VENTILATION POT COVER

Abstract

A ventilation system is provided. The ventilation system includes a ventilation cover configured to be coupled to a kitchen range hood, the ventilation cover including a retractable tube, and a securing mechanism for coupling the retractable tube to the kitchen range hood, wherein the retractable tube includes a lower opening configured to be mounted to an upper surface of a piece of cookware when in an extended position, and wherein the retractable tube includes an upper opening.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a United States non-provisional application and claims no priority to any previous United States patent application.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

This invention relates to ventilation systems and, in particular, to ventilation systems for use in food preparation to cover all or part of a pot or pan.

BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Typical ventilation systems in kitchens are located above the cookware, with a significant gap between the top of the cookware and the ventilation system. This allows smoke, steam, grease, and splattering liquids to escape the cookware and/or spill out over the stove and/or kitchen. This creates both a mess that must be cleaned up, a fire and/or smoke hazard from the 20 escaping debris, or an unwanted smell circulating around living space due to the smoke.

For at least these reasons, a ventilation system is needed enabling the top of the cookware to come into contact with the ventilation system, helping prevent the negative aspects rampant with traditional ventilation systems.

Examples of related art are described below:

Chinese Patent Publication No. CN2326887Y generally describes an oil fume exhauster with a telescopic pipe barrel type exhausting cover, which can reduce the outward escape of oil fume gases and increase the oil fume gas exhausting efficiency of oil fume exhausters. The utility model is composed of an oil fume exhauster, a telescopic fume exhausting pipe barrel, a fuse collecting cover, lifting devices, and a connecting piece. The oil fume exhauster is connected with the telescopic fume exhausting pipe barrel through the connecting piece; the lower end of the telescopic fume exhausting pipe barrel is fixedly connected with the fume collecting cover; 2-4 lifting devices are installed on the periphery of the telescopic fume exhausting pipe barrel or in the fume exhausting pipe barrel; the lifting wire of each of the lifting device is connected with the fume collecting cover. The utility model has the advantages of simple structure, easy realization, favorable effect of oil fume gas exhaust, protection of the health of human bodies, and improvement of kitchen environments.

Chinese Patent Publication No. CN2438393Y generally describes a closed automatic stir-frying machine capable of completely exhausting cooking fumes out of door, which is applied to a traditional arc bottom or flat bottom stir-frying pan. An oil smoke exhausting device, a pan cover and a stir-frying pan are enclosed and connected as a whole, and an electric dish shovel is arranged in closed space in the three parts so as to drive the electric dish shovel to rotate through a governor motor. So the utility model is the closed automatic stir-frying machine which can cook dishes automatically and causes simultaneously oil smoke generated in the stir-frying pan to be complete exhausted out of door by the oil smoke exhausting device.

Chinese Patent Publication No. CN103982928A generally describes an electric lifting extractor hood which comprises a main housing, a fan system, a telescopic housing, a sleeve, an extractor hood cover, a mesh cap, a decorative housing and an electric lifting device, the fan system is mounted below a panel of the main housing; the telescopic housing externally sleeves the main housing; the sleeve is sleeved in the inside diameter of the main housing, and sleeves the fan system in the sleeve; the telescopic housing and the sleeve are fixedly connected with the extractor hood cover at the lower part, and the electric lifting device is arranged between the main housing and the telescopic housing. With the adoption of the structure, the extractor hood can increase the mounting height, when the extractor hood is used, a switch is pressed down, the telescopic housing and a the extractor hood cover body stretch out downward automatically, and the extractor hood cover can approach a hearth more, after the extractor hood is used, the switch can be pressed down again, and the telescopic housing and the extractor hood cover retract upward automatically; and in this way, a purpose of electric lifting is realized.

Chinese Patent Publication No. CN10601639313 generally describes an embeddable smart range hood and an oil fume extraction control method. The embeddable smart range hood comprises a panel, a smoke sensor, a controller, a motor, a wind wheel, a range hood shell, a condensation smoke guide plate, a hydraulic telescopic rod and retractable fan blades. The smoke sensor collects oil fume and smoke concentration information A and transmits the oil fume and smoke concentration information A to the controller. A liquid level sensor collects liquid height information of accumulated oil in an oil box and transmits the liquid height information to the controller. The motor is controlled by the controller to adjust the rotational speed of the wind wheel in real time. The hydraulic telescopic rod is controlled by the controller, so that the telescoping amount of the hydraulic telescopic rod is adjusted in real time, and the opening and closing degree of the retractable fan blades is adjusted. The range hood can sense the concentration of oil fume through the smoke sensor and absorbs oil fume by changing the position of the condensation smoke guide plate and the position of an air inlet through the hydraulic telescopic rod. The liquid level sensor is arranged on the oil box of the range hood. When the oil level reaches an early warning value, the range hood automatically stops running. The embeddable smart range hood has the advantages of being simple in structure, attractive in appearance, detachable, capable of saving energy, environmentally friendly, capable of intelligently absorbing smoke and conducting intelligent control and the like.

Chinese Patent Publication No. CN106871167A generally describes a multifunctional intelligent integrated cooker. The multifunctional intelligent integrated cooker has remote-control automatic rice washing, rice cooking and heat preservation functions, a double-cooker touch screen ignition and firepower magnitude adjusting function, an automatic cooking fume pumping and exhausting, oxygen increasing, combustion supporting and emission reduction function, an automatic tableware disinfection function, an emergency drinking water automatic storage function, a water-electricity-gas one-key opening and closing function, and a remote reservation control function. According to the multifunctional intelligent integrated cooker, the practical functions are integrated, the advantages of being beautiful, practical, economical, safe, convenient to use and the like are achieved, the situation that a person needs to buy electrical appliances with various functions, thus, money wasting and energy consumption are caused, and a lot of spaces are occupied is avoided, and the person does not need to worry about the situation that serious potential safety hazards occur due to the fact that the person goes out for a long time and forgets to close water, electricity and gas switches.

Chinese Patent Publication No. CN107449004A generally describes an automatic telescopic type extractor hood of a multi-cavity structure. The extractor hood comprises air guide pipes, a draught fan assembly used for ventilation of the air guide pipes and exhaust fume collecting hood assemblies communicating with air inlets of the air guide pipes; the air guide pipes and the exhaust fume collecting hood assemblies are arranged in a grouped manner, at least two groups are arranged, the air guide pipes and exhaust fume collecting hoods are connected and positioned through telescopic assemblies, and each telescopic assembly comprises a corrugated pipe enabling the corresponding exhaust fume collecting hood assembly and the inlet of the corresponding air guide pipe to be in seal abut joint, a telescopic pipe assembly capable of driving the exhaust fume collecting hood assembly and the corrugated pipe to synchronously stretch out and draw back, and a drive mechanism capable of driving the telescopic assembly to stretch out and draw back; the multi-cavity structure and the telescopic structure are combined, multiple kinds of automation adjustment can be achieved, various smoke exhausting occasion needs can be met, the number of the running exhaust fume collecting hood assemblies can be controlled, the telescopic height of the exhaust fume collecting hood assemblies can be controlled, and the intelligent degree is higher.

Chinese Patent Publication No. CN201152570Y generally describes a retractable fume guide hood for a lampblack suction machine, which is characterized in that the retractable fume guide hood comprises a movable hood body, and a connecting device connected with the movable hood body and the lampblack suction machine, wherein, the movable hood body is connected with the bottom part of the lampblack suction machine through the connecting device. The retractable fume guide hood for the lampblack suction machine in the utility model can be widely applied to hotels, restaurants and household kitchens, and the height of the retractable fume guide hood can be freely adjusted according to actual circumstances, thereby the best effect of the fume exhaust is achieved.

German Patent Publication No. DE10309226A1 generally describes a glass ceramic hob unit, with heaters, which may be raised on telescopic bars to engage a space within the underside of the fume extractor unit to enable food preparation on the work surface.

None of the art described above addresses all of the issues that the present invention does.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

According to an aspect of the present invention, a ventilation system is provided. The ventilation system includes a ventilation cover configured to be coupled to a kitchen range hood, the ventilation cover including a retractable tube, and a securing mechanism for coupling the retractable tube to the kitchen range hood, wherein the retractable tube includes a lower opening configured to be mounted to an upper surface of a piece of cookware when in an extended position, and wherein the retractable tube includes an upper opening.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the ventilation system, wherein the ventilation cover is permanently affixed to the kitchen range hood.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the ventilation system, wherein the securing mechanism includes one or more magnets.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the ventilation system, wherein the securing mechanism includes one or more suction cups.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the ventilation system, wherein the retractable tube includes an accordion-style extension mechanism.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the ventilation system, wherein the upper opening is coupled to at least one fan.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the ventilation system, wherein the ventilation system further includes the at least one fan, wherein the at least one fan is positioned within the upper opening of the retractable tube.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the ventilation system, wherein the ventilation system further includes a control mechanism configured to control the at least one fan.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the ventilation system, wherein the control mechanism is further configured to enable a user to alter a rotational speed of the at least one fan.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the ventilation system, wherein the ventilation system further includes a power source configured to power the control mechanism.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the ventilation system, wherein the ventilation system further includes a power source configured to power the at least one fan.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the ventilation system, wherein the ventilation system further includes at least one secondary securing mechanism configured to secure the retractable tube in a retracted position.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the ventilation system, wherein the retractable tube further includes a hole configured to enable a user to access the cookware while retractable tube is in the extended position.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the ventilation system, wherein the retractable tube further includes a door positioned over the hole, enabling access to an inner portion of the piece of cookware.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the ventilation system, wherein the ventilation system further includes a handle coupled to the retractable tube and configured to enable a user to pull the retractable tube in the extended position.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the ventilation system, wherein the ventilation system further includes one or more cables configured to be pulled to extend or retract the retractable tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a ventilation pot cover in an extended position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a ventilation pot cover, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a ventilation pot cover in an extended position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a ventilation pot cover in an extended position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a ventilation pot cover in an extended position having an opening in the retractable tubing, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.

Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, a perspective view (FIG. 1) and a top view (FIG. 2) of a ventilation pot cover 100 are illustratively depicted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the ventilation pot cover 100 includes a tube 105 that is configured to be coupled to a kitchen range hood. According to an embodiment, the tube 105 is permanently affixed to the kitchen range hood. According to an embodiment, the tube 105 is removably attached to the kitchen range hood via one or more securing mechanisms 110. According to an embodiment, the securing mechanism 110 may be a magnet, a suction cup, and/or any other suitable securing mechanism.

According to an embodiment, the tube 105 is configured to be pulled down over a cooking apparatus 115 (e.g., a pot, pan, etc.), redirecting, sucking, and carrying smoke and cooking fumes directly to one or more vents in the kitchen range hood. According to an embodiment, the tube 105 is secured to a fan 120 configured to stick the smoke and cooking fumes through the tube 105. According to an embodiment, the fan 120 is separate and apart from the tube 105. According to an embodiment, the fan 120 is integrated into the tube 105.

According to an embodiment, there is an opening 125 at a lower end of the tube 105. The opening 125 is configured to be placed over a top portion of the cooking apparatus 115.

According to an embodiment, the tube 105 is configured to be secured to the kitchen range hood via a magnet or suction cup 110. It is noted, however, that other securing mechanisms 110 may also be used, while maintaining the spirit of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the securing mechanism 110 is positioned on the tube 105. According to an embodiment, the securing mechanism 110 is positioned on the kitchen range hood. According to an embodiment, the securing mechanism 110 is positioned on the tube 105 and the kitchen range hood.

According to an embodiment, the ventilation pot cover 100 includes the fan 120 at the top of the tube 105 to increase efficacy. According to an embodiment, the ventilation pot cover 100 includes a control mechanism 130 for controlling the fan 120. According to an embodiment, the control mechanism 130 includes a means for altering the rotational speed of the fan 120 and/or for powering the fan on and/or off. According to an embodiment, a power source 135 is coupled to the ventilation pot cover 100 for powering the fan 120. This fan 120 may be connected to a power source 135 by a cord and have an on off switch coordinated through a printed circuit board (PCB).

According to an embodiment, the tube 105 is configured to be pulled down over a pot or pan 115 while cooking to carry smoke/cooking fumes directly to the vent. According to an embodiment, the tube 105 is pulled down over a pot or pan in an accordion fashion (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3) to provide a direct path for the smoke and fumes to travel to the kitchen range hood. According to an embodiment, the accordion mechanism 140 is assisted by cables 145 that are pulled up and down by a lifting mechanism similar to how window blinds function. It is noted, however, that other extension means may also be used for extending the tube over the pot or pan (such as a pull handle 150, as shown in FIGS. 1-3), while maintaining the spirit of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the ventilation pot cover 100 includes a hole 155e ventilation pot cover 100 is pulled down over the pot/pan 120 (as shown in FIG. 5). According to an embodiment, a removable door is positioned over the hole 155. The hole 155 may also enable access to an inner portion of the pot/pan 120. This aids in the food preparation process and helps prevent users from overcooking food. This ability to visually inspect the contents of the cookware 120 further aids in the prevention of dangerous kitchen fires from occurring during the cooking process.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a front view of the ventilation pot cover 100 in an extended position is illustratively depicted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the ventilation pot cover 100 is configured such that it maintains its position when in a retracted position. According to an embodiment, the ventilation pot cover 100 includes one or more securing mechanisms 160 (as shown in FIG. 4) configured to hold the ventilation pot cover 100 in the retracted position.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective “another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A ventilation system, comprising:

a ventilation cover configured to be coupled to a kitchen range hood, the ventilation cover including: a retractable tube; and a securing mechanism for coupling the retractable tube to the kitchen range hood, wherein the retractable tube includes a lower opening configured to be mounted to an upper surface of a piece of cookware when in an extended position, and wherein the retractable tube includes an upper opening.

2. The ventilation system as recited in claim 1, wherein the ventilation cover is permanently affixed to the kitchen range hood.

3. The ventilation system as recited in claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism includes one or more magnets.

4. The ventilation system as recited in claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism includes one or more suction cups.

5. The ventilation system as recited in claim 1, wherein the retractable tube includes an accordion-style extension mechanism.

6. The ventilation system as recited in claim 1, wherein the upper opening is coupled to at least one fan.

7. The ventilation system as recited in claim 6, further comprising the at least one fan, wherein the at least one fan is positioned within the upper opening of the retractable tube.

8. The ventilation system as recited in claim 6, further comprising a control mechanism configured to control the at least one fan.

9. The ventilation system as recited in claim 8, wherein the control mechanism is further configured to enable a user to alter a rotational speed of the at least one fan.

10. The ventilation system as recited in claim 8, further comprising a power source configured to power the control mechanism.

11. The ventilation system as recited in claim 6, further comprising a power source configured to power the at least one fan.

12. The ventilation system as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one secondary securing mechanism configured to secure the retractable tube in a retracted position.

13. The ventilation system as recited in claim 1, wherein the retractable tube further includes a hole configured to enable a user to access the cookware while retractable tube is in the extended position.

14. The ventilation system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a handle coupled to the retractable tube and configured to enable a user to pull the retractable tube in the extended position.

15. The ventilation system as recited in claim 1, further comprising one or more cables configured to be pulled to extend or retract the retractable tube.