member 178 is shaped to match the shape of the aperture 176 such that the closure member when positioned in the aperture 176 is coplanar with the transverse wall 120. As shown, the closure member 176 is rectangular shaped having side edges 184, 186, a top edge 188 and a bottom edge 190. The side edges 184, 186 and top edge 188 are separated from the transverse wall 120. The bottom edge 190 is connected to the transverse wall 120 via integral hinges 192 which allow the closure member 178 to bend relative to the transverse wall.

The range hood 100 further includes a fan assembly 196 mounted in the rear chamber 140 and adapted to draw air into the rear chamber 140 through the air intake 170. The fan assembly 196 is both vertically and horizontally aligned with both the rear exhaust opening 160 and the aperture 176. This allows air that is being drawn into the range hood 100 to exit the rear chamber 140 in a more natural flow path without the air having to be redirected by the top wall 110. In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the fan assembly 196 is a squirrel-cage type fan having a fan or blower wheel 198 located near the air inlet 170 of the range hood 100; although, it should be appreciated that other fan assemblies can be provided for the range hood 140. To aid in the mounting of the fan assembly 196, a fan assembly housing 200 is provided in the rear chamber 140 of the range hood 100.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fan assembly housing 200 includes a pair of side walls or vertical walls 202, 204 which engage the top wall 110 and span substantially perpendicularly between the transverse wall 120 and the back wall 112. A bottom wall 206 of the housing 200 interconnects the housing side walls 202, 204 and has an opening 210 which at least partially defines the air intake 170 of the range hood 100. To secure the fan assembly housing 200 within the rear chamber 140, outwardly extending mounting flanges are provided on the ends of the side walls 202, 204 (only mounting flanges 220, 222 which attach to the transverse wall 120 are illustrated). The mounting flanges can be connected to the back wall 112 and transverse wall 120 via conventional manners. For example, in the depicted embodiment, each mounting flange includes openings for receiving conventional fasteners, such as screws 224, which extend through the flange openings and threadingly engage one of the transverse wall 120 and the back wall 112. The fan assembly housing 200, when properly secured to the back wall 112 and transverse wall 120, provides additional strength and rigidity to the range hood 100.

The rear exhaust opening 160, second top exhaust opening 164, and aperture 176 are positioned between the housing side walls 202, 204 such that the rear exhaust opening, second top exhaust opening and aperture are in direct communication with an interior of the fan assembly housing 200. As stated above, the fan assembly 196 is positioned in the fan assembly housing 200. To this end, a mounting member 230 is connected to the housing 200 and is configured to engage the fan assembly 196 such that the mounting member 230 suspends the fan assembly 196 substantially centrally in the housing 200. In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the mounting member 230 extends between the side wall 202 of the housing 200 and a lower portion of the fan assembly 196. The mounting member 230 can include a pair of spaced apart arms 232, 234 having a space 236 therebetween through which the air being drawn into the rear chamber 140 can flow without being impeded by the mounting member 230. It should be appreciated that alternative configurations for the mounting member 230 are contemplated. As shown, the mounting member 230 is integrally formed with the side wall 202 of the fan assembly housing 200; although, this is not required.

With reference back to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fan assembly housing 200 further comprises an air baffle or shroud 250 positioned in the housing 200 and configured to direct air flow within the housing 200. The air baffle 250 is cylindrical shaped and surrounds the lower portion of the fan assembly 196. The air baffle 250 includes an annular wall 260 and an annular flange 262. The wall 260 is substantially concentric with the opening 210 provided on the bottom wall 206 of the housing 200. The flange 262 extends outwardly from a bottom end of the wall 260 away from the interior of the housing 200. The flange 262 can secured to the bottom wall 206 of the fan assembly housing 200. The air baffle 250 further includes a top surface 264 which is substantially co-planer with a lower inner edge 270 defining the rear exhaust opening 160 (see FIG. 3) and a lower inner edge 272 which defines the aperture 176 (see FIG. 2). This ensures that the wall 260 of the first air baffle 250 does not impede air flow through either the rear exhaust opening 160 or the aperture 176. With the configuration of the air baffle or shroud 250, and together with the fan assembly 196, a toroidal flow can be imparted to the air being drawn in the fan assembly housing 200 through the opening 210. As the air circulates within the housing 200, and with the top surface 264 of the air baffle 250 being substantially co-planer with the lower inner edges 270, 272 of the respective rear exhaust opening 160 and aperture 176, the circulating air will flow directly out of one of the rear exhaust opening 160 and aperture 176 depending on the operational mode of the range hood 100.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the range hood 100 further includes a frame member 290 positioned below the bottom wall 206 of the fan assembly housing 200. The frame member 290 is configured to mount an associated filter (not shown) over the opening 210 provided on the bottom wall 206 of the housing 200. To this end, the frame member 290 includes at least one attachment member 292 for securing the filter thereto. In the depicted embodiment, the attachment member 292 is secured to the frame member 290 and includes a pair of outwardly extending mounting tabs 294, 296. It should be appreciated that because the frame member 290 extends along an inner surface of the back wall 112, a portion of the side walls 116, 118, and the transverse wall 120, that multiple attachment members 192 can be used for securing the filter in the rear chamber 140 of the range hood 100.

With reference back to FIGS. 2 and 3, when the range hood 100 is configured in the recirculation only mode, the rear exhaust opening 160 is covered by the first removable plate 180 and the second top exhaust opening 164 is covered by the second removable plate 182. The closure member 176 is moved to an open position by bending the closure member about the hinges 192 at least 45 degrees away from the transverse wall. This allows communication between the rear chamber 140 and the forward chamber 142. Air drawn into the rear chamber 140 through the air inlet 170 flows through the aperture 176 into the forward chamber 142 and out the first top exhaust opening 162. When the range hood 100 is configured in a rear ducted only mode, the first plate 180 is removed from the back wall 112 to expose the rear exhaust opening 160. The closure member 178 is in a closed position to block the aperture 176. The second top exhaust opening 164 is covered by the second plate 182. In this rear ducted mode, air drawn into the rear chamber 140 is prevented from flowing into the forward chamber 142 by the closure member 178 and flows out the rear exhaust opening 160. When the range hood is configured in a top ducted only mode, the rear exhaust opening 160 is covered by the first plate 180 and the closure member 176 is in a closed position to block the aperture 176. The second plate 182 is removed from the top wall 110 to expose the second top exhaust opening 164. Air drawn into the rear chamber 140 through the air intake 170 flows out the second top exhaust opening 164.

As it relates to the rear ducted only mode and the top ducted only mode, removal of one of the respective knockout plate 180, 182 allows the exposed rear exhaust opening 160 or second top exhaust opening 164 to receive therein an airflow duct. It would be appreciated that the duct can be attached in a number of ways. For example, the duct can be press fit into the exhaust opening 160, 164 and a sealing compound applied there around. Alternatively, the duct can be routed to the top or back wall 110, 112 of the range hood 100 and a damper assembly (not shown) can be attached with screws to that wall 110, 112. The airflow duct is then attached to the damper assembly. It should also be appreciated that the first and second plates 180, 182 can be separate members secured to the back wall 112 and top wall 110 to completely cover the exhaust openings 160, 164 or can be knock-out plates formed in their respective enclosure walls 110, 112. The first and second plates 180, 182 can be affixed by fasteners or a tier strip seal, and in the ducted only mode, the first and second plates 180, 182 are to be removed and discarded. Further, the bottom wall 114 and transverse wall 120 can be configured to have associated electrical components mounted thereon. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bottom wall 114 can have an opening for mounting of a light 300 or other electrical component for the range hood 100. The electrical connections for the light and fan assembly 196 can be connected to an electrical junction box 302 mounted to the transverse wall 120.

As is evident from the foregoing, the ventilating range hood 100 is adapted to provide a number of selectable exhaust paths for air brought into the range hood from the ambient. The range hood 100 includes the enclosure member 130 having removable first and second plates 180, 182 which selectively cover the rear exhaust opening 160 and second top exhaust opening 164. The closure member 176 provided in the transverse wall 120 can be selectively opened and closed to allow air to be drawn into the hood member 132 and out of the first top exhaust opening 162. Therefore, with the present range hood 100, alternate exhaust paths can be provided depending on the structural arrangement of the building or residence.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. A ventilating range hood comprising:

a top wall having a top exhaust opening;

a back wall including a rear exhaust opening;

a bottom wall having an air intake leading to an interior of the range hood;

a pair of side walls interconnecting the top and bottom wall and connected to the back wall;

an interior transverse wall spanning between the side walls, the transverse wall configured to provide strength and rigidity to the range hood and to separate the range hood into a rear chamber which is in direct communication with the air intake and rear exhaust opening and a forward chamber which is in direct communication with the top exhaust opening, the transverse wall including an aperture for allowing communication between the forward and rear chambers and a closure member provided in the aperture for selectively opening and closing the aperture; and

a plate removably connected to the back wall for completely covering the rear exhaust opening,

wherein when the range hood is configured in a recirculation only mode, the rear exhaust opening is covered by the removable plate and the closure member is opened so that air drawn into the rear chamber through the air intake flows through the aperture and out the top exhaust opening, and

wherein when the range hood is configured in a rear ducted only mode, the plate is removed from the back wall and the closure member blocks the aperture so that air drawn into the rear chamber through the air intake flows out the rear exhaust opening.

2. The range hood of claim 1, further comprising a fan assembly mounted in the rear chamber and adapted to draw air into the rear chamber through the air intake, the fan assembly being aligned with both the aperture and rear exhaust opening, the fan assembly being maintained in the same orientation in the range hood in both the recirculation only mode and the ducted only mode.

3. The range hood of claim 2, further comprising a fan assembly housing provided in the rear chamber of the range hood, the housing including a pair of side walls spanning between the transverse wall and the back wall and a bottom wall interconnecting the housing side walls and having an opening which defines the air intake.

4. The range hood of claim 3, wherein the rear exhaust opening and aperture are positioned between the housing side walls such that the rear exhaust opening and aperture are in direct communication with an interior of the housing.

5. The range hood of claim 3, further comprising a mounting member connected to the housing and configured to engage the fan assembly, the mounting member suspending the fan assembly substantially centrally in the housing.

6. The range hood of claim 3, further comprising an air baffle positioned in the housing.

7. The range hood of claim 6, wherein the air baffle is cylindrical shaped and surrounds a lower portion of the fan assembly, the air baffle including a top surface substantially coplanar with a lower inner edge defining the aperture and a lower inner edge defining rear exhaust opening.

8. The range hood of claim of claim 3, further comprising a frame member positioned below the housing, the frame member configured to mount an associated filter over the opening of the bottom wall of the housing.

9. The range hood of claim 1, wherein the range hood is defined by an enclosure member and a separate hood member mounted to the enclosure member, the enclosure member including the back wall and a top wall, the hood member including the transverse wall which is generally parallel to the back wall and a sloping top wall connected to the top wall of the enclosure member, the hood member separately defining the forward chamber.

10. The range hood of claim 1, wherein the closure member is integrally formed with the transverse wall, the closure member being bendable away from the transverse wall to selectively open the aperture.

11. The range hood of claim 1, wherein the transverse wall is configured for mounting of associated electrical components of the range hood.

12. The range hood of claim 1, wherein a height from a lower edge of the back wall to a lower inner edge defining the rear exhaust opening is approximately equal to a height from a lower edge of the transverse wall to a lower inner edge defining the aperture.

13. The range hood of claim 1, wherein the top wall includes a second top exhaust opening which is in direct communication with the rear chamber, and further including a second plate removably connected to the top wall for completely covering the second top exhaust opening, wherein when the range hood is configured in a top ducted only mode, the second plate is removed from the top wall and the closure member blocks the aperture so that air drawn into the rear chamber through the air intake flows out the second top exhaust opening.

14. A ventilating range hood having a number of selectable exhaust paths comprising:

an enclosure member including a top wall, a back wall having a rear exhaust opening, and a bottom wall having an air intake, the enclosure member defining a rear chamber;

a hood member separate from the enclosure member and including a top wall having a top exhaust opening, a bottom wall and a transverse wall, the hood member defining a forward chamber, the transverse wall separating the forward chamber from the rear chamber, the transverse wall including an aperture for communication between the forward and rear chambers and an integral closure member associated with the aperture for selectively opening and closing the aperture depending on an operational mode of the range hood;

a pair of side walls interconnecting the hood member and the enclosure member;

a fan assembly mounted in the rear chamber of the enclosure member and adapted to draw air into the rear chamber through the air intake, the fan assembly being aligned with both the aperture and rear exhaust opening;

a knock-out plate removably connected to the back wall of the enclosure member for completely covering the rear exhaust opening; and

an air baffle positioned in the rear chamber and associated with the fan assembly,

wherein when the range hood is configured in a recirculation only mode, the rear exhaust opening is covered by the removable plate and the closure member is opened so that air drawn into the rear chamber through the air intake flows through the aperture into the forward chamber and out the top exhaust opening, and

wherein when the range hood is configured in a rear ducted only mode, the plate is removed from the back wall and the closure member blocks the aperture so that air drawn into the rear chamber through the air intake flows out the rear exhaust opening.

15. The range hood of claim 14, wherein the top wall of the enclosure member includes a second top exhaust opening, and further including a second knock-out plate removably connected to the top wall for completely covering the second top exhaust opening, wherein when the range hood is configured in a top ducted only mode, the rear exhaust opening is covered by the removable plate and the closure member blocks the aperture and the second plate is removed from the enclosure top wall so that air drawn into the rear chamber through the air intake flows out the second top exhaust opening.

16. The range hood of claim 14, wherein the enclosure member includes a fan assembly housing interposed between the side walls, vertical walls of the housing spanning between the back wall and the transverse wall of the hood member, a bottom wall of the housing including an opening which defines the air intake.

17. The range hood of claim 16, wherein the fan assembly is suspended substantially centrally in the housing via a mounting member, the mounting member being connected to the housing and configured to engage a lower portion of the fan assembly.

18. The range hood of claim 16, wherein the air baffle is positioned in the housing, the air baffle being cylindrical shaped and concentric with the housing opening, the air baffle surrounding a lower portion of the fan assembly, the air baffle together with the fan assembly imparting a toroidal flow to the air being drawn in the housing.

19. The range hood of claim 14, wherein the closure member is bendable to at least 45 degrees to open the aperture in the transverse wall.

20. The range hood of claim 14, wherein a height from a lower edge of the back wall to a lower inner edge defining the rear exhaust opening is approximately equal to a height from a lower edge of the transverse wall to a lower inner edge defining the aperture.