Frame for interchangeably supporting one or more air control devices

Abstract

A frame mounted to the bottom opening of an air duct for supporting a variety of interchangeable air control devices. The frame has a top section with a central opening that permanently mounts to and surrounds the perimeter of the bottom opening of an air duct, and a bottom section which is foldably connected to the top section. The bottom section connects to the top section by means of a hinge joint at one end and a latching mechanism at the other, which together removably holds the bottom section to the top section in a folded and closed position. The bottom section has an interior stepped portion for removably securing an interchangeable air control device. When released, the bottom section swings downward into an open position to allow easy access to the interchangeable air control device.

1 . A frame mounted to the bottom opening of an air duct for interchangeably supporting one or more air control devices, comprising:
 a top frame section configured to be permanently mounted to and surrounding a perimeter of a bottom opening of the air duct;   a bottom frame section foldably connected to the top frame section, comprising:
 a hinge portion rotationally attached to the top frame section; 
 a latching portion opposite the hinge portion for removably latching the bottom frame section to the top frame section in a folded and closed position; 
 an interior stepped portion for removably securing an interchangeable air control device; and 
   wherein the bottom frame section swings downward into an open position to allow access to the interchangeable air control device.   
   
   
       2 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom opening of the air duct is in a ceiling of an enclosed space. 
   
   
       3 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the interchangeable air control device further comprises:
 an outer shell having a form factor complimentary with the interior stepped portion of the bottom frame section; and   a central media section for controlling a flow of air through the air control device.   
   
   
       4 . The frame of  claim 3 , wherein the central media section is selected from a group consisting of an air filter, a diffuser, and an insulating block. 
   
   
       5 . The frame of  claim 4 , wherein the interchangeable air control device can include two or more applications in the same outer shell. 
   
   
       6 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the interchangeable air control device includes a condensation collection orifice near a center of the device and has a concave surface to enable condensation to be directed into the orifice under a force of gravity and flow through the interchangeable air control device. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the concave surface further comprises a substantially water repellant layer configured to direct the condensation towards the condensation collection orifice to minimize standing water on the concave surface that may cause mold. 
   
   
       8 . The fame of  claim 6 , further comprising a condensation collection unit attachably connected to the interchangeable air control device below the condensation orifice to allow the condensation directed through the orifice to be collected in the condensation collection unit. 
   
   
       9 . The frame of  claim 8 , wherein the condensation collection unit is shaped as a ceiling light cover. 
   
   
       10 . The frame of  claim 8 , further comprising a collar attachment centered about the condensation collection orifice to enable a user to attach a standard ceiling light cover below the orifice using the collar attachment. 
   
   
       11 . A mounting system operable to support one or more air control devices, comprising:
 a top frame section configured to be permanently mounted to and surrounding a perimeter of a bottom opening of an air duct;   a bottom frame section hingeably connected to the top frame section, comprising:
 a hinge portion rotationally attached to the top frame section; 
 a latching portion opposite the hinge portion for removably latching the bottom frame section to the top frame section in a folded and closed position; 
 an interior stepped portion for removably securing an interchangeable air control device; 
 wherein the bottom frame section is configured to swing downward into an open position upon actuation of the latching portion; and 
   at least one air control device operable to be received in the interior stepped portion of the bottom frame section when the bottom frame section is substantially in the open position.   
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the air control device is selected from the group consisting of an air filter, a diffuser, and an insulating block. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the wherein the air control device includes a condensation orifice near a center of the device and has a concave surface to enable condensation to be directed into the orifice under a force of gravity and flow through the interchangeable air control device. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one air control device is comprised of a first section having a concave surface configured to direct condensation towards a condensation collection orifice located in the first section. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the concave surface further comprises a substantially water repellant layer configured to direct the condensation towards the condensation collection orifice to minimize standing water on the concave surface that may cause mold. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 14 , further comprising a second section comprising a substantially flat panel having a center opening corresponding to the condensation collection orifice located in the first section to enable the center opening to be aligned with the orifice, wherein the second section is located beneath the first section and is supported by the interior stepped portion for the bottom frame. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising an attachment device coupled to the second device and located about the center opening, wherein the attachment device is configured to attach a condensation collection unit below the center opening and the condensation collection orifice. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the second section is colored and textured to simulate a finish of a ceiling. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the attachment device has a finish selected from the group consisting of a gold colored finish, a bronze colored finish, a silver colored finish, and an aluminum colored finish. 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the condensation collection unit is shaped to resemble a ceiling mounted light fixture cover.