VENT REGISTER ADAPTER

Abstract

A vent register adapter is described which is designed specifically to assist in the installation of floor, ceiling and wall vent registers. All known vent registers are screwed directly into the vent surroundings. The surroundings are typically dry wall, wooden studs or the metal framework of the venting system itself. Often the vent void is somewhat irregular, which results in the vent register not fitting exactly or securely into the vent ducting. The embodiments of the invention relate to a rectangular plate having a layer of adhesive on the rear which can be attached around the vent void, thereby creating a regular and secure surface surrounding the vent ducting onto which the vent register can be attached.

Claims

1. A vent register adapter, said adapter comprising: a rectangular plate sized and configured to cooperate with a vent register, said plate having a front surface; a rear surface; four outer edges defining outer limits of vent register; and four inner edges defining outer limits of vent duct; two or more mounting clips disposed on said rectangular plate; a threaded screw hole disposed in each of said two or more mounting clips; a layer of adhesive applied to said rear surface of said rectangular plate.

2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said threaded screw hole has a rear collar projecting through said mounting clip and extending beyond said rear surface of said rectangular plate.

3. The adapter of claim 1, wherein two of said mounting clips are disposed on said rectangular plate, one mounting clip being disposed at a mid-point on one short side of said rectangular plate, and the other mounting clip being disposed at a mid-point on the other short side of said rectangular plate.

4. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said layer of adhesive applied to said rear surface of said rectangular plate is protected with a releasable tape.

5. The adapter of claim 4, wherein said adhesive is selected from the group comprising: acrylic adhesives; rubber-based adhesives; silicone adhesives; polyurethane; and isocyanate adhesives.

6. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said vent register adapter is fabricated from metals selected from the group comprising: steel; stainless steel; and aluminum.

7. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said vent register adapter is fabricated from injection molded plastics, selected from the group comprising: Nylon™; acrylics; polycarbonate (PC); polyoxymethylene (POM); polystyrene (PS); acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); polypropylene (PP); polyethylene (PE); thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); and thermoplastic rubber (TPR).

8. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said vent register adapter is fabricated from extrudable plastics, selected from the group comprising: polyethylene (PE); polypropylene; acetal; acrylic; Nylon™; polyamides; polyvinyl chloride (PVC); acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); and polycarbonate.

9. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said vent register adapter is fabricated from 3D printed plastics, selected from the group comprising: polylactic acid (PLA); ABS filament; polybutadiene elastomers; ASA; polyethylene terephthalate (PET); and PETG (glycolyzed PET polymer).

10. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said four outer edges are sized and dimensioned to accommodate a floor, wall or ceiling vent register.

11. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said four inner edges are sized and dimensioned to accommodate a floor, wall or ceiling vent.

12. A method of installing the vent register adapter of claim 4, said method comprising: cleaning surface surrounding outer limits of vent duct; removing the releasable tape from the layer of adhesive that is applied to the rear surface of the rectangular plate; adhering the rear surface of the rectangular plate to the outer limits of vent duct; securing the vent register in place over the vent register adaptor using screws inserted into cooperating threaded screw holes and screw holes in vent register.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a front aspect of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear aspect of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a side aspect of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective exploded aspect of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Devices and methods for carrying out the invention are presented in terms of embodiments depicted within the FIGS. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and the configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

[0025] Embodiments of the invention as described herein relate to an adapter designed specifically to assist in the installation of floor, ceiling and wall vent registers. All known vent registers are screwed directly into the vent surroundings. The surroundings are typically dry wall, wooden studs or the metal framework of the venting system itself. Often the vent void is somewhat irregular, which results in the vent register not fitting exactly or securely into the vent ducting.

[0026] The embodiments of the invention relate to a rectangular plate having a layer of adhesive on the rear which can be attached around the vent void, thereby creating a regular and secure surface surrounding the vent ducting onto which the vent register can be attached.

[0027] The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out in the specification. The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] In the embodiment of the invention shown here, the front surface 102 of the rectangular vent register adapter can be seen. Two mounting clips 104 are located at mid points along the shorter sides of the rectangular vent adapter. Each of the mounting clips 104 as a threaded screw hole 106 located therein. The interior edge 110 of the adapter defines the inner void space that is in communication with the vent ducting of the HVAC system. The exterior edge 108 of the adaptor defines the outer edge surround of the vent register.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] In the embodiment of the invention shown here, the rear surface 202 of the rectangular vent register adapter can be seen. The mounting clips 104, threaded screw holes 106 and exterior edges 108 and interior edges 110, as described in FIG. 1 can be seen.

[0032] The rear surface 202 of the vent adaptor has a layer of adhesive layer 204 applied.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] In the embodiment of the invention shown here, the exterior edge 108 can be seen. The threaded screw holes 106 (not shown) have short rear collars 302 extending perpendicularly from the rear surface 202 of the adaptor. The function of the rear collars 302 is to provide an additional threaded section to hold and secure the screws, if necessary.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] In the embodiment of the invention as shown here, the positioning of the adaptor can be seen. The vent register screw holes 406 can be seen aligning with the threaded screw holes 106 on the front surface 102 of the adaptor.

[0037] The method of installing the inventive vent register adaptor comprises; cleaning the surface surrounding the vent duct void; removing the removable tape from the adhesive that is applied to the rear surface 202, of the adaptor; adhering the adaptor in place around the vent duct void; securing the vent register in place over the vent register adaptor using screws inserted into the cooperating threaded screw holes 106 and the vent register screw holes 406.

[0038] The embodiments of the vent register disclosed herein relate to an adaptor that fits under floor, wall and ceiling registers. It is adaptable to all shapes and sizes of vent register. It adheres to the tin duct work behind the wall, indeed it can fasten vent registers in place to any materials thereby allowing air communication from the HVAC system. Typical embodiments have two screw holes for the register to attach. When installed, it keeps the register covers in place. The design helps in finishing all the venting in a house or building, and looks aesthetically more pleasing. It is easy to use and reuse. Conventionally, registers are generally fastened to tin and or drywall and generally move around in cutout. Embodiments of the invention solves this issue. The dimensions of product are made to fit any and all vent receptacles. The rear of the vent adapter is covered with an adhesive to bond to all materials, thereby making installation quick and easy. The adhesive is taped and ready to use.

[0039] The adapter can be fabricated from various different metals including, but not limited to: steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Alternatively, the adapters can be fabricated various plastics, the plastics may be 3D printed, injection molded or extruded.

[0040] An example of 3D printable plastics includes polylactic acid, or PLA, this material has the benefit of being biodegradable as it is manufactured using renewable raw materials such as corn starch. ABS filament another type of 3D printing thermoplastic which contains a base of elastomers based on polybutadiene, making it more flexible, and resistant to shocks. ASA is a material that has similar properties to ABS, but has a greater resistance to UV rays. Polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, is ideal for fabricating larger more rigid frames. PETG, is a glycolyzed PET polymer that combines both the simplicity of PLA 3D printing and the strength of ABS, and it is 100% recyclable. Numerous other 3D printable polymers, hybrids and composites are known and considered to be within the scope of protection sought.

[0041] Plastics that are particularly suitable for injection molding include Nylon™, acrylics, which are particularly suitable for being tinted, polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and thermoplastic rubber (TPR).

[0042] Plastics that are particularly suitable for extrusion include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene, acetal, acrylic, nylon (polyamides), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate.

[0043] The adhesive that is applied to the rear of the adapter plate can be any industrial strength adhesive know in the field. Typically, the adhesive is supplied adhered to the rear of the plate and is covered be an easy peel release layer. The adhesive may be selected from the group including, but not limited to: acrylic adhesives; rubber-based adhesives; silicone adhesives; and polyurethane or isocyanate adhesives. Acrylic adhesives provide excellent environmental resistance and provide a faster setting time than other adhesives. Rubber-based adhesives provide highly flexible bonds and are usually based on butadiene-styrene, butyl, polyisobutylene or nitrile compounds. Silicone adhesives and sealants have a high degree of flexibility and are resistant to very high temperatures. Polyurethane and Isocyanate adhesives provide more flexibility, impact, resistance, and durability.

[0044] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.