APPARATUS FOR AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Abstract

A system, device, or apparatus includes grille attached to a frame and placed over an outflow or inflow duct a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC). The apparatus includes ball detents and permanently mounted recessed safety latches that securely attach the device over the duct opening and eliminate the need to use tools and thereby expedite the instillation process as well as removal of the system for access to the ducts. The apparatus provides for a secure attachment and ease of installation and removal of the grille, which may be decorative and/or functionally control airflow.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

This application is in the field of mechanical devices and, more specifically, related to securing air distribution devices in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

BACKGROUND

Various approaches have been developed for securing air distribution products or devices, such as grilles, in HVAC systems. These approaches typically involve the use of fasteners or other mechanical means to attach the grille to the supply duct opening of the HVAC systems. However, these conventional methods often require complex installation processes and may not provide a secure and reliable attachment.

One common approach involves the use of screws or bolts to secure the grille to the duct opening. While this method can provide a secure attachment, it requires drilling holes around the duct opening which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Installing and removing HVAC grilles by using screws and bolts also requires considerable time and labor. Additionally, the use of screws or bolts may result in damage to the duct opening itself.

Another approach involves the use of clips or brackets to hold the grille in place. These clips or brackets are typically attached to the grille and engage with corresponding features around the edges of the duct opening. While this method may simplify the installation process, it may not provide a secure and stable attachment, especially in high airflow environments. System vibration may also cause the clips or brackets to become loose over time, leading to potential safety hazards or reduced performance of the HVAC system.

Furthermore, some approaches utilize adhesive or tape to secure the grille to the duct opening. While this method may offer ease of installation, it may not provide a reliable and long-lasting attachment. The adhesive or tape may degrade over time due to temperature changes or exposure to moisture, resulting in the detachment of the grille and potential damage to the HVAC system and injury to nearby people.

Therefore, what is needed is a system that provides a comprehensive solution for securing a grille to an HVAC air distribution output or input vent that is easy to install and remove, provides a secure attachment, and ensures reliable performance of the HVAC system.

SUMMARY

A system is disclosed that includes a comprehensive solution for securing a grille to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) air distribution output or input vent that is easy to install and remove, provides a secure attachment, and ensures reliable performance of the HVAC system. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the techniques described herein relate to a system for securing HVAC air distribution products, the system including: a HVAC grille for air flow from a HVAC supply duct opening (duct opening), a grille frame attached to the HVAC grille forming an HVAC grille-frame unit, a permanently mounted recessed safety latch attached to the grille-frame unit for securing the grille-frame unit in the duct opening and for ease of installation and removal of the grille-frame unit at the duct opening, retractable ball detents attached to the grille-frame unit for holding the grille-frame unit in the duct opening, a mounting frame secured within the duct opening for housing the grille-frame unit, mounting slots on the flat surfaces of the mounting frame for guiding the installation of the grille-frame unit over the duct opening, wherein the grille-frame unit is slid into the mounting frame in the duct opening, the retractable ball detents hold the grille-frame unit in place over the duct opening and the permanently mounted recessed safety latch secures the grille-frame unit over duct opening.

In some embodiments of the invention, the techniques described herein relate to a system further including the permanently mounted recessed safety latch facilitates ease of installation and removal of the grille-frame unit from the HVAC duct opening without the use of tools.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and the following detailed description of certain embodiments thereof may be understood by reference to the following figures:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of an apparatus installed in a vent in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are side views of an embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To the extent that the terms “including”, “includes,” “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a similar manner to the term “comprising”. The invention is described in accordance with the embodiments and embodiments in the following description with reference to the figures (FIGs), in which, like numbers represent the same or similar elements.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “in accordance with some embodiments” and similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the various embodiments and embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in accordance with an aspect,” “in accordance with one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “in certain embodiments,” and similar language throughout this specification refer to the various embodiments and embodiments of the invention. It is noted that, as used in this description, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a grille 100 is shown in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. The grille 100 may be of any design or decorative pattern and not limited to the specific example shown in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the grille includes fins (not shown) for controlling air flow from the opening. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the grille includes a decorative appearance and includes fins for controlling air flow from the opening.

Referring now to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, an apparatus 200 is shown in exploded view in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. The apparatus 200 includes a grille-frame unit 200A and a mounting frame 200B in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. The apparatus 200 is installed in a vent (or airflow opening) for a heating, ventilation, and/or air-condition (HVAC) system in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. The grille-frame unit 200A includes the grille 100 and a grille support 210. The grille 100 and the grille support 210 are securely attached. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the grille 100 and the grille support 210 are welded together. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the grille 100 and the grille support 210 are glued together. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the grille 100 and the grille support 210 are releasably fastened together. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the grille 100 and the grille support 210 are heat fused together. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the grille 100 and the grille support 210 are cast or molded as a single piece together. The grille support 210 and the grille 100 comprise the grille-frame unit 200A.

In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the grille-frame unit 200A includes at least one safety latch 250. In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the safety latch 250 is a spring loaded latch that slides into place. In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the safety latch 250 is a lockable mechanism that automatically locks after insertion of the grille-frame unit 200A into the mounting frame 200B. In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the safety latch 250 is a lockable mechanism that is manually locked after insertion of the grille-frame unit 200A into the mounting frame 200B. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, which is not shown, the grille-frame unit 200A includes a U-shaped open slot at the location of a mechanical safety latch to allow for passing of the grille-frame unit 200A into the mounting frame 200B to allow alignment of and engagement of the safety latch with hook or raised lip on the mounting frame 200B.

The grille-frame unit 200A includes connectors or ball detents 220. In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the ball detents 220 are spring loaded and made of spring loaded spherical ball that can be compressed or depressed as the grille-frame unit 200A is moved into place. The ball detents 220 become uncompressed or return to engaging position to engage guide openings or guide connection indentations 240. This allows the grille-frame unit 200A to be removable secured or engage and be separated from the mounting frame 200B. Further, the connection indentations 240 are used as a guide for allowing the grille-frame unit 200A to be precisely and accurate positioned with an opening or a duct. The mounting frame 200B includes insertion slot connectors 230 and the connection indentations 240. In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the mounting frame 200B includes at least one safety latch slot 252. The safety latch slot 252 receives the safety latch 250 and acts and a lockable latch to lock and secure the grille-frame unit 200A to the mounting frame 200B. Mounting screws (not shown) inserted through the insertion slot connectors 230 secure the mounting frame 200B into a HVAC duct opening and allow adjustments to assure the proper alignment of the mounting frame 200B within the opening or duct so that a flat final and ideal position of the grille 100 on the surface is achieved. The scope of the present invention is not limited by the number of ball detents, connection indentations/openings, insertion slot connectors, or safety latches that are provided or included on grille-frame unit or the mounting frame. Any number or combination of each is possible. Further, the location of ball detents and the connection indentations may be swapped with respect to the grille-frame unit and the mounting frame.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a system for securing air distribution products to a heating, ventilation, and air condition (HVAC) unit includes a grille for controlling air flow from a HVAC supply duct opening; a grille frame attached to the grille forming a grille-frame unit; a recessed safety latch attached to the grille-frame unit for securing the grille-frame unit in the duct opening and for removal of the grille-frame unit at the HVAC supply duct opening; retractable ball detents attached to the grille-frame unit for holding the grille-frame unit in the HVAC supply duct opening; a mounting frame secured within the HVAC supply duct opening for housing the grille-frame unit; and a plurality of mounting slots on flat surfaces of the mounting frame for guiding installation of the grille-frame unit over the HVAC supply duct opening. The system includes the grille-frame unit that slides into the mounting frame, the retractable ball detents hold the grille-frame unit in place and the recessed safety latch secures the grille-frame unit over the HVAC supply duct opening. The system expedites installation and removal of the grille-frame unit, including the outlet and the return HVAC duct opening.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3, 4, and 5 installing the grille-frame unit 200A onto the opening of an HVAC duct, the grille-frame unit 200A is slid into the mounting frame 200B using the insertion slot connectors 230 as a guide in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. During installation of the grille-frame unit 200A the ball detents 220 depress and roll over the inner edge of the mounting frame 200B until the ball detents 220 encounter the opening or connection indentations 240 where the spherical ball of the ball detents 220 pop into the connection indentations 240 holding the grille-frame unit 200A securely in place over the HVAC duct opening. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, safety latches 250 are engaged to firmly secure the installed grille-frame unit 200A in place within the mounting frame 200B.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 2A, 2B, and 1 shows a view of the hidden inner workings of an installed apparatus. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, ball detents 220 are spaced evenly with 2 per side of the rectangular installed grille-frame unit 200A. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, ball detents 220 are randomly or asymmetrically spaced on the side of the rectangular installed grille-frame unit 200A. The asymmetrical or random placement of the ball detents 220 would matingly match or correspond to the position of openings or connection indentations 240. The ball detents 220 hold the grille-frame unit 200A securely within the mounting frame 200B, while the safety latches 250 lock the grille-frame unit 200A in place into the mounting frame 200B over the HVAC vent opening. Safety latches 250 are shown across from one another on opposite sides of the installed apparatus 200. The number and position of the indents or ball detents 220 and the safely latches 250 are determined by the size and the shape of the HVAC duct opening and the corresponding size and shape of the apparatus 200. This embodiment of the invention shows an optional decorative frame. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the shape of the grille-frame unit 200A and the corresponding mounting frame 200B may be any shape that is suitable for the opening of the air flow duct, such as circular or triangular or square.

In accordance with various embodiments and embodiments of the invention, an installed apparatus 200 secures to a HVAC air distribution or intake vent. Apparatus 200 includes the grille 100 that allows air flow from a HVAC duct opening. The installed apparatus 200 provides a useful alternative to the traditional method of installing and removal of HVAC vents. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus 200 uses ball detents 220 that snap the grille-frame unit 200A into the mounting frame 200B and quickly secures the grille-frame unit 200A into place thereby eliminating the use tools and screws, bolts, or clips.

In accordance with various embodiments and embodiments of the invention, the apparatus 200 is designed such that the permanently mounted recessed safety latch 250 provides greater safety and facilitates ease of installation and removal of the grille-frame unit 200A from the HVAC duct opening while providing an additional layer of security as the user secures the grille-frame unit 200A over the duct opening, especially on a ceiling or vertical surface, while preventing accidental displacement or removal of the grille-frame unit 200A from a duct or opening on the floor, which would result in exposure of the opening on the floor and a possible safety hazard.

In accordance with various embodiments and embodiments of the invention, the apparatus 200 has many other useful applications, including, but not limited to hatches, doors and portholes on ships, aircraft, submersibles, automobile and truck doors, railroad locomotives, oil tank railroad car ports, aircraft doors and compartments in space exploration vehicles. Other applications include, but are not limited to, utility hole covers, doors and hatches on manufacturing equipment and access ports on heavy construction equipment.

The described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in accordance with the embodiments and one or more embodiments of the invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are recited to provide an understanding of various embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments of the invention.

The ranges of values provided above do not limit the scope of the present invention. It is understood that each intervening value, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the scope of the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.

Accordingly, the preceding merely illustrates the various embodiments and principles as incorporated in various embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated that those of ordinary skill in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, embodiments, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

In accordance with the teaching of the invention a computer and a computing device are articles of manufacture. Other examples of an article of manufacture include: the apparatus 200 of the present invention, an electronic component residing on a mother board, a server, a mainframe computer, or other special purpose computer each having one or more processors (e.g., a Central Processing Unit, a Graphical Processing Unit, or a microprocessor) that is configured to execute a computer readable program code (e.g., an algorithm, hardware, firmware, and/or software) to receive data, transmit data, store data, or perform methods.

Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure. The scope of the invention, therefore, is not intended to be limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein.

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 invention belongs. The verb couple, its gerundial forms, and other variants, should be understood to refer to either direct connections or operative manners of interaction between elements of the invention through one or more intermediating elements, whether or not any such intermediating element is recited. Any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice of the invention. Representative illustrative methods and materials are also described.

All publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or system in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently confirmed.

Therefore, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the various embodiments and embodiments discussed and described herein. Rather, the scope and spirit of invention is embodied by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system positioned within an opening of at least one of heating, ventilation, and air condition (HVAC) unit, the system comprising: a mounting frame secured within the opening including: a plurality of mounting slots on flat surfaces of the mounting frame for securing the mounting frame inside the opening; anda plurality of guide indentations; anda grille-frame unit including: grille;a frame attached to the grille; anda plurality of retractable ball detents to removably secure the grille-frame unit to the mounting frame that is positioned within the opening;wherein as the grille-frame unit is slid into the mounting frame, the plurality of retractable ball detents are compressed until positioned over a respective guide indentation and once in place, each of the compressed retracting ball indentations become uncompressed and pop into the respective guide indentation and thereby hold the grille-frame unit in place.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the grille controls air flow from the opening.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the grille is decorative with fins to control air flow from the opening.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the grille is decorative and positioned within the opening.

5. The system of claim 1 further including at least one safety latch, wherein the at least one safety latch facilitates ease of and expedites installation and removal of the grille-frame unit from the opening and engages a wall of the opening directly.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the opening is a return opening of a HVAC.

7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a recessed safety latch attached to the grille-frame unit for securing the grille-frame unit in the opening.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the opening is on a floor and the system is mounted over the opening such that the recessed safety latch prevents accidental removal of the grille-frame unit from mounting frame and, hence, prevents accidental exposure of the opening.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the mounting frame includes a safety latch slot and the grille-frame unit includes a safety latch and the safety latch slot receives the safety latch to secure the grille-frame unit to the mounting frame.

10. A device for securely holding a unit that controls air flow from a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system having a plurality of opening that include at least one outlet opening and at least one return opening, the device comprising: a frame for receiving the unit to form a grille-frame;a recessed safety latch attached to the grille-frame for securing the grille-frame in an opening and for removal of the grille-frame from the opening; andretractable ball detents attached to the grille-frame for holding the grille-frame in the opening,wherein the grille-frame is secured to a mounting frame located in the opening and the mounting frame includes a plurality of mounting slots on flat surfaces of the mounting frame for securing the mounting frame inside the opening such that the mounting frame is a guide for the grille-frame and the mounting frame guides the grille-frame into position relative to the opening such that the grille-frame slides into the mounting frame and the retractable ball detents hold the grille-frame in place and the recessed safety latch secures the grille-frame to the opening.