DUCT INSERT

Abstract

A duct insert having a body with an open front end and an open rear end. A plurality of fins are fixed to and extend radially from an inner surface of the body towards a longitudinal axis of the body. The duct insert is placed within an air duct adjacent to a vent to increase air flow.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and, more particularly, to a device that increases air flow through air ducts.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is the technology of indoor and vehicular environmental comfort. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. HVAC units commonly include hot and cold air supplies and a network of air ducts. The air ducts are made to move air to certain areas and are not necessarily built to be efficient. The air is pushed through the air ducts and depending on how long the air ducts are and how many branches, the air flow decreases, causing some rooms to be either too cold in the winter and too warm in the summer.

As can be seen, there is a need for a device that increases air flow through air ducts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a duct insert comprises: a tubular cylinder having an open front end and an open rear end; and a plurality of fins fixed to and extending radially from an inner surface of the tubular cylinder towards a longitudinal axis of the tubular cylinder, wherein the plurality of fins are curved towards a same direction.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of increasing air flow within an air duct comprises: providing a duct insert comprising: a body having an open front end and an open rear end; and a plurality of fins extending radially from an inner surface of the body towards a longitudinal axis of the body; and inserting the duct insert within an air duct such that an air flow passes through the body.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in use;

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

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

The present invention includes a duct insert having a plurality of curved fins. The present invention may be installed just behind the register or grate of the HVAC system and delivers more air in the desired room/rooms without having to adjust the thermometer setting. Thus, the present invention makes the HVAC system work more efficiently.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, the present invention includes a duct insert 10 having a body 14. The body 14 includes an open front end and an open rear end. A plurality of fins 16 are fixed to and extend radially from an inner surface of the body 14 towards a longitudinal axis of the body 14.

In certain embodiments, the body 14 is a tubular cylinder. The exterior of the cylinder may include about 3.88 inch diameter, with a wall thickness of about 0.12 inches and a height of about 3.5 inches. The dimensions mentioned above may be altered to adjust to different sized air ducts 12.

The plurality of fins 16 run along the length of the inside of the tubular cylinder. In certain embodiments, the fins 16 are curved towards a same direction and are evenly spaced apart from one another. Therefore, a cross-sectional view of the present invention includes a swirl appearance.

Each of the plurality of fins 16 includes a leading edge, a tapered edge, and a trailing edge. The leading edge is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the tapered edge tapers towards the open rear end, and the trailing edge is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the fins 16 may taper from a height of 2.75 inches from the leading edge to about a height of 2.5 inches at the trailing edge. The dimensions of the fins may vary and work equally as well.

The cylinder body 14 acts are a housing. The fins 16 may include at least five fins 16 or more and run length wise inside the cylinder body 14. The present invention is installed inside the wall or ceiling duct work, just behind the vent. Once the air in the duct reaches the cylinder body 14, the curved fins 16 catch the air and forces it into a vortex spin increasing the airflow as it enters the room.

A method of increasing air flow within an air duct 12 may include the following steps: providing the duct insert 10 described above; use a screwdriver to remove the screws that holds the vent cover to the wall, floor, or ceiling; insert the duct insert 10 through duct opening and into the air duct 12; and while holding the duct insert 10 in place, slide the vent cover back over to its original place and reattach the vent cover.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A duct insert comprising:

a tubular cylinder having an open front end and an open rear end; and

a plurality of fins fixed to and extending radially from an inner surface of the tubular cylinder towards a longitudinal axis of the tubular cylinder, wherein

the plurality of fins are curved towards a same direction.

2. The duct insert of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fins comprise a leading edge and a tapered edge wherein the leading edge is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the tapered edge tapers towards the open rear end.

3. The duct insert of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fins further comprise a trailing edge substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

4. The duct insert of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fins are evenly spaced apart.

5. The duct insert of claim 4, wherein the plurality of fins comprises at least five fins.

6. A method of increasing air flow within an air duct comprising:

providing a duct insert comprising: a body having an open front end and an open rear end; and a plurality of fins extending radially from an inner surface of the body towards a longitudinal axis of the body; and

coupling the duct insert within an air duct such that an air flow passes into the open rear end through the body and out the open front end.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the plurality of fins are curved towards a same direction.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the body comprising a tubular cylinder.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of fins comprise a leading edge and a tapered edge wherein the leading edge is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the tapered edge tapers towards the open rear end.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the duct insert is coupled adjacent to a grate, wherein the leading edge is facing the grate.

11. The method of claim 6, wherein the plurality of fins are evenly spaced apart.

12. The method of claim 6, wherein the plurality of fins comprises at least five fins.