Concealed controlled air vent system, method and apparatus

Abstract

A controlled vent assembly is provided, which may be extended to support various duct sizes using a combination of a base unit and two types of extensions, and crutches. The extensions may provide additional functions or capacities in addition to size adjustment.

1 . An HVAC diffuser that supports various boot sizes, comprising:
 a base frame that has a rectangular cross section, wherein a first plurality of assembly features is disposed in a first configuration on the walls of said base frame, and a second plurality of assembly features is disposed in a second configuration on the walls of said base frame;   at least one extension module having a third plurality and a fourth plurality of assembly features wherein at least one assembly feature of said third plurality mates with at least one feature of said first plurality to produce an assembled frame having a fifth plurality of assembly features with a configuration that is isomorphic to said first configuration and a sixth plurality of assembly features with a configuration that is isomorphic to said second configuration;   a plurality of crutches, each having a seventh plurality of assembly features that engages with one of said first or fifth plurality of assembly features, and an eighth plurality of assembly features that engages with one of said second or sixth plurality of assembly features, such that said crutch may move orthogonally to the rectangular cross section of said base frame;   a first assembly comprising a plurality of electrical components; and   a second assembly comprising a plurality of louvers that may be selectively positioned to one of an open position and a closed position.   
     
     
         2 . The diffuser of  claim 1 , wherein said first plurality and third plurality of assembly features are comprised of mating tracks, and said second plurality and fourth plurality of assembly features are comprised of mating teeth. 
     
     
         3 . The diffuser of  claim 1 , wherein said base frame further comprises a lever for manually positioning said plurality of louvers. 
     
     
         4 . The diffuser of  claim 1 , wherein said electrical components include a gas sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, stepper motor, servo motor, wireless transceiver, LEDs, and batteries. 
     
     
         5 . The diffuser of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of louvers is coupled to one of a stepper motor and a servo motor of said first assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The diffuser of  claim 1 , further comprising wedge-shaped protrusions on the inside of said base frame along its length such that when said louvers are in a closed position they overlap said protrusions. 
     
     
         7 . The diffuser of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of screw mounts disposed at the top edge of said base frame and said extension module. 
     
     
         8 . A method of installing the diffuser of  claim 1 , comprising:
 a) sliding said extension module into at least one of said first plurality of assembly features;   b) sliding each one of said plurality of crutches into at least one of said first plurality or said third plurality of assembly features;   c) placing the smart diffuser into an HVAC boot; and   d) adjusting the position of each of said first set of crutches to come in contact with the surface of said HVAC boot.   
     
     
         9 . An HVAC diffuser adapted to various boot sizes, comprising a base unit, and at least a first extension module adapted to be mounted to the base unit for increasing a transversal dimension of the diffuser. 
     
     
         10 . The diffuser of  claim 9 , wherein the first extension module is adapted to be mounted along a long side of the base unit for increasing a width of the diffuser. 
     
     
         11 . The diffuser of  claim 9 , wherein the first extension module is adapted to be mounted along a short side of the base unit for increasing a length of the diffuser. 
     
     
         12 . The diffuser of  claim 10 , wherein there is further provided a second extension module that is adapted to be mounted along a short side of the base unit for increasing a length of the diffuser. 
     
     
         13 . The diffuser of  claim 9 , wherein the base unit and any extension module mounted thereto form an assembly, and wherein a plurality of crutches are provided, each crutch being adapted to be mounted to a respective corner area of the assembly, the crutches allowing the assembly to be positioned in the boot behind a register. 
     
     
         14 . A method of installing a diffuser to an HVAC boot, comprising:
 a) providing a base unit;   b) providing at least one extension module;   c) mounting the extension module to the base unit for varying a span thereof in accordance with a size of the boot; and   d) mounting the assembled base unit and extension module to the boot.