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US-12624857-B2 - Toolless installation and cleaning of vent assembly

US12624857B2US 12624857 B2US12624857 B2US 12624857B2US-12624857-B2

Abstract

A filtered air vent apparatus has a vent housing body comprising a first sidewall and a second sidewall defining a portion of an air passageway that extends between at least a first open end and a second open end. There is a grill hingedly attachable to the vent housing body and securable to the vent housing body. A connector provides a snap-in configuration that permits or effectuates toolless installation of the filtered air vent apparatus. A filter is selectively and removably positioned behind the grill and in the air passageway. The grill may be removable connected to the vent housing body to allow the grill to be cleaned a number of different manners.

Inventors

  • Dominic Pecchia

Assignees

  • FILTREX PURE AIR, LLC

Dates

Publication Date
20260512
Application Date
20250422

Claims (14)

  1. 1 . A method for an air vent apparatus, the method comprising: moving a vent housing body toward an opening of a duct, wherein the opening is within a wall; connecting the vent housing body to one of the wall and the air duct via a toolless installation, wherein the toolless installation of connecting the vent housing body to one of the wall and the air duct is effectuated by a toolless connector that extends from a rear surface of the vent housing body; connecting a grill to the vent housing body, wherein connecting the grill to the vent housing body is accomplished by a hinged connection near a bottom of the grill; disconnecting the grill entirely from the vent housing body while the vent housing body remains connected to the wall in the toolless manner; and cleaning the grill while the grill is entirely disconnected from the vent housing body.
  2. 2 . A method for an air vent apparatus, the method comprising: moving a vent housing body toward an opening of a duct, wherein the opening is within a wall; connecting the vent housing body to one of the wall and the air duct via a toolless installation, wherein the toolless installation of connecting the vent housing body to one of the wall and the air duct is effectuated by a toolless connector that extends from a rear surface of the vent housing body; connecting a grill to the vent housing body; disconnecting the grill from the vent housing body; cleaning the grill while the grill is disconnected from the vent housing body; and installing a plate in the vent housing body in a space previously occupied by a filter after having removed the filter, wherein the plate is operable to preclude or inhibit air flow through the grill.
  3. 3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the toolless connector is a clip connector, wherein the clip connector comprises a clip arm that extends rearward in a cantilevered manner from the rear surface of the vent housing body, the method further comprising: moving a portion of the clip arm through the opening in the wall.
  4. 4 . The method of claim 3 , further comprising: contacting a tapered surface of the clip arm with an edge of the wall that defines the opening; and flexing the clip arm from a neutral position to a flexed position in response to the vent housing body moving toward the wall.
  5. 5 . The method of claim 4 , further comprising: moving the tapered surface of the clip arm to a location behind the wall, wherein when the tapered surface is located behind the wall the clip arm returns to a neutral position; and wherein the clip connector establishes a snap-fit configuration that connects the vent housing body to the wall without the use of screws, a screwdriver or a drill.
  6. 6 . A method for an air vent apparatus, the method comprising: moving a vent housing body toward an opening of a duct, wherein the opening is within a wall; connecting the vent housing body to one of the wall and the air duct via a toolless installation, wherein the toolless installation of connecting the vent housing body to one of the wall and the air duct is effectuated by a toolless connector that extends from a rear surface of the vent housing body; connecting a grill to the vent housing body; hingedly opening the grill relative the vent housing body while the vent housing body remains connected one of the wall and the air duct, wherein a filter remains in the vent housing body when the grill is hinged open, and maintaining the filter stationary as the grill is hinged open; disconnecting the grill entirely from the vent housing body while the vent housing body remains connected to the wall in the toolless manner; and cleaning the grill while the grill is entirely disconnected from the vent housing body.
  7. 7 . A method for an air vent apparatus, the method comprising: moving a vent housing body toward an opening of a duct, wherein the opening is within a wall; connecting the vent housing body to one of the wall and the air duct via a toolless installation, wherein the toolless installation of connecting the vent housing body to one of the wall and the air duct is effectuated by a toolless connector that extends from a rear surface of the vent housing body; connecting a grill to the vent housing body; disconnecting the grill from the vent housing body; cleaning the grill while the grill is disconnected from the vent housing body; hingedly opening the grill relative the vent housing body while the vent housing body remains connected one of the wall and the air duct, wherein a filter remains in the vent housing body when the grill is hinged open, and maintaining the filter stationary as the grill is hinged open; removing the filter from the vent housing body after the grill is hinged open; and installing a plate in the vent housing body in a space previously occupied by the filter after having removed the filter, wherein the plate is operable to preclude or inhibit air flow through the grill.
  8. 8 . A method for an air vent apparatus, the method comprising: moving a vent housing body toward an opening of a duct, wherein the opening is within a wall; connecting the vent housing body to one of the wall and the air duct via a toolless installation, wherein the toolless installation of connecting the vent housing body to one of the wall and the air duct is effectuated by a toolless connector that extends from a rear surface of the vent housing body; connecting a grill to the vent housing body; disposing a filter between the grill and the vent housing body; pivoting the grill open via a hinge while the vent housing body remains connected one of the wall and the air duct, wherein the filter remains in the vent housing body when the grill is hinged open, and maintaining the filter stationary as the grill is hinged open; and removing the filter from the vent housing body when the grill is hinged open; disconnecting the grill entirely from the vent housing body while the vent housing body remains connected to the wall in the toolless manner; and cleaning the grill while the grill is entirely disconnected from the vent housing body.
  9. 9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein cleaning the grill while disconnected from the vent housing body comprises: placing the grill into a dishwasher; initiating the dishwasher to clean the grill therein; allowing the grill to dry; and reinstalling the grill onto the vent housing body.
  10. 10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein cleaning the grill while disconnected from the vent housing body is accomplished by a dishwasher.
  11. 11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein cleaning the grill while disconnected from the vent housing body comprises: filling a bucket with water and soap to create a solution; applying the solution to the grill; scrubbing the grill while the solution is applied; rising the grill; allowing the grill to dry; and reinstalling the grill on the vent housing body.
  12. 12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein cleaning the grill while disconnected from the vent housing body comprises: creating a solution comprising vinegar and baking soda; applying the solution to the grill; scrubbing the grill while the solution is applied; rinsing the grill; allowing the grill to dry; and reinstalling the grill on the vent housing body.
  13. 13 . The method of claim 1 , wherein cleaning the grill while disconnected from the vent housing body comprises: applying an all-purpose cleaner to the grill; scrubbing the grill while the all-purpose cleaner is applied; allowing the grill to dry; and reinstalling the grill on the vent housing body.
  14. 14 . The method of claim 1 , wherein cleaning the grill while disconnected from the vent housing body comprises: forcing compressed air onto a surface of the grill to remove dirt or debris; and reinstalling the grill on the vent housing body.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/455,853, filed on Aug. 25, 2023, which is continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/330,837, filed Jun. 7, 2023, now U.S. Pat. No. 12,146,679, the disclosure of each of which is entirely incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure is directed generally to filtered vent registers. BACKGROUND ART Generally, duct end filtered vent registers are known to exist. These filtered vent registers are designed to filter the air coming through a vent register in a building or HVAC system. Currently, there are different types of filtered vent registers. Standard register with filter: This type of vent register is similar to a standard vent register, but it includes a filter that is placed at the end of the duct. The filter is designed to capture airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. Hinged filter register: This type of vent register includes a hinged filter that can be easily opened and closed for filter replacement. The filter is placed at the end of the duct, and the hinged cover allows easy access for filter changes. One exemplary hinged filter register is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,710. Side loading filter register: This type of vent register includes a filter that is loaded from the side of the register rather than the end. This allows for easy filter replacement without having to remove the entire vent register from the wall or ceiling. Disposable filter register: This type of vent register includes a disposable filter that is designed to be replaced on a regular basis. The filter is typically made of a disposable material such as fiberglass or polyester, and it can be easily replaced when it becomes clogged with airborne particles. Permanent filter register: This type of vent register includes a permanent filter that is designed to last for the life of the register. The filter is typically made of a washable material such as foam or mesh, and it can be easily cleaned and reused. Overall, duct end filtered vent registers are an important component of HVAC systems that help to improve indoor air quality by capturing airborne particles before they are circulated through the building. The specific type of vent register used will depend on the specific needs of the building or HVAC system. Screwing air vent registers into a wall can have several disadvantages, including (1) damage to the wall: Screw holes can damage the wall or ceiling where the register is installed. This can make it difficult to patch or repair the wall if the register needs to be removed in the future. (2) Installation time: Screwing in air vent registers can be time-consuming, especially if multiple registers need to be installed. This can lead to longer installation times and higher labor costs. (3) Safety concerns: If the screws are not installed properly, they may become loose over time and pose a safety hazard. Loose screws can cause the air vent register to fall off the wall or ceiling, potentially injuring someone below. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Although the foregoing types of filtered vent registered are known, there is still room for improvement. For example, with respect to hinged registers with a filter, there is a need to improve their manufacture by providing easy installation. For example, some users that live in apartments may not be allowed to drill or screw items into a wall. For others, they may have difficulty using these tools, such as a drill or screw. Thus, what is needed is an improved filtered vent register that enables toolless installation thereof. Further, there is a need to be able to clean the grill or register that has been installed via toolless installation. The present disclosure addresses this issue amongst others. A clip connector that provides a snap-in configuration to effectuate a toolless installation of the air vent register may be better, safer, faster, more efficient, and lower cost than using screws to install the air vent register. A snap-in connector can be installed quickly and easily without the need for tools or screws. This can save time and reduce installation costs. Since a snap-in connector does not require screws or tools, less labor is needed for installation. This can help lower installation costs. A snap-in connector is less likely to come loose or pose a safety hazard than screws that may loosen over time. A snap-in connector does not require screw holes, which can reduce the risk of wall damage and make it easier to remove or replace the air vent register in the future. In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an air vent apparatus comprising: a vent housing body defining comprising a first sidewall and a second sidewall that define a longitudinal direction therebetween, a top wall and a bottom wall that define a vertical direction therebetween, and a front surf