AU2013313016A1

AU2013313016A1 - A vent cover assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2013313016A1
Application number: AU2013313016A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Wayne John CHURCHILL; Vincent Edward PALMER
Original assignee: VENT MEN Pty Ltd
Current assignee: VENT MEN Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-09-06
Filing date: 2013-09-05
Publication date: 2015-04-23
Also published as: WO2014036598A1

Abstract

A vent cover assembly (100) for attachment over an existing vent cover (6). The vent cover assembly includes a frame (102) with an attachment means (104) to the interior of the vent (2), and a baffle (106) configured to cover the vent opening and form a plurality of side air channels between the baffle and the frame. The attachment means is adjustable to the interior dimension of the vent and/or duct.

Description

WO 2014/036598 PCT/AU2013/000999 A VENT COVER ASSEMBLY [0001] This application claims the benefit of Australian Application No. 2012903876, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to a vent cover assembly. Embodiments of the invention find particular application where it is desired to provide a cover for existing diffuser vents. BACKGROUND ART [0003] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge. [0004] Referring now to Figure 1, it is known to provide an air diffuser vent 2 in laundries and bathrooms of high rise buildings where rooms have no or little ventilation. The vents allow air to flow from the room in which they are installed out through an air duct 8 so that moisture accumulation and resulting mold problems are avoided or at least reduced. [0005] On ceiling 10 about the vent 2 there is typically fitted a frame 6 that supports a grille 4 which covers the vent. The frame 6 and the grille 4 are provided to make the vent more aesthetically appealing and to reduce the movement of pests into and out of the duct. The grille 4 is typically made of steel which may be stainless, painted or powder coated for example. [0006] As can be observed in Figure 2, over time the grille 4 frequently become covered with dust and air borne debris which is unsightly and unhygienic since it provides a harbor for bacteria. However, since the frame and the grille cannot be easily removed the grille needs to be cleaned in-situ which is laborious and time consuming. Furthermore, since they are frequently exposed to moisture, for example where used in bathroom or laundry situations, steel grilles such as grille 4 tend to rust and become unsightly WO 2014/036598 PCT/AU2013/000999 2 [0007] It would be advantageous if an improved vent cover assembly were provided that addresses the above described problems of the prior art or which is at least a useful alternative to those vent cover assemblies that have been known. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a vent cover assembly including: a surround for location about a vent of a duct said surround having a central opening for location adjacent the vent; a fastening portion arranged to extend from the surround into the duct for attachment to one or more internal walls thereof; and a baffle spaced from the central opening of the surround to thereby provide for air flow. [0009] Preferably at least one wall extends from the periphery of the inner side of the surround. [0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention said wall is of sufficient height to abut a surface, such as a wall or ceiling about the vent within which a pre existing vent cover frame is located. [0011] Preferably the fastening portion comprises one or more members extending from an inside of the surround. [0012] Preferably the one or more members are disposed about the central opening and spaced from each other for reception within the duct. [0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the one or more members are provided in pairs. [0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention at least two pairs of members are provided wherein members of the first pair are inter-spaced WO 2014/036598 PCT/AU2013/000999 3 based upon a first duct width and members of the second pair are inter spaced based upon a second duct width. [0015] Preferably an outer surface of the surround is formed with an inclined portion that converges inwardly to a perimeter of the central opening. [0016] Preferably an inside of the baffle and an outside of the surround are formed with complementary engagement formations for keeping the baffle fast with the surround. [0017] For example, the inside of the baffle may be formed with a number of posts and the outside of the surround may present a corresponding number of receptacles for respectively receiving the posts therein wherein the posts are of sufficient height to space the inside of the baffle from the surround. [0018] Preferably a perimeter of the baffle is spaced apart from an outer perimeter of the inclined portion of the surround. [0019] In another preferred aspect, the present invention is drawn to a vent cover for placement over a vent opening of an air duct. The vent cover includes a frame having a central opening with a central longitudinal axis, an exterior surface configured to overlap an outer perimeter of the vent opening, and an interior surface, the interior surface including a vertically extending adjustable fastening means configured to frictionally engage an interior surface of the vent or duct. The vent cover also includes a baffle detachably engaged to the frame, the baffle covering the central opening, the frame and the baffle forming a plurality of side openings for the passage of air through the vent cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: WO 2014/036598 PCT/AU2013/000999 4 10021] Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of an installed vent cover of the prior art. [0022] Figure 2 illustrates the accumulation of dirt and debris on a grille of a prior art vent cover. [0023] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a cross sectional view of an installed vent cover assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0024] Figure 4 is a side plan view of the vent cover assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0025] Figure 5 is a view of an inner side of a frame, i.e. a surround, of the vent cover assembly of the assembly of Figure 4. [0026] Figure 6 is a view of an outer side of the frame of Figure 5. [0027] Figure 7 is a view of an inner side of a lid, i.e. a baffle, of the vent cover assembly of Figure 4. [0028] Figure 8 is a view of the outside of the vent cover assembly of Figure 4 wherein the lid is attached to the frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS [0029] Reference will now be made to Figure 3, which is a cross sectional view of a vent cover assembly 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Vent cover assemblyl00 is installed on ceiling 10 about an existing vent 2 and pre-existing frame 6 of a type shown in Figure 2 for example. A side view of the vent cover assembly 00 is shown in Figure 4. [0030] Broadly speaking, the vent cover assembly 100 includes a surround in the form of a frame 102, a fastening portion, in the form of a number of fastening members 104 which preferably extend from the frame, and a baffle in the form of a lid 106 that attaches to the outside of the frame 102.

WO 2014/036598 PCT/AU2013/000999 5 [0031] Figure 5 shows the inside of the frame 102 and Figure 4 shows its outside. It will be observed that frame 102 is preferably formed with a central opening 108. [0032] The outside of the frame presents a number of receptacles in the form of recesses 110. As will be explained, the receptacles are provided to detachably engage posts of lid 106. [0033] Referring to Figure 3, from the perimeter of the inside of the frame there preferably extends a wall 112. As may be seen in Figure 3, wall 112 is preferably of sufficient height to abut a surface, such as a laundry or bathroom wall, or as shown in Figure 3 ceiling 10, about vent 2 within which the pre-existing vent cover frame 6 is located. [0034] Referring to Figure 5, fastening members 104 are disposed about the central longitudinal axis of central opening 108. In the presently described embodiment there are preferably two sets of fastening members. Namely 104a, 104b, 104c and 104d comprise a first set of fastening members offset a first distance about the central longitudinal axis of central opening 108 whereas members 104w, 104x, 104y, 104z comprise a second set of fastening members offset a second, greater distance, about the central longitudinal axis of central opening 108. [0035] With reference again to Figure 4, it may be observed that opposed pairs of the members making up the first set 104a, 104b, 104c and 104d are inter-spaced with a distance d1 between them. In contrast, opposed pairs of the members making up the second set 104w, 104x, 104y, 104z are inter-spaced with a greater distance d2 between them. [0036] Where the frame is to be fitted in a duct having a smaller internal dimension, then members 104w, 104x, 104y, 104z may be snapped off at their bases before screwing or otherwise fastening members 104a, 104b, 104c and 104d to the internal walls of the duct as shown in Figure 3. Conversely, where the frame is to be located about a vent leading to a duct having a larger internal dimension, then the members 104a, 104b, 104c and 104d may be snapped off at their bases and members 104w, 104x, 104y, 104z can then be screwed or otherwise fastened to the internal walls of the duct.

WO 2014/036598 PCT/AU2013/000999 6 [0037] As can be seen in Figure 6, the outer surface of the frame is formed with an inclined portion 114 that converges inwardly to the perimeter of central opening 108. At each corner of the central opening, which in the present embodiment is preferably of a square shape, a receptacle is provided in the form of recesses 110. [0038] Referring now to Figure 7, the inside of the baffle, i.e. lid 106, is preferably formed with four posts 116 which are preferably arranged to each make a tight fit into a corresponding one of the recesses 110 on the outside of frame 102. Consequently the lid can be subsequently removed from the frame if desired. The posts are preferably of sufficient height to space the inside of the baffle a distance h from the surround as can be readily seen in Figure 4 for example. It will be realized that the spacing between the inside of the lid and the outside of the frame preferably provides a sufficient space for air flow from external the vent cover assembly to pass between the lid and the frame. The air is then able to flow through the central opening of the frame and up through the vent and into the duct. [0039] With reference again to Figure 1, in order to install the vent cover assemblylO0, the steel grate 4 of an existing vent cover (visible in Figures 1 and 2) is firstly removed, for example with wire cutters or the like. Depending on the internal width of the duct 8 either the outer set of fastening members 104w-1 04z (visible in Figure 5) or the inner fastening members 104a-104d are snapped off at their bases. Frame 102 is then located over pre-existing frame 6. A worker can then insert his or her arm through central opening 108 of frame 102 in order to screw (e.g. with galvanized self tapping screws) or otherwise attach the remaining fastening members 104 to the inside wall of duct 8. [0040] Posts 116 of lid 106 are then located over and pushed into receptacles 110 of frame 102 so that lid 106 is secured to frame 102. Subsequently, if desired, lid 106 may be removed from frame 102 by applying sufficient force to disengage posts 116 from receptacles 110. [0041] It is preferable that each of the components of the previously described vent cover assembly is preferably made of ABS plastic so that it will not degrade over time. The plastic is made with a UV stabilizer to resist sun damage and WO 2014/036598 PCT/AU2013/000999 7 discoloration. The plastic also preferably includes anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents which are added during the manufacturing process. [0042] It will be appreciated that various aspects of the vent cover assembly may be modified as desired. For example only, the fastening means for fastening the vent cover to the vent and/or duct may be adjustable in ways other than the use of breakable fastening members. For example, the fastening members may be horizontally moveable along a track perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the central opening. One or more fastening members may include a magnet for attachment to a metal vent and/or duct. The fastening members may be flexible so that an upper portion of the fastening member has a lip which is configured for snap fit engagement with a lip of an interior surface of the vent and/or duct. [0043] The vent cover may be configured for use with vents having shapes other than a square. For example, the vent cover may be configured for circular vents. When configured for circular vents, the vent cover may include a fastening portion which is formed as a screw thread to screw into the vent which has a corresponding thread. Alternatively, the fastening portion may include surface roughenings or dimples configured for a friction engagement with the interior of the vent and/or duct. [0044] If desired, instead of a single central opening, the vent cover may include a plurality of air channels. [0045] The vent cover may be configured for use with an air filter. For example, the interior of the lid may include an indication to fasten a filter extending across one or more of the air channels formed between the lid and the frame. If desired, the lid may include a recess or window showing a portion of the filter which changes colour to indicate that the filter is approaching or has reached is maximum capacity. The filter may be permanently integrated with the vent cover, or detachably attached to the vent cover. When permanently integrated with the vent cover, the entire vent cover may be disposable when the filter has reached its maximum capacity. (0046] The vent cover or any one of its components may be printable from a 3-D printer if desired.

WO 2014/036598 PCT/AU2013/000999 8 [0047] It will be realized that the previously described vent cover assembly is advantageous since it can be retrofit over the top of an olderpre-existing vent cover once the pre-existing grille has been removed. Consequently, the problem of cleaning dirty grilles such as that depicted in Figure 2 is now avoided. [0048] The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. [0049] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. [0050] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. [0051] Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms. [0052] Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A vent cover assembly, including: a frame for placement at a vent of a duct, said frame having an exterior perimeter greater than a perimeter of the vent, said frame having an opening for location adjacent the vent; a fastening portion configured to extend from said frame into the duct for attachment to one or more internal walls thereof; and a baffle spaced from said opening of said frame to thereby provide for air flow through said opening.

2. The vent cover of claim 1, wherein said opening consists of a single opening.

3. The vent cover of claim 1, wherein said opening is centred at a central longitudinal axis of said frame.

4. The vent cover of any one of the above claims, wherein said fastening portion includes a plurality of fastening members.

5. The vent cover of claim 4, wherein said fastening members are arrayed as a first set about a central longitudinal axis of said opening.

6. The vent cover of claim 5, further comprising a second set of fastening members arrayed about the central longitudinal axis of said opening, said second set of fastening members being spaced apart from said first set of fastening members.

7. The vent cover of any one of claims 4-6, wherein said fastening members are configured to break off proximate a base of each fastening member to provide the vent cover with an adjustable fastening portion relative to the vent.

8. The vent cover of any one of claims 4-7, wherein at least one of said fastening members includes an opening configured to receive a fastener to fasten said fastening member to the vent or duct.

9. The vent cover of any one of the above claims, wherein said baffle is detachably attached to said frame by at least one post. WO 2014/036598 PCT/AU2013/000999 10

10. The vent cover of any one of the above claims, wherein at least a portion of the vent cover is impregnated with an anti-bacterial agent.

11. The vent cover of any one of the above claims, wherein at least a portion of the vent cover is impregnated with an anti-fungal agent.

12. A vent cover for placement over a vent opening of an air duct, comprising: a frame having a central opening with a central longitudinal axis, an exterior surface configured to overlap an outer perimeter of the vent opening, and an interior surface, said interior surface including a vertically extending adjustable fastening means configured to frictionally engage an interior surface of the vent or duct; and a baffle detachably engaged to said frame, said baffle covering said central opening, said frame and said baffle forming a plurality of side openings for the passage of air through said vent cover.

13. The vent cover of claim 12, wherein said adjustable fastening means includes a first set of fastening members arrayed around the central longitudinal axis of said central opening, said interior surface of said vent cover including a second set of fastening members arrayed around said central longitudinal axis of said central opening.

14. The vent cover of claim 13, wherein said fastening members are configured to break off proximate a base of each fastening member.

15. The vent cover of either claim 13 or 14, wherein at least one of said fastening members includes an opening configured to receive a fastener to fasten said fastening member to the vent or duct.

16. The vent cover of any one of claims 12-15, wherein said baffle is detachably attached to said frame by at least one post.

17. The vent cover of any one of claims 12-16, wherein at least a portion of the vent cover is impregnated with an anti-bacterial agent.

18. The vent cover of any one of claims 12-17, wherein at least a portion of the vent cover is impregnated with an anti-fungal agent.