SLOT DIFFUSER DEFLECTOR

A slot diffuser deflector and air deflector assembly to redirect the air flow emitted from a slot type air diffuser are disclosed. In one embodiment, the air deflector device includes an arc deflector configured for placement suspended from a slot air diffuser having a slot opening for emission of air from a central heating and cooling system, wherein the emitted air is dispersed and directed by the arc deflector. The air deflector device includes an attachment means configured to attach the arc deflector to the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technology described herein relates generally to the field of devices for deflecting and dispersing the flow of air as it passes through and exits an air outlet. More specifically, this technology relates to a deflector assembly to redirect the central air flow emitted from a slot type air diffuser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air diffusers are the terminal elements in central heating and cooling distribution systems whereby air is disbursed into a room or section of a home or other building. One common type of air diffuser is the slot air diffuser. Many known slot type air diffusers are utilized in ceilings.

Related patents known in the background art include the following: U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,174, issued to Anderson on Sep. 15, 1987, discloses an air deflecting means for use with air outlets defined in drop ceiling constructions. The air deflector includes adjustable brackets for suspending the deflecting shield at variable distances from an air vent positioned within a dropped ceiling. The suspension brackets include a hook for resilient flexible securement with respect to the inverted T-shaped support members of the dropped ceiling as well as a rod having a number of cross members positioned thereon extendable through slots defined in the air deflector for maintaining that deflector at variable distances from the vent defined in the dropped ceiling thereabove. A vane member is included which may be engageable with respect to another similarly configured vane member such as to be angularly oriented with respect to the upper surface of the deflecting shield to guide air outwardly therefrom away from wall or corner areas as desired. For this purpose grooves may be defined in the upper surface of the deflecting shield

The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the technology described herein. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides an air deflector assembly to redirect the air flow emitted from a slot type air diffuser.

In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a deflector device for a slot air diffuser. The deflector device includes: an arc deflector configured for placement suspended from a slot air diffuser having a slot opening for emission of air from a central heating and cooling system, wherein the emitted air is dispersed and directed by the arc deflector; and an attachment means configured to attach the arc deflector to the slot opening of the slot air diffuser. The arc deflector can be constructed of metal or plastic.

The arc deflector device can be a curvilinear panel configured to facilitate the dispersion and direction of air flow emitted from the slot air diffuser. The arc deflector can be utilized such that a concave side of the arc deflector faces the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.

The arc deflector device can include at least one mounting bracket disposed upon the arc deflector and by which the arc deflector is suspended from the slot opening of the slot air diffuser. The at least one mounting bracket can be integrally formed with the arc deflector.

The arc deflector device can include a dovetail disposed upon the arc deflector; and a dovetail bracket configured to mount in the slot opening of the slot air diffuser and configured to join with the arc deflector dovetail.

The arc deflector device can include a pair of end caps disposed upon the arc deflector at each end to prevent emitted air from exiting out the ends of the air deflector. The arc deflector device can include an expander disposed upon each of the pair of end caps, wherein the expander is mounted upon a threaded rod to secure each end cap to the air deflector and by which the air deflector is suspended from the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.

In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides an air deflector assembly. The air deflector assembly includes: a slot air diffuser configured for fluid coupling to a central heating and cooling system; an arc deflector configured for placement suspended from the slot air diffuser having a slot opening for emission of air from the central heating and cooling system, wherein the emitted air is dispersed and directed by the arc deflector; and an attachment means configured to attach the arc deflector to the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.

The air deflector assembly can also include at least one mounting bracket disposed upon the arc deflector and by which the arc deflector is suspended from the slot opening of the slot air diffuser. The at least one mounting bracket can be integrally formed with the arc deflector.

The air deflector assembly can also include a dovetail disposed upon the arc deflector and a dovetail bracket configured to mount in the slot opening of the slot air diffuser and configured to join with the arc deflector dovetail.

The air deflector assembly can also include a pair of end caps disposed upon the arc deflector at each end to prevent emitted air from exiting out the ends of the air deflector. The air deflector assembly can also include an expander disposed upon each of the pair of end caps, wherein the expander is mounted upon a threaded rod to secure each end cap to the air deflector and by which the air deflector is suspended from the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a method for deflecting air emitted from a slot air diffuser. The method includes: utilizing an arc deflector configured for placement suspended from a slot air diffuser having a slot opening for emission of air from a central heating and cooling system, wherein the emitted air is dispersed and directed by the arc deflector; mounting the arc deflector to the slot opening of the slot air diffuser by an attachment means; and dispersing and directing the emitted air as it exits from the slot air diffuser.

The method can also include mounting the arc deflector to the slot opening of the slot air diffuser by at least one mounting bracket disposed upon the arc deflector and by which the arc deflector is suspended from the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.

The method can also include mounting the arc deflector to the slot opening of the slot air diffuser by utilizing a dovetail disposed upon the arc deflector and by utilizing a dovetail bracket configured to mount in the slot opening of the slot air diffuser and configured to join with the arc deflector dovetail.

The method can also include mounting the arc deflector to the slot opening of the slot air diffuser by utilizing a pair of end caps, an end cap being disposed upon the arc deflector at each end to prevent emitted air from exiting out the ends of the air deflector, and by utilizing an expander disposed upon each of the pair of end caps, wherein the expander is mounted upon a threaded rod to secure each end cap to the air deflector and by which the air deflector is suspended from the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.

Advantageously, the deflector device is lightweight and can be installed quickly and easily. Since the deflector device is lightweight, ceiling supports and the like are not burdened by additional weight. Also advantageously, the deflector device is aesthetically pleasing.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the technology in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described herein.

Further objects and advantages of the technology described herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technology described herein is illustrated with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front expanded perspective view of an air deflector assembly for deflecting air emitted from a slot air diffuser, illustrating, in particular, the deflector, the slot air diffuser, and the attachment means used to attach the deflector to the slot air diffuser, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the air deflector assembly depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the varied attachment means used to attach the deflector to the slot air diffuser, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the air deflector assembly depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the slot air diffuser as it would appear behind a panel in a drop ceiling, or the like;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the air deflector assembly depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the relation of the slot air diffuser in the ceiling to the deflector suspended from the slot air diffuser, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view air deflector assembly depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the relation of the slot air diffuser in the ceiling to the deflector suspended from the slot air diffuser;

FIG. 6 is an expanded view of the air deflector assembly depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the deflector and the slot air diffuser with varied means of attachment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an attachment means used to attach the deflector to the slot air diffuser, illustrating, in particular, a male dovetail on the deflector and a female dovetail on the bracket, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an attachment means used to attach the deflector to the slot air diffuser, illustrating, in particular, an expander on a threaded rod, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides an air deflector assembly to redirect the air flow emitted from a slot type air diffuser.

Referring now to the Figures, an air deflector assembly 10 having an arc deflector 12 for a slot air diffuser 14 is shown. The arc deflector 12 is configured for placement suspended from a slot air diffuser 14 having a slot opening 18 for emission of a central air flow 16 from a central heating and cooling system. The air emitted from the slot air diffuser 14 is dispersed and directed by the arc deflector 12. The arc deflector 12 can be used in building areas where occupants served by a slot air diffuser 14 are uncomfortable due to inadequate air dispersal from the slot air diffuser 14.

In at least one embodiment, the arc deflector 12 is constructed of a paint grade sheet metal with a powdered coated finish. In at least one alternative embodiment, the arc deflector 12 is constructed of an extruded acrylic or plastic. The arc deflector 12 can be manufactured in a variety of colors dependent on arc deflector placement location in a home or building and user choice preferences.

The arc deflector 12 can be a curvilinear panel configured to facilitate the dispersion and direction of air flow emitted from the slot air diffuser 14. The arc deflector can be utilized such that a concave side of the arc deflector 12 faces the slot opening 18 of the slot air diffuser 14. Such utilization catches the central air stream emitted at the slot air diffuser 14 and directs it across the ceiling, or like area dependent on location of the slot air diffuser 14.

The air deflector assembly 10 includes an attachment means by which the arc deflector is attached to a slot air diffuser 14. By way of example, the arc deflector 12 can be supported by hanging on an inside lip of the slot opening 18 of the slot air diffuser 14. Various embodiments of the air deflector assembly 10 include varied means of attachment. By way of example, the arc deflector 12 can attached to a slot air diffuser 12 mounted in a ceiling 22.

In at least one embodiment, the arc deflector device includes at least one mounting bracket disposed upon the arc deflector 12 and by which the arc deflector 12 is suspended from the slot opening 18 of the slot air diffuser 14. The at least one mounting bracket can be integrally formed with the arc deflector, such as by welding in a metal embodiment and by molding and/or extrusion when in a plastic embodiment.

By way of example, two angle brackets 20 can be utilized for the attachment means. The angle brackets 20 can be L-shaped, T-shaped, or the like, at the top of the bracket 20, such that the arc deflector 12 is placed in the slot opening 18 and remains there securely and safely. The angle brackets 20 can be welded to, or otherwise integrally formed with, the arc deflector. The angle brackets 20 can include holes to provide additional means of attachment, such as for example, connectivity to a loose bracket 40 to form a T-shape when to L-shaped angle brackets are utilized.

In an alternative embodiment, the means of attaching the arc deflector 12 to the slot air diffuser 14 includes a dovetail bracket 24. By way of example, and as best depicted in FIG. 8, the dovetail bracket 24 can include a female dovetail 32. A male dovetail 34 is utilized on the concave side of the arc deflector 12. The male dovetail 34 can run the length of the arc deflector 12. Arm 38 is configured with clips 36, or the like, that can be integrally formed, to secure the dovetail bracket to the slot opening 18 of the slot air diffuser 14. The gap in the arm 36 located between clips 36 allows the arm 36 to be squeezed from both sides to insert the dovetail bracket 24 into the slot opening 18 of the slot air diffuser and provide a tension to hold the arc deflector 12 securely and safely in place. The male dovetail 34 on the arc deflector 12 can be slid into the female dovetail of the dovetail bracket 24.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the means of attaching the arc deflector 12 to the slot air diffuser 14 includes a pair of end caps 28 disposed upon the arc deflector 12 at each end to prevent emitted air from exiting out the ends of the air deflector 12. By way of example, and as best depicted in FIG. 7, a threaded rod 30 can be threaded vertically through each end cap 28 and secured with lock nuts, mandrel, and the like. Attached to the threaded rod 30, is an expander 26, such as an expander fitting, which can be rotated to expand outwardly and secure the arc deflector 12 to the slot air diffuser 14. A locking nut threaded behind the expander 26 causes the angles to spread apart and hold the angles in place. The threaded rod 30 can be part of the arc deflector in the extruded bracket embodiment or welded on the metal embodiment at a ninety-degree angle from the apex of the arc.

A method for deflecting air emitted from a slot air diffuser 14 is disclosed. The method includes utilizing an arc deflector 12 configured for placement suspended from a slot air diffuser 14 having a slot opening 18 for emission of air from a central heating and cooling system. The emitted air is dispersed and directed by the arc deflector 12. The method also includes mounting the arc deflector 12 to the slot opening 18 of the slot air diffuser 14 by an attachment means and dispersing and directing the emitted air as it exits from the slot air diffuser 14.

The method can also include mounting the arc deflector 12 to the slot opening 18 of the slot air diffuser 14 by at least one mounting bracket, such as 20, disposed upon the arc deflector 12 and by which the arc deflector 12 is suspended from the slot opening 18 of the slot air diffuser 14.

The method can also include mounting the arc deflector 12 to the slot opening 18 of the slot air diffuser 14 by utilizing a dovetail disposed upon the arc deflector 12 and by utilizing a dovetail bracket 24 configured to mount in the slot opening 18 of the slot air diffuser 14 and configured to join with the arc deflector 12 dovetail.

The method can also include mounting the arc deflector 12 to the slot opening 18 of the slot air diffuser 14 by utilizing a pair of end caps 28. An end cap 28 is located upon the arc deflector 12 at each end to prevent emitted air from exiting out the ends of the arc deflector 12. The method also includes utilizing an expander 26 disposed upon each of the pair of end caps 28. The expander is mounted upon a threaded rod 30 to secure each end cap 28 to the air deflector 12 and by which the air deflector 12 is suspended from the slot opening 18 of the slot air diffuser 14.

Although this technology has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. A deflector device for a slot air diffuser, the deflector device comprising:

an arc deflector, the arc deflector configured for placement suspended from a slot air diffuser having a slot opening for emission of air from a central heating and cooling system, wherein the emitted air is dispersed and directed by the arc deflector; and
an attachment means configured to attach the arc deflector to the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.

2. The deflector device of claim 1, wherein the arc deflector is a curvilinear panel configured to facilitate the dispersion and direction of air flow emitted from the slot air diffuser.

3. The deflector device of claim 2, wherein a concave side of the arc deflector faces the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.

4. The deflector device of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one mounting bracket disposed upon the arc deflector and by which the arc deflector is suspended from the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.

5. The deflector device of claim 4, wherein the at least one mounting bracket is integrally formed with the arc deflector.

6. The deflector device of claim 1, further comprising:

a dovetail, the dovetail disposed upon the arc deflector; and
a dovetail bracket, the dovetail bracket configured to mount in the slot opening of the slot air diffuser and configured to join with the arc deflector dovetail.

7. The deflector device of claim 1, further comprising:

a pair of end caps, an end cap being disposed upon the arc deflector at each end to prevent emitted air from exiting out the ends of the air deflector.

8. The deflector device of claim 7, further comprising:

an expander disposed upon each of the pair of end caps, wherein the expander is mounted upon a threaded rod to secure each end cap to the air deflector and by which the air deflector is suspended from the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.

9. The deflector device of claim 1, wherein the arc deflector is comprised of metal.

10. The deflector device of claim 1, wherein the arc deflector is comprised of plastic.

11. An air deflector assembly comprising:

a slot air diffuser, the slot air diffuser configured for fluid coupling to a central heating and cooling system;
an arc deflector, the arc deflector configured for placement suspended from the slot air diffuser having a slot opening for emission of air from the central heating and cooling system, wherein the emitted air is dispersed and directed by the arc deflector; and
an attachment means configured to attach the arc deflector to the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.

12. The air deflector assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

at least one mounting bracket disposed upon the arc deflector and by which the arc deflector is suspended from the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.

13. The air deflector assembly of claim 12 wherein the at least one mounting bracket is integrally formed with the arc deflector.

14. The air deflector assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

a dovetail, the dovetail disposed upon the arc deflector; and
a dovetail bracket, the dovetail bracket configured to mount in the slot opening of the slot air diffuser and configured to join with the arc deflector dovetail.

15. The air deflector assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

a pair of end caps, an end cap being disposed upon the arc deflector at each end to prevent emitted air from exiting out the ends of the air deflector.

16. The air deflector assembly of claim 15, further comprising:

an expander disposed upon each of the pair of end caps, wherein the expander is mounted upon a threaded rod to secure each end cap to the air deflector and by which the air deflector is suspended from the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.

17. A method for deflecting air emitted from a slot air diffuser, the method comprising:

utilizing an arc deflector, the arc deflector configured for placement suspended from a slot air diffuser having a slot opening for emission of air from a central heating and cooling system, wherein the emitted air is dispersed and directed by the arc deflector;
mounting the arc deflector to the slot opening of the slot air diffuser by an attachment means; and
dispersing and directing the emitted air as it exits from the slot air diffuser.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

mounting the arc deflector to the slot opening of the slot air diffuser by at least one mounting bracket disposed upon the arc deflector and by which the arc deflector is suspended from the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

mounting the arc deflector to the slot opening of the slot air diffuser by utilizing a dovetail disposed upon the arc deflector and by utilizing a dovetail bracket configured to mount in the slot opening of the slot air diffuser and configured to join with the arc deflector dovetail.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

mounting the arc deflector to the slot opening of the slot air diffuser by utilizing a pair of end caps, an end cap being disposed upon the arc deflector at each end to prevent emitted air from exiting out the ends of the air deflector, and by utilizing an expander disposed upon each of the pair of end caps, wherein the expander is mounted upon a threaded rod to secure each end cap to the air deflector and by which the air deflector is suspended from the slot opening of the slot air diffuser.
Patent History
Publication number: 20110081853
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 2, 2009
Publication Date: Apr 7, 2011
Inventor: Rodney A. Roebuck (Flowery Branch, GA)
Application Number: 12/572,862
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Having Air Deflecting Wall Extending Into Room (454/307)
International Classification: F24F 13/06 (20060101);