US20050202777A1

US20050202777A1 - Mobile fume hood

Info

Publication number: US20050202777A1
Application number: US11/067,213
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeffrey Worland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: JMP Acquisition Corp
Priority date: 2004-02-26
Filing date: 2005-02-25
Publication date: 2005-09-15

Abstract

An apparatus comprised of a fume hood, a box frame comprised of a box frame chassis and a lift chase functionally engaging and supporting the fume hood, the fume hood and the box frame forming a hood/box frame unit, and a pedestal functionally engaging and supporting the hood/box frame unit. The hood/box frame unit is adapted to be separated from the pedestal and moved to another location and/or placed on a second pedestal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional application No. 60/547,925 filed Feb. 26, 2004, incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fume hoods that safely exhaust undesired gases and other materials from an enclosed chamber. More particularly, the invention relates to a fume hood in which the hood/frame unit is capable of being separated from its pedestal and moved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of the fume hood assembly in which the three general components, the hood, the box frame, and the pedestal can be viewed.
FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of the fume hood.
FIG. 3 a shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of the box frame.
FIG. 3 b shows a cross-sectional view of one construction of the walls of the box frame chassis.
FIG. 4 a a top perspective view of one embodiment of the lift chase.
FIG. 4 b a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the lift chase.
FIG. 4 c a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the lift chase
FIGS. 5A through 5D show top perspective views of alternate embodiments of the chassis.
FIG. 6 is a front view of one embodiment of the box frame in which one embodiment of the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism can be viewed.
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of hood/frame unit mobile mechanism in which the caster wheels and the caster reinforcement pan can be appreciated.
FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of the pedestal.
FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the pedestal.
FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of the hood/fume unit being lifted by a fork lift.
FIG. 11A shows one embodiment of a series of quick-disconnects.
FIG. 11B is an enlarged cross-sectional version of one embodiment of a quick-disconnect and hose.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings in detail, for ease of the reader, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the views and embodiments depicted in the drawings. It should be noted that the drawings do not depict each and every embodiment of the present invention, and one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various alterations which are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a fume hood in which the hood/frame unit is capable of being separated from its pedestal and moved. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of fume hood assembly 50 in which the three general components can be viewed: hood 100, box frame 200, and base unit or pedestal 300. The two top components, hood 100 and box frame 200 comprise what will hereinafter be referred to as the “hood/frame unit.” However, as will be discussed in greater detail infra, hood 100 and box frame 200 need not be permanently connected to each other. Furthermore, the hood/frame unit could also be constructed as one integral piece.
Hood 100 is comprised of top surface 101, side surfaces 102, and back surface 103, which define a generally enclosed work area 105. Some common features of fume hood assembly 50 can also be seen in FIG. 1, such as sash 110, sash handle 115, work surface 120, electrical outlets 130, light switch 140, nozzles 150, 151, 152, and 153, access panels 160, and pedestal supports 310. It is important to note that none of these features are intended to be limiting. Rather, several of these features can be removed and/or additional features can be added. For example, sash 110 is, in this embodiment, vertically movable. A fume hood in which a horizontally-sliding, or a combination of a vertically- and horizontally-sliding sash could also be used. Nozzles 150-153 provide fume hood assembly 50 with water, gas, vacuum, and pressurized air, but is also not intended to be limiting. Hood 100 could have a greater or lesser number of nozzles 150-153. Access panels 160 could be doors and provide access to the lights (not shown) above work area 105 and/or to the quick-disconnects (discussed in greater detail infra). Furthermore, fume hood assembly 50 could be configured to provide a user with data ports or a phone line (neither shown). A sink (also not shown) could also be included in fume hood assembly 50.
Nor is any particular size of fume hood 100 intended. The particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is eight feet (96 inches) wide, but could be a 3-foot, 4-foot, 5-foot, 6-foot, or 7-foot wide fume hood assembly 50, fractions thereof (for example, 5½ feet wide) or any other width. The depth of fume hood assembly can also be any length, standard or otherwise. That is, the invention is not limited to any particular size, shape, use, or type of fume hood.
FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of fume hood 100. As with FIG. 1, sash 110, openings for electrical outlets 131, opening for light switch 141, valves 150, 151, 152, and 153, top surface 101, and side surface 102 can all be appreciated. Also visible on top surface 101 is exhaust port 170 for exhausting fumes from fume hood 100 and access doors 104 which, in this embodiment, provide access to the quick-disconnects (not shown). Again, however, the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment of fume hood 100.
FIG. 3 a shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of box frame 200, similar to that shown in FIG. 1, except that face plate 220 with face plate handle 221 (as can be seen in FIG. 1) has been removed from box frame opening 210. Box frame 200 is comprised of box frame front 201, box frame rear surface 202, and box frame side rails 203 (hereinafter referred to as “box frame chassis” 299) and lift chase 290. In this embodiment, the components of box frame chassis 299 are made of two pieces of sheet metal 253, 254 fastened to one another via fasteners 255 and formed as seen in FIG. 3B, such that the components act, in effect, as an I-beam. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the height is 8.000 inches and the width is 1.250 inches, with a height to width ratio of 6.4:1. However, any height, width, or height to width ratio can be used that provides adequate structural support.
Box frame chassis 299 could also be made of steel I-beams, a uni-strut channel, a tubing welded frame covered in a sheet metal outer skin and reinforced by heavy gauge plates, heavy gauge stainless steel, penolic resin, stainless steel, polypropylene, cold-rolled steel, wood, plastic laminate, and combinations thereof, or any other material that provides the necessary structural support. Referring again to FIG. 3A, that box frame opening 210 has portions of box frame front 201 defining box frame opening 210 on three sides can more readily be appreciated.
The purpose of box frame opening 210 is to provide an opening for a lifting device (for example, a fork lift) to lift hood/frame unit off of the pedestal. One example of a lift that this embodiment of box frame 200 is designed to be operable with is model number P-52-20 from Blue Giant®. In an embodiment in which a fork lift is used to lift hood/frame unit off of the pedestal, box frame opening 210 must be wide enough to allow the forks to enter box frame opening 210. In one embodiment, the fume hood (not shown) and box frame 200 are ninety-six inches (96″) wide and box frame opening 210 is fifty-three inches (53″) wide. In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that opening 210 need not be located on front surface 201, but could be on box frame rear surface 202, or on box frame side rails 203.
Moreover, in an embodiment of hood/frame unit that is light enough to be manually lifted, opening 210 is not necessary. The operators would lift the hood/frame unit and place it on a dolly for movement, for example. In addition, the hood/frame unit can have a lip along the sides, under which the arms of the lift would slide, or eyeholes with straps connected to a crane could also be used to move hood/frame unit. Depending on the means chosen to move the hood/frame unit, various support structures within box frame 200 will be necessary to prevent the hood/frame unit from bending and/or twisting.
FIG. 4 a shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of lift chase 290. As stated supra, lift chase 290 is a component of the box frame and is comprised of top 291, side members 292, and a back panel (not visible). As additional structural support, four (4) angled gussets 240 have been added to this embodiment. The reader should understand that the number of angled gussets 240 is not intended to be limiting; rather, lift chase 290 can be constructed with any number of angled gussets 240, depending on the structural requirements of lift chase 290. Lift chase 290 provides structural support to the box frame to prevent it from binding, bowing, or twisting when the hood/frame unit is being lifted off of a pedestal, placed on a pedestal, or moved from one pedestal to another or to an another location. In the embodiment shown, lift chase 290 is made of sheet metal, but could also be made of any of the same materials of which the box frame is made.
FIG. 4B shows a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of lift chase 290, in which top 291, side members 292, and back panel (not visible) can all be appreciated, similar to those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A. However, the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B further includes, as an additional support structure, top support member 294 and second top support member 295 added to top 291 of lift chase 290. The reader should understand that one or both of top support members 294, 295 can be combined with one or more angles gussets 240 (as shown in FIG. 4A), depending on the structural requirements for lift chase 290.
The embodiment of lift chase 290 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are appropriate for smaller fume hoods. However, when lift chase 290 is intended to be used with larger or more weighty fume hoods, an additional support structure within box frame 200 may be necessary. For example, FIG. 4C shows an embodiment of lift chase 290 in which angled gussets 240, top support member 294, and second top support member 295 have all been added to provide lift chase 290 with the necessary structural support to handle the added weight. Gussets 240, top support member 294, and second top support member 295 are a third embodiment of an additional support structure, which can be used alone (as in FIGS. 4A and 4B) or together (as in FIG. 4C). However, it should be appreciated that other additional support structures to provide the needed structural support can be used, whether instead of or in addition to part or all of the additional support structures provided, depending on the particular fume hood.
FIGS. 5A through 5D show top perspective views of alternate embodiments of box frame chassis 299 within which lift chase (not shown) is positioned. In the embodiment of box frame chassis 299 shown in FIG. 5A, box frame opening 210 is defined by box frame front 201 on all four sides. FIG. 5B shows an embodiment of chassis 299 in which box frame front 201 defines box frame opening 210 on only three sides. FIG. 5C shows an alternate embodiment of box frame chassis 299 in which box frame opening 210 is defined only on two sides by box frame front 201. Also visible in FIG. 5C is support rail 230, which is vertically oriented. FIG. 5D shows an alternate embodiment of box frame chassis 299 in which box frame opening 210 is defined on four sides by box frame front 201, but further includes support rail 231, which is horizontally mounted. Support rails 230 and 231 are alternate additional support structures and provide further structural support to the lift chase (not shown).
Referring again to FIG. 3A, box frame opening 210 is defined on three sides by box frame front 201 and lift chase 290 can be seen within box frame chassis 299. Also visible are three (3) support rails 232, gussets 240, and angled support brackets 250. Support rails 232, gussets 240, and angled support brackets 250 are yet another embodiment of an additional support structure.
One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the provided embodiments of an additional support structure, or any combination of these, could be employed. For example, box frame 200 could be constructed with one or more support rails which run between box frame front 201 and box frame rear 202, or with a combination of these and support rails 230 and/or 231, which run the length of box frame 200 between box frame side rails 203. That is, any construction of box frame 200 could be used so long as box frame 200 can support the weight of the hood without excessive flexing. Again, as with the construction of box frame chassis 299, many alternate materials could be used for constructing box frame 200, so long as they provide the necessary strength and rigidity.
In another embodiment of box frame 200, box frame 200 further includes a “hood/frame unit mobile mechanism” to more readily facilitate the movement of the hood/frame unit. FIG. 6 is a front view of one embodiment of box frame 200 with a hood/frame unit mobile mechanism in which caster wheels 270 can be seen. In one embodiment, one caster wheel assembly 275 (as seen in FIG. 7) is attached to each side of the bottom surface of box frame 200, either to the bottom surface of box frame 200 or within a recess in the bottom of box frame 200 so that caster wheels 270 protrude at least partially beyond the bottom surface of box frame 200, or completely outside of, as shown in FIG. 6. One example of a caster wheel is model number 5AS3P-7 made by Fred Hill and Son Co., which is a polyurethane tread wheel with a five inch diameter.
In the embodiment of caster wheel assembly 275 shown in FIG. 7, two caster wheels 270 are mounted below caster reinforcement pan 277, which is then mounted to the bottom surface or within a recess in the bottom of box frame 200. Caster wheels 270 and caster reinforcement pan 277 comprise one embodiment of the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism. However, one of ordinary skill will realize that the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism could be comprised of more than two caster wheels 270, having caster wheels 270 mounted directly on box frame 200, or any other mechanism known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and that the exact placement of the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism could be placed on hood/frame unit in alternate orientations. For example, the pedestal (not shown) could also be less wide than the hood/frame unit, allowing caster wheels 270 to hang over the edge of the pedestal. That is, for a 108 inch (nine foot) hood, for example, the pedestal is 96 inches (eight feet) wide and caster wheels 270 would hang over in the excess 6 inches on each side. An alignment mechanism would still be needed because the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism would not be able to perform this function in this embodiment. In an alternate embodiment, the caster wheels hang over the sides of the box frame. In this embodiment, brackets are needed to support the casters. In one embodiment in which more than four (4) caster wheels are used, smaller diameter wheels are used and each caster wheel assembly 275 has three (3) of the smaller diameter wheels. One of ordinary skill in the art will also realize that the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the hood/frame unit could not include the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism and be placed on a dolly, a cart, and the like for transport.
FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of pedestal 300, similar to that shown in FIG. 1, in which pedestal supports 310 can be seen. Also included in the embodiment of pedestal 300 of FIG. 8 are four horizontal supports 320 which provide added support. As with the embodiment in FIG. 1, pedestal has a generally hollow center 350 so that drawers, receptacles, or other storage containers can be placed within the hollow center, or to allow a chair or wheelchair to be partially positioned therein. Also visible in the embodiment of pedestal 300 shown in FIG. 8 are four guide holes 330 for ensuring proper alignment between the hood/frame unit (not shown) and pedestal 300. In this embodiment, the hood/frame unit has four corresponding pins or the like (not shown) which fit into guide holes 330, which together form an “alignment mechanism,” to ensure that hood/frame unit is properly and safely situated on pedestal 300. One of ordinary skill in the art will realize that any number of pins and corresponding guide holes 330 could be used, that the position of the pins and recesses could be reversed so that the pins are disposed on pedestal 300 and the recesses on the lower surface of the hood/frame unit, or that any other alignment mechanism could be used. In addition, curbs, slide or guide rails, blocks, sockets, and a funnel-shaped recess (which is more forgiving when placing the hood/frame unit in place and is self-center-finding) could all also be used as an alignment mechanism.
Moreover, once in place, a locking mechanism can be employed to help ensure that the hood/frame unit does not slip out of alignment. Examples of a locking mechanism include, but are not limited to, a cotter key and a latch.
One of ordinary skill in the art will realize that almost any shaped pedestal supports 310 can be used, including a generally solid shaped pedestal, two or more pedestal supports without any horizontal supports connecting them, or even a slab, as long as the pedestal is generally flat at the points of contact with the hood/frame unit, level, and capable of safely supporting the weight of the hood/frame unit. The embodiment of pedestal 300 shown in FIG. 8 is made of heavy gauge stainless steel, but could also be made of wood, resin, a plastic laminate, mild steel, stainless steel, cement, and a tubing welded frame.
Another example of pedestal 300 can be seen in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of pedestal 300. Pedestal 300 of FIG. 9 includes pedestal supports 310 as does the embodiment of pedestal 300 of FIG. 8, but includes five horizontal supports 320, an additional horizontal support 320 being on the back side of pedestal 300. However, in the embodiment of pedestal 300 shown in FIG. 9, hood/frame unit mobile mechanism recess 340 is also visible. For those embodiments of box frame 200 in which a hood/frame unit mobile mechanism (for example, as shown in FIG. 7), hood/frame unit mobile mechanism recess 340 includes a recess into which the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism slides/fits. Hood/frame unit mobile mechanism recess 340 can be configured to guide the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism into it so that the combination of the hood/frame unit mobile mechanism and hood/frame unit mobile mechanism recess 340 act to align hood/frame unit with pedestal. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternate alignment mechanisms known to those of ordinary skill in the art, or a combination thereof for added safety, can be used.
FIG. 10 shows hood/frame unit 70, comprised of hood 100 from FIG. 2 and box frame 200 from FIG. 3 b, but can be any hood 100 or box frame 200 disclosed or contemplated herein. Hood 100 is comprised of top surface 101, side surfaces 102, back surface 103, and work surface 120, which define a generally enclosed work area 105, sash 110, and exhaust port 170. Also visible on box frame 200 are box frame front 201, box frame side rail 203 and box frame opening 210.
As stated previously, hood 100 and box frame 200 can be non-permanently connected, permanently connected, or constructed as one integral piece to form hood/frame unit 70. For example, box frame 200 could be welded to hood 100, being one example of a permanent attachment. In addition, a bracket could be screwed or otherwise temporarily fastened to both box frame 200 and hood 100, being an example of a non-permanent attachment. One other example of a non-permanent attachment is to bolt the hood/frame unit to the pedestal. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other permanent and non-permanent means can be employed and that these are non-limiting examples.
Also visible in FIG. 10 is lifting device 80, which is shown to be a fork lift, in which fork lift arms 81 are inserted into box frame opening 210 for the purpose of lifting hood/frame unit 70 off of a pedestal (not shown). Hood/frame unit 70 can then be moved and/or placed on another pedestal. One of ordinary skill will realize that lifting device 80 is not intended to be limiting as well, and a crane, or other device known to those of ordinary skill in the art could instead be used. Furthermore, for those embodiments which are of relatively small size and weight, hood frame unit 70 could be lifted and carried manually, or lifted off of the pedestal manually, and placed on a wheel cart, dolly, or the like. In such an embodiment, hood/frame unit 70 could include handles (not shown) disposed on each side surface of either box frame 200 or hood 100 of hood/frame unit 70, and box frame opening 210 would be unnecessary.
To further facilitate the movement of the hood/frame unit, one embodiment of fume hood 100 further includes quick-disconnects 400 within access door 104 on top surface 101 of fume hood 100. FIG. 11A shows one embodiment of quick-disconnects 400 in which there are four (4) quick-disconnects, for vacuum 401, air 402, gas 403, and water 404 connected to nozzles 150-153 (as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2). However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that almost any number of quick-disconnects 400 can be used and with any variety of connections, not limited to these four or the ones provided supra. In addition, quick-disconnects 400 need not be mounted on the top of fume hood 100; rather, they could be mounted to the back, sides, or underneath fume hood 100.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, quick-disconnects 400 are mounted within access door 104 of top surface 101 of fume hood 100 so that the hood/fume unit is part of a system in which the corresponding vacuum, air, water, and gas lines are situated within the ceiling of the room in which the hood/fume unit is placed. This allows the hood/fume unit to be placed against the wall and not use up valuable floor space with vacuum, air, water, and/or gas lines.
FIG. 11B is an enlarged cross-sectional version of one embodiment of a quick-disconnect and hose. As can be seen, quick-disconnect 401 is comprised of at least one serrated tip or “hose barb” 410 to facilitate a gas-tight or liquid-tight connection with hose 420. When it is desired to move the hood/fume unit, quick-disconnects 401-404 are disconnected from their corresponding hose 420, whether above the hood/fume unit, behind it, under it, or on the side of it, and moved. When it is desired to reconnect the hood/fume unit for use, it is placed on another pedestal and quick-disconnects 401-404 are reconnected to their respective hoses 410.
Although, for convenience, the method of use and corresponding apparatus of the present invention have been described hereinabove primarily with respect to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations of this invention can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed. The descriptions presented in those embodiments are not intended to demonstrate all of the possible arrangements and modifications to the design. For those skilled in the art, changes will be apparent that will fall within the spirit and the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An fume hood unit comprising:

a fume hood;

a box frame comprised of a box frame chassis and a lift chase, said box frame functional engaging and adapted to support said fume hood, wherein said fume hood and said box frame comprise a hood/frame unit, and wherein said box frame is comprised of an opening adapted to allow a lifting device to lift said hood/frame unit; and

a pedestal functionally engaging and adapted to support said hood/frame unit;

wherein said hood/frame unit is adapted to be separable from said pedestal.

2. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said fume hood and said box frame of said hood/frame unit are permanently or non-permanently secured to one another or are constructed as one integral piece.

3. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said box frame chassis and said lift chase are constructed of a material selected from a group comprised of sheet metal, heavy gauge stainless steel, penolic resin, stainless steel, polypropylene, cold-rolled steel, steel, a uni-strut channel, a tubing welded frame covered in a sheet metal and reinforced with a heavy gauge plate, wood, plastic laminate, two pieces of sheet metal fastened to each other with a fastener and functioning as an I-beam, and combinations thereof.

4. The fume hood unit of claim 3, wherein said two pieces of sheet metal functioning as an I-beam has a height to width ration of approximately 6.4:1.

5. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said box frame is further comprised of at least one additional support structure, wherein said additional support structure is selected from a group comprised of: at least one angled gusset connected to said lift chase on a first end and to said box frame chassis on a second end; a first top support member, said first top support member connected to both said lift chase and said box frame chassis; a second top support member, said second top support member connected to both said lift chase and said box frame chassis; at least one angles support bracket; and combinations thereof.

6. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said pedestal is made of a material selected from a group comprised of wood, resin, a plastic laminate, mild steel, stainless steel, cement, a tubing welded frame, and combinations thereof.

7. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said opening is disposed on a front surface of said box frame.

8. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said fume hood unit is further comprised of an alignment mechanism for aligning said hood/frame unit with said pedestal.

9. The fume hood unit of claim 8, wherein said alignment mechanism is selected from a group comprised of a plurality of pins disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of corresponding recesses disposed on an upper surface of said pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper surface of said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding recesses on said lower surface of said hood/frame unit, a plurality of pins disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of corresponding funnel-shaped recesses disposed on an upper surface of said pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper surface of said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding funnel-shaped recesses on said lower surface of said hood/frame unit, a plurality of curbs, a plurality of slide rails, a plurality of guide rails, a plurality of blocks, a plurality of sockets, and combinations thereof.

10. The fume hood unit of claim 8, wherein said alignment mechanism is further comprised of a locking mechanism selected from a group comprised of a cotter key and a latch.

11. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said hood/frame unit is further comprised of a hood/frame unit mobile mechanism.

12. The fume hood unit of claim 11, wherein said hood/frame unit mobile mechanism is comprised of a plurality of caster wheels disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit.

13. The fume hood unit of claim 11, wherein said pedestal is further comprised of a plurality of recesses, said plurality of recesses adapted to receive said hood/frame mobile mechanism.

14. The fume hood unit of claim 13 wherein said plurality of recesses disposed on said pedestal further acts as an alignment mechanism.

15. The fume hood unit of claim 1, wherein said fume hood unit is further comprised of at least one quick-disconnect adaptable to be connected to at least one corresponding hose, said at least one corresponding hose providing gas, water, air, or a vacuum to said fume hood.

16. The fume hood unit of claim 15, wherein said at least one quick-disconnect is within an access panel substantially within a top area of said fume hood.

17. An apparatus comprising:

a fume hood;

a box frame comprised of a box frame chassis and a lift chase, said box frame functionally engaging and supporting said fume hood, wherein said fume hood and said box frame comprise a hood/frame unit, said hood/frame unit being adapted to be set on a pedestal and being separable from said pedestal; and

means for lifting said hood/frame unit from said pedestal.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said fume hood and said box frame of said hood/frame unit are permanently or non-permanently secured to one another or are constructed as one integral piece.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said box frame chassis and said lift chase are constructed of a material selected from a group comprised of sheet metal, heavy gauge stainless steel, penolic resin, stainless steel, polypropylene, cold-rolled steel, steel, a uni-strut channel, a tubing welded frame covered in a sheet metal and reinforced with a heavy gauge plate, wood, plastic laminate, two pieces of sheet metal fastened to each other with a fastener and functioning as an I-beam, and combinations thereof.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said two pieces of sheet metal functioning as an I-beam has a height to width ration of approximately 6.4:1.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said box frame is further comprised of at least one additional support structure, wherein said additional support structure is selected from a group comprised of: at least one angled gusset connected to said lift chase on a first end and to said box frame chassis on a second end; a first top support member, said first top support member connected to both said lift chase and said box frame chassis; a second top support member, said second top support member connected to both said lift chase and said box frame chassis; at least one angles support bracket; and combinations thereof.

22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said pedestal is made of a material selected from a group comprised of wood, resin, a plastic laminate, mild steel, stainless steel, cement, a tubing welded frame, and combinations thereof.

23. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said apparatus is further comprised of an alignment mechanism for aligning said hood/frame unit with said pedestal.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said alignment mechanism is selected from a group comprised of a plurality of pins disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of corresponding recesses disposed on an upper surface of said pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper surface of said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding recesses on said lower surface of said hood/frame unit, a plurality of pins disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of corresponding funnel-shaped recesses disposed on an upper surface of said pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper surface of said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding funnel-shaped recesses on said lower surface of said hood/frame unit, a plurality of curbs, a plurality of slide rails, a plurality of guide rails, a plurality of blocks, a plurality of sockets, and combinations thereof.

25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said alignment mechanism is further comprised of a locking mechanism selected from a group comprised of a cotter key and a latch.

26. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said hood/frame unit is further comprised of a hood/frame unit mobile mechanism, wherein said hood/frame unit mobile mechanism is selected from a group comprised of a plurality of caster wheels disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said pedestal is further comprised of a plurality of recesses, said plurality of recesses adapted to receive said hood/frame mobile mechanism, wherein said plurality of recesses disposed on said pedestal further act as an alignment mechanism.

28. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said apparatus is further comprised of at least one quick-disconnect adaptable to be connected to at least one corresponding hose, said at least one corresponding hose providing gas, water, air, or a vacuum to said apparatus, and wherein said at least one quick-disconnects are within an access panel substantially within a top area of said fume hood.

29. An apparatus comprising:

a fume hood;

a box frame comprised of a lift chase and a box frame chassis, wherein said box frame chassis is comprised of a top surface, a front surface, a back surface, and two side rails, said box frame functional engaging and adapted to support said fume hood, wherein said fume hood and said box frame comprise a hood/frame unit, and wherein said front surface of said box frame is comprised of an opening adapted to allow a lifting device to lift said hood/frame unit; and

wherein said hood/frame unit is separable from a pedestal, said pedestal functionally engaging and adapted to support said hood/frame unit.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said fume hood and said box frame of said hood/frame unit are permanently or non-permanently secured to one another or are constructed as one integral piece.

31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said box frame chassis and said lift chase are constructed of a material selected from a group comprised of sheet metal, heavy gauge stainless steel, penolic resin, stainless steel, polypropylene, cold-rolled steel, steel, a uni-strut channel, a tubing welded frame covered in a sheet metal and reinforced with a heavy gauge plate, wood, plastic laminate, two pieces of sheet metal fastened to each other with a fastener and functioning as an I-beam, and combinations thereof.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said two pieces of sheet metal functioning as an I-beam has a height to width ration of approximately 6.4:1.

33. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said box frame is further comprised of at least one additional support structure, wherein said additional support structure is selected from a group comprised of: at least one angled gusset connected to said lift chase on a first end and to said box frame chassis on a second end; a first top support member said first top support member connected to both said lift chase and said box frame chassis; a second top support member, said second top support member connected to both said lift chase and said box frame chassis; at least one angled support bracket; and combinations thereof.

34. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said pedestal is made of a material selected from a group comprised of wood, resin, a plastic laminate, mild steel, stainless steel, cement, a tubing welded frame, and combinations thereof.

35. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said apparatus is further comprised of an alignment mechanism for aligning said hood/frame unit with said pedestal.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said alignment mechanism is selected from a group comprised of a plurality of pins disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of corresponding recesses disposed on an upper surface of said pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper surface of said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding recesses on said lower surface of said hood/frame unit, a plurality of pins disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of corresponding funnel-shaped recesses disposed on an upper surface of said pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper surface of said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding funnel-shaped recesses on said lower surface of said hood/frame unit, a plurality of curbs, a plurality of slide rails, a plurality of guide rails, a plurality of blocks, a plurality of sockets, and combinations thereof.

37. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said alignment mechanism is further comprised of a locking mechanism selected from a group comprised of a cotter key and a latch.

38. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said hood/frame unit is further comprised of a hood/frame unit mobile mechanism.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said hood/frame unit mobile mechanism is comprised of a plurality of caster wheels disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit.

40. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said pedestal is further comprised of a plurality of recesses, said plurality of recesses adapted to receive said hood/frame mobile mechanism, and wherein said plurality of recesses disposed on said pedestal further acts as an alignment mechanism.

41. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said apparatus is further comprised of at least one quick-disconnect adaptable to be connected to at least one corresponding hose, said at least one corresponding hose providing gas, water, air, or a vacuum to said apparatus, said at least one quick-disconnect being disposed within an access panel substantially within a top area of said fume hood.

42. An apparatus comprising:

a box frame comprised of a box frame chassis and a lift chase, said box frame chassis comprised of a front surface, a back surface, two side rails, and a top surface, wherein said box frame is adapted to be supported by a pedestal, wherein said box frame is adapted to functionally engage and support a fume hood, and wherein said box frame is capable of forming a hood/frame unit with a fume hood, said hood/frame unit adapted to be lifted off of said pedestal; and

a hood/frame unit mobile mechanism disposed on said bottom surface of said box frame and adapted to permit said hood/frame unit to be movable between a first location and a second location.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said box frame chassis and said lift chase are constructed of a material selected from a group comprised of sheet metal, heavy gauge stainless steel, penolic resin, stainless steel, polypropylene, cold-rolled steel, steel, a uni-strut channel, a tubing welded frame covered in a sheet metal and reinforced with a heavy gauge plate, wood, plastic laminate, two pieces of sheet metal fastened to each other with a fastener and functioning as an I-beam, and combinations thereof.

44. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said two pieces of sheet metal functioning as an I-beam has a height to width ration of approximately 6.4:1.

45. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said box frame is further comprised of an additional support structure, wherein said additional support structure is selected from a group comprised of: at least one angled gusset connected to said lift chase on a first end and to said box frame chassis on a second end; a first top support member, said first top support member connected to both said lift chase and said box frame chassis; a second top support member, said second top support member connected to both said lift chase and said box frame chassis; at least one angled support bracket; and combinations thereof.

46. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said apparatus is further comprised of an alignment mechanism for aligning said box frame with said pedestal.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said alignment mechanism is selected from a group comprised of a plurality of pins disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of corresponding recesses disposed on an upper surface of said pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper surface of said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding recesses on said lower surface of said hood/frame unit, a plurality of pins disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of corresponding funnel-shaped recesses disposed on an upper surface of said pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper surface of said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding funnel-shaped recesses on said lower surface of said hood/frame unit, a plurality of curbs, a plurality of slide rails, a plurality of guide rails, a plurality of blocks, a plurality of sockets, a plurality of recesses disposed on said pedestal adapted to receive said hood/fume unit mobile mechanism, and combinations thereof.

48. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said alignment mechanism is further comprised of a locking mechanism selected from a group comprised of a cotter key and a latch.

49. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said hood/frame unit mobile mechanism is comprised of a plurality of caster wheels disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit.

50. A fume hood system comprised of:

a fume hood, said fume hood further comprised of at least one quick-disconnect hose disposed at least partially within said fume hood, each of said at least one quick-disconnect hose adaptable to be connected to a corresponding hose, said corresponding hose providing said fume hood with one of a group comprised of gas, water, air, and a vacuum.

a box frame comprised of a box frame chassis and a lift chase, said box frame functional engaging and adapted to support said fume hood, wherein said fume hood and said box frame comprise a hood/frame unit, and wherein said hood/frame unit is portable; and

a pedestal functionally engaging and adapted to support said hood/frame unit.

51. The system of claim 50, wherein said fume hood and said box frame of said hood/frame unit are non-permanently or permanently attached to one another or are constructed as one integral piece.

52. The system of claim 50, wherein said box frame chassis and said lift chase are constructed of a material selected from a group comprised of sheet metal, heavy gauge stainless steel, penolic resin, stainless steel, polypropylene, cold-rolled steel, steel, a uni-strut channel, a tubing welded frame covered in a sheet metal and reinforced with a heavy gauge plate, wood, plastic laminate, two pieces of sheet metal fastened to each other with a fastener and functioning as an I-beam, and combinations thereof.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein said two pieces of sheet metal functioning as an I-beam has a height to width ration of approximately 6.4:1.

54. The system of claim 50, wherein said box frame is further comprised of an additional support structure, wherein said additional support structure is selected from a group comprised of: at least one angled gusset connected to said lift chase on a first end and to said box frame chassis on a second end; a first top support member, said first top support member connected to both said lift chase and said box frame chassis; a second top support member, said second top support member connected to both said lift chase and said box frame chassis; at least one angled support bracket; and combinations thereof.

55. The system of claim 50, wherein said pedestal is made of a material selected from a group comprised of wood, resin, a plastic laminate, mild steel, stainless steel, cement, a tubing welded frame, and combinations thereof.

56. The system of claim 50, wherein said hood/frame unit is portable by an instrument selected from a group comprised of: at least one opening disposed on a front surface of said box frame, adaptable to receive a fork lift arm; manual lifting; said hood/frame unit having two side surfaces, each side surface having a lip disposed thereon, under which arms of a fork lift slide; a plurality of eyeholes or eyehooks, each of said plurality of eyeholes or eyehooks adapted to receive a strap, said strap connected to a crane; and combinations thereof.

57. The system of claim 50, wherein said apparatus is further comprised of an alignment mechanism for aligning said hood/frame unit with said pedestal.

58. The system of claim 57, wherein said alignment mechanism is selected from a group comprised of a plurality of pins disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of corresponding recesses disposed on an upper surface of said pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper surface of said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding recesses on said lower surface of said hood/frame unit, a plurality of pins disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit and a plurality of corresponding funnel-shaped recesses disposed on an upper surface of said pedestal, a plurality of pins disposed on said upper surface of said pedestal and a plurality of corresponding funnel-shaped recesses on said lower surface of said hood/frame unit, a plurality of curbs, a plurality of slide rails, a plurality of guide rails, a plurality of blocks, a plurality of sockets, and combinations thereof.

59. The system of claim 57, wherein said alignment mechanism is further comprised of a locking mechanism selected from a group comprised of a cotter key and a latch.

60. The system of claim 50, wherein said hood/frame unit is further comprised of a hood/frame unit mobile mechanism.

61. The system of claim 60, wherein said hood/frame unit mobile mechanism is comprised of a plurality of caster wheels disposed on a lower surface of said hood/frame unit.

62. The system of claim 60, wherein said pedestal is further comprised of a plurality of recesses, said plurality of recesses adapted to receive said hood/frame mobile mechanism, said plurality of recesses disposed on said pedestal further acts as an alignment mechanism.

63. The system of claim 50, wherein said at least one quick-disconnect hose is within an access panel substantially within a top area of said fume hood.