Overhead ventilation system incorporating a downwardly configured rear supply plenum with upward configured directional outlet and including baffle plates and dampeners incorporated into the plenum for evenly distributing an inlet airflow through the plenum outlet

Abstract

A ventilation system for use with a cooking appliance to maintain an atmospheric pressure balance existing within an enclosed space surrounding the cooking appliance. A hood establishes a three-dimensional and interiorly recessed configuration and which is supported above the appliance. A filter within the hood communicates with a vacuum driven exhaust extending from the enclosed space. A supply plenum secures in downwardly and opposing fashion relative to a side of the cooking appliance. An air intake communicates the supply plenum with an exterior environment, the plenum including a perforated plate mounted to an inside face thereof in proximity to a bottom closed edge of said plenum and in order to introduce intake air to a side location of the appliance in order to equalize internal pressure and to facilitate upward movement of heated air from the appliance.

1 . A ventilation system for use with a heat generating appliance which maintains an atmospheric pressure balance existing within an enclosed space surrounding the appliance, said system comprising:
 a hood establishing a substantially three-dimensional and interiorly recessed configuration and which is supported in generally elevated fashion above the appliance, said hood incorporating a filter communicating with a vacuum driven exhaust extending from said hood and the enclosed space; and   a supply plenum secured in downwardly and opposing fashion relative to a side of the cooking appliance, an air intake communicating said supply plenum with an exterior environment, said plenum further including a perforated plate mounted to an inside face thereof in proximity to a bottom closed edge of said plenum and in order to introduce intake air to a side location of the appliance in order to equalize internal pressure and to facilitate upward movement of heated air from the appliance.   
     
     
         2 . The ventilation system as described in  claim 1 , said hood exhibiting a specified shape and size and further comprising a generally rectangular shape. 
     
     
         3 . The ventilation system as described in  claim 2 , said plenum exhibiting a specified shape and size and further comprising a three-dimensional and elongated module secured along a side edge of said hood, said perforated plate extending at least partially along a width of said plenum and including a plurality of individual and inner extending perimeter defining apertures. 
     
     
         4 . The ventilation system as described in  claim 3 , further comprising a pair of elongated and substantially planar skirts secured in downwardly extending fashion from first and second ends of said hood, said skirts overlaying associated ends of said supply plenum, said plenum outlet extending in substantially lengthwise fashion between said ends. 
     
     
         5 . The ventilation system as described in  claim 1 , further comprising a vacuum generating blower incorporated into an exterior location of said exhaust. 
     
     
         6 . The ventilation system as described in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of elongated support hangers extending from a ceiling location of the enclosed space and securing to respective top face locations associated with at least one of said support plenum and said hood. 
     
     
         7 . The ventilation system as described in  claim 1 , further comprising a grease filter mounted in angular fashion within said hood enclosure, between first and second sides, and proximate a forward end of said hood. 
     
     
         8 . The ventilation system as described in  claim 7 , said hood interior further comprising respective upper and lower lengthwise extending supports for securing said baffle filter in communication with said vacuum driven exhaust, a grease collection trap associated with a tilted end location providing for disposal of liquid based contaminants collected by said filter. 
     
     
         9 . The ventilation system as described in  claim 8 , further comprising said exhaust being located along a forward edge of said hood in communication with an outlet side of said grease filter. 
     
     
         10 . The ventilation system as described in  claim 1 , further comprising an incandescent light fixture secured to an interior location associated with said hood. 
     
     
         11 . A ventilation system for use with a heat generating appliance which maintains an atmospheric pressure balance existing within an enclosed space surrounding the appliance, said system comprising:
 a hood establishing a substantially three-dimensional and interiorly recessed configuration and which is supported in generally elevated fashion above the appliance, said hood incorporating a filter communicating with a vacuum driven exhaust extending from said hood and the enclosed space;   a supply plenum secured in downwardly and opposing fashion relative to a side of the cooking appliance, an air intake communicating said supply plenum with an exterior environment, said plenum further including a perforated plate mounted to an inside face thereof in proximity to a bottom closed edge of said plenum and in order to introduce intake air to a side location of the appliance in order to equalize internal pressure and to facilitate upward movement of heated air from the appliance;   a grease filter mounted in angular fashion within said hood enclosure, between first and second sides, and proximate a forward end of said hood; and   said exhaust being located along a forward edge of said hood in communication with an outlet side of said grease filter.