US3768395A

US3768395A - Adjustable diffuser

Info

Publication number: US3768395A
Application number: US00250047A
Authority: US
Inventors: N Rick
Original assignee: Wehr Corp
Current assignee: CARNES COMPANY Inc A WISCONSIN CORP
Priority date: 1972-05-03
Filing date: 1972-05-03
Publication date: 1973-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 1990-10-30

Abstract

A diffuser frame is provided with a rectangular opening and a rectangular deflector overlies the opening. The deflector is imperforate and is supported from the frame by a number of brackets and a rectangular rod member slidable in the brackets. Two brackets are connected to the frame and two additional brackets are connected to the deflector with the rod member being movable with as well as in the deflector brackets. The deflector is movable with the rod member relative to the frame along one path parallel to one pair of opposed sides of the opening, and is also movable on the rod member along another path parallel to the other pair of opposed sides of the opening but perpendicular to the first path. The deflector thus is movable from a centered position selectively into each of the four corners of the opening or to any position intermediate the centered and corner positions. The deflector is generally dished with a convex side directed toward the frame opening and the concave side directed outwardly.

Description

United States Patent 1 Rick [4 1 Oct. 30,1973

[ ADJUSTABLE DIFFUSER maatlfi sktwtll rebsflist [73] Assignee: Wehr Corporation, Milwaukee, Wis.

[22] Filed: May 3, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 250,047

[75] lnventor:

52 us. Cl, 98/40 B [51] Int. CL; F24f 13/06 [58] Field of Search 98/40 B, 40 D, 40 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,901,958 9/1959 Carnes 98/40 B 2,367,104 1/1945 Demuth 98/40 B Primary Examiner-William E. Wayner; Y AttorneyJohn W. Michael et al.

{57] ABSTRACT A diffuser frame is provided with a rectangular opening and a rectangular deflector overlies the opening. The deflector is imperforate and is supported from the frame by a number of brackets and a rectangular rod member slidable in the brackets. Two brackets are connected to the frame and two additional brackets are connected to the deflector with the rod member being movable with as well as in the deflector brackets. The deflector is movable with the rod member relative to the frame along one path parallel to one pair of opposed sides of the opening, and is also movable .on the rod member along another path parallel to the other pair of opposed sides of the opening but perpendicular to the'first path. The deflector thus is movable from a centered position selectively into each of the four corners of the opening or to any position intermediate the centered and corner positions. The deflector is generally dished with a convex side directed toward the frame opening and the concave side directed outwardly.

7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures ADJUSTABLE DIFFUSER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to air diffusers and, more particularly, to an air diffuser which is adjustable to vary the direction of air being discharged through the diffuser.

The basic function of an air diffuser is to provide control over air being discharged into a room to insure thorough penetration of airinto the room but to do so without creating uncomfortable drafts. Also, the diffuser must be aesthetically compatible with the ceiling and this consideration has taken on increased importance as more attention is being directed toward uninterrupted and completely integrated ceilings.

Among the general objects of this invention is to provide a versatile adjustable diffuser which is also simple in construction and compatible aesthetically with its surroundings.

For the achievement of these and other objects, this invention proposes a combination diffuser frame defining an air passage opening and a deflector at that opening. The deflector is supported by a bracket and rod system for movement along two mutually perpendicular paths. The positioning of the brackets and the length of the rods are such that the deflector is movable to positions at the sides of the opening at both ends of movement along each path to thereby provide selection of different discharge directions as well as a centered or four-way pattern.

Preferably, the deflector is in the form of a single imperforate plate overlying the opening to divert air flow through the opening and is dished with its convex side presented to the opening.

For more effective ceiling corner use, the diffuser is made in rectangular form. That is, the diffuser opening and the deflector are rectangular and the bracket and rod system permit movement of the deflector into the four corners of the opening.

US Pat. No. 2,901,958, assigned to the assignee of this application, relates to an air; diffuser construction of the type with which this application is concerned.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of a diffuser viewed from the inside;

FIG. 2 is a section taken generally along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section taken generally along lines 3-3 of FIG. I; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the corners of the difi'user.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The preferred embodiment of this invention will be described with the adjustable diffuser installed in a ceiling. The air supply duct work and related equipment has not been illustrated and will not be described since it can take any conventional form. .The air supply duct work usually terminates at openings in the ceiling at which the adjustable diffuser, or similar type apparatus, is located to control the discharge of air into the room being furnished with conditioned air. Diffuser l illustrated in the drawings is adapted to be positioned at one of the ceiling openings.

The diffuser includes a frame 12 having an outer flange 14 which defines an interior rectangular opening l6 and also includes vertically extending neck portions 18 positioned along the sides of opening 16. Vertical neck portions 18 are adapted to connect with the terminal end of an air duct and cooperate, with flange 14, in providing a sealed engagement between the diffuser frame and the duct work. In this regard, a sealing member (not shown) is usually provided and overlies flange 14 to be positioned between theflange and the ceiling surrounding the ceiling opening to insure a sealed connection.

Deflector 20 is positioned at opening 16 on the room side of the opening and spaced below the frame 12 so as to provide a well defined, restricted air passage 22 between the deflector and the sides 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d of opening 16. Structurally, deflector 20 is an imperforate plate having a dished configuration. More specifically, the deflector has a flange portion 24 extending around its periphery and a center upset portion 26 with the convex side of the deflector (specifically the upper side of upset portion 26 as viewed in the drawings) presented to opening 16 while the concave side thereof faces into the room. With the dished configuration,

angular sides

28, 30, 32, and 34 provide a sloping surface for directing the air passing through opening 16 to the side and between flange 24 of the deflector and the underside of flange 14 of the frame for discharge into the room.

Deflector 20 is supported at opening 16 by a system of

brackets

36, 38, 40, and 42 and a rod member 44. Two of the brackets, 38 and 42, are attached to opposed vertical portions 18 of the diffuser so as to be positioned along two opposed sides 16b and 16d of opening 16.

Brackets

36 and 40 are attached to

angular portions

28 and 32 of the deflector and as such are positioned in spaced relationship 'on the deflector but are parallel to the other pair of opposed vertical portions 18 of the frame or, in other words, parallel to the pair of sides 16a and 16c of opening 16. With this arrangement,

brackets

36 and 40 areperpendicular to brackets 38 and 42. Opening 16 and deflector 20 being generally rectangular, it is preferred that rod 44 also be rectangu-' pendicular but are parallel to the above mentioned pairs of opposite sides of opening 16.

With the support arrangement justdescribed, it can be observed, as viewed in-FIG. 1, that deflector 20 can be moved to the left and to the right with rod 44 as rod portions 44b and 44d move in guideways 48 and 52. This movement is parallel to the plane ofopening 16 and will then position the deflector adjacent one of the opposite left and right sides (16a or 16c) of opening 16 as viewed in FIG. 1. Also, deflector 20 is supported for movement relative to rod 44 as well as frame 14 by movement of the deflector on rod portions 44a and 44c, again parallel to the plane of opening 16. This movement of the deflector in

guideways

46 and 50 being up and down as viewed in FIG. 1.

positioned in the upper right hand corner of opening 16, or the deflector can be positioned either with corner 58 in the lower right hand corner of opening 16, with corner 60 in the lower left hand corner of opening 16, or with the comer 54 in the upper left hand corner of opening 16, all as viewed in FIG. 1 and shown in dotted lines. Accordingly, the adjustable diffuser can provide four different types of air flow pattern. More particularly, with corner 56 positioned in the dotted line showing the principal air discharge through the diffuser, would be down and to the left as viewed in FIG. 1. Similarly, with the corner 54 positioned in its dotted line showing, the air discharge will be down and to the right. Corner 58 positioned in its dotted line position, will result in air discharge up and to the left and corner 60 in its dotted line positioning will result in air discharge up and to the right, again all as viewed in FIG. 1. This is particularly effective where the diffuser must be positioned in the comer of a room as the deflector can then be positioned to direct the principal air flow away from the room walls defining the comer. Further with regard to the possible movement of the deflector 20, it will be noted that brackets 38 and 42 are positioned generally centrally of the opening defining walls of the frame to which they are attached and that with the deflector positioned in its center position (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) the rod portions 44b and 44d have extensions on both sides of the mounting brackets sufficient to permit the movement of the deflector toward engagement with opposed sides 16a and 160 of the opening. Similarly, the length of the rod portions 44b and 44c with respect to their

guideways

46 and 50 is such that the deflector can be moved for positioning adjacent opening sides 16b and 16d.

With the above discussed arrangement, it will be noted that the use of the single deflector at opening 16 provides a diffuser which will very closely harmonize with the remainder of the ceiling since it provides a minimum of interruption in the ceiling per se. Moreover, the extension of the deflector over the edges of opening 16 masks the opening from the room and the dished configuration of the deflector makes it blend well with the ceiling. Also, the bracket and rod supportsystem is relatively simple and yet provides for complete adjustment of the diffuser for maximum versatility. I

Although but one embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A diffuser comprising, in combination,

a frame defining an air passage opening,

means on said frame for attachment to an air duct,

at least one deflector disposed at said opening, and

support means for said deflector adapted to support said deflector from said frame in general alignment with said opening and for movement transversely of said opening, said support means comprising,

rod means,

means connecting said rod means to said frame and defining guideways having a limited length and in which said rod means is slideable relative to said frame along a first path,

means connecting said rod means to said deflector for movement of said deflector with said rod means relative to said frame and defining guideways having a limited length and in which said rod means is slideable for sliding movement of deflector on said rod means along a second path perpendicular to said first path,

the relative lengths of said guideways and said rod means being such that, when said deflector is positioned generally centrally relative to said opening, said rod means have extensions from both ends of said guideways at least equal to the amount of movement necessary to move said deflector to any of the sides of said opening.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said deflector is generally dished having a convex surface and a concave surface and is arranged with said convex surface presented to said opening.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said opening is generally rectangular, and

said means connecting said rod means to said frame and said deflector define a first pair of parallel guideways extending parallel to one pair of opposed sides of said opening and a second pair of parallel guideways extending parallel to the other pair of opposed sides of said opening and perpendicular to said first pair of guideways so that said deflector is movable to each of the four comers of said opening as well as to the sides thereof.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said opening is generally rectangular,

said means connecting said rod means to said frame comprises a first pair of brackets connected to said frame at one pair of opposed sides of said opening and defining guideways parallel to said pair of opposed sides,

said means connecting said rod means to said deflector comprises a second "pair of brackets connected to said deflector and defining guideways parallel to the other pair of opposed sides of said opening, and said deflector is generally rectangular.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said ,rod means is a continuous, generally rectangular member.

6. The combination of claim 4 wherein said deflector is larger than said opening.

7. a diffuser comprising, in combination,

a frame,

means on said frame for attachment to an air duct,

means defining a rectangular air passage opening,

a single rectangular deflector,

' first bracket means attached to said frame and defining therewith a first guideway parallel to a pair of opposed sides of said opening,

second bracket means attached to said deflector and defining therewith a second guide way at right angles to said first guideway,

all of said guideways being generally parallel to the plane of said opening,

and rod means disposed in said guideways for sliding movement therein whereby said deflector is movable relative to said opening along perpendicular paths and parallel to the plane of said opening,

the length of said rod means being such that when said deflector is positioned generally centrally relative to said opening said rod means have extensions beyond both ends of said guideways so that said deflector is movable to the sides and each of the four corners of said opening.

Claims

1. A diffuser comprising, in combination, a frame defining an air passage opening, means on said frame for attachment to an air duct, at least one deflector disposed at said opening, and support means for said deflector adapted to support said deflector from said frame in general alignment with said opening and for movement transversely of said opening, said support means comprising, rod means, means connecting said rod means to said frame and defining guideways having a limited length and in which said rod means is slideable relative to said frame along a first path, means connecting said rod means to said deflector for movement of said deflector with said rod means relative to said frame and defining guideways having a limited length and in which said rod means is slideable for sliding movement of deflector on said rod means along a second path perpendicular to said first path, the relative lengths of said guideways and said rod means being such that, when said deflector is positioned generally centrally relative to said opening, said rod means have extensions fRom both ends of said guideways at least equal to the amount of movement necessary to move said deflector to any of the sides of said opening.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said opening is generally rectangular, and said means connecting said rod means to said frame and said deflector define a first pair of parallel guideways extending parallel to one pair of opposed sides of said opening and a second pair of parallel guideways extending parallel to the other pair of opposed sides of said opening and perpendicular to said first pair of guideways so that said deflector is movable to each of the four corners of said opening as well as to the sides thereof.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said opening is generally rectangular, said means connecting said rod means to said frame comprises a first pair of brackets connected to said frame at one pair of opposed sides of said opening and defining guideways parallel to said pair of opposed sides, said means connecting said rod means to said deflector comprises a second pair of brackets connected to said deflector and defining guideways parallel to the other pair of opposed sides of said opening, and said deflector is generally rectangular.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said rod means is a continuous, generally rectangular member.

7. A diffuser comprising, in combination, a frame, means on said frame for attachment to an air duct, means defining a rectangular air passage opening, a single rectangular deflector, first bracket means attached to said frame and defining therewith a first guideway parallel to a pair of opposed sides of said opening, second bracket means attached to said deflector and defining therewith a second guide way at right angles to said first guideway, all of said guideways being generally parallel to the plane of said opening, and rod means disposed in said guideways for sliding movement therein whereby said deflector is movable relative to said opening along perpendicular paths and parallel to the plane of said opening, the length of said rod means being such that when said deflector is positioned generally centrally relative to said opening said rod means have extensions beyond both ends of said guideways so that said deflector is movable to the sides and each of the four corners of said opening.