HANGING SYSTEM FOR AN EXTRACTOR HOOD

Abstract

 Hanging system for an extractor hood (1) comprising a frame structure with profiles (4, 11, 13) for supporting an extractor hood (1) and comprising hanging cables (2) for hanging the frame structure from an overlying structure, wherein the hanging system comprises, for each hanging cable (2), an encasement profile (5), wherein each hanging cable (2) is connected to the frame structure and at least partially extends through a passage (20) of the respective encasement profile (5) and that each encasement profile (5) is coupled by an end to the frame structure and this is achieved with the aid of a coupling piece (6) that allows movement between the encasement profile (5) and the frame structure between a rest position of the hanging system and one or more other positions.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a hanging system for an extractor hood comprising a frame structure with one or more profiles for supporting an extractor hood and the hanging system comprising hanging cables for hanging the frame structure from an overlying structure, such as a ceiling.

[0002] This hanging system is specifically a hanging system for extractor hoods. An extractor hood can also be referred to as a kitchen hood or range hood. There are various types of extractor hoods. This invention is usable with extractor hoods with extraction to the outside but is more specifically usable with extractor hoods with integrated recirculation that are intended to be set up in a room, such as a kitchen, wherein the air extracted by the extractor hood is filtered by the extractor hood itself and this filtered air is also sent back into the room by the extractor hood itself. Such extractor hoods can be produced in a wide variety of designs. These extractor hoods are currently often produced so that they have a bar-shaped design or are incorporated into a shell, wherein the extractor hood and the shell then together have a bar-shaped appearance or they are surrounded by encasing parts, wherein the extractor hood then has, for example, a bar-shaped appearance and the encasing parts form a frame structure with profiles. This last said frame structure can then, for example, be hung from a ceiling by one or more hanging cables.

[0003] There are currently two ways to secure such extractor hoods to an overlying structure. Usually, multiple hanging cables are used. With the aid of cables, it is possible to simply and quickly secure extractor hoods to a ceiling and at the desired distance from the ceiling. In this case, it is also possible to accommodate unevennesses on the ceiling in a straightforward manner because the different hanging cables can also have different lengths. These cables are also readily able to accommodate forces which act directly or indirectly on the extractor hood because these hanging cables allow movement of the extractor hood with respect to the ceiling. With the aid of hanging cables, it is also possible to attach extractor hoods at relatively large distances from the ceiling, as a result of which hanging cables are usable in high rooms, such as rooms of 3 m or more in height. One drawback of such hanging cables is that, from an aesthetic point of view, they are often unsightly.

[0004] Another way to hang extractor hoods is to use frames. Thus, a frame can be produced that is able to support an extractor hood in an encased manner, wherein the extractor hood is then hung from a ceiling with the aid of this frame. No hanging cables are then required, and so no unsightly cables are visible. Such frames are currently used in rooms of standard heights, for example heights of 2.50 m and 2.60 m. Frames are regarded as aesthetically pleasing. However, designer extractor hoods are often present in buildings with higher ceilings of 3 m or more. Extractor hoods have to be provided at an appropriate height from the cooking appliance in order to be able to extract steam properly. In the case of high ceilings, this means that the space between the extractor hood and the ceiling is relatively large. The portions of the profiles of the frame that extend between the extractor hood and the ceiling in the case of said higher ceilings thus have a certain length, so that in the case of higher ceilings greater forces will then act on the frame. In principle, this can be solved by providing frames with thicker profiles. However, in practice, this is undesirable because such profiles are regarded as less aesthetically pleasing and are heavier, as a result of which they are more difficult to hang or cannot be hung. The transport of large frames is also not straightforward. Therefore, in practice, hanging cables are used instead of frames in the case of said higher ceilings.

[0005] It is thus an aim of the invention to produce an aesthetically pleasing hanging system that is usable both in rooms with standard heights, namely heights of between, for example, 2.40 m and 2.60 m, and in higher rooms.

[0006] This aim is achieved by providing a hanging system as disclosed in the first paragraph of this invention, wherein the hanging system comprises, in addition to said profiles, at least three encasement profiles, wherein each encasement profile is a hollow profile that extends in a longitudinal direction and comprises a passage for encasing one of said hanging cables, wherein this passage extends from a first end to a second end in the longitudinal direction of the encasement profile, wherein each hanging cable is connected to the frame structure and at least partially extends through the passage of the respective encasement profile and that each encasement profile is coupled by its second end to the frame structure and this is achieved with the aid of a coupling piece that, in use, allows movement between the encasement profile and the frame structure between a rest position of the hanging system, wherein the longitudinal direction of the encasement profile extends virtually vertically in a first rest direction and the longitudinal direction of a said profile of the frame structure, which extends at the location of the coupling of the encasement profile and the frame structure, extends in a second rest direction and one or more other positions, wherein at least the longitudinal direction of the encasement profile or the longitudinal direction of the last said profile of the frame structure extends in a direction that differs from the respective rest direction, wherein the coupling piece comprises an intermediate piece that is intended to extend between the encasement profile and an opening for a hanging cable, which opening opens out at the top in use and provides access to an interior space of said profile of the frame structure. Said hanging system preferably comprises four encasement profiles. Each encasement profile preferably comprises a hanging cable that preferably extends through said encasement profile.

[0007] Said coupling piece preferably adjoiningly comprises a first connecting part for connection with the encasement profile at the location of the second end, the intermediate piece that is intended to extend between the encasement profile and said opening and a second connecting part for connection with the profile of the frame structure at the location of said opening, wherein this coupling piece comprises a body passage that extends from the first connecting part to the second connecting part and through which the hanging cable is intended to extend.

[0008] The frame structure with one or more profiles is intended to support an extractor hood. The frame structure can then comprise, for example, lower profiles on which the extractor hood is intended to rest, so as to support the extractor hood from below. The extractor hood may optionally comprise additional profiles that are intended to extend vertically in use and to extend at the sides of the extractor hood. When said lower profiles are thus present, the frame structure is then intended to support the extractor hood in an encased manner. The frame structure can also comprise one or more upper profiles, which are then intended to encase the extractor hood in addition and/or to which the extractor hood is intended to be secured so as to support the extractor hood from above. What is meant by supporting is, inter alia, supporting from below, supporting from above, supporting at the sides and/or supporting in an encased manner.

[0009] Each hanging cable is connected to the frame structure and preferably to a said profile of the frame structure. Additional securing means may optionally be provided for this purpose. These securing means can substantially extend inside a passage of a said profile, when the profile is hollow. There can also be securing means such as brackets or the like secured to a said profile.

[0010] The one or more hanging cables are used to hang the frame structure and thus secure the extractor hood to an overlying structure at the desired distance from this overlying structure. These hanging cables can be provided with the required strength and robustness so that forces, which act directly or indirectly on the extractor hood, can be readily accommodated. By virtue of these hanging cables, this hanging system is thus also usable in higher rooms of 3 m of more. Said encasement profiles screen the hanging cables, so that virtually no unsightly hanging cables are visible. The one or more hanging cables extend at least partially through the passages of the respective one or more encasement profiles. It is further possible to simply provide encasement profiles and a frame structure with profiles, wherein all of these profiles have a similar appearance, so that the encasement profiles and the frame structure together form an aesthetically pleasing whole.

[0011] By providing said coupling pieces, movement between the encasement profiles and the frame structure is reciprocally possible and movement between the hanging cables and the frame structure is thus also possible, so that these encasement profiles do not or hardly prevent forces from being accommodated. These coupling pieces do not have to provide a robust connection between the encasement profiles and the frame structure, given that the hanging cables provide the required robust hanging. The encasement profiles are in this case preferably only used for aesthetically covering the hanging cables in such a way that movement of the hanging cables with respect to the frame structure is possible. The encasement profiles thus do not have to be made overly robust, as a result of which they can be made thin and lightweight. It is thus possible, for example, to provide coupling pieces that are completely, or at least partially, made from an elastic material, such as rubber, so that movement between the encasement profiles and the frame structure is possible in different directions. Coupling pieces that allow a pivoting movement between the encasement profiles and the frame structure are also possible. Coupling pieces that operate according to an air-bellows principle or a spring principle are also possible, etc. The coupling pieces can be provided so as to connect the encasement profiles at a distance from the frame structure, so that there is play between the encasement profiles and the frame structure, and so movement between the encasement profiles and the frame structure is not prevented. However, provision can also be made so that, for example, the encasement profiles can shift in the frame structure during movement or vice versa so as not to prevent movement. The rest position is the position that the hanging system assumes as standard. The hanging cables and the encasement profiles then assume a virtually vertical position, given that they hang the frame structure from an overlying structure and are thus primarily subject to the force of gravity. There will be reciprocal movement between the encasement profiles and the frame structure, and the hanging system will assume said other positions, only when additional outside forces act on the frame structure and/or the extractor hood. The coupling pieces can, for example, be able to allow movement between the rest position and one or more outermost positions, wherein, in a said outermost position, the angle between the direction of the longitudinal direction of the encasement profile or said profile and the respective rest direction is at least 5°. The larger this possible difference, the larger the possible movement.

[0012] The profile of the frame structure that extends at the location of the coupling of the encasement profile and the frame structure can, for example, be an upright profile that is intended to be arranged, in use, virtually vertically. This means that, in the rest position, the angle between the encasement profile and this profile is virtually 0°. There is then a rest angle of 0° in this case. In said other positions, this angle then differs from the rest angle and is larger than 0°, preferably larger than 5°. The encasement profile and the upright profile preferably extend in the continuation of one another in the rest position and these profiles further preferably have virtually the same outermost contours viewed in a plane perpendicular to their longitudinal directions, so that the encasement profile and the upright profile have the appearance of one continuous profile in the rest position, which is regarded as very aesthetically pleasing. The profile of the frame structure that extends at the location of the coupling of the encasement profile and the frame structure can, for example, be a profile that is intended to be arranged, in use, virtually horizontally. This means that, in the rest position, the angle between the encasement profile and this profile is virtually 90°. This hanging system combines the advantages of hanging cables, namely the ability to hang extractor hoods at relatively large distances from an overlying structure, the straightforward hanging of the extractor hood, good height adjustment, and the required robustness while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The encasement profiles, potentially together with the coupling pieces, are in this case namely able to largely, and preferably virtually completely, screen the hanging cables from view and can be produced so that they form an aesthetically pleasing whole with the frame structure.

[0013] Preferably, the coupling piece intended to allow a movement between the encasement profile and the respective profile of the frame structure such that, in a said other position, the longitudinal direction of the encasement profile extends in a direction that differs from the first rest direction. In this case, the encasement profile is then able to move, as a result of which at least the portion of the hanging cable that extends through the encasement profile is also able to move with respect to the frame structure and the overlying structure. As a result, the hanging cable is very readily able to accommodate forces that act on the hanging system. More preferably still, the coupling piece is intended to allow a movement between the encasement profile and the respective profile of the frame structure such that both the encasement profile can move with respect to the frame structure and the frame structure can move with respect to the encasement profile. Forces that act on the hanging system can be accommodated optimally in this case.

[0014] Further preferably, in a said other position which forms an outermost position, the angle between the first rest direction and the direction of the longitudinal direction of the encasement profile is at least 10°, preferably at least 20°. The larger this angle, the more the hanging cables can move with respect to the frame structure, thus the larger the forces that the hanging system can accommodate. It is thus possible, for example, to provide coupling pieces wherein, in a said outermost position, the angle is at least 45°, more preferably still at least 60°. The coupling pieces can be produced so that the movement between a said encasement profile and the frame structure does not occur overly abruptly. For this, the coupling pieces can, for example, be made substantially of an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0015] In one preferred embodiment, each hanging cable extends through the passage of the respective encasement profile and beyond the second end of the encasement profile, wherein the hanging cable is connected to the frame structure at the location of the portion of the hanging cable that extends beyond the second end of the encasement profile. In this case, the coupling piece can simply be provided with a portion that keeps the encasement profile at a distance from the frame structure, so that movement between the encasement profile and the frame structure is not prevented.

[0016] Further preferably, in one specific embodiment, the frame structure comprises, for each hanging cable, an opening that, in use, opens out at the top and provides access to an interior space of a said profile of the frame structure, wherein each hanging cable extends through the opening into the interior space and, at the location of the interior space, is connected to this profile, wherein the encasement profile is coupled by its second end to the respective profile of the frame structure at the location of the respective opening and this is achieved with the aid of the coupling piece, wherein the last said profile is the profile that extends in the second rest direction in the rest position of the hanging system. To make the coupling between the encasement profile and the frame structure possible, the coupling piece may optionally extend through said opening. When the coupling piece extends through the opening, a good coupling between the frame structure and the encasement profile is very satisfactorily ensured and the risk of the coupling between the encasement profile and the frame structure breaking during the movement of the encasement profile with respect to the frame structure in use is low.

[0017] Preferably, a said opening forms part of a said profile of the frame structure, so that this profile then comprises the opening. With the opening forming part of one profile, the frame structure can be provided with the required robustness. This profile is thus, for example, a hollow profile that extends in a longitudinal direction with a passage that extends in the longitudinal direction, wherein the opening is then an opening at the location of an end, viewed in the longitudinal direction, wherein this opening extends, for example, in a plane that extends virtually perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and provides access to the passage. This hollow profile can, for example, also be intended to extend virtually horizontally, wherein this opening is then, for example, located in a side wall of this hollow profile. This hollow profile can, for example, have a rectangular cross section, such as a square cross section, but it can also have another shape such as a circular cross section, depending on the desired design. In this case, said passage then substantially forms said interior space, for example.

[0018] When said securing means are present to connect the hanging cable to the frame structure, these securing means can extend inside the passage, but these securing means can also form part of the profile.

[0019] The profile of the frame structure comprising a said opening can, for example, be an upright profile that is intended to be arranged, in use, virtually vertically. This means that, in the rest position, the angle between the respective longitudinal directions of the encasement profile and this profile is virtually 0°. The encasement profile and the upright profile preferably then extend in the continuation of one another and these profiles further preferably have virtually the same outermost contours viewed in a plane perpendicular to their longitudinal directions, so that the encasement profile and the upright profile have the appearance of one continuous profile in the rest position, which is regarded as very aesthetically pleasing.

[0020] The hanging cables are optionally secured directly to the overlying structure, and the hanging cables are brought through the respective openings until, preferably, the desired distance from the frame structure to the overlying structure is obtained.

[0021] In one highly preferred embodiment, said coupling pieces comprise elastic material, such as rubber. With the aid of elastic material, it is possible to ensure, in a straightforward manner, that a said encasement profile and a respective profile are movable with respect to one another in different directions. Thus, a said coupling piece can be made substantially of rubber and, for example, comprise even more than 95 percent rubber by weight. Such coupling pieces are then referred to by the term rubber coupling pieces and allow a great deal of freedom of movement between the encasement profile and the respective profile.

[0022] In one specific embodiment, a respective coupling piece adjoiningly comprises a first connecting part for connection with the encasement profile at the location of the second end, an intermediate piece that is intended to extend between the encasement profile and the respective opening and a second connecting part for connection with the profile of the frame structure at the location of the respective opening, wherein this coupling piece comprises a body passage that extends from the first connecting part to the second connecting part and through which the hanging cable is intended to extend. The first and/or a second connecting part are preferably clampably accommodable. In addition, they can comprise protruding elements such as ribs, dots, etc. on their outside for additional friction. Said intermediate piece provides for connection of the encasement profile to the frame part at a distance from the frame part. This intermediate piece can, for example, comprise elastic material, so that it is deformable and allows movement between the encasement profile and the frame part. However, the intermediate piece can also be made of a harder material, wherein then, for example, the first and/or a second connecting part comprise elastic material and are thus deformable. The entire coupling piece can also be made of elastic material.

[0023] Further preferably, the first connecting part is form-fittingly accommodable in the passage of the respective encasement profile at the location of the second end, the outermost contours of a cross section of the intermediate piece, viewed in the rest position of the hanging system and perpendicular to the first rest direction, virtually correspond with the outermost contours of a corresponding cross section of the encasement profile at the location of the second end, and the second connecting part is form-fittingly accommodable through the respective opening in the respective interior space. By virtue of the specific formation of the visible exterior of the intermediate piece, the transition between the encasement profile and the frame structure can be produced aesthetically in the rest position. For example, if the encasement profile and the intermediate piece are produced in the same colour, the transition between the encasement profile and the intermediate piece can be made hardly visible so that the intermediate piece forms a continuation of the encasement profile and it appears as if the encasement profile and the intermediate piece form a continuous piece.

[0024] Further preferably, in the rest position of the hanging system, the body passage of the coupling piece extends virtually in the longitudinal direction of the encasement profile and the dimensions of the first and the second connecting part virtually correspond, viewed in cross sections perpendicular to the body passage.

[0025] In one highly preferred embodiment in the specific embodiment, the frame structure comprises an upright profile, wherein this upright profile comprises a said opening at the top, wherein, in the rest position of the hanging system, the respective encasement profile and the upright profile extend in the continuation of one another so that the first rest direction virtually corresponds with the second rest direction. In the rest position, the impression is created here that the encasement profile forms one piece together with the frame structure, given that the encasement profile extends in the continuation of a profile of the frame structure. The frame structure and the one or more encasement profiles thus have a desired appearance.

[0026] Further preferably, viewed in cross sections perpendicular to the first rest direction in the rest position of the hanging system, the outermost contours of the upright profile virtually correspond with the outermost contours of the encasement profile. This upright profile and the encasement profile then form, in the rest position, a continuous piece in the longitudinal direction, as a result of which the appearance is created of one long upright profile. To keep the manufacture of these profiles simple, certain profiles of the frame structure and the encasement profiles are, preferably, hollow profiles with the same perimeter and with the same dimensions of passages that extend in the longitudinal direction. These profiles can then be made and/or cut from the same longer profiles via the same production process.

[0027] The frame structure further preferably comprises a first horizontal profile on which an extractor hood is intended to be borne and two said upright profiles that are each intended to be connected to respective ends of the horizontal profile and are thus intended to encase an extractor hood in an upright direction, wherein this horizontal profile and the two upright profiles together form part of a hanging unit. This horizontal profile and the upright profiles can then, for example, be welded to one another or bonded to one another, at an angle or otherwise, so that this hanging unit is aesthetically pleasing. The horizontal profile and the upright profiles can also be connected to one another mechanically via screws or specific angle-connecting pieces. An extractor hood can then be positioned readily between the upright profiles and rest on the horizontal profile. The distance between the upright profiles, viewed in the direction of the horizontal profile, then preferably virtually corresponds with the corresponding dimension of the extractor hood so that there is virtually no space between the extractor hood and a said upright profile and the extractor hood is well encased. Each hanging unit preferably thus additionally has two hanging cables and two corresponding encasement profiles. Potentially, an additional ceiling profile and/or cover profile and/or a second horizontal profile can be provided per hanging unit (see below). The upright profiles are preferably each connected to a respective encasement profile and this is achieved with the aid of a said coupling piece, and they are thus intended to be connected to a respective hanging cable. These are termed upright profiles and horizontal profiles. These terms refer to the desired position of these profiles during the use of the hanging system in said rest position.

[0028] Further preferably still, the hanging system comprises at least two said hanging units, which are intended to extend at a distance from one another to support an extractor hood in an encased manner. With the aid of at least two such hanging units, an extractor hood can be robustly hung from an overlying structure.

[0029] Each said hanging unit preferably also comprises a second horizontal profile that extends virtually parallel to the first horizontal profile and does so at a distance from the first horizontal profile, wherein the second horizontal profile is connected, at the location of its respective ends, to the upright profiles and is intended to extend at the top of an extractor hood. The connection between the second horizontal profile and the upright profiles is further preferably at the location of the ends of the upright profiles comprising said openings. The hanging unit is then able to completely encase an extractor hood, as a result of which an extractor hood can be very robustly secured to an overlying structure with such a hanging system. This second horizontal profile is then preferably intended, in use, to rest substantially against the upper side of the extractor hood. This second horizontal profile also contributes to the robustness of the frame structure. As standard, the extractor hood will rest on the first horizontal profile. It is, however, also possible for the extractor hood not to rest on the first horizontal profile but to hang from the second horizontal profile. A combination of the two, both resting on the first horizontal profile and hanging from the second horizontal profile, is also possible.

[0030] In one preferred embodiment, the hanging system comprises at least one ceiling profile for securing the hanging system to an overlying structure, wherein each hanging cable is secured to a said ceiling profile. With the aid of one or more said ceiling profiles, it is possible, in a straightforward manner, to secure the one or more hanging cables to a ceiling or the like while obtaining the appearance of a frame. In this way, it is possible to obtain the illusion that the hanging system comprises only profiles and thus comprises one or more frames, wherein these one or more frames hang the extractor hood from the overlying structure. This then represents a very aesthetically pleasing way of hanging an extractor hood.

[0031] Further preferably, each encasement profile is connected by its first end to the respective ceiling profile and this is achieved with the aid of a ceiling coupling piece that allows movement between the ceiling profile and the encasement profile between said rest position of the hanging system and one or more other positions, wherein the longitudinal direction of the encasement profile extends in a direction that differs from the first rest direction. When the overlying structure is a ceiling, the ceiling profile is secured against the ceiling with securing means, such as, for example, screws. A ceiling often extends virtually horizontally. Given that the hanging cables are intended to extend according to the force of gravity, the encasement profiles will then extend virtually vertically in the rest position of the hanging system, as a result of which the rest angle between the ceiling profile and a respective encasement profile is virtually 90°, thus, for example, is between 87° and 90°. Because in this case a said encasement profile can also move with respect to the ceiling profile, this hanging system is very readily able to accommodate forces that act directly or indirectly on this hanging system. Thus, the hanging system is here able, both at the first end and at the second end of the encasement profile, to allow movement of the hanging cable.

[0032] The hanging system can further comprise a cover profile for covering the ceiling profile. Thus can be useful when the ceiling profile is, for example, screwed to an overlying structure. This cover profile can then cover the screws. Further preferably, the appearance of the ceiling profile with the cover profile that is connected to the ceiling profile is then similar to that of the appearance of the other said profiles of the hanging system, so that the hanging system forms one uniform whole.

[0033] In the specific embodiment, the hanging system comprises, for example, for each said opening of the frame structure, a connecting piece that substantially extends inside said interior space, wherein this connecting piece comprises accommodating means by means of which the hanging cable is connectably accommodable by the connecting piece. This connecting piece can, for example, be insertable into said interior space through said opening. This connecting piece can also form part of the profile itself. Thus, the profile can be an elongate profile part comprising said opening, wherein this profile part then comprises an additional opening through which the connecting piece is insertable so that the accommodating means extend inside said interior space and the profile part and the connecting piece together form the profile. With the aid of a said connecting piece, it is possible, in a straightforward manner, to robustly connect the hanging cable to the profile.

[0034] Further preferably, the accommodating means allow, in use, displacement of the hanging cable through the connecting piece in a downwards direction, and these accommodating means prevent displacement of the hanging cable through the connecting piece in an upwards direction. In this way, it is possible, in a straightforward manner, to hang an extractor hood at the desired distance with respect to the overlying structure by displacing the hanging cable through the connecting piece.

[0035] The present invention will now be explained in more detail by means of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a hanging system according to the present invention. The sole aim of this description is to give illustrative examples and to indicate further advantages and features, and can thus by no means be interpreted as a limitation of the area of application of the invention or of the patent rights defined in the claims.

[0036] Reference numerals are used in this detailed description to refer to the attached drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a hanging system according to the invention which supports a bar-shaped extractor hood, wherein this hanging system comprises two identical hanging units and is in the rest position;
• Figure 2 is a front view of the hanging system shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a detail from Figure 2, at the location of the connection between an encasement profile and a profile of the frame structure;
• Figure 4 is a cut-away perspective view of a hanging unit of the hanging system shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 5 is a detail from Figure 4 at the location of the connection between an encasement profile and the ceiling profile;
• Figure 6 is a detail from Figure 4 at the location of the connection between an encasement profile and an upright profile of the frame structure;
• Figure 7 is a perspective view of the ceiling coupling piece shown in Figure 5;
• Figure 8 is a perspective view of the coupling piece shown in Figure 6;
• Figure 9 is a perspective view of a hanging part of the hanging system shown in Figure 1, during the installation of the hanging part;
• Figure 10 shows a cross section through the hanging part shown in Figure 9 at the location of the connection between the encasement profile and the upright profile;
• Figure 11 is a perspective view of a hanging unit of a second embodiment of a hanging system according to the invention, wherein this hanging system comprises two such identical hanging units and is in the rest position. In this figure, the circled parts are also shown more clearly;
• Figure 12 is a perspective view of the hanging unit shown in Figure 11, wherein this hanging system is in a position that differs from the rest position. In this figure, the circled parts are also shown more clearly;
• Figure 13 is a detail view of the ceiling coupling piece of the hanging system according to the second embodiment.

[0037] In the figures, two embodiments of a hanging system according to the invention are shown. These embodiments are suitable for hanging a bar-shaped extractor hood (1) from a ceiling and at a distance from the ceiling. They differ only in their ceiling coupling pieces (15) used (see below).

[0038] Each hanging system comprises two identical hanging units (12). Each hanging unit (12) comprises a rectangular frame that forms part of a frame structure and successively comprises, when seen in use, a first horizontal profile (11), a first upright profile (4), a second horizontal profile (13) and a second upright profile (4). These said rectangular frames of both hanging units (12) form the frame structure of the hanging system. Each hanging unit (12) further comprises two hanging cables (2), two encasement profiles (5), a ceiling profile (14), a cover profile (16), two ceiling coupling pieces (15) for connecting the two encasement profiles (5) to the ceiling profile (14) and two coupling pieces (6) for connecting the encasement profiles (5) to the upright profiles (4).

[0039] The profiles (4, 11, 13) that form a said frame are all hollow profiles (4, 11, 13) with virtually the same transverse dimensions, wherein all of these profiles (4, 11, 13) comprise profile passages that extend in the longitudinal direction and wherein these profiles (4, 11, 13) each comprise a first and second end viewed in the longitudinal direction. The ends of the first horizontal profile (11) are connected to the corresponding second ends of the upright profiles (4) at an angle. The second horizontal profile (13) is connected by its ends to the upright profiles (4) at the location of the first ends of the upright profiles (4). This can clearly be seen in Figures 3 and 6.

[0040] The upright profiles (4) each comprise a profile part (18) with a side opening, wherein this profile part (18) substantially forms the profile passage of the upright profile (4), and a connecting piece (17) that extends inside this side opening and thus largely extends inside the profile passage. Said frame structure is connected to the hanging cables (2) as follows. The first ends of the upright profiles (4) each comprise an opening (3) that provides access to the profile passage and that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, and through which the hanging cables (2) are intended to extend. In this case, the profile passages at the location of the first ends of the upright profiles (4) then form interior spaces (19) through which the hanging cables (2) are intended to partly extend. In this case, the connecting pieces (17) comprise accommodating means for the hanging cables (2) and the hanging cables (2) are connected to the upright profiles (4) with the aid of the connecting pieces (17). This can clearly be seen in Figure 10.

[0041] Because visible hanging cables (2) are not regarded to be aesthetically pleasing, this hanging system uses said encasement profiles (5) to keep these hanging cables (2) out of sight. For this, these encasement profiles (5) are each connected to the respective upright profiles (4). These encasement profiles (5) are hollow profiles with virtually the same transverse dimensions as the profiles (4, 11, 13) of the frames. These encasement profiles (5) thus comprise a passage (20) and the hanging cables (2) extend through the passages (20) of the respective encasement profiles (5). This can clearly be seen in Figure 4. The second ends of the encasement profiles (5) are connected to the first ends of the upright profiles (4) with the aid of coupling pieces (6). The coupling pieces (6) are made of rubber and successively comprise (see Figure 8) a first connecting part (7), an intermediate piece (8) and a second connecting part (9). The first and second connecting parts (7, 9) are implemented so as to be virtually identical and are form-fittingly accommodable in the passage (20) of a said encasement profile (5) at the location of its second end and through the opening (3) into the interior space (19) of the first end of a said upright profile (4). The intermediate piece (8) has the same outer contours as the encasement profiles (5) viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the encasement profiles (5) so that the intermediate piece (8) cannot shift inside the passage (20) of a said encasement profile (5) or through a said opening (3) into a said interior space (19). To connect the encasement profiles (5) to the upright profiles (4), the first connecting part (7) is accommodated in the second end of a said encasement profile (5) and the second connecting part (9) is received through the opening (3) into the interior space (19) of the corresponding upright profile (4). The intermediate piece (8) then extends between the encasement profile (5) and the upright profile (4). This is clearly visible in Figure 3, where only the intermediate piece (8) of the coupling piece (6) is visible in the rest position of the hanging system. Each coupling piece (6) further comprises a body passage (10) that extends through the coupling piece (6) from the first connecting part (7) to the second connecting part (9). The respective hanging cable (2) is intended to extend through this body passage (10) (see Figure 10).

[0042] The encasement profiles (5) are connected with the ceiling profiles (14) with the aid of ceiling coupling pieces (15). Each ceiling profile (14) is connected to two respective encasement profiles (5) at the location of its two ends. For this, the ceiling coupling piece (15) successively comprises a first connecting part (15a) that is intended to be connected to the ceiling profile (14), an intermediate piece (15b) that is intended to extend between the ceiling profile (14) and the encasement profile (5) and a second connecting part (15c) that is intended to be connected to the encasement profile (5). In the first embodiment of the hanging system, the ceiling coupling piece (15) is made of rubber, the second connecting part (15c) is form-fittingly accommodable in the passage (20) of the encasement profile (5) at the location of the first end of the encasement profile (5) and the outermost contours of the intermediate piece (15b) correspond with the outermost contours of the encasement profile (5), viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the encasement profile (5). In the second embodiment of the hanging system, the intermediate piece (15b) of the ceiling profile (14) is an air bellows (see Figure 13). The ceiling coupling piece (15) further comprises a body passage that extends through the ceiling coupling piece (15) from the first connecting part (15a) to the second connecting part (15c). The respective hanging cable (2) is intended to extend through this body passage.

[0043] The ceiling profile (14) is intended to be secured to a ceiling by screws. The cover profile (16) is used to cover the ceiling profile (14) so that the screws are not visible. The ceiling profile (14) and the cover profile (16) together have the appearance of a profile with the same transverse dimensions as the other said profiles (4, 5, 11, 13). The appearance of the hanging system, i.e. the two hanging units (12), is thus the appearance of two frames, as a result of which the hanging system is very aesthetically pleasing.

[0044] In Figures 1, 2 and 3, the hanging system is shown in its rest position. In the rest position, an extractor hood (1) is connected to the hanging system so that the extractor hood (1) is encased by the frame structure and is supported in an encased manner by this frame structure. The force of gravity then acts on the extractor hood (1), but there are no additional forces that act on the extractor hood (1). Additional forces are, for example, when something or someone touches the extractor hood (1) and/or when there is air movement, etc. Through the action of the force of gravity, the hanging cables (2), and thus the encasement profiles (5), extend virtually vertically and given that an extractor hood (1) is hung horizontally, the upright profiles (4) also extend vertically. The longitudinal direction of a said encasement profile (5) and the longitudinal direction of a corresponding upright profile (4) then extend in the continuation of one another. The angle between a said encasement profile (5) and a corresponding upright profile (4) is thus 0° in the rest position of the hanging system. When the ceiling profile (14) is secured to a horizontal ceiling, then the encasement profiles (5) form an angle of 90° with the ceiling profiles (14) in the rest position. Given the implementation of said coupling pieces (6) and ceiling coupling pieces (15), movement is possible between the encasement profiles (5) and the upright profiles (4) on the one hand and movement is possible between the encasement profiles (5) and the ceiling profiles (14) on the other hand. As a result, the hanging cables (2) are able to move with respect to the frame structure and with respect to the ceiling, and forces that act directly of indirectly on the extractor hood (1)/the hanging system can be accommodated satisfactorily. When additional forces are exerted on the hanging system, the accommodation system will shift here from the rest position to another position. In Figure 12, one such other position is shown for the second embodiment of the hanging system. However, a similar position is also possible in the first embodiment of the hanging system. The direction (A') of each longitudinal direction of the encasement profiles (5) deviates from the direction (A) of each longitudinal direction of the encasement profiles (5) in the rest position. This last said direction (A) can be referred to as the first rest direction (A). This is clearly visible when comparing Figures 11 and 12. In Figure 12, the encasement profiles (5) no longer extend in the continuation of their corresponding upright profiles (4) and no longer extend perpendicularly to the ceiling profile (14). In the position shown in Figure 12, each upright profile (4) is offset parallel with respect to its rest position. The direction (B') of the longitudinal direction of each upright profile (4) in the position shown in Figure 12 virtually corresponds here with the direction (B) of the longitudinal direction of this upright profile (4) in the rest position. However, during the transition between the rest position and the position shown in Figure 12, it is possible that, at certain times, the direction (B') of the longitudinal direction of this upright profile (4) will differ from the direction (B) of the longitudinal direction of this upright profile (4) in the rest position.

[0045] The hanging of an extractor hood (1) at the desired distance from a ceiling with the aid of this hanging system is straightforward. When the hanging cables (2) are connected to their respective connecting pieces (17), all that has to be done is to pass the hanging cables (2) further through the connecting pieces (17) so as to bring the frame structure closer to the ceiling, until the desired distance from the ceiling is reached and the extractor hood (1) extends horizontally. The portion of the hanging cables (2) that is no longer needed can then simply be cut off (see Figures 9 and 10).

Claims

1. Hanging system for an extractor hood (1) comprising a frame structure with one or more profiles (4, 11, 13) for supporting an extractor hood (1), and the hanging system comprising hanging cables (2) for hanging the frame structure from an overlying structure, characterized in that the hanging system comprises, in addition to said profiles, at least three encasement profiles (5), wherein each encasement profile (5) is a hollow profile that extends in a longitudinal direction and comprises a passage (20) for encasing one of said hanging cables (2), wherein this passage (20) extends from a first end to a second end in the longitudinal direction of the encasement profile (5), wherein each hanging cable (2) is connected to the frame structure and at least partially extends through the passage (20) of the respective encasement profile (5) and that each encasement profile (5) is coupled by its second end to the frame structure and this is achieved with the aid of a coupling piece (6) that, in use, allows movement between the encasement profile (5) and the frame structure between a rest position of the hanging system, wherein the longitudinal direction of the encasement profile (5) extends virtually vertically in a first rest direction (A) and the longitudinal direction of a said profile (4) of the frame structure, which extends at the location of the coupling of the encasement profile (5) and the frame structure, extends in a second rest direction (B) and one or more other positions, wherein at least the longitudinal direction of the encasement profile (5) or the longitudinal direction of the last said profile (4) of the frame structure extends in a direction (A', B') that differs from the respective rest direction (A, B),_wherein the coupling piece (6) comprises an intermediate piece (8) that is intended to extend between the encasement profile (5) and an opening (3) for a hanging cable (2), which opening (3) opens out at the top in use and provides access to an interior space of said profile (4) of the frame structure.

2. Hanging system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the coupling piece (6) is intended to allow a movement between the encasement profile (5) and the respective profile (4) of the frame structure such that, in a said other position, the longitudinal direction of the encasement profile (5) extends in a direction (A') that differs from the first rest direction (A).

3. Hanging system according to Claim 2, characterized in that that in a said other position which forms an outermost position, the angle between the first rest direction (A) and the direction (A') of the longitudinal direction of the encasement profile (5) is at least 10°, and is preferably at least 20°.

4. Hanging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each hanging cable (2) extends through the passage (20) of the respective encasement profile (5) and beyond the second end of the encasement profile (5), wherein the hanging cable (2) is connected to the frame structure at the location of the portion of the hanging cable (2) that extends beyond the second end of the encasement profile (5).

5. Hanging system according to Claim 4, characterized in that the frame structure comprises, for each hanging cable (2), an opening (3) that, in use, opens out at the top and provides access to an interior space (19) of a said profile (4) of the frame structure, wherein each hanging cable (2) extends through the opening (3) into the interior space (19) and, at the location of the interior space (19), is connected to this profile (4), wherein the encasement profile (5) is coupled by its second end to the respective profile (4) of the frame structure at the location of the respective opening (3) and this is achieved with the aid of the coupling piece (6), wherein the last said profile (4) is the profile (4) that extends in the second rest direction (B) in the rest position of the hanging system.

6. Hanging system according to Claim 5, characterized in that a respective coupling piece (6) adjoiningly comprises a first connecting part (7) for connection with the encasement profile (5) at the location of the second end, the intermediate piece (8) that is intended to extend between the encasement profile (5) and the respective opening (3) and a second connecting part (9) for connection with the profile (4) of the frame structure at the location of the respective opening (3), wherein this coupling piece (6) comprises a body passage (10) that extends from the first connecting part (7) to the second connecting part (9) and through which the hanging cable (2) is intended to extend.

7. Hanging system according to Claim 6, characterized in that the first connecting part (7) is form-fittingly accommodable in the passage (20) of the respective encasement profile (5) at the location of the second end, the outermost contours of a cross section of the intermediate piece (8), viewed in the rest position of the hanging system and perpendicular to the first rest direction (A), virtually correspond with the outermost contours of the corresponding cross section of the encasement profile (5) at the location of the second end, and the second connecting part (9) is form-fittingly accommodable through the respective opening (3) in the respective interior space (19).

8. Hanging system according to one of Claims 5 tot 7, characterized in that the frame structure comprises an upright profile (4), wherein this upright profile (4) comprises a said opening (3) at the top, wherein, in the rest position of the hanging system, the respective encasement profile (5) and the upright profile (4) extend in the continuation of one another so that the first rest direction (A) virtually corresponds with the second rest direction (B).

9. Hanging system according to Claim 8, characterized in that the frame structure comprises a first horizontal profile (11) on which an extractor hood (1) is intended to be borne and two said upright profiles (4) that are each intended to be connected to respective ends of the horizontal profile (11) and are thus intended to encase an extractor hood (1) in an upright direction, wherein this horizontal profile (11) and the two upright profiles (4) together form part of a hanging unit (12).

10. Hanging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hanging system comprises at least one ceiling profile (14) for securing the hanging system to an overlying structure, wherein each hanging cable (2) is secured to a said ceiling profile (14).

11. Hanging system according to Claim 10, characterized in that each encasement profile (5) is connected by its first end to the respective ceiling profile (14) and this is achieved with the aid of a ceiling coupling piece (15) that allows movement between the ceiling profile (14) and the encasement profile (5) between said rest position of the hanging system and one or more other positions, wherein the longitudinal direction of the encasement profile (5) extends in a direction (A') that differs from the first rest direction (A).

12. Hanging system according to Claim 11, characterized in that the hanging system comprises a cover profile (16) for covering the ceiling profile (14).

13. Hanging system according to Claim 5 or according to Claim 5 and one of Claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the hanging system comprises, for each said opening (3) of the frame structure, a connecting piece (17) that substantially extends inside said interior space (19), wherein this connecting piece (17) comprises accommodating means by means of which the hanging cable (2) is connectably accommodable by the connecting piece (17).

14. Hanging system according to Claim 13, characterized in that, in use, the accommodating means allow displacement of the hanging cable (2) through the connecting piece (17) in a downwards direction, and wherein these accommodating means prevent displacement of the hanging cable (2) through the connecting piece (17) in an upwards direction.

Drawing