U.S. patent application number 11/487227 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-17 for method and apparatus for eliminating register boxes, improving penetration sealing, improving airflow and reducing the labor costs to install ceiling registers.
Invention is credited to George Dale Ezell, Lynn Byron Heitman.
Application Number | 20080014860 11/487227 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38949846 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080014860 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heitman; Lynn Byron ; et
al. |
January 17, 2008 |
Method and apparatus for eliminating register boxes, improving
penetration sealing, improving airflow and reducing the labor costs
to install ceiling registers
Abstract
A method and apparatus for eliminating register boxes, improving
penetration sealing, improving airflow and reducing the labor costs
to install ceiling registers is disclosed. A collar plate assembly
that interfaces with flexible or metal air ducts is provided with
at least one spring indentation ring in the collar portion of the
assembly to accept two or more locking springs. These locking
springs are used to attach the ceiling register to the collar plate
assembly. The collar plate assembly uses mounting rails that attach
the assembly to either ceiling or wall supports. After the ceiling
or wall material is applied, the circular area inside the collar is
cut-out to provide access. A trim ring is inserted in the cut-out
that attaches between the collar and the ceiling or wall to
eliminate air leakage and provide an essentially smooth flow of air
from the supply duct into the inside of the structure. After
ceiling or wall installation and surface preparation is completed,
the ceiling register is simply positioned over the register cut-out
and firmly inserted until it seals against the ceiling or wall
surface. The ceiling register is locked into place by the action of
its locking springs expanding into the collar indentation ring. No
ceiling register mounting hardware is required.
Inventors: |
Heitman; Lynn Byron;
(Parker, TX) ; Ezell; George Dale; (Granbury,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LYNN B. HEITMAN
PO BOX 941390
PLANO
TX
75094-1390
US
|
Family ID: |
38949846 |
Appl. No.: |
11/487227 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/310 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2221/14 20130101;
F24F 13/062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/310 |
International
Class: |
F24F 13/062 20060101
F24F013/062 |
Claims
1. A method for rapidly attaching ceiling registers, comprising the
steps of: providing a collar plate assembly with an interior
indentation ring that is positioned to accommodate specific ceiling
and surface coating thicknesses; positioning and attaching said
collar plate assembly between ceiling supports; connecting air duct
to said collar plate assembly; positioning and connecting outer
insulation of air duct to contact plate area of collar plate
assembly; installing ceiling by attaching to ceiling supports;
cutting an access hole in ceiling using the interior surface of
collar plate as a guide; finishing interior surface of ceiling; and
inserting ceiling register with integral locking springs into
opening of collar plate assembly until said springs lock into said
indentation ring.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the indentation ring is
semicircular in shape.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the indentation ring shape is
triangular in shape.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein discrete stepped indentation rings
are used to accommodate a variety of ceiling and surface coating
thicknesses.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the width of the indentation is
used to accommodate a wider variety of ceiling and surface coating
thicknesses.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the indentation ring is oriented
in an opposite direction toward the center of the opening.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the indentation ring serves a
secondary role as a stop for the tie wrap used to attach the air
duct to the collar plate.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the collar plate assembly is
captured using mounting rails that attach to the ceiling
supports.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the collar plate assembly is
attached directly to the ceiling supports using fasteners.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the plate portion of the collar
plate assembly is removed and the collar is attached to the ceiling
supports with mounting rails connected to the side of the
collar.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein flexible air duct is used.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein rigid metal air duct is used by
direct connection to the crimped portion of the collar plate
assembly.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the locking springs are made of
spring steel.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein the locking springs are made of
stainless steel.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein the locking springs are made of
beryllium copper.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein the locking springs are made of
plastic.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein the locking springs contain sharp
points of contact with the indentation ring to improve locking
resolution.
18. The method of claim 1 wherein more than two locking springs are
used.
19. The method of claim 1 wherein a trim ring with sealing compound
is installed between the collar and the inside surface of the
ceiling to provide an airtight passage into the interior space.
20. A method for rapidly attaching ceiling registers, comprising
the steps of: providing a conventional register box with an
interior indentation ring that is positioned to accommodate
specific ceiling and surface coating thicknesses; installing said
conventional register box by attaching between ceiling supports;
cutting an access hole in ceiling using the conventional register
box flange of said conventional register box as a guide; finishing
interior surface of ceiling; and inserting ceiling register with
integral locking springs into opening of said conventional register
box until said springs lock into said indentation ring.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein said interior indentation ring
is replaced with short indentation segments.
23. A system for rapidly attaching ceiling registers, comprising: a
collar plate assembly with an interior indentation ring that is
positioned to accommodate specific ceiling and surface coating
thicknesses; said collar plate assembly is mounted between ceiling
supports; an air duct and outer insulation of air duct in connected
to contact said collar plate assembly; the ceiling is installed by
attaching to the ceiling supports; an access hole in ceiling is cut
using the interior surface of collar plate as a guide; the interior
surface of ceiling is finished; and a ceiling register with
integral locking springs is inserted into opening of collar plate
assembly until said springs lock into said indentation ring.
24. The system of claim 23 wherein the shape of the indentation
ring is semicircular.
25. The system of claim 23 wherein shape of the indentation ring is
triangular.
26. The system of claim 23 wherein multiple indentations rings are
used to accommodate a variety of ceiling and surface coating
thicknesses.
27. The system of claim 23 wherein the width of the indentation
ring is used to accommodate a wider variety of ceiling and surface
coating thicknesses.
28. The system of claim 23 wherein the indentation ring is oriented
in an opposite direction toward the center of the opening.
29. The system of claim 23 wherein the indentation ring serves a
secondary role as a stop for the tie wrap used to attach the air
duct to the collar plate.
30. The system of claim 23 wherein the collar plate assembly is
captured using mounting rails that attach to the ceiling
supports.
31. The system of claim 23 wherein the collar plate assembly is
attached directly to the ceiling supports using fasteners.
32. The system of claim 23 wherein the plate portion of the collar
plate assembly is removed and the collar is attached to the ceiling
supports with mounting rails attached to the side of the
collar.
33. The system of claim 23 wherein flexible air duct is used.
34. The system of claim 23 wherein rigid metal air duct is used by
direct connection to the crimped portion of the collar plate
assembly.
35. The system of claim 23 wherein the locking springs are made of
spring steel.
36. The system of claim 23 wherein the locking springs are made of
stainless steel.
37. The system of claim 23 wherein the locking springs are made of
beryllium copper.
38. The system of claim 23 wherein the locking springs are made of
plastic.
39. The system of claim 23 wherein the locking springs contain
sharp points of contact with the indentation ring to improve
locking resolution.
40. The system of claim 23 wherein more than two locking springs
are used.
41. The system of claim 23 wherein a trim ring with sealing
compound is installed between the collar and the surface of the
ceiling to provide an airtight passage into the interior space.
42. A system for rapidly attaching ceiling registers, comprising: a
conventional register box with an interior indentation ring that is
positioned to accommodate specific ceiling and surface coating
thicknesses; said conventional register box is mounted between
ceiling supports; an access hole in ceiling is cut using the
conventional register box flange as a guide; the interior surface
of ceiling is finished; and a ceiling register with integral
locking springs is inserted into opening of said conventional
register box until said springs lock into said indentation
ring.
43. The system of claim 42 wherein said indentation ring is
replaced with short indentation segments.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention pertains in general to a method and
apparatus for eliminating heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) system register boxes, improving penetration
sealing, improving airflow and reducing the labor costs to install
ceiling registers in a structure, and more precisely, to a method
and apparatus for eliminating HVAC system register boxes, improving
penetration sealing, improving airflow and reducing the labor costs
to install ceiling registers in a structure using mechanical
methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Eliminating leakage in air ducts, register boxes, ceiling
registers, return plenum components and associated mechanical
parts, including penetrations of ceilings and walls, is a paramount
issue in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
industry. The importance is derived from the need to improve energy
efficiency. Unfortunately, the quest to seal the myriad of
mechanical joints in such systems have caused substantial increases
in labor and material costs. One manufacturer (M&M
Manufacturing Company, Fort Worth, Tex.) has produced a ceiling
register box (DucTite.RTM.) which is made of a single piece of
metal in an attempt to provide a substantially sealed unit.
Although such products do provide for reductions in leakage, their
added costs have proven to be a substantial barrier to widespread
use.
[0003] There is also some confusion about the roles of sealing. A
key goal is to stop leaks at their source using appropriate sealing
compounds or designs that eliminate leakage paths. These leakage
paths include every mechanical joint in the entire system as well
as the areas where register boxes penetrate ceilings and walls.
Local building codes generally provide for the incorporation of a
gasket or the application of an appropriate gasket material to
reduce leakage between the ceiling or wall and the ceiling register
flange. The area inside these register flanges is cut out of the
ceiling or wall material so that the edges of the register box can
protrude into the interior space. Such cuts are made from the blind
side of the ceiling or wall and they are made on the outside of the
register flanges. The circular cutting tools used to make these
cuts often leave debris in and around these flanges and provide a
convenient location for air leaks between the interior of the room
and the attic or wall space. An optimum shape for these ceiling and
wall penetrations is round rather than rectangular because the
cutting can proceed more quickly and there is no tendencies to cut
outside the desired path at corners. Since cutting is done from the
blind side of the ceiling or wall, control of the cutting path is
optimized if it can be done inside a round shape rather than
outside a rectangular shape. Whether the cut is round, square or
rectangular, there is still a significant issue about how to
provide a reliable seal between the ceiling or wall surface and the
air duct. A reliable mechanical joint is needed that secures the
ceiling or wall surface to the air duct.
[0004] Compounding these sealing issues is the need to properly
insulate all such components once they are sealed. In many cases
there is a mixture of round objects such as air ducts and square or
rectangular objects such as ceiling register boxes. The latter
require flat sheets of insulation material to be applied to the
outside or the inside of these boxes. These insulation materials
often cover up the mechanical joints and make it very difficult to
perform a proper inspection of the duct work system. Single story
register boxes are typically about five and a half inches tall,
which is close to the thickness of the insulation material
installed in an attic or wall. As such, the attic or wall
insulation offers little improved insulation for the single story
register box. Two story register boxes are typically about twice as
tall to allow the connection of collars on the sides of the boxes.
These boxes protrude completely out of the attic insulation and
offer an ever greater source of energy loss.
[0005] Many energy losses can be reduced by eliminating unnecessary
components and providing improved sealing methods. The widespread
use of mastic on all mechanical joints has reduced air leaks but it
is often used in unnecessary locations and in excessive amounts.
Very little progress has been made on this front in recent years.
There is a tendency in the industry to use cheaper foreign made
parts that are inferior in quality and minimum wage contract labor
to install such products. HVAC technicians are often relegated to
starting and trouble shooting new installations. Due to the high
volume of HVAC business, most decisions are based on costs rather
than quality. There is fierce competition in the new home
construction market and a real need to reduce all costs in order to
remain in business. Larger HVAC contractors that install systems in
national builder homes are resorting to the use of third party
companies that gather all necessary components together and provide
these as a complete installation kit. This process eliminates
unnecessary materials, reduces time wasted while looking for
forgotten parts and standardizes the products and methods used in
each home. Standardization of parts and methods can lead to reduced
energy losses if energy saving products are installed
correctly.
[0006] Prior art has paid very little attention to the need for
system components such as register boxes. There is a great tendency
to keep replicating what has been done in the past. For example,
recent improvements in the sealing and insulating of walls and
ceilings as well as the use of more energy efficient windows have
greatly reduced the need to position a ceiling register so that it
will throw air toward such purported heat loads. The need for a
register box has been derived from the need to provide an enclosure
for the ceiling register and the associated opposed blade damper
and to provide a collar for attaching a round air duct. The
physical sizes of register boxes are typically determined by the
size of the air duct that is used and the dimensions of the served
room. A typical size that is referred to as for example, an 8 by
14, indicates that an 8 inch diameter duct is supplying air to a
register box that is 14 inches long. This register box size would
accommodate a medium size room while 4 by 10 might be used in a
bathroom.
[0007] Rectangular or square ceiling registers attached to the ends
of round air ducts cause rapid variations in airflow velocity and
reduce the efficiency of air delivery throughout the structure.
Opposed blade dampers offer further impediments to efficient
airflow. All such discontinuities in the airflow path create
additional sources of noise in the affected rooms. Maintaining a
constant airway diameter from the supply plenum to the ceiling
register and providing an efficient valve seat to control the
airflow rate offers significant improvements in airflow efficiency
and noise reduction. Round valve seats work well with round air
ducts to further reduce velocity variations and related noise
sources. Where economics and architectural features make it
necessary to use a variety of round air ducts, it is still very
important to provide smooth transitions between diameters in order
to provide efficient airflow. The attention to such details offers
higher energy efficiency, reduced noise levels and improved
comfort.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises
a method and apparatus for eliminating register boxes, improving
ceiling and wall penetration sealing, and reducing the labor and
material costs to install ceiling registers. Basic system
components are a collar plate assembly that interfaces with
flexible or metal air ducts, at least one spring indentation ring
in the collar portion of the collar plate assembly to accept two or
more locking springs, at least two locking springs that attach to
the ceiling register that is to be mounted in the ceiling or wall,
mounting rails to attach the collar plate assembly to either
ceiling or wall supports, and a trim ring that attaches between the
collar and the ceiling or wall to eliminate air leakage and provide
an essentially smooth flow of air from the supply duct into the
inside environment of the structure. After ceiling or wall
installation and surface preparation including hole cut-outs,
texturing, and painting is completed, the ceiling register is
simply positioned over the register cut-out and firmly inserted
until it seals against the ceiling or wall surface and is
simultaneously locked into place by the action of its locking
springs expanding into the collar indentation ring. No mounting
hardware is required and installation is both quick and easy. The
preferred embodiment of the ceiling register is round, providing a
360 degree omnidirectional air flow pattern into the structure.
Other ceiling register shapes, including square and rectangular,
with differing outlet air flow patterns are within the scope of
this patent and are included in these specifications. Such
implementations do not in fact eliminate the need for a register
box, but they do require that the register box be augmented with
square or rectangular indentation rings which can also be only
short indentation segments that match the corresponding locations
of the locking springs. Ceiling registers include both automated
(motorized) and manual controls for adjusting the volume of exiting
air into the structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For a more complete understanding of the present invention
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in
which:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the system of
the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of indentation ring shapes;
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of spring shapes;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a pictorial illustration of the major ceiling and
wall penetration components; and
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates alternate ceiling register configurations
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a cross-sectional
view of a structure showing the system of the present invention,
which comprises a method and apparatus for lowering the installed
cost and improving the air flow performance of HVAC system ceiling
registers 14. Basic system components include an flexible air duct
1 that connects to the supply side of a conventional HVAC system.
The open end of flexible air duct 1 then slides over inlet collar 2
of collar plate assembly 3. Flexible air duct 1 is pulled past
indentation ring 4 and anchored firmly at the plate portion 5 of
collar plate assembly 3 using tie wrap 7 or other suitable fastener
devices. This positions the flexible air duct 1 flush with the
outer surface of the ceiling 6, producing continuous insulation of
the flexible air duct 1 down to the ceiling 6 interface. Rigid
metal air duct is applied by slipping it over the crimped portion 8
of collar 2 and attaching it with metal fasteners such as sheet
metal screws. The associated air duct insulation is attached in the
same manner that flexible duct insulation is attached. In all
cases, a suitable sealant such as mastik is applied to all joints
to satisfy local building code requirements. Additional insulation
protection around the ceiling register 14 is achieved when normal
attic or wall insulation 21 is installed or blown in to achieve
insulation R values which meet local building code requirements.
This provides a second layer of insulation around and on top of the
air duct insulation previously installed over the collar plate
assembly 3.
[0016] Collar plate assembly 3 is anchored to ceiling or wall
supports by mounting rails 10 which slide over the edge of plate
portion 5 and are attached to the supports at both ends by suitable
fasteners such as screws or nails. Ceiling 6 is then installed and
properly anchored to the ceiling or wall supports. Access holes 11
are cut through ceiling 6 at each collar plate assembly 3 using the
inside surface of collar 2 as a guide for a smooth access hole 11
cut-out. Trim ring 12 is inserted through the access hole 11 and
into the collar 2 of collar plate assembly 3 after suitable sealant
is applied. This provides a smooth air tight connection from
flexible air duct 1, through collar plate assembly 3 into the room
interior. Surface coating 13, typically texturing and painting, is
applied as required for appearance.
[0017] Ceiling register 14 is supplied with at least two locking
springs 17 which are manufactured using a material exhibiting good
spring characteristics. These locking springs 17 are attached to
the ceiling register 14 in a manner such that they extend outward
from the periphery of the ceiling register 14 and are compressed
when the ceiling register 14 is inserted through access hole 11 and
into the collar 2 of collar plate assembly 3. Once surface coating
13 of ceiling 6 is complete, ceiling registers 14 are inserted
through access hole 11 and into collar plate assembly 3 until
locking springs 17 expand outwardly into indentation ring 4 and
lock the ceiling register 14 into position. Indentation ring 4 is
positioned during manufacture so that proper locking occurs when
ceiling register 14 just makes contact with ceiling 6 interior
surface. Locking spring 17 is constructed with sharp-pointed teeth
to facilitate a tight grip as the contact point slides up into the
indentation ring 4. Indentation ring 4 is fabricated to allow the
locking spring 17 teeth to lock in over the range from the
beginning of the indentation ring 4 to its maximum depth point.
This allows proper locking of the ceiling register 14 with some
variations in ceiling 6 and surface coating 13 thicknesses.
[0018] Ceiling register 14 contains an air valve that can be
manually or electrically positioned (not illustrated) to allow any
desired room air flow 20 up to the maximum available 19 from the
attached flexible air duct 1. The Air valve is similar to a water
valve in function. It contains both a fixed seat 15 and movable
seat 16 which is rotated and positioned by threaded assembly 18.
They prevent any airflow 20 when the movable seat 16 is positioned
in the fully closed position or against the fixed seat 15. The
amount of airflow 20 that occurs when the air valve is open is
directly proportional to the distance between the fixed seat 15 and
the movable seat 16. Manually controlled and electrically
controlled (automated) air valves look identical once installed and
can be mixed in a given installation to produce the desired air
flow 20 into different zones of a structure.
[0019] Removal of ceiling register 14 from its locked position
within collar plate assembly 3 is facilitated by use of a removal
tool 22 which consists of a long rod with a handle and a right
angle hook at the end of the rod. The ceiling register is removed
by fully opening the valve and inserting removal tool 22 into the
valve opening at a position opposite one of the locking springs 17.
The removal tool hook is positioned behind the locking spring 17
and sufficient force is applied to compress locking spring 17
enough so that its teeth lose contact with indentation ring 4.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown in detail three
variations of the indentation ring 4 used with locking spring 17.
The left portion of FIG. 2 shows a semicircular indentation. It
provides a suitable locking range for the ceiling register of
approximately one half its diameter as indicated by the distance
between beginning point 23 and apex point 24. This is a commonly
available indentation ring. The disadvantages of the semicircular
indentation are that tt provides a limited locking range and all
gripping force is lost if the locking spring 17 contact point is
forced past the apex point 24. The center indentation ring shown in
FIG. 2 is a triangular indentation with linear slopes. It provides
a suitable lock range for the ceiling register over the linear
distance from point 25 to the apex at point 26. Maximum suitable
lock range is achieved in this design when the slope of the upper
segment, beginning at point 26 is made parallel to the slope of
compressed locking spring 17. Advantages of the triangular shaped
indentation ring are it provides a wider lock range and presents a
constant slope at the locking spring 17 contact point over the
whole lock range. The indentation ring shown on the right in FIG. 2
is a discrete stepped indentation. It provides small discrete steps
in the lock range. The advantage of the discrete stepped
indentation ring is it provides a much wider locking range between
beginning point 27 and ending point 28. The disadvantage is it
potentially more difficult and costly to manufacture since it must
be included in addition to conventional indentation ring 4 which is
required as a stop for tie wrap 7.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown four variations of
design for locking spring 17. The upper set of locking springs
designated 17L and 17R contain cut out slot 30 to allow mounting to
ceiling register 14 by simply sandwiching each between the edge of
the ceiling register board and the upper vertical post of fixed
valve seat 15 as shown in FIG. 1. Locking springs 17L and 17R are
identical except that the upper portion is bent in opposite
directions in the two views. This creates a right and left set of
locking springs. Teeth 29 are identical and made very sharp to
facilitate their biting into the contact points of indentation ring
4 when ceiling register 14 is properly mounted. When each locking
spring 17 is mounted, teeth 29 are spaced an equal distance from
the center line of ceiling register 14 to facilitate proper seating
of ceiling register 14 into collar plate assembly 3. The angle 33
between the straight vertical section and the upper bent section of
locking spring 17 is critical and must be within the range of 45
degrees or less when the ceiling register 14 is properly inserted
and installed into register collar 3. This will maintain an
adequate angle of attack at the contact points where teeth 29 on
locking spring 17 make contact with indentation ring 4 for secure
anchoring of the ceiling register 14.
[0022] The locking spring design shown in the lower left of FIG. 3
contains two mounting holes 31 for direct attachment along the
centerline of a conventional ceiling register using pop rivets,
screws or other fasteners. The function of teeth 29 are the same as
previously presented. Teeth 29 are spaced an equal distance apart
to keep the ceiling register in the center of the collar. The angle
of attack at the contact points where teeth 29 make contact with
indentation ring 4 should again be 45 degrees or less for proper
anchoring of the associated ceiling register.
[0023] The locking spring design shown in the lower right of FIG. 3
is another variation of the lower left design showing a single
rounded end 32 rather than two sharp teeth. It is easier and less
expensive to manufacture and can be used with appropriately
designed indentation rings.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 4, therein is shown a three dimensional
pictorial view of the ceiling or wall penetration components that
comprise the current invention. Rigid metal air duct 9 is shown as
an alternative to flexible air duct 1. The exploded view shows the
mechanical relationships between the primary components. The Collar
plate assembly 3 is captured between the mounting rails 10 which
are used to attach the combination assembly to the ceiling or wall
supports. The mounting rails 10 are typically 24 inches long to
accommodate typical support spacings of 16 inches to 24 inches. The
mounting rails 10 are completely flat on one surface to limit the
gap between the plate 5 and the ceiling 6. Installing the flat side
of the mounting rail 10 against the ceiling or wall limits the gap
to about one thickness of metal or about 0.025 inches. This
eliminates the potential problem with air gaps on cool metal
surfaces that can result in unwanted condensation. Even though cut
out 11 is controlled by the inner surface of collar 2, the actual
resulting hole is often jagged and uneven. Trim ring 12 combined
with a suitable sealant provides a rigid air-tight connection
between the interior room and the rigid metal air duct 9.
[0025] FIG. 5 shows some traditional ceiling register designs that
have been augmented with two or more locking springs 17 to allow
these registers to be used with the current invention. Round
ceiling register 34 is typically made of metal and has been in use
for many years. It typically contains three mounting holes that are
used with screws to hold the register to a ceiling or wall. These
holes have been eliminated since they are no longer needed. Round
ceiling register 34 is simply inserted into collar 2 with
indentation ring 4 properly positioned.
[0026] FIG. 5 also shows a conventional register box 36 that has
been augmented with a short indentation segments 38 that match the
corresponding locations of the locking springs 17 on rectangular
register 35. Conventional register box flange 37 is provided as a
ceiling or wall material cut-out guide where cutting is done on the
outside surface of the conventional register box flange 37 so that
the conventional register box flange 37 can protrude through the
ceiling or wall material. Conventional register box 36 may also
contain a rectangular indentation ring 4 instead of the short
indentation segments 38. Round ceiling register 34 can also be
inserted into a conventional square register box 36 that is
augmented with an indentation ring 4 or short indentation segments
38. Rectangular register 35 is available in a variety of materials
including steel, aluminum and plastic. These registers may be
augmented with two or more locking springs 17 to allow them to be
used in square or rectangular conventional register boxes 36 that
are augmented with an indentation ring 4 or short indentation
segments 38. Square registers may also be mounted using these
methods.
* * * * *