System and Method For Replacing a Return Air Filter

Abstract

A system for replacing a filter of return air vent. The system includes a return air vent grill affixed to a surface. The grill is hinged on a first side to the surface allowing the grill to swing to an open position while still attached to the surface. The system also includes a closing mechanism for attaching the grill to a second end opposite the first end of the grill. In addition, a filter is detachably affixed to a tray located on an inner surface of grill. Furthermore, the system includes an extension tool having a length sufficient to contact the closing mechanism by a user located below the grill. The extension tool enables the opening and closing of the closing mechanism. The tray and filter may be slid down to the user by an extendible track. The user may pull the tray and filter down the extended track, replace the filter, slide the filter and tray back to the grill and close the closing mechanism.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This utility application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 560,839 filed Nov. 17, 2011 by Jack R. Kerr, which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC). Specifically, and not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to a system and method of easily accessing and replacing filters in a conventional return air vent of a HVAC system.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]In construction of houses and other buildings, it is quite common for builders to install central air conditioning return air vents located in the ceding or at an upper portion of wails within the home or building. Every home and building that uses forced heated air for heating purposes have these return vents. The return vent, or register, is also known as an air return vent, and a cold air return vent. The r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a system and method for replacing a filter of a return air vent. The system includes a grill that can be opened and closed, with a detachable tray for holding the filter. An extension tool is used to open and close the grill, with the filter and tray being pushed and pulled by the tool. The method involves using the extension tool to pull the filter from the grill, replace it, and push it back into the grill. The technical effects of this invention include easy replacement of filters and the ability to clean the grill from the inside without having to remove it from the surface.

Problems solved by technology

This requires the home owner or installer to use a ladder to change the filter, which can be an onerous and burdensome task, especially considering the task of replacing the filters must be accomplished 2-4 times per year depending on the type of filter being used.

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