U.S. patent application number 11/487268 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-17 for damper assembly for air handling system.
Invention is credited to John H. Edmisten.
Application Number | 20080014859 11/487268 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38949845 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080014859 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Edmisten; John H. |
January 17, 2008 |
Damper assembly for air handling system
Abstract
A damper assembly and method is provided for readily installing
the damper assembly into an air duct of an existing air handling
system to regulate air flow through the air duct. The damper
assembly includes a mounting plate and a damper plate movably
attached to the mounting plate. The mounting plate may include
plurality of spaced apart through holes adjacent one end for
securing the mounting plate to the air duct with a fastener. The
damper assembly further includes means for movably attaching the
damper plate to the mounting plate and means for adjusting the
position of the damper plate within the air duct. The damper
assembly is inserted into the outlet end of the air duct and the
mounting plate is mounted with the damper plate positioned within
the air duct. The position of the damper plate is adjusted to
provide the desired air flow through the air duct.
Inventors: |
Edmisten; John H.; (Boone,
NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTOPHER C. DREMANN, P.C.
18 MALLARD COURT
GRANITE FALLS
NC
28630
US
|
Family ID: |
38949845 |
Appl. No.: |
11/487268 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/290 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 13/084 20130101;
F24F 13/1486 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/290 |
International
Class: |
F24F 13/08 20060101
F24F013/08 |
Claims
1. A damper assembly for regulating air flow through an air duct,
the damper assembly comprising: a mounting plate for mounting the
damper assembly to the air duct; and a damper plate movably
attached to the mounting plate; wherein the mounting plate is
inserted into the air duct and mounted adjacent an outlet end of
the air duct.
2. The damper assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mounting
plate comprises a hook at one end for engaging the air duct.
3. The damper assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mounting
plate has at least one through hole for receiving a fastener to
secure the mounting plate to the air duct.
4. The damper assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mounting
plate has a plurality of spaced apart through holes, at least one
of the through holes receiving a fastener to secure the mounting
plate to the air duct.
5. The damper assembly according to claim 1, further comprising
means for adjusting the position of the damper plate within the air
duct.
6. The damper assembly according to claim 5, wherein the means for
adjusting the position of the damper plate comprises a bracket
attached to the damper plate and wherein the bracket comprises a
flange portion extending outwardly from the damper plate.
7. The damper assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mounting
plate is relatively thin and has an elongate, generally rectangular
shape and wherein the damper plate is relatively thin and has a
generally circular shape.
8. The damper assembly according to claim 1, further comprising
means for movably attaching the damper plate to the mounting
plate.
9. The damper assembly according to claim 7, wherein the means for
movably attaching the damper plate to the mounting plate comprises
a first mounting bracket attached to the damper plate and a second
mounting bracket attached to the mounting plate and wherein each of
the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket has a
pair of openings for receiving fasteners.
10. The damper assembly according to claim 9, wherein the fasteners
comprise an externally threaded bolt, and internally threaded nut
and a wave washer.
11. A damper assembly comprising: a mounting plate adapted for
mounting adjacent an outlet end of the air duct; a damper plate
movably attached to the mounting plate; means for movably attaching
the damper plate to the mounting plate; and means for adjusting the
position of the damper plate within the air duct.
12. The damper assembly according to claim 11, wherein the mounting
plate is inserted into the outlet end of the air duct to install
the damper assembly into an air duct of an existing air handling
system.
13. The damper assembly according to claim 11, wherein the means
for movably attaching the damper plate to the mounting plate
comprises a first mounting bracket attached to the damper plate and
a second mounting bracket attached to the mounting plate and
wherein each of the first mounting bracket and the second mounting
bracket has a pair of openings for receiving fasteners.
14. The damper assembly according to claim 13, wherein the
fasteners comprise an externally threaded bolt, and internally
threaded nut and a wave washer.
15. The damper assembly according to claim 11, wherein the means
for adjusting the position of the damper plate comprises a bracket
attached to the damper plate and wherein the bracket comprises a
flange portion extending outwardly from the damper plate.
16. A method of installing a damper assembly into an air duct of an
existing air handling system, the method comprising: providing a
damper assembly comprising a mounting plate and a damper plate
movably attached to the mounting plate; inserting the damper
assembly into an outlet end of the air duct; and mounting the
mounting plate to the air duct adjacent the outlet end.
17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising providing
means for movably attaching the damper plate to the mounting
plate.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the means for movably
mounting the damper plate to the mounting plate comprises a first
mounting bracket attached to the damper plate and a second mounting
bracket attached to the mounting plate, and wherein each of the
first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket has a pair
of openings for receiving fasteners.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the fasteners
comprise an externally threaded bolt, and internally threaded nut
and a wave washer.
20. The method according to claim 16, further comprising providing
means for adjusting the position of the damper plate within the air
duct, the means for adjusting the damper plate comprising a bracket
attached to the damper plate, the bracket comprising a flange
portion extending outwardly from the damper plate.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a damper assembly
for an air handling system. More particularly, the present
invention is a damper assembly configured to be readily installed
within an air duct of an existing air handling system and operable
for regulating air flow through the air duct.
[0003] 2. Technical Background
[0004] Conventional air handling systems, such as heating,
ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, include a central
air plenum and a plurality of air ducts extending outwardly from
the central air plenum to distribute air flow into a large open
area, or into different rooms in a home or building. At the time of
installation, a damper assembly may be provided in each air duct to
adjust the air flow through the air duct. In a typical
installation, the damper assembly is positioned in the air duct
adjacent the central air plenum and manually adjusted by an
external handle or lever. However, access to the various damper
assemblies to change the air flow distribution throughout the
system is often restricted. Alternatively, each air duct may
terminate away from the central air plenum in a grate having
movable shutters, commonly referred to as an "air diffuser." An air
diffuser, however, cannot effectively handle a high flow rate
without making a whistling noise when moved to a closed
position.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,615 issued to Edmisten discloses an air
handling system having a central air plenum and a plurality of air
ducts. Each air duct is provided with a damper assembly positioned
in the air duct away from the central air plenum and adjacent the
outlet end of the air duct. The damper assembly includes a damper
plate pivotally mounted within the air duct about a pivot axis such
that the damper plate can be adjusted between a closed position
substantially transverse to the air duct and an opened position
substantially parallel to the air duct. The damper assembly is
positioned within the air duct at a location accessible from the
outlet end so that a person may manually pivot the damper plate to
regulate the air flow through the air duct. The damper assembly is
configured to be positioned within an air duct at the time the air
handling system is installed and is operable for regulating air
flow through the air duct. However, the damper assembly of the '615
patent cannot be installed within an air duct of an existing air
handling system without dismantling and subsequently reconstructing
the air duct and surrounding infrastructure. In particular, no
means is provided for readily installing the damper assembly in an
existing air handling system.
[0006] Accordingly, what is needed is a damper assembly configured
to be readily installed within an air duct of an existing air
handling system and operable for regulating air flow through the
air duct. More particularly, a damper assembly is needed for an air
handling system having at least one air duct where air flow
adjustments are necessary and there is no means of readily
installing a conventional damper assembly for regulating air flow
through the air duct. A damper assembly according to the present
invention satisfies this need, among others, while providing a
method of readily retrofitting an existing air handling system
having at least one air duct to include a damper assembly
positioned within the air duct and operable for regulating air flow
through the air duct.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one aspect, the invention provides a damper assembly for
regulating air flow through an air duct. The damper assembly
includes a mounting plate for mounting the damper assembly to the
air duct and a damper plate movably attached to the mounting plate.
The mounting plate is inserted into the air duct and mounted
adjacent an outlet end of the air duct. The mounting plate may be
provided with a hook at one end for engaging the air duct, and more
particularly, a boot collar disposed between the air duct and a
boot. The mounting plate may also be provided with at least one
through hole for receiving a fastener to secure the mounting plate
to the air duct. More preferably, the mounting plate has a
plurality of spaced apart through holes, at least one of the
through holes receiving a fastener to secure the mounting plate to
the air duct. The damper assembly further includes means for
movably attaching the damper plate to the mounting plate and means
for adjusting the position of the damper plate within the air duct.
In a preferred embodiment, the mounting plate is relatively thin
and has an elongate, generally rectangular shape and the damper
plate is relatively thin and has a generally circular shape.
[0008] In another aspect, the present invention provides a damper
assembly including a mounting plate adapted for mounting adjacent
an outlet end of the air duct, a damper plate movably attached to
the mounting plate, means for movably attaching the damper plate to
the mounting plate and means for adjusting the position of the
damper plate within the air duct. The mounting plate is inserted
into the outlet end of the air duct to install the damper assembly
into an air duct of an existing air handling system. The means for
movably attaching the damper plate to the mounting plate preferably
includes a first mounting bracket attached to the damper plate and
a second mounting bracket attached to the mounting plate by a pair
of fasteners. Each fastener preferably consists of an externally
threaded bolt, and internally threaded nut and a wave washer such
that the first mounting bracket of the damper plate is attached to
the second mounting bracket of the mounting plate with sufficient
resistance to maintain the damper plate in a desired position
within the air duct against forces generated by air flow through
the air duct, while at the same time permitting the position of the
damper plate to be adjusted without requiring the damper assembly
to be disassembled. The means for adjusting the position of the
damper plate preferably includes a bracket attached to the damper
plate and having a flange portion extending outwardly from the
damper plate.
[0009] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a
method of installing a damper assembly into an air duct of an
existing air handling system. The method includes providing a
damper assembly having a mounting plate and a damper plate movably
attached to the mounting plate. The damper assembly is inserted
into an outlet end of the air duct and the mounting plate is
mounted to the air duct adjacent the outlet end. The method may
further include providing means for movably attaching the damper
plate to the mounting plate. The means for movably mounting the
damper plate to the mounting plate preferably includes a first
mounting bracket attached to the damper plate and a second mounting
bracket attached to the mounting plate by a pair of fasteners. The
fasteners preferably consist of an externally threaded bolt, and
internally threaded nut and a wave washer such that the first
mounting bracket of the damper plate is attached to the second
mounting bracket of the mounting plate with sufficient resistance
to maintain the damper plate in a desired position within the air
duct against forces generated by air flow through the air duct,
while at the same time permitting the position of the damper plate
to be adjusted without requiring the damper assembly to be
disassembled. The method may further include providing means for
adjusting the position of the damper plate within the air duct. The
means for adjusting the damper plate preferably includes a bracket
attached to the damper plate and having a flange portion extending
outwardly from the damper plate.
[0010] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the following detailed description, and in part will
be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that
description or recognized by practicing the invention as described
herein, including the accompanying drawings and the appended
claims.
[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description present
exemplary embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide
an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character
of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are
included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and
are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification.
The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention, and
together with the detailed description, serve to explain the
principles and operations thereof
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment
of a damper assembly according to the present invention prior to
being installed into an air duct of an existing air handling
system.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the damper assembly of
FIG. 1 installed within the air duct with the damper plate in a
fully opened position.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the damper assembly of
FIG. 1 installed within the air duct with the damper plate in a
fully closed position.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a means for
adjusting the position of the damper plate within the air duct.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing a preferred embodiment of
a damper assembly according to the present invention in greater
detail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Reference will now be made in greater detail to presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the
same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts. An exemplary and preferred
embodiment of a damper assembly 20 according to the invention is
shown in FIG. 1 with the damper assembly outside an air duct 10 of
an existing air handling system prior to installing the damper
assembly into the air duct. As used herein, "existing air handling
system" refers to an air handling system such as a commonly used
heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system, that is
already (i.e., previously) installed and in which air flow
adjustments are needed, but for which there is no means of readily
installing a conventional damper assembly for regulating air flow
through an air duct. Accordingly, the present invention provides a
method for readily retrofitting an existing air handling system
having at least one air duct to include a damper assembly
positioned within the air duct and operable for regulating air flow
through the air duct.
[0018] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 1-3, the air duct 10
extends outwardly from a central air plenum (not shown) of the
previously installed air handling system into a large open area, or
into a room of a home or building. The air duct 10 terminates in an
outlet end typically comprising a boot 12 and a boot collar 14 for
joining the boot to the outlet end of the air duct. As shown
herein, the air duct 10 transitions from a generally circular
cross-section at the outlet end of the air duct to a generally
rectangular cross-section at the outlet end of the boot 12. The
outlet end of the boot 12 typically extends through an opening
formed in a floor or wall 15 of the room such that air flow through
the air duct 10 is delivered to the room. The outlet end of the
boot 12 is rectangular shaped in order to receive a conventional
grate have movable shutters, as will be described in greater detail
below. However, the outlet end of the air duct 10 and/or boot 12
may have any desired cross-sectional shape, for example circular,
square, rectangular, elliptical, etc. The present invention is not
limited by the specific size, shape and location of the outlet end
of the air duct 10. The only requirement is that the outlet end of
the air duct 10 is accessible from the interior of the room and
that the damper assembly 20 is suitably sized and shaped to be
inserted into the outlet end of the air duct from the room and
conforms to the interior geometry of the air duct.
[0019] Referring now specifically to FIG. 1, the damper assembly 20
comprises a damper plate 22 and a mounting plate 24. The damper
plate 22 is movably attached to the mounting plate 24. As shown and
described herein, the damper plate 22 is relatively thin and
generally circular in shape, while the mounting plate 24 is
relatively thin, elongate and generally rectangular in shape. The
damper plate 22 and the mounting plate 24 may be made of any
suitable material, such as plastic, composite or metal. Preferably,
however, the damper plate 22 and the mounting plate 24 are made of
the same lightweight and formable metal, such as aluminum. In
particular, the mounting plate 24 should be substantially rigid,
but at the same time capable of being formed to match the contour
of the boot 12, as will be described. The damper plate 22, on the
other hand, must be rigid enough to withstand forces generated by
air flow through the air duct 10 without buckling or deforming
appreciably. In practice, the geometric properties of the damper
plate 22 and the mounting plate 24 contribute to their desired
degree of stiffness. The damper plate 22 may be movably attached to
the mounting plate 24 at any location such that the damper plate
engages the outlet end of air duct 10 to regulate air flow through
the air dust, as will be described in greater detail below. As
shown, the damper plate 22 is movably attached to the mounting
plate 24 at one end. However, the damper plate 22 may be movably
attached to the mounting plate 24 at a medial location between the
opposite ends of the mounting plate. The mounting plate 24 may also
be provided with one or more through holes 26 adjacent the end
opposite the damper plate 22, for a purpose to be described.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the damper assembly 20
installed within the air duct 10 with the damper plate 22 in a
fully opened position. The damper assembly 20 is inserted into the
outlet end of the boot 12 from the interior of the room and
positioned with the damper plate 22 adjacent the outlet end of the
air duct 10. Typically, the damper assembly 20 is inserted into the
boot 12 until the end of the mounting plate 24 having the movably
attached damper plate 22 is positioned adjacent a lip 13 of the
boot collar 14 that meets the outlet end of the air duct 10. As
shown, the end of the mounting plate 24 is provided with a hook 25
or other suitable means for engaging the lip 13 of the boot collar
14. The hook 25 is particularly useful to secure the end of the
mounting plate 24 adjacent the damper plate 22 to the air duct 10
without special tools or equipment at a location within the air
duct that is not accessible for a conventional fastener, such as a
sheet metal screw. The mounting plate 24 is configured with
sufficient length such that the end of the mounting plate opposite
the damper plate 22 will typically extend outwardly from the outlet
end of the boot 12. The mounting plate 24 may be provided with a
series of spaced through holes 26 so that an appropriate one (or
more) of the through holes may be utilized to secure the mounting
plate to the interior of the boot 12 adjacent the outlet end with a
common fastener 27, such as a sheet metal screw. Alternatively, the
mounting plate 24 may be secured to the boot 12 by any other
suitable means, such as adhesive, or by one or more rivets in the
event sufficient access to the exterior of the boot 12 is
available. Any excess length of the mounting plate 24, indicated by
broken lines in FIG. 2, is removed (e.g. cut off) and discarded.
The structural arrangement of the damper assembly 20 and the method
of installing the damper assembly into the air duct 10 of an
existing air handling system described herein represent the best
mode of practicing the invention presently known to the inventor.
However, many other structural arrangements and installations are
possible and would be known or readily ascertained by one of
ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, any such structural
arrangements and/or installation methods are considered to fall
within the intended scope of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the damper assembly 20
installed within the air duct 10 with the damper plate 22 in a
fully closed position. As previously mentioned, the damper plate 22
is movably attached to the mounting plate 24. Any suitable means 30
for movably mounting the damper plate 22 to the mounting plate 24
may be employed. The means 30 for movably mounting the damper plate
22 provides sufficient resistance to maintain the damper plate in a
desired position within the air duct 10 against forces generated by
air flow through the air duct, while at the same time permitting
the position of the damper plate 22 to be adjusted without
requiring the damper assembly 20 to be disassembled. In particular,
the means 30 permits the damper plate 22 to be repositioned from
the room without loosening or detaching the damper plate from the
mounting plate 24. For example, a person may adjust the damper
plate 22 from the substantially opened position shown in FIG. 2 to
the substantially closed position shown in FIG. 3 to restrict air
flow into the room by reaching into the boot 12 and manipulating
the damper plate 22 by hand. Preferably, the damper plate 22 is
provided with a bracket 28 or other suitable structure that serves
as a means for grasping and manipulating the damper plate. As
shown, a generally L-shaped bracket 28 is fixed to the damper plate
22 by a fastener, rivet or adhesive, and has an opening 29 through
the flange portion extending outwardly from the damper plate in the
direction of the boot 12. However, any alternative means, for
example a handle, rod or chain, suitable for adjusting the position
of the damper plate 22 within the air duct may be utilized.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred means
for adjusting the position of the damper plate 22 within the air
duct 10 utilizing the bracket 28. The means illustrated in FIG. 4
is particularly useful when the outlet end of the boot 12 is
covered by a grate 16 having at least one, and preferably, a
plurality of movable shutters 17 for restricting air flow into the
room. The grate 16 and shutters 17 are commonly referred to as an
"air diffuser," indicated by phantom lines in FIG. 4. Without a
damper assembly 20 according to the present invention installed
within the air duct 10, a conventional air diffuser tends to make
an annoying whistling noise when the shutters 17 are moved to a
closed position due to the air flow being forced through the air
duct. With the damper assembly 20 installed, the force of the air
flow can be substantially reduced by the damper plate 22 before
reaching the air diffuser. Since the air diffuser is typically
secured to the boot 12 by a plurality of fasteners, such as sheet
metal screws, it is desirable to be able to adjust the position of
the damper plate 22 without removing the air diffuser to provide
sufficient access to manually manipulate the damper plate.
Accordingly, an elongate rod 18 may be provided with a generally
L-shaped end for engaging the opening 29 through the flange portion
of the bracket 28. The shutters 17 of the air diffuser are opened
and the rod 18, indicated by broken lines in FIG. 4, is inserted
into the boot 12 between adjacent shutters and hooked onto the
bracket 28 by threading the end of the rod through the opening 29.
The rod 18 is then manipulated to position the damper plate 22
within the air duct 10 to regulate the air flow through the air
duct. The rod 18 may be removed once the damper plate 22 is
positioned, or may remain engaged with the bracket 28 until the
shutters 17 need to be closed.
[0023] FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing a preferred embodiment of
a damper assembly according to the present invention in greater
detail. The damper plate 22 (including bracket 28) and the mounting
plate 24 are as previously described, and accordingly, will not be
described further with reference to FIG. 5. However, an exemplary
means 30 for movably mounting the damper plate 22 to the mounting
plate 24 is shown and will be described in greater detail. The
particular means 30 shown in FIG. 5 comprises a first mounting
bracket 32 and a second mounting bracket 34. The first mounting
bracket 32 is attached to the damper plate 22 and the second
mounting bracket 34 is attached to the mounting plate 34 in a
suitable manner, such as a fastener, rivet or adhesive. As shown,
the first mounting bracket 32 is secured to the damper plate 22 by
a pair of fasteners, while the second mounting bracket 34 is
secured to the mounting plate 34 by a pair of rivets. Regardless,
each mounting bracket 32, 34 has a pair of outwardly extending
flanges having openings 35 for receiving fasteners to movably
attach the damper plate 22 to the mounting plate 34. Each fastener
preferably comprises an externally threaded bolt 36, an internally
threaded nut 37 and a non-flat washer 38 between the bolt and nut
commercially known as a "wave washer." Such wave washers are known
and available from most commercial hardware suppliers. The wave
washer 38 provides a sufficient resistance force to maintain the
damper plate 22 in a desired position within the air duct 10
against forces generated by air flow through the air duct, while
permitting the position of the damper plate 22 to be adjusted as
previously described. Without utilizing the wave washer 38, the
damper plate 22 would necessarily be attached to the mounting plate
24 either too loosely to maintain the position of the damper plate
within the air duct 10, or to securely to permit the position of
the damper plate to be adjusted without disassembling the damper
assembly 20. Utilizing the wave washer 38 provides a desirable
degree of frictional resistance that is somewhat variable by
adjusting the tightness of the nut 37 on the bolt 36.
[0024] The embodiments described above provide numerous advantages
over any known damper assembly for regulating air flow through an
air duct of an air handling system. In particular, a damper
assembly according to the present invention may be readily
installed in an air duct of an existing air handling system when no
means of installing a conventional balancing damper is available.
Furthermore, the position of the damper plate of the damper
assembly can be easily adjusted to regulate air flow through the
air duct from a room without the use of tools. In an exemplary and
preferred embodiment, the damper plate is movably mounted to a
mounting plate utilizing a wave washer that provides a desired
degree of resistance. As a result, the position of the damper plate
can be easily adjusted through an air diffuser utilizing an
elongate rod without detaching the air diffuser from the boot of
the air duct.
[0025] Particular examples and preferred embodiments have been
shown and described herein for the purpose of explaining certain
features and advantages of the present invention. However, it will
be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications
and variations can be made to the present invention without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is
intended that the claims appended hereto cover any and all
modifications and variations of the invention that may be made by
one of ordinary skill in the art, provided they come within the
scope of the claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *