U.S. patent application number 13/481196 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-28 for energy efficient cabinet toe kick vent.
The applicant listed for this patent is Juan Roberto Gonzalez, Michael Robert Grimes. Invention is credited to Juan Roberto Gonzalez, Michael Robert Grimes.
Application Number | 20130316636 13/481196 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49621972 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130316636 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grimes; Michael Robert ; et
al. |
November 28, 2013 |
ENERGY EFFICIENT CABINET TOE KICK VENT
Abstract
An energy efficient cabinet toe kick vent is energy efficient,
and provides HVAC ductwork for under-cabinet use wherein the
ductwork enters a cabinet cavity and extends to the face of a
toe-kick register. The ductwork has an inlet portion, a central
body portion, and an outlet portion. The inlet portion is a round
tubular member adapted for connection to an existing tubular
ductwork. The outlet portion is a generally rectangular opening.
The central body portion has two side walls, a top wall, and a
bottom wall having an opening to receive the round tubular member.
The exiting air is at a 90 degree offset from the incoming air. The
bottom wall of the central body portion is at floor level, and the
top wall is at a height below that of the lowermost edge of a
typical base cabinet.
Inventors: |
Grimes; Michael Robert;
(Harrington, DE) ; Gonzalez; Juan Roberto;
(Laurel, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Grimes; Michael Robert
Gonzalez; Juan Roberto |
Harrington
Laurel |
DE
DE |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49621972 |
Appl. No.: |
13/481196 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/289 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 13/06 20130101;
F24F 13/081 20130101; F24F 13/0604 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/289 |
International
Class: |
F24F 13/08 20060101
F24F013/08 |
Claims
1. An energy efficient cabinet toe kick vent device for
under-cabinet use, comprising: an inlet portion generally formed as
a round tubular member having an interior region, a central body
portion receiving said inlet portion and having an interior region
which is in communication with said interior region of said inlet
portion, and an outlet portion connected to said central body
portion, said outlet portion having an interior region which is in
communication with said interior region of said central body
portion.
2. The device of claim 1, where said inlet portion is a round
tubular member adapted for connection to an existing tubular
ductwork, and wherein said inlet portion terminates at a crimped
end.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said outlet portion is a
generally rectangular opening.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein said central body portion has two
opposed side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, and wherein said
bottom wall receives said round tubular member.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein air exiting from the outlet
portion travels at a ninety degree offset from the incoming air
arriving through said inlet portion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to an energy efficient cabinet
toe kick vent for under-cabinet use, particularly for HVAC ductwork
entering a cabinet cavity and extending to the face of a toe-kick
register.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A large percentage of energy produced goes into heating and
cooling of our homes and workplaces. While heating, ventilating,
and cooling systems (HVAC) have improved their efficiencies over
the years, and insulation techniques have reduced the energy used,
such systems still result in the major portion of energy usage.
Some of this wasted energy is simply lost or "leaked" into
non-habitable areas of the home by poor installation practices
which have become commonplace over time. An example of this
practice occurs where ductwork is simply terminated in an
under-cabinet cavity with the hopes that it is released via a
register located in the toe kick area. Unfortunately, while some
conditioned air makes it out, a good portion is wasted in
heating/cooling the cabinet cavity, the cabinet interior, or even
floor joist areas via loose fitting cut openings. Accordingly,
there exists a need for a means by which conditioned air can be
delivered via registers in toe kick cabinet areas without the
disadvantages as described above.
[0005] It is a problem in the art to ensure that all conditioned
air supplied to a cabinet toe kick vent is delivered by the
ductwork to the living space via the register, and is not leaked
into the cabinet interior space or floor joist space, and is not
wasted in any other locations.
[0006] It is a problem in the art to save energy costs, as well as
to provide comfortable living spaces, using conditioned air. Such
conditioned air may include heated air, cooled air, and that air
may be filtered and/or dehumidified as well.
[0007] Conventional ductwork typically leaks into the floor joist
space and/or cabinet interior space. Many varieties of such
conventional ductwork are known.
[0008] Conventional ductwork known in the prior art typically does
not have side walls at the location of the cabinet, and may be
applied merely with adhesive or spaced fasteners for example. Such
arrangements cannot prevent infiltration of conditioned air into
the cabinet spaces or into the floor joist spaces.
[0009] However, there is a need for a ductwork device or article of
manufacture to ensure that all conditioned air supplied to a
cabinet toe kick vent is delivered by the ductwork to the living
space via the register, and is not leaked into the cabinet interior
space or floor joist space, and is not wasted in any other
locations; and for such device or article of manufacture to save
energy costs, as well as to provide comfortable living spaces,
using conditioned air.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] From the foregoing, it is seen that it is a problem in the
art to provide a device meeting the above requirements. According
to the present invention, a device is provided which meets the
aforementioned requirements and needs in the prior art.
Specifically, the device according to the present invention
provides HVAC ductwork for under-cabinet use, particularly for
ductwork entering a cabinet cavity and extending to the face of a
toe-kick register.
[0011] The device of the present invention provides a unique
invention which is energy efficient, provides HVAC ductwork for
under-cabinet use wherein the ductwork enters a cabinet cavity and
extends to the face of a toe-kick register. The energy efficient
cabinet toe kick vent of the present invention is a sealed unit
that does not allow the conditioned air to touch bare wood/framing,
and delivers close to 100 percent of the air possible from below
the floor to the face of a cabinet toe kick register. The device of
the present invention has an inlet portion, a central body portion,
and an outlet portion. The inlet portion is in the form of a round
tubular member adapted for connection to existing tubular ductwork.
The outlet portion is in the form of a generally rectangular
opening. The central body portion has two side walls, a top wall,
and a bottom wall having an opening to receive the round tubular
member. The exiting air is at a 90 degree offset from the incoming
air. The bottom wall of the central body portion is at floor level,
and the top wall is at a height below that of the lowermost edge of
a typical base cabinet.
[0012] While a round duct is shown for incoming conditioned air, it
may for example have an oval or rectangular shape to correspond to
incoming air supply ductwork. Alternatively, the round duct can be
used together with an adapter for connection to a non-matching type
of ductwork for incoming air.
[0013] The ductwork according to the present invention is spot
welded and sealed, for example with UL 181-rated mastic and mesh
tape or any other common HVAC practices according to current and
applicable codes.
[0014] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
be more readily apparent from the following detailed description
when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a ductwork device according
to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the ductwork device of
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the ductwork device of
FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a grate for covering a
rectangular opening of the ductwork device of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic top elevational view of the grate of
FIG. 4 installed in the ductwork device of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic top elevational view of the grate of
FIG. 4 showing metal spring tabs for easy
installation/replacement.
[0021] FIG. 7 shows a bottom plate used in the construction of the
bottom wall of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 8 shows the round tubular portion of the device of FIG.
1 before assembly.
[0023] FIG. 9 shows a side plate used in the construction of the
two side walls 14 and 15.
[0024] FIG. 10 shows another blank used in the construction of the
device of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 11 shows a blank for forming the top wall of the device
of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 3, schematically showing
the device installed in a cabinet and showing a typical floor
portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an energy efficient
cabinet toe kick vent 100 which is energy efficient, and provides
HVAC ductwork for under-cabinet use wherein the ductwork 100 enters
a cabinet cavity and extends to the face of a toe-kick register.
The ductwork 100 has an inlet portion 30 which is in the form of a
round tubular member, a central body portion 10, and an outlet
portion 12.
[0028] The inlet portion 30 is a round tubular member adapted for
connection to an existing tubular ductwork, and terminates at a
crimped end 32. The outlet portion 12 is a generally rectangular
opening. The central body portion 10 has two side walls 14 and 15,
a top wall 18, and a bottom wall 23 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) having
an opening (shown in FIG. 7) to receive the round tubular member
30. The exiting air is at a ninety degree offset from the incoming
air. The bottom wall 23 of the central body portion 10 is at floor
level, and the top wall 18 is at a height below that of the
lowermost edge of a typical base cabinet. An upper sloped wall 17
connects the top wall 18 with a rear wall 19. Also shown is an
L-bracket 42 with a pilot hole to attach the ductwork 100 to a
sub-floor to keep the ductwork 100 from moving during cabinet
installation.
[0029] Advantages of the present invention include routing of
conditioned air to registers located in toe kick areas of cabinets,
and it can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, and similar locations.
It allows ductwork to be continuous in nature, does not allow
conditioned air to be wasted or leaked into non-habitable spaces,
increases energy efficiency, and meets stringent energy use
guidelines. The fitting or device 100 is preferably made of sheet
steel, is L-shaped in nature, and is manufactured to fit under
cabinets, both standard and space-saver depth. The design of the
device 100 saves on production costs, is easy to install using
standard tools and practices, transforms round ductwork into a flat
opening at a ninety degree offset, and does not require specialized
ductwork forming in the field. The device 100 is ideal for new
construction, and can also be used on renovation projects. It also
helps meet energy star qualifications, can be installed by a
professional or by a do-it-yourselfer; it works with all types and
sizes of cabinets, and is sturdy, lightweight, and durable. The
device 100 can be constructed of readily available materials such
as steel, aluminum, and plastic; is easy to manufacture; and has a
cost-effective design.
[0030] In the following, it will be understood that different types
of materials can be used, and different types of fastening means
and securing means can be used. All such variations would be within
the ambit of skill of anyone having skill in the harness
manufacturing arts, and all such variations are contemplated as
being within the scope of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the ductwork device
100 of FIG. 1. Here, the outlet portion 12 is bounded by a lower
wall 21. The lower wall 21 is connected to a sloped wall portion 25
which in turn is connected to the bottom wall 23. The two side
walls 14 and 15 are also visible in this figure.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the ductwork device of
FIG. 1. Here, the bottom wall 23 is shown in side view along with a
side view of the lower wall 21 and the sloped wall portion 25. Also
shown is the L-bracket 42 with a pilot hole to attach the ductwork
100 to a sub-floor to keep the ductwork 100 from moving during
cabinet installation. Also shown in FIG. 3 is the upper sloped wall
17, the rear wall 19, and the central body portion 10.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a grate 50 for
covering the rectangular opening 12 of the ductwork device 100 of
FIG. 1. The grate 50 can be any conventional type of grate. The
outgoing air flow is shown by the arrows in FIG. 4. The grate 50
has a damper 56 for opening and closing a conventional damper
device (not visible) for controlling the amount of air flow through
the grate 50.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic top elevational view of the grate 50
of FIG. 4 installed in the ductwork device 100 of FIG. 1. Here, the
round tubular member 30 is shown in a top view in dashed outline.
The other elements shown are as described hereinabove.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a schematic top elevational view of the grate of
FIG. 4 showing metal spring tabs 58 for easy
installation/replacement. The tabs 58 are conventional in the grate
arts, and are therefore not further described herein.
[0036] FIG. 7 shows a bottom plate used in the construction of the
bottom wall 23 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Here, one edge labeled
Tab A is folded at a ninety degree angle, and an opposite edge
labeled Tab B is likewise folded at a ninety degree angle. An
opening is cut to receive the round tubular member 30 and is
attached using standard HVAC practices.
[0037] FIG. 8 shows the round tubular portion 30 of the device 100
of FIG. 1 before assembly.
[0038] FIG. 9 shows a side plate used in the construction of the
two side walls 14 and 15. Here, one edge labeled Tab D is folded at
a ninety degree angle, and an opposite edge labeled Tab F is
likewise folded at a ninety degree angle. Another tab labeled TAB E
is disposed at an angle relative to Tab D and Tab F, and is
likewise folded at a ninety degree angle.
[0039] FIG. 10 shows another blank used in the construction of the
device 100 of FIG. 1. Here, one edge labeled Tab G is folded at a
ninety degree angle, and an opposite edge labeled Tab H is likewise
folded at a ninety degree angle.
[0040] FIG. 11 shows a blank for forming the top wall 18 of the
device 100 of FIG. 1. Here, one edge labeled Tab J is folded at a
ninety degree angle.
[0041] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 3, schematically showing
the device 100 installed in a cabinet and showing a typical floor
portion 100. Here, the solid sealed duct body of the device 100
redirects incoming air and delivers that air. A typical floor
system is schematically indicated as well.
[0042] The invention being thus described, it will be evident that
the same may be varied in many ways by a routineer in the
applicable arts. Such variations are not to be regarded as a
departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the
claims.
* * * * *