Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
DOWNDRAFT SYSTEM
BACKGROUND
[0001] The desire for ventilation solutions that do not significantly
interfere with kitchen
sightlines drives consumer purchasing of many conventional downdraft
ventilation systems. For
example, many consumers desire a smaller kitchen footprint with products that
do not obstruct,
block, or close-off spaces within the smaller kitchen. At least some of these
conventional
downdraft systems can be disposed in a kitchen island or peninsula and can
raise and lower from
a position under a kitchen counter, which can result in significant portions
of the hood being
hidden when not in use.
SUMMARY
[0002] Some embodiments of the invention provide a downdraft assembly
capable of
ventilating a cooktop including housing including a frame, a fluid box, and a
movement
assembly coupled to the housing. In some embodiments, the movement assembly
can include a
vertically moveable chimney coupled to the fluid box and the movement
assembly.
[0003] Some embodiments include a chimney comprising a substantially
horizontal member
coupled to at least a first vertical region and a second vertical region. In
some embodiments, the
chimney can include at least one fluid inlet.
[0004] In some embodiments, a first control panel can be coupled to the
housing and
configured and arranged to activate at least one function of the downdraft
assembly while
remaining substantially stationary when the chimney is moved by the movement
assembly.
[0005] Some embodiments include at least one illumination source configured
and arranged
to at least partially illuminate the cooktop. In some embodiments, a visor can
be coupled to the
downdraft assembly. In some embodiments, the visor can include at least one
illumination
source capable of at least partially illuminating the cooktop.
[0006] Some embodiments include a visor with an articulating top capable of
articulation
about a pivot point on the chimney. In some embodiments, an articulation of
the articulating top
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of the visor about the pivot point can at least partially alter the
illumination of the cooktop. In
some other embodiments, an articulation of the articulating top of the visor
about the pivot point
can at least partially control the flow of a cooking effluent into the fluid
inlet.
[0007] Some embodiments include a second control panel coupled to the
chimney. In some
embodiments, the second control panel is coupled to at least one of the
substantially horizontal
member and the first vertical region and the second vertical region. In some
embodiments, the
second control panel is vertically moveable with respect to the cooktop.
[0008] Some embodiments of the downdraft assembly include a movement
assembly with a
belt-lift configuration. In some embodiments, the belt-lift configuration can
include at least one
linear guide coupled to the frame, a motor including a gear box coupled to a
drive shaft, and at
least one drive pulley coupled to the drive shaft. Some embodiments provide a
drive belt
coupled to the drive pulley and at least one idler pulley. In some
embodiments, the at least one
drive pulley and the at least one idler pulley are coupled to a lateral side
of the housing, and
configured and arranged to at least partially move the chimney within the
fluid box at least
partially guided on the at least one linear guide.
[0009] In some embodiments, the downdraft assembly includes a pivotable
bezel configured
and arranged to pivot open to allow movement of the chimney out of the fluid
box and to pivot
shut when substantially all of the chimney is within the fluid box. Some
embodiments of the
downdraft assembly comprise at least one ambient light illumination source,
which in some
embodiments, is a night light coupled to the bezel.
[0010] In some embodiments, the chimney includes an open center region
including a
perimeter region. In some embodiments, the open center region is formed at
least partially
between the substantially horizontal member and the first vertical region and
the second vertical
region. In some embodiments, the perimeter region includes at least one fluid
inlet, and in some
further embodiments, the perimeter region includes the upper region of the
fluid box. Further,
some embodiments include at least one illumination source coupled to the
perimeter region and
configured and arranged to at least partially direct illumination to the
cooktop.
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[0010A1 In
one broad aspect of the invention, a downdraft assembly is provided which is
capable of ventilating a cooktop. The downdraft assembly comprises a housing
including a frame
and a fluid box, along with a movement assembly coupled to the housing. A
vertically moveable
chimney is coupled to the fluid box and the movement assembly. The chimney
comprises a
chimney housing, an upper horizontal member cooperating with the chimney
housing to define
an upper inlet, and a lower horizontal member cooperating with the chimney
housing and the
upper horizontal member to define a lower inlet. The downdraft assembly
further comprises a
first control panel which includes a user interface, with the first control
panel coupled to the
housing and configured and arranged to activate at least one function of the
downdraft assembly
and to remain substantially stationary when the chimney is moved by the
movement assembly.
The upper horizontal member is movable to adjust the vertical height and
vertical center of the
lower inlet.
2A
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100111 Some embodiments provide a downdraft assembly in which the chimney
includes a
center region formed at least partially between the substantially horizontal
member and the first
vertical region and the second vertical region. In some embodiments, the
center region includes
a translucent region, whereas in other embodiments, the center region includes
a closed region.
[0012] In some embodiments, the downdraft assembly includes a fluid box
with inner walls
including at least one curved wall including a substantially non-linear
transition. In some
embodiments, the fluid box is configured and arranged to at least partially
guide fluid into the
fluid box from the fluid inlet. In some further embodiments, the at least one
curved wall is
configured and arranged to at least partially guide fluid into the fluid box
from substantially the
width of the chimney. In some embodiments, the fluid inlet includes a chimney
intake opening
of a size of about one to about two inches in vertical length.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a downdraft system
according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams depicting a conventional downdraft
system.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a series of diagrams depicting a movement assembly
according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a series of diagrams depicting a movement assembly
according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a series of diagrams depicting a movement assembly
according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a series of diagrams depicting a movement assembly
according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a series of diagrams depicting a movement assembly
according to some
embodiments of the invention.
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[0020] FIG. 8 is a series of diagrams depicting a movement assembly
according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 9A is an image of a conventional downdraft system in accordance
with some
embodiments of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 9B is an image of a downdraft system according to some
embodiments of the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 10A is a diagram depicting varying chimney intake openings to
assess intake
velocity.
[0024] FIG. 10B is a graph showing intake velocity with different chimney
intake openings.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a graph depicting fluid intake velocity testing results.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a graph depicting fluid flow rate testing results.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a graph depicting auditory output testing results.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a diagram of inner walls of a chimney according to some
embodiments of
the invention.
[0029] FIG. 14B is a graph of air velocity improvement according to some
embodiments of
the invention.
[0030] FIG. 15 is multiple views of downdraft systems comprising a visor
according to some
embodiments of the invention.
100311 FIGS. 16A-D show various perspective views of downdraft systems
according to
some embodiments of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a graph depicting fluid intake velocity testing results.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a graph depicting fluid flow rate testing results.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a graph depicting auditory output testing results.
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[0035] FIG. 20A is an image of portions of a conventional downdraft system
in accordance
with some embodiments of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 20B is an image of portions of a downdraft system according to
some
embodiments of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 21A is an image of portions of a conventional downdraft system
[0038] FIG. 21B is an image of portions of a downdraft system according to
some
embodiments of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 21C is an image of portions of a downdraft system showing an
illumination
system according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0040] FIGS. 21D-F show images of a lowered downdraft system showing
various
embodiments of an ambient light illumination source according to some
embodiments of the
invention.
[0041] FIG. 22A is an image of portions of a conventional downdraft system
[0042] FIG. 22B is an image of portions of a downdraft system according to
some
embodiments of the invention.
[0043] FIG. 22C is an image of a downdraft system with trap door in the
down position in
accordance with some embodiments of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 22D is an image of a downdraft system with trap door in the up
position in
accordance with some embodiments of the invention.
[0045] FIGS. 23A-B show images of cooktop areas and downdraft systems
according to
some embodiments of the invention.
[0046] FIG. 24 is a series of diagrams illustrating installation of a
downdraft system
according to some embodiments of the invention.
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[0047] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a downdraft system according to
some embodiments
of the invention.
[0048] FIGS. 26A-26I illustrates a series of images of differently
configured chimneys
according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0049] FIG. 27 is a series of images of a flexible ventilation assembly
according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0050] FIGS. 28A-C illustrate various user interface controls according to
some
embodiments of the invention.
[0051] FIGS. 29A-E illustrates various views of a downdraft system
according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0052] FIGS. 30A-E illustrates various views of a downdraft system
according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0053] FIGS. 3 1A-E illustrates various views of a downdraft system
according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0054] FIGS. 32A-B illustrates various views of installation of a downdraft
system according
to some embodiments of the invention.
[0055] FIG. 33 illustrates an assembly view of an fluid box of a downdraft
system according
to some embodiments of the invention.
[0056] FIG. 34 illustrates an assembly view of a downdraft system according
to some
embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it
is to be
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details
of construction and the
arrangement of components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the following
drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
or of being
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carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology
used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting. The use of
"including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant
to encompass the
items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
Unless specified or
limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and
"coupled" and variations
thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings,
connections,
supports, and couplings. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted
to physical or
mechanical connections or couplings.
100581 The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in
the art to make and
use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated
embodiments will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles
herein can be applied to
other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the
invention.
Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to
embodiments shown, but
are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and
features disclosed herein.
The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the
figures, in which like
elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which
are not
necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to
limit the scope of
embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples
provided herein have
many useful alternatives that fall within the scope of embodiments of the
invention.
[0059] FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of downdraft system 10 according to one
embodiment of
the invention. The downdraft system 10 can include a vertically moveable
chimney 100
comprising a substantially horizontal member 20 coupled to a first vertical
region 18a and a
second vertical region 18b. In some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can
also include a
fluid box 150 (see for example FIG. 2A), a movement assembly (not shown in
FIG. 1, but shown
as 400 in FIG. 4), and one or more fluid outlets 30. As shown in FIG. 1, in
some embodiments
of the invention, the downdraft system 10 can be installed adjacent to a
cooking area 14 (e.g., in
a kitchen) and positioned adjacent to and/or coupled with a cooktop 15. For
example, in some
embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can be installed immediately adjacent to
a cooktop 15, as
shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, in some embodiments, as discussed in greater
detail below, at
least some portions of the downdraft system 10 (e.g., the fluid box 150, the
movement assembly
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400, and/or the fluid outlets 30, etc.) can be installed substantially or
completely under a counter
surface 17, and coupled to the fluid box housing 152. In other embodiments the
downdraft
system 10 can be installed and/or used in other portions of a home or other
structure. For
example, in some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can be used in a
workshop or any other
area that could require ventilation (e.g., a laundry, a basement, a bathroom,
etc.). Accordingly,
although future description includes details of the downdraft system 10
installed in a kitchen area
(e.g., adjacent to a cooktop 15), this description is not intended to limit
the scope of this
disclosure to kitchen or cooking-related applications.
[00601 In some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can operate in a manner
at least
partially similar to a conventional downdraft system 11. In some embodiments,
when the
downdraft system 10 is in an inactive state, the chimney 100 can be in a
substantially or
completely lowered position. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the chimney 100
can be lowered
so that a top portion 110 of the chimney 100 is substantially flush with or
lower than the counter
surface 17 (shown in FIG. 1). As a result, when in an inactive state, most or
substantially all the
chimney 100 can be located under the counter surface 17 and not visible or
less visible to a user
(i.e., providing a pleasant aesthetic experience).
[0061] In some embodiments, in order to exhaust at least a portion of
cooking effluent and
other fluids produced during a cooking episode, the movement assembly (shown
as 300 in FIG. 3
and 400 in FIG. 4 for example) can be activated (e.g., manually or
automatically) to move the
chimney 100. For example, upon activation of the movement assembly 300, 400,
the chimney
can be raised above the counter surface 17 so that an inlet 30 of the chimney
100 can be in fluid
communication with the local environment. In some embodiments, the fluid box
150 can
comprise one or more conventional ventilation assemblies (for example,
conventional fans or
other devices configured to move fluids, such as air). Moreover, in some
embodiments, the
downdraft system 10 can comprise a fluid path leading from the inlet 30,
through the fluid box
150 and the ventilation assembly, and out of the downdraft system 10 via
conventional fluid
outlets (not shown). In some further embodiments, the downdraft system can
include one ore
more flexible ventilation assemblies (such as for example cube-like module 13
shown in FIG. 27,
and described in more detail below).
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100621 In some embodiments, a ventilation assembly (including for example
one or more
modules 13) can be activated (e.g., manually or automatically) to generate a
fluid flow to exhaust
cooking effluent or other fluids. For example, in some embodiments, the
ventilation assembly
13 can generate fluid flow from the inlet 30 (i.e., leading to fluid entering
the fluid path) through
portions of the downdraft system 10 (for example, the fluid box 150). At least
a portion of the
fluid can exit the downdraft system 10 via the one or more conventional fluid
outlets. For
example, the fluid outlets can be in fluid communication with a conventional
ventilation network
of the structure into which the downdraft system 10 is installed or can be
directly coupled to an
exhaust that can direct the exhausted effluent to a desired location (e.g.,
out of structure, out of
the local environment, through a toe-kick of the counter, etc.). Moreover, in
some embodiments,
the downdraft system 10 can comprise one or more conventional filters disposed
along the fluid
path to remove at least some portions of the effluent that may be desirable
not to exhaust through
the fluid outlets.
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and as previously mentioned, some
portions of both
conventional downdraft systems 11 and downdraft systems 10 according to some
embodiments
of the invention can be installed under a counter surface 17 and adjacent to a
cooktop 15 and/or a
conventional range oven. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B however, configurations
of some
conventional downdraft systems 11 can create limitations on areas and/or
spaces into which
users can install conventional downdraft systems 11. For example, some
conventional downdraft
systems can comprise a chimney 220 including a relatively small depth (e.g.,
approximately two
to three inches), as shown in FIG. 2A. However, other elements of the
conventional downdraft
system 11 that can be installed under the counter surface 17 can comprise a
greater depth. For
example, as shown in FIG. 2B, after installation of the conventional downdraft
system 11, the
conventional fluid box 210 and the conventional movement assembly 200 can
comprise a greater
depth than the chimney 220. As a result, the conventional downdraft system 11
can occupy a
significant amount of space under the counter surface 17, which can prevent
the installation of
some or all conventionally-sized under-cabinet and/or slide-in range ovens.
Moreover, as shown
in FIG. 28, a height value of some of the conventional downdraft system 11
components can
also limit the installation of some conventional cooktops 15 because of the
downward space
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requirements of the cooktops 15 and the upward height requirement of some of
the conventional
downdraft systems 11.
[0064] In some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can comprise a lesser
depth relative
to at least some conventional downdraft systems 11. As shown in FIG. 3 (with
some missing
components for illustrative purposes), in some embodiments, the downdraft
system 10 can
comprise a substantially or completely uniform depth (e.g., about two inches).
For example, in
some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can comprise a substantially uniform
two-inch
profile depth (e.g., the depth value of assembled elements of the downdraft
system 10 comprises
about two inches) so that the system 10 does not interfere with under-cabinet
and/or slide-in
range oven installation. Moreover, because conventional range ovens can be
installed
immediately adjacent to the downdraft system 10, the auditory output of the
movement assembly
300, 400 can be at least partially insulated by the range oven (e.g., the
conventionally sized range
oven can function as a sound absorber), which does not occur with some
conventional downdraft
systems 11. For example, the movement assembly in many conventional downdraft
systems 11
can be generally exposed so that during operations of the conventional
downdraft assembly 11,
the auditory output can be significant so that some users would find it
objectionable.
Accordingly, by insulating the movement assembly 300, 400 in the downdraft
system 10, the
user's experience with the downdraft system 10 can be more enjoyable because
of the decreased
auditory output.
100651 As shown in FIGS. 3-8, in some embodiments, movement assemblies 300,
400, 500,
600, 700, 800 can be configured and arranged to move the chimney 100. In some
embodiments,
the movement assemblies 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 can operate in a manner
substantially
similar to a conventional downdraft system 11. For example, in some
embodiments, the
movement assemblies 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 can be activated (e.g.,
automatically or
manually) to move the chimney 100. In some embodiments, at least one of the
movement
assemblies 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 can be configured and arranged to
raise and/or lower the
chimney (e.g., function as a telescoping mechanism). For example, as shown in
FIG. 3, when
activated, during operation of the downdraft system 10, the movement assembly
300 can raise
the chimney 100 so that the chimney 100 can exhaust at least a portion of
cooking effluent
created by a cooking episode. In some embodiments, at or near an end of the
cooking episode,
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the movement assembly 300 can be activated to lower the chimney 100 so that a
top of the
chimney 110 is at or below the surface of the counter surface 17(e.g.,
substantially flush with, or
below the counter surface level). In other embodiments, the movement assembly
300, 400 can
be configured and arranged to move the chimney in other directions (e.g., side-
to-side,
diagonally, etc.). Moreover, as described in further detail below, the
movement assembly 400
can comprise a plurality of different configurations.
[0066] In some embodiments, the movement assembly 300 can comprise a pulley-
lift
configuration 305. As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the movement
assembly 300 can
comprise a motor 307 (e.g., a direct current brushed gear motor), a plurality
of pulleys 310, and
at least one spool pulley 320 coupled to the motor 307. Moreover, in some
embodiments, the
movement assembly 300 can comprise one or more cables 330, as shown in FIG. 3.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can comprise one or
more guides
(for example, linear guides 460 as shown in FIG. 4) that can be configured and
arranged to assist
in positioning (guiding) of the chimney 100 during movement assembly 400
activity.
[00671 In some embodiments, the pulley-lift configuration 305 of the
movement assembly
300 can enable the chimney 100 to move during operations of the downdraft
system 10. For
example, as shown in FIG. 3, the motor 307 can be disposed in a generally
lower portion of the
downdraft system 10 (e.g., under the counter surface level adjacent to the one
or more
conventional fluid outlets) and can be immediately adjacent and/or coupled to
the spool pulley
320. Although depicted as generally central with respect to the flow path, the
motor 307 can be
positioned elsewhere within the downdraft system 10 to reduce any impact of
fluid flow through
the fluid path. In some embodiments, one or more pulleys 310, 320 can be
coupled to a support
structure of the downdraft system 10 (e.g., a downdraft system frame 303) and
other pulleys can
be coupled to a lower portion of the chimney 100. The spool pulley 320 can be
coupled to the
support structure 303 adjacent to the motor 307. In some embodiments, a first
end of the cable
330 can be coupled to the spool pulley 320 and a second end of the cable 330
can be coupled to a
portion of the support structure at an opposite side of the downdraft system,
as shown in FIG. 3.
In some embodiments, the cable can be moveably positioned through the
plurality of pulleys 310
and anchored by the spool pulley 320 and the support structure 303.
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[0068] Moreover, in some embodiments, if the motor 307 is oriented in a
substantially
horizontal orientation, as shown in FIG. 3, gears 325 (e.g., bevel gears) can
be coupled the motor
307 and/or the spool gear 327. As a result, activation of the motor 307 can
translate to
movement of the spool gear 327 because of the gear-gear (325 and 327)
interaction, as shown in
FIG. 3. In some embodiments, as the motor 307 moves the spool pulley 320, the
spool pulley
320 can rotate. Because the first end of the cable 330 is coupled to the spool
pulley 320, as the
pulley rotates, the cable 330 can begin to wind on the spool pulley 320. For
example, as shown
in FIG. 3, because of the cable's positioning through the plurality of pulleys
310 and being
positioned along a lower portion of the chimney 100, as the spool pulley 320
winds greater
amounts of cable 330 (i.e., because of the motor 307 moving the spool pulley
320), the cable 330
can comprise greater amounts of tension and a shorter length. As a result, as
the cable 330
comprises a shorter length, the chimney 100 can be driven upward, as shown in
FIG. 3. In some
embodiments, once the chimney 100 is fully extended from the counter surface
17, the motor
307 can be locked or otherwise fixed in position to retain the chimney 100 in
a raised position.
When the user no longer needs the dovvndraft system 10, the motor 307 can move
the pulley 320
in a reverse direction, can become deactivated so that the weight of the
chimney 100 causes the
cable 330 to unwind from the spool pulley 320, and/or the motor 307 can output
a lesser amount
of torque so that the cable 330 slowly unwinds to lower the chimney 100.
Moreover, in some
embodiments, guides (for example guides 460 in FIG. 4) can aid in preventing
racking or other
damage to the chimney 100 as it is raised and lowered (i.e., the guides 460
can function to direct
the chimney 100 as it moves).
[0069] In some embodiments, the movement assembly 400 can comprise a belt-
lift
configuration 405 installed within a fluid box housing 152, as shown in FIG.
4. For example, in
some embodiments, the movement assembly 400 can comprise a motor 407 (e.g., a
direct current
brushed gear motor), a plurality of pulleys 410, one or more guides (e.g.,
linear guides 460), and
a drive shaft 430 coupled to the motor 407 and/or one or more of the pulleys
410. In some
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, one or more belts 450 can be coupled to
and/or supported by
the pulleys 410. In some embodiments, one or more belt clamps 490 can be
coupled to the
chimney 100 and the belts 450. In some embodiments, the chimney 100 can be at
least partially
moved within the fluid box 150. In some embodiments, a conventional control
system can
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control the motor 407 to rotate the drive shaft 430 to drive the belts 450
causing at least partial
movement of the chimney 100 via the coupling of the one or more belt clamps
490. In some
embodiments, the movement of the chimney 100 is guided substantially by the
one or more
guides 460.
[0070] Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, one or more of the
pulleys 410
can be positioned at or adjacent to corners of the support structure 403 under
the counter surface
17. By way of example only, pulleys 410 can be positioned immediately adjacent
to the two
bottom corners of the downdraft system 400 and two pulleys 410 can be
positioned substantially
adjacent to upper comers of the downdraft system 400 (FIG. 4 shows a partial
view of the
downdraft system 400 showing upper and lower corners on one side, including a
first lateral side
404, and it can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the
upper and lower corners
on the other lateral side can each house a pulley 410 substantially identical
to the pulleys 410
shown on the first lateral side 404). In some embodiments, the belts 450 can
be coupled to
pulleys 410 on the same side of the downdraft system 400. By way of example,
in some
embodiments, a first belt 450 can be coupled to and disposed between the
pulleys 410 on a first
lateral side 404 of the downdraft system, and a second substantially identical
belt 450 (not shown
in the partial perspective view of FIG. 4) can be coupled to and disposed
between substantially
identical pulleys 410 on a second lateral side of the downdraft system 400
(i.e. the opposite side
to the first lateral side 404). Moreover, in some embodiments, by placing the
pulleys 410 at the
lateral edges of the downdraft system 400, the pulleys 410 can be positioned
outside of the fluid
path so that the fluid flow is not disturbed by the presence of the pulleys
410.
[0071] In some embodiments, movement of the motor 407 can be used to at
least partially
move (e.g., raise and/or lower) the chimney. As shown in FIG. 4, the motor 407
can be coupled
to the downdraft system 400 in a position substantially adjacent to the drive
shaft 430. For
example, in some embodiments, the motor 407 and the drive shaft 430 can each
comprise a gear
(e.g., a spur gear, as shown in FIG. 4) so that motor 407 output (e.g.,
torque) is transferred from
the motor 407 to the gear on the drive shaft. In some embodiments, in lieu of
gear, the motor
407 and drive shaft 430 can be coupled together via a belt drive 450 to reduce
auditory output.
The drive shaft 430 can transfer the motor 407 output to the pulleys 410 to
which the drive shaft
430 is coupled. For example, in some embodiments, the movement of the drive
shaft 430 can
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cause movement of the pulleys 410, leading to movement of the belts 450 and
the belt clamps
supporting the chimney 100.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 4, the belt clamps 490 can be positioned so that
lower portions of
the chimney 100 (e.g., lower corners of the chimney) are received within and
supported by the
belt clamps 490. In some embodiments, the chimney 100 can be attached to the
belt clamps 490,
and in other embodiments, the chimney 100 can rest on or float on the belt
clamps 490. For
example, by floating or resting on the belt clamps 490, the chimney 100 can
avoid being pulled
downward directly when it is being lowered (i.e., the belt clamps 490 are
pulled and the chimney
100 moves with the belt clamps 490). Accordingly, in some embodiments, motor
407 movement
can be translated to the pulleys 410 via the drive shaft 430. Moreover, in
some embodiments,
pulley 410 movement can cause the belt clamps 490 to move (e.g., raise or
lower), which can
cause raising and lowering of the chimney 100. Additionally, the guides 460
can be coupled to
the lateral walls (first lateral wall 404 and the opposite lateral wall) of
the downdraft system 10
and the chimney 100 so that they can aid in preventing racking or other damage
to the chimney
100 as it is raised and lowered (i.e., the guides 460 can function to direct
the chimney 100 as it
moves). When the user no longer needs the downdraft system 10, the motor 407
can move the
drive shaft 430 in a reverse direction, can become deactivated so that the
weight of the chimney
100 causes the belt clamps 490 and belts 450 to move downward, and/or the
motor 407 can
output a lesser amount of torque so that the belts 450 slowly move to lower
the chimney 100.
[0073] As mentioned earlier, because conventional range ovens can be
installed immediately
adjacent to the downdraft system 10, the auditory output of the movement
assembly 400 can be
at least partially insulated by the range oven (e.g., the conventionally sized
range oven can
function as a sound absorber). Accordingly, by insulating the movement
assembly 400 in the
downdraft system 10, the user's experience with the downdraft system 10 can be
more enjoyable
because of the decreased auditory output. For example, in some embodiments,
the downdraft
system 10 can comprise a movement assembly 400 that includes a shroud 408 at
least partially
enclosing one or more moving components of the movement assembly 400. For
example, as
shown in FIG. 4, the movement assembly 400 can includes a shroud 408 at least
partially
enclosing at least the motor 407 and the gearbox 420 (i.e. components that may
cause a
substantial portion of the noise emitted by the movement assembly 400). In
some embodiments
PHX 3307262980 14
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the shroud 408 can reduce the sound emanating from the motor 407. In some
other
embodiments, further conventional sound insulation can be added to the shroud
408 to further
reduce the sound emanating from the motor 407. For example, in some
embodiments, a
conventional sound insulation material can be added to the inside of the
shroud 408, the outside
of the shroud 408, or both. In some other embodiments, a conventional sound
insulation material
can be added to the inside of the frame support 403 of the fluid box housing
152. For example,
in some embodiments, a conventional sound insulation material can be added to
a region of the
drive belt 450 and pulleys 410. In some other embodiments, a conventional
sound insulation
material can be added to substantially the entire inner surfaces of the fluid
box housing 152
including the frame support 403 and lateral sides (404 and opposite lateral
side) of the movement
assembly 400.
[0074] In some embodiments, the movement assembly 500 can comprise a rack-
and-pinion
configuration 505 (as shown for example in FIG. 5). For example, in some
embodiments, the
rack-and-pinion configured movement assembly 500 can operate as a
substantially conventional
rack and pinion drive system. As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the
rack-and-pinion
configured movement assembly 500 can comprise a motor 507 (e.g., a direct
current brushed
gear motor), at least one rack 523 comprising a plurality of teeth 530, and at
least one pinion
525. For example, in some embodiments, the motor 507 can be coupled to the
chimney 100 and
upon activation, can transfer output to one or more pinions 525. In some
embodiments, the
motor 507 can be oriented in a substantially horizontal manner, as shown in
FIG. 5. In some
embodiments, the motor 507 can be oriented in any other manner (e.g.,
vertical, diagonal, etc.).
As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the racks 523 can be coupled to
lateral sides of the
downdraft system support structure (i.e., the frame 503) and can each comprise
a plurality of
teeth 530. The motor 507 and pinions 525 can be positioned so that the teeth
530 of the racks
523 can engage a plurality of teeth 527 on the pinions 525. As a result, upon
activation of the
motor 507, torque can be transferred to the pinions (e.g., two pinions 525
engaging two racks
523 at the lateral edges of the downdraft system support structure 503), which
can begin to
rotate. Moreover, because of the engagement of the pinion teeth 527 and the
rack teeth 530 and
the motor 507 being coupled to the chimney 100, the motor 507 output can drive
movement of
the chimney 100 (e.g., raising and lowering the chimney). In some embodiments,
the downdraft
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system 10 can comprise a single, substantially medially positioned rack 523 to
reduce the
materials necessary for operation of the downdraft system 10.
[0075] In some embodiments, the movement assembly 600 can comprise a
scissor-lift
configuration 605, as shown in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the movement
assembly 600 can
comprise a motor 607 (e.g., a direct current brushed gear motor), a
conventional lead screw, and
a conventional scissor mechanism. For example, the lower portion of the
chimney 100 can be
coupled to and/or supported by a first scissor lift support 610 and a second
scissor lift support
612 can be coupled to a lower portion of the downdraft assembly support
structure 603. In some
embodiments, the scissor mechanism 605 can be positioned to provide as little
to no blockage of
the fluid flow path (e.g., positioned against a wall of the support structure
603).
[0076] In some embodiments, the scissor-lift configured movement assembly
600 can
operate in a manner substantially similar to a conventional scissor lift
assembly. For example,
activation of the motor 607 (e.g., manually or automatically) can transfer
motor 607 output to the
lead screw 601. As a result, the rotational movement of the lead screw 601 can
be translated to
linear movement of the scissor mechanism 605 to raise and lower the chimney
100 (e.g., in a
manner substantially similar to a conventional scissor lift assembly). As a
result, the chimney
100 can move to enable use of the downdraft system 10 and the scissor-lift
configuration 605 can
enable relatively minimal interruption of fluid flow in the fluid path.
Moreover, in some
embodiments, obstruction of fluid flow can be further minimized by positioning
the motor 607 in
a relatively central position.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the movement assembly 700
can
comprise a different lead-screw configuration 705. In some embodiments, the
movement
assembly 700 can comprise a motor 707 (e.g., a direct current brushed gear
motor), at least one
lead screw 701, and a timing belt 710 being coupled to the motor 707 and
configured to transfer
motor output from the motor 707 to the lead screws 701, as shown in FIG. 7. In
some
embodiments, the lead screws 701 can be coupled to the chimney 100 at a
position substantially
adjacent to the lateral edges of the chimney 100. As a result, in some
embodiments, activation of
the motor 707 can lead to motor 707 output being transferred to the timing
belt 710. In some
embodiments, the timing belt 710 can be coupled to the lead screws 701 coupled
to the chimney
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100. Accordingly, the rotational movement of the timing belt 710 can be
translated to linear
movement of the lead screws 701 and the chimney 100. In some embodiments, the
translation of
the movement of the timing belt 705 can be translated to telescoping movement
of the chimney
100 resulting in raising and lowering of the chimney 100, as desired by the
user.
[0078] In some embodiments, the movement assembly 800 can comprise a
hydraulic-lift
configuration 805. As shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the movement
assembly 800 can
comprise a lift piston 810, at least one pump 815, and a plurality of slides
820. In some
embodiments, the pump 815 can be positioned substantially adjacent to the lift
piston 810, as
shown in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the pump 815 can be positioned elsewhere
remote from
the lift piston 810, but still in fluid communication with the lift piston
810. For example, the
pump 815 can circulate a hydraulic fluid (e.g., air, oil, point-of-use water,
etc.) to and from the
lift piston 810 in order to provide movement. Moreover, in some embodiments,
the lift piston
810 can comprise a conventional dual-stage configuration, and in other
embodiments, the lift
piston 810 can comprise other configurations (e.g., single stage). In some
embodiments, the
hydraulic-lift configured movement assembly 800 can operate in a manner
substantially similar
to a conventional hydraulic lift. For example, in some embodiments, a first
end 810a of the lift
piston 810 can be coupled to the lower portion of the chimney 100 and a second
end 810b of the
lift piston 810 can be coupled to a secure location (e.g., a floor of a
cabinet, a floor of the kitchen
or other room, etc.). Moreover, in some embodiments, the slides 820 can be
coupled to the
chimney 100 and engaged with guide features (for example, guides 460 shown in
FIG. 4) that
can be coupled to a wall of the downdraft system support structure 803. As a
result, the user can
activate the pump 815 (e.g., manually or automatically) so that the pump 815
can move at least a
portion of a conventional hydraulic fluid into the lift piston 810 from the
pump 815. The
hydraulic fluid can cause the lift piston 810 to linearly expand, which can
cause vertical
movement of the chimney 100. In some embodiments, the user can deactivate the
pump 815
when the downdraft system 10 is no longer needed so that at least a portion of
the hydraulic fluid
returns to the pump 815 or another location (e.g., a bladder, a tank, etc.) so
that the chimney 100
can be lowered. In some embodiments, the slides 820 can function to retain the
chimney 100
along a substantially linear path as it moves.
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[0079] Although multiple movement assembly configurations have been
mentioned above,
the movement assembly can comprise other configurations. For example, the
movement
assembly can comprise a conventional electromagnetic configuration (e.g.,
substantially similar
to a solenoid-like configuration), or any other configuration that can
function to move the
chimney.
[0080] FIG. 9A shows an image of a conventional downdraft system with a
downdraft
systems that can vertically extend from a counter surface level adjacent to a
cooktop a distance
of less than about ten inches (shown as 905 in FIG. 9A). As a result of this
vertical height, many
conventional downdraft systems can only capture an average amount of effluent
from lower-
profile cooking vessels immediately adjacent to the conventional system's
inlet (i.e., the
conventional system can only capture effluent from lower-profile pans on back
cooktop burners
and will not adequately exhaust effluent from higher-profile pots and pans or
effluent generated
from more distal cooktop burners).
[0081] In some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can be configured and
arranged to
more successfully capture cooking effluent and other fluids relative to some
conventional
downdraft systems. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9B, the
chimney 100
can vertically extend a greater distance (shown as 950) than the chimney of at
least some
conventional systems. As a result, the downdraft system 10 can exhaust
effluent and other fluids
from cooking vessels adjacent to and/or distal from the chimney 100, leading
to an improved
cooking episode experience.
[0082] In some embodiments, the distance that the chimney 100 can extend
from the counter
surface 17 (i.e., vertical height) can vary. In some embodiments, the chimney
100 can extend a
maximum vertical height (e.g., about eighteen inches for example as described
earlier), however,
the user can also select a vertical height less than the maximum distance. For
example, the
movement assembly 400 and/or other portions of the downdraft system 10 can be
configured so
that the chimney 100 can extend a pre-defined set of vertical heights from the
counter surface 17
(e.g., the downdraft system 10 can comprise one or more settings that reflect
the desired vertical
height from the counter surface level 17, such as, six inches, ten inches,
twelve inches, fifteen
inches, etc.). In some embodiments, the user can select the predefined
vertical height so that the
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chimney 100 extends from the counter surface 17 by the predetermined vertical
height rather
than the maximum vertical height. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the
downdraft system 10
can be configured so that the vertical height can be continuously variable
(i.e. the vertical height
as an infinite range of settings between the fully extended height and the
starting position where
the chimney is substantially fully enclosed by the fluid box 150, and not
extended above the
counter 17). For example, the user can activate the movement assembly 400 to
begin raising the
chimney 100 and the user can deactivate the movement assembly 400 when the
chimney 100
reaches a desired vertical height (e.g., any vertical height less than or
equal to the maximum
vertical height).
[0083] In
some embodiments, at least some portions of the downdraft system 10 can be
configured for use with conventional residential cooktops 15. For example, in
some
embodiments, the height of the chimney 100 can be optimized to improve and/or
maximize
capture of cooking effluent originating from cooking vessels on a conventional
residential
cooktop (e.g., a cooktop 15 comprising a conventional depth). Moreover, in
some embodiments,
the height of the chimney 100 can also be configured to account for a
conventional distance
between an upper portion of the cooktop 15 (for instance the cooking surface)
and one or more
cabinets disposed substantially adjacent to the chimney 100 (for example,
above an upper portion
of the chimney 100).
[0084]
Moreover, in some embodiments, the one or more fluid inlets 30 can be
optimized to
provide the greatest possible fluid intake velocity, while not significantly
affecting fluid flow
rate. By way of example only, as shown in ..............................
FIGS. 10A, downdraft systems 10 comprising a fluid
inlet 30 and chimney intake opening 31 with a vertical length of four inches,
three inches, two
inches, one inch, and one-half inch were tested to assess fluid intake
velocity relative to fluid
flow rate (e.g., to ensure a maximum fluid intake velocity while not
significantly impacting fluid
flow rate). The downdraft systems 10 were tested relative to some conventional
downdraft
systems (for example, see the data in FIG. 10B as well as the data in FIGS. 11-
12 comparing the
Kenmore Elite 30 in FIGS 11 and 12). Kenmore Elite is a registered trademark
of KCD IP,
LLC. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 11, the results indicate
that the greater the
vertical length of the chimney intake opening 31 of the fluid inlet 30, the
lesser the fluid flow
rate through the inlet 30, and vice versa. Moreover, as shown by the results
in FIG. 12, although
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the fluid flow rate does not fluctuate as much as the fluid intake velocity
based on inlet length of
the chimney intake opening 31, the graph illustrates that, generally, the
greater the inlet 31
length, the greater the fluid flow rate. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13, the
sound output by the
downdraft system 10 can also increase with greater fluid inlet length of the
chimney intake
opening 31. Accordingly, based on an analysis of the results, a chimney intake
opening 31 of a
size of about one to two inches in vertical length was selected because of the
maximized fluid
intake velocity with no significant impact on the fluid flow rate.
[0085] In some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can comprise other
elements that can
enable improved fluid flow through the chimney 100 and other portions of the
system. For
example, as shown in FIG. 14A, at least a portion of one or more internal
walls 125 that define
some portions of the fluid path of the fluid inlet 30 can be configured to
improve or optimize
fluid flow rate and fluid intake velocity. For example, FIG. 14B is a graph of
air velocity
improvement using a various configurations of the internal walls 125 shown in
FIG. 14A. As
shown, in some embodiments, the internal walls 125 (e.g., positioned inside of
the chimney 100
and substantially adjacent to the fluid inlet 30) can comprise one or more
angled, curved, and/or
otherwise substantially non-linear transitions 125a. For example, as shown in
FIG. 14A, by
configuring areas of the inner walls 125 (e.g., configuring the walls with non-
linear features)
where fluid entering the inlets 30 transitions from a substantially horizontal
flow to a
substantially non-horizontal or vertical flow, the flow profile of the
downdraft system 10 can
comprise a more laminar flow profile, which can lead to fluids being pulled
from an entire length
and/or width of the inlet (i.e., relative to some downdraft systems that
comprise linear inner wall
transitions 125a). As shown, in some embodiments, the entire length and/or
width of the inlet
can be substantially equal to the width of the chimney 100.
[0086] In some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can comprise one or
more visors 25,
as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16A-D. As shown, in some embodiments, the visor 25
can be coupled
to the chimney 100 so that when the visor 25 comprises a closed or
substantially close position,
the visor 25 can partially or completely obstruct the fluid inlet 30. In some
embodiments, the
visor 25 can substantially control the flow of a cooking effluent. For
example, in some
embodiments, the visor 25 can substantially guide the flow of a cooking
effluent into one or
more fluid inlets 30. Some embodiments include different size, shape and
position with respect
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to the cooktop 15 and the cooking area 14. Some embodiments include a visor 25
with an angle
with respect to the cooktop 15 and the cooking area 14. Some embodiments
include a visor 25
with a shape and position and angle to guide substantially all the cooking
effluent from a cooking
area into the downdraft system 10.
[0087] In some embodiments, before and/or after the chimney 100 arrives at
a fully raised
position, the visor 25 can move from a substantially or completely closed
position to an open
position (e.g., the visor 25 can comprise an articulating top 26, as shown in
FIG. 16A). For
example, in some embodiments, the visor 25 can pivot about a point so that at
least a portion of
the visor 25 moves from a position substantially parallel to a vertical axis
of the chimney 100 to
a position substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis of the chimney 100
(shown in FIG.
16A). Moreover, in some embodiments, the visor 25 can automatically move as a
result of the
chimney 100 reaching its maximum height and/or the visor 25 can be manually
moved as a result
of a user inputting instructions for the visor 25 to move. In some
embodiments, the visor 25 can
comprise multiple pivot points or articulations so that the visor 25 can move
to the open position
through multiple steps. In some embodiments, the visor 25 can be configured
and arranged so
that when the visor 25 comprises the open configuration, the visor 25 can aid
in guiding cooking
effluent and other fluids into the inlet 30 (e.g., the visor 25 can operate as
a capture ledge), which
can at least partially enhance fluid intake and exhaust.
[0088] In some embodiments, the visor can comprise alternative
configurations. As shown
in FIG. 168, the visor 25 can pivot about a point below the top of the chimney
(shown as pivot
point 25a). For example, in some embodiments, the visor 25 can comprise an
articulating front
panel configuration 23. The visor can move so that an upper portion of the
visor (the articulating
front panel configuration 23) moves outward from the chimney 100 to allow
fluid to enter the
fluid inlet 30 (e.g., the visor 25 can move so that it pivots in a generally
forward direction toward
the cooktop). In other embodiments, the visor 25 can be configured so that it
pivots, articulates,
or otherwise moves in any direction (e.g., a combination of the top
articulating visor and the
articulating front panel configuration). Moreover, in some embodiments, the
distance that the
visor 25 moves while pivoting between a substantially open and closed position
can be variable.
For example, in some embodiments, the user can open the visor 25 a distance
less than a
PHX 330726298v3 21
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maximum distance to provide a more-directed fluid intake flow (e.g., the visor
25 can be moved
to any position between the open and closed positions).
[0089] As shown in FIG. 16C, in addition to, or in lieu of comprising a
visor 25, in some
embodiments, the chimney 100 can comprise a plurality of substantially
vertically arranged fluid
inlets 30. In some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 including the chimney
100 can
comprise a perimeter induction configuration. For example, in some
embodiments, the chimney
100 can comprise a central region 19b and two central regions (18a, 18b)
disposed on lateral
sides of the central region 19b. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 16C, in some
embodiments, a
perimeter of an area (a perimeter region 19c) where the central region 19b
transitions to the
column regions 18a, 18b can comprise a plurality of fluid inlets 30. For
example, in some
embodiments, in addition to or in lieu of a generally horizontally arranged
fluid inlet 30 adjacent
to a top of the chimney, the chimney 100 can comprise perimeter induction
fluid inlets including
vertical inlets 32a and horizontal inlets 32b at the upper region of the fluid
box 150. In other
embodiments, the perimeter induction fluid inlets 32a, 32b can comprise any
other configuration
around the perimeter of an area 19c.
[0090] Further, in some embodiments, the configuration of the visor 25 can
be optimized to
provide the greatest possible fluid intake velocity, while not significantly
affecting fluid flow
rate. As shown in FIG. 17, the downdraft system 10 comprising different
configurations of the
visor 25 can exhibit different fluid intake velocities. For example, downdraft
systems 10
comprising a visor 25 that generally pivots in a forward direction can intake
fluids at a greater
velocity than downdraft systems 10 without that configuration, as shown in
FIG. 17. Moreover,
as shown in FIG. 18, fluid flow rates for downdraft systems 10 comprising a
visor 25 can exceed
the rates of other configurations. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 19, the
auditory output can be
substantially similar among the different conditions. Accordingly, differently
configured
downdraft systems 10, including different visor 25 configurations, can be used
to meet different
end user needs.
[0091] In some embodiments, the chimney 100 can comprise multiple
configurations. For
example, as shown in FIG. 20B, relative to a conventional downdraft system
shown in FIG. 20A,
some embodiments of the invention can provide for an improved functional
structural
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configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, some conventional
configurations can
comprise configurations that can impede lines of sight when the chimney is
fully extended.
[0092] In some embodiments of the invention, the central region of the
chimney 100 can
comprise an open configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 2013, in some
embodiments, the
central region 19a can comprise an aperture or other void or structure that
can be substantially or
completely transparent. As a result, some lines of sight are not completely
blocked, which can
be an improvement over some conventional configurations (as depicted in FIG.
20A for
example). In some embodiments, the central region 19a can comprise multiple
configurations.
For example, in some embodiments, the central region 19a can comprise a
material that is
substantially translucent or transparent (e.g., glass or frosted glass) or can
comprise an opaque
material (e.g., stainless steel). Moreover, in some embodiments, the central
region 19a can
comprise the material covering only a portion of the central region 19a (e.g.,
a piece of glass
positioned between the column regions 18a, 18b that only extends a portion of
a length of the
central region 19a and couples to only a partial length of the perimeter
region 19c).
[0093] In some embodiments, the chimney 100 can comprise an illumination
device 35. In
some embodiments, the illumination device 35 can be configured as a cooking
surface task
lighting device 35. In some embodiments, the illumination device 35 can be
function as a more
effective illumination system relative to some conventional downdraft systems.
As shown in
FIG. 21A, some conventional downdraft systems can comprise illumination
devices 35
positioned at a top of the chimney. The conventional illumination devices can
provide limited
lighting for the adjacent cooking areas because of their positioning at the
chimney 100 and
because the illumination devices are generally directed upward, away from the
cooking area.
[0094] In some embodiments, a downdraft system 10 can include the one or
more
illumination devices 35 configured and arranged to provide lighting to a at
least partially
illuminate a cooktop 15. In some embodiments, the one or more illumination
devices 35 can be
configured and arranged to provide lighting to an area immediately adjacent to
a cooktop 15. In
some embodiments, at least one illumination device 35 is coupled to a
conventional control
system (not shown), and at least one user interface 50 and at least one
control panel 55, 58. In
some embodiments, one or more illumination devices 35 provide fixed
illumination intensity to a
P1-1X 330726298v3 23
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cooktop 15. In some other embodiments, the illumination intensity of the
illumination devices
35 can be varied to provide variable illumination intensity to a cooktop 15.
In some
embodiments, the illumination devices 35 can comprise one or more incandescent
lamps. In
other embodiments, the illumination devices 35 can comprise at least one
fluorescent lighting
source, or one or more light-emitting diodes. In some embodiments, other
lighting sources can
be used.
100951 Some embodiments of the invention can provide improved illumination
capabilities
relative to the conventional systems. As shown in FIG. 21B, in some
embodiments, the
illumination device 35 can be positioned at an upper portion of the central
region 19a
(substantially coupled at the perimeter region 19e) so that at least a portion
of the illumination
radiated by the illumination device 35 can be directed toward the cooking area
14. Moreover, as
previously mentioned, the illumination provided by some embodiments of the
invention can be
further enhanced because of the greater height of the downdraft system 10
(i.e. greater amounts
of illumination can reach the cooking area 14 because of the greater height of
the chimney 100).
As shown in FIG. 21C which illustrates an image of portions of a downdraft
system showing an
illumination system, in some embodiments, the illumination device 35 can be
positioned at an
upper portion of the substantially horizontal member 20 (adjacent to the visor
25) so that at least
a portion of the illumination radiated by the illumination device 35 can be
directed toward the
cooking area 14. Here again, as previously mentioned, the illumination
provided by some
embodiments of the invention can be further enhanced because of the greater
height of the
downdraft system 10. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 21C, in some
embodiments, the one or
more illumination devices 35 can be angled so as to direct a greater
proportion of the emitted
light to the cooktop 15. Moreover, in some embodiments, one or more of the
illumination
devices 35 can include a lens 38 configured and arranged to focus a greater
proportion of the
emitted light to the cooktop 15. In some embodiments, one or more of the
illumination devices
35 can include a plurality of lenses 38. In some embodiments, one or more of
the illumination
devices 35 can include a plurality of lenses 38 configured and arranged to
focus a greater
proportion of the emitted light in substantially one direction. In some
embodiments, one or more
of the illumination devices 35 can include a plurality of lenses 38 configured
and arranged to
focus a greater proportion of the emitted light in a plurality of directions.
In some other
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embodiments, one or more of the illumination devices 35 can include a
plurality of lenses 38
configured and arranged to focus a greater proportion of the emitted light to
substantially one
region of the cooktop 15. In some further embodiments, one or more of the
illumination devices
35 can include a plurality of lenses 38 configured and arranged to focus a
greater proportion of
the emitted light in a plurality of regions of the cooktop 15. Moreover, in
some embodiments,
the central region 19a can comprise one or more illumination devices 35 that
can illuminate the
material positioned in the central region 19a. For example, in some
embodiments, one or more
glass members can be positioned within or coupled to the central region 19a
and the illumination
devices 35 (e.g., light-emitting diodes or any other conventional illumination
sources) can
disperse at least some illumination toward the glass so that the glass is at
least partially
illuminated by the devices 35. Moreover, in some embodiments, the illumination
devices 35 can
be coupled to a portion of the glass and/or the central region 19a (e.g.,
disposed around at least a
portion of a periphery or edges of the glass). As a result, the illuminated
glass pieces can provide
task lighting and/or decorative lighting for the user. Moreover, in some
embodiments, the glass
can comprise a brand or logo marking that has been positioned to be
illuminated by the
illumination provided by the illumination device 35 (e.g., the brand or logo
can be etched into a
surface of the glass).
10096] FIGS. 21D-F shows images of a lowered downdraft system 10 showing
various
embodiments of an ambient light illumination source 34 according to some
embodiments of the
invention. As shown, in some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can provide
an ambient
illumination 34 to at least some portion of the cooktop 15 and a least some
portion of the cooking
area 14. FIG. 21D for example shows a lowered downdraft system 10 showing an
ambient light
34a configured and arranged to at least partially illuminate a wall 16. FIG.
21E for example
shows a lowered downdraft system 10 showing an ambient light 34b configured
and arranged to
at least partially illuminate the cooktop 15. FIG. 21F for example shows a
lowered downdraft
system 10 showing an ambient light 34c that is configured and arranged as a
night light coupled
with the bezel 27. In some other embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can
include various
alternative embodiments of an ambient light illumination source 34. For
example, some
embodiments may include a combination of one or more of the ambient light
illumination source
34 embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 21D-F.
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[00971 In some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can comprise other
improvements
relative to some conventional downdraft systems. As shown in FIG. 22A, some
conventional
downdraft systems can comprise mounting brackets that extend into the cooking
area. These
mounting brackets can be important to retain the conventional downdraft system
in position
before, during, and after operations. By extending into the cooking area 14,
the conventional
brackets can reduce available useful space and can be generally unsightly.
Conversely, in some
embodiments of the invention, the downdraft system 10 can comprise a bezel 27
that can be
configured and arranged to couple to the downdraft system on the counter
surface level 17. As
shown in FIG. 22B and FIG. 22C, the bezel 27 can be coupled to the counter 17
so that when the
chimney 100 is not in use and is at least partially disposed under the counter
surface level 17, the
bezel 27 can be pivoted, functioning as a "trap door" that can substantially
or completely cover
the top of the chimney 100 so that chimney 100 is hidden from sight (see FIG.
22C). As shown
in FIG. 22B, the bezel 27 can comprise multiple configurations and can
comprise a trap door 28
that can pivot in any one of a plurality of directions. FIG. 22D is an image
of a downdraft
system 10 with trap door 28 in the up position in accordance with some
embodiments of the
invention. In some embodiments, the trap door 28 (bezel 27) can comprise
stainless steel. In
some further embodiments, the trap door 28 (bezel 27) can comprise a painted
metal. In some
other embodiments, the trap door 28 (bezel 27) can comprise a non-metal such
as a glass. In
some other embodiments, trap door 28 (bezel 27) can comprise a material
substantially identical
to the cooktop 15.
[0098] According to some embodiments of the invention, the downdraft system
10 can be
used with different cooking arrangements. As shown in FIG. 23A, some cooking
areas can be
configured for a single cooking vessel, such as a fifteen inch cooking module.
In some
embodiments, the downdraft system can comprise a width (e.g., about fifteen
inches wide) so
that the downdraft system 10 can be installed for use with cooking areas of
different sizes. As a
result, the downdraft system 10 of the appropriate size can be selected based
on the cooking area
that needs ventilation. Moreover, in some embodiments, a pre-existing cooking
area can
comprise a configuration that can preclude the use of some conventionally-
sized downdraft
systems. As shown in FIG. 23B, some coolctops 15 can be installed immediately
adjacent to a
wall 16 or other structure so that a conventional downdraft system cannot fit
in the space
PI-IX 330726298v3 26
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between the wall and the cooktop 15. In some embodiments, a downdraft system
10 comprising
a non-conventionally sized chimney (e.g., approximately eighteen to twenty
inches wide) can be
installed immediately adjacent to a lateral side (shown as the region 15a of
the cooktop 15) so
that the cooktop 15 can be properly ventilated, without the need for the
downdraft system 10 to
be installed between the cooktop 15 and the wall 16. As a result, downdraft
systems of multiple
widths can enable use under multiple circumstances.
[0099] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 24, in some embodiments, the downdraft
system 10 can
be installed between two or more cooktops 15. By way of example only, in some
embodiments,
the downdraft system 10 can be installed so that the chimney 100 can extend
from the counter
surface 17 at a position between at least two cooking modules 15 (e.g.,
fifteen inch cooking
modules). In some embodiments, the chimney 100 can comprise two or more visors
25 disposed
on each side of the chimney 100 adjacent to the cooking modules 15 disposed on
opposite sides
of the downdraft system 10. As a result, in some embodiments, the visor 25 can
be moved so
that cooking effluent or other fluids can be exhausted from one or both of the
cooking modules
15. For example, if a user is employing one of the cooking modules 15, the
visor 25 on the side
of the chimney 100 adjacent to the active cooking module 15 can be at least
partially moved to
enable intake of some or all cooking effluent. Moreover, in some embodiments,
if both cooking
modules 15 are being used, the visors 25 on the sides of the chimney 100 can
be at least partially
opened to enable intake of some or all cooking effluent.
[00100] As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the chimney 100 can
operate
without a visor 25. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the chimney 100 can
comprise an
internal shutter or visor 25 within the fluid flow path substantially adjacent
to the one or more
inlets 30. In some embodiments, the internal shutter or visor can operate in a
manner
substantially similar to the visor 25 (e.g., moving to enable fluid flow
through the one or more
inlets. For example, if a user is employing one of the cooking modules 15, the
internal shutter or
visor 25 on the side of the chimney 100 adjacent to the active cooking module
15 can be at least
partially moved to enable intake of some or all cooking effluent. Moreover, in
some
embodiments, if both cooking modules 15 are being used, the internal shutter
or visors 25 can be
at least partially opened to enable intake of some or all cooking effluent.
PHX 330726298v3 27
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1001011 In some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can comprise one or more
control
panels 55, 58. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, in some embodiments, the
chimney 100 can
comprise a second control panel 55 (capable of vertical movement with the
chimney) and a first
control panel 58 that can be coupled to or integral with the fluid box housing
and with the bezel
27, and which remains substantially stationary when the chimney is move
vertcially. In some
embodiments, the first control panel 58 can comprise one or more buttons or
other control
features 60 that a user can employ to raise and lower the chimney 100, and in
some
embodiments, can include one or more indicators 59. For example, before,
after, or during a
cooking episode, a user can actuate the button 60 to raise or lower the
chimney 100 to ventilate
some or all of the effluent generated by the cooking episode. Also, in some
embodiments, the
first control panel 58 can comprise one or more illumination devices 35 that
can operate (e.g.,
automatically or manually) when the local area is devoid of some or all light
(e.g., the
illumination device of the first control panel 58 can operate as a night
light). In some
embodiments, the control panels 55, 58 can be positioned to enable ease of
use. For example, in
some embodiments, the control panels 55, 58 can be positioned so that the user
does not have to
reach across some or all of the cooktop 15 so that the risk potential injury
to the user (e.g., burns
from cooking episodes) can be reduced or eliminated. Moreover, in some
embodiments, one of
or both of the control panels 55, 58 can be voice activated and/or capable of
communicating with
a remote control unit (e.g., mobile or stationary remote control unit) capable
of being used by the
user to control downdraft system 10 operations.
1001021 In some embodiments, the second control panel 55 can comprise buttons,
dials, or
other elements 60 coupled or integrated with the at least some portion of the
chimney (for
example, coupled to or integrated with the first vertical region 18a, the
second vertical region
18b, or the central region 19b). In some embodiments, the second control panel
55 can comprise
buttons, dials, or other elements 60 that are configured and arranged to
control the ventilation
and illumination capabilities of the downdraft system 10. For example, in some
embodiments,
the buttons 60 can comprise the ability to control the raising or lowering of
the chimney 100, the
ventilation assembly (i.e., control activation and deactivation and/or
multiple operational speeds
of the ventilation assembly), the illumination systems 35, and can also
provide feedback to the
user. For example, in some embodiments where the downdraft system 10 comprises
a
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conventional filter, the second control panel 55 can comprise one or more
indicators 56 that can
provide an indication of whether the filter needs to be cleaned and/or
replaced. Moreover, in
some embodiments, the second control panel 55 can also include an indicator 56
reflecting the
thermal conditions adjacent to the chimney 100 (e.g., the indicator 56 can
provide an indication
of when too much thermal energy is detected). In some embodiments, the buttons
60 can
comprise electromechanical switches, and in other embodiments, the buttons,
dials, or other
elements can comprise rear-mounted capacitive controls that can be touch
activated.
[00103] As shown in FIGS. 26A-I, in some embodiments, the downdraft system can
comprise
multiple exteriors and one or more common internal components (e.g., fluid
box, ventilation
assembly, etc.). In some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 including the
chimney 100 can
comprise a substantially similar configuration internally (for example, the
chimney housing 120
and internal walls 125, 125a can be the same), whereas at least some external
components can be
differently configured (including at least regions 18a, 18b, 19a or 19b) to
provide chimneys to
appeal to a wider group of end users. For example, as shown in FIG. 26A-I, the
chimney 100
can comprise one of a plurality of configurations that can be configured to
appeal to different end
users (e.g., the different chimney 100 configurations can enable downdraft
system price points,
brand differentiation, and/or price-point differentiation).
[00104] In some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can comprise conventional
and/or
alternative configurations. In some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can
comprise a
substantially conventional configuration (for instance including the fluid box
150 and operable to
generate fluid flow through the one or more inlets 30), as previously
mentioned. In some
embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can comprise alternative configurations.
For example, as
shown in FIG. 27, in some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can comprise a
flexible and/or
modular configuration capable of accepting a variety of flexible ventilation
systems (cube-like
modules 13). In some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can comprise one or
more cube-
like modules 13 that can be installed remotely relatively to other portions of
the downdraft
system 10. For example, in some embodiments, the flexible ventilation assembly
modules 13
can be installed at any location within or adjacent to the structure (e.g., an
attic, a crawl space,
another cabinet, coupled to an outer wall of the structure, etc.) and the
modules 13 can be in fluid
communication with the other portions of the downdraft system 10. Moreover, in
some
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embodiments, the one or more components of the downdraft system 10 (for
example, the flexible
ventilation assembly modules 13) can be coupled to an outer wall of the
downdraft system
support (for example, the fluid box housing 152). Further, although depicted
comprising a
substantially cube-like configuration that is about twelve inches in length
and width, the flexible
ventilation assembly modules 13 can comprise other shapes, configurations,
and/or sizes that can
be accommodated within or adjacent to the structure 12. The flexible
ventilation assembly
modules 13 can accept many types of conventional blower configurations
(internal or external)
with different operating parameters. When the conventional blower is attached
to the system, a
conventional control system will recognize what specific type of blower is
attached through a
conventional wire harness (pin configuration) or conventional logic on the
control board (using
for instance, current sensing, etc.). The downdraft system 10 can then adapt
and calibrate to the
correct operating parameters of the specific blower that is attached.
[001051 In some embodiments, at least some portions of the downdraft system 10
(e.g., the
fluid box 150 and/or the support structure 12) can comprise one or more duct
knock-out panels
159. For example, in some embodiments, some or all side panels of the support
structure and/or
the fluid box 150 can comprise the duct knock-out panels 159. In some
embodiments, the
knock-out panels 159 can be configured so that a user or installer can remove
one or more of the
knock-out panels 159 so that the flexible ventilation assembly module 13 can
be fluidly
connected to the downdraft system 10, regardless of where it is positioned. As
a result, the
downdraft system 10 can be installed in a variety of locations and in a
variety of configurations,
which can enable a user to employ the downdraft system 10 in different
ventilating applications.
[001061 As described earlier, in some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can
comprise
one or more control panels 55, 58. FIG. 25 shows for example that a first
control panel 58 can
be coupled to or integral with the bezel 27. In some embodiments, the first
control panel 58 can
comprise one or more buttons or other control features 60 that a user can
employ to raise and
lower the chimney 100. In some embodiments, the first control panel 58 can
comprise buttons,
dials, or other elements 60 that are configured and arranged to control the
ventilation and
illumination capabilities of the downdraft system 10. In some embodiments, the
one or more
control panels 55, 58 can comprise configurations, including various
configurations of the
buttons 60. For example, FIGS. 28A-C illustrate various user interface
controls according to
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some embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 28A, some embodiments of
the
invention include at least one user interface 50 including a first control
panel 58. In some
embodiments, the first control panel 58 can include one or more switches,
buttons or other
control features 60 located substantially on the user interface 50. In some
embodiments, the
switches or buttons 60 can comprise the ability to control a conventional
ventilation assembly
(i.e., control activation and deactivation and/or multiple operational speeds
of a conventional
ventilation fan within a conventional ventilation assembly). In some
embodiments, the switches
or buttons 60 can comprise the ability to control an illumination source 34,
35.
[00107] In some embodiments, at least one or more switches or buttons 60 can
be actuated by
a user. In some embodiments, a user can actuate at least one or more switch or
buttons 60 by
applying a force to at least some partial region of the user interface 50. For
example, in some
embodiments, the switches or buttons 60 can comprise electromechanical
switches, buttons, such
as 'push-buttons' (shown in FIG. 28C for example), toggles, or dials. In some
other
embodiments, a user can actuate at least one or more switches or buttons 60 by
applying a force
to the switch or button 60. In some further embodiments, a user can actuate at
least one or more
switch or buttons by touching or nudging at least some partial region of the
user interface 50.
For example, in some embodiments, the switches or buttons 60 can comprise
electro-capacitive
or electrostatic switches, buttons, or icons (shown in FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B
for example).
[00108] In some further embodiments, the switches or buttons 60 can be
actuated within the
need for direct physical contact between the user and the user interface 50.
For example, in
some embodiments, the user interface 50 can include a conventional transceiver
capable of
receiving a signal from at least one conventional remote transceiver. In some
embodiments, one
or more of the transceivers can communicate using an infra-red. In other
embodiments, one or
more of the transceivers can communicate using a radio-frequency signal. In
some
embodiments, any of the switches or buttons 60 can be actuated by at least one
remote device
emitting at least one of an infra-red signal, a radio-frequency signal, a
microwave signal and a
light frequency signal.
[00109] In some further embodiments, the user interface 50 can include a
passive or active
receiver. For example, in some embodiments, any of the switches or buttons 60
can be actuated
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by a user based on an emission of at least one of an infra-red signal, a radio-
frequency signal, a
microwave signal and a light frequency signal emitted from the user interface
50. For example,
in some embodiments, one or more signals emitted by the user interface 50 may
be at least
partially reflected back from the user and a conventional control system can
interpret a control
sequence based at least partially on the reflected signal. In some other
embodiments, any of the
switches or buttons 60 can be actuated by a user based on an emission of at
least one of an infra-
red signal, a radio-frequency signal, a microwave signal and a light frequency
signal emitted
from the user interface 50 and an impedance generated within a control system
of the user
interface based at least in part on absorption of at least some part of the
emitted signal by the
user.
1001101 Some embodiments can include alternative locations for the user
interface 50 or
alternative locations for controlling the user interface 50. For example, some
embodiments can
include one or more actuators place within a conventional toe-kick of a
conventional cabinet so
as to allow a user to actuate the toe-kick device using foot contact. For
example, in some
embodiments, the downdraft system 10 can include one or more actuators place
within a
conventional toe-kick of a cabinet for optional use if the user's hands are
soiled, thereby
potentially reducing the risk of a foodbome illness or other food
contamination.
1001111 In some embodiments of the downdraft system 10, a user interface 50
can be coupled
with at least one conventional control system (not shown) for controlling and
monitoring various
operations of the downdraft system 10. In some embodiments, the downdraft
system 10 may
also comprise at least one conventional sensor. In some embodiments, the one
or more functions
of the downdraft system 10 may be controlled based at least in part on the
control system. In
some further embodiments, the one or more functions of the downdraft system 10
may be
controlled based at least in part on the control system and a signal from the
at least one sensor.
In some embodiments, conventional control logic of the control system may
cause or prevent the
operation of at least one function of the downdraft system 10. In some
embodiments,
conventional control logic of the control system may cause or prevent the
operation of at least
one function of the downdraft system 10 independent from a user action. For
example, in some
embodiments, conventional control logic of the control system may cause or
prevent the
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operation of at least one function of the downdraft system 10 to prevent an
unsafe operating
condition, or to prevent unintended operation of at least one part of the
downdraft system 10.
1001121 In some other embodiments, one or more of the functions of the
downdraft system 10
can be actuated based at least in part on current and/or historical cooking
conditions. In some
embodiments, the downdraft system can comprise at least one conventional
sensor capable of
monitoring at least one component of the downdraft system 10 and/or at least
one physical
variable of the cooking environment (i.e. the environment within the area of
the cooktop 15 or
within the cooking area 14). For example, in some embodiments, the ventilation
system (for
example module 13) can be actuated without the need for a user to actuate the
fan switch 64
based at least in part on a conventional sensor, and/or at least in part on
the activation status of at
least one component of the downdraft system). In other embodiments for
example, the
illumination systems 34, 35 may be actuated automatically based on the current
ambient light.
100113] In some embodiments, the user interface can include a power switch 62.
In some
embodiments, the power switch 62 can be capable of controlling electrical
power to at least one
component of the downdraft system 10. In some embodiments, the power switch 62
can be
capable of powering up or powering down the downdraft system 10.
[00114] Some embodiments include other switches capable of controlled at least
one
component of the downdraft system 10. For example, in some embodiments, the
user interface
can include a fan switch 64. For example, as shown in FIGS. 28A-28C, the user
interface 50 can
comprise at least one switch 64 capable of controlling power to a conventional
ventilation fan
within a conventional ventilation assembly.
1001151 In some further embodiments of the invention, the user interface 50
can include
switches or buttons 60 that include one or more icons associated with one or
more switches or
other user controls. For example, referring to the at least one switch 64, as
shown in FIG. 28A,
some embodiments comprises switches or buttons 60 that include at least one
icon. As shown,
the at least one switch 64 can be illuminated when the fan is operational
(represented by the fan
level indicator 68).
PHX 330726298v3 33
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[00116] In some embodiments, the one or more icons associated with the one or
more
switches or other user controls 60 on the user interface 50 may be
substantially similar or the
same. In some other embodiments, the one or more icons associated with the one
or more
switches or other user controls 60 on the user interface 50 may be
substantially different.
[00117] In some other embodiments, the user interface can include an
illumination switch 66.
In some embodiments, the switches or buttons 66 can comprise the ability to
control an
illumination source 34, 35.
[00118] Some embodiments provide a user interface 50 that is coupled with at
least one
monitoring system to provide information on at least one functional status of
at least one
component of the downdraft system 10. In some embodiments, the user interface
50 is coupled
with at least one conventional sensor (not shown) to provide information on
the operational
status of at least one component of the downdraft system 10. In some further
embodiments, the
switches or buttons 60 can comprise the ability to both control at least one
component of the
downdraft system 10 while also providing feedback (for example in the form of
a indicating
light, illuminated icon or display) to the user regarding the function of the
component associated
with the switches or buttons 60. For example, as shown in FIGS. 28A-28C, in
some
embodiments, the user interface 50 can include a fan level indicator 68. As
shown, in some
embodiments, the fan level indicator 68 can comprise a plurality of display
bars capable of
illumination. In some embodiments, the fan level indicator 68 can comprise
display bars
illuminated based on a fan speed (for example, a conventional fan, or module
13).
[00119] In some embodiments, the user interface 50 can include an illumination
level
indicator 70. For example, as shown in FIG. 28A, the user interface 50 can
include an
illumination level indicator 70. As shown, in some embodiments, the
illumination level indicator
70 can comprise a plurality of display bars capable of illumination. In some
embodiments, the
illumination level indicator 70 can comprises display bars illuminated based
on illumination
intensity.
[00120] In some embodiments, the user interface can include a timer indicator
72. For
example, as shown in FIG. 28A, the user interface 50 can include a timer
indicator 72. In some
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embodiments, the time indicator 72 can represent an operation time enabled for
at least one
component (for example a time to operate the ventilation system).
[00121] In some other embodiments, the user interface can include an auto
function indicator
74. In some embodiments, auto function indicator 74 can illuminate to indicate
at least one
function of the downdraft system 10 is under control of a conventional control
system.
[00122] In some embodiments where the ventilation system comprises a
conventional filter,
the user interface 50 can comprise one or more indicators 76 that can provide
an indication of
whether the filter needs to be cleaned and/or replaced. In some embodiments,
the filter change
indicator 76 may indicate to the user the need to change one or more
conventional filters in the
downdraft system 10. In some embodiments, one or more of the buttons or
switches 60 may
emit light with a substantially identical or similar luminosity. In some other
embodiments, the
light luminosity may be intermittent (i.e. the buttons or switches 60 may
cycle from an on to an
off state to present a 'blinking' effect to a user). For example, in some
embodiments, when a
total fan operation time reaches a predetermined time (for example 30 hours),
the filter change
indicator 76 can illuminate, or in some other embodiments, it will cycle on
and off (for example
with a cycle period of every two seconds). In some embodiments, the filter
change indicator 76
will cycle on and off regardless of the operating status of the ventilation
assembly. In some
embodiments, the filter change indicator 76 can be reset within the control
system (not shown).
In some embodiments, the downdraft system 10 includes a conventional
filter/grease rail that
collects excess grease from filter that can easily be accessed and cleaned.
1001231 In some embodiments of the invention, the downdraft system 10 can
include a user
interface 50 that comprises a dark colored surface to provide an improved
contrast display. In
some embodiments, the user interface 50 can comprise a transparent or semi-
transparent overlay.
In some embodiments, the overlay may be colored preferably to provide improved
visual
characteristics, including, but not limited to brightness, and contrast in
well-lit or darkened
rooms, aesthetic appearance, etc. In some embodiments, at least one portion of
the user interface
50 may emit a blue or blue-green light. In other embodiments, at least one
portion of the user
interface 50 can emit a yellow, orange or substantially red light. It will be
recognized that this
particular embodiment need not be limited to the use of the colors described,
and in fact any
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combination of user interface color can be used to provide the improved user
interface 50. It will
also be recognized that the color emitted from the user interface 50 can be
changed by altering
the light emission characteristics of at least one light emitting component of
the user interface 50,
or the light transmission characteristics of the overlay of the user interface
50, or both.
[00124] FIGS. 29A-E, 30A-E, and 31A-E illustrate various views of a downdraft
system 10
according to some embodiments of the invention. For example, FIG. 29A shows a
perspective
view of a downdraft system 10 in a closed position (showing the bezel 27 and
trap door 28 in a
closed position), and FIG. 29C shows a top down view of the downdraft system
10 in the closed
position. FIG. 29D shows a top down view of the downdraft system 10 in an open
and
operational position and FIG. 29B and 29E shows views of a downdraft system 10
in a fully
open and operational position. Further, FIG. 30A shows a perspective view of a
downdraft
system 10 in a closed position (showing the bezel 27 and trap door 28 in a
closed position), and
FIG. 30C shows a top down view of the downdraft system 10 in the closed
position. FIG. 30D
shows a top down view of the downdraft system 10 in an open and operational
position and FIG.
30B and 30E shows views of a downdraft system 10 in a fully open and
operational position.
FIG. 31A shows a perspective view of a downdraft system 10 in a closed
position (showing the
bezel 27 and trap door 28 in a closed position), and FIG. 31C shows a top down
view of the
downdraft system 10 in the closed position. FIG. 31D shows a top down view of
the downdraft
system 10 in an open and operational position and FIG. 31B and 31E shows views
of a
downdraft system 10 in a fully open and operational position.
[00125] Some embodiments can include various methods of installation of the
downdraft
system 10. For example, FIGS. 32A-B illustrates various views of installation
of a downdraft
system 10 according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments,
methods of
installation of the downdraft system 10 include a mounting bracket 130 that is
used with
installation from the top of the counter surface 17 (which is different from
the installation of
conventional downdraft systems 11 which generally includes an installation
from the bottom of
the counter surface 17). Moreover, in some embodiments, the downdraft system
10 can be
substantially modular, allowing installation of individual sub-modules of the
downdraft system
and facilitating the installation process.
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[00126] As illustrated in FIGS. 32A-B, the method can include forming an
opening 17a in the
counter surface 17 to enable installation of the cooktop 15 and the downdraft
system 10. In some
embodiments, the installation procedure includes lowering the downdraft system
10 through the
opening 17a without the ambient light 34c, the first control panel 58 or the
bezel 27 and trap
door 28 (also shown separately in the exploded assembly view of FIG. 34). In
some
embodiments, after the downdraft system 10 has been lowered into the opening
17a, a mounting
bracket 130 can be used to secure the downdraft system 10 to the counter
surface 17. In some
embodiments, the first control panel 58 and the bezel 27 and trap door 28 can
then be mounted to
the downdraft system 10.
[00127] In some embodiments, following the installation procedures of the
downdraft system
described earlier, the fluid box 150 may be installed and coupled with the
downdraft system
10. As shown in FIG. 33, illustrating an assembly view of a fluid box 150 of a
downdraft system
10, in some embodiments, the fluid box 150 can include a fluid box housing
152, front covers
154, outlet covers 156, and an electrical coupling 158. Further, some
embodiments include at
least one removeable panel (for instance, such as knock-out panel 159) to
enable access and
installation of conventional control boards and motors, and other conventional
components.
FIG. 34 illustrates an assembly view of a downdraft system 10 according to
some embodiments
of the invention. In some embodiments, the fluid box 150 including a movement
assembly (or
example, movement assembly 400 shown in FIG. 34) can be coupled to the
downdraft system 10
substantially below the counter surface 17. In some embodiments, the guides
460 coupled to the
frame 403 can be coupled with conventional rails within the fluid box 150. In
some
embodiments, the chimney 100 can be mounted to conventional carriages through
access holes.
In some embodiments, front covers 154 can be mounted after the chimney 100 is
installed. In
some embodiments, a blower assembly (for example, cub-like module 13) can be
coupled to the
downdraft system 10.
[00128] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the
invention has been
described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the
invention is not
necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses,
modifications and
departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be
encompassed by the
invention.
P1-IX 330726298v3 37
CA 2814915 2019-05-29
