Patent Application
20230314009
The present invention generally relates to a cooking hood extension, and more specifically to a hood extension assembly for use with an above the stove microwave with a built-in ventilation system. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
An exhaust hood for an oven or stove is a mechanical fan based ventilation system that hangs above the cooktop in the kitchen. It is designed to ventilate and remove airborne grease, combustion products, fumes, smoke, heat, and steam from the air by evacuation of the air and filtration. In most exhaust hood systems, a built-in filtration system removes and traps grease and other particles. Although many vent hoods exhaust air to the outside, some recirculate the air to the kitchen. In a recirculating system, filters may be used to remove odors in addition to the grease containment.
An extractor hood is generally constructed from a skirt or capture panel designed to contain the rising gases, a grease filter, and a fan for ventilation. Ventilation or exhaust hoods serve many purposes. They are designed to draw steam and moisture away from surrounding cabinetry and decrease excess odor, smoke, and grease. They also draw heat generated from the burners, cooking elements, and cooking apparatuses away from a user's face and body and remove particles that can be irritating to the eyes and throat.
Microwaves mounted above a stove are especially susceptible to excess grease and other debris from splattering on the front surface while cooking. Excess heat is distributed through the kitchen from the front burners. The built-in microwave hood or vent above the stove only extends part way over the cooking surface leaving the front burners generally unprotected. Cabinets, drawers, paint, and other finishes can suffer damage from constant exposure to steam and other forms of heat generated in the cooking process.
A typical range hood is designed specifically only for ventilation while a microwave hood allows the microwave to cook and ventilate the area directly below. Microwave hood combination units can cook food while simultaneously venting smoke, odor and grease coming off the cooking surface underneath. Both regular exhaust only hoods and combination microwave exhaust systems can vent kitchen air outside or through recirculation, depending on the model and the ductwork in the kitchen.
Above the range microwaves are essentially two-in-one appliances. They are designed to save space by not requiring countertop space while still retaining some cabinet space above the microwave. Microwave hood combinations eliminate the need for two separate appliance purchases, installations and dedicated spaces. However, the ventilation capabilities of existing above the range microwaves are generally not as good as dedicated ventilation hoods.
Accordingly, there is a great need for an improved ventilation system for use with existing above the range microwaves. There is also a need for a device configured to reduce exposure to steam and heat while cooking on a cooktop. Similarly, there is a need for an above-the-stove microwave extension attachment capable of catching excess heat and grease from splattering on the microwave and surrounding cabinets. There is also a need for a product that prevents excess heat from the stove from traveling upward and expanding into the kitchen. Further, there is a need for a ventilation system enhancement that secures to the base of the microwave like a standard range hood.
In this manner, the improved ventilation system for existing above the range microwaves of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby providing an easy solution for preventing excess heat from the stove from traveling upward and expanding into the kitchen, creating an incredibly hot environment. A primary feature of the present invention is a product that secures to the base of the microwave like a standard range hood. The present invention allows the user to reduce exposure to steam and heat while cooking on a cooktop, extending the life of a microwave and kitchen. Finally, the improved ventilation system of the present invention is capable of catching excess heat and grease from splattering on the microwave and surrounding cabinets and redirecting it not the existing built-in ventilation system of the microwave mounted above the cooktop.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a hood extension assembly. The hood extension assembly is configured for use with an above the range microwave oven. The hood extension assembly is designed to extend the reach of an exhaust system of the above the range microwave oven so that the front burners or front of a cooktop beneath the microwave oven are fully protected by the built-in exhaust system of the microwave oven.
The hood extension assembly comprises a hood panel and a pair of side panels. The hood panel comprises a skirt body, a back portion, and a front portion. The skirt body is sloped downward from back to front between the back and front portions. The back portion comprises at least one mounting hole for attaching to an underside of the microwave oven. The front portion comprises a lip extending downward and perpendicularly oriented to the back portion. The skirt body extends generally outward and away from a front of the microwave oven.
The pair of side panels are parallelly disposed on opposing ends of the skirt body and extend perpendicularly rearward. Each side panel comprises a top lip extending rearward from the back portion of the skirt body. Each top lip further extends perpendicularly inward from the side panel toward the opposing side panel. Each top lip comprises a plurality of mounting holes for attaching to an underside of the microwave oven.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in an additional embodiment thereof, comprises a detachable hood extension assembly. The detachable hood extension assembly comprises a hood panel and a pair of side panels. The hood panel comprises a skirt body, a back portion, and a front portion. The skirt body is sloped downward from back to front between the back and front portions. The front portion comprises a lip extending downward and perpendicularly oriented to the back portion. The skirt body extends generally outward and away from a front of the microwave oven. The detachable hood extension assembly may further comprise a handle attached to the lip.
The pair of side panels are parallelly disposed on opposing ends of the skirt body and extend perpendicularly rearward. Each side panel may comprise a top lip extending rearward from the back portion of the skirt body. Each top lip may further extend perpendicularly inward from the side panel toward the opposing side panel.
The detachable hood extension assembly further comprises a pair of brackets. Each bracket comprises a mounting member and a mounting member engaging rail. Each mounting member is attachable to an underside of the microwave oven. Each mounting member engaging rail is attachable to one of the side panels and slidably engages the respective mounting member. The mounting member engaging rails may pull out of and completely detach from the mounting members to remove the hood panel and pair of side panels from beneath the microwave oven when not needed.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in an additional embodiment thereof, comprises a hood extension assembly. The hood extension assembly comprises a hood panel and a pair of side panels. The hood panel comprises a skirt body, a back portion, and a front portion. The skirt body is sloped downward from back to front between the back and front portions. The front portion comprises a lip extending downward and perpendicularly oriented to the back portion. The skirt body extends generally outward and away from a front of the microwave oven. The hood extension assembly may further comprise a handle attached to the lip.
The pair of side panels are parallelly disposed on opposing ends of the skirt body and extend perpendicularly rearward. Each side panel may comprise a top lip extending rearward from the back portion of the skirt body. Each top lip further extends perpendicularly inward from the side panel toward the opposing side panel.
The hood extension assembly further comprises a pair of brackets. Each bracket comprises a mounting member and a mounting member engaging rail. Each mounting member is attachable to an underside of the microwave oven. Each mounting member engaging rail is attachable to the top lip of one of the side panels and slidably engages the respective mounting member. The hood extension assembly is retractable and extendable with the hood panel and pair of sidewalls retractable and extendable along the underside of the microwave oven.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is an improved exhaust vent extension that mounts under a microwave above a stovetop. Users can secure the extension in place using screws or other mechanical fasteners. The attachments may be constructed using a lightweight stainless or paintable steel. Users can secure the attachment and cook food to prevent excess grease and steam from traveling upward and splattering the microwave surface or nearby kitchen cabinets. Traditional built-in exhaust systems of above the range microwave ovens only extend slightly outward from the cabinets leaving the forward portions of the cooktop uncovered and unprotected.
Referring initially to the drawings,
As illustrated in
The back portion 122 is generally horizontal in orientation and comprises at least one mounting hole 124 for attaching to an underside of the microwave oven 10 with at least one mechanical fastener, such as a screw. The front portion 126 comprises a lip 128. The lip 128 extends downward and is perpendicularly oriented to the back portion 122. The skirt body 122 extends generally angularly outward and away from a front of the microwave oven 10.
The pair of side panels 130 are parallelly disposed on opposing ends of the skirt body 110 and extend perpendicularly rearward. Each side panel 130 comprises a side panel body 136, a back 142, and a front 144. The front 144 angles or narrows to match the slope of the skirt body 120. Each side panel 130 is typically constructed from the same material as the hood panel 110 and further comprises an inner surface 134 and an outer surface 132. The inner surface 132 may be constructed with or coated with a non-stick surface or coating.
Each side panel 130 further comprises a top lip 138. The top lip 138 extends rearward from the back portion 122 of the skirt body 120. Each top lip 138 further extends perpendicularly inward from the side panel 130 toward the opposing side panel 130. Each top lip 130 comprises a plurality of mounting holes 140 for attaching to an underside of the microwave oven with a plurality of mechanical fasteners, such as screws.
As illustrated in
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in an additional embodiment thereof as illustrated in
The back portion 122 is generally horizontal in orientation. The front portion 126 comprises a lip 128. The lip 128 extends downward and is perpendicularly oriented to the back portion 122. The skirt body 122 extends generally angularly outward and away from a front of the microwave oven 10. The detachable hood extension assembly 100 may further comprise a handle 148 attached to the lip 128.
The pair of side panels 130 are parallelly disposed on opposing ends of the skirt body 110 and extend perpendicularly rearward. Each side panel 130 comprises a side panel body 136, a back 142, and a front 144. The front 144 angles or narrows to match the slope of the skirt body 120. Each side panel 130 is typically constructed from the same material as the hood panel 110 and further comprises an inner surface 134 and an outer surface 132. The inner surface 132 may be constructed with or coated with a non-stick surface or coating. Each side panel 130 may further comprise a top lip 138. The top lip 138 extends rearward from the back portion 122 of the skirt body 120. Each top lip 138 further extends perpendicularly inward from the side panel 130 toward the opposing side panel 130.
The detachable hood extension assembly 100 further comprises a pair of brackets 150. Each bracket 150 comprises a mounting member 152 and a mounting member engaging rail 154. Each mounting member 152 is attachable to an underside of the microwave oven 10 or to the surrounding cabinetry 20. Each mounting member engaging rail 154 is fixedly attachable to one of the side panels 130. The mounting member engaging rail 154 slidably engages the respective mounting member 154. The mounting member engaging rails 154 may pull out of and completely detach from the mounting members 152 to remove the hood panel 110 and pair of side panels 130 from beneath the microwave oven 10 when not needed. The mounting members 152 remain in place when the rest of the detachable hood extension assembly 100 is not needed and are low profile.
The hood extension assembly 100 may further comprise at least one lighting element 146. The at least one lighting element 146 is attachable or integrable within the inner surface 114 of the hood panel 110. The at least one lighting element 146 is typically battery powered separate from any other kitchen lighting and is typically directed toward the cooktop.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in an additional embodiment thereof as illustrated in
The back portion 122 is generally horizontal in orientation. The front portion 126 comprises a lip 128. The lip 128 extends downward and is perpendicularly oriented to the back portion 122. The skirt body 122 extends generally angularly outward and away from a front of the microwave oven 10. The hood extension assembly 100 may further comprise a handle 148 attached to the lip 128.
The pair of side panels 130 are parallelly disposed on opposing ends of the skirt body 110 and extend perpendicularly rearward. Each side panel 130 comprises a side panel body 136, a back 142, and a front 144. The front 144 angles to match the slope of the skirt body 120. Each side panel 130 is typically constructed from the same material as the hood panel 110 and further comprises an inner surface 134 and an outer surface 132. The inner surface 132 may be constructed with or coated with a non-stick surface or coating. Each side panel 130 may further comprise a top lip 138. The top lip 138 extends rearward from the back portion 122 of the skirt body 120. Each top lip 138 further extends perpendicularly inward from the side panel 130 toward the opposing side panel 130.
The hood extension assembly 100 further comprises a pair of brackets 150. Each bracket 150 comprises a mounting member 152 and a mounting member engaging rail 154. Each mounting member 152 is attachable to an underside of the microwave oven 10 or to the surrounding cabinetry 20. Each mounting member engaging rail 154 is fixedly attachable to the top lip 138 of one of the side panels 130. The mounting member engaging rail 154 slidably engages the respective mounting member 154. The hood extension assembly 100 is retractable and extendable with the hood panel 110 and pair of sidewalls 130 retractable and extendable along the underside of the microwave oven.
As illustrated in
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the hood extension assembly 100 can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the hood extension assembly 100 and its various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the hood extension assembly 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the hood extension assembly 100 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the hood extension assembly 100 and its various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the hood extension assembly 100 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the hood extension assembly 100 is designed to be applied.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/324,805, which was filed on Mar. 29, 2022 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63324805 | Mar 2022 | US |
