HVAC MODULAR UNIFORM DUCT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) duct system which includes, at least in part, one or more modular, uniform, pre-manufactured duct elements having a uniform takeoff on one or more sides for connecting to a run to be connected to an air diffuser at the end. Each of the modular duct elements may include a built-in hanger support element so that the engineer merely has to design a very simple modular run of duct elements without unnecessary computations requiring different duct sizes. It also makes it simple and uniform for installing on site.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) duct element and method for use thereof, and more specifically to a modular, uniform HVAC duct element for use in HVAC systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

Typically, when designing an HVAC duct system, engineers must carefully calculate the size and position of duct work for optimal air flow through the system. This design is based upon the need for air to reach all areas of a building. However, many times such design is over-engineered and unnecessary, where a standard and uniform modular HVA duct system would provide adequate airflow without requiring different sized ductworks and size-engineering thereof.

Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for an HVAC duct system with the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) duct system which includes, at least in part, one or more modular, uniform, pre-manufactured duct elements having a uniform takeoff on one or more sides for connecting to a run to be connected to an air diffuser at the end. Each of the modular duct elements may include a built-in hanger support element so that the engineer merely has to design a very simple modular run of duct elements without unnecessary computations requiring different duct sizes. It also makes it simple and uniform for installing on site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional isometric view of an HVAC duct element of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention as it would be used in a typical environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Uniform Modular HVAC Duct System 2

FIGS. 1-4 show a single modular HVAC duct element 4 which includes a uniform, pre-manufactured piece of ductwork 6 with at least one takeoff 8 located uniformly on each of such duct elements 4. These duct elements 4 can be connected together as shown in FIG. 5 to form an entire HVAC duct system 2 wherein each of several such duct elements 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 are jointed together to create a duct network. Each duct element 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 are uniform and identical, with the same takeoff 8 numbers and locations. A hanger element 10 can be built into each of the duct elements 4 to help hang the duct in a uniform manner.

As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment the height 14 and width 16 would be uniform and the length 18 would be as well from one duct element 4 to the next, e.g. 4.1, 4.2, 4.3. The takeoff 8 is shown in the direct center of the length of the element.

As shown in FIG. 5, multiple of the duct elements 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 are shown joined together. Each respective takeoff 8 is shown connected to a run 12 out to the diffuser or other device. These runs 12 may be made with ridged duct or flexible duct or any other suitable duct.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

Claims

1. A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) duct system comprising:

a plurality of unitary duct elements, each having a uniform width, a uniform height, and a uniform length;

each one of said plurality of unitary duct elements comprising at least one takeoff, wherein each respective said at least one takeoff is placed in an identical location on each respective one of said plurality of unitary duct elements;

each one of said plurality of unitary duct elements configured to join to another at least one of said plurality of unitary duct elements; and

each of said takeoffs configured for connecting air supply ducts to diffusers configured for providing conditioned air into a space.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said uniform width and said uniform height are equal, forming a square-shaped cross section.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said uniform length is five feet.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein each said respective one of said at least one takeoff is centrally located along said uniform length of each respective one of said plurality of unitary duct elements.