STRUCTURE VENTILATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A ventilation system having a cylindrical reducer, a pair of adjustable structural supports and a ceiling electrical box concentrically mounted to the structural supports. The electrical box is configured to support the weight of a ceiling fan assembly. The pair of adjustable structural supports include a first member and a second member that pass through the reducer. The members are hollow so that a first slidable strut extends from within a first end of the first member to a desired length and the second slidable strut extends from within an opposing second end of the first member to a desired length. Similarly, second member is hollow so that a third slidable strut extends from within a first end of second member to a desired length and fourth slidable strut extends from within an opposing second end of second member to a desired length.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to ventilation systems for structures, and more specifically to a novel vent apparatus for installation of a ceiling fan and/or light assembly that increases air circulation within a room.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It is common in the construction industry to install a number of vents in the ceiling for the distribution of air within a structure. A vent is placed in each room and a properly sized air duct supplies air of the desired temperature. The ventilation system functions to heat and cool a space as well as controlling air quality such as humidity. Accordingly, it is important function that the ventilation system be as efficient as possible. However, typically the location of air vents is not in the center of a room but rather in a corner or along the edge of the room. The ceiling space in the center of the room is typically reserved for a fan and/or light assembly. Therefore, the conditioned air is not distributed efficiently throughout the room but rather “hot” and “cold” spots are created.

There have been attempts to improve ventilation systems using a ceiling fan and air duct. By way of example, note U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,287 to Core that discloses a system for distributing air through the ceiling whereby the fan motor is installed within the air duct. A shortcoming of this prior art is that the motor is susceptible to condensation from cool air and electrical damage because it is located within the air duct. Another shortcoming is that a standard electrical ceiling box cannot be used with Core to mount a ceiling fan kit but instead an elaborate support structure is required.

Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,028 to Snyder that discloses a diffuser and ceiling fan as part of a ventilation system. Similar to the shortcomings of Core, the electrical ceiling box is mounted outside the ventilation duct so that a standard electrical ceiling box cannot be used to mount the ceiling fan assembly. Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a ventilation system that improves air circulation within a room using a standard electrical ceiling box well known in the industry for mounting ceiling fan kits and/or light assemblies.

Another need exists in the art for an improved ventilation system that can be easily retrofitted to an existing heating and air conditioning system.

Another need exists in the art for an improved ventilation system that can support a significant structural load from a fan and/or light assembly.

Another need exists in the art for an improved ventilation system that is aesthetically pleasing.

Another need exists in the art for an improved ventilation system that can be installed directly above any ceiling fixture in the room.

It is, therefore, to the effective resolution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art that the present invention is directed.

However, in view of the prior art at the time the present invention was made, it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art how the identified needs could be fulfilled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a ventilation system comprising a cylindrical reducer, a pair of adjustable structural supports and an electrical box mounted to the structural supports. The pair of adjustable structural supports are comprised of a first member and a second member that pass through the reducer. The members are hollow so that a first slidable strut extends from within a first end of the first member to a desired length and the second slidable strut extends from within an opposing second end of the first member to a desired length. Similarly, second member is hollow so that a third slidable strut extends from within a first end of second member to a desired length and fourth sidable strut extends from within an opposing second end of second member to a desired length. The desired length of the structural supports is dependent on the distance between the ceiling trusses or other structural framing that will support the reducer and a fan and/or light assembly.

It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide an improved ventilation that improves air circulation within a room using a standard electrical ceiling box well known in the industry for mounting ceiling fan kits.

Another object of the present invention to provide an improved ventilation system that can be easily retrofitted to an existing heating and air conditioning system.

Another object of the present invention to provide an improved ventilation system that can support a significant structural load from a fan and/or light assembly.

Another object of the present invention to provide an improved ventilation system that is aesthetically pleasing.

Another object of the present invention to provide an improved ventilation system that can be installed directly above any ceiling fixture in the room.

These and other important objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become clear as this description proceeds.

The present invention, accordingly, comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the description set forth hereinafter and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view showing an embodiment of the present invention installed in a ceiling with a fan assembly attached;

FIG. 4 is bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view showing an embodiment of the present invention installed in a ceiling with a light assembly attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows the new ventilation system is comprised of a cylindrical reducer 110, a pair of adjustable structural supports 120 and electrical box 130 mounted to structural supports 120. Pair of adjustable structural supports 120 are comprised of a first member 125 and second member 122. First member 125 being hollow so that a first slidable strut 127 extends from within a first end of first member 125 to a desired length. Second slidable strut 126 extends from within an opposing second end of first member 125 to a desired length. Similarly, second member 122 is hollow so that a third slidable strut 124 extends from within a first end of second member 122 to a desired length. Fourth slidable strut 123 extends from within an opposing second end of second member 122 to a desired length.

A top perspective view of the ventilation system is shown in FIG. 2 where reducer 110 having a smaller diameter opening transitions to a larger diameter opening. Air duct attaches to smaller diameter opening of reducer 110 wherein the larger diameter opening is mounted flush with a ceiling. Pair of adjustable structural supports extend to the desired length to mount to structural framing located above the ceiling. Slidable struts 123, 124, 126, 127 are secured to the desired length using thumb screw 129 with a flattened head for manual turning without a driver or wrench so that proper tightening torque is achieved with finger pressure.

Referring now to FIG. 3 shows air duct 210 secured to reducer 110 whereby air is forced down through ceiling 270. Ceiling box 130 is welded to support box 230, which in turn is welded to pair of structural supports 120 as shown in FIG. 1. Structural supports 120 are secured to ceiling trusses 260 but could be mounted to conventional framing or other types of building framing. Fan motor 240 is secured to standard electrical box 130 via rod 220 as part of a standard ceiling fan assembly kit and is located directly below reducer 110. As air is forced down through reducer 110, fan blades 250 are rotating at a desired speed to circulate the conditioned air. Electrical conduit 128 forms a protective sleeve for electrical wiring from fan motor 240 through reducer 110 to the appropriate main wiring that supplies power to the fan.

A bottom view of the ventilation system of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4 without the fan assembly for clarity. Reducer 110 is interposed between trusses 260 and supported by structural supports 120. A top view of the invention is shown in FIG. 5, where electrical conduit 128 originates at electrical box 130 and passes from the interior of reducer 110 to the exterior of reducer 110 protecting wiring from condensation resulting from the cool conditioned air.

An alternative embodiment of the ventilation system includes a plurality of removable smaller diameter reducers. As shown in FIG. 6, reducer 110 includes the largest diameter opening and transitions to a smaller diameter opening in the direction of air duct 210. A second reducer 610 is adjacent to reducer 110 and reduces the diameter to a smaller diameter. A first perforated edge is disposed between reducer 110 and second reducer 610 so that second reducer is removable. A third reducer 620 transitions from reducer 610 to an even smaller diameter reducer 620. Similarly, a second perforated edge is disposed between reducer 610 and 620. Accordingly, various sized air ducts can be fitted to the present invention by removing the appropriate reducer for the desired diameter of air duct 210.

Referring now to FIG. 7, shows a lighting kit installed below ceiling 270 with the present invention. Electrical box 130 is a standard electrical box and requires no modification to mount either a fan assembly as shown in FIG. 3 or a light assembly shown in FIG. 7. Rod 220 connects and supports light assembly 700 to electrical box 130. Reducer 110 is supported by structural supports 120 partially shown in FIG. 7. by first member 125 and first slidable strut 127 and second slidable strut 126, which extends from within first member 125 to a desired length to attach to trusses 260. Light assembly wiring is housed in conduit 128 and connects to the wiring for power and the appropriate switch.

The particular embodiments disclosed above and in the drawings are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.

Now that the invention has been described,

Claims

1. A ventilation system comprising:

a cylindrical reducer having a transition between an upper opening for receiving conditioned air from an air duct and a lower opening for distribution of said air to a room;

a pair of adjustable structural supports intersecting said reducer and having a first member and a second member wherein said pair of adjustable structural supports extend to a desired length to mount to a pair of trusses located above a ceiling; said first member being hollow so that a first slidable strut extends from within a first end of said first member to a desired length; said first member further comprising a second slidable strut that extends from within an opposing second end of said first member to a desired length; said second member is hollow so that a third slidable strut extends from within a first end of said second member to a desired length; a fourth slidable strut that extends from within an opposing second end of said second member to a desired length; and

a ceiling electrical box mounted to the structural supports and disposed cocentrically within said reducer.

2. The ventilation system of claim 1 wherein said slidable struts are secured to said desired length using a thumb screw having a flattened head for manual turning so that a proper tightening torque is achieved with finger pressure.

3. The ventilation system of claim 1 wherein said ceiling electrical box is welded to a support box welded to said pair of structural supports.

4. The ventilation system of claim 1 wherein a fan motor is secured to said ceiling electrical box via a rod located directly below said reducer so that air is forced down through reducer over fan blades attached to said fan motor.

5. The ventilation system of claim 1 further comprising an electrical conduit having a protective sleeve so that electrical wiring from said fan motor is protected as it is routed through said reducer to appropriate main wiring.

6. The ventilation system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of removable reducers so that said ventilation system is adapatable to receive a plurality of different sized diameter air ducts.

7. The ventilation system of claim 6 further comprising a first perforated edge disposed between said reducer and a second removable reducer of said plurality of removable reducers.

8. The ventilation system of claim 7 further comprising a second perforated edge disposed between said second removable reducer and a third removable reducer of said plurality of removable reducers.

9. The ventilation system of claim 1 further comprising a lighting kit assembly mounted to said ceiling electrical box.

10. A ventilation system for a structure comprising:

a cylindrical reducer having a transition between an upper opening for receiving conditioned air from an air duct and a lower opening for distribution of said air to a room;

a pair of adjustable structural supports intersecting said reducer and having a first member and a second member wherein said pair of adjustable structural supports extend to a desired length to mount to a pair of trusses located above a ceiling; said first member being hollow so that a first slidable strut extends from within a first end of said first member to a desired length; said first member further comprising a second slidable strut that extends from within an opposing second end of said first member to a desired length; said second member is hollow so that a third slidable strut extends from within a first end of said second member to a desired length; a fourth slidable strut that extends from within an opposing second end of said second member to a desired length; wherein said slidable struts are secured to said desired length using a thumb screw having a flattened head for manual turning so that a proper tightening torque is achieved with finger pressure;

a ceiling electrical box mounted to the structural supports and disposed cocentrically within said reducer wherein said ceiling electrical box is welded to a support box welded to said pair of structural supports;

a fan motor secured to said ceiling electrical box via a rod located directly below said reducer so that air is forced down through reducer over fan blades attached to said fan motor; and

an electrical conduit having a protective sleeve so that electrical wiring from said fan motor is protected as it is routed through said reducer to appropriate main wiring.

11. A ventilation method for a structure comprising:

providing a cylindrical reducer having a transition between an upper opening for receiving conditioned air from an air duct and a lower opening for distribution of said air to a room;

providing a pair of adjustable structural supports intersecting said reducer and having a first member and a second member wherein said pair of adjustable structural supports extend to a desired length to mount to a pair of trusses located above a ceiling; and

providing a ceiling electrical box mounted to said pair structural supports and disposed cocentrically within said reducer.

12. The ventilation method of claim 11 wherein said slidable struts are secured to said desired length using a thumb screw having a flattened head for manual turning so that a proper tightening torque is achieved with finger pressure.

13. The ventilation method of claim 11 wherein said ceiling electrical box is welded to a support box welded to said pair of structural supports.

14. The ventilation method of claim 11 wherein a fan motor is secured to said ceiling electrical box via a rod located directly below said reducer so that air is forced down through reducer over fan blades attached to said fan motor.

15. The ventilation method of claim 11 further providing an electrical conduit having a protective sleeve so that electrical wiring from said fan motor is protected as it is routed through said reducer to appropriate main wiring.

16. The ventilation method of claim 11 further providing a plurality of removable reducers so that said ventilation system is adapatable to receive a plurality of different sized diameter air ducts.

17. The ventilation method of claim 11 further providing a first perforated edge disposed between said reducer and a second removable reducer of said plurality of removable reducers.

18. The ventilation method of claim 17 further providing a second perforated edge disposed between said second removable reducer and a third removable reducer of said plurality of removable reducers.

19. The ventilation method of claim 11 further providing a lighting kit assembly mounted to said ceiling electrical box.

20. A ventilation method for a structure comprising:

providing a cylindrical reducer having a transition between an upper opening for receiving conditioned air from an air duct and a lower opening for distribution of said air to a room;

providing a pair of adjustable structural supports intersecting said reducer and having a first member and a second member wherein said pair of adjustable structural supports extend to a desired length to mount to a pair of trusses located above a ceiling; said first member being hollow so that a first slidable strut extends from within a first end of said first member to a desired length; said first member further comprising a second slidable strut that extends from within an opposing second end of said first member to a desired length; said second member is hollow so that a third slidable strut extends from within a first end of said second member to a desired length; a fourth slidable strut that extends from within an opposing second end of said second member to a desired length; wherein said slidable struts are secured to said desired length using a thumb screw having a flattened head for manual turning so that a proper tightening torque is achieved with finger pressure;

providing a ceiling electrical box mounted to the structural supports and disposed cocentrically within said reducer wherein said ceiling electrical box is welded to a support box welded to said pair of structural supports;

providing a fan motor secured to said ceiling electrical box via a rod located directly below said reducer so that air is forced down through reducer over fan blades attached to said fan motor; and

providing an electrical conduit having a protective sleeve so that electrical wiring from said fan motor is protected as it is routed through said reducer to appropriate main wiring.