U.S. patent application number 16/369570 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-03 for air diffuser and method for assembling the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is VENTEC CANADA INC.. Invention is credited to Alexandre Mathieu, Terry Morin.
Application Number | 20190301768 16/369570 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66041248 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190301768 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mathieu; Alexandre ; et
al. |
October 3, 2019 |
Air diffuser and method for assembling the same
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an air diffuser and a
method of assembling the same. The air diffuser provides an air
flow with an angular direction with respect to a vertical plan. The
air diffuser may be made of different sections configured, when
assembled, to direct and disperse the air all around the room or
preferably a large area such a warehouse or the like.
Inventors: |
Mathieu; Alexandre;
(Longueuil, CA) ; Morin; Terry; (Varennes,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VENTEC CANADA INC. |
St-Hyacinthe |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
66041248 |
Appl. No.: |
16/369570 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62650172 |
Mar 29, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 13/06 20130101;
F24F 13/062 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 13/06 20060101
F24F013/06 |
Claims
1) An air diffuser for an airflow producing at least 5,000 cubic
feet per minute (CFM), the air diffuser comprising a reflecting
member maintained at a fixed distance from a source of the airflow,
the reflecting member comprising a reflecting surface having an
outer periphery, the reflecting surface being inclined with regard
to the direction of the airflow and being adapted to direct the
airflow toward all directions of the outer periphery at angle being
function of the inclination of the reflecting surface.
2) The air diffuser of claim 1, the reflecting surface comprising
an aperture adapted to let at least a portion of the airflow
through the air diffuser.
3) The air diffuser of claim 2, the air diffuser further comprising
a covering member adapted to mate the general shape of a top
portion of the reflecting surface and to cover at least a portion
of the aperture.
4) The air diffuser of claim 1, the reflecting member further
comprising a plurality of reflecting sections adapted to be mounted
to each another to form the reflecting surface.
5) The air diffuser of claim 4, the reflecting member having a
frustoconical shape;
6) The air diffuser of claim 5, each reflecting member being shaped
as section of the frustoconical shape of the reflecting member.
7) The air diffuser of claim 4, each reflecting section comprising
a male portion, a female portion, an outer side and an inner side,
the female side of a first reflecting section being adapted to
receive the male side of a second reflecting section.
8) The air diffuser of claim 4, each reflecting section comprising:
two side walls angled according to the inclination of the
reflecting member; and an outer wall forming a portion of the
periphery of the reflecting member.
9) The air diffuser of claim 1, the air diffuser further comprises
an attachment mechanism adapted to attach the reflecting member to
the airflow source.
10) The air diffuser of claim 10, the attachment mechanism further
comprising a plurality of linking members, each linking member
being adapted to be mounted at a first end to the airflow source
and at a second end to the reflecting member.
11) The air diffuser of claim 10, each first end of the linking
members being adapted to be attached to the airflow source.
12) The air diffuser of claim 1, the inclination of the reflecting
member being between about 10 and 40 degrees.
13) The air diffuser of claim 1, the air diffuser further
comprising a bottom covering member adapted to cover an opening
formed by a bottom surface of the redirecting member.
14) An air diffuser for an airflow, the air diffuser comprising a
reflecting member maintained at a fixed distance from a source of
the airflow, the reflecting member comprising: a) a reflecting
surface having an outer periphery, the reflecting surface being
inclined with regard to the direction of the airflow and being
adapted to direct the airflow toward all directions of the outer
periphery at angle being function of the inclination of the
reflecting surface, the reflecting surface comprising an aperture
adapted to let at least a portion of the airflow through the air
diffuser; b) a plurality of reflecting sections adapted to be
mounted to each another to form the reflecting surface.
15) The air diffuser of claim 14, the reflecting member having a
frustoconical shape, each reflecting member being shaped as a
section of the frustoconical shape of the reflecting member.
16) The air diffuser of claim 14, each reflecting section further
comprising an inner wall shaped to form a section of a periphery
the aperture.
17) The air diffuser of claim 14, the air diffuser further
comprising an attachment mechanism adapted to attach the reflecting
member to the airflow source.
18) The air diffuser of claim 17, the attachment mechanism further
comprising a plurality of linking members, each linking member
being adapted to be mounted at a first end to the airflow source
and at a second end to the reflecting member.
19) The air diffuser of claim 14, the air diffuser further
comprising a plurality of bottom covering members adapted to cover
a bottom surface of the redirecting member, each covering member
being shaped to cover a bottom surface of at least one of the
reflecting sections.
20) The air diffuser of claim 19, each covering member comprising
an inner wall, each inner wall being shaped to form a section of a
periphery a bottom aperture to let air pass through the
diffuser.
21) The air diffuser of claim 14, the air diffuser further
comprising a structure adapted to attach the reflecting sections to
one another.
22) A method of diffusing air of from a large airflow source, the
method comprising: a) assembling a plurality of redirecting
sections to form a redirecting surface inclined with regard to the
direction of the airflow source and having a periphery; b)
maintaining the formed redirecting surface at a predetermined
distance from a source of the airflow; c) blowing an airflow from
the airflow source toward the formed redirecting surface; d)
redirecting the airflow toward all directions of the outer
periphery at angle being function of the inclination of the
reflecting surface.
23) The method of claim 22, the method further comprising letting
at least a portion of the airflow passing through the reflecting
surface.
24) The method of claim 22, the method further comprising the
assembling of the redirecting sections forming a frustoconical
redirecting surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present patent application claims the benefits of
priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/650,172,
entitled "Air diffuser and method for assembling the same", and
filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 29,
2018, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to system and method
for diffusing air. More specifically, the present invention relates
to system and method for diffusing air of ventilation units
producing large debit of air.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Air diffusers adapted for directing and dispersing air or
other compressible fluids are well known in the art. Such air
diffusers are generally configured to be integrated to ceilings or
to ventilation systems. Typically, a diffuser comprises different
layers of louvered surfaces or comprises vanes permanently attached
one to the other. Such surfaces or vanes are generally configured
to direct and disperse the air throughout a room or an area.
[0004] Existing air diffusers are generally configured to receive
low debit airflow, such as airflow from a residential or commercial
building ceiling duct. Such solutions are not designed to resist to
important airflow debit from larger fans such as industrial fans
found in large warehouses or farming buildings.
[0005] An apparatus for a discharge vent on an air circulation
system including structures for controlling the direction and
quantity of airflow is disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,880.
Preferred methods for assembling and using the apparatus are also
disclosed. Such design aims at providing an air flow adjustability
for the convenience and comfort of the occupants, it should also be
easy to use and replace at reasonable price. Furthermore, the
apparatus disclosed slidable panels configured to control air flow
through a vertical direction with regard to the ceiling.
[0006] There is thus a need for an improved air diffuser especially
for use with medium or large debit fans such as those used for
ceiling diffusers for a large warehouse, farms or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The shortcomings of the prior art are generally mitigated by
providing an air diffuser having a general conical shape and
comprising attachment means adapted to attach to a fan or
ventilator. Such air diffuser is adapted to direct airflow about
the inclined surface of the air diffuser.
[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, an air diffuser
with at least one sloped area to guide the air coming from a duct
is provided.
[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, an air diffuser
adapted to disperse the air throughout a large room such as a
warehouse or the like is provided.
[0010] In a further aspect of the present invention, an air
diffuser adapted to be easily assembled and adjusted when needed is
provided.
[0011] In yet another aspect of the present invention, an air
diffuser adapted to avoid vertical air flow blowing with regard to
the ceiling when mounted to a fan is provided.
[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, an air diffuser
for an airflow producing at least 5,000 cubic feet per minute (CFM)
is provided. The air diffuser comprises a reflecting member
maintained at a fixed distance from a source of the airflow. The
reflecting member further comprises a reflecting surface having an
outer periphery, the reflecting surface being inclined with regard
to the direction of the airflow and being adapted to direct the
airflow toward all directions of the outer periphery at angle being
function of the inclination of the reflecting surface.
[0013] The reflecting surface may comprise an aperture adapted to
let at least a portion of the airflow through the air diffuser.
[0014] The air diffuser may further comprise a covering member
adapted to mate the general shape of a top portion of the
reflecting surface and to cover at least a portion of the
aperture.
[0015] The reflecting member may further comprise a plurality of
reflecting sections adapted to be mounted to each another to form
the reflecting surface. The reflecting member may have a
frustoconical shape or each reflecting member may be shaped as
section of the frustoconical shape of the reflecting member. Each
reflecting section may comprise a male portion, a female portion,
an outer side and an inner side, the female side of a first
reflecting section may be adapted to receive the male side of a
second reflecting section.
[0016] Each reflecting section may comprise two side walls angled
according to the inclination of the reflecting member and an outer
wall forming a portion of the periphery of the reflecting
member.
[0017] The air diffuser may further comprise an attachment
mechanism adapted to attach the reflecting member to the airflow
source. The attachment mechanism may further comprise a plurality
of linking members, each linking member being adapted to be mounted
at a first end to the airflow source and at a second end to the
reflecting member. Each first end of the linking members may be
adapted to be attached to the airflow source.
[0018] The inclination of the reflecting member may be between
about 10 and 40 degrees.
[0019] The air diffuser further may further comprise a bottom
covering member adapted to cover an opening formed by a bottom
surface of the redirecting member.
[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, an air diffuser
for an airflow is provided. The air diffuser comprises a reflecting
member maintained at a fixed distance from a source of the airflow.
The reflecting member further comprises a reflecting surface having
an outer periphery, the reflecting surface being inclined with
regard to the direction of the airflow and being adapted to direct
the airflow toward all directions of the outer periphery at angle
being function of the inclination of the reflecting surface, the
reflecting surface comprising an aperture adapted to let at least a
portion of the airflow through the air diffuser. The reflecting
member further comprises a plurality of reflecting sections adapted
to be mounted to each another to form the reflecting surface.
[0021] The reflecting member may have a frustoconical shape, each
reflecting member being shaped as a section of the frustoconical
shape of the reflecting member. Each reflecting section may further
comprise an inner wall shaped to form a section of a periphery the
aperture.
[0022] The air diffuser may further comprise an attachment
mechanism adapted to attach the reflecting member to the airflow
source. The attachment mechanism may further comprise a plurality
of linking members, each linking member being adapted to be mounted
at a first end to the airflow source and at a second end to the
reflecting member.
[0023] The air diffuser further may further comprise a plurality of
bottom covering members adapted to cover a bottom surface of the
redirecting member, each covering member being shaped to cover a
bottom surface of at least one of the reflecting sections.
[0024] Each covering member may comprise an inner wall, each inner
wall being shaped to form a section of a periphery a bottom
aperture to let air pass through the diffuser.
[0025] The air diffuser may further comprise a structure adapted to
attach the reflecting sections to one another.
[0026] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of
diffusing air of from a large airflow source is provided. The
method comprises assembling a plurality of redirecting sections to
form a redirecting surface inclined with regard to the direction of
the airflow source and having a periphery, maintaining the formed
redirecting surface at a predetermined distance from a source of
the airflow, blowing an airflow from the airflow source toward the
formed redirecting surface and redirecting the airflow toward all
directions of the outer periphery at angle being function of the
inclination of the reflecting surface.
[0027] The method further may further comprise letting at least a
portion of the airflow passing through the reflecting surface
and/or the assembling of the redirecting sections forming a
frustoconical redirecting surface.
[0028] Other and further aspects and advantages of the present
invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative
embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the
appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will
occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in
practice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the
invention will become more readily apparent from the following
description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an air
diffuser in accordance with the principles of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a front/side elevation view of the air diffuser of
FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the air diffuser of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a top view of the air diffuser of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a front/side exploded elevation view of the air
diffuser.
[0035] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the air
diffuser.
[0036] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an air flow circulation
simulation of an embodiment of the air diffuser in accordance with
the principles of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of
an air diffuser in accordance with the principles of the present
invention.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a front/side elevation view of the air diffuser of
FIG. 8.
[0039] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the air diffuser of FIG. 8.
[0040] FIG. 11 is a top view of the air diffuser of FIG. 8.
[0041] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the air diffuser
of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0042] A novel air diffuser and method for assembling the same will
be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in
terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood
that the embodiments described herein are by way of example only
and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited
thereby.
[0043] Now referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of air diffuser 100
is shown. The air diffuser 100 comprises a reflecting member 2
adapted to receive and reflect air from an airflow source (not
shown), such as a duct or a fan, the duct or fan being adapted to
blow air toward the surface 2 of the air diffuser 100. Even if the
present description generally refers to a circular fan or duct, one
skilled in the art shall understand that the present invention is
not limited to a general airflow source shape. Also, one skilled in
the art shall understand that the air diffuser 100 in accordance
with the present invention may work in combination with any type of
airflow source. In typical embodiments, the airflow source may
provide a debit ranging from 5,000 to 80,000 CFM.
[0044] Now referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, in some embodiments, the
reflecting member 2 has a general frusto-conical shape having a
closed top portion.
[0045] Now referring to FIG. 5, in yet some embodiments, the top
portion of the reflecting member 2 may comprise an aperture 228
adapted to let at least a portion of the airflow through the air
diffuser 100. The size of such aperture 228 may be adapted to
divide the airflow from the airflow source between air to be
diffused and air to pass through the air diffuser 100 (direct
airflow). In such an embodiment, the diameter of the aperture 228
is inferior than the diameter d.sub.1 of the base portion of the
reflecting member 2. Understandably, the shape of the optional
aperture 228 is not limited to any particular shape. Indeed, the
shape of the said aperture 228 may allow only portion of the
airflow to pass through the air diffuser 100
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view of air diffuser 100 is
shown. In such embodiments, the diameter d.sub.1 may range between
3 and 10 feet. In yet other embodiments, the diameter d.sub.1 may
be equal or superior to the diameter of the source of airflow, such
as the fan. Understandably, in embodiments where the airflow source
is not circular, the area covered by the reflecting member 2 must
be equal or superior to the area of the airflow source and the
diameters must be adapted with width, depth or length of the
reflecting member 2.
[0047] In other embodiments (not shown), the largest width of the
reflecting member 2 is equal or superior to the largest of width or
length of the source of airflow outlet, such as the duct or the
fan.
[0048] In yet other embodiments, the air diffuser 100 may be made
of rigid or semi-rigid material, such as but not limited to metal
or plastic. More particularly, the reflecting member 2 or its
components may be made of light yet rigid material such as
plastic.
[0049] Now referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, in some embodiments, the
reflecting member 2 has a general frusto-conical shape having a
closed top portion. In yet some embodiments, the top portion of the
reflecting member 2 may comprise an aperture 228 adapted to let at
least a portion of the airflow through the air diffuser 100. The
size of such aperture 228 may be adapted to divide the airflow from
the airflow source between air to be diffused and air to pass
through the air diffuser 100 (direct airflow).
[0050] Referring back to FIGS. 1 to 6, understandably, the shape of
the reflecting member 2 is not limited to a conical or
frusto-conical shape. In other embodiments, the reflecting member 2
could be generally shaped as a pyramid, a frusto-pyramidal shape or
any other sloped or slanted shape surface allowing the air from the
airflow to contact the reflecting member 2 at an angle.
[0051] The reflecting member 2 is inclined or angled with regard to
the airflow direction about an angle .alpha..sub.2. The angle
.alpha..sub.2 typically ranges between about 10 degrees and about
40 degrees.
[0052] In embodiments comprising an aperture 228, the air diffuser
100 may further comprise a covering member 21. The covering member
21 is generally shaped to mate the general shape of the reflecting
member 2 and to cover at least a portion of the aperture 228. As an
example, as shown in FIG. 2, in embodiments having a surface shaped
as a frusto-cone, the covering member 21 has a frusto-conical shape
having a top diameter d.sub.2 at least equal to the diameter of the
aperture 228. In embodiments comprising a base portion 24, the base
portion 24 of the frusto-conical covering member 21 comprises an
aperture 248 to mate with the shape of the reflecting member 2 (see
FIG. 5). In other embodiments, when assembled, the aperture 248 is
generally coaxial or coincident with the aperture 228 of the
reflecting member 2.
[0053] The covering member 21 may be inclined or angled with regard
to the airflow direction about an angle .alpha..sub.1. The angle
.alpha..sub.1 typically ranges between about 10 degrees and 40
degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angles .alpha..sub.1 and
.alpha..sub.2 are equal or about the same.
[0054] In some embodiments, the diameter d.sub.1 is linked to the
angle .alpha..sub.1 or .alpha..sub.2. In a preferred embodiment,
the relation between diameter d.sub.1 and the angle .alpha..sub.1
or .alpha..sub.2 follows the following: .alpha..sub.1=21.8.degree.
and d.sub.1=84''. Thus, the angle .alpha..sub.1 may be adapted with
regard to the diameter d.sub.1 and vice-versa.
[0055] In some embodiments, the reflecting member 2 may further be
made of a plurality of sections 20. Each section 20 is adapted to
be mounted to each another to form the reflecting member 2. In a
preferred embodiment, each section 20 has a general triangular
shape, pie shape or frusto-pie shape. In a preferred embodiment the
side walls 221 of each section 20 are substantially perpendicular
to the bottom wall 224.
[0056] Now referring to FIG. 6, in embodiments in which the
reflecting member 2 comprises an aperture 228 and a plurality of
sections 20, each section 20 comprises two side walls 221 being
sloped according to the angle of the reflecting member 2, an inner
wall 224 being shaped as a portion of the periphery of the aperture
228 and an outer wall 220 forming a portion of the periphery of the
reflecting member 2.
[0057] The embodiments comprising a plurality of sections 20
generally aim at facilitating transport of the air diffuser 100
from a place or location to another. In yet other embodiments, each
section 20, when dismantled, may be adapted to be inserted or
combined to another section 20. Such configuration generally aims
at reducing the volume of the different section and to reduce
transportations costs.
[0058] In embodiments in which the top surface of the reflecting
member 2 comprises a closed top surface, either being flat or
curved, each of the inner wall 224 of each section 20 is adapted to
form a top enclosure adapted to reflect the airflow.
[0059] The air diffuser 100 may further comprise a structure 23
adapted to attach the sections 20 to one another. In a preferred
embodiment, the structure 23 comprises a plurality of bracket
members 230 mounted one to another to form ribs adapted to receive
each of the sections 20. In some embodiments, the bracket members
230 may be shaped to mate with the shape of the side wall 221 of
each section 20.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the air diffuser 100 may further
comprises a central attachment structure 27 adapted to mount the
bracket members 230 to form a desired structure. The attachment
structure 27 may comprise or be formed of a central aperture 271
allowing air to pass through the air diffuser 100. The attachment
structure 27 may further comprise attachment brackets 270 adapted
to attach to the bracket members 23. The central aperture 271 may
further be adapted to attach each of the attachment brackets 270
together. In a preferred embodiment, the central aperture has a
circular shape. Understandably, the central aperture 271 may be
shaped or adapted according to the needs of the bracket members
23.
[0061] In some embodiments, each bracket 23 is T-shaped and is
adapted to mate with the side walls 221 of two sections 20. In
other embodiments, the bracket member 230 may be adapted to attach
to the bottom walls of two sections 20.
[0062] Understandably, the bracket member 230 may be attached to
sections 20 using any means known in the art. The bracket 230 may
comprise a surface 231 adapted to receive a plurality of apertures
configured to be similarly positioned and dimensioned to aperture
that may be present on the side wall 221 of one of the sections
20.
[0063] Still referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the air diffuser 100
further generally comprises an airflow source attachment means 1.
The airflow source attachment means 1 allows the reflecting member
2 to be fixedly attached to the airflow source. In some
embodiments, the airflow source attachment means 1 is embodied as
an attachment member 10 shaped to mate with the general shaped of
the airflow source. As an example, the attachment member 10 may be
shaped as a ring adapted to attach to generally circular industrial
fans.
[0064] In yet other embodiments, the attachment member 10 may
further comprise male segments 18 and female segments 11. Each
segment 18 and 11 may comprise an inner radial surface 12, an outer
radial surface 13 and two substantially parallel side surfaces 16.
The male segment 18 and the female segment 11 may further be
adapted to be preferably pivotally attached at their junctions.
[0065] The attachment member 10 may further comprise one or more
protruding portions 17 adapted to attach the said attachment member
10 to the airflow source using any fasteners or any other method
known in the art.
[0066] The air diffuser 100 may further comprise a linking member 3
adapted to be mounted, at one end, to the reflecting member 2 and,
at another end, to the airflow source attachment mean 1. In a
preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the linking member 3 is
embodied as a longitudinal linking member 30 adapted to be
attached, preferably a first end 31, to a bracket member 230 or,
preferably, to the attachment structure 27. In such an embodiment,
the other end 32 of the linking member 30 is attached to the
attachment mean 1. The linking member 30 is generally attached at
an angle generally aiming at increasing the stability of the air
diffuser 100 when mounted. The linking member 30 may further aim at
reducing the difference between the diameter or size of the airflow
source attachment member 1 and of the attachment structure 27.
[0067] In some embodiments, the air diffuser 100 may further
comprise a bottom covering member 24 adapted to close or cover the
bottom end of the air diffuser 100. In some embodiments, the bottom
covering member 24 is adapted or shaped to at least reduce the
turbulences created by the air flow passing through the air
diffuser 100.
[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the covering member 24 is made of
different sections 240 being shaped to mate with the bottom wall of
the sections 20 of the reflecting member 2. The covering member 24
may further comprise an inner surface 241 and an outer surface 242.
The inner surface 241 is generally configured to mate with the
bottom wall 224.
[0069] Understandably, the resulting shape of the bottom covering
member 24 may comprise an aperture to let air pass through the
diffuser.
[0070] In another embodiment, the air diffuser 100 may further
comprise a detachable central bottom covering member 26 to cover
the aperture formed by the bottom covering member 24 and thus block
air to go through the central aperture of the air diffuser 100.
[0071] In yet other embodiments, the covering members 24 may
further comprise one or more aperture 244. Such aperture is
generally use to install a lighting fixture or a lamp.
[0072] In another embodiment (not shown), the attachment member 1
and the reflecting member 2 may be integral.
[0073] In another embodiment (not shown), the airflow source is
supported by a vertical supporting member, such as a pole or the
like. In such embodiment, the air diffuser 100 comprises an
aperture in the top portion of the reflecting member 2 to let the
vertical supporting member through the diffuser 100. In such an
embodiment, the covering member 24 may further comprise an aperture
248 to let the vertical supporting member through. Typically, the
vertical supporting member is rigidly attached to the ground or to
a surface in order to support both the air diffuser 100 and the
fan. Understandably, in such embodiments, the central bottom
covering member 26 and covering member 21 may be removed or adapted
to allow the passage of the vertical supporting member through the
air diffuser 100.
[0074] Now referring to FIG. 7, an example of a simulation of the
airflow circulating through the air diffuser 100 is illustrated.
Such simulation illustrates the general trajectory 40 of the
airflow outputted from the source of airflow. As shown in FIG. 7,
the air flows around the periphery of the reflecting member 2, thus
providing air circulation in all directions of a building, farm,
warehouse and the likes. In embodiments where the reflecting member
2 has a generally circular shape, the air flows 360.degree. around
the reflecting member 2.
[0075] Now referring to FIG. 8, a second embodiment of an air
diffuser 300 is shown. The air diffuser 300 comprises a reflecting
member 302 adapted to deflect airflow from an airflow source. In
some embodiments, the air diffuser may comprise an attachment
mechanism 303.
[0076] Now referring to FIGS. 8 to 12, in some embodiments, the
reflecting member 302 has a general frusto-conical shape having a
closed top portion. In yet some embodiments, the top portion of the
reflecting member 302 may comprise an aperture 328 adapted to let
at least a portion of the airflow through the air diffuser 300. The
size of such aperture 328 may be adapted to divide the airflow from
the airflow source between air to be diffused and air to pass
through the air diffuser 300 (direct airflow).
[0077] In another embodiment comprising an aperture 328, the air
diffuser 300 may further comprise a covering member (now shown).
The covering member is generally shaped to mate the general shape
of the reflecting member 302 and to cover at least a portion of the
aperture 328. Understandably, the shape of the reflecting member
302 is not limited to a conical or frusto-conical shape. In other
embodiments, the reflecting member 302 could be generally shaped as
a pyramid, a frusto-pyramidal shape or any other sloped shape
surface. The shape of the aperture 328 is not limited to any
particular shape, as long as the said aperture 328 allows portion
of the airflow to pass through the air diffuser 300.
[0078] Still referring to FIGS. 8 to 12, the air diffuser 300 may
further comprise an attachment member 303. The attachment member
303 may comprise a plurality of linking member 330 adapted to be
mounted, at one end 331, to the reflecting member 302 and, at
another end 332, to the airflow source. Each linking member 330 is
generally attached to the airflow source at an angle generally
aiming at increasing the stability of the air diffuser 300 when
mounted. The linking member 330 may further aim at reducing or
increasing the difference between the diameter or size of the
airflow source and of the reflecting member 320.
[0079] Still referring to FIGS. 8 to 12, and more particularly to
FIG. 12, in some embodiments, the reflecting member 302 may further
comprise a plurality of reflecting sections 320. In such
embodiments, each section 320 is adapted to be mounted to each
another to form the reflecting member 302. In a preferred
embodiment, each section 320 has a general triangular shape, pie
shape or frusto-pie shape.
[0080] In some other embodiments, each section 320 is a panel
adapted to be attached to adjacent panels. In such embodiments,
each panel 320 may be curved or lightly curved so the attached
panels 320 form the desired shape of the reflecting or redirecting
member 302. In other embodiments, the panel may be made of light
yet rigid material, such as fiberglass or plastic.
[0081] In such embodiments, each section 320 generally comprises
side walls 321 and 322, an inner side wall 325 and an outer side
wall 326. The inner side wall 325 is typically shaped as a section
of the periphery of the aperture 328. The side walls 321 are
adapted to mate with each another. In a typical embodiment, a first
side wall 321 comprises a lip or protruding portion 323 adapted to
fit a receiving portion on the second side wall 322. In a preferred
embodiment, the receiving portion overlaps the protruding portion
323 when mated to one another. The receiving portion may be
attached to the protruding portion 323 using any attachment member,
such as fasteners through the holes or openings 324. The outer wall
326 typically forms a section of the periphery of the air diffuser
300.
[0082] A method to assemble an air diffuser 100 is provided. The
method comprising assembling the different sections of the
attachment member 1 to form a shape mating with the fan or
ventilator, assembling the sections 20 to one another to assemble
the reflecting member 2 and attaching the reflecting member to the
attachment member. The method may further comprise attaching each
of the bracket members 23 to a central attachment structure 27 and
attaching each of the sections 20 to the bracket members 23.
[0083] The method may further comprise attaching one end of each
linking member 3 to the bracket member 23 and attaching the other
end of the each linking member 3 to the attachment member 1.
[0084] In yet another embodiment, the method may further comprise
installing a covering member 21 on top of the reflecting member
2.
[0085] The method may also comprise clipping or installing a bottom
covering member 24 to the bracket 23. In some embodiments having a
multi-section bottom covering member, the method may comprise
attaching each section 240 of the bottom covering member to two
bracket members 23.
[0086] While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of
the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to
be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise
variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are
intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar
as limited by the prior art.
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