ENERGY EFFICIENT CABINET TOE KICK VENT

Abstract

An energy efficient cabinet toe kick vent is energy efficient, and provides HVAC ductwork for under-cabinet use wherein the ductwork enters a cabinet cavity and extends to the face of a toe-kick register. The ductwork has an inlet portion, a central body portion, and an outlet portion. The inlet portion is a round tubular member adapted for connection to an existing tubular ductwork. The outlet portion is a generally rectangular opening. The central body portion has two side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall having an opening to receive the round tubular member. The exiting air is at a 90 degree offset from the incoming air. The bottom wall of the central body portion is at floor level, and the top wall is at a height below that of the lowermost edge of a typical base cabinet.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an energy efficient cabinet toe kick vent for under-cabinet use, particularly for HVAC ductwork entering a cabinet cavity and extending to the face of a toe-kick register.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A large percentage of energy produced goes into heating and cooling of our homes and workplaces. While heating, ventilating, and cooling systems (HVAC) have improved their efficiencies over the years, and insulation techniques have reduced the energy used, such systems still result in the major portion of energy usage. Some of this wasted energy is simply lost or “leaked” into non-habitable areas of the home by poor installation practices which have become commonplace over time. An example of this practice occurs where ductwork is simply terminated in an under-cabinet cavity with the hopes that it is released via a register located in the toe kick area. Unfortunately, while some conditioned air makes it out, a good portion is wasted in heating/cooling the cabinet cavity, the cabinet interior, or even floor joist areas via loose fitting cut openings. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which conditioned air can be delivered via registers in toe kick cabinet areas without the disadvantages as described above.

It is a problem in the art to ensure that all conditioned air supplied to a cabinet toe kick vent is delivered by the ductwork to the living space via the register, and is not leaked into the cabinet interior space or floor joist space, and is not wasted in any other locations.

It is a problem in the art to save energy costs, as well as to provide comfortable living spaces, using conditioned air. Such conditioned air may include heated air, cooled air, and that air may be filtered and/or dehumidified as well.

Conventional ductwork typically leaks into the floor joist space and/or cabinet interior space. Many varieties of such conventional ductwork are known.

Conventional ductwork known in the prior art typically does not have side walls at the location of the cabinet, and may be applied merely with adhesive or spaced fasteners for example. Such arrangements cannot prevent infiltration of conditioned air into the cabinet spaces or into the floor joist spaces.

However, there is a need for a ductwork device or article of manufacture to ensure that all conditioned air supplied to a cabinet toe kick vent is delivered by the ductwork to the living space via the register, and is not leaked into the cabinet interior space or floor joist space, and is not wasted in any other locations; and for such device or article of manufacture to save energy costs, as well as to provide comfortable living spaces, using conditioned air.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing, it is seen that it is a problem in the art to provide a device meeting the above requirements. According to the present invention, a device is provided which meets the aforementioned requirements and needs in the prior art. Specifically, the device according to the present invention provides HVAC ductwork for under-cabinet use, particularly for ductwork entering a cabinet cavity and extending to the face of a toe-kick register.

The device of the present invention provides a unique invention which is energy efficient, provides HVAC ductwork for under-cabinet use wherein the ductwork enters a cabinet cavity and extends to the face of a toe-kick register. The energy efficient cabinet toe kick vent of the present invention is a sealed unit that does not allow the conditioned air to touch bare wood/framing, and delivers close to 100 percent of the air possible from below the floor to the face of a cabinet toe kick register. The device of the present invention has an inlet portion, a central body portion, and an outlet portion. The inlet portion is in the form of a round tubular member adapted for connection to existing tubular ductwork. The outlet portion is in the form of a generally rectangular opening. The central body portion has two side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall having an opening to receive the round tubular member. The exiting air is at a 90 degree offset from the incoming air. The bottom wall of the central body portion is at floor level, and the top wall is at a height below that of the lowermost edge of a typical base cabinet.

While a round duct is shown for incoming conditioned air, it may for example have an oval or rectangular shape to correspond to incoming air supply ductwork. Alternatively, the round duct can be used together with an adapter for connection to a non-matching type of ductwork for incoming air.

The ductwork according to the present invention is spot welded and sealed, for example with UL 181-rated mastic and mesh tape or any other common HVAC practices according to current and applicable codes.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a ductwork device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the ductwork device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the ductwork device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a grate for covering a rectangular opening of the ductwork device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic top elevational view of the grate of FIG. 4 installed in the ductwork device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic top elevational view of the grate of FIG. 4 showing metal spring tabs for easy installation/replacement.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom plate used in the construction of the bottom wall of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 shows the round tubular portion of the device of FIG. 1 before assembly.

FIG. 9 shows a side plate used in the construction of the two side walls 14 and 15.

FIG. 10 shows another blank used in the construction of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 shows a blank for forming the top wall of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 3, schematically showing the device installed in a cabinet and showing a typical floor portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an energy efficient cabinet toe kick vent 100 which is energy efficient, and provides HVAC ductwork for under-cabinet use wherein the ductwork 100 enters a cabinet cavity and extends to the face of a toe-kick register. The ductwork 100 has an inlet portion 30 which is in the form of a round tubular member, a central body portion 10, and an outlet portion 12.

The inlet portion 30 is a round tubular member adapted for connection to an existing tubular ductwork, and terminates at a crimped end 32. The outlet portion 12 is a generally rectangular opening. The central body portion 10 has two side walls 14 and 15, a top wall 18, and a bottom wall 23 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) having an opening (shown in FIG. 7) to receive the round tubular member 30. The exiting air is at a ninety degree offset from the incoming air. The bottom wall 23 of the central body portion 10 is at floor level, and the top wall 18 is at a height below that of the lowermost edge of a typical base cabinet. An upper sloped wall 17 connects the top wall 18 with a rear wall 19. Also shown is an L-bracket 42 with a pilot hole to attach the ductwork 100 to a sub-floor to keep the ductwork 100 from moving during cabinet installation.

Advantages of the present invention include routing of conditioned air to registers located in toe kick areas of cabinets, and it can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, and similar locations. It allows ductwork to be continuous in nature, does not allow conditioned air to be wasted or leaked into non-habitable spaces, increases energy efficiency, and meets stringent energy use guidelines. The fitting or device 100 is preferably made of sheet steel, is L-shaped in nature, and is manufactured to fit under cabinets, both standard and space-saver depth. The design of the device 100 saves on production costs, is easy to install using standard tools and practices, transforms round ductwork into a flat opening at a ninety degree offset, and does not require specialized ductwork forming in the field. The device 100 is ideal for new construction, and can also be used on renovation projects. It also helps meet energy star qualifications, can be installed by a professional or by a do-it-yourselfer; it works with all types and sizes of cabinets, and is sturdy, lightweight, and durable. The device 100 can be constructed of readily available materials such as steel, aluminum, and plastic; is easy to manufacture; and has a cost-effective design.

In the following, it will be understood that different types of materials can be used, and different types of fastening means and securing means can be used. All such variations would be within the ambit of skill of anyone having skill in the harness manufacturing arts, and all such variations are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the ductwork device 100 of FIG. 1. Here, the outlet portion 12 is bounded by a lower wall 21. The lower wall 21 is connected to a sloped wall portion 25 which in turn is connected to the bottom wall 23. The two side walls 14 and 15 are also visible in this figure.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the ductwork device of FIG. 1. Here, the bottom wall 23 is shown in side view along with a side view of the lower wall 21 and the sloped wall portion 25. Also shown is the L-bracket 42 with a pilot hole to attach the ductwork 100 to a sub-floor to keep the ductwork 100 from moving during cabinet installation. Also shown in FIG. 3 is the upper sloped wall 17, the rear wall 19, and the central body portion 10.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a grate 50 for covering the rectangular opening 12 of the ductwork device 100 of FIG. 1. The grate 50 can be any conventional type of grate. The outgoing air flow is shown by the arrows in FIG. 4. The grate 50 has a damper 56 for opening and closing a conventional damper device (not visible) for controlling the amount of air flow through the grate 50.

FIG. 5 is a schematic top elevational view of the grate 50 of FIG. 4 installed in the ductwork device 100 of FIG. 1. Here, the round tubular member 30 is shown in a top view in dashed outline. The other elements shown are as described hereinabove.

FIG. 6 is a schematic top elevational view of the grate of FIG. 4 showing metal spring tabs 58 for easy installation/replacement. The tabs 58 are conventional in the grate arts, and are therefore not further described herein.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom plate used in the construction of the bottom wall 23 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Here, one edge labeled Tab A is folded at a ninety degree angle, and an opposite edge labeled Tab B is likewise folded at a ninety degree angle. An opening is cut to receive the round tubular member 30 and is attached using standard HVAC practices.

FIG. 8 shows the round tubular portion 30 of the device 100 of FIG. 1 before assembly.

FIG. 9 shows a side plate used in the construction of the two side walls 14 and 15. Here, one edge labeled Tab D is folded at a ninety degree angle, and an opposite edge labeled Tab F is likewise folded at a ninety degree angle. Another tab labeled TAB E is disposed at an angle relative to Tab D and Tab F, and is likewise folded at a ninety degree angle.

FIG. 10 shows another blank used in the construction of the device 100 of FIG. 1. Here, one edge labeled Tab G is folded at a ninety degree angle, and an opposite edge labeled Tab H is likewise folded at a ninety degree angle.

FIG. 11 shows a blank for forming the top wall 18 of the device 100 of FIG. 1. Here, one edge labeled Tab J is folded at a ninety degree angle.

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 3, schematically showing the device 100 installed in a cabinet and showing a typical floor portion 100. Here, the solid sealed duct body of the device 100 redirects incoming air and delivers that air. A typical floor system is schematically indicated as well.

The invention being thus described, it will be evident that the same may be varied in many ways by a routineer in the applicable arts. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An energy efficient cabinet toe kick vent device for under-cabinet use, comprising:

an inlet portion generally formed as a round tubular member having an interior region,

a central body portion receiving said inlet portion and having an interior region which is in communication with said interior region of said inlet portion, and

an outlet portion connected to said central body portion, said outlet portion having an interior region which is in communication with said interior region of said central body portion.

2. The device of claim 1, where said inlet portion is a round tubular member adapted for connection to an existing tubular ductwork, and wherein said inlet portion terminates at a crimped end.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said outlet portion is a generally rectangular opening.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said central body portion has two opposed side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, and wherein said bottom wall receives said round tubular member.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein air exiting from the outlet portion travels at a ninety degree offset from the incoming air arriving through said inlet portion.