Over The Stove Microwave Exhaust Extension

Abstract

A hood extension assembly for use with an above the stove microwave having a built-in ventilation system. The hood extension assembly is fixedly or movably mountable to an underside of an above the stove microwave or to the surrounding cabinetry. A skirt body of a hood panel sloped downward from back to front extends from the front of the microwave to extend over and cover the front burners of the stove or cooktop. A pair of side panels attach to the hood panel and extend rearward to protect the surrounding cabinetry. The pair of side panels may attach directly to the underside of the microwave or to a bracket component attachable to the underside of the microwave.

Claims

1. A hood extension assembly for use with a microwave oven comprising: a hood panel comprising a skirt body sloped downward from back to front; and a pair of side panels parallelly disposed on opposing ends of the skirt body extending perpendicularly rearward; and wherein each side panel comprises a top lip extending perpendicularly inward toward the other side panel; and wherein each top lip is attachable to an underside of the microwave oven.

2. The hood extension assembly of claim 1, wherein the hood panel further comprises a non-stick inner surface.

3. The hood extension assembly of claim 1, wherein the hood panel further comprises a back portion and a front portion comprising a lip extending downward.

4. The hood extension assembly of claim 3, wherein the back proportion comprises at least one mounting hole.

5. The hood extension assembly of claim 3, wherein the lip of the front portion is perpendicularly oriented to the back portion of the hood panel.

6. The hood extension assembly of claim 1, wherein the top lip of each side panel comprises a plurality of mounting holes.

7. The hood extension assembly of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of each side panel is a non-stick surface.

8. The hood extension assembly of claim 1, wherein the skirt body extends outward and away from the microwave oven.

9. The hood extension assembly of claim 1, wherein the hood panel and the pair of side panels are attachable to the underside of the microwave oven via a plurality of mechanical fasteners.

10. The hood extension assembly of claim 1 further comprising at least one lighting element attached to an inner surface of the hood panel.

11. A detachable hood extension assembly for use with a microwave oven comprising: a hood panel comprising a skirt body sloped downward from back to front; a pair of side panels parallelly disposed on opposing ends of the skirt body extending perpendicularly rearward; and a pair of brackets each comprising a mounting member and a mounting member engaging rail; and wherein each mounting member is attachable to an underside of the microwave oven and each mounting member engaging rail is attachable to one of the side panels.

12. The hood extension assembly of claim 11, wherein each mounting member engaging rail slidably engages the respective mounting member.

13. The hood extension assembly of claim 11, wherein each mounting member engaging rail is detachable from the respective mounting member.

14. The hood extension assembly of claim 11, wherein the hood panel further comprises a back portion and a front portion comprising a lip extending downward.

15. The hood extension assembly of claim 14 further comprising a handle attached to the lip.

16. The hood extension assembly of claim 11 further comprising at least one lighting element attached to an inner surface of the hood panel.

17. A hood extension assembly for use with a microwave oven comprising: a hood panel comprising a skirt body sloped downward from back to front; a pair of side panels parallelly disposed on opposing ends of the skirt body extending perpendicularly rearward, each side panel comprising a top lip extending perpendicularly inward toward the other side panel; and a pair of brackets each comprising a mounting member and a mounting member engaging rail; and wherein each mounting member is attachable to an underside of the microwave oven and each mounting member engaging rail is attachable to the top lip of one of the side panels; and wherein the hood panel and pair of side panels are extendable and retractable along the underside of the microwave oven.

18. The hood extension assembly of claim 17, wherein each mounting member engaging rail slidably engages the respective mounting member.

19. The hood extension assembly of claim 17, wherein the skirt body is extended beyond the underside of the microwave oven when fully extended.

20. The hood extension assembly of claim 17, wherein the skirt body is retracted beneath the underside of the microwave oven when fully retracted.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a hood extension assembly of the present invention attached to and installed under an above the range microwave oven in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the hood extension assembly of the present invention detached from under the above the range microwave oven in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the hood extension assembly of the present invention for use with the above the range microwave oven in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates an underneath view of the hood extension assembly of the present invention for use with the above the range microwave oven in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a detachable hood extension assembly of the present invention for use with an above the range microwave oven in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the detachable hood extension assembly of the present invention for use with the above the range microwave oven in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an extendable and retractable hood extension assembly of the present invention for use with an above the range microwave oven in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the extendable and retractable hood extension assembly of the present invention in an extended position for use with the above the above the range microwave oven in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the extendable and retractable hood extension assembly of the present invention in a retracted position for use with the above the range microwave oven in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0032] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is an improved exhaust vent extension that mounts under a microwave above a stovetop. Users can secure the extension in place using screws or other mechanical fasteners. The attachments may be constructed using a lightweight stainless or paintable steel. Users can secure the attachment and cook food to prevent excess grease and steam from traveling upward and splattering the microwave surface or nearby kitchen cabinets. Traditional built-in exhaust systems of above the range microwave ovens only extend slightly outward from the cabinets leaving the forward portions of the cooktop uncovered and unprotected.

[0033] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-9 illustrate a hood extension assembly 100. The hood extension assembly 100 is configured for use with an above the range microwave oven 10 with a built-in venting system. The hood extension assembly 100 is designed to extend the reach of an exhaust system of the microwave oven 10 so that smoke or fumes from the front burners or front of a cooktop beneath the microwave oven 10 are captured by the built-in exhaust system of the microwave oven 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hood extension assembly 100 is fixedly or movably mountable to an underside of the above the stove microwave oven 10 or to the surrounding cabinetry 20.

[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the hood extension assembly 100 comprises a hood panel 110 and a pair of side panels 130. The hood panel 110 comprises a skirt body 120, a back portion 122, and a front portion 126. The skirt body 120 is sloped downward from back to front between the back 122 and front portions 126. The hood panel 110 is typically constructed from a durable metal and further comprises an inner surface 114 and an outer surface 112. The inner surface 112 may be constructed with or coated with a non-stick surface or coating.

[0035] The back portion 122 is generally horizontal in orientation and comprises at least one mounting hole 124 for attaching to an underside of the microwave oven 10 with at least one mechanical fastener, such as a screw. The front portion 126 comprises a lip 128. The lip 128 extends downward and is perpendicularly oriented to the back portion 122. The skirt body 122 extends generally angularly outward and away from a front of the microwave oven 10.

[0036] The pair of side panels 130 are parallelly disposed on opposing ends of the skirt body 110 and extend perpendicularly rearward. Each side panel 130 comprises a side panel body 136, a back 142, and a front 144. The front 144 angles or narrows to match the slope of the skirt body 120. Each side panel 130 is typically constructed from the same material as the hood panel 110 and further comprises an inner surface 134 and an outer surface 132. The inner surface 132 may be constructed with or coated with a non-stick surface or coating.

[0037] Each side panel 130 further comprises a top lip 138. The top lip 138 extends rearward from the back portion 122 of the skirt body 120. Each top lip 138 further extends perpendicularly inward from the side panel 130 toward the opposing side panel 130. Each top lip 130 comprises a plurality of mounting holes 140 for attaching to an underside of the microwave oven with a plurality of mechanical fasteners, such as screws.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the hood extension assembly 100 may further comprise at least one lighting element 146. The at least one lighting element 146 is attachable or integrable within the inner surface 114 of the hood panel 110. The at least one lighting element 146 is typically battery powered separate from any other kitchen lighting and is typically directed toward the cooktop.

[0039] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in an additional embodiment thereof as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, comprises a detachable hood extension assembly 100. The detachable hood extension assembly 100 comprises a hood panel 110 and a pair of side panels 130. The hood panel 110 comprises a skirt body 120, a back portion 122, and a front portion 126. The skirt body 120 is sloped downward from back to front between the back 122 and front portions 126. The hood panel 110 is typically constructed from a durable metal and further comprises an inner surface 114 and an outer surface 112. The inner surface 112 may be constructed with or coated with a non-stick surface or coating.

[0040] The back portion 122 is generally horizontal in orientation. The front portion 126 comprises a lip 128. The lip 128 extends downward and is perpendicularly oriented to the back portion 122. The skirt body 122 extends generally angularly outward and away from a front of the microwave oven 10. The detachable hood extension assembly 100 may further comprise a handle 148 attached to the lip 128.

[0041] The pair of side panels 130 are parallelly disposed on opposing ends of the skirt body 110 and extend perpendicularly rearward. Each side panel 130 comprises a side panel body 136, a back 142, and a front 144. The front 144 angles or narrows to match the slope of the skirt body 120. Each side panel 130 is typically constructed from the same material as the hood panel 110 and further comprises an inner surface 134 and an outer surface 132. The inner surface 132 may be constructed with or coated with a non-stick surface or coating. Each side panel 130 may further comprise a top lip 138. The top lip 138 extends rearward from the back portion 122 of the skirt body 120. Each top lip 138 further extends perpendicularly inward from the side panel 130 toward the opposing side panel 130.

[0042] The detachable hood extension assembly 100 further comprises a pair of brackets 150. Each bracket 150 comprises a mounting member 152 and a mounting member engaging rail 154. Each mounting member 152 is attachable to an underside of the microwave oven 10 or to the surrounding cabinetry 20. Each mounting member engaging rail 154 is fixedly attachable to one of the side panels 130. The mounting member engaging rail 154 slidably engages the respective mounting member 154. The mounting member engaging rails 154 may pull out of and completely detach from the mounting members 152 to remove the hood panel 110 and pair of side panels 130 from beneath the microwave oven 10 when not needed. The mounting members 152 remain in place when the rest of the detachable hood extension assembly 100 is not needed and are low profile.

[0043] The hood extension assembly 100 may further comprise at least one lighting element 146. The at least one lighting element 146 is attachable or integrable within the inner surface 114 of the hood panel 110. The at least one lighting element 146 is typically battery powered separate from any other kitchen lighting and is typically directed toward the cooktop.

[0044] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in an additional embodiment thereof as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, comprises a hood extension assembly 100. The hood extension assembly 100 is configured to be extendable and retractable. The hood extension assembly 100 comprises a hood panel 110 and a pair of side panels 130. The hood panel 110 comprises a skirt body 120, a back portion 122, and a front portion 126. The skirt body 120 is sloped downward from back to front between the back 122 and front portions 126. The hood panel 110 is typically constructed from a durable metal and further comprises an inner surface 114 and an outer surface 112. The inner surface 112 may be constructed with or coated with a non-stick surface or coating.

[0045] The back portion 122 is generally horizontal in orientation. The front portion 126 comprises a lip 128. The lip 128 extends downward and is perpendicularly oriented to the back portion 122. The skirt body 122 extends generally angularly outward and away from a front of the microwave oven 10. The hood extension assembly 100 may further comprise a handle 148 attached to the lip 128.

[0046] The pair of side panels 130 are parallelly disposed on opposing ends of the skirt body 110 and extend perpendicularly rearward. Each side panel 130 comprises a side panel body 136, a back 142, and a front 144. The front 144 angles to match the slope of the skirt body 120. Each side panel 130 is typically constructed from the same material as the hood panel 110 and further comprises an inner surface 134 and an outer surface 132. The inner surface 132 may be constructed with or coated with a non-stick surface or coating. Each side panel 130 may further comprise a top lip 138. The top lip 138 extends rearward from the back portion 122 of the skirt body 120. Each top lip 138 further extends perpendicularly inward from the side panel 130 toward the opposing side panel 130.

[0047] The hood extension assembly 100 further comprises a pair of brackets 150. Each bracket 150 comprises a mounting member 152 and a mounting member engaging rail 154. Each mounting member 152 is attachable to an underside of the microwave oven 10 or to the surrounding cabinetry 20. Each mounting member engaging rail 154 is fixedly attachable to the top lip 138 of one of the side panels 130. The mounting member engaging rail 154 slidably engages the respective mounting member 154. The hood extension assembly 100 is retractable and extendable with the hood panel 110 and pair of sidewalls 130 retractable and extendable along the underside of the microwave oven.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 8, when fully extended, the skirt body 120 slides out and is fully extended beyond the underside of the microwave oven 10 to completely protect the front of the cook top below. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the skirt body 120 slides backward and is fully retracted beneath the underside of the microwave oven 10 when not needed. Accordingly, the retracted hood extension assembly 100 provides a more streamlined look when no one is cooking.

[0049] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the hood extension assembly 100 can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the hood extension assembly 100 and its various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the hood extension assembly 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the hood extension assembly 100 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the hood extension assembly 100 and its various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the hood extension assembly 100 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the hood extension assembly 100 is designed to be applied.

[0050] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.