IL309300A - Grille bar for hvac system and a grille comprising such bars - Google Patents

Description

GRILLE BAR FOR HVAC SYSTEM AND A GRILLE COMPRISING SUCH BARS FIELD The various embodiments described herein generally relate to bars mounted on grilles (gratings) of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, grilles in which such bars are mounted in general, and register and diffuser-type grilles in particular, i.e. grilles used for the supply of air-conditioned air into an indoor environment and push conditioned air into a space in a set pattern for optimal airflow distribution.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the HVAC field, supply grilles are known and recognized, which are assembled, one or more, on the inner surface of a wall in a space where air-conditioning is desired, such as at the end of a duct that routes airflow from the system cooling unit to the interior of the space. Bars are normally mounted on such grilles in order to direct the air-conditioned air into the indoor environment and to push the conditioned air into the space in a set pattern for optimal airflow distribution. Such grilles are also known as registers and diffusers, but for the sake of convenience, we will refer to them as “grilles”.

Manufacturing these grilles requires that they be fitted with multiple bars in a way that facilitates quick, simple and convenient disassembly and mounting of the bars. For example, during the manufacturing phase and afterwards as well, when mounting the grille on site by the HVAC system installer or even later for servicing (e.g. cleaning) and periodic maintenance (by the end user or a technician called to repair a malfunction).

Furthermore, once the HVAC system is activated, grille bars of the type in question are exposed to air flow at temperatures lower or much higher than the temperature prevailing on site, which could lead to the phenomenon of moisture condensation on the grille bars. Due to the condensation phenomenon, moisture could accumulate on the grille bars and cause the formation of visual and actual damage (e.g. wetting the wall where the grille is installed, mold formation and green growth).

Indeed, prior to the invention that is the subject of the Patent Application, there was a need for grilles that would incorporate technologies in their structure to facilitate the quick, easy and convenient mounting and disassembly of bars, as well as technologies that would reduce the occurrence of unwanted condensation on the grille bars.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention are directed to grille bars for an HVAC system and grilles comprising such bars, which allow for their quick, simple and convenient mounting and disassembly as well as grille bars that will reduce the occurrence of unwanted condensation on the grille bars.

According to one embodiment, the invention is embodied in an elongated bar that is mountable in an HVAC grille, comprising a frame assembly and a support element inside it, one or more, and wherein, according to the invention, the bar is formed in a cross-section that comprises a first surface which, once the bar is mounted in the grille, extends essentially parallel to the surface of the wall on which the grille is mounted, second and third surfaces that each extend from another end of the first surface, wherein once the bar is mounted in the grille, they converge in their respective directions from the wall surface on which the grille is mounted, a neck portion extending from the convergence area of the second and third surfaces, formed with an end protruding from the convergence area and the neck portion essentially perpendicular in relation to the first surface, and which once the bar is mounted in the grille, is adapted in its dimensions to be within a frame assembly or a support element of the grille, and a dovetail-like section that is formed at the protruding end of the neck portion, and which, once the bar is mounted in the grille, is adapted in its dimensions for anchoring by pressing it into a bracket which is formed in the frame assembly or a support element of the grille.

According to another embodiment, the bar further comprises strips of insulation material mounted on the second and third surfaces.

According to another embodiment, the invention is embodied in an HVAC grille comprising a frame assembly and one or more support elements inside it, which is characterized in that the elongated bars that are mounted in the grille are according to what is stated in the above summary.

The invention also embodies in its mode of operation a general method for reducing the phenomenon of condensation on the grille bars of an HVAC system. In one example of the method, the method comprises the step of mounting a strip of insulation material, one or more, on top of one or more surfaces, of a bar, one or more, of a grille, which is exposed to the flow of air-conditioned air on it.

Still other aspects, embodiments, and advantages of these exemplary aspects and embodiment are discussed in detail below. Embodiments disclosed herein may be combined with other embodiments in any manner consistent with at least one of the principles disclosed herein, and references to "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "an alternate embodiment," "various embodiments," "one embodiment" or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described may be included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of such terms herein are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Various aspects of at least one embodiment are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures, which are not intended to be drawn to scale. The figures are included to provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, but are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure. In the figures: Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary grille according to the invention.

Fig 2 depicts a perspective view of exemplary components of the grille illustrated in Fig. 1 (an exploded view).

Fig. 3 depicts a partial perspective view and a typical cross-sectional view of an exemplary bar according to the invention.

Fig 4 depicts a partial perspective view and a typical cross-sectional view of a second exemplary bar according to the invention.

Fig. 5 depicts a partial perspective view and a typical cross-sectional view of a third exemplary a bar (with strips of insulation material) according to the invention.

Fig. 6 depicts a partial perspective view and a typical cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary bar (with strips of insulation material) according to the invention.

Fig. 7is a cross-sectional view and partial perspective view of an example of another grille according to the invention.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an example of a support element designed to be mounted in a grille according to the invention.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of assemblies of another example of a grille according to the invention (exploded view).

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view and partial perspective view of an example of the grille illustrated in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11is a cross-sectional view and partial perspective view of an example of another grille according to the invention.

Fig. 12is a cross-sectional view and partial perspective view of an example of another grille according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or methods having all of the features of any one apparatus or method described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses or methods described below. It is possible that an apparatus or method described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or method deserted below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant, inventor or owner do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements, in addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2depicting a perspective view of exemplary grille 10 according to the invention and a perspective view of components of grille 10 (exploded view). Grille comprises frame assembly 15, support element 20 (one in the illustrated example), and array of elongated bars 30 (three in the illustrated example), which are mounted in the grille one above the other and spaced apart from each other (vertically mounted).

In the illustrated example, frame assembly 15 comprises two lengthwise profiles 35, 37 and two side profiles 39, 41, which are fitted to each other at their ends to form a rectangular configuration. The profiles may be made of metal (for example - aluminum) or plastic by an extrusion process. Assembling them together to create a rectangular configuration as mentioned is done using corner bridging elements (not illustrated). Support element 20 is formed with array 43 of shaped openings 45 running along its length, which could be made of metal (e.g. aluminum) or plastic, and is adapted for mounting within frame assembly 15 between two lengthwise profiles 35, 37. Array 43 of shaped openings 45 is adapted for mounting inside array 25 of elongated bars 30.

Grille 10 is adapted for mounting in a fitting opening that is formed in the wall of the space to be air-condition (the wall with the opening is not illustrated), (for example, at the end a duct that routes the air flow from the system’s cooling unit into the interior where air-conditioning is desired). Anchoring components (e.g. screws) (not illustrated) could be used in mounting the grille in the wall opening. Once the grille is mounted in the wall opening, the air-conditioned airflow is routed to pass over the bar surfaces that are spaced apart (see arrows 47) for supplying the air-conditioned air to the space where air-conditioning is desired.

A person skilled in the art would understand that grille 10 is only an example, and grilles could be manufactured in varying lengths, in other configurations (for example, a square and not a rectangular configuration, as described), and comprised of other and different components.

A person skilled in the art would also understand that in the aspects described above, grille does not deviate from what is already known in the art. The characteristics of the invention find expression in the aspects embodied in elongated bars 30, and we will elaborate on this aspect below.

Reference is made to Fig. 3 . Fig. 3 depicts a partial perspective view and a typical cross-sectional view of exemplary bar 330 according to the invention. Bar 330 may serve as bar in exemplary grille 10, which is described above as a grille according to the invention.

Bar 330 is made in an elongated configuration from metal (for example - aluminum) or plastic by an extrusion process. In cross-section, bar 330 is formed in comprising first surface 302, which once the bar is mounted in the grille, surface 302 essentially extends parallel to the wall surface in which the grille is mounted, second surface 304 and third surface 306, each of which extend from a different end of first surface 302, wherein once the bar is mounted in the grille, they converge in their respective directions from the wall surface on which the grille is mounted, neck portion 308 extending from the convergence area of surfaces 304 and 306, with end 3protruding from the convergence area of surfaces 304 and 306. Neck portion 308 is essentially perpendicular in relation to first surface 302.

A person skilled in the art would understand (see also below with reference to Figs. 7, 8 and 9) that once bar 300 is mounted in the grille, neck portion 308 is adapted in its dimensions to be mounted in the frame assembly or support element of the grille.

Dovetail-like portion 313 is formed at the end of protrusion 311 of neck portion 308.

A person skilled in the art would understand (see also below with reference to Figs. 7, 8 and 9) that once bar 330 is mounted in the grille, dovetail-like portion 313 is adapted in its dimensions to be anchored by pressing it into a bracket that is formed in the frame assembly or the support element of the grille.

According to the illustrated example, bar 330 is also formed with opening 315, which is formed inside it as a space running along its length (in order to reduce weight and save on raw material). A person skilled in the art would understand that this is just an example, and a bar according to the invention, could be formed with openings, one or more, of different configurations than the triangular configuration that is illustrated, and or as a recess, one or more, that is formed along the length of the bar for the same purpose.

A person skilled in the art would also understand that when the grille is wall-mounted, there could be a slight deviation from the parallelism of surface 302 and the wall surface. Therefore, the above term “essentially parallel” is used, meaning a slight angular deviation (in a single-digit angular value) will be considered parallelism.

A person skilled in the art would also understand that bar 330, which was described above with reference to Fig. 3, is only an example of a bar according to the invention, and we will continue to describe below other configurations of bars according to the invention (also as examples only).

Reference is made to Fig. 4 . Fig 4 depicts a partial perspective view and a typical cross-sectional view of a second example of bar 430 according to the invention. Bar 430 may serve as bar 30 in exemplary grille 10, which is described above as a grille according to the invention. 30 Unlike bar 330, which was described above with reference to Fig. 3, bar 430 is additionally formed with protrusion 417, which is formed along the bar’s neck portion 408, and which once mounted in the grille.is adapted in its dimensions to be anchored by pressing it into a bracket that is formed in the frame assembly or support element of the grille (see below with reference to Figs. 7, 8 and 9).

The formation of bar 430 with said protrusion, one as illustrated or more, offers improved anchoring capability of the bar within a frame assembly or a support element of the grille (in addition to the anchoring of the dovetail-like portion by pressing it inside a bracket formed in the frame assembly or support element). This capability is mainly applicable when the bar or the frame assembly or the support element (or all of them) are made of plastic, an inherently elastic material that allows the protrusion to be snapped into a matching groove (as a snap connector).

A person skilled in the art would understand that a bar according to the invention may be formed with multiple protrusions along its length or with one or more grooves, wherein a protrusion, one or more, to be formed in the frame assembly or in the support element of the grille, will be snapped into the groove to be formed in the bar.

Reference is made to Fig. 5 . Fig 5 depicts a partial perspective view and a typical cross-sectional view of a third exemplary bar 530 according to the invention.

According to the illustrated example, bar 530 is formed in a symmetrical cross-sectional configuration (compare with asymmetrical configuration of bars 330 and 430), (in the illustrated example - as a sort of isosceles triangle). However, a person skilled in the art would understand that this is only an example that demonstrates the ability to form bars according to the invention in a variety of cross-sectional configurations, and that bar 530 also embodies the characteristics of a bar according to the invention, namely - bar 530 also comprises first surface 502, which once the bar is mounted in the grille essentially extends parallel to the wall surface in which the grille is mounted, second surface 504 and third surface 506, each of which extend from a different end of first surface 502, wherein once the bar is mounted in the grille, they converge in their respective directions from the wall surface on which the grille is mounted, neck portion 508 extending from the convergence area of surfaces 504 and 506, with end 5protruding from the convergence area of surfaces 504 and 506, and portion 508 that is essentially perpendicular in relation to first surface 502.

Also with reference to Fig. 5, a person skilled in the art would understand (see also below with reference to Figs. 10 and 11) that once bar 530 is mounted in the grille, neck portion 508 is adapted in its dimensions to be mounted in the frame assembly or support element of the grille. Dovetail-like segment 513 is formed at the end of protrusion 511 of neck portion 508. A person skilled in the art would understand (see also below with reference to Figs. 10 and 11) that once bar 530 is mounted in the grille, dovetail-like segment 513 is adapted in its dimensions to be anchored by pressing it into a bracket that is formed in the frame assembly or support element of the grille.

According to the illustrated example, bar 530 is also formed with openings 515, which are formed inside it as a space running along its length and with recesses 517 formed along its length (in order to reduce weight and save on raw material). A person skilled in the art would understand that the illustrated configuration of the openings and recesses is just an example, and in order to reduce weight and save on raw materials, the bar could be formed with openings and recesses, one or more, having different configurations than the illustrated configuration of openings and recesses, as stated, for example’s sake.

Unlike bar 330, which was described above with reference to Fig. 3, and bar 430, which was described above with reference to Fig. 4, bar 530 also comprises strips of insulation material 521, 523, which are mounted on second surface 504 and third surface 506. According to the illustrated example, notches 525, 527 are formed along second and third surfaces 504 and 5and are adapted to mount the strips of insulation material 521, 523 in them. However, a skilled person would understand that said insulation strips could also be mounted on second and third surfaces without notches.

Mounting bars according to the invention, with one or more strips of insulation material on their second and third surfaces (or at least on one of the second or third surfaces), contributes to reducing the phenomenon of unwanted condensation indicated previously (in the Background of the Invention chapter). The second and third surfaces of bars according to the invention are exposed to the flow of air-conditioned air on them, and mounting them according to this configuration of the invention with thermal insulation material reduces the temperature differences between them and the aid-conditioned air (and in any case, helps prevent condensation).

Insulation strips 521, 523 can be purchased as an off-the-shelf product from companies specializing for a long time in the manufacture and marketing of thermal insulation products for HVAC systems. An example of such a company is the Palziv Group (see https://www.palziv.co.il), which supplies insulation products in the form of adhesive strip rolls, i.e. strips that can be ordered in advance in the required width or cut on-site to the required size. These strips are supplied with a layer of pre-applied adhesive of the type that in our case allows for mounting an insulation strip on the bar by pressing the strip to the bar, which activates the adhesive and attaches the insulation strip to the surface of the bar.

At the same time, a skilled person would understand that this is only an example, and the insulation strips may be made from other and different materials (for example, sponge, textile, wood, plastic), and mounted on the bar by other and different means (e.g. by applying adhesive at the manufacturing site of the grille, screws or rivets).

A person skilled in the art would understand that according to the invention, strips of insulation material may also be mounted on bars, such as bar 330, which as described above with reference to Fig. 3, or bar 430, which was described above with reference to Fig. 4 (with or without notches along their second and third surfaces, which are adapted for mounting the insulation material strips in them).

Reference is made to Fig. 6 . Fig 6 depicts a partial perspective view and a typical cross-sectional view of a fourth example of bar 630 according to the invention.

Unlike bar 530 described above with reference to Fig. 5, bar 630 is formed in an asymmetrical configuration (similar to the asymmetrical configuration of blades 330 and 430). However, a skilled person would understand that this is only an example that indicates the capability of forming bars according to the invention in a variety of cross-sectional configurations.

Similar to bar 530, which was described above with reference to Fig. 5, bar 630 further comprises strips of insulation material that are mounted on its second surface 604 and third surface 606, which face each other and converge from the edges of first surface 602.

A person skilled in the art would understand that bars 330, 430, 530 and 630, which were described above with reference to Figs. 3 - 6, are only an example of bars according to the invention, and the invention may be embodied in an HVAC grille that comprises a frame assembly and support element inside it, one or more, of a different structure, but which is characterized in that the elongated bars mounted therein are such bars. We will proceed to describe such grilles and support elements (for example’s sake only).

Reference is made to Fig. 7 . Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view and partial perspective view of an example of grille 710 according to the invention.

According to the illustrated example, grille 710 comprises array 725 of three bars 430 (see above with reference to Fig. 4). Grille 710 comprises frame assembly 715 and support element 720, which is adapted for mounting within frame assembly 715 and is adapted (as illustrated) for mounting within array 725 of elongated bars 430.

Reference is made to Fig. 8 . Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an example of support element 720 designed to be mounted in grille 710 according to the invention (see above in reference to Fig. 7).

Support element 720 is formed with array 743 of shaped openings 745 running along its length, could be made of metal (e.g. aluminum) or plastic, and is adapted for mounting within frame assembly 715 (see above with reference to Fig. 7). Support element 720 is formed with array 743 of shaped openings 745, which is adapted for mounting within array 725 of elongated bars 430 (see above with reference to Fig. 7).

As noted above (with reference to Fig. 4), bar 430 is additionally formed with protrusion 417, which is formed along the bar's s neck portion 408, and which once mounted the grille bar is adapted in its dimensions to be anchored by pressing it into a bracket that is formed in the frame assembly or support element of the grille. Therefore, each of shaped openings 745 is also formed with matching slot 747 for containing the protrusion, once the bars are mounted in the grille. This provides an improved capability of anchoring the bar within the support element (in addition to anchoring the dovetail-like portion of the bar by pressing it into bracket 749 formed in the support element).

Also according to the illustrated example, support element 720 is formed with brackets 802 at its ends, which allow for anchoring screws or rivets in them in order to mount the support element in the frame assembly.

Grilles in which bars according to the invention are mounted may be manufactured from other and different assemblies.

For example, reference is made to Figs. 9 and 10. Fig. 9 depicts a perspective view of assemblies of another example of grille 910 according to the invention (exploded view). Fig. depicts a cross-sectional and partial perspective view of an example of grille 910.

Grille 910 comprises circumferential bracket assembly 917, which is adapted to be pre-mounted on a wall and allows for mounting grille 911 inside it, subsequently or jointly, and is adapted to be contained inside it.

According to the illustrated example and similar to grille 710 described above in reference to Fig. 7, grille 911 also comprises array 725 of three bars 430 (see above with reference to Fig. 4). Grille 911 comprises frame assembly 915 and support element 920, which is adapted for mounting within frame assembly 915 and is adapted (as illustrated) for mounting array 725 of elongated bars 430.

As noted, grille 910 differs from grille 710 described above with reference to Fig. 7 in the aspect of circumferential bracket assembly 917, which is adapted to be pre-mounted on a wall and allows for mounting grille 911 inside it, subsequently or jointly, in a manner that demonstrates the possibility of embodying the invention in a range of frame assemblies (as a grille that is adapted to be mounted directly on a wall or to be mounted within a bracket assembly that was pre-mounted in a wall opening).

Grilles according to the invention may be manufactured with a varying number of bars and comprise additional components.

For example, reference is being made to Fig. 11 . Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view and partial perspective view of an example of grille 1110 according to the invention.

According to the illustrated example, grille 1110 is a single-bar grille comprising a single bar 530 (see above with reference to Fig. 5). Grille 1110 comprises frame assembly 1115 and support element 1120, which is adapted for mounting within frame assembly 1115 and is adapted (as illustrated) for mounting elongated bar 530 in it.

The possibility of mounting a bar according to the invention in a single-bar grille, as illustrated, demonstrates the possibility of embodying the invention in a different and diverse range of grilles with multiple bars according to the invention.

Moreover, grille 1110 is illustrated in further comprising fins 1102, 1104 which are mounted in frame assembly 1115 parallel to its lengthwise profiles, wherein each of them is rotatable around hinge 1106. which is connected to the frame and positioned parallel to its lengthwise profiles, in a manner that allows for moving the fins (e.g. manually) and as a result redirecting the airflow next to the second and third surface of bar 530 (or alternatively maximal opening of the flow spaces on both sides of the bar).

A person skilled in the art would understand that even a single-bar grille according to the invention, which further comprises fins, as described above with reference to Fig. 11, may be embodied in a variety of frame assemblies.

For example, reference is being made to Fig. 12 . Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view and partial perspective view of an example of grille 1210 according to the invention.

Similar to grille 1110, which was described above with reference to Fig. 11, according to the illustrated example, grille 1210 is also a single-bar grill, comprising single bar 530 (see above with reference to Fig. 5) and is also illustrated in additionally comprising fins, which are mounted in frame assembly 1215 parallel to its lengthwise profiles, wherein each of them is rotatable around a hinge, which is connected to a frame and positioned parallel to its lengthwise profiles, in a manner that allows for moving the fins (e.g. manually) and as a result redirecting the airflow next to the second and third surface of bar 530 (or alternatively maximal opening of the flow spaces on both sides of the bar).

Grille 1210 differs from grille 1110 described above, with reference to Fig. 11, in the aspect of frame assembly 1215, which varies in its structure (see the configuration of the various lengthwise profiles) from corresponding assembly 1115 described there (and in any case the configuration of support element 1220 is formed differently accordingly), in a way that demonstrates the possibility of embodying the invention in a range of frame assemblies.

In view of what is described above with reference to Figs. 5, 6, 11 and 12, a person skilled in the art would understand that the mode of operation of the bars and grilles according to the invention described there, also embodies a method for reducing the phenomenon of condensation on the grille bars of an HVAC system, which includes the step of mounting a strip of insulation material (521, 523), one or more, on a surface, one or more (504, 506), of a bar (530, 630), one or more, of the grille (1110, 1210), which is exposed to the flow of air-conditioned air on it.

In light of the range of bars according to the invention, as described above (30, 330, 430, 5and 630), the method may comprise a preliminary step of providing each elongated bar that is formed in any cross-section, but comprising a first surface, which once the bar is mounted in the grille extends essentially parallel to the surface of the wall on which the grille is mounted, second and third surfaces that each extend from another end of the first surface, wherein once the bar is mounted in the grille, they converge in their respective directions from the wall surface on which the grille is mounted, a neck portion extending from the convergence area of the second and third surfaces, with the end protruding from the convergence area and the neck portion essentially perpendicular in relation to the first surface of the bar, and which once the bar is mounted in the grille, is adapted in its dimensions to be part of a frame assembly or a support element of the grille, and a dovetail-like portion that is formed at the protruding end of the neck portion, and which, once the bar is mounted in the grille, is adapted in its dimensions for anchoring by pressing it into a bracket which is formed in the frame assembly and or the support element of the grille. Such a bar may also be formed in further comprising an opening, one or more, which is formed inside as a space or recess that runs along it.

Furthermore, in light of the range of grilles according to the invention, as described above (10, 710, 910, 1110 and 1210), the method may comprise a preliminary step of providing an HVAC grille comprising a frame assembly and a support element, one or more, inside it, which is characterized in that the elongated bars mounted therein are in accordance with what is stated above with reference to the accompanying figures.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing with respect to the accompanying figures, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the invention provides a solution to the problems indicated above in the Background of the Invention chapter. The invention teaches grille bars for an HVAC system and grilles comprising such bars, which facilitate quick, simple and convenient mounting and disassembly of the bars as well as grille bars that will reduce the phenomenon of unwanted condensation on the grille bars.

Having described above several aspects of at least one embodiment, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only, and the scope of the invention should be determined from proper construction of the appended claims, and their equivalents.

Claims (9)

1. An elongated bar that is mountable in an HVAC grille, comprising a frame assembly and a support element inside it, one or more, and wherein in the cross-section, the bar is formed wherein it comprises - a first surface, which once the bar is mounted in the grille essentially extends parallel to the wall surface in which the grille is mounted; and second and third surfaces that each extend from another end of said first surface, wherein once the bar is mounted in the grille, they converge in their respective directions from the wall surface on which the grille is mounted; and a neck portion extending from the convergence area of said second and third surfaces, with the end protruding from said convergence area and the neck portion essentially perpendicular in relation to said first surface, and which once the bar is mounted in the grille, is adapted in its dimensions to be part of a frame assembly or a support element of the grille; and a dovetail-like portion that is formed at the protruding end of said neck portion, and which, once the bar is mounted in the grille, is adapted in its dimensions for anchoring by pressing it into a bracket, which is formed at the frame assembly or support element of the grille.

2. An elongated bar according to claim 1, which is formed in further comprising - an opening, one or more, which is formed within as a space or recess that runs along its length.

3. An elongated bar according to any one of claims 1 and 2, which further comprises - strips of insulation material mounted on said second and third surfaces.

4. An elongated bar according to claim 3, which further comprises - notches that are formed along said second and third surfaces and are adapted to include in them said strips of insulation material.

5. An elongated bar according to any one of claims 1 - 4, which further comprises - at least one protrusion formed along said neck portion and which, once the bar is mounted in the grille, is adapted in its dimensions to be anchored inside a groove that is formed in a frame assembly or a support element of the grille; 30

6. An HVAC grille comprising a frame assembly and one or more support elements inside it, which is characterized in that the elongated bars mounted therein are according to any one of claims 1-5;

7. A method for reducing the phenomenon of condensation on the grille bars of an HVAC system, which comprises the step of - mounting a strip of insulation material, one or more, on top of one or more surfaces, of a bar, one or more, of the grille, which is exposed to the flow of air-conditioned air on it;

8. A method for reducing the phenomenon of condensation on the grille bars of an HVAC system according to claim 7, which further comprises a preliminary step of - providing an elongated bar according to any one of claims 1 – 2.

9. A method for reducing the phenomenon of condensation on the grille bars of an HVAC system according to claim 7, which further comprises a preliminary step of - providing an HVAC grille comprising a frame assembly and one or more support elements inside it, which is characterized in that the elongated bars that are mounted in the grille are according to any one of claims 1 - 2. For the Applicant, Webb+Co. Patent Attorneys