Smoke Removal Apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a smoke removal apparatus. More specifically, but not in the way of limitation, an apparatus configured to be secured to a window frame of a structure wherein the apparatus is operable to provide isolation of smoke or similar, inhibit propagation thereof into the interior volume of a room, and expel said smoke or similar to an external environment. The present invention includes an interior window frame, at least two arms secured to said window frame, a foldable material operably disposed intermediate the at least two arms and coupled thereto, and at least one exhaust fan configured to draw air towards said window, wherein said exhaust fan expels said smoke or similar to an external environment.

Claims

1. A system for expelling smoke or like to an external environment of a structure, comprising: an interior window frame; at least two arms secured to said interior window frame; a foldable material operably disposed intermediate the at least two arms and coupled thereto; and at least one exhaust fan configured to draw air towards the window.

2. A smoke removal apparatus, comprising: An interior window frame, At least two arms secured to said window frame, a foldable material operably disposed intermediate the at least two arms and coupled thereto, and At least one exhaust fan configured to draw air towards the window, Wherein said apparatus isolates smoke or similar and said exhaust fan expels said smoke.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least two arms can be permanently a part of a window frame or releasably secured thereto.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the two arms are movable intermediate a first position and a second position.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first position said arms are adjacent to a portion of the window frame.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the second position said arms are extended outward from said window frame and inwards towards an interior room.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein said foldable material is manufactured from an impermeable material.

8. The system of claim 2, wherein said exhaust fan is atmospherically coupled to an environment of a building or window.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said exhaust fan can be either fixedly mounted or releasably secured.

10. The system of claim 2, wherein the apparatus can further include opposing side like curtain-like members.

11. The system of claim 2, wherein a support arm can be contiguous said arms.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the aforementioned description and the accompanying drawings submitted herewith.

[0025] An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible, By the way of example but not by the way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

[0026] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms a, an and the include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to an element is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word or should be understood as having the definition of a logical or rather than that of a logical exclusive or unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] References to one embodiment, an embodiment, exemplary embodiments, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

[0028] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized, and that other aspects, features, advantages or logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a position 2 perspective view of a permanently affixed smoke removal apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a position 1 perspective view of a permanently affixed smoke removal apparatus in accordance with the art of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a position 2 perspective view of a releasably secured smoke removal apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a position 2 perspective view of a releasably secured smoke removal apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view that illustrates the air flow containment and removal of smoke present in the volume of the smoke removal apparatus.

[0034]

TABLE-US-00001 DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS 1. Window frame 2. Interior window frame 3. Window surface 4. Latch 10. Cable support mount 11. Tension rod 12. Cable support 13. Arm 14. Tension rod support mount 15. Support arm 16. Pinned support 17. Fixed support 20. Foldable material 21. Curtain-like side member 22. Front facing curtain-like side member 30. Fan 31. Power switch 32. Airflow restrictor 33. Fan blades 50. Smoke 51. Operator 100. Permanently affixed smoke removal apparatus 200. Releasably secured smoke removal apparatus 300. Simple smoke removal apparatus

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, there is disclosed an improved apparatus, generally indicated as 100, for containing, venting, exhausting, or expelling smoke and similar materials according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown the apparatus 100 comprises of a frame secured to a window 3 of a building, wherein the frame is secured to an interior window frame 2 in a building, wherein the frame can be permanently a part of a window frame 1, wherein the frame includes at least two arms 13, wherein two arms 13 are movable intermediate a first position and a second position, wherein second position the arms 13 are extended outward from the window frame 1 and inwards towards the interior room.

[0036] A support arm 15 is perpendicular in relationship to arms 13, wherein arms 13 and support arm 15 are joined by a fixed support 17. Connected to one end of arms 13 is a funicular, adjustable, or a cable support 12, wherein one end is coupled to a fixed support 17 and its opposite end is coupled to a tension rod support mount 14, wherein a cable support mount is permanently affixed to a window frame 1. Connected to an opposite end of arm 13 is a pinned support 16, which can be fastened to the interior window frame 2.

[0037] The structure further includes a foldable material 20 operably disposed intermediate the at least two arms 13 and coupled thereto, wherein the foldable material 20 is manufactured from an impermeable material such as but not limited to plastic, wherein an embodiment of the frame could further include opposing side curtain-like members 21, wherein a front facing curtain-like member 22 is joined between two side curtain-like members 21, wherein curtain-like members 21 and front facing curtain-like member 22 can be one with foldable material 20 or separate from foldable material 20.

[0038] The system 100 employs at least one exhaust fan 30, wherein at least one exhaust fan 30, wherein fan blades 33 are configured to draw air towards the window 3, wherein exhaust fan 30 is atmospherically coupled to the environment of the building, wherein either a remote power switch or an integrated power switch 31 providing operation of at least one exhaust fan 30, wherein exhaust fan 30 can be either fixedly mounted or releasably secured. An airflow restrictor 32 can be coupled between an exhaust fan 30 and an interior window frame 2.

[0039] Now referring to FIG. 2 the improved apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 1 further comprises a latch 4 which is fixed to a window frame 1 to support the apparatus 100, wherein at least two arms 13 are movable intermediate a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position at least two arms 13 are adjacent a portion of interior window frame 2.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, there is disclosed an improved system, generally indicated as 200, for containing, venting, exhausting, or expelling smoke and similar materials according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown the apparatus 200 comprises of a frame secured to a window 3 of a building, wherein the frame is secured to an interior window frame 2 in a building, wherein the frame can be releasably secured a part of a window frame 1, wherein the frame includes at least two arms 13, wherein the two arms 13 are movable intermediate a first position and a second position, wherein in second position the arms 13 are extended outward from the window frame 1 and inwards towards the interior room.

[0041] A support arm 15 is perpendicular in relationship to arms 13, wherein arms 13 and support arm 15 are joined by a fixed support 17. Connected to one end of arms 13 is a funicular, adjustable, or a cable support 12, wherein one end is coupled to a fixed support 17 and its opposite end is coupled to a tension rod support mount 14, wherein a tension rod support mount 14 is affixed to an adjustable, expandable, or tension rod 11, wherein the tension rod 11 is releasably mounted between two opposing sides of interior window frames 2. Connected to an opposite end of arm 13 is a pinned support 16, which can be permanently or releasably fastened to interior window frame 2.

[0042] The structure further includes a foldable material 20 operably disposed intermediate the at least two arms 13 and coupled thereto, wherein the foldable material 20 is manufactured from an impermeable material such as but not limited to plastic, wherein an embodiment of the frame could further include opposing side curtain-like members 21, wherein a front facing curtain-like member 22 is joined between two side curtain-like members 21, wherein curtain-like members 21 and front facing curtain-like member 22 can be one with foldable material 20 or separate from foldable material 20.

[0043] The system 200 employs at least one exhaust fan 30, wherein fan blades 33 are configured to draw air towards a window 3, wherein exhaust fan 30 is atmospherically coupled to an environment of a building, wherein either a remote power switch or an integrated power switch 31 providing operation of at least one exhaust fan 30, wherein exhaust fan 30 can be either fixedly mounted or releasably secured. An air restrictor 32 can be coupled between an exhaust fan 30 and an interior window frame 2.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, there is disclosed an improved system, generally indicated as 300, for containing, venting, exhausting, or expelling smoke and similar materials according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown the apparatus 300 comprises of a frame secured to a window 3 of a building, wherein the frame is secured to an interior window frame 2 in a building, wherein the frame can be releasably secured a part of a window frame 1, wherein the frame includes at least two arms 13, wherein the two arms 13 are movable intermediate a first position and a second position, wherein in the second position the arms 13 are extended outward from a window frame 1 and inwards towards an interior room. Connected to an opposite end of arm 13 is a pinned support 16, which can be permanently or releasably fastened to an interior window frame 2.

[0045] The structure further includes a foldable material 20 operably disposed intermediate the at least two arms 13 and coupled thereto, wherein the foldable material 20 is manufactured from an impermeable material such as but not limited to plastic, wherein an embodiment of the frame could further include opposing side curtain-like members 21, wherein a front facing curtain-like member 22 is joined between two side curtain-like members 21, wherein curtain-like members 21 and front facing curtain-like member 22 can be one with foldable material 20 or separate from foldable material 20.

[0046] The system 200 employs at least one exhaust fan 30, wherein fan blades 33 are configured to draw air towards a window 3, wherein exhaust fan 30 is atmospherically coupled to an environment of a building, wherein either a remote power switch or integrated power switch 31 providing operation of at least one exhaust fan 30, wherein an exhaust fan 30 can be either fixedly mounted or releasably secured. An air restrictor 32 can be coupled between an exhaust fan 30 and an interior window frame 2.

[0047] Now referring to FIG. 5 the improved apparatus 200 as shown in FIG. 3 further illustrates airflow of containing, venting, exhausting, or expelling of smoke and similar materials according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3 the apparatus 200 further comprises smoke 50 or similar material contained in a volume of the foldable material 20, curtain-like side members 21 and front facing curtain-like side member 22. The system 200 employs at least one exhaust fan 30, wherein fan blades 33 are configured to draw air towards a window 3, an air restrictor 32 can be coupled between an exhaust fan 30 and an interior window frame 2.

[0048] The manner of using a smoke removal apparatus when configured as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5 is operable wherein the apparatus is secured as illustrated. An operator 51 can turn on exhaust fan 30 by way of a power switch 31, wherein smoke 50 passes through an open window 3 and expels from a volume of the apparatus to an external environment.

[0049] The operator 51 can turn off fan 30 when all smoke 50 has been expelled. [0050] To close the apparatus, an operator 51 can direct the arms 13 upward until the arms 13 are adjacent to a window frame 1, as shown in FIG. 2, and close a latch 4 to secure the apparatus, where in latch 4 is contiguous window frame 1.

[0051] It can be appreciated that any or all of the embodiments disclosed above can be used to retrofit an existing or current window and window frame so as to convert these into a smoke removal apparatus for containing, venting, exhausting, or expelling smoke and similar material.

[0052] While the above description contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of one or several embodiment(s) thereof. Many other variations are possible.

[0053] An improved embodiment for containing, venting, exhausting, or expelling smoke and similar materials according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein movement of the arms 13 from a first position to a second position and from a second position to a first position are operable by automation.

[0054] Another improved embodiment of the present invention for containing, venting, exhausting, or expelling smoke and similar materials wherein the frame includes at least two arms wherein the two arms are movable intermediate a first position and a second position, wherein in first position of the arms are adjacent a portion of the window frame, wherein the structure may be configured to camouflage into an environment by way of including blinds or window coverings.

[0055] Other materials can be used as foldable material 20, curtain-like side members 21 and front facing curtain-like side members 22 such as, opaque material, adjustable material, inflatable material, glass or other window covering materials.

[0056] Arms 13 or 15 can be made of a fixed rigid material, adjustable, collapsible, extendable, retrofitted, or other material.

[0057] Cable support mount 10 or tension rod support mount 14 can be fixed, retractable, adjustable or a pulley.

[0058] Fixed support 17 can be rigid, collapsible, or adjustable. Components can be as described, retractable, adjustable, remote, manual or automated.

[0059] Cable 12 can be a cable, cord, wire, funicular, rigid, expandable, adjustable, or fabric-like.

[0060] An embodiment of the present invention can vary in size or adapt size.

[0061] An embodiment of the present invention can vary in shape.

[0062] An embodiment of the present invention can be operated manually, by an integrated power switch, or a remote power switch.

[0063] While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of embodiments, it will be understood that the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are entitled.