IL302409A - Ceiling slot vent system - Google Patents

Description

CEILING SLOT VENT SYSTEM BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a ceiling ventilation system and, more particularly, but not exclusively, comprising a slot vent.

There are various structures for providing ventilating air distribution in connection with suspended ceilings. These suspended ceilings generally comprise gypsum board/plasterboard panels and a metal frame and are very common in office buildings and homes with central air conditioning units for heating or cooling. Increasingly, ventilation systems comprising linear slot ducts are being used to diffuse air and/or hide electric cabling. However, many common commercial systems require assembly and/or an additional support system e.g., suspension from the structural ceiling by wires and/or rods.

RU2751963C1 appears to disclose linear slot diffusers for concealed installation, built into the ceiling, made of gypsum board and a metal frame, wherein the frame structure of the diffuser profile consisting of a frame with voids and forming its outer and inner walls, while the inner part of the profile is formed by a surface having an obtuse angle, and the area of the space forming voids in each segment is larger than the area of the frame of the corresponding segment.

RU207353U1 appears to disclose equipment for ventilation systems, in particular for linear slot diffusers for flush mounting, built into the ceiling, made of gypsum plasterboard and a metal frame, to increase the tightness of the wiring, due to its placement in the cable channel. The claimed technical result is achieved due to a linear slot diffuser made of two metal profiles connected to each other and containing a platform made of a profile divided into channels formed by voids, while in one of the channels there is a cable channel for wiring.

US3390624A appears to disclose a simplified air-distributing apparatus which may be completely assembled at a convenient working location (on a bench or even on the floor) and then lifted into place and deposited on the ceiling grid structure. The air supply ducts are mounted upon and supported by the air distributing channels that they serve, and the duct-channel joint construction permits rapid and easy assembly but locks the duct to the channel in a sealed joint with means for disconnecting if desired.

US3390624A appears to disclose slot diffusers having snap-in or plug-in components for air supply through the slot diffusers and/or for purposes of blanking off inactive sections of the slot diffusers, i.e., sections through which air is neither supplied nor returned.

US3106146A appears to disclose a duct for an air distribution system comprising a sheet of heat insulation material or the like so designed as to enable it to be shipped as a flat sheet and be readily folded into an elongated duct adapted for rapid assembly with an air distribution channel at the dropped ceiling level of a room or other enclosure, the duct being held and supported by the channel in the usual plenum that is formed above the dropped ceiling.

Therefore, there is still a need for a simplified ceiling ventilation system comprising a slot vent, which does not require additional assembly and/or support, is hermetically sealed off from the rest of the ceiling to improve efficiency, lies flush with the suspended ceiling and/or the fixed ceiling and prevents disengagement therefrom, and cracking thereof. Additionally, the ceiling ventilation system may allow service cables e.g., electric cables and/or water pipes, etc. to be hidden but easily accessed in the event of a fault .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to some embodiments of the invention, the legs comprise at least one groove on their lower surface.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one groove extends at least in part along a length of the leg.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method for use of a slot vent system, the method including: fitting the slot vent is fitted to a plasterboard panel by matching a step of the slot vent flush to the plasterboard panel, positioning a wing of the slot vent the behind the plasterboard panel extending laterally between 20 mm to 35 mm from the step; connecting the wing to the plasterboard panel.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes spackling a lower surface of a leg of the slot vent; the leg extending laterally from a front edge of channel of the vent.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the spackling is guided by an extended portion of an angled wall of the slot vent.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the fitting of the slot vent is directly onto a structural ceiling without need for additional support.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the fitting of the slot vent is directly to a suspended ceiling without need for additional support.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the connecting the wing and the plasterboard panel is by glue, silicone, nails, screws, or combinations thereof.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes attaching at least one accessory to a channel on an inner surface of a duct of the slot vent.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes sealing an end of a slot vent with an end cover.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the sealing is by attaching the end cover to a channel on an inner surface of a duct of the slot vent.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the sealing is hermetic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes attaching two or more slot vents to each other to provide a longer vent.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the attaching is by a pin and a channel on the slot vent.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

Fig. 1: Perspective view of a prior art slot vent.

Fig. 2: Perspective view of a slot vent system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 3: Perspective view of a slot vent system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 4: Perspective view of a slot vent system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 5: Perspective view of a slot vent system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 6: Perspective view of a slot vent system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 7: Schematic illustration of a side view of a slot vent system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 8: Schematic illustration of a side view of a slot vent system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 9: Schematic illustration of a side view of a slot vent system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 10: Block diagram of a slot vent system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

Fig. 11: Flow diagram of installation of a slot vent system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a ceiling ventilation system and, more particularly, but not exclusively, comprising a slot vent.

OVERVIEW An aspect of some embodiments of the current invention relates to a ceiling ventilation system comprising a slot vent. Optionally, the slot vent may not require assembly. Optionally, the slot vent may comprise a single unit. Optionally, if the slot vent is a single unit, then there may be no need for additional supports and/or spacers. Optionally, the slot vent may be hermetically sealed off from the surrounding plenum space (e.g., top and sides). Optionally, the slot vent may comprise an end piece. Optionally, the vent may be flush with the structural ceiling. Optionally, the slot vent may be completely supported by the suspended ceiling (e.g., plasterboard panel and metal frame ceiling). Advantageously, the vent may prevent unwanted entrance and exit of air into the plenum space, making the system very efficient.

According to some embodiments, from an axial view, the slot vent may comprise a triangular duct with angled walls terminating in horizontally extending legs. Optionally, the horizontally extending legs may comprise stepped wings. Optionally, the duct may comprise one or more channels on the inner surfaces of the angled walls to which accessories may be attached, e.g., filters, end pieces, thermostat, electric wiring, supports for electric wiring, blank offs for blanking off inactive sections, another vents, etc. Optionally, the accessories may be easily installed, removed and/or replaced. Alternatively, and/or additionally, there may be other connectors such as pins and/or interference elements and/or loops, etc. on the inside and/or outside of the vent.

According to some embodiments, the angles within the duct may be straight and/or acute, e.g., between the upper surface of the duct and the angled walls, and/or between the angled walls and the horizontal legs, etc. Optionally, the angles between the duct and the legs may be straight and/or acute. Optionally, the duct surfaces and the legs may be Z-shaped. Optionally, the angle between the legs and the stepped wings may be straight and/or acute. Optionally, the legs and wings may comprise a Z-shaped portion.

According to some embodiments, the horizontal legs may comprise horizontal wings connected by a rearward step. Optionally, the wings may overlap with the suspended ceiling (e.g., plasterboard panel). Optionally, a wing may rest on the upper surface of a plasterboard panel of the suspended ceiling. Optionally, a wing and a plasterboard panel of the suspended ceiling may be connected. For example, a slot vent may be connected to the suspended ceiling by screws between the wings and the plasterboard panel. Optionally, the wings may be configured to be sufficiently wide such that the connection to the plaster board may be strong and may not cause cracking of the plasterboard panel. Optionally, the width of the wings may be between about 1 cm to about 2 cm, between about 2 cm to about 3 cm, between about 3 cm to about 5 cm, and/or between about 1 cm to about 10 cm.

According to some embodiments, the angle between the wings and the legs of the slot vent may facilitate the plasterboard ceiling and the slot vent to fit flush together. Optionally, the height of the rearward step may be similar to the thickness of the plasterboard panel. Optionally, the plasterboard panel may fit snuggly into the step. Optionally, the height of the rearward step may be between about 0.1 cm to about 1 cm, between about 1 cm to about 3 cm, between about 3 cm to about 5 cm, and/or between about 0.1 cm to about 5 cm.

According to some embodiments, the horizontal legs may comprise grooves on the lower surface. Optionally, the grooves may assist in spackling the connection between the panel of the suspended ceiling and the vent. Optionally, the grooves in the slot vent legs may be configured for optimal spackling e.g., to prevent disengagement and/or cracking.

According to some embodiments, the slot vent may be made from metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, etc.) and/or plastic (e.g., thermosetting plastic, etc.). Optionally, the slot vent may be made from molded plastic.

Optionally, the slot vent may be made to measure for each room. Optionally, the slot vent may be prefabricated. Optionally, slot vent may be prefabricated and then cut to size on-site. Optionally, the slot vent may be produced with a fixed width throughout its length, which may reduce and/or eliminate the need to cut pieces to the required width. For example, once the installed, the slot vent may automatically be straight and evenly spaced.

An embodiment of the current invention may ease and/or simplify the process of affixing and/or replacing slot vents, which may in certain circumstances be very difficult using previous technologies, for example required hanging and/or assembling and/or aligning various pieces and/or connecting various pieces, which may have resulted in mismatching, and/or allowing unwanted entrance and exit of air into the plenum space, making the system inefficient.

SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

An aspect of some embodiments of the current invention relates to a to a ceiling ventilation system comprising a slot vent.

According to some embodiments, the slot vent may comprise a single unit. Optionally, the slot vent may not require assembly and/or pre-assembly. Optionally, if the slot vent is a single unit, then there may be no need for additional supports and/or spacers. Optionally, the slot vent may be hermetically sealed off from the surrounding plenum space. Optionally, the slot vent may comprise an end piece. For example, being hermetically sealed off from the plenum space may prevent entrance of insects and/or dust to the ventilation system.

Additionally, being hermetically sealed off from the plenum space may prevent unwanted entrance and exit of air into the plenum space making the system more efficient.

According to some embodiments, the slot vent may be close to and/or flush with the structural ceiling. Optionally, the slot vent may be completely supported by the suspended ceiling (e.g., plasterboard panel and metal frame ceiling). Optionally, the slot vent may not require hanging from the structural ceiling. Optionally, the slot vent may be attached directly to the structural ceiling. Optionally, the slot vent may not require workspace and/or plenum space above it. Optionally, the slot vent may be installed closer to the structural ceiling than traditional slot vents. Advantageously, the slot vent may be smaller than traditional slot vents due to its improved efficiency. Advantageously, this may provide the room with additional height since the suspended ceiling may be hung higher, thereby providing additional living and working space and may make the room feel larger and/or lighter and/or less claustrophobic.

According to some embodiments, the slot vent may comprise a triangular duct with angled walls terminating in horizontally extending legs. Optionally, the angled walls may form acute or straight angles with the upper surface of the duct. Optionally, the horizontal legs may form an acute or straight angle with the angled walls. Optionally, the acute angle may be between about 0 to about 90°, between about 5 to about 75°, between about 10 to about 60°, between about 15 to about 45°, and/or between about 20 to about 35°.

According to some embodiments, the angled walls may terminate in an extended portion. Optionally, the extended portion may be configured to narrow the opening of the slot vent and/or provide a boundary for spackling. Optionally, the extended portion may have a length of between 0 to 0.3 mm and/or between 0.3 to 3 mm and/or between 3 to 10 mm. Optionally, the extended portion may be configured to provide an aesthetic edge to the vent slot opening. Optionally, the legs may be connected by a step to horizontal wings. Optionally, the legs, step and/or wings may form acute or straight angles between them, to fit flush to the plasterboard panels of a suspended ceiling. Optionally, the acute angle may be between about to about 90°, between about 5 to about 75°, between about 10 to about 60°, between about to about 45°, and/or between about 20 to about 35°.

According to some embodiments, the triangular duct may have an opening at its lowest point. Optionally, the opening may extend in part and/or completely along the length of the duct.

According to some embodiments, the open triangular duct may comprise one or more channels on their inner surface to which accessories may be attached, e.g., filters, end pieces, thermostat, electric wiring, supports for electric wiring, blank offs for blanking off inactive sections (e.g., manually and/or automatically and/or by remote control), etc. Optionally, the channel may be located on an angled wall and/or top surface of the triangular duct. Optionally, the accessories may be easily installed, removed and/or replaced. Optionally, the accessories may be clipped onto and/or fitted into the one or more channels. Optionally, the accessories may be attached to part of and/or the entire length of the slot vent. Optionally, the accessories may be attached only to one or more ends of the slot vent. Optionally, the accessories may be attached to one or more openings in the slot vent, e.g., a filter, grill, etc.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, in an embodiment, the openings in the slot vent may be covered with a filter, grill, decorative facing, blank off, etc. Optionally, the cover may be on the entire length of the slot vent and/or only on parts thereof. For example, the cover may only be on the slot vent which may be visible once it is affixed to the suspended ceiling. Optionally, the cover may be easily replaced to suit changing decorative styles and/or tastes, and/or if damaged.

According to some embodiments, the angles within the duct may be straight and/or acute. Optionally, the angles between the duct and the legs may be straight and/or acute. Optionally, the duct and legs may be Z-shaped. Optionally, the angle between the legs and the stepped wings may be straight and/or acute. Optionally, the legs and wings may comprise a Z-shaped portion.

According to some embodiments, the wings may overlap with the suspended ceiling (e.g., plasterboard panels). Optionally, the wings may rest on the upper surface of the plasterboard panels of the suspended ceiling. Optionally, the wings and suspended ceiling may be connected. For example, slot vent may be connected to the suspended ceiling by glue, screws, nails, plaster and/or any combination thereof. Optionally, the wings may be sufficiently wide so that the connection to the plasterboard panel may be strong and/or may not cause cracking of the plasterboard panel. For example, the wings may be sufficiently wide such that one or more screws may enter comfortably and safely without cracking the plasterboard panel and/or the edges of the plasterboard panel. Optionally, lateral length of the wings may range in width between about 1 to about 2 cm, and/or between about 2 to about 2.5 cm, and/or between about 2.5 to about 3.5 cm, and/or between 3.5 to about 5 cm and/or between 5 to 10 cm.

According to some embodiments, the angle between the wings and the legs of the slot vent may facilitate the plasterboard panel and the slot vent to fitting flush together, e.g., so there is no large gap between the plasterboard panel and the slot vent which may result in a weak connection and/or cracking of the plasterboard panel and/or spackle over time. Optionally, the gap between the plasterboard panel and the slot vent may be less than about cm, less than about 0.5 cm, less than about 0.3 cm, less than about 0.2 cm, and/or less than about 0.1 cm in width.

According to some embodiments, the legs may comprise one or more grooves on the under surface (e.g., the surface distal to the ceiling). Optionally, the one or more grooves may assist in spackling the connection between the suspended ceiling and the vent. Optionally, the one or more grooves in the slot vent legs may be configured for optimal spackling to prevent disengagement and cracks. Optionally, the one or more grooves may be configured to provide strong fixation of the spackle, e.g., may provide a good connection between the spackle, slot vent and/or plasterboard panel to provide a superior finish such as for painting. Optionally, the one or more groves may be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, etc. grooves.

According to some embodiments, the area between the duct side and the leg may end in an extended portion. Optionally, the angled walls may terminate in an extended portion. Optionally, the extended portion may be pointed and/or rounded. Optionally, the extended portion may provide a clean edge for the slot vent. Optionally, the clean edge may assist in spackling and/or improve the final aesthetic of the slot vent. Optionally, the extended portion may be configured to narrow the opening of the slot vent and/or provide a boundary for spackling. Optionally, the extended portion may be configured to provide an aesthetic edge to the vent slot opening (e.g., Fig. 4).

According to some embodiments, the slot vent may be made from metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, etc.) and/or plastic (e.g., a thermosetting plastic, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylic (e.g., polymethlamethacrylate), butyrate (cellulose acetate butyrate), polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, glycol modified polyethylene terphthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene, etc.), and/or a combination thereof. Optionally, the slot vent may be made from molded plastic. Optionally, the slot vent may be made as a single unit of molded or extruded plastic. Optionally, the slot vent may comprise a material which ranges in thickness between about 0.1 to 1 mm, and/or between about 1 to 3 mm, and/or between about 3 to 5 mm, and/or between 5 to 15 mm at its thickest point.

According to some embodiments, the slot vent may be made to measure for each room. Optionally, the slot vent may be prefabricated. Optionally, slot vent may be prefabricated and then cut to size on-site and/or off-site. Optionally, the slot vent may be extruded and/or cut to size. Optionally, the slot vent may range in length between about 0.5 to about 1.5 m, between about 1.5 m to about 3 m, between about 3 m to about 5 m, between about 5 m to about 10 m, between about 10 m to about 25 m and/or between 25 m to about 50 m. Optionally, the slot vent may be produced in a fixed width throughout their length, which may reduce and/or eliminate the need to cut pieces to the required width. For example, once the installed, the slot vent will automatically be straight and evenly spaced throughout its length. Optionally, the slot vent may be insulated.

According to some embodiments, the slot vent may ease the process of affixing and/or replacing slot vents which may in certain circumstances be very difficult using previous technologies, for example required hanging and/or aligning various pieces and/or connecting various pieces, which may have resulted in mismatching, and/or allowing unwanted entrance and exit of air into the plenum space, thereby reducing the efficiency of the system.

Reference is now made to the figures.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary photograph of a prior art vent slot. Several potential problems are visible in the prior art vent slot, e.g., cracking 102 of the plasterboard panel 106 of the suspended ceiling about the screw 104, possibly because there is insufficient width of material in the vent panel 110 to which the screw may connect; a large gap 108 may exist between the vent panel 110 and the plasterboard panel 106 of the suspended ceiling, which may require more spackle and/or may weaken the join and/or result in cracking over time; two separate vent panels 110a and 110b may need to be installed separately, which may not be parallel and/or may require spacers 112 and/or additional supports; vent walls and/or vent cover 114 may need to be attached to the vent panels 110 to create a duct, which may not be hermetically sealed; the vent may not be sealed off from the plenum space 116; etc.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary photograph of a slot vent system as an optional aspect of an embodiment of the current invention. For example, the wings 202 of the slot vent may be connected to the plasterboard panel 206 of the suspended ceiling by one or more screws 204. Optionally, the wings 202 are sufficiently wide so that the screws 204 may not crack the plasterboard 206 and/or damage the edge of the plasterboard panel 206, e.g., being a sufficient distance from the edge of the plasterboard panel. Optionally, the plasterboard panel 206 may fit snuggly (e.g., with minimal gap) into the stepped section 212 between the wing 202 and horizontal leg 253 of the slot vent. Optionally, the horizontal leg 253 may include one or more grooves 216 and/or an extended portion 218, which may assist in spackling. Optionally, the rear closure 251 of duct is hermetically sealed to the rear edges of the side walls 207 thereof. Optionally, air may only enter and/or exit the slot vent through one or more openings. Optionally, the duct may include one or more channels 220 for attachment of one or more optional accessories, e.g., filter, cable support structure, etc. For example, the attachment 220 may be on the inside of the duct.

Advantageously, the slot vent may be easily and simply attached to the structural ceiling and/or the suspended ceiling. Optionally, minimal spackling may be required, further reducing the weight and work required to produce an aesthetically pleasing finish.

In some embodiments, the slot vent may include a hermetic rear closure 251. Optionally, the rear closure 251 closes the side of the duct opposite the opening (which faces for example out of the wall towards the room). For example, the slot vent insert may include a build in channel closed on three sides. In the case of a ceiling vent, for example, the rear side of the vent may be the of the upper part thereof. In some embodiments, the closure 251 prevents entry and exit of unwanted air, hides electric cables and/or prevents the entry of insects. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include wide wings 252. Optionally, the wings have space for one or more screws to enter comfortably and safely. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include grooves 216 on the legs 253 in a shape for grasping spackle to prevent disengaging and/or cracking. Optionally, the closure 251, wings 252 and legs 253 are interconnected and/or formed together as a single unit.

Illustrated in Fig. 2 are a longitudinal axis 271, a lateral axis 272 directed horizontally and a transverse axis 273 directed vertically between a forward direction 275 of a rear closure 251 and a rearward direction 274 of an outer slot the legs 253 of the vent.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary photograph of a slot vent system as an optional aspect of an embodiment of the current invention. For example, the wings 302 of the slot vent may be connected to a plasterboard panel. Optionally, the wings 302 are sufficiently wide so that the screws may connect the wings to the panel without cracking the plasterboard and/or damage the edge of the plasterboard panel, e.g., being a sufficient distance from the edge of the plasterboard panel. Optionally, the plasterboard panel may fit snuggly (e.g., with minimal gap) into the stepped section 312 between the wing 302 and horizontal leg 353 of the slot vent. Optionally, the horizontal leg 353 may include one or more grooves 316 and/or an extended portion 318, which may assist in spackling. Optionally, the rear closure 351 of duct is hermetically sealed to the rear edges of the side walls 307 thereof. Optionally, air may only enter and/or exit the slot vent through one or more openings. Optionally, the duct may include one or more attachment mechanisms, for example, channels 320 for attachment of one or more optional accessories, e.g., filter, cable support structure, end seal etc. Attachment mechanisms may be located on the inside and/or outside of the duct. For example, the attachment 320 may be on the outside of the duct.

Advantageously, the slot vent may be easily and simply attached to the structural ceiling and/or the suspended ceiling. Optionally, minimal spackling may be required, further reducing the weight and work required to produce an aesthetically pleasing finish.

In some embodiments, the slot vent may include a hermetic rear closure 351. Optionally, the rear closure 351 closes the side of the duct opposite the opening (which faces for example out of the wall towards the room). For example, the slot vent insert may include a build in channel closed on three sides. In the case of a ceiling vent, for example, the rear side of the vent may be the of the upper part thereof. In some embodiments, the closure 351 prevents entry and exit of unwanted air, hides electric cables and/or prevents the entry of insects. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include wide wings 352. Optionally, the wings have space for one or more screws to enter comfortably and safely. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include grooves 316 on the legs 353 in a shape for grasping spackle to prevent disengaging and/or cracking. Optionally, the closure 351, wings 352 and legs 353 are interconnected and/or formed together as a single unit.

In some embodiments, the width of the wings may range between 15 to 30 mm and/or between 20 to40 mm and/or between 5 to 15 mm. In some embodiments, the width of the horizontal legs may Additionally, range between 10 to 15 mm and/or between 15 to 30 mm and/or between 5 to 15 mm. Optionally each leg may include between Additionally, 1 to grooves and/or 4 grooves and/or 5 grooves and/or between 5 to 8 grooves and/or between 3 to grooves. The depth of the grooves may range between 0.5 to 1.5 mm and/or between 1 to 1.mm. Optionally there may be between 0 to 1.5 mm apart and/or between 1.5 to 4 mm apart. The openings of the grooves may be between 0 to 1 mm and/or between 1 to 3 mm. The grooves may widen back into the foot, for example, the widest part of the groove may be between 1.to 2 times the width of the opening.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary photograph of a slot vent system as an optional aspect of an embodiment of the current invention. Optionally, the vent is defined on opposite sides by symmetrical lateral walls 405 and on a rear side by a rear closure 407 and open in the front (e.g., facing the room). For example, spackle may be easily and cleanly applied to the grooves 410 of the horizontal legs 408 of the slot vent. Optionally, the extended portion 412 of the slot vent may provide a guide for the spackle, e.g., thickness and edge; and/or a clean edge for the spackle. Optionally, the spackled grooves 414 may be indistinguishable from the plasterboard panels of the suspended ceiling connected to the wings 406 once installation is complete. Optionally, this may provide an aesthetically pleasing finish and/or prevent cracking and/or provide a strong connection to the plasterboard panel of the suspended ceiling. Optionally, a channel 404 may be provided for connecting a cover and/or accessories to the vent 402.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary photograph of a slot vent system as an optional aspect of an embodiment of the current invention. For example, spackle may be easily and cleanly applied to the grooves 510 of the horizontal legs 514 of the slot vent. Optionally, the extended portion 508 of the slot vent may provide a guide for the spackle, e.g., thickness and edge; and/or a clean edge for the spackle. Optionally, the spackled grooves 506 may be indistinguishable from the plasterboard panels 504 of the suspended ceiling connected to the wings 512 once installation is complete. Optionally, this may provide an aesthetically pleasing finish and/or prevent cracking and/or provide a strong connection to the plasterboard panel of the suspended ceiling. Optionally, a channel (not shown) may be provided for connecting an end cover 502 and/or accessories to the vent. Optionally, an end piece or end cover 502 may be added to the slot vent to seal an open end. Optionally, the seal may be hermetic. Optionally, the end cover 502 may be connected by the fitting on and/or into one or more channels (not shown) and/or on one or more lateral walls and/or rear closures of the duct. Optionally, the end cover 502 may be glued into place, e.g., by silicone sealant, etc.

Alternatively, and/or additionally, the channels (not shown) may be used to connect together multiple slot vents to make a longer vent. Alternatively, and/or additionally, vents may be connected together and/or a cover may be connected to the vent using a pin and/or a channel on the outside and/or inside of the slot vent.

Fig. 6 is a zoomed perspective view of an exemplary photograph of a slot vent system as an optional aspect of an embodiment of the current invention. Optionally, the angles 6between the main components may be acute and/or straight angles. Optionally, the slot vent may be prefabricated with a variety of angles to provide larger and/or smaller openings. Optionally, the slot vent may be prefabricated with legs 608 (e.g., with grooves 606). For example, the legs 608 may extend laterally outward (away from the channel). Optionally, the legs 608 are extend from the forward edge of the lateral walls 605. Optionally, the lateral walls 608 a forward extension 603 extending forward and/or angled laterally towards the channel (inward). In some embodiments, wings 612 may extend laterally outward (away from the channel) beyond the legs 608. For example, a reward step 610 may interconnect between the outer lateral edge of the legs 608 and the wings 612 such that the wings are positioned behind the legs. Optionally, a vent may include a step 610 of various widths and/or heights to fit various sizes of plasterboard panels. Optionally, the duct may include one or more channels 614 on one or more inner surfaces and/or outer surfaces (e.g., on lateral walls 605, rear closure 607, etc.) to which one or more accessories may be connected. Optionally, the channels may be of various widths to accommodate various accessories, e.g., electrical wiring, cables, cable supports, filters, connectors, blank offs, end covers, etc.

Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are side views of schematic illustrations illustrating the slot vent system as an optional aspect of an embodiment of the current invention. Fig. 8 is a zoomed in view of the area defined in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 indicates the air flow through an opening in the slot vent. Optionally, the vent is defined on opposite sides by symmetrical angled lateral walls 706, 802, 904 and on a rear side by a rear closure 707, 907 and an opening 710, 914 in the front (e.g., facing the room). For example, the triangular duct 702, 902 includes angled lateral walls 706, 802, 904, which may optionally include a channel 704, 906. Optionally, the angled lateral walls 706, 802, 904 may end with an extended portion 712, 806, 908 connected to that front edge of the walls at the opening 710, 914 of the duct through which air may enter and/or exit. Optionally, the angled lateral walls 706, 802, 904 may be connected to a horizontal leg 708, 808, 910 with an acute angle 714, 812, 916. In some embodiments, the horizontal may include one or more grooves 810, 912 (e.g., on the front side thereof and/or facing the room). Optionally, the grooves 810, 912 may be longitudinal grooves, which may extend along all or part of the horizontal legs 708, 808, 910. Optionally, the legs may be connected to a rearward step 716, 814, 918 with an acute and/or right angle. Optionally, the step 716, 814, 918 may be of various heights to accommodate various widths of plasterboard panels. Optionally, the step 716, 814, 918 may be attached to a wing 718, 816, 920 with an acute and/or right angle. Optionally, the wing 718, 816, 920 may be attached to a plasterboard panel (not shown) by one or more screws (not shown). Optionally, the screws may be placed at a distance along the wing to prevent cracking of the plasterboard panel.

Fig. 10 is a block diagrams illustrating the slot vent system as an optional aspect of an embodiment of the current invention. For example, slot vent system comprises an open duct 1002 with angled walls 1006 and/or a rear closure 1007, which for acute or straight angles with the upper surface of the duct, with optionally one or more channels 1004 on the inner surfaces and/or outer surfaces lateral walls (e.g., angled walls 1006) or a rear closure 1107. The angled walls terminate in horizontal legs 1008 with an extended portion and an opening 1016 between them. The horizontal legs 1008 may form an acute or straight angle with the angled walls. The legs 1008 may include grooves 1010 on their lower surface. The legs 1008 may be connected by a step 1012 to horizontal wings 1014. The legs 1008, step 1012 and/or wings 1014 may form acute, straight or obtuse angles between them, to fit flush to the plasterboard panels of a suspended ceiling.

Fig. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a use of the slot vent system as an optional aspect of an embodiment of the current invention. For example, the slot vent is fitted to a plasterboard panel of the suspended ceiling by matching the step flush 1102 to the plasterboard panel so that the wing lies on the upper surface of the plasterboard panel and the step sits next to the edge of the plasterboard panel. The plasterboard and the wing are connected 1104, e.g., by glue, silicone, nails, screws, or combinations thereof. Spackle is then applied 1106 to the lower surface of the plasterboard panel and/or the grooves in the legs of the slot vent, to increase the strength of the connection and/or to improve the look of the finish.

Claims (29)

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A slot vent system comprising: a duct with a longitudinal channel, symmetrically opposing lateral walls defining the longitudinal channel between the walls, said walls opening away from each other towards a rearward direction such that the rear of the channel is wider than a front thereof, a rear closure interconnecting rear edges of said lateral walls such that the longitudinal channel is enclosed on three sides by said lateral walls and said rear closure; said channel havening an open slot between forward edges of said lateral walls, horizontal legs extending away from said open slot from said forward edges of said lateral walls; a horizontal wing connected by a rearward step to each of said horizontal legs.

2. The slot vent system of claim 1, further comprising wings configured to extend behind a plasterboard panel such that a front edge of the channel is flush to a front face of the panel.

3. The slot vent of claim 2, further comprising a step connecting a leg of said horizontal legs to a wing of said wings, said step extending backwards from an edge of the leg to an edge of the wing.

4. The slot vent system of claim 3, wherein an angle between the step and the wing is between about 0 to about 90°.

5. The slot vent system of claim 2, wherein said wings extend laterally.

6. The slot vent of claim 1, wherein an angle between the lateral walls and the horizontal legs is acute.

7. The slot vent of claim 1, wherein an angle between the horizontal leg and the step is between about 0 to about 90°.

8. The slot vent of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the duct comprises at least one channel.

9. The slot vent of claim 8, wherein the channel extends at least in part along a length of the duct.

10. The slot vent of claim 9, wherein the channel is configured for attaching at least one accessory.

11. The slot vent of claim 10, wherein the at least one accessory comprises filters, end cover, thermostat, electric wiring, supports for electric wiring, cables, and blank offs.

12. The slot vent of claim 1, further comprising and end cover sealing an open end of said channel.

13. The slot vent of claim 1, wherein the lateral walls terminate in an extended portion extended forward of the forward edge of the longitudinal walls.

14. The slot vent of claim 13, wherein said extended portion has a length of between 3/10 to 3 mm.

15. The slot vent of claim 13, wherein the extended portion is pointed or rounded.

16. The slot vent of claim 1, wherein the legs comprise at least one groove on their lower surface.

17. The slot vent of claim 16, wherein the at least one groove extends at least in part along a length of the leg.

18. A method for use of a slot vent system, the method comprising: fitting the slot vent is fitted to a plasterboard panel by matching a step of the slot vent flush to the plasterboard panel, positioning a wing of the slot vent the behind the plasterboard panel extending laterally between 20 mm to 35 mm from the step; connecting the wing to the plasterboard panel.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising spackling a lower surface of a leg of the slot vent; said leg extending laterally from a front edge of channel of the vent.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the spackling is guided by an extended portion of an angled wall of the slot vent.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the fitting of the slot vent is directly onto a structural ceiling without need for additional support.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the fitting of the slot vent is directly to a suspended ceiling without need for additional support.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein the connecting the wing and the plasterboard panel is by glue, silicone, nails, screws, or combinations thereof.

24. The method of claim 18, further comprising attaching at least one accessory to a channel on an inner surface of a duct of the slot vent.

25. The method of claim 18, further comprising sealing an end of a slot vent with an end cover.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the sealing is by attaching the end cover to a channel on an inner surface of a duct of the slot vent.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the sealing is hermetic.

28. The method of claim 18, further comprising attaching two or more slot vents to each other to provide a longer vent.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the attaching is by a pin and a channel on the slot vent.