Patent Application
20230296283
None.
It is intended that each of the referenced applications may be applicable to the concepts and embodiments disclosed herein, even if such concepts and embodiments are disclosed in the referenced applications with different limitations and configurations and described using different examples and terminology.
The disclosure relates to vent systems, guards, and grilles with mounting arrangement for use with ducts, heating and ventilating. The disclosure relates to improved components for these and other devices and systems. A vent system includes grilles, guards, and components, which may be integrated or modular with the device, and which are configured to be modified to improve operation of the device.
There are many scenarios in which a contractor or heating, ventilating, and air condition specialist has to be able to efficiently and effectively install various vents and grilles within a short period of time. With remodels and new construction, there are many different types of variables to account for when managing the installations of the vent system. Different standards and floor thicknesses require various ways of adapting vents to fit the various scenarios. Existing approaches to install vent systems may not be suitably efficient or effective.
Accordingly, there is a need for improved adjustable multi-tier floor vent systems, components, and related methods. The present invention addresses this unmet need.
In general, the disclosure provides improved adjustable multi-tier floor vent systems, components which may be modularly or integrally installed in various floor vent systems. Further, the disclosure relates to vent systems, guards, and grilles with mounting arrangements for use with ducts, heating and ventilating. The disclosure relates to improved components for these and other devices and systems.
The adjustable multi-tier floor vent system includes grilles, guards, and components, which may be integrated or modular with the device, and which are configured to be modified to improve operation of the device. The adjustable multi-tier floor vent system device is configured for improved performance by allowing the height of the grille of the floor vent system to be adjusted by adding spacers and shims to a bracket. Adding spacers and shims to the bracket of the adjustable multi-tier floor vent system allows the grill to be raised to accommodate different thicknesses in flooring. The adjustable multi-tier floor vent system components may improve installation of the floor vent system devices by providing adjustable heights that can be configured for the height of the flooring. An improved adjustable multi-tier floor vent system device may include a plurality of screws, a grill, a vent bracket, one or more spacers, and one or more shims.
In one aspect, the disclosure provides an adjustable multi-tier floor vent system for one or more assemblies. In one aspect, the disclosure provides an adjustable multi-tier floor vent system for a new install assembly configured to be used with new builds, new construction, or new ducts in a home, dwelling, or commercial space. In another aspect, the disclosure provides for an adjustable multi-tier floor vent system for a remodel assembly configured to be used with renovations, improvements, and modifications for home dwellings and commercial spaces.
The invention generally relates to adjustable multi-tier floor vent system components and adjustable multi-tier floor vent devices which may be manufactured with appropriate materials and processes, and which may be scaled as needed.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Although the characteristic features of the invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manners in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals may be used in the drawings to indicate like or similar elements of the description. The figures are intended for representative purposes and should not be considered limiting.
The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the present disclosure and the examples included therein.
Before the present articles, systems, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific implementations unless otherwise specified, or to particular approaches unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, example methods and materials are now described.
All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.
It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” can include the aspects “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this present disclosure belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.
As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an opening” can include two or more openings.
Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value, and/or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent ‘about,’ it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.
As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey those similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.
The terms “first,” “second,” “first part,” “second part,” and the like, where used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, and are used to distinguish one element from another, unless specifically stated otherwise.
As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase “optionally affixed to the surface” means that it can or cannot be fixed to a surface.
Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.
Disclosed are the components to be used to manufacture the disclosed devices, systems, and articles of the present disclosure as well as the devices themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these materials cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular material is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to the materials are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the material and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of materials A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of materials D, E, and F and an example of a combination material, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the articles and devices of the present disclosure. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the methods of the present disclosure.
It is understood that the devices and systems disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.
Adjustable Multi-Tier Floor Vent Systems, Devices, and Components
The adjustable multi-tier floor vent system components may improve installation of the floor vent system devices by providing adjustable heights that can be configured for the height of the flooring. An improved adjustable multi-tier floor vent system device may include a plurality of screws, a grill, a vent bracket, one or more spacers, and one or more shims. The height is adjustable from a minimum of one-eight inches (⅛″) up to an unlimited height to allow for adjustability and adaptability to various floor thicknesses.
The adjustable multi-tier floor vent system provides improved performance by allowing the height of the grille of the floor vent system to be adjusted by adding spacers and shims to a bracket. Adding spacers and shims to the bracket of the adjustable multi-tier floor vent system allows the grill to be raised to accommodate different thicknesses in flooring. Flooring includes but is not limited to vinyl, laminate, hardwood, concrete, carpet, stone, tile, and other flooring materials. Flooring thicknesses includes but is not limited to one-fourth inch (¼″), five-eighths inch (⅝″), seven-sixteenths inch ( 7/16″), three-eighths inch (⅜″), nine-sixteenth inch ( 9/16″), one-half inch (½″), and other thicknesses.
Regarding the components and function of the adjustable multi-tier floor vent systems, the various components may be machined within the following ranges and designated with the following letters or symbol designations.
New Installation Base Assembly Component
A new installation assembly comprises a grill 110 (A), a vent bracket 120 (B), a top of vent bracket 121 (J), a new install base 145 (C), spacers 125 (H), a first set of screws 115 (M), a second set of screws 105 (X), and perimeter holes 102 (S). A new installation base assembly component is hereinafter referred to as a new install base 145 (C). A new install base 145 (C) may be a flat piece of aluminum, metal, steel, or other material. A new install base 145 (C) may be configured for use as a base component for new flooring. A new install base 145 (C) may have textured surfaces on the undersurface. The undersurface may be flat, tacky, crenated, point-like, or planar. A new install base 145 (C) may be a rectangular structure with various sized apertures positioned at various points on the surface. A new install base 145 (C) may be machined with perimeter holes 102 (S) configured to accept a plurality of fasteners for fastening the new install base 145 (C) to a subfloor 210 (See
In at least one embodiment, new install base 145 (C) may be configured such that it allows for an assembly to be installed in an imprecise fashion above a duct opening. This may be necessary in instances when walls and fixtures are not completely installed to allow for proper finished installation. In such instances, the new install base 145 (C) may be used to aid in creating the flooring layout, correctly position the final or finished layout of a vent or grill for a finished, professional appearance and finish. In another instance, new install base 145 (C) may be positioned above a floor cut out to aid with the construction layout and aesthetic appearance. In yet another instance, new install base 145 (C) may be used as a guide for floor cuts and floor cut outs to ensure that floor cuts are made to correct sizes, positions, and of appropriate dimensions. In these instances, new install base 145 (C) will minimize the imperfect floor cuts, holes being too large, or not at the appropriate sizes or dimensions. In addition, utilizing new install base 145 (C) provides for a tolerance of at least three-quarter inches (¾″) in each direction without compromising the integrity of the product, strength or security of the flooring. In this instance, new install base 145 (C) may be used to aid in creating the flooring layout, correctly position the final or finished layout of a vent or grill for a finished, professional appearance and finish as depicted in
Remodel Installation Assembly
A remodel installation assembly component is hereinafter referred to as a remodel assembly 170 as depicted in
Grill 110 (A)
A grill 110 (A) may be machined to one-eighth inches (⅛″) to it outermost edges such that it is configured to recess to the thickness of the flooring, wall or floor cavity. The grill 110 (A) may have a thickness which can be machined to one-fourth inches (¼″) out of aluminum, steel, metal, or other material providing strength and integrity. The grill 110 (A) may be configured such that it may be mounted into a bracket with screws to add additional strength.
Vent Bracket 120 (B)
Vent bracket 120 (B) may be configured such that the outer edge is machined to one-eighth inch (⅛″) thickness out of aluminum, steel, metal, or other material providing strength and integrity. Vent bracket 120 (B) may be used for a new install assembly 150 as shown in
Spacers 125 (H)
Spacers 125 (H) may be constructed out of plastic, paper, cardboard, foam, polymer, aluminum, steel, metal, or other material. Spacers 125 (H) may be manufactured to a variety of thicknesses to accommodate various floor and wall thicknesses. Spacers 125 (H) may be manufactured to be interchangeable with each different thickness of shim 140 (P). Spacers 125 (H) may be manufactured in different colors and thicknesses to provide ease of use in installation of assemblies. Spacers 125 (H) may be configured to be fully supported around the entire bracket surface area to maintain integrity, strength, and durability of the complete assembly as shown in
Shim 140 (P)
Shims 140 (P) may be constructed out of plastic, paper, cardboard, foam, polymer, aluminum, steel, metal, or other material. Shims 140 may be added below the vent bracket 120 (B) for both remodel assemblies 170 and new installation assemblies 150 to adjust final finished height of the vent as depicted in
In one or more embodiments, the adjustable multi-tier floor vent system vent system grilles, guards, shims, spacers, vent brackets, screws, installation bases, and components are configured to be modular elements. The adjustable multi-tier floor vent system modular elements are configured to be integrated in one or more assemblies wherein the components are adapted and/or constructed to be at least one of sectional, sectioned, segmental, segmentary, segmented, componential, componentized, modularizable, modularized and segmenting parts that fit together seamlessly. The adjustable multi-tier floor vent system modular elements may be configured in various sizes in various ranges for varying sizes of HVAC systems and flooring thicknesses.
Installation Methods
In both new installation assembly 150 and remodel assembly 170, the one or more assemblies may be fastened by a plurality of fasteners including but not be limited to nails, screws, adhesives, chemical fasteners, or other fasteners configured to fasten, adhere, and securely attach to the subfloor and adhere flooring material. The assemblies conceal to the naked eye all installation methods whether screws, floating, adhesive, and the likeness thereof.
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In at least one instance, the adjustable multi-tier floor vent system may be used for floating installations of flooring systems. In one or more embodiments, a floating installation may be an installation technique for certain types and/or various brands of flooring. For such floating installations, the segments, pieces and/or components of flooring are configured to interlock with the surrounding segments, pieces, and/or components of flooring. This is termed a floating installation as the segments, pieces, and/or components of flooring around the adjustable multi-tier floor vent system are secured together without attachment to the subfloor 210 or another surface below the flooring. In one or more embodiments, the segments, pieces, and/or components of flooring are configured to interconnect in the fashion of a jig saw puzzle, where they link and connect together but are not attached to the surface below the flooring.
Regarding the floating installation of the adjustable multi-tier floor vent system, this installation is referred to as “floating” because the flooring is not attached to the surface below the flooring itself. In one or more embodiments, using the adjustable multi-tier floor vent system, a flange component may be used. In one or more embodiments, the flange component may be configured such that it slides under the edge of the flooring in a manner allowing it to attach to the grill 110 (A). In one or more embodiments, the flange is configured to interconnect with the one or more spacers 125 (H) and/or at least one shim 140 (P). In one or more embodiments, the adjusted height of the grill of the adjustable multi-tier floor vent system may be further adjusted by adding the flange to one or more spacers 125 (H) and/or at least one shim 140 (P) to the vent bracket 120 (B) of the adjustable multi-tier floor vent system until the desired height of the flooring is reached. This adjustable multi-tier floor vent system may be further adjusted until the adjustable multi-tier floor vent system is completely flush with the top of the floor. In at least one instance, the adjustable multi-tier floor vent system may be installed such that the vent is not attached to the subfloor so that it would “float” with the flooring. Many floating installations are used in residential homes. In one or more instances, such floating installations may be used in a residential space, commercial space, or dwelling.
While aspects of the present disclosure can be described and claimed in a particular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this is for convenience only and one of skill in the art will understand that each aspect of the present disclosure can be described and claimed in any statutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way appreciably intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification.
Throughout this application, various publications can be referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this pertains. The references disclosed are also individually and specifically incorporated by reference herein for the material contained in them that is discussed in the sentence in which the reference is relied upon. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior present disclosure. Further, the dates of publication provided herein can be different from the actual publication dates, which can require independent confirmation.
The patentable scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claims such additional disclosures is reserved.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and its embodiments with modifications as suited to the use contemplated.
It is therefore submitted that the present invention has been shown and described in the most practical and exemplary embodiments. It should be recognized that departures may be made which fall within the scope of the invention. With respect to the description provided herein, it is submitted that the optimal features of the invention include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use. All structures, functions, and relationships equivalent or essentially equivalent to those disclosed are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Under provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), the Applicant claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63/320,602, filed Mar. 16, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63320602 | Mar 2022 | US |
