U.S. patent application number 10/198876 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-22 for return air pressure relief vent.
Invention is credited to Raymer, Paul H..
Application Number | 20040014421 10/198876 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30443196 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040014421 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Raymer, Paul H. |
January 22, 2004 |
Return air pressure relief vent
Abstract
A return air pressure relief vent comprising a baffle structure
having two ports, disposed in a partition between two volumes of
air and including a plurality of passages that each encompass a
straight line extending between the two volumes of air, the
plurality of passages structured and arranged to accommodate a
pressure balancing flow of air between the two volumes of air while
restricting the passage of sound and light.
Inventors: |
Raymer, Paul H.; (Falmouth,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Iandiorio & Teska
260 Bear Hill Road
Waltham
MA
02451-1018
US
|
Family ID: |
30443196 |
Appl. No.: |
10/198876 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/271 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 7/00 20130101; F24F
2007/0025 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/271 |
International
Class: |
F24F 007/00; F24F
013/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A return air pressure relief vent comprising: a baffle structure
having two ports and disposed in a partition between two volumes of
air, each of said two ports confronting each of said two volumes of
air respectively; and said baffle structure including a plurality
of passages, each of said plurality of passages encompasses a
straight line extending between said two volumes of air, said
plurality of passages structured and arranged to accommodate a
pressure balancing flow of air between said two volumes of air
while restricting the passage of sound and light.
2. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 1 in which said
partition is a wall separating two rooms or spaces within a
building and where each of said two rooms or spaces includes one of
said two volumes of air respectively.
3. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 2 where the return
air pressure relief vent permits 150 cubic feet per minute of air
passage while limiting the pressure difference between the two
volumes of air to less than 2.5 Pascals.
4. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 1 in which the
baffle structure includes a frame configured to attach the
plurality of passages to the partition.
5. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 4 in which said
frame includes an exterior surface extending between said two
ports.
6. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 5 in which said
exterior surface comprises one or more rectangular and flat
surfaces.
7. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 5 in which said
exterior surface comprises one or more curved surfaces.
8. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 5 in which said
exterior surface includes two sections which telescope into one
another to adjust the width dimension of said frame.
9. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 4 in which said
frame includes a grill covering at least one of the two said
ports.
10. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 9 in which said
grill includes a baffle member.
11. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 10 in which said
baffle member includes a plurality of louvers.
12. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 9 in which said
grill includes a screen.
13. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 1 in which said
baffle structure includes a honeycomb structure, said honeycomb
structure including at least some of the said plurality of
passages.
14. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 1 in which at
least some of said plurality of passages have a circular
cross-section.
15. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 1 in which at
least some of said plurality of passages are not parallel to other
of said plurality of passages.
16. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 1 in which at
least some of said plurality of passages are not perpendicular to a
plane defined by the exterior surfaces of the partition.
17. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 1 in which said
frame is made from sheet metal.
18. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 1 in which at
least some of said plurality of passages have a cross-section that
varies in size or shape along a center line of the passage
extending between both ports of the baffle structure.
19. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 1 in which at
least some of said plurality of passages have a cross-section not
equal to the size and shape of a cross-section of other of said
plurality of passages.
20. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 1 in which said
plurality of passages are constructed from a honeycomb structure
manufactured from cardboard.
21. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 1 in which at
least some of said plurality of passages have a center line and an
interior wall that are straight and parallel to each other.
22. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 1 in which at
least some of said plurality of passages have a center line and an
interior wall that are not parallel to each other.
23. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 1 in which at
least some of said plurality of passages have a center line or an
interior wall that is straight.
24. The return air pressure relief vent of claim 1 in which at
least some of said plurality of passages have a center line or an
interior wall that is not straight.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a return air vent that permits
pressure balancing air flow while preserving sight and sound
privacy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A central air system supplies conditioned air from a central
air supplier (air handler) through air supply ducts to various
rooms and spaces located within a building. Conditioned air is
returned to the air handler from the various rooms and spaces
through air return ducts. Conditioned air is heated or cooled,
humidified or dehumidified in order to maintain a comfortable
environment within the building differing from the ambient
conditions. The air handler re-conditions air returned through the
air return ducts and re-supplies the re-conditioned air through the
air supply ducts to the various rooms and spaces within the
building.
[0003] Operation of the system can cause air pressure differences
between rooms and spaces within the building. These air pressure
differences can reflect the relative amount of the flow of air
supplied by the air handler via air supply ducts and returned to
the air handler via air return ducts. When the system is balanced,
an equal amount of air is supplied by the air handler via the air
supply ducts and returned to the air handler via air return
ducts.
[0004] A system providing the complete return of air to the air
handler provides an air return duct in each room or space having an
air supply duct. This type of central air system maximizes the flow
of conditioned air from the various rooms and spaces back to the
air handler. This type of system also minimizes pressure
differences between rooms and spaces supplied with conditioned air
and also reduces any unintentional comfort differences between
rooms and spaces supplied with conditioned air to better enhance
comfort within the building.
[0005] Unfortunately, it is common for building construction
contractors to reduce the cost of a central air system by
constructing a system providing less than the complete return of
air to the air handler. This type of system does not provide an air
return duct for each room or space having an air supply duct. Air
supplied to rooms and spaces lacking a return duct typically causes
air pressure to increase within that room or space. Increased air
pressure within that room or space causes air to exit or leak from
that room or space to other rooms or spaces having less air
pressure and/or to exit or leak to the outside atmosphere if the
room is adjacent to an outside wall.
[0006] In an attempt to compensate for some of the disadvantages of
a system having a less than complete return of air to the air
handler, air return ducts are typically placed in central locations
(central return ducts) within the building to collect air that has
exited or leaked from rooms and spaces having an air supply duct
but lacking an air return duct. In this situation, rooms and spaces
supplied with air effectively act as return ducts and their
associated doors effectively act as obstacles to the flow of
returned air. When these doors are closed, air is further
restricted from flowing back to the centrally located return ducts.
This causes pressure imbalances within the building and system to
further increase. When these doors are open, sound and light
privacy is reduced within each room and space associated with an
open door.
[0007] Furthermore, air pressure in rooms and spaces where a
central return duct is located can drop below the air pressure in
other spaces due to a suction effect caused by the inability of the
system to return or draw back the amount of air supplied to the
building.
[0008] Despite attempts to compensate for the disadvantages of a
system having a less than complete return of air to the air
handler, such a system typically has higher operating costs and
continues to cause uneven air pressure and uneven heating or
cooling of rooms and spaces within the building.
[0009] Even small air pressure differences between rooms and spaces
can cause serious health and building maintenance problems. When a
room is under higher pressure than surrounding rooms or spaces, the
air within the room leaks out of the room passing through any
available hole or crack.
[0010] If the building is in a heating climate, the warmer and
moister air of the room leaks out through walls and around windows
and doors. When the warm and moist air strikes a surface within the
wall structure that is cooler than the dew point, the moisture in
the leaking air condenses out and onto surfaces inside the wall
causing rot and enhancing the growth of mold. If the building is in
a cooling climate, the suction effect of a room or space having an
air return duct can draw warm and moist air from the atmosphere
through external walls of the building to also cause rot and the
growth of mold within the external walls of the building.
[0011] It has been shown that these types of problems can occur
from very small pressure differences, for example from as low as a
2.5 Pascals or 0.01 inches WC pressure difference between adjacent
rooms and/or spaces. As a result, some jurisdictions, such as the
State of Florida, have adopted stringent regulations that require
new buildings with central air systems to be designed and
constructed to limit pressure differences between rooms to less
than 2.5 Pascals.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is a further object of this invention to provide an
improved return air pressure relief vent that permits sufficient
air flow to balance pressure between two volumes of air while
restricting the passage of light and sound for the preservation of
sight and sound privacy.
[0013] It is a further object of this invention to provide an
improved return air pressure relief vent that complies with
stringent building codes.
[0014] It is a further object of this invention to provide an
improved return air pressure relief vent that is less expensive and
simpler to install than the prior art.
[0015] It is a further object of this invention to provide an
improved return air pressure relief vent which wholly determines
the pressure balancing air flow between two volumes of air.
[0016] The invention results from the realization that a truly
simple and more effective return air pressure relief vent that
balances pressure between two volumes of air can be effected by
employing a plurality of passages that each encompass a straight
line that extends between the two volumes of air.
[0017] This invention features a return air pressure relief vent
including a baffle structure having two ports. The baffle structure
is disposed in a partition between two volumes of air where each of
the two ports confront each of the two volumes of air,
respectively. The baffle structure includes a plurality of
passages, each of the plurality of passages encompasses a straight
line extending between the two volumes of air. The plurality of
passages are structured and arranged to accommodate a pressure
balancing flow of air between the two volumes of air while
restricting the passage of sound and light.
[0018] In some embodiments the partition is a wall separating two
rooms or spaces within a building where each of the two rooms or
spaces includes one of the two volumes of air, respectively. In
some embodiments the return air pressure relief vent permits 200
cubic feet per minute of air passage while limiting the pressure
difference between the two volumes of air to be less than 2.5
Pascal's.
[0019] In some embodiments, the return air pressure relief vent
includes a frame configured to attach the plurality of passages to
the partition. Optionally the frame includes an exterior surface
extending between the two ports and the two volumes of air. The
exterior surface can include one or more rectangular and flat
surfaces or alternatively can include one or more curved
surfaces.
[0020] In some embodiments the exterior surface of the frame
includes two sections which are sized to slide (telescope) into one
another to adjust the width dimension of the frame. Optionally the
frame can include a grill or a screen covering at least one of the
two ports. Also, the grill can include a baffle member and the
baffle member can optionally include a plurality of louvers.In the
preferred embodiment the baffle includes passages that are provided
by a honeycomb structure and a frame that is made of sheet metal.
Preferably, the honeycomb structure is made from cardboard and the
frame is made from sheet metal to reduce the cost of manufacture of
each return air pressure relief vent.
[0021] In some embodiments the plurality of passages have a
cross-sections of circular shape. In other embodiments the
plurality of passages have cross-sections of rectangular shape.
Alternatively, the plurality of passages can have cross sections
with a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
[0022] In some embodiments the passages are parallel to each other.
In other embodiments the passages are not all parallel to each
other. Optionally, the passages are perpendicular to a plane
defined by the exterior surfaces of the partition. Alternatively,
the passages are not perpendicular to a plane defined by the
exterior surfaces of the partition.
[0023] In some embodiments the plurality of passages each have a
cross-section that varies in size or shape along a center line of
the passage extending between both volumes of air. In some
embodiments the plurality of passages each have a cross-section not
equal to the size and shape of the cross-sections of the other
passages.
[0024] In some embodiments, the plurality of passages have a
centerline and an interior wall that are straight and parallel to
each other. In other embodiments, the plurality of passages have a
centerline and an interior wall that are not parallel to each
other. In some embodiments the passages have a center line or an
interior wall that is straight. In other embodiments, the plurality
of passages have a centerline and an interior wall that is not
straight.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Other objects, features and advantages will occur to those
skilled in the art from the following description of a preferred
embodiment and the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a top-down view of a partition separating two
volumes of air.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the baffle
structure comprising a port and a plurality of passages having
hexagonal cross-sections as disposed within a partition according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 3A is a side view of an embodiment of the baffle
structure comprising a plurality of passages having hexagonal
cross-sections that are disposed within a frame having a
rectangular exterior surface.
[0029] FIG. 3B is a side view of an embodiment of the baffle
structure comprising a plurality of passages having hexagonal
cross-sections that are disposed within a frame having a curved
exterior surface.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the baffle
structure comprising a port, a frame and a grill according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the frame
comprising two telescoping portions that are each attached to a
separate grill.
[0032] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment
of the frame attached to a screen.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a side view of paths of air flow through an
embodiment of the baffle structure having passages that are
perpendicular to a plane defined by the partition.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a side view of the paths of air flow through an
embodiment of the baffle structure having passages that are not
perpendicular to a plane formed by the partition.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a side view of the paths of air flow through an
embodiment of the baffle structure having passages that are also
not perpendicular to a plane formed by the partition.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a side view of the paths of air flow through an
embodiment of the baffle structure having passages that are not
parallel to each other.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of the baffle
structure comprising a port and a plurality of passages having
circular cross-sections as disposed within a partition according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of the baffle
structure comprising a port and a plurality of passages having
rectangular cross-sections as disposed within a partition according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 11 is a side view of an embodiment of the baffle
structure comprising a plurality of passages that each have a
straight center line, a straight interior wall and a cross-section
that varies in size along each center line.
[0040] FIG. 12 is a side view of an embodiment of the baffle
structure comprising a plurality of passages that each have a
curved center line and a curved interior wall that are parallel to
each other.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0041] Aside from the preferred embodiment or embodiments disclosed
below, this invention is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced or being carried out in various ways. Thus, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to
the details of construction and the arrangements of components set
forth in the following description or illustrated in the
drawings.
[0042] Partition 110 (FIG. 1) separates volume A of air 120 from
volume B of air 130. Volumes of air A 120 and B 130 can each
represent a room or space within a building separated by the
partition 110 representing a wall within the same building.
[0043] For reference, the X and Y axes are directed parallel to the
partition, and the Z-axis is directed perpendicular to the
partition. The Y-axis is directed parallel to the top to bottom
viewing perspective while the X axis is directed perpendicular to
the Y.
[0044] The baffle structure 240 (FIG. 2) is disposed within
partition 110 between two volumes of air 120, 130. The baffle
structure 240 comprises a plurality of passages that each
encompasses a straight line that extends between the two volumes of
air 120, 130 (See FIG. 5).
[0045] Each of the plurality of passages within baffle structure
240 has two opposite and open ends. The ends of the passages on one
side of partition 110 as shown in FIG. 2 comprise port A 242 of
baffle structure 240. The ends of the passages on the opposite side
of partition 110 that are not directly shown in FIG. 2 comprise
port B 242B of baffle structure 240.
[0046] In this embodiment, the plurality of passages are formed by
a honeycomb structure. Each passage has a hexagonal cross-section
at each end and along the interior wall extending between each end
and the two volumes of air 120, 130. The interior wall of each
passage extends along a straight line between each end and between
the two volumes of air 120, 130. The shape and the size of the
cross-section of each passage at each end is the same (constant)
for each of the plurality of passages. The shape and the size of
the cross-section of each passage does not vary along the interior
wall of the passage extending between each end and between the two
volumes of air 120, 130.
[0047] For other embodiments, other structures can be used to form
these passages. Also, the shape or size of the cross-section of
each passage at each end can vary between each of the plurality of
passages. Furthermore, the shape or the size of the cross-section
of each passage can vary along the interior wall of the passage
extending between each end and between the two volumes of air 120,
130.
[0048] Each cross-section of each passage as measured at each end
or as measured along the interior wall between each end of each
passage, has a center point. The plurality of center points of the
cross-sections of each passage as measured along the interior wall
between each end forms a center line of each passage. In this
embodiment, the center line of each passage is straight and
parallel to its interior wall. In other embodiments, the center
line may or may not be straight and may or may not be parallel to
the interior wall of each passage.
[0049] The plurality of passages within baffle structure 240 are
structured and arranged to accommodate air flow and to
simultaneously restrict the passage of sound and light between the
two volumes of air 120 and 130. Air flow through the baffle
structure 240 enables any difference in air pressure between the
two volumes of air 120 and 130 to equalize (balance).
[0050] This embodiment can be used as a vent between two rooms
and/or spaces within a building to allow air to pass between one
room or space and another room or space while restricting the
passage of light and sound between those rooms and/or spaces. In
this embodiment, each passage is shown to have a cross section that
is hexagonally shaped (six-sided) and uniformly sized. The
cross-section of each passage can be one of a variety of many
shapes or sizes.
[0051] A central air system typically passes 50 to 200 cubic feet
of air per minute through an air supply duct into a room or space.
Generally, the larger the cross-sectional area of air passage
provided by the ports 242A, 242B of a baffle structure, the smaller
the pressure difference required between both ports 242A, 242B for
the baffle structure 240 to pass a particular amount of air flow
between volumes A 120 and B 130.
[0052] To limit pressure differences between two volumes of air
120, 130 to less than 2.5 Pascals while allowing 150 cubic feet per
minute of air passage through the baffle structure 240, the
cross-sectional area of air passage of the baffle structure 240
should approximate at least 140 square inches. For example, the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2 with a twelve inch by twelve inch
cross-section for each port 242A, 242B would allow 150 cubic feet
per minute of air to pass through the baffle structure while
limiting the pressure difference between each port 242A, 242B to
less than 2.5 Pascals.
[0053] The frame 246 (FIG. 3A) encloses the plurality of passages
and enables the baffle structure 240 to be properly fitted and
aligned into an opening within a partition 110. The partition 110
can be an interior wall of a building. Port B 242B is not directly
shown from this perspective.
[0054] Frame 246 is preferably made of sheet metal or plastic
material. There is no requirement that the frame function as a
structural member of the partition 110. Frame 246 preferably has
two lips 248a and 248b each having an outer surface that are each
parallel to a proximate outer surface of the partition 110. The
distance between frame lips 248a and 248b is preferably equal to
the width dimension (parallel to the Z axis) of the partition 110
to enable a snug and flush fit between the frame 246 and the
partition 110. In some embodiments, the distance between the lips
248a and 248b is adjustable as shown in FIG. 5.
[0055] Preferably, to limit the cost of each installation, the
frame 246 is constructed from sheet metal and the plurality of
passages are constructed from cardboard. Many other materials can
be used to construct either the frame and/or the plurality of
passages.
[0056] The embodiment of a frame 246 having a curved exterior
surface 252 (FIG. 3B) encloses the plurality of passages and
enables the baffle structure 240 to be properly fitted and aligned
into an opening within a partition 110. The partition 110 can be an
interior wall of a building. Port B 242B is not directly shown from
this perspective.
[0057] The grill 250 (FIG. 4) functions as a decorative cover to
the baffle structure 240. Grill 250 encloses port A 242 while
allowing the passage of air flow. Port B 242B is not directly shown
from this perspective. Optionally, grill 250 can have a plurality
of louvers that redirect airflow traveling through baffle structure
240.
[0058] An embodiment of the frame 246 comprises two telescoping
exterior surfaces 252A, 252B (FIG. 4.A) that each have separate
lips 248A, 248B respectively, and that optionally attach to a
separate grill 250A, 250B. Exterior surface 252B of the frame 246
is manufactured to have a slightly larger exterior perimeter than
that of the exterior surface 252A of the frame 246. Exterior
surface 252B is designed to fit outside of and slide over exterior
surface 252A to enable the width dimension (parallel to the Z axis)
of the frame 246 to be adjustable.
[0059] Optionally, the frame 246 (FIG. 4A) can include portions
which are sized to slide (telescope) into one another to adjust the
width dimension (Z dimension, FIG. 1) of the frame 246. The width
dimension of the frame 246 can be adjusted to the width dimension
of the partition 110. As shown this embodiment, the frame 246 can
optionally include grills 250A and 250B that are disposed on
opposite sides of the partition 110 (not shown).
[0060] An embodiment of the baffle structure comprises a frame 246
and a screen 254 (FIG. 4B). The screen 254 filters particulate
matter from the air flowing through the baffle structure 246. As
shown, the screen 254 covers port A 242 of the baffle structure and
partially covers lip 248a of the frame 246. Optionally, the screen
can partially cover or entirely cover the lip 248a of the frame
246. The screen 254 can be manufactured from a variety of materials
(typically metal or plastic) that filter particulate matter located
within the air. Optionally the screen 254 can be further covered by
a grill 250 to effect an appearance shown in FIG. 4.
[0061] Air flows through the plurality of passages of the baffle
structure 240 (FIG. 5). In this embodiment, the plurality of
passages are directed straight and parallel to each other. Each
passage encompasses a straight line 580A, 580B, 580C extending
between the two volumes of air 120, 130. The center line 590A,
590B, 590C and the interior wall 570A, 570B, 570C, 570D of each
passage is straight and parallel to each other and parallel to the
center line 590A, 590B, 590C and interior walls 570A, 570B, 570C,
570D of the other passages. The center line 590A, 590B, 590C and
interior wall 570A, 570B, 570C, 570D of each passage are directed
along straight lines that are perpendicular to the plane that is
parallel to the opposing surfaces of the partition 110.
[0062] Preferably, the plurality of passages are formed by a
honeycomb structure like that shown in FIG. 2. Straight and
parallel passages, such as those formed by a honeycomb structure,
provide low resistance to air flow and provide an added benefit of
reducing the air turbulance of air flow exiting the baffle
structure 240 relative to that of the air flow entering the baffle
structure 240.
[0063] In some embodiments (FIGS. 6 and 7), the plurality of
passages are directed straight and parallel to each other and along
straight lines that are not perpendicular to a plane that is
parallel to the opposing surfaces of the partition 110. Each
passage encompasses a straight line (not shown) extending between
the two volumes of air 120, 130 (FIGS. 1 and 5).
[0064] These embodiments can be used to direct air exiting from the
baffle structure 240 in the upward or downward direction as
desired. The port 242A, 242B from which air is desired to enter the
baffle structure 240 is placed on the side of the partition 110
having an air supply duct and/or not having an air return duct. The
port from which air is desired to exit the baffle structure 240 is
placed on the side of the partition 110 having the lower air
pressure during the operation of the central air system.
[0065] In some embodiments (FIG. 8), the plurality of passages are
directed between ports 242A, 242B along straight lines that are not
parallel to each other and that are not necessarily perpendicular
to a plane that is parallel to the opposing surfaces of the
partition 110. Each passage encompasses a straight line (not shown)
extending between the two volumes of air 120, 130.
[0066] In some embodiments, the passages of the baffle structure
240 (FIG. 9) have circular cross-sections. Each passage encompasses
a straight line (not shown) extending between the two volumes of
air 120, 130. The plurality of passages shown function in the same
manner as the plurality of the passages shown in FIG. 2. The
cross-sectional surface area of the openings of the passages should
preferably be greater than 90% of the total cross-sectional area
comprising the openings of the passages and the material forming
the walls of the passages.
[0067] In some embodiments, the passages of the baffle structure
240 (FIG. 10) have rectangular cross-sections. Each passage
encompasses a straight line 580A, 580B, 580C extending between the
two volumes of air 120, 130. The plurality of passages shown
function in the same manner as the plurality of the passages shown
in FIG. 2.
[0068] In some embodiments, the passages of the baffle structure
240 (FIG. 11) each comprises a plurality of passages that each have
cross-sections that vary in size along a its center line extending
between ports 242A and 242B and volumes of air 120, 130. Each
passage encompasses a straight line (not shown) extending between
the two volumes of air 120, 130. The center point of each
cross-section of the passage between its two ends forms a straight
center line between port A 242A and port B 242B and the volumes of
air 120, 130. The plurality of passages shown function in the same
manner as the plurality of the passages shown in FIG. 2.
[0069] Preferably, the baffle structure 240 is oriented so that
port A 242A is the port from which air is likely to exit.
Preferably, port A is placed on the side of the partition 110
having lower air pressure during the operation of the central air
system. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of passages of
the baffle structure 240 (FIG. 12) has a center line 1290 and an
interior wall 1270 that is not straight. Each of the plurality of
passages encompasses a straight line 1280 extending between both
ports 242A, 242B and the two volumes of air 120, 130. The center
point of each cross-section of the passage along its interior wall
1270 extending between its two ends forms a center line 1280 that
is curved and not straight.
[0070] The embodiments of the return air pressure relief vent
described are designed to permit a sufficient flow of air (150
cubic feet per minute) between two rooms or spaces to accommodate
return air flow for a central air system while limiting the air
pressure difference between the two rooms or spaces to be less than
2.5 Pascals. Furthermore, these embodiments are designed to
restrict the passage of sound and light between the two rooms or
spaces.
[0071] Although specific features of the invention are shown in
some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only as
each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features
in accordance with the invention. The words "including",
"comprising", "having", and "with" as used herein are to be
interpreted broadly and comprehensively and are not limited to any
physical interconnection. Moreover, any embodiments disclosed in
the subject application are not to be taken as the only possible
embodiments.
[0072] Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and
are within the following claims:
* * * * *