Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02326602 2005-12-09
ADJUSTABLE AIR DIFFUSER AND RELATED METHODS
The present invention relates to an apparatus for regulating air and removing
contaminants from air discharge vents, such as those used for air conditioning
or heating
systems.
Background of the Invention:
Central heating and air conditioning systems typically include ducts to
distribute
processed (heated or cooled) air. These ducts distribute heated or cooled air
from the source
units (either a heater or air conditioner). In many office buildings and
similar environments, the
ducts are positioned above suspended ceilings and are configured to discharge
the treated air
through spaces that would otherwise be filled with removable ceiling panels.
Vents or grilles of various configurations may be positioned at these
discharge
"panel" locations. Much of the background and relevant problems associated
with those vents or
grilles are discussed in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,975 for AIR FLOW CONTROLLER
FOR
HEATING AND AIR CONDMONING VENTS.
Although my invention of U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,975 addresses many of the short-
comings of the prior art, further refinements and other approaches discussed
below provide alter-
natives that may be beneficial in some or many installations.
In addition, even for systems that may provide some airflow adjustability for
the
convenience and comfort of the occupants, most discharge vents do not have air
filters to filter
out dust, bacteria or other contaminants. Where filters are used, it is more
common to find them
on air returns or air handlers, which typically feed air to the intake side of
air conditioning or
heating units. While such filtering is helpful, the filters sometimes can be
difficult to service and
in any case cannot do anything to reduce contamination that may exist or be
generated within the
CA 02326602 2000-11-22
ducting system itself. Thus, dust or other contaminants in the duct or
generated by the heater/air
conditioner are commonly blown onto occupants or back into the buildings,
rather than being
filtered out.
Part of the problem associated with air ducts relates to moisture that occurs
natu-
rally as part of the heating/air conditioning process. Typically in air
conditioning systems, when
air is cooled, some of the moisture condenses along the walls of the ducts.
That moisture not
only causes dust and other things to accumulate along the ducts, but permits
and enables
microscopic growths to appear and accumulate (such as mildew, fungus, bacteria
and other
microbial particles). The typical air filter at the system return/intake does
nothing to stop the
system from blowing these potentially harmful microbes onto occupants of the
building.
Warren Technology's Uni GuardTM individual room air filtration system
addresses some of those concerns but has several shortcomings. Among other
things, its diffuser
provides a limited range of control flexibility, and replacing its filter
typically requires removing
one or more adjacent ceiling tiles, which typically is at least somewhat
inconvenient and time
consuming.
My U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,975 likewise addresses some of the foregoing issues,
but
is somewhat limited as to the "degree" of airflow control it provides.
Moreover, it does not
address the contaminants issue.
Other prior art patents (such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,690,243 to Lambert, 3,757,667
to
Lambert, 4,506,828 to Grant, 4,417,687 to Grant, 4,375,183 to Lynch, Reissue
patent 30953 of
U.S. Pat. No. 4,231,513 to Noll et al., 4,231,253 to Faith et al., and
3,699,871 to Larkfeldt) have
similar shortcomings. In addition, the devices in those patents typically are
not easy to install or
2
CA 02326602 2009-11-16
easy to use, and commonly are more expensive to produce and/or install and
maintain. In
addition, they do not teach nor contemplate using filter elements.
An effective solution should not only address the foregoing flow and
contaminants issues, but should also be easy to use and replace, be reasonably
priced, and
be provided for both retrofits and new installations.
Summary of the Invention:
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved air flow controller for
heating
and air conditioning vents.
The present invention may provide a vent with multiple flow paths wherein each
individual flow path may be separately regulated.
The present invention may provide an air flow controller with vent flow paths
that
are easy to manipulate.
The present invention may provide a vent with flow paths that can be adjusted
from a distance when using a stick or similar reaching apparatus.
The invention may provide a vent with filter elements for removing
contaminants.
The present invention may have the provision for allowing filter elements to
be
readily replaced, such as without having to move or remove any adjacent
ceiling tiles.
In one aspect of the invention, there is provided an air discharge apparatus
for
controlling airflow having an airflow path through the apparatus and the
apparatus for
reducing air borne contaminants, the apparatus comprising: mounting means for
mounting the apparatus to receive air from a discharge vent; at least two
regulating vents,
each of the regulating vents providing first and second airflow paths for
airflow through
the first and second regulating vents respectively, the first and second
airflow paths
through the first and second regulating vents forming part of the airflow path
through the
apparatus, each of the first and second airflow paths of the regulating vents
being
generally oriented in different directions; and at least one filter element
for reducing air
borne contaminants, the at least one filter element positioned in the air flow
path of the
discharge apparatus, wherein the filter element includes at least one separate
filter device
positioned in the airflow path of the apparatus to reduce contaminants in both
first and
second airflow paths through the first and second regulating vents.
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CA 02326602 2009-11-16
In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for
regulating air
flow and removing contaminants in a discharge vent of a suspended ceiling, the
apparatus
comprising: a discharge vent of a suspended ceiling, the discharge vent
providing an
airflow path for discharged air; at least one filter element positioned in the
air flow path
for filtering contaminants from the air discharged in the air flow path from
the vent; and
at least two slidable dampers and at least two slidable panels for regulating
air-flow
discharged from the vent, the apparatus further comprising: at least one air
flow
regulating vent; and a means for positioning the at least one filter element
in the airflow
path.
In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an air discharge
apparatus
for controlling airflow and reducing air borne contaminants, the apparatus
comprising:
mounting means for mounting the apparatus to receive air from a discharge
vent; at least
two regulating vents having openings such that the regulating vents providing
first and
second airflow paths for air that passes through the apparatus, the first
airflow path
having airflow in a first flow plane and the second airflow path providing
airflow in a
second flow plane that is oriented differently to the first flow plane; and at
least one filter
element for reducing air borne contaminants, the filter element positioned in
the air flow
path of the discharge apparatus, the discharge apparatus further comprising:
at least one
slidable damper adjacent to at least one of the regulating vents for
controlling air flow
there through; at least one slidable panel for controlling air flow through
another of the
regulating vents.
In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an air discharge
apparatus
for controlling airflow and reducing air borne contaminants, the apparatus
comprising:
mounting means for mounting the apparatus to receive air from a discharge
vent; at least
two regulating vents, the regulating vents having openings that are oriented
to provide
first and second air flow paths for air that passes there through, the first
airflow path
providing airflow in a first flow plane and the second airflow path providing
airflow in a
second flow plane that is oriented differently to the first flow plane; and at
least one filter
element for reducing air borne contaminants, the filter element positioned in
the air flow
path of the discharge apparatus, the apparatus further comprising: a plenum to
receive the
output of the discharge vent; and a diffuser at the outlet of the plenum, the
diffuser
3a
CA 02326602 2009-11-16
including the at least two regulating vents, the diffuser further including
four sides and a
center portion, the regulating vents being positioned along the sides, wherein
the center
portion is generally concave in the direction of the plenum.
In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an air discharge
apparatus
for controlling airflow and reducing air borne contaminants, including:
mounting means
for mounting the apparatus to receive air from a discharge vent; at least two
regulating
vents, the vents positioned generally within two or more separate planes; and
at least one
filter element for reducing air borne contaminants, the filter element
positioned in the air
flow path of the discharge apparatus; the apparatus further comprising: a
plenum to
receive the output of the discharge vent; and a diffuser at the outlet of the
plenum, the
diffuser comprising the at least two regulating vents; a hinge mechanism
acting between
the diffuser and the plenum to permit access into the plenum.
In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for
regulating a discharge duct of an HVAC system, the apparatus including: a
plenum for
receiving the flow from the discharge duct; a diffuser with a plurality of
regulating vents
for directionally controlling the flow exiting the plenum, the diffuser
protruding from a
surface in which the apparatus is mounted, the plurality of regulating vents
being
positioned in a non-planar relationship to each other about the protruding
portion of the
diffuser, in which the protruding portion of the diffuser is pivotably
connected to the
plenum to permit access into the plenum; and at least one filter element
positioned within
the plenum for reducing air borne contaminants.
In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for
regulating a discharge duct of an HVAC system, the apparatus including: a
plenum for
receiving an airflow from the discharge duct; a diffuser with a plurality of
regulating
vents for directionally controlling the flow exiting the plenum, the diffuser
protruding
from a surface in which the apparatus is mounted, the plurality of regulating
vents being
positioned in a non-planar relationship to each other about the protruding
portion of the
diffuser, the apparatus further including at least one filter element adjacent
each of the
regulating vents.
In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an air discharge
apparatus
for controlling airflow having an airflow path through the apparatus and the
apparatus for
3b
CA 02326602 2009-11-16
reducing air borne contaminants, the apparatus comprising: mounting means for
mounting the apparatus to receive air from a discharge vent; at least two
regulating vents
positioned within the airflow path, each of the regulating vents having
openings that are
oriented to provide first and second airflow paths for airflow through the
first and second
regulating vents respectively, the first and second airflow paths through the
first and
second regulating vents forming part of the airflow path through the
apparatus, the first
airflow path providing airflow in a first flow plane and the second airflow
path providing
airflow in a second flow plane that is oriented differently to the first flow
plane; and at
least one filter element for reducing air borne contaminants, the at least one
filter element
positioned in the air flow path of the discharge apparatus, wherein the filter
element
includes at least one separate filter device positioned in the airflow path of
the apparatus.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the
following specification and the accompanying drawings, which are for the
purpose of
illustration only.
3c
CA 02326602 2000-11-22
Brief Description of the Drawings:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as
installed on a suspended ceiling and with the side vents in a partially open
position.
FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1, but illustrates the lower deflector panels in an
open
position and the side vents in a closed position.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIGS. I and 2, including a fil-
ter element.
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment separate from the sus-
pended ceiling structure and including a filter element.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an alternative view of a filter element assembly
useful in the invention, similar to the filter assembly portion of FIG. 4
except for the cross-sec-
tional shape of the mounting brackets.
FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, but shows the assembly of FIG. 5 in an isometric
view with the filter element seated within the mounting brackets.
FIG. 7 is a foreshortened cross-sectional view along reference line 7-7 of
FIG. 4.
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8, and illustrates in a partially exploded isometric
view
the alternative embodiment of FIG. 8 installed in a preferred support
structure, as it might appear
when the lower portion is hinged downwardly to permit replacement of filters
or other service.
110
Description of Preferred Embodiment:
The drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, including an
improved air flow controller 1. Preferably, the components of the air flow
controller 1 are fabri-
4
CA 02326602 2008-08-11
cated from suitably strong, lightweight materials to provide reliable service
in an air exhaust sys-
tem and are easy to transport and install. Many of the components may be
fabricated by injection
molding, blow molding, extruding plastic, or similar processes. In embodiments
using separate
components to complete the assembly, that assembly of various pieces to each
other may be
accomplished by any suitable means, including without limitation gluing,
welding, screws, etc.
Preferably, most of the mechanical components of the invention are extruded
from plastic,
injection molded from glass-filled reinforced nylon, or fabricated by some
similar process,
including (without limitation) using extruded aluminum or other metal. Persons
of ordinary skill
in the art will understand that the invention may be effectively practiced
with a wide variety of
materials and fabrication methods.
As mentioned above, much of the background associated with suspended ceiling
and related vents or grilles are discussed in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,97
In FIG. 1 of the present document, the preferred apparatus
1 includes a pair of elongated channels or rails 2, each having a side 6
surface that is machined or
fabricated to include a regulating vent or rail slot 4. The regulating vent or
rail slot 4 is
preferably an elongated opening in the side 6 of the channel 2. However,
persons of ordinary
skill in the art will understand that the regulating vent 4 can be of any of a
wide variety of
configurations and dimensions and numbers of holes in the side 6, so long as
the structural
integrity of that channel 2 is not compromised. In their open position (see
FIG. 1), the preferred
regulating vents 4 on each of the channels 2 provides a first pair of flow
paths within a first flow
plane 42.
In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 1 is installed in a suspended tile
ceil-
ing or hanging ceiling. The preferred connection of channels 2 to the ceiling
is further discussed
5
CA 02326602 2000-11-22
below regarding FIG. 7. In general, a series of ceiling rails or ceiling
splines (30, 32, 34, and 36)
in the shape of T-bars are suspended on cables attached to a higher ceiling
(not shown). The
ceiling rails, (sometimes referred to herein as just "rails"), typically have
seating surfaces (their T
portion), whereby ceiling tiles seat. Lights, air ducts, air vents and other
fixtures may be hung
within the T-bar framework provided by the rails but those elements typically
terminate above the
T-bar rails. The preferred embodiment of apparatus 1 is suspended from the
rails but protrudes
below the rails. Although T-bars are discussed herein, ceiling rails with
other cross-sections can
be used in practicing the invention.
Preferably, each of the elongated channels 2 is fixedly connected to one of
the
parallel ceiling rails 30 and 32 via one or more clips 68 (see FIG. 7 and
related discussion
below).Altematively, and where ceiling rails are difficult to get to or are
not used (such as the
case with plaster ceilings and seamless ceiling tiles), the apparatus can be
attached using screws,
double sided tape, or similar methods. In the preferred assembly process, the
support brackets 64
are first attached to the channels 2. The channels are then mounted onto the
ceiling rails 30 and
32, and then other components may be assembled to form the overall apparatus
1. As shown in
FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 includes a pair of slidable (deflector) panels 50 and
a pair of slidable
dampers 10. The slidable panels 50 are slidably positioned along the lower
half of the elongated
channels 2, the lower lip 8 (see also FIG. 4), and serve as regulators for
another of the air flow
paths 46 (illustrated as generally downward). The slidable dampers 10
preferably are in a tongue
and groove engagement with the elongated channels 2 and serve as the
regulators for the first pair
of regulating vents 4. The preferred manner and way in which the dampers 10
and panels 50 are
connected to the elongated channels 2 are further discussed below in FIG. 7.
6
CA 02326602 2000-11-22
When the slidable panels 50 are in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1, or
otherwise partially block the flow of air along path 46, air flow is diverted
along the first plane 42
not only towards and through the vents 4 (if those are uncovered as explained
herein), but also
may be diverted through a second pair of vents 12 formed by the space between
the panels and
the tile ceiling 40. In the preferred embodiment, vents 12 are not provided
with separate covers
but instead remain "open" at all times.
When the panels 50 are in the closed position and the slidable dampers are in
the
open position, as shown, exhaust air from the air duct flows along plane 42,
out of the first pair of
regulating vents 4 and the second pair 12. In this configuration, air flow may
be regulated along
plane 42 by sliding the dampers 10 along the tongue and groove race and the
slidable panels
along the seat of the elongated channels 2. By covering the vents 4 partially
or totally, more or
all of the flow in plane 42 can be forced out the aforementioned spaces
between the panels 50 and
the ceiling 40.
If instead, an occupant wishes to direct some or all of the flow downwardly,
this
can be achieved by sliding the panels 50 away from their "closed" position,
FIG. 2, illustrated as
being centered under the air duct opening. When that is done, some or all of
the center regulating
vent 14 is exposed, thereby allowing air flow to flow downwardly therethrough,
in direction 46.
In the preferred embodiment, two of the sides of the center regulating vent 14
are generally
formed by the elongated channels 2, and the other two sides by the edges of
the slidable panels
50 (depending on whether those edges underlie the air flow path). In certain
installations and
applications, when slidable panels 50 are fully opened, the interior edges of
the panels 50 may be
outside the air flow path, so that the edges of the ceiling rails 34 and 36 or
some other structure
7
CA 02326602 2000-11-22
delimits the other two sides of the center regulating vent 14. As indicated
above, air flow through
regulating vent 14 is in the direction of arrow 46, FIG. 2.
The particular flow path of air (through the combination of vent 14, vents 4,
and
vents 12) depends on a number of factors, including the air pressure at the
duct, the settings of
the various panels 50 and slides 10, etc. Persons of ordinary skill in the art
will understand that
the relative size and number of slidable panels 50 and dampers 10 can be any
of a wide selection,
to provide additional fine-tuning to the flow control achievable with the
invention. Likewise, the
size and position of the other components may vary depending on the particular
application and
range of use desired.
In the preferred embodiment, the panels 50 are fabricated with a clear
translucent
material. One of the reasons for this preferred embodiment is occasionally the
apparatus 1 is
placed next to or near a set of ceiling lights. If slidable panels 50 are
moved to the open position,
as shown in FIG. 2, the panels 50 may obstruct the paths of the ceiling lights
(if those are
adjacent to the apparatus 1), unless the panels 50 are of a translucent
material, in which case, the
lights simply illuminate on through.
Adjusting and positioning the slidable panels 50 and the slidable dampers 10
to
regulate air flow can be done in any suitable manner. In the preferred
embodiment, for example,
an individual 58 can pick up a stick or other elongated rod-like member 56 and
easily move the
panels 50 and dampers 10 to any desired combination of positions. The
apparatus 1 is preferably
fabricated with materials and within dimensional tolerances such that the
panels 50 and the
dampers 10 can be move with minimal force. Preferably, fins 15 are provided on
each of the
dampers 10 to serve as leverage points for the occupant's stick 56 when the
occupant 58 manipu-
lates the dampers 10.
8
CA 02326602 2000-11-22
Further details of the preferred embodiment are illustrated in FIG. 3. The
elon-
gated channels 2 are fabricated with. several tongues and grooves, e.g., 70
and 72, to which other
components may be engaged. Preferably, the ends of each of the elongated
channels 2 include
stop members 52. In the preferred embodiment, the stop members 52 are L-
brackets or angle
brackets, and are connected to the ends of the channels 2 using general
bonding agents or glue.
However, those person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any
other suitable method
(including, by way of example, screws or rivets or sonic welding) may be used
without departing
from the invention.
Among other things, the stop members 52 provide a stop point for the sliding
dampers 10 and panels 50. The preferred dampers 10 include a downwardly
protruding tongue
element 61, FIG. 3, which interferingly contacts the stop members 52 to
prevent it from being
slid off the channel 2. Similarly, the stop members 52 act to stop the panels
50 from being slid
out of engagement with the assembly 1, via the preferred stop tabs 54 (see
FIG. 3) affixed to or
formed on the panels 50 that interferingly contact the downwardly extending
portions 53 of the
stop members 52. The stop members 52 ensure that when the panels 50 and the
dampers 10 are
moved to the open position, they are not accidentally disengaged from the
elongated channels 2.
In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus I includes a pair of support
brackets
64. The preferred support brackets 64 have at least two functions: to support
the filter element 60
(preferably by it resting on the inwardly extending portions 66) and to attach
the entire apparatus
2 0 1 onto the T-bars of the ceiling rails 30 and 32, using the clip portions
68. For this latter function,
the support brackets 64 preferably act as mounting means. The support brackets
64 can be
provided in any convenient length, and multiple shorter pieces (rather than a
single long
continuous piece 64) can be used where necessary or desired. As further
discussed in connection
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CA 02326602 2000-11-22
with FIG. 7, the preferred support brackets 64 use a tongue and groove 65 and
74 engagement
with the elongated channels 2.
Although various embodiments of the invention may be practiced with no filter
element, and although a wide variety of filter can be effectively used in the
invention, the pre-
ferred filter element 60 is of a woven type surrounded by mesh metal frames
and a cardboard
perimeter 62 as bonding agent, as often found in a local hardware store. The
cardboard edges
must be sufficiently narrow to seat along the support channels 66 of the
support brackets 64. In
an alternative embodiment, not shown, the filter element 60 comes in two or
more separate
pieces. Each piece consists of a metal frame, similar to three rectangles back-
to-back-to-back,
enwrapped by fiber materials. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that as filter
technology changes and improves, different filters may be used without
deviating from the spirit
of the invention.
FIG. 4 depicts a fully assembled apparatus 1 separate from the preferred sus-
pended ceiling structure. The preferred embodiment of apparatus 1 does not
include lateral con-
nections (other than the aforementioned suspended ceiling rails) to hold the
elongated channels 2
in position, as shown, and to form a rectangular frame. This helps reduce cost
and weight, and
simplifies installation. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand
that, for certain appli-
cations, lateral supports (such as two additional perpendicular channels) can
be utilized without
deviating from the spirit of the invention.
In the preferred embodiment, the stop members 52 are glued to the ends of the
channels 2 at the factory. In other words, they are shipped with the stop
members 52 bonded in
their respective positions. Alternatively, the stop members can be shipped
separately and glued
by the end users. This gluing can take place before or after the dampers 10
and support brackets
CA 02326602 2000-11-22
64 are engaged with the channels 2 (via the various tongues and grooves). Each
channel 2 is then
clipped into position by snapping clip member 68 over the T of the ceiling
rail. Thus, support
brackets 64 are preferably first installed onto the channels 2 before the
channels are installed onto
the ceiling rails. After both channels 2 are clipped in position, they hang
along the ceiling by the
clip members 68. The ceiling rails 34 and 36 then, See FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, can
be viewed as
lateral structures that help form an overall operative sturdy rectangular
shape for the apparatus 1.
Preferably, after the channels 2 are in position, the filter element 60 is
installed.
Although the filter element 60 can be positioned and retained within the
assembly in any suitable
manner, preferably one of the sides is first wedged into one of the support
brackets 64, and then
the other support bracket 64, along with the other channel 2, is temporarily
deflected or bent
slightly outwardly so that the other side of the filter can be pushed up into
position. Among
many alternative methods, the components can be assembled by doing nothing to
the support
brackets 64 and channels 2, but instead bending (arched or otherwise deformed)
slightly at the
center of the filter 60, so that the filter can be wedged into position along
the seats 66 of the
support brackets 64. The preferred filter element 60 completely "filters"
airflow from the duct
through vent 14 (in direction 46). Slidable panels 50 are installed next.
Similar to the filter, the
panels 50 are preferably temporarily bent slightly at their center points so
that they can be
wedged into position and engagement with the seats or lower lip 8. As
indicated above, the
preferred panels 50 and dampers 10 are slidably adjustable to accommodate the
needs and
2 0 comfort of the occupant or occupant in the area of the air duct.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the support
brackets
or mounting means 64 and the filter element 60. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of
the same compo-
nents as in FIG. 5. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the channels 2 are
similarly attached to
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CA 02326602 2000-11-22
the ceiling rails via clip elements 68. In that embodiment, filter element 60
would preferably
merely rest along the seats instead of being wedged into the support brackets
64. In such an
arrangement, some small percentage of the exhaust air might be more likely to
pass around the
filter (i.e., not get filtered) than with the "wedged" embodiment shown in
Figs. 4 and 7. FIG. 7 is
a cross-sectional view of the apparatus 1 taken from FIG. 4. As earlier
discussed, the preferred
embodiment of apparatus 1 includes various channels and brackets in tongue and
groove
arrangements. Preferably, the two elongated channels 2 are symmetrically
identical to one
another. For purposes of this disclosure and description, only one of the
channels therefore needs
to be discussed. At the outer edge of the preferred channel 2 are upper and
lower lips or tongues
70 to engage lips 16 of the damper 10. The support bracket 64 is similarly
engaged with the
channel 2. The upper seat 76 works in tandem with the lower lip 65 on the
support bracket 64 to
engage the channel 2 about the channel surface 78 and the groove 74. The clip
element 68, as
shown, is provided to clip onto the T-bar of the adjacent respective ceiling
rail (such as rail 30 or
32, FIG. 1). Also shown in the background is the stop member 52, with its
downwardly
protruding portion 53. The filter element 60 is also shown engaged along the
seat 66 of the
support bracket 64. Below the seat 66 is the slidable panel 50, resting along
the other seat 8 of
the elongated channel 2.
In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 1, shown installed in FIG. 1 and
FIG.
2, can be readily used in an after market retrofit of existing air ducts. That
is, where flow control
and/or contaminants are problematic, the apparatus 1 may be purchased and
installed in conjunc-
tion with existing structure and vents. The apparatus I is configured to fit
under an existing vent
and attach to the existing ceiling rails. The preferred apparatus 1 has
clipping mechanisms such
as grooves 68, discussed elsewhere herein, to clip onto the T-bar of the
ceiling rails 30 and 32.
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CA 02326602 2000-11-22
FIG. 8 illustrates one of the many alternative embodiments of the invention.
The
embodiment of FIG. 8 is especially useful for new installations, although it
can be used to retrofit
existing structures and ducting. As illustrated, the apparatus 1 includes a
plenum 80 and a dif-
fuser 90. The plenum 80 is shown as having four distinct sides and tapering
inward at the top 82,
although persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any
suitable configuration can be
utilized. Although not shown, the top 82 of the plenum preferably includes
circular knock-outs
of varying diameters and/or locations on the top 82. The knockouts are
typically perforated
patterns in the top 82, preferably provided in at least one diameter. Persons
of ordinary skill in
the art will understand that these knock-outs are useful during installation,
in that an appropriate
size knock-out (of the same or approximate diameter 102 as the duct 100) can
be removed from
the top 82 to engage with (or otherwise accommodate or attach to) the duct
100.
Preferably, the duct 100 terminates at the knock-out line and does not
protrude
into the plenum interior. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand
that other arrange-
ments can be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention. When
installed, the
preferred apparatus of FIGS. 8 and 9 seats above the ceiling line, between
rails 30, 32, 34, and
36, resting on the flange or mounting means 84. A diffuser 90 preferably
protrudes downward,
into the interior environment. The preferred diffuser includes four distinct
sides 96, each side
preferably having a regulating vent 92 and a vent regulator 94. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 8
and 9, each vent regulator 94 is shown with at least one vane 98. Preferably,
a plurality of vanes
(three vanes per vent regulator 94 are illustrated) better regulates air flow
(by providing a more
focussed air flow). Preferably, the vanes 98 pivotally connect to the vent
regulator 94 and the
vent regulator 94 pivotally connects to the regulating vent.
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CA 02326602 2000-11-22
The diffuser 90 and. the plenum 80 are preferably attached to one another on
one
side by a hinge 110 (although multiple hinges may also be used) and on the
other side by a lock-
ing means. Preferably, the locking means is a latch and lever arrangement (as
further discussed
in FIG. 9). However, persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that
other frictional or
locking or detent means for temporarily engaging the diffuser 90 with the
plenum 80 may be
readily utilized without deviating from the spirit of the invention.
Although the diffuser 90 is depicted as having a generally flat surface 91,
the dif-
fuser 90 may be provided concave upward, in the direction of the plenum, to
create an optical
illusion that the apparatus 1 is not protruding as far downwardly as it really
is. For such concave
embodiments, the surface 91 preferably is provided with a concave center point
with sloping lines
running to each of the corners of the diffuser 90.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, the apparatus includes separate filter ele-
ments 60 for each of the regulating vents 92. Alternatively, a single filter
element (not shown)
would be equally effective if the filter is positioned so that air flow first
goes through the filter
before it exits the separate vents 92. The preferred multiple filter elements
60 are positioned
directly adjacent to each of the vents 92 via filter clips 86. Preferably, the
filters 60 and the clips
86 are in frictional engagement with one another.
Preferably, each vent regulator 94 includes a pair of generally round pegs 114
for
pivoting the vent regulator 94 and for connecting the vent regulator 94 to the
diffuser 90, via
engagement with the vent sockets 116. The pivoting action of the vent
regulator 94, with respect
to the diffuser 90 permits the occupant to direct the flow 120 along several
planes. For further
adjustability, the vanes 98 can be provided so as to be pivotable with respect
to the vent regulator
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CA 02326602 2000-11-22
94. In the alternative embodiment, the vanes 98 may be fixed and only the vent
regulator be
pivotable.
Preferably, the diffuser 90 hingedly opens from the plenum (and permits access
to the interior thereof) by pulling down along the edge 122 of the diffuser 90
opposite the hinge.
The diffuser may be locked into position, as shown in the example, via one or
more latches 112
along the flange 84 and corresponding levers 124 along the diffuser.
As indicated aboveõ the duct may terminate at the knock-out. In such embodi-
ments, the duct 100 would not protrude into the plenum as shown in FIG. 9.
Included in the many alternative embodiments of the invention not shown is
modifying the mounting means of the apparatus to work with horizontal vents,
such as are com-
mon in residential dwellings.
Although the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described with
some specificity, the description and drawings set forth herein are not
intended to be delimiting,
and persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various
modifications may be made to
the embodiments discussed herein without departing from the scope of the
invention, and all such
changes and modifications are intended to be encompassed within the appended
claims.
