Adjustable ceiling mounted filter access frame and return system

Abstract

An above-ceiling system for conditioning air in a structure. The system comprises a plurality of return ducts into the inlet of the air handler, the return ducts carrying air from substantially all of the major spaces within the structure. A filter housing and filter disposed above the ceiling with an opening through the ceiling into the space below, having a cover disposed below the ceiling secured by fasteners and providing access from the space below the ceiling for removal and replacement of the filter.

1 . An above-ceiling system for conditioning air within a structure comprising: 
 a plurality of air return ducts connected to an inlet duct, said plurality of air return ducts representing air returned from each major space in the structure;    an inlet duct for mixing the air returned from the plurality of return ducts;    a filter housing connected to the inlet duct downstream from the inlet duct through which the returned air passes, said filter housing containing an air filter;    an outlet duct connected to the filter housing through which the filtered air passes; and,    an air handler and conditioning unit connected to the outlet duct for conditioning the filtered air and supplying the conditioned air to a system of supply ducts.    
   
   
       2 . The above-ceiling system for conditioning air of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the filter housing and filter are disposed above the ceiling, said filter housing having an opening into the space below the ceiling; and,    said opening is closed by a cover secured in place below the ceiling by one or more fasteners such that removal of the fasteners and cover provide access to the filter for removal and replacement from the space below the ceiling.    
   
   
       3 . The above-ceiling system for conditioning air of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a joist mounting bracket on the filter housing, said bracket being adjustable so that its position can be varied to accommodate the size of joist that comprises the ceiling where the system is located,    said adjustment locating the opening in the filter housing substantially level with the ceiling surface for access from below.    
   
   
       4 . An above-ceiling system for conditioning air within a structure comprising: 
 a filter housing, said filter housing containing an air filter;    the filter housing and filter disposed above the ceiling, said filter housing having an opening into a space below the ceiling; and,    said opening is closed by a cover secured in place below the ceiling by one or more fasteners such that removal of the fasteners and cover provide access to the filter for removal and replacement from the space below the ceiling.    
   
   
       5 . The above-ceiling system for conditioning air of  claim 4 , further comprising: 
 a joist mounting bracket on the filter housing, said bracket being adjustable so that its position can be varied to accommodate the size of joist that comprises the ceiling where the system is located,    said adjustment locating the opening in the filter housing substantially level with the ceiling surface for access from below.