U.S. patent application number 13/964755 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-13 for heating vent conduit.
The applicant listed for this patent is Stelpro Design Inc.. Invention is credited to Senay Bernard, Vezina Christian, David Robert Huot, Remi Laliberte, Bertrand Michaud, Bernier Pierre-Marc.
Application Number | 20140044424 13/964755 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50066250 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140044424 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Michaud; Bertrand ; et
al. |
February 13, 2014 |
HEATING VENT CONDUIT
Abstract
A heating vent conduit with a heater unit is disclosed, being
primarily utilized to heat a room independently of other rooms. The
heating vent conduit can be controlled a personal thermostat, which
depending on the selected temperature will regulate a heating
element within the heating vent conduit. The heating vent conduit
is designed to be easily installed on existing ventilation systems
by replacing the end boot at vent outlets, and will allow for
individual preference and comfort by allowing independent room
temperature, while lowering energy costs by reducing the main
heater's workload.
Inventors: |
Michaud; Bertrand;
(Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, CA) ; Pierre-Marc;
Bernier; (Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, CA) ;
Christian; Vezina; (Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, CA) ;
Bernard; Senay; (Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, CA) ;
Laliberte; Remi; (Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, CA) ;
Huot; David Robert; (Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stelpro Design Inc. |
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
50066250 |
Appl. No.: |
13/964755 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61682010 |
Aug 10, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
392/360 ;
392/371 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24H 9/1863 20130101;
F24H 3/0411 20130101; F24D 5/02 20130101; F24H 9/2071 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
392/360 ;
392/371 |
International
Class: |
F24H 3/04 20060101
F24H003/04; F24H 9/18 20060101 F24H009/18 |
Claims
1. A heating vent conduit, comprising: a. a vent boot having an
inlet boot aperture and an outlet boot aperture for connecting to a
vent outlet; b. a base plate; c. a housing cover fastened to the
vent boot on a first extremity of the housing cover and an inlet
panel on a second extremity of the housing cover; d. an
interchangeable, independent heater unit secured on the base plate
and located within the housing cover; e. a thermostat remotely
connected to the heating vent conduit to enable control of the
heater unit; and wherein the heating vent conduit is fitted onto an
existing ventilation conduit to enable independent control of heat
at a vent outlet.
2. The heating vent conduit according to claim 1 further comprising
boot securing brackets on the vent boot.
3. The heating vent conduit according to claim 1 further comprising
housing securing brackets connected to the base plate.
4. The heating vent conduit according to claim 1 wherein the
housing cover further comprises an inlet panel with an inlet
aperture.
5. The heating vent conduit according to claim 1 further comprising
a structural member fastened to the housing cover.
6. The heating vent conduit according to claim 1 wherein the heater
unit comprises at least one heating element, wherein a temperature
of the at least one heating element is controlled by the
thermostat.
7. The heating vent conduit according to claim 6 wherein the heater
unit further comprises at least one perforated ceramic mount to
support the at least one heating element.
8. The heating vent conduit according to claim 7 wherein the heater
unit further comprises at least two sealing members, wherein the at
least two sealing members prevent air from escaping an area defined
by the at least one heating element.
9. A heater unit comprising: a. a heater housing; b. at least one
ceramic mount fastened on the heater housing; c. at least one
heating element secured within the at least one ceramic mount; and
wherein the heater unit is installed in a heating vent conduit.
10. The heater unit according to claim 9 further comprising at
least one clip to secure the at least one ceramic mount within the
heater housing.
11. The heater unit according to claim 10 further comprising at
least one locking aperture to secure the at least one ceramic mount
within the heater housing.
12. The heater unit according to claim 11 further comprising at
least one sealing member.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/682,010, entitled VENT CONDUIT WITH INDEPENDENT
HEATER, filed on Aug. 10, 2012, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a heating unit and, more
specifically, to a heating vent conduit for installation in a
ventilation system as commonly found in buildings.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Great unwanted temperature variances exist between rooms or
offices located through the same house or building, respectively.
This temperature variance exists due in part to the properties of
air, whereby hotter air is less dense and thus rises, while in
comparison, colder air is denser and thus tends to remain at lower
altitudes. Consequently, rooms or offices located at high altitudes
tend to be warmer while rooms or offices located at low altitudes
tend to remain cooler.
[0004] This phenomenon is also illustrated due to the fact that the
further rooms or offices are spatially located from a furnace or
air conditioner (or any other device that distributes air), the
longer said air takes to travel to these destinations and thus will
either warm up or cool off, reducing its efficiency when it arrives
at its destination through the ventilation.
[0005] Centralized heating or air conditioning systems attempt to
regulate the overall temperature of a house or building. As such,
the centralized heater or air conditioner will send a constant flow
of air to a main vent conduit, which will distribute equally the
air to all rooms. This poses the obvious problem that rooms located
at high or low altitudes do not benefit as equally compared to
other rooms that more centrally located, and as previously
mentioned, the further the rooms are from the centralized unit, the
more the air is affected by ambient temperatures.
[0006] Devices exist, such as United States Patent Application No.
2011/0237175 (Buseyne et al.) that teaches a device for heating,
cooling and ventilating systems. Buseyne's device is a centralized
unit that receives air from another source, and redistributes air
to nearby rooms. Every blowing orifice has its own unit for heating
or treating the air before sending it off along the ventilation
system before it reaches its destination. However, Buseyne's unit
has major drawbacks. First, it is once again (albeit spatially
closer to the main unit) a centralized system, such that the
heaters that are located by the blowing orifice are still distant
from the ultimate destinations. As such, air still has time to cool
off or warm up before arriving at its destination. Secondly, this
device must completely replace existing ventilation at a central
hub in order to install and control.
[0007] Another major problem that exists in the field is the fact
that these independent heating systems cannot be independently
controlled from the room itself. Indeed, there is usually a main
thermostat that controls the overall heating, and thus users in
their respective rooms or offices cannot benefit from being able to
select a desired temperature for themselves.
[0008] Consequently, a device is needed that can overcome the
problems as described above. The present invention discloses a vent
conduit with an independent heater that can overcome said problems.
The present vent conduit can be installed on existing ventilation
in the home or office by replacing the existing end boot at the
blowing orifice, and has an independent heater that can control
temperatures specifically per room as the air flows directly in
said room. When multiple vent conduits with independent heaters are
installed in the same home or building, each heater can be
independently calibrated such that the height of the room or
office, or the distance of said room or office from the main heater
becomes irrelevant. Indeed, each room or office can be cooled or
warmed independently of another depending on the desired and
preferred temperature of the specific occupier and based on the
heater's specific calibration (as set by the occupier). In order
for the occupier to adjust the temperature of each independent
heater, sensors (thermostats) are fitted in each room or office and
are easily accessible by said occupier. To facilitate temperature
change, each independent heater can communicate with the existing
blower of the home or building and send a request to activate the
blower in order to maintain desired temperature in said room or
office. Further, the independent heaters each contain a specific
heating unit with a heating element, which can be easily removed to
allow for cleaning and maintenance.
[0009] In essence, this overall solution creates a situation
whereby each room is independently heated, based on personal
preferences, with each occupier being able to calibrate his or her
heater. Additionally, different types of physical configurations
exist in order to be fitted to the most common types of end boot
configurations and to maximize applicability from various buildings
and homes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a heating vent conduit with a
heating unit.
[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a heating
vent conduit, comprising a vent boot having an inlet boot aperture
and an outlet boot aperture for connecting to a vent outlet. The
heating vent conduit also has a base plate and a housing cover
fastened to the vent boot on a first extremity of the housing cover
and an inlet panel on a second extremity of the housing cover. The
heating vent conduit also has an interchangeable, independent
heater unit secured on the base plate and located within the
housing cover and a thermostat remotely connected to the heating
vent conduit to enable control of the heater unit wherein the
heating vent conduit is fitted onto an existing ventilation conduit
to enable independent control of heat at a vent outlet.
[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a heater
unit comprising a heater housing, at least one ceramic mount
fastened on the heater housing, at least one heating element
secured within the at least one ceramic mount wherein the heater
unit is installed in a heating vent conduit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The embodiments of the present invention will now be
described by reference to the following figures. These figures are
illustrative and are not intended to be limiting.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heating vent conduit
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heating vent conduit
without a housing cover or heater unit according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrative of a housing cover
for a heating vent conduit according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIGS. 4a and 4b are perspective views illustrative of a
heater unit for a heating vent conduit according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4c is a perspective view illustrative of a variant of a
heater unit for a heating vent conduit according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4d is a perspective view of a heater unit and
structural member for a heating vent conduit according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrative of a heating vent
conduit with an installed heater unit and without a housing cover
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6a is a perspective view illustrative of a heating vent
conduit with an installed heater unit and without a housing cover
or base plate according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 6b is a side view of a heating vent conduit without a
housing cover according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a vent boot according to a
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view illustrative of a
heating vent conduit complete with accompanying wiring according to
a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a top view illustrative of a heating vent conduit
complete with accompanying wiring according to a first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a room with an installed
heating vent conduit, connected to both a blower and thermostat
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrative of a heating vent
conduit according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a lower perspective view illustrative of a
heating vent conduit according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view illustrative of a
heating vent conduit according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrative of a heating vent
conduit without the front panel according to a third embodiment of
the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a first perspective view illustrative of a heater
unit for a heating vent conduit according to a second embodiment of
the present invention for a heater unit; and
[0032] FIG. 16 is a second perspective view illustrative of a
heater unit for a heating vent conduit according to a second
embodiment of the present invention for a heater unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The following embodiments are merely illustrative and are
not intended to be limiting. It will be appreciated that various
modifications and/or alterations to the embodiments described
herein may be made without departing from the invention and any
modifications and/or alterations are within the scope of the
contemplated invention.
[0034] The terms "coupled" and "connected", along with their
derivatives, may be used herein. It should be understood that these
terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in
particular embodiments, "connected" may be used to indicate that
two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact
with each other. "Coupled" may be used to indicated that two or
more elements are in either direct or indirect (with other
intervening elements between them) physical or electrical contact
with each other, or that the two or more elements co-operate or
interact with each other (e.g. as in a cause and effect
relationship).
[0035] With reference to FIG. 1 and according to one embodiment of
the present invention, a heating vent conduit 10 is shown. The
heating vent conduit 10 is generally comprised of a housing cover
15 and a vent boot 20. One extremity of the housing cover 15 is
fastened to an inlet panel 17 by means of rivets, while the
opposite extremity of the housing cover 15 is comprised of
connecting members (not shown) that slide into first and second
clamps (not shown) located on the front panel 45 of the vent boot
20. The housing cover 15 is fastened to the vent boot 20 on a first
extremity of the housing cover 15 and an inlet panel 17 is fastened
on a second extremity of the housing cover 15. The connection
between the housing cover 15 and the vent boot 20 is meant to allow
for air to flow unrestrictedly from an inlet aperture 35 of the
inlet panel 17, through to the housing cover 15, into an inlet boot
aperture (not shown) of the vent boot 20 and ultimately out of the
outlet boot aperture 30 of the vent boot 20. The heating vent
conduit 10 can be secured within a wall, ceiling, or other
accommodating structure which supports ventilation systems. The
heating vent conduit 10 can be fastened to the structure by means
of first housing securing bracket 25 and second housing securing
bracket (not shown), as well as first and second boot securing
brackets, 40, 42. A worker skilled in the relevant art would
appreciate that many types of fastening means could be utilized in
order for the heating vent conduit to be stabilized within a
ventilation system, and that first and second boot securing means
40, 42 could be removed completely, or be comprised of apertures on
the vent boot 20 to facilitate manufacturing. A wire housing 47 can
also be seen, fastened to the front panel 45 of the vent boot 20 by
means of screws, such that it can be removed. The wire housing 47
serves to house wiring for a Printed Circuit Board "PCB" (not
shown) and wiring to a male/female connector (not shown) as well as
wiring for a heater unit (not shown) installed within the heating
vent conduit 10 of the present invention. A worker skilled in the
art would be familiar with other types of wiring configurations for
a heating vent conduit with a heater unit that could be utilised
for other common types of vent boot configurations as presently
located in homes or buildings.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 2 and according to one embodiment of
the present invention, the heating vent conduit 10 is shown without
a housing cover and a heater unit. The inlet boot aperture 21 is
shown, allowing air to flow from the inlet boot aperture 21 through
to the outlet boot aperture 30. A structural member 50 is also
shown which is fastened to the inside of the housing cover (not
shown) by means of rivets. The structural member 50 serves the dual
purpose of reinforcing the housing cover (not shown) and securing
in place a heater unit (not shown). While the housing cover (not
shown) is connected to the vent boot 20 by means of rivets; first
and second clamps 55, 57 are also shown, which serve to connect to
first and second connecting members (not shown) of the housing
cover (not shown) to further secure said housing cover to the vent
boot 20. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate that
said first and second clamps 55, 57 could be removed such that the
housing cover would connect to the vent boot solely by means of
rivets. With further reference to FIG. 2, a base plate 18 is shown
and secures first and second housing securing bracket 25, 27. A
worker skilled in the relevant art would be familiar with means to
produce the inlet panel 17 and base plate 18 as a one piece
component or as a two piece component.
[0037] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and according to one
embodiment of the present invention, the structural member 50 is
shown fitted within the housing cover 15. The wire housing 47 is
also shown, which directs power wires (not shown) and PCB wires
(not shown) through a housing wire aperture 48 and to the
male/female connector (not shown). First and second connecting
members 52, 54 can also be seen on the housing cover 15, which
serve to slide into the first and second clamps 55 and 57 of the
front panel 45 of the vent boot 20 which act as a locking mechanism
to keep the housing cover 15 secured to the vent boot 20.
[0038] With reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b and according to one
embodiment of the present invention, a heater unit 70 is shown. The
heater unit 70 is comprised of a heating element 75, secured in
three ceramic mounts 80, 82, 84 which are in turn encased in a
heater housing 85. The ceramic mounts 80, 82, 84 are fastened to
the heater housing 85 by means of clips 90, 92, 94 which clamp
around the width of the ceramic mounts 80, 82 84. The clips 90, 92,
94 are secured to the ceramic mounts 80, 82, 84 by means of screws
86. The ceramic mounts 80, 82, 84 are perforated such that the
heating element 75 can snake through the perforations and occupy
the area in between the ceramic mounts 80, 82, 84. Air that flows
in the resulting space in between the snaking heating element 75
becomes warmer before it exits through the inlet boot aperture (not
shown) of the heating vent conduit of the present invention. First
and second heating joints 96, 98 are also shown, which serve to
connect to first and second coupling members (not shown) to conduct
electricity and thus heat the heating element 75 to the desired
temperature. Various sealing members 95, 97, 99, 101, 103, 105
protrude from the heater unit 70 in order both prevent the heating
unit 70 from moving forward into the housing cover (not shown), and
to create air seals such that air is forced to flow through the
heating element 75 and cannot otherwise escape. The sealing members
95, 97, 99, 101, 103, 105 are further described below.
[0039] With reference to FIGS. 4c and 4d and according to a variant
of the first embodiment of the heater unit, the heater unit 70 is
comprised solely of sealing members 97, 99, 103, 105. The removal
of sealing members 95, 101 (not shown) allows for wiring to move
unobstructedly from the wire housing (not shown), into the area
adjacent of the heater unit 70 and through to the other electrical
components (not shown). In order to preserve the air seal and for
air to continue to move predominantly through the heating element
75, the first side 51 of the structural member 50 is wider than the
second side 52 of said structural member 50, such that the first
side 51 makes contact directly with the frame of the heater unit
70. Meanwhile, the second side 52 of the structural member 50
remains flush with sealing member 97, as was the case with the
first embodiment of the heater unit.
[0040] With specific reference to FIGS. 5, 6a and 6b and according
to one embodiment of the present invention, the heater unit 70 is
located between the front panel 45 of the vent boot 20 and the
structural member 50. As was previous explained, the heater unit 70
is further comprised of first and second structural sealing members
95, 97 as well as a lower structural sealing member 99 in order to
create an airtight seal between said heater unit 70 and the
structural member 50, and to prevent the heater unit 70 from moving
further forward. The heater unit 70 is also comprised of first and
second front panel sealing members 101, 103 as well as a lower
front panel sealing member 105 which serve to create another
airtight seal between said heater unit 70 and the front panel 45 of
the vent boot 20. Once properly positioned, the airtight seal
created between the structural member 50, the front panel 45, and
the heater unit 70, restricts air flowing originating from the
inlet aperture 35 of the inlet panel 17, through to the housing
cover (not shown), into a boot inlet aperture (not shown), through
the vent boot 20, and ultimately through to the boot outlet
aperture 30. The heater unit 70 is designed to be removable and
interchangeable, such that it can pivot around its base and be
removed from the outlet boot aperture 30 of the vent boot 20. This
facilitates cleaning of the heater unit 70, as well as allowing for
easy repairs or replacing of the heater unit 70 entirely. A worker
skilled in the relevant art would appreciate another embodiment of
the heater unit, whereby the removal of said heater unit would be
facilitated by means of small wheels located on the lower end of
the heater unit. The heater unit would be removable by pivoting the
heater unit around said wheels and retracting the heater unit,
gliding it along the way up the vent boot by means of its
wheels.
[0041] With specific reference to FIGS. 6a and 6b, and according to
one embodiment of the present invention, the heater unit 70 is
shown sealed in between the front panel 45 of the vent boot 20 and
the structural member 50 in greater detail. In particular, the
first and second structural sealing members 95, 97 are shown
secured against the structural member 50, while first and second
front panel sealing members 101, 103 are shown secured against the
front panel 45 of the vent boot 20.
[0042] With reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, and according to one
embodiment of the present invention, the interior of the vent boot
20 is shown. In order for the heater unit 70 to be operational, a
source of electricity or power has to be provided to said unit.
[0043] With specific reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, power is fed to
the vent conduit 10 by means of power wires 110 entering the vent
boot 20 via a power supply cover 115. Power wires 110 then are
fitted through a first wire aperture 120 of the front panel 45 and
into the wire housing 47. From the wire housing 47, the power wires
110 are connected into a male/female connector 125. PCB wires 130
are also shown, which connect from a PCB 135 in through a second
wire aperture 140 of the front panel 45. From the second wire
aperture 140, the PCB wires 130 go into the wire housing 47, and
through to the male/female connector 125. From the male/female
connector 125, power wires 110 and PCB wires 130 are connected to
first and second coupling members 145, 147, and power wires 110 are
specifically connected to thermal protector 150. The current
flowing through power wires 110 serve to heat the heating element
(not shown) of the heater unit 70. The thermal protector 150 acts
as a breaker, cutting the flow of power from the power wires 110
and the PCB wires 130 through the heating element (not shown) when
the airflow is insufficient and the heating element (not shown) is
overheating. A worker skilled in the relevant art would be familiar
with various types of thermal protectors and breakers that could be
utilized in order to perform the function as described above.
[0044] With reference to FIG. 9, communication wires 155 are also
shown, which are connected to the PCB 135 and into a 3-pole
connector 160. From the 3-pole connector 160, the communication
wires 155 are fitted through a third wire aperture 165 (as shown in
FIG. 7) and are either connected to a blower to regulate airflow,
or to another vent conduit in a daisy chain connection. Ultimately,
all vent conduits connected via daisy chain can communicate to the
blower to regulate airflow and temperature throughout their
respective environments.
[0045] With reference to FIG. 10, the heating vent conduit 10 is
shown installed in a room of a house with a commonly found
ventilation system with a vent outlet 5. The heating vent conduit
10 is connected to communications wires 155, which follow the
ventilation through to a connection panel 170 of a blower 175. As
explained above, said communication wires 155 can serve to regulate
airflow to the vent conduit 10. The vent conduit 10 is also
electrically connected to power wires 110 which are in turn
connected to a thermostat 180. A person can configure the
thermostat 180 to keep the room at a desired temperature, and the
thermostat will regulate the heating vent conduit 10 accordingly.
The thermostat 180 is electrically connected to a power source via
thermostat wiring 185.
[0046] With reference to FIG. 11, a second embodiment of the
heating vent conduit 10 is shown. In this second embodiment, a
narrower version of the vent boot 20 is shown. As such, the
resulting outlet boot aperture 30 is also narrower but still allows
for air to flow through to the heater unit (not shown), and
ultimately through the inlet aperture 35 of the housing 15. The
narrower vent boot 20 reflects another type and size of vent
conduit in the market. A worker skilled in the art would appreciate
that different shapes and sizes of vent boots or housings can be
utilized without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0047] With reference to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, a third embodiment of
the heating vent conduit 10 is shown. In this third embodiment, the
overall layout of the heating vent conduit 10 has changed. While
the outlet boot aperture 30 is in approximately the same spatial
vicinity as was the case for the first and second embodiments, the
inlet aperture 35 is now below the heating vent conduit 10, such
that the air flow travels in an upward direction, from the inlet
aperture 35 of the housing 15, through to the heater unit 70 and an
inlet boot aperture (not shown), and out of the outlet boot
aperture 30 of the vent boot 20. In this embodiment, the housing 15
is much narrower, and is mounted on each side by first and second
housing brackets 25, 27. The vent boot 20 and front panel 45 are
approximately of the same shape as was the case in the first
embodiment. Male/female connector 125, PCB 135 and 3-pole connector
160 are all shown in greater detail, and serve the same purposes as
was described in the first embodiment.
[0048] With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the heater unit 70
according to another embodiment of the heater unit is shown in
greater detail. In this third embodiment, the heater unit 70 is
wider and thus accommodates four ceramic mounts, 80, 82, 84,
(fourth ceramic mount not shown), instead of three ceramic mounts
as was the case in the first embodiment. The heating element 75 is
also shown, but said heating element 75 is not shown fastened
throughout all of the perforations of the ceramic mounts 80, 82, 84
for illustrative purposes. In this third embodiment, ceramic mounts
80, 82, 84 are not fastened into place by clips, as was the case in
the first embodiment. In this embodiment, ceramic mounts 80, 82, 84
are locked into place by forcing each extremity of ceramic mounts
80, 82, 84 into a locking aperture 190. Said locking aperture 190
holds the ceramic mounts 80, 82, 84 securely into place without the
need of clips and screws, as was the case in the first embodiment.
The ceramic mounts 80, 82, 84 simply need to be wedged into the
locking aperture 190. The edges of locking aperture 190 tighten
around the ceramic mounts 80, 82, 84 such that they are difficult
to remove without exerting a significant amount of force. A worker
skilled in the relevant art would appreciate that these various
types of fastening means for the ceramic mounts are interchangeable
between the first, second and third embodiments. The heater unit 70
in this embodiment also comprises of a mesh grill 195 that prevents
debris and other larger particles from making contact with the
heating element. The thermal protector 150 is also shown in greater
detail, which again serves to act as a breaker to cut the flow of
power when the airflow is insufficient and the heating element 75
is overheating. In this embodiment, there also exists a fusible
link 200, which melts at a certain temperature and serves as an
additional breaker should the thermal protector 150 be broken or
not functioning properly. A worker skilled in the relevant art
would appreciate that many types of fusible links could be utilized
here to achieve the desired effect, and that the fusible link 200
or any variations thereof could be added to any of the other
embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention.
[0049] The heating vent conduit as disclosed and described in the
present invention allows for independent control of the temperature
in a room in order to accommodate an individual's personal
temperature preference. It should be noted that all users will be
able to adjust the temperature settings according to the thermostat
such that the rooms or offices will differ one from the other and
accommodate everyone individually. Indeed, in lieu of having the
ventilation system provide increased heat to the entire building
resulting in the entire home or building having an aggregate
uniform temperature (thus unfortunately allowing for discrepancies
between room temperatures), the present invention allows for the
independent control of heat in a room with a main source of heat at
a lower rate. This will reduce overall energy costs, as the
ventilation system will have a reduced workload and have the
heating vent conduits of the present invention compensate for the
reduced workload, while simultaneously maximizing comfort for each
occupier.
[0050] The present heating vent conduit can be installed on
existing ventilation in the home or office by replacing the
existing end boot at the blowing orifice, and has an independent
heater that can control temperatures specifically per room as the
air flows directly in said room through a thermostat.
[0051] Many modifications of the embodiments described herein as
well as other embodiments may be evident to a person skilled in the
art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing
description and associated drawings. It is understood that these
modifications and additional embodiments are captured within the
scope of the contemplated invention which is not to be limited to
the specific embodiment disclosed.
* * * * *