AU776441B2 - Ventilation assembly - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventors Address for service is: Sola Skylights IntratioCnal Ily Ltd David George Davies, Kenneth Albert Pierce WRAY ASSOCIATES 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "Ventilation Assembly" Details of Associated Provisional Application No: PQ2111 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- -2- VENTILATION ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ventilation assembly. More particularly, it relates to a ventilated light diffuser.

Background Art Ventilation assemblies provide a passage for gasses, enabling them to move from one environment (usually a room or cabinet) to another environment. While there are many different types of ventilation assemblies, few are capable of being adapted for use as light diffusers.

Skylights built into the roofs of houses and buildings have been in use for many years and serve to illuminate as well as to ventilate, when open, the interiors of buildings. There are many different types of ventilated skylights currently available.

In the art of ventilated skylights it is known to provide ventilation means above the S. roofline in the side of the skylights. The ventilation means is disposed in a substantially vertical wall of the skylight or between the skylight and it's supporting wall. The flow of air out of a room via a skylight is generally through vents *surrounding a light diffuser located in the ceiling of the room in which the skylight is located. Air passes through the vents and escapes through the ventilation means in the skylight. A disadvantage of such systems is that with the majority of vents surrounding or within light diffusers there is no easy or convenient way to control the passage of air travelling through the vents, for example to close the vents in winter to prevent loss of heat from the room.

To overcome this problem light diffusers have been developed that consist of a ceiling frame that is adapted to be mounted in a ceiling and a light diffuser plate that is capable of being suspended from the ceiling frame via a series of screws. When suspended in such a manner a gap is formed between the light diffuser plate and the ceiling frame therein providing a vent through which air may pass. By tightening the screws, the diffuser may be brought to abut the ceiling frame therein closing the -3vent. A disadvantage of this type of light diffuser is that movement of the light diffuser plate from an open to a closed state involves the mechanical action of tightening a series of screws which is time consuming and undesirable for ease of opening and closing.

The present invention seeks to at least alleviate some of the disadvantages associated with the prior art while providing a light diffuser suitable for use with down lighting such as in skylights.

A similar problem exists with simple non-light-diffusing ventilation ducts and air conditioner outlet duets, whereby it is not a simple matter to close them when it is desired to prevent egress of air from the room, for example during winter.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Disclosure of the Invention The present invention provides an improved ventilation assembly comprising: a mounting frame; at least a bracket member which extends from one portion of the mounting frame to another portion of said frame; a panel that is of substantially the same size as the mounting frame; and a ventilation activation 20 (control) means, which is supported by the bracket member, is adapted to support *the panel, and which is capable of drawing the panel and the mounting frame into abutment when in a closed state and separating them when in an open state.

In one embodiment the invention consists in an improved ventilated light diffuser comprising: a mounting frame; at least a bracket member which extends from one portion of the mounting frame to another portion of said frame; a light diffuser panel that is of substantially the same size as the mounting frame; and a ventilation activation means, which is supported by the bracket member, is adapted to support the light diffuser panel, and which is capable of drawing the light diffuser -4plate and the mounting frame into abutment when in a closed state and separating them when in an open state.

Particularly, in accordance with the invention there is provided a ventilation assembly having a mounting frame, at least one bracket member supported relative to said mounting frame, a panel arranged to abut said mounting frame in a closed position to close said ventilation assembly against air moving through said mounting frame, ventilation control means supported by said bracket member and supporting said panel, said ventilation control means being controllable to move said panel between said closed position and an open position in which air can move through said mounting frame, wherein said ventilation assembly includes an over-center spring means to bias said panel toward either said closed position or said open position and support said panel in either of said positions, and wherein said ventilation control means comprises a push rod supported by said at least one bracket member for linear movement to move said panel between said positions.

The panel may be non-light-transmitting if the ventilation assembly is utilised in a ventilation duct, or light-transmitting if the ventilation assembly is utilised in a skylight S° or light fitting having a ventilation duct. The ventilation duct may be passive, such as *ooo o a convective duct for dissipating heat in a room; or active, such as a fan forced exhaust duct or an air conditioning inlet or outlet duct. A light-transmitting panel may be transparent, opal, or light diffusing.

Preferably sealing means is included, located between said panel and said mounting frame.

Preferably said sealing means includes a seal member attached to said mounting frame.

Preferably said sealing means includes a seal member attached to said panel.

Further preferably said sealing means includes seal members attached to both said mounting frame and said panel.

Preferably said at least one bracket member is attached to said mounting frame.

Preferably said push rod has at an exposed end, a knob for grasping to operate to move said panel between said positions.

The following description describes the present invention in the context of a ventilated light diffuser. Regardless, it should be recognised that the invention is not so limited and should be understood to reside broadly in a ventilation assembly.

In use, when the ventilated light diffuser is in the open position, air and/or other gaseous mixtures may flow between the light diffuser panel and the mounting frame.

After passing between these members said air and/or other gaseous mixtures may then be exhausted, for example, out of a building via a ventilation port(s) or similar member(s). In a preferred form of the invention the ventilated light diffuser is connected to a ventilated skylight via a conduit. In such a situation, gaseous mixtures (including air) are drawn into the conduit through the ventilated light diffuser and are then released into the atmosphere via a ventilation port or ports located in 15 the skylight. In this respect any skylight fitted with a ventilation system may be used in connection with the ventilated light diffuser to provide a ventilation means while delivering light through the ventilated light diffuser in a diffuse manner.

;When in a closed position, the light diffuser panel is brought into abutment with the mounting frame. Although the light diffuser panel may simply abut the mounting 20 frame, in a preferred form of the invention a sealing means is provided between the 9 9 *light diffuser panel and the mounting frame. The sealing means should at least be capable of forming a partial sealing engagement between the light diffuser panel and the mounting frame. Preferably the sealing means is capable of preventing the flow of gases between the light diffuser panel and the mounting frame.

It will be appreciated that the sealing means may be releasably engaged to either the light diffuser panel or the mounting frame. Preferably it is releasably engaged to the light diffuser panel. Even more preferably it is engaged to the outer periphery of the light diffuser panel.

Any sealing means capable of forming a partial sealing engagement between the light diffuser panel and the mounting frame may be used in the invention. For example, it may consist of a resilient rubber or rubber-like seal that abuts the mounting frame as the light diffuser panel is brought into engagement with the mounting frame. Alternatively the sealing means may consist of a preformed molded member that engages the periphery of the light diffuser panel and also releasably engages the mounting frame when brought into abutment therewith. In a particularly preferred form of the invention the sealing means possess at least two sealing edges which are capable of being brought into abutment with the mounting frame to form a dual sealing arrangement. Thus, if a gaseous mixture is able to penetrate the first sealing edge the second sealing edge can still retard gas (air) flow.

The mounting frame used in the ventilated light diffuser is preferably of a metallic, rigid plastic or plastic like material construction suitable for fabrication in accordance with conventional stamping or other conventional, commercial fabricating S 15 procedures. Of course, the mounting frame, as with many of the other parts to be hereinafter described, while being preferably fabricated from relatively light or medium gauge material may also be fabricated from other structural materials such as aluminium, polycarbonates, or most any other relatively rigid structural material.

The light diffuser panel may be constructed of any transparent or translucent S- 20 material that is capable of refracting, reflecting and or diffusing light. The materials possible for use in the panel may also be selected in accordance with the nature of light diffusion desired, as well as such other factors as cost, ease of manufacture S°and ability to withstand breakage. Transparent or translucent plastic material is within the scope of the invention, particularly clear acrylic plastic sold under the trade name "LUCITE" and a clear polycarbonate plastic sold under the trade name

"LEXAN".

In the ventilated light diffuser there is at least a bracket member that extends from one portion of the mounting frame to another and provides support for the ventilation activation means. There is no requirement that the bracket member actually engage the mounting frame. Thus the bracket member simply needs to extend over the mounting frame. Preferably however, the bracket member releasably engages the mounting frame of the diffuser. More preferably it should releasably engage the -7mounting frame in such a manner that it does not interfere with the abutment between the light diffuser plate and the mounting frame when they are arranged in a closed position. This may be achieved by, for example, screwing the bracket member to a side of the mounting frame that is not involved in the abutment process with the light diffuser plate when brought into a closed configuration.

In one form of the invention the mounting frame is formed as an inverted T-shaped arrangement. Surrounding the periphery of the plate is a sealing means which has at least a sealing ridge which is raised above or below the level of the surface of the light diffuser plate and which abuts the upper or lower surface of the inverted T-shaped mounting frame towards its outer periphery. When the cushioning means abuts the mounting frame, a space is formed between the mounting frame and *diffuser plate providing a ridge (created by the arm of the inverted T-shaped mounting frame that extends inwards of the mounting frame) against which the bracket member engages. With such an arrangement the bracket member is 15 preferably of at least a semi flexible resilient nature and is adapted to have a hook type fitting on each end such that the hook can engage at least an arm of the invert T-shaped mounting frame. Furthermore, such a bracket member should be slightly longer than the diameter of the mounting frame. When the bracket member is brought into engagement with the mounting frame it should be bent sufficiently to 20 allow the hooks to engage the mounting frame. The resilience of the bracket member may then be used to hold the bracket against the mounting frame.

Alternatively the bracket may be fastened in such a position.

The bracket member need not necessarily extend across the middle of the mounting frame, although such an arrangement is preferable. Where the bracket does not extend across the middle of the mounting frame, particularly in the case of circular mounting frames, the bracket should be fastened in a releasable manner to prevent it from moving around the mounting frame.

It will be appreciated by those in the field that there is no requirement for the bracket to be located on any particular side of the light diffuser plate. In fact, the bracket may be on either side of the plate. Preferably, however, it is behind the front (or outer face) of the plate.

-8- In a highly preferred form of the invention, two bracket members are provided which are arranged in a crossed formation. Desirably at least one of those members is molded in a slight arcuate manner wherein the apex of the arc is located centrally and at the crossover points of the bracket members. Most preferably, the two members are connected at their cross over point, which region also serves to support the ventilation activation control means.

While the bracket members may be prepared from any material, they are preferably formed from a material that is at least semi transparent and resilient which provides minimal blocking of light travelling towards the light diffuser panel. Most preferably the bracket member is transparent.

To accommodate different sized mounting frames a bracket member may be adapted having more than one mounting frame connection member on each of its ends. Alternatively each bracket member may be of adjustable length such that it 1 5 may be extended or shortened, as the case may be, to accommodate different sized mounting frames. In a further alternative bracket members may be pre-molded in different sizes.

Any ventilation activation means, capable of being supported by the bracket member, that is adapted to support the light diffuser panel, and that is capable of 2* holding the light diffuser plate and the mounting frame in abutment when in a closed state and separating them when in an open state may be used in the present invention. Most preferably movement between the open or closed configuration should be easily achieved requiring minimum force on the part of the operator. For example, the ventilation activation means may be electrically driven, controlled by magnetic force or driven by springs, rubber bands or like materials. In a highly preferred embodiment of the invention, the ventilation activation means contains a push rod adapted at a first end to engage the light diffuser plate in a releasable manner and at a second end with a means capable of holding the panel in either an open or closed state. This may be achieved, for example, by employing compression springs at the second end of the push rod, which springs enter a compressed form when the light diffuser panel is located between the open or closed configuration.

Such an arrangement forms an over-center spring which can bias the ventilation activation/control toward either of the extremes of its movement. Other over-center -9spring means can be formed using compression springs or torsion springs. It will be appreciated that the closed state, or the open state or the partially open state of the ventilation activation/control means may be achieved by the use of magnetic forces, solenoids or additional springs and the like. Such means for achieving this end will be understood by those in the field, in the light of the disclosure in this description.

The ventilation activation means and the bracket may be formed as separate members or moulded as a single unit. Preferably the ventilation activation means and the bracket member(s) are formed as a single unit with the activation means being located centrally between the ends of the bracket member.

If the light diffuser panel is supported from the bracket by a single push rod the *,*ventilation activation means may also be adapted to provide a stabilisation means which is capable of minimising lateral movement of the pushrod during movement thereof. This may be achieved for example by having the pushrod pass through at least a guide. In a highly preferred form of the invention the ventilated light diffuser contains two bracket members which cross centrally of the mounting frame.

Furthermore, the two brackets are spatially separated from each other at their cross over point with one bracket passing over the other bracket and the ventilation activation means being formed between these brackets at their cross over point. To *accommodate a pushrod each bracket has an aperture formed in it, the apertures being arranged so that the pushrod may project through each aperture (bracket) at the same time. With such an arrangement lateral movement of the pushrod is restricted.

Although the ventilation activation means may be constructed from any material suitable for the purpose of use described above; desirably the ventilation activation means is prepared from the same material as the bracket member. Preferably that material is substantially transparent.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention is further described by the following non-limiting Figures and best mode for carrying out the invention presently known to the inventor(s). In the drawings: Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the vented skylight diffuser with cutaways.

Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a ventilation activation means in a closed state.

Figure 3 Illustrates a cross-sectional view of a ventilation activation means in an open state.

It is to be understood that the following best mode for carrying out the invention presently known to the inventor(s) is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the invention, and should not be understood in any way as a restriction on the broad 10 description as set out above.

Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention As illustrated in Figure 1, the ventilated light diffuser (shown generally as 2), o comprises a light diffuser plate 4, a mounting frame 6, first and second bracket members 8 and 10, and a ventilation activation means 12.

15 The light diffuser plate 4 illustrated in Figure 1 is of substantially the same size as the mounting frame and has a sealing means 14 attached thereto around the periphery of the diffuser plate. The diffuser plate has a relatively smooth surface S°located uppermost and a relatively uneven surface located on the underside of the .0-0 plate. When in use light penetrates the plate through the smooth surface and is diffused as it passes out of the plate through the relatively uneven surface.

Attached to the peripheral edge of the light diffuser plate is a sealing means 14 that is adapted to engage the mounting frame when brought into close proximity therewith. The sealing means 14 comprises a plate engaging channel 16 adapted so as to engage the light diffuser plate and two sealing edges 16 and 20 which are adapted to form a sealing arrangement when brought into abutment with the mounting frame. Between the two sealing edges there is a depression forming a channel between the edges.

-11 The mounting frame illustrated in Figure 1 is generally of an annular inverted Tshape (when viewed in cross section) configuration which has a vertically disposed annular wall 22 and outer and inner horizontally disposed lower walls 24 and 26, respectively. To aid installation the mounting frame is shaped to fit relatively snugly within the confines of a ventilation or skylight opening or hatch opening (not shown) provided in a wall/ceiling or roof of a building or vehicle in which the ventilated light diffuser is to be installed. The vertically disposed annular wall 22 portion functions to provide a continuous, peripheral upstanding rim which, as shown, is raised relative to said lower wall portions and defines the opening in the ceiling or hatch opening.

The vertically disposed annular wall portion also provides a peripheral mounting rim around which skylight conduit (not shown) may be placed. Where skylight conduit is brought into engagement with the vertically disposed annular wall portion said wall may contain one or more means to engage said conduit it might have conduit engaging teeth or there may be provided an annular sealing gasket).

To assist in engaging the ventilation or skylight or hatch opening to the mounting frame there may be provided in association with the outer lower wall 24 one or more means for engaging the mounting frame to the rim of the opening. Such means of engagement will be known to those of ordinary skill in the field.

Located on the outer edge of the inner lower wall 26 of the mounting frame 6 there is 20 a rim 28 that is adapted to engage the bracket members. The rim 28 being illustrated *as a rounded thickened portion of the inner lower wall.

To support the ventilation activation means there is provided first and second bracket members 8 and 10 that span the mounting frame. The brackets are crossed at right angles to each other and there is a ventilation activation means located at the junction between the bracket members 12.

As illustrated, the end of each bracket member is adapted with a mounting frame engagement member 30 having an upper portion 32 and a lower portion 34.

Although the mounting frame engagement member may be formed separate to the bracket member, preferably the mounting frame engagement member and the bracket are moulded as a single unit.

-12- To support the ventilation activation means above the light diffuser panel, the upper portion of the mounting frame engagement member engages the underside of the first and second bracket member at about a 70 to 90 degree angle. Moreover the mounting frame engagement member should be of such a length that enables the ventilation activation means to be supported by the bracket members while permitting opening and closing of the vent.

Located in the bottom portion of each mounting frame engagement member is a mounting frame engagement means 30 provided in the form of a hook 38 which is adapted to engage the rounded rim 28 on the inner wall of the mounting frame.

To accommodate different sized mounting frames the first and second bracket members 8 and 10 are provided with a secondary frame engagement member 36 located parallel to and set inwards (relative to the end of the bracket) from the first frame engagement member. The second engagement member 36 like the first engagement means engages the underside of each bracket member at about a to 90 degree angle and is provided with a hook which is adapted to engage the rounded thickened portion of the inner wall of the mounting frame.

Located between the first and second bracket is the ventilation activation means 12.

The base to the ventilation activation means is defined by the first bracket member.

The second bracket 40 extends through the ventilation activation means 12 slightly above the first bracket member 8. To provide distance between the first and second brackets 8 and 10, the second bracket member 10 is formed in a slight arcuate shape. Between the first and second brackets 8 and 10 there is provided support structures that also serve as walls to the ventilation activation means 12.

Projecting above the second bracket 10, are two spring support members 42 and 44 which are adapted to receive springs 54 formed of spring steel wire that are used to bias the push rod 52 to either the open and closed position and act as an overcenter spring to prevent the light diffuser plate from assuming a partially open or closed position. Each spring support 42 comprises a tube member 46 affixed on top of tower structure 48. The spring supports are positioned equidistant apart and span the width of the second bracket. It will be appreciated by those working in the field that the spring support members may also be located on the sides of the second -13bracket being positioned above the crossover junction of the first and second bracket members.

Extending through the ventilation activation means through the first and second bracket members is a channel 50 of sufficient size and shape to accommodate a push rod. Located within that channel 50 is a push rod 52 that is adapted to engage the light diffuser panel 4 at one end and the compression springs 54 at the other end.

As illustrated the push rod 52 releasably engages and supports the light diffuser panel 4. The push rod having a top portion 56 and a bottom portion 58. The bottom portion having attached thereto a screw thread 60 of a smaller diameter to the push *-*rod which receives a washer 62 and threaded knob 64. Preferably, the screw thread is cut into the bottom end of the push rod 52 in such a manner that the diameter of the treaded portion is less than the diameter of the push rod 52 therein forming a lip 66 between the main portion of the push rod 52 and the screw thread 60. In use, the screw thread 60 is inserted through the light diffuser plate 4 until the plate abuts the lip 66 caused by the larger diameter portion of the push rod 52. A washer 62 is then applied and the knob 64 is screwed into place over the screw thread fastening the light diffuser plate 4 to the push rod 52. By employing a knob 64 as the fastening means a user has a handy means to grasp the diffuser plate and ventilation activation means 12 to activate ventilation without needing to touch the light diffuser plate 4.

As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 movement of the push rod 52 between an open and closed state is facilitated via compression springs 54. The springs 54 are formed of spring steel wire, and have a bend formed at the very end. The first spring steel wire is passed through spring support 42 until stopped by the bend, and looped to whereafter another bend is formed so that the spring steel wire cannot be withdrawn from spring support 42. The second spring steel wire is similarly fitted to pass through a hole in the top portion 56 of the push rod 52 and then looped to again pass through the spring support 42. In use as the push rod 52 is moved from a closed configuration (Figure 2) to an open configuration (Figure 3) the compression springs 54 becomes compressed therein providing a level of force (reaching highest compression as the top portion passes closest to the spring supports 42 and 46), -14assisting biasing of the push rod 52. This biases the push rod to a fully up or fully down position, preventing the plate from being positioned in a partially open state. It will be appreciated by those in the field that modifications may be made to the described ventilation activation means to permit a state of partial openness of the ventilated light diffuser. Such modifications are considered to be within the skill of those skilled in the art of the invention, in the light of this description.

It should be understood that the foregoing description of the invention including the principles, preferred embodiments and best mode for carrying out the invention presently known to the inventor(s), cited above are illustrative of the invention and should not be regarded as being restrictive on its scope.

Variations and modifications may be made to the invention by others without departing from the spirit of that which is described as the invention and it is expressly intended that all such variations and changes which fall within this ambit S° are embraced thereby.

Claims (8)

1. A ventilation assembly having a mounting frame, at least one bracket member supported relative to said mounting frame, a panel arranged to abut said mounting frame in a closed position to close said ventilation assembly against air moving through said mounting frame, ventilation control means supported by said bracket member and supporting said panel, said ventilation control means being controllable to move said panel between said closed position and an open position in which air can move through said mounting frame, wherein said ventilation assembly includes an over-center spring means to bias said panel toward either said closed position or said open position and support said panel in either of said positions, and wherein said ventilation control means comprises a push rod supported by said at least one bracket member for linear movement to move said panel between said positions. o

2. A ventilation assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein sealing means is included, o00. located between said panel and said mounting frame.

3. A ventilation assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said sealing means includes a seal member attached to said mounting frame.

4. A ventilation assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said sealing means includes a seal member attached to said panel.

5. A ventilation assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said sealing means includes seal members attached to both said mounting frame and said panel. 9

6. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said at least one bracket member is attached to said mounting frame.

7. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said push rod has at an exposed end, a knob for grasping to operate to move said panel between said positions.

16- 8. A ventilation assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings. Dated this thirtieth day of June 2004. SOLA SKYLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD Applicant Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant