Cornice duct system
An energy efficient air distribution system placed within the conditioned space of a building comprising a duct having an interior volume for conducting air. One of the exterior surfaces may have an ornamental design providing the impression the device is actually cornice molding. An opening extends through the duct wall for releasing conditioned air from the duct interior into the conditioned space. Opening is positioned on the duct to be visibly obscured. In one embodiment, a flow control mechanism is positioned adjacent to the opening for controlling the amount of conditioned flowing through the opening.
This application is a continuation-in-part of the co-pending application Ser. No. 10/353,693, filed on Jan. 28, 2003, which itself is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/761,145 filed on Jan. 16, 2001 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,373, which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning duct system and, more particularly, to a duct system located in the conditioned space of a building for distributing heated or cooled air and having an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTraditional air distribution systems include duct work that extends between an air handling unit and a conditioned room space. Conditioned room space is the space occupied by persons within a building in which air may be heated, cooled, or otherwise conditioned. The duct work extends along the exterior, non-conditioned space between interior walls, above the ceiling, or below the floor such that it is not visible to a viewer. Approximately 25-40% of the energy (heating or cooling capacity) in ordinary air distribution systems is lost to duct leakage and heat conduction through duct walls. As energy becomes a more treasured commodity and as energy costs climb higher, methods for reducing these losses are becoming more important.
In a few modern architectural projects, the duct work has been exposed within the interior conditioned space by using utilitarian ducts suspended from the ceiling. Although energy efficient and acceptable in large open commercial and institutional spaces, this technique is not applicable to most intimate spaces such as smaller offices and residences, especially those having a more traditional designed environment. Additionally, exposed duct work may not be effective in distributing air. Often, the ducts distribute air through a limited number of outlet vents causing localized drafts that are very disruptive to the comfort zone of a space. In other situations, the conditioned air tends to stratify and not reach the occupancy zone of the space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to an air distribution system that has an aesthetically pleasing appearance and functionally distributes conditioned air throughout a room, plurality of rooms, or an entire building. The distribution system is positioned within the conditioned space such that any air leakage or heat conduction occurs within the conditioned space and is not wasted or lost, thus providing a more energy efficient air distribution system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention is directed to an air distribution network, generally designated 10 in
At least one recess 26 may be formed in the duct 20 for hiding an outlet 28 and flow control mechanism 29. Outlet 28 is an opening to the duct interior through which air is diffused into the conditioned space. Flow control mechanism 29 extends over the outlet 28 and controls the flow rate of air being distributed. Ornamental surface 22 may form a projection 27 adjacent to the recess 26 such that the recess 26 is not easily visible by a viewer. As viewed in
In one embodiment as illustrated in
The flow control mechanism 29 may be positioned over the outlet 28 to control the direction and volume of air directed from the duct 20 into the conditioned space. One example of a flow control mechanism is a diffuser strip positioned over the outlets 28. The diffuser strip includes a plurality of orifices that overlay the outlets 28 and are adjustable to control the size of an opening through which air is directed. The flow control mechanism 29 may be manually adjustable such that a user may adjust the openings, or may be controlled by a remotely controllable device having a stepper motor which is especially convenient when the distribution network 10 is positioned within the upper reaches of the room and not easily accessible.
Ducts 20 have either a one-piece construction or a multi-piece construction. Either type construction provides for straight-forward installation as the duct ends are slipped into corresponding openings within the junction boxes 30 to complete the network 10. Ducts 20 and junction boxes 30 may be constructed from a variety of materials. Junction boxes 30 are selectively positioned throughout the distribution network 10. Openings 32 in the junction boxes 30 are sized and shaped to correspond to the cross-section of the ducts 20 are positioned on at least one side of the junction boxes 30 for receiving and supporting ducts 20. In one embodiment, openings 32 are sized such that duct 20 fits snugly within the opening 32 thereby limiting air leakage that occurs at the connection. Caulk or insulation may also be inserted within any gaps between the duct 20 and junction box 30 to further reduce air leakage. Exterior surface 36 contains a complementary ornamental design to complement the duct ornamental surface 22 for an aesthetically pleasing appearance for a viewer. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Air flow controllers may be positioned within one or more of the junction boxes 30 for directing or controlling the air flow through the distribution network 10. A variety of air flow controllers may be positioned within the network including: a baffle 50 for directing air into the ducts 20 as illustrated in
Junction boxes 30 may be positioned within the corners of the space resulting in directional changes in the distribution network 10, or may be positioned along a substantially linear section of the duct 20. In one embodiment, junction boxes 30 include mounting mechanisms for attaching to the wall of the conditioned space for supporting the distribution network 10. Holes 31, as illustrated in
The distribution network 10 may be positioned at a variety of heights along the wall of the conditioned space. In one embodiment, the junction box top surface 38 and duct top surface 25 are positioned against the ceiling of the conditioned space. In another embodiment, the distribution network 10 is positioned downward from the ceiling such that a lighting system may be mounted between the duct top surface 25 and the room ceiling. A chamber assembly 35 may extend upward from the junction box top surface 38 to abut the ceiling for further securing the junction box 30 and also providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
One or more of the junction boxes 30 within the distribution network 10 includes an opening 40 through which air is supplied from an air handler, such as a heating or air conditioning system. Air opening 40 is positioned on one of the mounting surfaces 37 such that it is not visible to a viewer. An air control mechanism 29 may be positioned over the air opening 40 to control or modify the flow of incoming air.
Ducts 20 and junction boxes 30 may also be used for removing air from the conditioned space. The aesthetic appearance of these elements is the same as the air distribution elements. Air from the conditioned space enters through inlets and is directed along the ducts 20 and junction boxes 30 to an exit port 60. Air flow controllers may be positioned within the junction boxes 30 to further assist in the air movement.
Joining edge elements 62, 64 are positioned within the corners of the duct 20 to connect the side sections 52. Side sections 52 are positioned against an inner edge of joining edge elements 62, 64 and held in position by gripping bars 72 and fasteners 74. In the embodiment illustrated in
Elements 64 may additionally be shaped to form the recess 26 for hiding the outlet 28. Flow control mechanisms 29 may further be positioned within the outlets 28. Projections 27 may be mounted on the exterior surface of the mounts 62, 64 to further enhance the aesthetic appearance and to obscure the recess 26.
Opening 70 may be positioned at a variety of locations about the duct 20. In one embodiment as illustrated in
In one embodiment, opening 70 has an upwardly-slanted orientation to deliver conditioned air along the ceiling surface 102 of the conditioned space. In one embodiment, opening 70 is slanted to deliver conditioned air along a wall surface 104. In another embodiment, opening 70 is substantially flat.
In one embodiment, a projection 27 extends outward from the duct wall. In one embodiment, projection 27 forms a part of the ornamental surface 22 that obscures the opening 70. A flow control mechanism 29 is positioned within the projection 27 to control the flow of conditioned air through the opening 70. In one embodiment, flow control mechanism 29 is a rotatable member selectively positionable between a first position in which the opening 70 is clear, a second position in which the opening 70 is closed to prevent air flow, or a position therebetween. In one embodiment, a control lever 50 extends outward from the control mechanism 29 for rotating the control mechanism 29. In one embodiment, flow control mechanism 29 is positioned within the exterior duct wall. The flow control mechanism 29 is not visible from a person in the conditioned space 100, but acts to control the flow of air through the opening 70. In one embodiment, flow control mechanism 29 is positioned within the wall that includes the ornamental surface 22.
Lighting units 90 may be positioned on the duct 20. In one embodiment, lighting fixtures includes a light element 94 and a clear protective element 92 which extends over the light element 94. In one embodiment as illustrated in
Ducts 20 may be positioned at a variety of locations within the conditioned space 100. In one embodiment as illustrated in
In one embodiment, duct 20 is formed from an extrusion process. In one embodiment as illustrated in
As illustrated in
A panel 160 may be placed on the top surface 25 of the duct 20. The panel 160 includes a back edge 161 that faces the wall surface 104 and a front edge 162. In one embodiment, the length of the panel 160 is about equal to the length of the duct 20 such that the back edge 161 contacts the wall surface 104 and the front edge 162 is aligned with the opening 70. The front edge 162 may have an aesthetic appearance to enhance the overall visual appearance of the duct 20. In one embodiment, front edge 162 has an angled orientation. The front edge 162 may further aid in directing the conditioned air as it leaves the opening 70, such as further directing it along the ceiling surface 102. Panel 160 may be constructed of an insulative material, such as foamed styrene. In one embodiment, panel 160 is constructed of a compressible material. Panel 160 is positioned between the top edge of the duct 20 and the ceiling and has a width to prevent the duct from moving upward. Upon removal of the panel 160, the duct 20 can be lifted upward and removed from the wall.
In one embodiment as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the ducts 20 are mounted in an elevated location within a room. The ducts 20 visually resemble cornice molding to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The functional aspects of the duct 20, such as the opening 70 and flow control mechanism 29, are hidden from view by the ornamental surface 22. Further, the joining inserts 170 and corner units 175 provide for extending the duct network throughout an entire structure.
The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. In one embodiment, opening 70 extends along the length of the duct 20. In one embodiment, opening 70 has a discrete length less than the length of the duct 20. A series of openings 70 are spaced along the length of the duct 20. In one embodiment, the duct walls include an insulative liner. In one embodiment, insulative liner is positioned on the interior surface of the duct 20. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims
1. An air conditioning and diffusing device for mounting on a wall within a conditioned space, the device comprising:
- a duct having a duct wall forming an interior volume through which the conditioned air flows;
- an ornamental surface on an exterior section of the duct wall, the ornamental surface having a surface profile comprising a projection;
- a channel extending through the duct wall and having an inlet on an interior of the duct wall and an outlet on the ornamental surface, the channel having an angled orientation with the inlet being vertically below the outlet, the outlet positioned to be inward of and below the projection; and
- a hanger to attach to the wall, the hanger extending from the duct wall along an edge facing the wall and opposite from the ornamental surface, the hanger having an arm that extends in a direction substantially opposite of the angled orientation of the channel.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a supporting surface on the edge facing the wall, the supporting surface spaced away from the hanger and having a flat surface aligned with an outer edge of the hanger such that the flat surface and the outer edge of the hanger contact the wall when mounted to the wall.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the edge facing the wall further comprises an indent extending between a bottom edge of the hanger and an upper edge of the supporting surface, the indent spaced inward from a plane formed by from the outer edge of the hanger and the supporting surface.
4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a panel sized to fit between an upper surface of the duct and the ceiling when the device is mounted to the wall and having an angled front edge that aligns with the outlet.
5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a controller positioned within a space formed above and behind the projection, the controller rotatably adjustable between first and second orientations to control an amount of the conditioned air flowing through the channel.
6. An air conditioning and diffusing device for mounting on a wall adjacent to a ceiling within a conditioned space, the device comprising:
- a duct wall forming an interior volume through which conditioned air flows;
- an ornamental surface on an exterior section of the duct wall;
- a channel extending through the duct wall and having an inlet on an interior of the duct wall and an outlet on the ornamental surface, the channel having an angled orientation with the inlet being vertically below the outlet; and
- a panel positioned between an upper edge of the duct wall and the ceiling, the panel having an angled front edge that aligns with the outlet to further direct the conditioned air towards the ceiling.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the exterior ornamental surface further comprises a projection positioned below the opening and that extends outward beyond the outlet.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein the projection comprises an inner edge that angles towards the ceiling and is substantially aligned with the channel to further direct the conditioned air towards the ceiling.
9. The device of claim 7, further comprising a rotating controller attached to the ornamental surface and positioned within a space formed between the projection and the front edge of the panel, the controller movable between first and second positions to control an amount of the conditioned air moving through the channel.
10. An air conditioning and diffusing device for mounting on a wall adjacent to a ceiling within a conditioned space, the device comprising:
- a duct having a duct wall forming an interior volume through which conditioned air flows, the duct wall further having an exterior ornamental surface with a surface profile comprising a projection;
- an opening that extends through the duct wall to diffuse the conditioned air from the interior volume into the conditioned space, the opening extending through a front section of the duct;
- a hanger extending from a back section of the duct and having an arm forming a space between an exterior surface of the back section and an inner edge of the arm; and
- a panel positioned at an upper edge of the duct wall and having a length substantially equal to the duct, the panel having an angled front edge that aligns with the opening to further direct the air towards the ceiling.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the panel is constructed of a compressible material having an uncompressed width greater than a width between the upper edge of the duct and the ceiling.
12. The device of claim 10, wherein the panel has a width to lock the duct into position and prevent upward movement of the duct.
13. A network for diffusing conditioned air through a conditioned space, the duct network comprising:
- first and second ducts each comprising: a wall forming an interior volume through which the conditioned air flows, each of the plurality of ducts having a duct width extending between a first interior surface and a second interior surface; and a channel extending through the duct wall and having an inlet on one of the first and second interior surfaces and an outlet on the first exterior surface;
- a panel sized to fit between a ceiling of the conditioned space and a top exterior surface of the wall, the panel having an angled front edge that aligns with the outlet when mounted between the top exterior surface and the ceiling;
- a joining insert having a first end and a second end for joining together the first and second duct, the joining insert having an insert width to fit within the duct width such that the first end fits within the first duct and the second end fits within the second duct.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the joining insert is substantially straight and the first end faces away from the second end.
15. The device of claim 13, wherein the joining insert forms a substantially right angle with the first end facing about 90° away from the second end.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the joining insert further comprises a corner unit having a first opening and a second opening.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the first exterior surface is ornamental and includes a projection positioned below the outlet.
18. The device of claim 13, wherein the joining sleeve is sealed within the first duct and the second duct.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein the joining sleeve contacts the first and second surfaces of the first duct and the second duct.
20. An air conditioning and diffusing device for mounting on a wall adjacent to a ceiling within a conditioned space, the device comprising:
- a duct having an exterior surface comprising a first section and a second section spaced away from the first section, the duct further comprising an interior surface forming an interior volume in which conditioned air flows;
- an opening that extends between the interior surface and the exterior surface to diffuse the conditioned air from the interior volume into the conditioned space, the opening extending through the first section and having an angled orientation with an inlet at the interior surface vertically below an outlet at the exterior surface to direct the conditioned air towards the ceiling;
- a hanger extending from the second section and having an arm forming a space between the exterior surface of the second section and an inner edge of the arm; and
- a panel positioned at an upper edge of the duct and having a length substantially equal to a distance between the exterior surfaces of the first and second sections, the panel having an angled front edge that aligns with the opening to further direct the air towards the ceiling.
21. The device of claim 20, wherein the hanger is positioned on an opposite side of the duct from the opening.
22. The device of claim 20, wherein a top section of the hanger is substantially flush with an upper section of the duct.
23. The device of claim 20, further comprising a projection extending outward from the first section at a point vertically below the opening.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 8, 2004
Publication Date: Apr 28, 2005
Inventors: J. Place (Raleigh, NC), Thomas Howard (Raleigh, NC)
Application Number: 11/006,871