U.S. patent application number 12/143667 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-25 for ventilation exhaust fan.
Invention is credited to Peter Yeung.
Application Number | 20080318515 12/143667 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40134893 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080318515 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yeung; Peter |
December 25, 2008 |
VENTILATION EXHAUST FAN
Abstract
A ventilating exhaust fan has a housing having a top, four
sides, and an open bottom forming an air inlet. An exhaust outlet
is located in one of the sides. A motor is housed within the
housing and a fan is connected to the motor. The exhaust fan is
mountable within an opening in a surface. The sides of the housing
have a plurality of slots through which restraints can be inserted
in order to connect the housing to the surface.
Inventors: |
Yeung; Peter; (Burnaby,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NEXUS LAW GROUP LLP
1500 - 701 WEST GEORGIA STREET
VANCOUVER
BC
V7Y 1C6
CA
|
Family ID: |
40134893 |
Appl. No.: |
12/143667 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/354 ;
415/213.1; 454/343 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 7/007 20130101;
F24F 2007/001 20130101; F04D 29/4206 20130101; F04D 29/626
20130101; F24F 2013/205 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/354 ;
454/343; 415/213.1 |
International
Class: |
F24F 7/00 20060101
F24F007/00; F24F 7/007 20060101 F24F007/007; F04D 29/60 20060101
F04D029/60 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 20, 2007 |
CA |
2592546 |
Claims
1. A ventilation exhaust fan for mounting in an opening in a
surface, said ventilating exhaust fan comprising: a housing having
a top, four sides and an open bottom; a motor and a fan housed
within said housing, said fan being rotatable by said motor; an
exhaust outlet located in said housing; a plurality of openings in
said sides spaced above said bottom a distance corresponding to a
ceiling surface thickness; and a plurality of restraints, said
restraints being removably connectable to said housing through said
openings for mounting said housing to said surface.
2. The ventilation exhaust fan of claim 1 wherein said plurality of
openings are in the shape of an inverted "T".
3. The ventilation exhaust fan of claim 2 wherein said restraints
comprising pre-formed, flat, elongated "U"-shaped members having a
first portion insertable through any one of said plurality of
openings and a second portion perpendicular thereto.
4. The ventilation exhaust fan of claim 2 wherein said restraints
comprising pre-formed, flat, elongated "L" shaped members having a
first portion insertable through any one of said plurality of
openings and a second portion perpendicular thereto.
5. The ventilation exhaust fan of claim 2 wherein when said first
portion is inserted through one of said plurality of openings, said
second portion is releasably connected to a portion of said one of
said plurality of openings.
6. The ventilation exhaust fan of claim 1 further comprising a
flange extending perpendicularly outwards from each wall at said
bottom, said restraints coordinating with said flanges such that
when mounted to said surface, a portion of said surface is
sandwiched between a portion of said restraint and a portion of
said flange.
7. A housing for mounting in an opening in a surface and housing
components of a ventilation exhaust fan, including a motor and fan,
wherein said housing comprises: a top, four sides and a bottom, an
inlet opening being located in said bottom, and an exhaust outlet
being located in one of said top and four sides; a plurality of
openings located in said sides spaced above said bottom a distance
corresponding to a ceiling surface thickness; and a plurality of
restraints, said restraints being removably connectable to said
housing through said openings for mounting said housing to said
surface.
8. A method of mounting the ventilation exhaust fan housing of
claim 7 in an opening in a surface comprising: positioning the
housing in said opening such that said bottom is in abutment with
one side of said surface; inserting at least two of said plurality
of restraints through at least two of said plurality of openings
such that a portion of each of said restraints is in abutment with
a second opposite side of said surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ventilation
exhaust fans for use in removing air from a bathroom or other area
and venting it to an exterior location.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Ventilation exhaust fans are used to vent air from a given
room to an exterior location. They are typically used in bathrooms,
where saturated air from bath, shower and sink use can cause
condensation and related problems such as mold and mildew. By
venting this saturated air, the ventilation exhaust fan can limit
the amount of condensation formed. These ventilation fans are also
useful in removing stale air and odors that may be present in the
bathroom.
[0003] The ventilation fan is typically mounted in the ceiling
between the joists, and is therefore limited in size by the space
between the joists and between the ceiling and the floor above it.
An air inlet in the bottom of the ventilation fan draws air from
the room below into the fan. An exhaust duct is connected to an
exhaust outlet located on a side of the ventilation fan. The duct
directs air drawn into the air inlet of the ventilation fan from
the bathroom (or other room where the fan is placed) to a desired
location, typically outside.
[0004] The bathroom fans of the prior art typically have a square
casing having a top, bottom and sides, with a maximum width
corresponding to the distance between the joists. The bottom is
open, allowing the interior components to be fitted within the
casing and forming the air inlet. A blower housing is fitted within
the casing interior and a centrifugal fan, sometimes referred to as
a blower wheel, is fitted within the blower housing. A motor is
secured within the casing, and connects to the centrifugal fan,
such that when it is activated, the motor acts to rotate the
centrifugal fan. A venturi plate having an air inlet is then
connected to the casing. When rotated by the motor, the blower
wheel draws air in through the air inlet (aligned with the fan) and
forces it radially outwards and in the direction of rotation of the
wheel. Air being forced through the housing follows the rounded
contour of the side wall of the blower housing until it exits
through the exhaust outlet (located in the side wall).
[0005] The ventilation exhaust fan is normally mounted into
position during construction of a house prior to installation of
the ceiling drywall. Even at this time of relatively easy access,
the fans can be difficult to install, as the fan must be positioned
on the ceiling joist in such a manner that the drywall can be
installed in proper abutment with the fan.
[0006] In order to overcome this problem, U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,770
teaches a fan housing having two series of spaced view holes formed
in the back wall so that the installer can see the ceiling joist
during installation for proper positioning of the housing. In
addition, the housing has a pair of bend down tabs along the back
wall. The tabs are set in such a position that when placed in
abutment with the bottom of the ceiling joist, the correct spacing
will be provided for the drywall (of common thickness). However,
while the '770 patent makes it easier to install a ventilation fan
prior to putting the finishing drywall into place, it is of no use
when installing a replacement fan in an already finished
ceiling.
[0007] Replacing a fan, or installing a new fan through finished
ceiling dry wall is difficult to say the least. The installer is
forced to work through a hole in the drywall that is sized to
accommodate the fan housing. Depending on the positioning of the
hole in the drywall, the installer may have difficulty attaching
the housing to the ceiling joist. Working in a tight space makes
this all the more difficult.
[0008] It is therefore an object of an embodiment of the present
invention to provide a ventilation exhaust fan that can be easily
installed through finished drywall.
[0009] Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the
description that follows.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to the present invention there is provided a
ventilation exhaust fan for mounting in an opening in a surface.
The ventilation exhaust fan comprises a housing having a top, four
sides and an open bottom. A motor and a fan are housed within the
housing, the fan being rotatable by the motor. An exhaust outlet is
located in the housing. A plurality of openings are located in the
sides spaced above the bottom a distance corresponding to the
thickness of the surface having the opening. A plurality of
restraints are removably connectable to the housing through the
openings for mounting the housing to the surface.
[0011] According to the invention, the ventilating exhaust fan
housing described above is mountable in the opening in the surface
by first positioning the housing in the opening so that the bottom
is in abutment with one side of the surface and then inserting at
least two of the restraints through the openings so that a portion
of each of the restraints is in abutment with an opposite side of
the surface.
[0012] Other aspects of the invention will be appreciated by
reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment
and to the claims that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] These and other features of the invention will become more
apparent from the following description in which reference is made
to the appended drawings and wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of a ventilating exhaust fan;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fan housing shown in
FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a portion of a wall of the
housing shown in FIG. 2 taken at the line 3-3;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a portion of a wall of the
housing shown in FIG. 2 shown mounted to a portion of drywall using
the preferred embodiment of a clip;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a portion of a wall of the
housing shown in FIG. 2 shown mounted to a portion of drywall using
an alternative embodiment of a clip;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a portion of a wall of the
housing shown in FIG. 2 shown mounted to a portion of drywall using
a further alternative embodiment of a clip;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a ventilation exhaust fan housing;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a portion of a wall of the
housing shown in FIG. 7 shown mounted to a portion of drywall using
a further alternative embodiment of a clip; and
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the clip shown in FIG.
8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] The preferred embodiment of a ventilation exhaust fan 10 is
shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the ventilation exhaust fan 10
has a housing 12 having a top surface 14, four sides 16 and an open
bottom 18. The open bottom 18 is bordered by flanges 28 extending
outwards from each of the sides, substantially perpendicular
thereto. An exhaust outlet 14 is defined in one of the sides to
which outlet fitting 2 is attachable. Outlet fitting 2 connects to
an exhaust duct (not shown) for venting to an exterior
location.
[0024] A blower housing 26 is mountable within the interior of
housing 12. A motor 22 and a fan 24 are fitted within the blower
housing. A cover plate 8 attachable to the blower housing has an
inlet opening through which air is drawn in to the blower housing
when the fan is in operation. Motor 22 is connected to the fan, and
when it is activated, the motor acts to rotate the fan, thereby
acting to draw air through the air inlet opening into the blower
housing where it is then forced out the exhaust outlet 14 and
outlet fitting 2 to the exhaust duct to be vented to an exterior
location. A hinged door 4 allows air to flow out of the exhaust
outlet 14 through the outlet fitting to the exhaust duct while
preventing outside air from passing back through the blower housing
26 and into the room when the fan is shut off.
[0025] Electrical connection 7 is adapted for connection to a
source of electrical power and is contained within power box 5.
[0026] The ventilating exhaust fan 10 is adapted for easy
installation where a ceiling drywall or other surface is already in
place, either through an existing opening in the surface or a new
opening. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
housing has a plurality of openings 30 for connection to ceiling
drywall by way of restraints, such as clips 20 shown in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 4. As best viewed in FIG. 3, the opening 30 is preferably in
the form of an inverted "T" shaped slot having a vertical slot 32
and a horizontal slot 34. The horizontal slots 34 of openings 30
are positioned a suitable distance from the flanges 28 to
accommodate common ceiling surface thicknesses.
[0027] Clips 20 are formed of a solid material such as plastic or
metal with sufficient strength and rigidity to support the
ventilating exhaust fan on the ceiling drywall when installed in
the ceiling. Preferably, the clips 20 are elongated planar members
having a first portion 21 sized to fit through horizontal slot 34,
a second portion 23 substantially perpendicular to first portion
21, and a third portion 25 substantially parallel to first portion
21. Preferably first portion 21 terminates in an upwardly angled
portion 27. It is contemplated that a screw or other connector
could be used to attach clip 20 in place on housing 12.
[0028] When installing the exhaust fan 10, after the ducting and
electrical connections are completed as known in the art, the
housing 12 is inserted into an opening in a ceiling, connected to
the already installed components, and mounted in place. Once the
housing is in place the remaining components, including the motor
and fan, are mounted into the housing 12 and connected as
necessary.
[0029] Using the easy-install system of the present invention, when
the housing 12 is inserted into an opening in a surface for
mounting, it is positioned so that the bottom, in this case flanges
28, are in abutment with the ceiling drywall 36 as shown in FIG. 4.
Clips 20 are inserted through openings 30 so that first portion 21
sits above and in abutment with drywall 36, second portion 23 is in
abutment with that portion of wall 16 below horizontal slot 34, and
third portion 25 is in abutment with the underside of flange 28.
Upwardly angled portion 27 makes it easier to clear the edge of
drywall 36 when inserting the clip 20 through horizontal slot 34.
The clips 20 transfer the weight of the exhaust fan 10 to the
drywall 36, thereby supporting it in the ceiling. Should a user
wish to remove the exhaust fan housing, they need simply use a
screwdriver or like instrument to pry out the clips. The clips
could also be used with a housing with sides terminating in an open
bottom with no flanges, as third portion 25 is in abutment with the
bottom side of surface 36, with a portion of surface 36 being
sandwiched between first portion 21 and third portion 25.
[0030] It is contemplated that different models of ventilating
exhaust fan can be adapted for different thicknesses of drywall, by
simply varying the distance of the horizontal slot 34 from the
flange 28. Alternatively, different clips can be used for different
sized drywall as shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the clip has a first
portion 31 terminating in an upwardly angled portion 27, a second
portion 33 and a third portion 35. A stepped portion 39 raises the
level of the first portion 31 above the level of horizontal slot 34
so that the clip sits flush when the clip is forced all the way
into place.
[0031] A further alternative restraint is shown in FIG. 6. Clip 50
has a vertical portion 52 and a horizontal portion 54 substantially
perpendicular thereto. Horizontal portion 54 terminates in an
upwardly angled portion 57. When installing the housing in an
opening in the ceiling, clip 50 is inserted through opening 30 such
that horizontal portion 54 is fitted through horizontal slot 34
above drywall 36. Vertical portion 52 is connected to vertical slot
32 by way of a screw 40 or like connector. Having a vertical slot
allows for varied placement of the screw 40 depending on the
alignment of the vertical portion 52.
[0032] A further alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 7 through
9, where the plurality of openings 65 in the side walls 66 of the
housing 60 are small circular openings through which restraints 64
may be inserted to support the housing 60 on the drywall 36. The
restraint 64 is preferably a solid, pre-formed wire or plastic
cylindrical element dimensioned to fit within opening 65.
Preferably restraints 64 are substantially u-shaped with a first
portion 61, second portion 63 and third portion 65.
[0033] It is also contemplated that other shapes and sizes of
openings and restraints could be used, provided that they involve
the insertion of a plurality of restraints through a plurality of
openings in the housing to support the housing and ventilating
exhaust fan on the ceiling drywall within which it is mounted.
Similarly, multiple openings to accommodate different sized drywall
could be included on each side of the housing. For example, each
side could have two openings per side to accommodate 1/2 inch
drywall and another two opening per side to accommodate 5/8 inch
drywall, two of the most common sizes. Other sizes could also be
provided for.
[0034] Preferably the housing 12 is also equipped with the standard
parts and fittings for mounting within a ceiling as known in the
art. For example, the housing could be connected directly to a
joist by way of screw or like connection passing through a defined
opening in the housing as known in the art. Referring to FIG. 1, a
screw can be inserted through opening 19 to fasten the housing 12
to a ceiling joist.
[0035] The easy-install housing of the present invention can be
installed using the following method. The housing is inserted into
an opening in a surface such as a ceiling until the bottom (flanges
28) is in abutment with one side of the surface having the opening
within which it is being mounted. Any connections required to be
made for the functionality of the exhaust fan are completed.
Holding the housing in position, at least two restraints are
inserted through openings in the housing in order to connect the
housing to the ceiling drywall. Any further connections are then
made in order to complete the functionality of the exhaust fan,
including connecting a decorative fan grill (not shown) for safety
and aesthetics.
[0036] While the exhaust fan has been described being mounted in a
surface in a ceiling, it is also contemplated that it could be
mounted in a wall or other surface, the housing being adaptable to
such variations by way of it being mounted to the surface itself by
way of the restraints and corresponding openings in the housing.
Similarly, while the surface being described has been referred to
as drywall, it could also be mounted in an opening in any other
surface, such as wood or particle board, having a suitable
thickness.
[0037] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
preferred and alternative embodiments have been described in some
detail but that certain modifications may be practiced without
departing from the principles of the invention.
* * * * *