US20050090195A1

US20050090195A1 - Cornice duct system

Info

Publication number: US20050090195A1
Application number: US11/006,871
Authority: US
Inventors: J. Place; Thomas Howard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-01-16
Filing date: 2004-12-08
Publication date: 2005-04-28

Abstract

An energy efficient air distribution system placed within the conditioned space of a building comprising a duct having an interior volume for conducting air. One of the exterior surfaces may have an ornamental design providing the impression the device is actually cornice molding. An opening extends through the duct wall for releasing conditioned air from the duct interior into the conditioned space. Opening is positioned on the duct to be visibly obscured. In one embodiment, a flow control mechanism is positioned adjacent to the opening for controlling the amount of conditioned flowing through the opening.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of the co-pending application Ser. No. 10/353,693, filed on Jan. 28, 2003, which itself is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/761,145 filed on Jan. 16, 2001 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,373, which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning duct system and, more particularly, to a duct system located in the conditioned space of a building for distributing heated or cooled air and having an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional air distribution systems include duct work that extends between an air handling unit and a conditioned room space. Conditioned room space is the space occupied by persons within a building in which air may be heated, cooled, or otherwise conditioned. The duct work extends along the exterior, non-conditioned space between interior walls, above the ceiling, or below the floor such that it is not visible to a viewer. Approximately 25-40% of the energy (heating or cooling capacity) in ordinary air distribution systems is lost to duct leakage and heat conduction through duct walls. As energy becomes a more treasured commodity and as energy costs climb higher, methods for reducing these losses are becoming more important.
In a few modern architectural projects, the duct work has been exposed within the interior conditioned space by using utilitarian ducts suspended from the ceiling. Although energy efficient and acceptable in large open commercial and institutional spaces, this technique is not applicable to most intimate spaces such as smaller offices and residences, especially those having a more traditional designed environment. Additionally, exposed duct work may not be effective in distributing air. Often, the ducts distribute air through a limited number of outlet vents causing localized drafts that are very disruptive to the comfort zone of a space. In other situations, the conditioned air tends to stratify and not reach the occupancy zone of the space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an air distribution system that has an aesthetically pleasing appearance and functionally distributes conditioned air throughout a room, plurality of rooms, or an entire building. The distribution system is positioned within the conditioned space such that any air leakage or heat conduction occurs within the conditioned space and is not wasted or lost, thus providing a more energy efficient air distribution system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view illustrating an air distribution network constructed according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a duct constructed according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3A is a cut-away perspective view of a junction box having a baffle and an attached duct;
FIG. 3B is a partial schematic view of a junction box having a fan;
FIG. 3C is a partial schematic view of a junction box having a heat exchanger;
FIG. 3D is a partial schematic view of a junction box having a damper;
FIG. 3E is a partial schematic view of a junction box having turning vanes;
FIG. 3F is a partial schematic view of a junction box having a filter;
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of an air distribution network placed along the interior walls of a conditioned space;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the duct constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a duct constructed according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a duct constructed according to the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a duct constructed according to the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a duct constructed according to the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of an air distribution network placed along the interior walls of a conditioned space;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment illustrating a duct, a hanger, and a panel;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment illustrating a duct, a hanger, and a panel;
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment illustrating a duct, a hanger, and a panel;
FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a joining insert connecting two ducts according to one embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a corner unit, joining inserts, and ducts according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an air distribution network, generally designated 10 in FIGS. 1, and 4, located in the conditioned space with the purpose of distributing conditioned air. Conditioned air is air that has been heated, cooled, humidified, filtered, or otherwise treated. A series of ducts 20 extend along the walls of the conditioned space for conducting and directing the air. The ducts 20 include outlets 28 (FIG. 2), which distribute the air evenly throughout the conditioned space. Junction boxes 30 (FIG. 1) are located about the space and connect the ducts 20 forming the distribution network 10. Junction boxes 30 may further include air-controlling devices for further distributing the air. Conditioned air is introduced into the air distribution network through at least one of the junction boxes 30. The conditioned air is conducted through the ducts 20 and passes through the outlets 28 into the conditioned space.
FIG. 1 illustrates a section of the distribution network 10. Junction box 30 is positioned within a corner of the room and connects two separate ducts 20. In one embodiment, the exterior surface of the ducts 20 and/or junction box 30 are ornamentally decorated thereby enhancing the appearance of the room. The distribution network 10 serves both the functional purpose of distributing air throughout the room while also providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the duct 20. Ornamental surface 22 extends around a portion of the duct 20 that is visible to a viewer positioned in the conditioned space when the distribution network 10 is mounted. Ornamental surface 22 may have a variety of designs giving the impression that the duct 20 is a decorative molding. As illustrated in FIG. 2, ornamental surface 22 comprises the surfaces that extend along the bottom and front side of the duct 20, e.g. front and bottom surfaces. Various ornamentation and designs are contemplated and are to be included within the scope of the present invention. In the disclosed embodiments, the front surface has a form reminiscent of a segment of crown molding. The bottom surface is illustrated and described as plain but does not detract from the appearance of the duct 20. Bottom surface may, however, contain additional ornamentation. Mounting surface 24, e.g. the back wall of the duct, abuts against the interior wall of the conditioned space. An upper wall having an upper surface 25 may also be substantially flat for mounting against the ceiling, or supporting an array of items such as luminaries that indirectly light the conditioned space when the top surface 25 is positioned away from the ceiling. Additionally, top surface 25 may include a cable tray for holding items including telephone lines, electrical cables, data cables, fiber-optic cables, and the like such that they are not visible to a person within the conditioned space. Additionally, mirrored surfaces may be placed along the walls and ceiling to direct the light as necessary. Although the shape illustrated in FIG. 2 is substantially rectangular, other shapes and embodiments are also contemplated by the present invention.
At least one recess 26 may be formed in the duct 20 for hiding an outlet 28 and flow control mechanism 29. Outlet 28 is an opening to the duct interior through which air is diffused into the conditioned space. Flow control mechanism 29 extends over the outlet 28 and controls the flow rate of air being distributed. Ornamental surface 22 may form a projection 27 adjacent to the recess 26 such that the recess 26 is not easily visible by a viewer. As viewed in FIG. 1, the recesses are not easily visible by a person positioned within the occupancy zone of the room. By not being easily visible, recesses 26 and outlet 28 do not detract from the aesthetic appearance of the distribution network 10.
In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2, a pair of recesses 26 and outlets 28 are formed in the duct 20, one at the intersection of the top wall and front wall of the duct 20 and one at the intersection of the back wall and bottom wall of the duct 20. Recesses 26 and outlets 28 are positioned such that air is directed along the ceilings and/or walls of the conditioned space. This positioning causes the air to migrate along the ceiling and/or wall surface to create a blanket of supply air that tends to offset the energy loads incurred by walls and windows, especially during the heating season, and energy loads from the ceiling during the cooling season. This position is also advantageous in that it creates a projected air pattern that is outside the occupancy zone of the space.
The flow control mechanism 29 may be positioned over the outlet 28 to control the direction and volume of air directed from the duct 20 into the conditioned space. One example of a flow control mechanism is a diffuser strip positioned over the outlets 28. The diffuser strip includes a plurality of orifices that overlay the outlets 28 and are adjustable to control the size of an opening through which air is directed. The flow control mechanism 29 may be manually adjustable such that a user may adjust the openings, or may be controlled by a remotely controllable device having a stepper motor which is especially convenient when the distribution network 10 is positioned within the upper reaches of the room and not easily accessible.
Ducts 20 have either a one-piece construction or a multi-piece construction. Either type construction provides for straight-forward installation as the duct ends are slipped into corresponding openings within the junction boxes 30 to complete the network 10. Ducts 20 and junction boxes 30 may be constructed from a variety of materials. Junction boxes 30 are selectively positioned throughout the distribution network 10. Openings 32 in the junction boxes 30 are sized and shaped to correspond to the cross-section of the ducts 20 are positioned on at least one side of the junction boxes 30 for receiving and supporting ducts 20. In one embodiment, openings 32 are sized such that duct 20 fits snugly within the opening 32 thereby limiting air leakage that occurs at the connection. Caulk or insulation may also be inserted within any gaps between the duct 20 and junction box 30 to further reduce air leakage. Exterior surface 36 contains a complementary ornamental design to complement the duct ornamental surface 22 for an aesthetically pleasing appearance for a viewer. As illustrated in FIG. 1, exterior ornamental surfaces 36 may include a bottom surface, and side walls through which ducts 20 extend.
As illustrated in FIG. 3A, mounting surfaces 37 are substantially flat such that they may be positioned against the wall of the conditioned space. Top surface 38 may likewise be flat and be positioned against the ceiling, or may be equipped with lights or other decorative motif depending on the desires of the user.
Air flow controllers may be positioned within one or more of the junction boxes 30 for directing or controlling the air flow through the distribution network 10. A variety of air flow controllers may be positioned within the network including: a baffle 50 for directing air into the ducts 20 as illustrated in FIG. 3A; a booster fan 51 for assisting the air handler and moving the air throughout the distribution network 10 as illustrated in FIG. 3B; a heat exchanger 52 as illustrated in FIG. 3C; a damper 53 for opening and closing ducts 20 within the network illustrated in FIG. 3D; a flow director 54 such as radiused corner bends and/or turning vanes to enhance air directional changes illustrated in FIG. 3E; and a filter 55 illustrated in FIG. 3F. Other air flow controllers may further be included and are within the scope of the present invention.
Junction boxes 30 may be positioned within the corners of the space resulting in directional changes in the distribution network 10, or may be positioned along a substantially linear section of the duct 20. In one embodiment, junction boxes 30 include mounting mechanisms for attaching to the wall of the conditioned space for supporting the distribution network 10. Holes 31, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, positioned along the mounting surfaces 37 are sized for fastening devices such as screws and the like for securing the junction boxes 30 to the walls. Ducts 20 are then inserted within the openings 32 and thereby supported by the junction boxes 30 without themselves being directly secured to the room walls. Openings (not illustrated) within the duct mounting surfaces 24 may be available for further mounting the ducts 20 to the wall of the conditioned space.
The distribution network 10 may be positioned at a variety of heights along the wall of the conditioned space. In one embodiment, the junction box top surface 38 and duct top surface 25 are positioned against the ceiling of the conditioned space. In another embodiment, the distribution network 10 is positioned downward from the ceiling such that a lighting system may be mounted between the duct top surface 25 and the room ceiling. A chamber assembly 35 may extend upward from the junction box top surface 38 to abut the ceiling for further securing the junction box 30 and also providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
One or more of the junction boxes 30 within the distribution network 10 includes an opening 40 through which air is supplied from an air handler, such as a heating or air conditioning system. Air opening 40 is positioned on one of the mounting surfaces 37 such that it is not visible to a viewer. An air control mechanism 29 may be positioned over the air opening 40 to control or modify the flow of incoming air.
FIG. 4 illustrates the air distribution network 10 positioned on the wall of a conditioned space. Conditioned air from the air handler enters the network through air opening 40 where it is directed through ducts 20 and junction boxes 30. Achieving good thermal comfort within the conditioned space may not require a duct 20 with diffusers on every wall of the conditioned space. However, the duct 20 serves an aesthetic function that may motivate including a duct 20 on every wall of the conditioned space. For reasons of economy, ducts may be fabricated without diffusers and may be installed in such a manner as not to conduct air. On the other hand, such ducts may be used to conduct air to another conditioned space. Therefore, junction boxes 31 and ducts 21 are not equipped for conducting air through the distribution network 10. These aesthetic pieces 21, 31 have the same exterior surface as the functional air distribution pieces 20, 30 such that a consistent aesthetic is maintained throughout the conditioned space.
Ducts 20 and junction boxes 30 may also be used for removing air from the conditioned space. The aesthetic appearance of these elements is the same as the air distribution elements. Air from the conditioned space enters through inlets and is directed along the ducts 20 and junction boxes 30 to an exit port 60. Air flow controllers may be positioned within the junction boxes 30 to further assist in the air movement.
FIG. 5 illustrates a duct 20 constructed according to one embodiment of the present invention. The duct 20 is constructed of separate side sections 52 and joining edge elements 62, 64. Side sections 52 may have a variety of shapes and orientations depending upon the desired cross-sectional dimensions of the duct 20. As illustrated in FIG. 5, four separate side sections 52 are joined together to form the duct 20, although other numbers of different sections may be used to form the duct. Additionally, side sections 52 may have a substantially straight orientation, or may have a curved orientation (not illustrated).
Joining edge elements 62, 64 are positioned within the corners of the duct 20 to connect the side sections 52. Side sections 52 are positioned against an inner edge of joining edge elements 62, 64 and held in position by gripping bars 72 and fasteners 74. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, fasteners 74 attach from the interior of the duct such that they are not visible to a viewer within the conditioned space. Serrated grooves within the joining edge elements 62, 64 are sized to receive the fasteners 74. Joining edge elements 62, 64 may further form a section of the ornamental surface 22 and may include additional ornamentation to further improve the aesthetic appearance.
Elements 64 may additionally be shaped to form the recess 26 for hiding the outlet 28. Flow control mechanisms 29 may further be positioned within the outlets 28. Projections 27 may be mounted on the exterior surface of the mounts 62, 64 to further enhance the aesthetic appearance and to obscure the recess 26.
FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the invention having an opening 70 through which conditioned air moves from the interior duct space 80 to the conditioned space 100. Opening extends through the duct wall and includes a first end 72 at the interior space 80 and a second end 74 at the conditioned space 100. The profile of the duct 20 is designed to obscure the opening 70 such that it is not readily visible from the conditioned space 100. The term “profile” used herein means the exterior line formed by the exterior face of the duct. The profile of the duct 20 in one embodiment is clearly visible in the cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 6. To a person in the conditioned space 100, the profile gives the impression that the duct 20 is a decorative piece and serves no functional purpose.
Opening 70 may be positioned at a variety of locations about the duct 20. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 6, opening 70 is positioned adjacent to a top surface 25 of the duct 20 with the second end 74 positioned at an junction between a front surface and a top surface 25 of the duct 20. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 7, opening 70 is positioned with second end 74 positioned on the top surface 25. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the opening 70 positioned with second end 74 positioned on the front surface. In one embodiment with the opening extending into the front surface, the profile of the ornamental surface design camouflages the opening 70 such that it is visibly obscured.
In one embodiment, opening 70 has an upwardly-slanted orientation to deliver conditioned air along the ceiling surface 102 of the conditioned space. In one embodiment, opening 70 is slanted to deliver conditioned air along a wall surface 104. In another embodiment, opening 70 is substantially flat.
In one embodiment, a projection 27 extends outward from the duct wall. In one embodiment, projection 27 forms a part of the ornamental surface 22 that obscures the opening 70. A flow control mechanism 29 is positioned within the projection 27 to control the flow of conditioned air through the opening 70. In one embodiment, flow control mechanism 29 is a rotatable member selectively positionable between a first position in which the opening 70 is clear, a second position in which the opening 70 is closed to prevent air flow, or a position therebetween. In one embodiment, a control lever 50 extends outward from the control mechanism 29 for rotating the control mechanism 29. In one embodiment, flow control mechanism 29 is positioned within the exterior duct wall. The flow control mechanism 29 is not visible from a person in the conditioned space 100, but acts to control the flow of air through the opening 70. In one embodiment, flow control mechanism 29 is positioned within the wall that includes the ornamental surface 22.
Lighting units 90 may be positioned on the duct 20. In one embodiment, lighting fixtures includes a light element 94 and a clear protective element 92 which extends over the light element 94. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, lighting unit 90 is positioned on the top surface 25 and the protective element 92 extends over the light to form a section of the top surface 25. In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, lighting unit 90 is positioned along the front surface. The profile of the duct obscures the lighting unit 90 such that it is not visible from the conditioned space. In one embodiment, ornamental surface includes a recess for positioning the lighting unit 90. The profile formed by the recess and the ornamental surface visibly obscures the lighting unit 90 from a person in the conditioned space 100. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 7, more than one lighting unit 90 is positioned on the duct 20.
Ducts 20 may be positioned at a variety of locations within the conditioned space 100. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 6, duct 20 is positioned within the conditioned space 100 along a wall surface 104 a short distance from a ceiling 102. In this embodiment, opening 70 is angled to emit conditioned air along the ceiling surface 102. Lighting unit 90 is positioned on the top surface 25 for lighting the ceiling 102. In one embodiment, duct 20 is used as a shelf with the top surface 25 supporting items. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, duct 20 is positioned along the wall surface 104 with the top surface 25 positioned against the ceiling 102. In one embodiment, duct 20 includes a tab 79 having an aperture through which a fastener is positioned to fasten the duct 20 to the wall surface 104.
In one embodiment, duct 20 is formed from an extrusion process. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 6, duct is constructed of a front section 110, top section 112, bottom section 114, and back section 116. One or more of the sections is constructed from an extrusion process. In one embodiment, the extruded sections have a length equal to the length of the conditioned space 100, such as a room as illustrated in FIG. 10. In one embodiment, front section 110 includes the ornamental surface 22 and has a length equal to the length of the conditioned spaced 100. The continuous piece of duct 20 adds to the aesthetic appearance because there are no connection joints which would result if smaller pieces were used. In one embodiment, front section is a continous length and is extruded without the opening 70. The openings are machined through the duct wall in a separate step. Openings 70 can be arranged at a variety of locations along the length of the duct 20. In one embodiment, the duct 20 is constructed of two extruded sections formed together as illustrated in FIG. 7. A front section 110 and a back section 116 are extruded and then connected. In another embodiment, duct 20 is constructed of a single extruded part. In another embodiment, duct 20 is constructed of eight separate extruded sections which are connected together. In one embodiment, the extrusions are keyed or locked together. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 7, the first section 110 and second section 116 mate together to form an integral duct 20. In one embodiment, sections 110, 116 slide together. In another embodiment, sections 110, 116 snap together. Various other keying or locking configurations may be used for attaching together the different sections. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for the different extruded pieces to connect to each other with minimal or no requirement for glue, adhesives, welding, or additional fasteners.
FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of the duct 20 mounted within a conditioned space 100, such as a room. Duct 20 extends along the length of one wall. Inlet 40 brings conditioned air into the duct 20 which is then transported and released to the conditioned space 100. Ducts 21 have the same aesthetic appearance as duct 20, but do not function to distribute conditioned air to or from the conditioned space 100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, ducts 21 extend along two walls. In another embodiment, ducts 21 extend along each wall that is not occupied by a functional duct 20.
FIG. 11 illustrates a hanger 150 for attaching the duct 20 to the wall surface 104. Hanger 150 includes a downwardly-facing arm 151 spaced a distance from a back edge of the duct to form a gap 152. The gap 152 is sized to receive a hanger 106 mounted on and extending from the wall surface 104. In this embodiment, a top edge of the hanger 150 is substantially flush with the top surface 25 of the duct 20. The hanger 150 may be positioned at a variety of locations along a back edge of the duct 20 such that it is not visible from the perspective of a person standing within the conditioned space. A back edge of the arm 151 is substantially flat to contact and rest against the wall surface 104. A support surface 154 is also positioned along a back edge of the duct 20 to further support the duct on the wall surface 104. The support surface 154 controls the orientation of the duct relative to the wall surface 104 and ceiling surface 102. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the outer edges of the support surface 154 and arm 151 are substantially aligned. An indent may further be positioned along the back surface. The indent is spaced inward from the plan formed by the surfaces of the arm 151 and support 154. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the arm 151 extends into the indent to ease attachment to the wall.
As illustrated in FIG. 12, a member 155 may be positioned at a lower edge of the duct 20 to cover the point where the back edge of the duct 20 contacts the wall surface 104. Member 155 may be aesthetically pleasing to match the ornamental surface 22, and further enhance the visual concept that the duct is cornice work placed on an upper section of the wall surface 104. In this embodiment, member 155 is an extension of a larger element that attaches to the wall surface 104 and includes the hanger 106. Member 155 may also function as a holder for the protective element that extends over the lighting element 94.
A panel 160 may be placed on the top surface 25 of the duct 20. The panel 160 includes a back edge 161 that faces the wall surface 104 and a front edge 162. In one embodiment, the length of the panel 160 is about equal to the length of the duct 20 such that the back edge 161 contacts the wall surface 104 and the front edge 162 is aligned with the opening 70. The front edge 162 may have an aesthetic appearance to enhance the overall visual appearance of the duct 20. In one embodiment, front edge 162 has an angled orientation. The front edge 162 may further aid in directing the conditioned air as it leaves the opening 70, such as further directing it along the ceiling surface 102. Panel 160 may be constructed of an insulative material, such as foamed styrene. In one embodiment, panel 160 is constructed of a compressible material. Panel 160 is positioned between the top edge of the duct 20 and the ceiling and has a width to prevent the duct from moving upward. Upon removal of the panel 160, the duct 20 can be lifted upward and removed from the wall.
FIG. 13 illustrates an air deflector 165 placed over the front edge 162 of the panel 160. The air deflector 165 extends to a section of the duct surface adjacent to the opening 70. The deflector 165 directs the air away from the duct 20 and prevents the air from becoming trapped in the gap 169 formed between the duct and panel 160.
FIG. 14 illustrates a joining insert 170 connecting two separate ducts 20. The joining insert 170 has a smaller width to fit within the ends of the ducts 20. The inner width of the ducts 20 is slightly larger than the outer width of the joining insert 170 such that the insert can extend into the ducts. The smaller outer width of the joining insert 170 forms an offset 171 with the larger duct 20. The width of the insert 170 may cause the insert 170 to be in close proximity to the inner edges of the ducts 20, or may contact the inner edges of the ducts 20. The insert 170 may be sealed within the ducts 20 to prevent conditioned air from leaking. The seal may be by the contact between the insert 170 and the ducts 20, or may include a sealing agent such as caulk or glue positioned within the connection.
In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 14, the offset 171 is facing the wall surface 104 and provides a space for positioning an actuator wheel 172 for controlling the positioning of the flow control mechanism 29. The actuator wheel 172 is recessed within the offset 171 so as not to visually diminish the aesthetic appearance of the duct 20.
FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment using a corner unit 175 and a pair of joining inserts 170 to connect the ducts 20 extending along two separate wall surfaces 104. The corner unit 175 includes first and second openings spaced about 90° apart and sized to each receive a joining insert 170. An offset 171 is formed by the joining insert 170 between the corner unit 175 and the ducts 20. An actuator wheel 172 is positioned in each offset 171 to control the air controller 29 for each length of duct 20.
In one embodiment, the ducts 20 are mounted in an elevated location within a room. The ducts 20 visually resemble cornice molding to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The functional aspects of the duct 20, such as the opening 70 and flow control mechanism 29, are hidden from view by the ornamental surface 22. Further, the joining inserts 170 and corner units 175 provide for extending the duct network throughout an entire structure.
The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. In one embodiment, opening 70 extends along the length of the duct 20. In one embodiment, opening 70 has a discrete length less than the length of the duct 20. A series of openings 70 are spaced along the length of the duct 20. In one embodiment, the duct walls include an insulative liner. In one embodiment, insulative liner is positioned on the interior surface of the duct 20. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. An air conditioning and diffusing device for mounting on a wall within a conditioned space, the device comprising:

a duct having a duct wall forming an interior volume through which the conditioned air flows;

an ornamental surface on an exterior section of the duct wall, the ornamental surface having a surface profile comprising a projection;

a channel extending through the duct wall and having an inlet on an interior of the duct wall and an outlet on the ornamental surface, the channel having an angled orientation with the inlet being vertically below the outlet, the outlet positioned to be inward of and below the projection; and

a hanger to attach to the wall, the hanger extending from the duct wall along an edge facing the wall and opposite from the ornamental surface, the hanger having an arm that extends in a direction substantially opposite of the angled orientation of the channel.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a supporting surface on the edge facing the wall, the supporting surface spaced away from the hanger and having a flat surface aligned with an outer edge of the hanger such that the flat surface and the outer edge of the hanger contact the wall when mounted to the wall.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the edge facing the wall further comprises an indent extending between a bottom edge of the hanger and an upper edge of the supporting surface, the indent spaced inward from a plane formed by from the outer edge of the hanger and the supporting surface.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a panel sized to fit between an upper surface of the duct and the ceiling when the device is mounted to the wall and having an angled front edge that aligns with the outlet.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a controller positioned within a space formed above and behind the projection, the controller rotatably adjustable between first and second orientations to control an amount of the conditioned air flowing through the channel.

6. An air conditioning and diffusing device for mounting on a wall adjacent to a ceiling within a conditioned space, the device comprising:

a duct wall forming an interior volume through which conditioned air flows;

an ornamental surface on an exterior section of the duct wall;

a channel extending through the duct wall and having an inlet on an interior of the duct wall and an outlet on the ornamental surface, the channel having an angled orientation with the inlet being vertically below the outlet; and

a panel positioned between an upper edge of the duct wall and the ceiling, the panel having an angled front edge that aligns with the outlet to further direct the conditioned air towards the ceiling.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the exterior ornamental surface further comprises a projection positioned below the opening and that extends outward beyond the outlet.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the projection comprises an inner edge that angles towards the ceiling and is substantially aligned with the channel to further direct the conditioned air towards the ceiling.

9. The device of claim 7, further comprising a rotating controller attached to the ornamental surface and positioned within a space formed between the projection and the front edge of the panel, the controller movable between first and second positions to control an amount of the conditioned air moving through the channel.

10. An air conditioning and diffusing device for mounting on a wall adjacent to a ceiling within a conditioned space, the device comprising:

a duct having a duct wall forming an interior volume through which conditioned air flows, the duct wall further having an exterior ornamental surface with a surface profile comprising a projection;

an opening that extends through the duct wall to diffuse the conditioned air from the interior volume into the conditioned space, the opening extending through a front section of the duct;

a hanger extending from a back section of the duct and having an arm forming a space between an exterior surface of the back section and an inner edge of the arm; and

a panel positioned at an upper edge of the duct wall and having a length substantially equal to the duct, the panel having an angled front edge that aligns with the opening to further direct the air towards the ceiling.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the panel is constructed of a compressible material having an uncompressed width greater than a width between the upper edge of the duct and the ceiling.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the panel has a width to lock the duct into position and prevent upward movement of the duct.

13. A network for diffusing conditioned air through a conditioned space, the duct network comprising:

first and second ducts each comprising:

a wall forming an interior volume through which the conditioned air flows, each of the plurality of ducts having a duct width extending between a first interior surface and a second interior surface; and

a channel extending through the duct wall and having an inlet on one of the first and second interior surfaces and an outlet on the first exterior surface;

a panel sized to fit between a ceiling of the conditioned space and a top exterior surface of the wall, the panel having an angled front edge that aligns with the outlet when mounted between the top exterior surface and the ceiling;

a joining insert having a first end and a second end for joining together the first and second duct, the joining insert having an insert width to fit within the duct width such that the first end fits within the first duct and the second end fits within the second duct.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the joining insert is substantially straight and the first end faces away from the second end.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the joining insert forms a substantially right angle with the first end facing about 90° away from the second end.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the joining insert further comprises a corner unit having a first opening and a second opening.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the first exterior surface is ornamental and includes a projection positioned below the outlet.

18. The device of claim 13, wherein the joining sleeve is sealed within the first duct and the second duct.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the joining sleeve contacts the first and second surfaces of the first duct and the second duct.

20. An air conditioning and diffusing device for mounting on a wall adjacent to a ceiling within a conditioned space, the device comprising:

a duct having an exterior surface comprising a first section and a second section spaced away from the first section, the duct further comprising an interior surface forming an interior volume in which conditioned air flows;

an opening that extends between the interior surface and the exterior surface to diffuse the conditioned air from the interior volume into the conditioned space, the opening extending through the first section and having an angled orientation with an inlet at the interior surface vertically below an outlet at the exterior surface to direct the conditioned air towards the ceiling;

a hanger extending from the second section and having an arm forming a space between the exterior surface of the second section and an inner edge of the arm; and

a panel positioned at an upper edge of the duct and having a length substantially equal to a distance between the exterior surfaces of the first and second sections, the panel having an angled front edge that aligns with the opening to further direct the air towards the ceiling.

21. The device of claim 20, wherein the hanger is positioned on an opposite side of the duct from the opening.

22. The device of claim 20, wherein a top section of the hanger is substantially flush with an upper section of the duct.

23. The device of claim 20, further comprising a projection extending outward from the first section at a point vertically below the opening.