Concentric textile air diffuser

Abstract

A concentric textile air diffuser is provided. The diffuser includes a mounting frame and a pliable textile diffuser coupled to the mounting frame. When mounted onto an air duct or HVAC unit, the textile diffuser is suspended from the mounting frame and forms an air chamber into which air is received from the air duct or HVAC unit. The textile diffuser includes a frame structure that structurally supports at least a portion of the textile material so that the pliable material retains its shape when positive air pressure is removed from the air chamber.

Description

CONCENTRIC TEXTILE AIR DIFFUSER byAndrew SorensonCROSS REFERENCES

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 550,500, filed February 6, 2024, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a textile air diffuser designed to distribute air concentrically from all sides of the diffuser.BACKGROUND

[0003] Concentric air diffusers are commonly used to distribute air from a single point into large spaces. Traditional concentric diffusers are typically single wall metal HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) diffusers that can distribute air in all directions from a single point. However, there are numerous drawbacks associated with such diffusers. For instance, metal diffusers are typically heavy and bulky to ship, which can also make them difficult to install on-site. In addition, the metal construction often causes the diffuser to sweat when the unit is used for cooling and thus may cause water droplets to fall down onto occupants of the space or itemscontained within the space. Further, metal diffusers are sometimes noisy as a result of vibration due to being directly mounted onto an air handling unit positioned above the diffuser, which often causes metal parts to make rattling noises. Metal parts can also rust or corrode and can often have peeling paint. Metal diffusers can also be very difficult to clean after installation.

[0004] To overcome some of these drawbacks, some concentric air diffusers have been constructed of pliable fabrics or textiles through which air may be discharged either through openings or perforations in the fabric or due to the fabric itself being air permeable. While such textile diffusers are generally an improvement over most rigidly constructed diffusers, problems remain with textile diffusers. To help the pliable textile material generally retain its shape when the HVAC unit is not operating, textile diffusers typically include some type of frame structure designed to provide structural support to the pliable textile material. Such frames are typically constructed of metal or some other similarly rigid material and are usually installed within an interior of the diffuser to ensure retention of the shape of the diffuser when air pressure is removed. These internal frames can be difficult to assemble and generally increase the cost and difficulty of the installation of the diffuser. In addition, the use of frames increases manufacturing and shipping costs and generally makes shipping the diffusers more difficult. Further, air distributed through perforations in the fabric does not always allow for effective control of the air flow.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a textile diffuser that overcomes some or all of these drawbacks and particularly a textile diffuser that is less expensive and easier to manufacture, ship, and install.SUMMARY

[0006] A textile air diffuser is provided. The diffuser comprises a mounting frame and a textile diffuser coupled to the mounting frame. The mounting frame has a central opening that defines an air inlet. The textile diffuser is suspended from the mounting frame and defines an air chamber into which air is received and then discharged into the space in which the diffuser is installed. The mounting frame is configured to allow the diffuser to be mounted onto a structure through which air is delivered into the air chamber through the air inlet. For instance, the mounting frame may be mounted onto an air duct or may be mounted directly onto or in close proximity to an HVAC unit installed directly adjacent to the diffuser. The textile diffuser has a plurality of air outlets disposed around a perimeter of the diffuser through which the air is discharged. The textile diffuser preferably comprises a bottom wall and a sidewall that extends continuously around a perimeter of the diffuser. Each of the air outlets is preferably disposed within the sidewall and may include a piece of fabric that extends radially outward from the sidewall in a direction away from a center of the air chamber and into the room to direct air in a desired direction from the diffuser. Each air outlet preferably has a circular opening.

[0007] The diffuser preferably includes a frame structure configured to provide structural support to all or to at least a portion of the textile material of the diffuser. The frame structure may comprise independent elements that are not rigidly connected to each other, or alternatively may comprise a single connected structure. Preferably, no portion of the frame structure is rigidly connected to the mounting frame. The frame structure may include a support ring disposed around a perimeterof the bottom wall to retain the fabric of the bottom wall in a generally taut condition and an air outlet support structure disposed within each of the air outlets to provide structural support to the pliable fabric of the air outlets. The support ring and air outlet support structures are preferably independent components that are not rigidly connected to each other. Each air outlet may comprise two layers of pliable fabric material forming a pocket therebetween, and the pocket of each air outlet is sized to receive a respective one of the air outlet support structures therein. Each air outlet may include a zipper configured to open and close the pocket to provide access to insert and remove the air outlet support structure into and out of the pocket and to secure the support structure in place within the pocket.

[0008] Each air outlet support structure may comprise a helical compression spring, which preferably has a generally conical shape. The spring may be designed to be compressed with a minimal amount of compression force and to easily expand to a fully expanded position when the compression force is removed. Thus, the springs can be pre-installed into each of the air outlets prior to shipping the diffusers and then compressed to minimize the size of each diffuser before and during shipping. When the compression force is removed at the time of installation, the springs expand to the fully expanded position, which is designed to support each air outlet in its fully expanded position. Alternatively, each air outlet support structure may comprise a conical member that has a continuous surface and that is open at two opposing ends. Alternatively, each air outlet support structure may comprise a first ring and a second ring that is rigidly connected to the first ring by a plurality of support rods. The first ring is disposed in a first plane and the second ring is disposedin a second plane that is generally parallel to the first plane to form a rigid support structure utilizing a minimal amount of material.

[0009] Alternatively, the frame structure may comprise an internal frame comprising a plurality of interconnected frame members designed to provide structural support to the entirety of the textile diffuser with a single frame of continuously interconnected members, which is preferably not rigidly connected to the mounting frame. Each of the frame members preferably has a curved shape. In this embodiment, the textile diffuser may include four air outlets disposed on four sides of the diffuser, and the internal frame may include a plurality of support rings each disposed around a perimeter of an outlet end of each respective air outlet to provide structural support at the outlet end. The internal frame may further include four upper frame members and four lower frame members. Each of the four upper frame members are connected to each other to form a continuous member around a perimeter of the diffuser, and each of the four upper frame members are also connected to each of the support rings at an upper end of each support ring. Each of the lower frame members has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to one of the support rings at a lower end of the support ring, and the second end is connected to an adjacent support ring at a lower end of the adjacent support ring. The support rings may be pre-installed in the air outlets and shipped with the support rings installed. The upper and lower frame members may then be connected to the support rings and to each other to complete the installation.

[0010] It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detaileddescription. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThese and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a fabric air diffuser in accordance with the present disclosure.Fig. 2 shows a side elevational view of a fabric air diffuser in accordance with the present disclosure.Fig. 3 shows a top plan view of a fabric air diffuser in accordance with the present disclosure.Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a fabric air diffuser in accordance with the present disclosure.Fig. 5 shows a top plan view of a fabric air diffuser in accordance with the present disclosure.Fig. 6 shows a side elevational view of a fabric air diffuser in accordance with the present disclosure.Fig. 7 shows a side elevational view of a fabric air diffuser in accordance with thepresent disclosure.Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a component of a fabric air diffuser in accordance with the present disclosure.Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a component of a fabric air diffuser in accordance with the present disclosure.Fig. 10 shows a top view of a component of a fabric air diffuser in accordance with the present disclosure.Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a component of a fabric air diffuser in accordance with the present disclosure.Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a component of a fabric air diffuser in accordance with the present disclosure.Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a fabric air diffuser in accordance with the present disclosure.Fig. 14 shows a side elevational view of a fabric air diffuser in accordance with the present disclosure.Fig. 15 shows a top plan view of a fabric air diffuser in accordance with the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The present disclosure provides a textile air diffuser designed to distribute air concentrically from all sides of the diffuser and a method of using the textile air diffuser to distribute air in accordance with the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the claimed invention are reflected in the dependent claims. The claimed invention can be better understood in view of the embodiments described and illustrated in the present disclosure. In general, the present disclosure reflects preferred embodiments of the invention. The attentive reader will note, however, that some aspects of the disclosed embodiments extend beyond the scope of the claims. To the respect that the disclosed embodiments indeed extend beyond the scope of the claims, the disclosed embodiments are to be considered supplementary background information and do not constitute definitions of the invention per se.

[0012] In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features, including method steps, of the invention as claimed. In the present disclosure, many features are described as being optional, e.g. through the use of the verb “may” or the use of parentheses. For the sake of brevity and legibility, the present disclosure does not explicitly recite each and every permutation that may be obtained by choosing from the set of optional features. However, the present disclosure is to be interpreted as explicitly disclosing all such permutations. For example, a system described as having three optional features may be embodied in seven different ways, namely with just one of the three possible features, with any two of the three possible features, or with all three of the three possible features. It is to be understood that the disclosurein this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with / or in the context of other particular aspects or embodiments, and generally in the invention as claimed.

[0013] The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, a system “comprising” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components.

[0014] Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

[0015] A textile air diffuser 10 and a method of using the textile diffuser 10 to distribute air are provided. Figs. 1-15 illustrate preferred embodiments of the diffuser 10 or components thereof. The diffuser 10 comprises a mounting frame 12 and a textile diffuser 14 coupled to the mounting frame 12. The mounting frame 12 has a central opening that defines an air inlet 16. The textile diffuser 14 is suspended from the mounting frame 12 and defines an air chamber 18 into which air is received and then discharged from the diffuser 10 into a space in which the diffuser 10 is installed.The diffuser 14 preferably includes a frame structure configured to provide structural support to all or to at least a portion of the textile material of the diffuser 14 so that the textile material generally retains its shape when positive air pressure is removed from the diffuser 14. Preferably, no portion of the frame structure supporting the diffuser 14 is rigidly connected to the mounting frame 12. Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 1-3, the diffuser 14 may not include any type of supporting frame structure that supports the textile material. Figs. 4-7 show an embodiment having four separate air outlets 20 with each outlet 20 having a separate support structure configured to support the textile material forming the outlet 20. Figs. 8-12 show examples of support structures that may be utilized to support the air outlets 20 of the diffuser 14 shown in Fig. 4. Figs. 13-15 illustrate another embodiment having an internal frame 50 of interconnected frame members that provide structural support to the entire diffuser 14.

[0016] The mounting frame 12 is configured to allow the diffuser 10 to be mounted onto a structure (not shown) through which air is delivered into the air chamber 18 through the air inlet 16. For instance, the mounting frame 12 may be mounted onto an air duct or may be mounted directly onto or in close proximity to an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) unit installed directly adjacent to the diffuser 10, preferably directly above the diffuser 10. The mounting frame 12 may preferably have a rectangular shape, and more preferably a square shape, as best seen in Figs. 3-5, 13, and 15. Alternatively, the mounting frame 12 may have other suitable shapes, such as a circular or oval shape. The mounting frame 12 preferably has a flanged portion on an upper mounting side of the frame 12, as best seen in Fig.2. The flanged portion may have openings therein, and preferably at least four openings at four comers of the frame 12, as best seen in Fig. 4, for installing fasteners such as screws or bolts through the openings to mount the diffuser 10 onto a structure. The flanged portion may form a flat side disposed within a plane so that the frame 12 is suitable for mounting onto a flat structure, preferably with the flanged portion of the frame 12 being in a horizontal plane when mounted for normal use.

[0017] The textile diffuser 14 is coupled to the mounting frame 12 around a perimeter of the mounting frame 12. When coupled to the mounting frame 12, the textile diffuser 14 extends downwardly from the mounting frame 12 and defines the air chamber 18, which is configured to receive air through the air inlet 16. To couple the textile diffuser 14 to the mounting frame 12, the mounting frame 12 preferably has a portion that extends downwardly from the flanged portion. The textile diffuser 14 and this downwardly extending portion of the frame 12 are sized to be coupled to each other. To this end, the textile diffuser 14 may include a zipper 15 or similar fastening mechanism around a perimeter of an upper portion of the fabric, as best seen in Fig. 4. The zipper 15 may be unzipped and the textile diffuser 14 then placed around an exterior surface of the downwardly extending portion of the frame 12 to which the diffuser 14 is to be coupled. The zipper 15 may then be closed around the perimeter of the mounting frame 12 to couple the diffuser 14 to the frame 12. The downwardly extending portion of the frame 12 may have a ridged section extending around a perimeter of the frame 12 so that the zipper 15 may be positioned above the ridged section to retain the textile diffuser 14 in place. Alternatively, other fastening mechanisms suitable for coupling a fabric diffuser 14 to a frame 12 may be utilized.

[0018] As best seen in Fig. 4, the flanged portion of the mounting frame 12 may preferably comprise a relatively narrow piece of material that extends continuously around a perimeter of the frame 12 to form a square or rectangular shape that has a relatively large central opening bordered by the flanged portion of the frame 12. Thus, the mounting frame 12 with the diffuser 14 coupled thereto forms a relatively large air inlet 16 that is defined by an interior perimeter of the mounting frame 12. In alternative embodiments, the size of the air inlet 16 may be decreased in size by structural elements extending inwardly from the interior perimeter of the mounting frame 12.

[0019] The textile diffuser 14 has a plurality of air outlets 20 disposed around a perimeter of the diffuser 14 through which the air is discharged from the air chamber 18 into the room in which the air diffuser 10 is installed. As best seen in Fig. 5, the textile diffuser may preferably comprise a bottom wall 26 and a sidewall 24 that extends continuously around a perimeter of the diffuser 14. Each of the air outlets 20 is preferably disposed within the sidewall 24. In addition, as best seen in Fig. 4, each of the air outlets 20 preferably comprises a piece of fabric that forms the outlet 20 and extends radially outward from the sidewall 24 in a direction away from a center of the air chamber 18 and into the room to direct air in a desired direction from the diffuser 14. Each air outlet 20 has an open end 21 out of which air is discharged. The open end 21 of each outlet 20 is preferably defined by a circular opening 22.

[0020] As shown in Figs. 4-7, the mounting frame 12 may preferably have four sides, and the sidewall 24 of the diffuser 14 may include four corresponding sides 24A / B / C / D that extend downwardly from each respective one of the four sides of theframe 12. Each of the four sides 24A-D of the sidewall 24 comprise a fabric panel that may be attached to an adjacent panel on two opposing ends along a seam 30 to form a continuous sidewall 24 extending entirely around a perimeter of the textile diffuser 14 to at least partially define the air chamber 18. Each fabric panel 24A-D may be coupled to one side of the mounting frame 12 at an upper end and attached to the bottom wall 26 at a lower end. The panels 24A-D may be attached to the bottom wall 26 also along a seam. The textile diffuser 14 may further comprise a bottom support structure 28 attached to the bottom wall 26 and configured to provide support for the bottom wall 26 to retain the shape of the pliable material of the bottom wall 26 when positive air pressure is removed from the diffuser 14. The bottom support structure is preferably a support ring 28 that is disposed around a perimeter of the bottom wall 26, as best seen in Fig. 5. The support ring 28 may retain the fabric of the bottom wall 26 in a generally taut condition. The support ring 28 preferably has a continuous enclosed ring structure preferably having a generally square shape, though it may have other shapes such as a circular or rectangular shape. The support ring 28 may be secured to the textile diffuser 14 within a small pocket sewn into the fabric and extending around a perimeter of the bottom wall 26. Alternatively, the support ring 28 may be secured to the textile diffuser 14 by fabric loops, clips, hook and loop fasteners, or any other type of fastening device suitable to secure a generally rigid or semi-rigid ring structure to a textile material. In a preferred embodiment, as best seen in Figs. 5 and 6, the support ring 28 has a smaller diameter than the mounting frame 12, and each of the four panels 24A-D is angled inwardly in a direction toward a center of the bottom wall 26 and thus toward a center of both central opening 16 andair chamber 18 as each panel extends downwardly from the mounting frame 12 toward the bottom wall 26.

[0021] As best seen in Fig. 4, the textile diffuser 14 may preferably comprise four air outlets 20 with one air outlet 20 disposed within one respective panel 24A-D of the sidewall 24. Alternatively, the textile diffuser 14 may have a different number of air outlets 20, including additional air outlets 20 on one or more individual panels, or in some cases an air outlet may be capped to control the directions of air flow from the diffuser 14. Each of the air outlets 20 preferably comprises a piece of fabric that extends radially outward from the respective panel 24A-D of the sidewall 24 to which the air outlet 20 is attached in a direction extending away from the panel 24A-D and thus away from the center of the air chamber 18. Each air outlet 20 is preferably also angled downwardly in a direction that is angled away from the mounting frame 12 so that the outlet 20 directs air in a generally downward direction into the room in which the air diffuser 10 is installed. Each air outlet 20 may be attached to each panel 24A- D by the fabric of the outlet 20 being sewn onto the fabric of the panel. As best seen in Fig. 6, each air outlet 20 preferably has a generally truncated conical shape with a proximal base end that is attached to the sidewall 24 having a larger diameter than the circular opening 22 at the distal open end 21 of the outlet 20 from which air is discharged from the diffuser 14.

[0022] As shown in Figs. 4-7 and 13-15, the diffuser 14 preferably includes a frame structure configured to provide structural support to all or to at least a portion of the textile material of the diffuser 14. The frame structure generally retains the shape of the pliable material of the textile diffuser 14 when positive air pressure isremoved from the diffuser 14. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 4-7, the frame structure comprises a plurality of independent elements that are not rigidly connected to each other, and in the embodiments shown in Figs. 13-15, the frame structure comprises a plurality of interconnected structural elements that form a single frame structure when installed, as discussed below.

[0023] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 4-7, the frame structure may comprise the support ring 28 disposed around the perimeter of the bottom wall 26 and four separate air outlet support structures (32, 34, or 40) each attached to a respective one of the air outlets 20. Each air outlet support structure 32, 34, 40 is configured to provide structural support to the pliable fabric of a respective one of the air outlets 20 in which the structure is installed. Preferably, none of the individual air outlet support structures are rigidly connected to each other, to the support ring 28, or to the mounting frame 12. Thus, each of the air outlet support structures and support ring 28 may be independent components that are independently installed onto the textile diffuser 14. These generally rigid or semi-rigid structural components are only indirectly connected to each other by the pliable textile material of the textile diffuser 14 and are preferably not connected by other structural components. Figs. 8-12 show examples of air outlet support structures 32, 34, and 40 that may be installed within each of the air outlets 20 to provide structural support to the pliable material of each air outlet 20. Each of the structures preferably generally has a truncated conical shape to correspond to the preferred truncated conical shape of each air outlet 20.

[0024] As shown in Figs. 8-10, each air outlet support structure may comprise a helical compression spring 32 generally having a truncated conical shape. Thus, eachspring 32 may comprise a plurality of coils that decrease in size as the spring 32 extends from a proximal base end 32a to an opposing distal end 32b, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. Each spring 32 may be designed to be compressed with a minimal amount of compression force and to easily expand to a fully expanded position, as best seen in Fig. 8, when the compression force is removed. Thus, each of the springs 32 can be pre-installed into each of the air outlets, as shown in Fig. 7, prior to shipping the diffusers 10. Each of the springs 32 can then be compressed to minimize the size of each spring 32 and thus the size of each diffuser 10 before and during shipping multiple diffusers 10 within a container for shipping. At the time of installation of a diffuser 10, the compression force is removed from each of the springs 32, thereby allowing each of the springs 32 to expand to the fully expanded position. When in the fully expanded position, each spring 32 is designed to support each air outlet 20 in its fully expanded position, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0025] To allow installation of the springs 32 or other air outlet support structures 34 or 40, each air outlet 20 may comprise an outer layer and an inner layer of pliable fabric material forming a pocket 38 between the two layers, as best seen in Figs. 6 and 7. The pocket 38 of each air outlet 20 is sized to receive a respective one of the springs 32 or other air outlet support structures 34, 40 within the pocket 38. Thus, each air outlet support structure 32, 34, 40 may be attached to each respective air outlet 20 by inserting the air outlet support structure into one of the pockets 38. As best seen in Figs. 4 and 5, each air outlet 20 may include a zipper 48 configured to open and close the pocket 38 to provide access to insert one of the springs 32 or other air outlet support structures 34, 40 into the pocket 38 or to remove one of the supportstructures 32, 34, 40 from the pocket 38. The zipper 48 may be closed to secure the support structure in place within the pocket 38. The zipper 48 is preferably located at the base of each air outlet 20 where the air outlet 20 is attached to the sidewall 24 of the textile diffuser 14 and on an interior side of the diffuser 14. The inner and outer pliable fabric layers forming the pocket 38 may be attached to each other at the distal open end 21 of the air outlet 20, and the zipper 48 may extend entirely around a perimeter of the proximal base end of the air outlet 20 to allow the support structure to be inserted into the pocket 38 through the base end of the air outlet 20.

[0026] The support ring 28 and each of the compression rings 32 are preferably constructed of a material such as metal or plastic that is relatively lightweight but generally of a sufficient rigidity that these structures do not bend easily. Once each of the compression springs 32 is installed within the air outlets 20 and the support ring 28 is installed around the perimeter of the bottom wall 26, the weight of these components 28, 32 causes the textile diffuser 14 to be suspended from the mounting frame 12 so that the textile material of the diffuser 14, including sidewall panels 24A- D, bottom wall 26, and air outlets 20, is retained in a generally taut condition. The use of the support ring 28 encircling the bottom wall 26 ensures that each of the sidewall panels 24A-D is maintained at a desired angle relative to the mounting frame 12 and to the bottom wall 26, which maintains the general overall shape of the textile diffuser 14, as best seen in Fig. 4, and prevents the weight of the springs 32 from causing the sidewall panels 24A-D to collapse toward each other. At the same time, because support ring 28 is a generally planar ring structure and the springs 32 are easily compressible, the overall size of the entire air diffuser 10, including themounting frame 12, can be significantly minimized during shipping and then easily placed into its fully expanded size upon installation of the diffuser 10 onto an HVAC system.

[0027] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 11, each air outlet support structure may comprise a conical member 34 that has a truncated conical shape and a continuous surface 36 extending between a proximal base end and an opposing distal end. The conical member 34 is open at each of the two opposing ends. The conical member 34 may be constructed from a single piece of material that is attached to itself at two opposing lateral ends and can thus be taken apart by detaching the lateral ends.Otherwise, the conical member 34 is generally not compressible or collapsible. Fig. 5 illustrates the air diffuser 10 with four conical members 34 installed within each respective one of the air outlets 20 by inserting each conical member 34 into the pocket 38 of each air outlet 20 to provide structural support to the air outlets 20.

[0028] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 12, each air outlet support structure may comprise a generally rigid frame structure 40 that is not compressible or collapsible. In this embodiment, the frame structure 40 preferably comprises a first ring 42 and a second ring 44 that is rigidly connected to the first ring 42 by a plurality of support rods 46. The first ring 42 is disposed in a first plane and the second ring 44 is disposed in a second plane that is generally parallel to the first plane to form a generally rigid or semi-rigid support structure 40 utilizing a minimal amount of material. Fig. 12 shows an example embodiment of the frame structure 40 having three equally spaced support rods 46 rigidly connecting rings 42 and 44, though the frame structure 40 may have a different number of support rods 46 and still fallwithin the scope of the present disclosure. For instance, in the example shown in Fig. 6, each frame structure 40 has four equally spaced support rods 46. Each of rings 42 and 44 are preferably circular in shape to generally correspond to the preferred shape of each of the air outlets 20. The first ring 42 has a first diameter, and the second ring 44 has a second diameter that is preferably smaller than the first diameter. Each support rod 46 may be disposed at an angle to both ring 42 and ring 44 so that the frame structure 40 has a shape that generally corresponds to the preferred truncated conical shape of each of the air outlets 20. Fig. 6 illustrates the air diffuser 10 with four frame structures 40 installed within each respective one of the air outlets 20 by inserting each frame structure 40 into the pocket 38 of each air outlet 20 to provide structural support to the air outlets 20. When each frame structure 40 is installed, the smaller second ring 44 supports and defines the distal open end 21 of a respective one of the air outlets 20.

[0029] Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 13-15, the frame structure may comprise an internal frame 50 comprising a plurality of interconnected frame members 56, 58 designed to be interconnected with each other during installation to form a single frame structure 50 of continuously interconnected members 56, 58 that provides structural support to the entirety of the textile diffuser 14 rather than separate structural elements that are not directly connected to each other. Once the internal frame 50 is formed, the frame 50 is preferably not rigidly connected to the mounting frame 12 but is only connected to the mounting frame 12 indirectly by fabric of the diffuser 14. In this embodiment, the textile diffuser 14 preferably has four air outlets each formed within a respective fabric panel. The diffuser 14 may comprise fourfabric panels attached to each other at seams 30 to form a continuous sidewall 24 extending around the perimeter of the mounting frame 12. The four outlets are defined by outlet openings 21, which may be disposed on four sides of the diffuser 14, as best seen in Fig. 13.

[0030] The internal frame 50 may comprise a plurality of upper frame members 56 and a plurality of lower frame members 58. Preferably, the internal frame 50 comprises four upper frame members 56 and four lower frame members 58. Each of the upper frame members 56 preferably comprises an elongated element having a curved shape, as best seen in Fig. 14, and each of lower frame members 58 preferably also comprises an elongated element having a curved shape, as best seen in Fig. 15. Each of the upper frame members 56 has a first end and an opposing second end, and each of the lower frame members 58 also has a first end 60 and an opposing second end 62. The internal frame 50 preferably further comprises a plurality of outlet support rings 52 each disposed around a perimeter of an outlet end 54 of each respective air outlet opening 21 to provide structural support at the outlet end 54. Each outlet support ring 52 preferably has a generally circular shape to correspond to the shape of the outlet end 54, though other shapes may be utilized. Each outlet support ring 52 may be secured to the outlet end 54 of the textile diffuser 14 within a small pocket sewn into the fabric and extending around a perimeter of the outlet end 54. Alternatively, each support ring 52 may be secured to the outlet end 54 by fabric loops, clips, hook and loop fasteners, or any other type of fastening device suitable to secure a generally rigid or semi-rigid ring structure to a textile material.

[0031] Each of the four upper frame members 56 is connected to an adjacentupper frame member 56 to form a continuous member around a perimeter of the diffuser 14. Each of the four upper frame members 56 is also connected to a pair of adjacent outlet support rings 52 at an upper end of each of the pair of support rings 52. To connect the upper frame members 56 to the outlet support rings 54, the internal frame 50 may comprise a plurality of upper connectors 64, as best seen in Fig. 13. Each upper connector 64 may be attached to the upper end of a support ring 52 and may have two opposing openings sized to tightly receive a terminal end of each upper frame member 56 therein. Thus, each upper frame member 56 may be connected to one support ring 52 at one end of the frame member 56 and to an adj cent support ring 52 at the opposing end of the frame member 56. When each upper frame member 56 is connected to two adjacent outlet support rings 52, the curved element of the frame member 56 bows radially outwardly in a direction away from the center of the air chamber 18, thereby providing structural support to the textile diffuser 14 at an upper end of the diffuser 14 to retain the shape of the textile when positive air pressure is removed.

[0032] The first end 60 of each of the lower frame members 58 is connected to a respective one of the support rings 52 at a lower end of the support ring 52, and the second end 62 of each of the lower frame members 58 is connected to an adjacent support ring 52 at a lower end of the adjacent support ring 52. To connect the lower frame members 58 to the outlet support rings 52, the internal frame 50 may comprise a plurality of lower connectors 66, as best seen in Figs. 14 and 15. Each lower connector 66 may be attached to the lower end of a support ring 52 and may have an opening sized to tightly receive a terminal end of one of the lower frame members 58therein. Each support ring 52 preferably has two separate lower connectors 66 attached to the lower end of the support ring 52, one for each of two lower frame members 58 connected to the support ring 52. Thus, the ends 60 and 62 of each lower frame member 58 are preferably not connected directly to the same lower connector 66 as adjacent lower frame members 58. Each lower frame member 58 may be connected to one support ring 52 at one end 60 of the frame member 58 and to an adjacent support ring 52 at the opposing end 62 of the frame member 58. When each lower frame member 58 is connected to two adjacent outlet support rings 52, the curved element of the frame member 58 bows radially inwardly in a direction toward the center of the air chamber 18 and toward bottom wall 26, thereby providing structural support to the textile diffuser 14 at a lower end of the diffuser 14 to retain the shape of the textile material when positive air pressure is removed.

[0033] The textile diffuser 14 may comprise a plurality of fabric connectors 68, which are preferably loops of fabric sewn onto the textile diffuser 14, preferably on an interior side of the textile material. Each fabric connector 68 is configured to connect portions of the upper frame members 56 or the lower frame members 58 to the textile material of the diffuser 14. To do so, the upper and lower frame members 56 and 58 may be inserted through one of the fabric connectors 68 before an end of one of the frame members 56 or 58 is connected to one of the upper or lower connectors 64 or 66. In one embodiment, as best seen in Fig. 15, the textile diffuser 14 has four fabric connectors 68 for the upper frame members 56 and four fabric connectors 68 for the lower frame members 58. The fabric connectors 68 for the lower frame members 58 may be generally positioned at four comers of the bottomwall 26 of the diffuser 14, as seen in Fig. 15. The outlet support rings 52 may optionally be pre-installed in the outlet end 54 of each air outlet and shipped with the support rings 52 installed. The upper frame members 56 and the lower frame members 58 may then be connected to the outlet support rings 52 and to each other using end connectors 64 and 66 and fabric connectors 68 to complete the installation. Once the upper frame members 56, lower frame members 58, and outlet support rings 52 are connected to each other to form a single frame structure 50, the textile material of the diffuser 14 is generally retained in its fully expanded state, as best seen in Fig. 13, regardless of whether or not there is positive air pressure within the air chamber.

[0034] Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 1-3, the air diffuser 10 may comprise a textile diffuser 14 that is not structurally supported by a rigid or semi-rigid frame structure as shown in other embodiments herein. The textile diffuser 14 extends downwardly from the mounting frame 12 as in other embodiments, and the textile diffuser 14 is formed by four textile panels attached to each other, preferably by being sewn together along seams 30 which may join together at a center point at a lower end of the diffuser 14, as best seen in Fig. 1. The air chamber 18 is defined by the textile panels that are coupled to the mounting frame 12 and extend around an entire perimeter of the mounting frame 12. In a preferred embodiment, each fabric panel of the diffuser 14 has a single air outlet opening 21, preferably having a circular opening 22 when the diffuser is fully expanded. The textile diffuser 14 becomes fully expanded when there is positive air pressure within the air chamber 18 caused by the HVAC unit delivering air into the air chamber 18, as best seen in Figs. 1 and 2, and the textile diffuser 14 then partially collapses when positive air pressure is removedwhen the HVAC unit is not running.

[0035] It will be appreciated that the configurations and methods shown and described herein are illustrative only, and that these specific examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, and other features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein. It is understood that versions of the invention may come in different forms and embodiments. Additionally, it is understood that one of skill in the art would appreciate these various forms and embodiments as falling within the scope of the invention as disclosed herein.

[0036] What is claimed is:1. A textile air diffuser comprising: a mounting frame having a central opening that defines an air inlet; a textile diffuser coupled to the mounting frame around a perimeter of the mounting frame, wherein the textile diffuser extends downwardly from the mounting frame and defines an air chamber configured to receive air through the air inlet, wherein the textile diffuser has a plurality of air outlets disposed around a perimeter of the diffuser to discharge air from the air chamber into a space in which the diffuser is installed, and wherein the textile diffuser is suspended from the mounting frame, wherein the textile diffuser comprises a sidewall and a bottom wall, wherein eachof the air outlets is disposed within the sidewall, wherein each of the air outlets comprises a piece of fabric that extends outward from the sidewall; a bottom support structure attached to the bottom wall and configured to provide support for the bottom wall; and a plurality of air outlet support structures, wherein a respective one of the air outlet support structures is attached to each of the air outlets, wherein each air outlet support structure is configured to provide support to a respective one of the air outlets to retain the shape of the air outlet when positive air pressure is removed from the diffuser.2. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each air outlet support structure comprises a helical compression spring.3. The diffuser of claim 2, wherein the compression spring has a truncated conical shape.4. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each air outlet support structure comprises a conical member having a truncated conical shape, wherein each conical member is open at two opposing ends.5. The diffuser of claim 4, wherein the conical member has a continuous surface between each of the two opposing ends.6. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each air outlet support structure comprises a first ring and a second ring, wherein the first ring and the second ring are rigidly connected to each other by a plurality of support rods, wherein the first ring is disposed in a first plane and the second ring is disposed in a second plane that is generally parallel to the first plane.7. The diffuser of claim 6, wherein the first ring has a circular shape having a first diameter, wherein the second ring has a circular shape having a second diameter, wherein the second ring defines an open end of a respective one of the air outlets, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter.8. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each air outlet has a generally truncated conical shape with a base end that is attached to a respective one of the sidewalls, wherein the base end has a larger diameter than a circular opening at an open end of the air outlet opposite the base end.9. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of air outlet support structures is not rigidly connected to any other air outlet support structures of the plurality of air outlet support structures.10. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of air outlet support structures is not rigidly connected to the mounting frame.11. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of air outlet support structures is not rigidly connected to the bottom support structure.12. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each air outlet comprises two layers of material forming a pocket therebetween, wherein the pocket of each air outlet is sized to receive a respective one of the air outlet support structures within the pocket.13. The diffuser of claim 12, wherein each air outlet further comprises a zipper configured to open and close the pocket to provide access to insert a respective one of the air outlet support structures into the pocket.14. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein the bottom support structure comprises a support ring disposed around a perimeter of the bottom wall, wherein the support ringcomprises a continuous ring structure, wherein the support ring is configured to retain the bottom wall in a taut condition. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein the sidewall comprises four panels attached to each other along seams to form a continuous sidewall around a perimeter of the textile diffuser, wherein each of the four panels is attached to the bottom wall, wherein the textile diffuser comprises four air outlets, wherein a respective one of the four air outlets is attached to each of the four panels. The textile air diffuser of claim 15, wherein the bottom wall has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the mounting frame, wherein each of the four panels is angled inwardly in a direction toward a center of the bottom wall as each panel extends from the mounting frame toward the bottom wall. A textile air diffuser comprising: a mounting frame having a central opening that defines an air inlet; a textile diffuser coupled to the mounting frame around a perimeter of the mounting frame, wherein the textile diffuser extends downwardly from the mounting frame and defines an air chamber configured to receive air through the air inlet, wherein the textile diffuser has a plurality of air outlets disposed around a perimeter of the diffuser to discharge air from the air chamber into a space in which the diffuser is installed, wherein the textile diffuser is suspended from the mounting frame, wherein the textile diffuser comprises a sidewall, wherein each of the air outlets is disposed within the sidewall; an internal frame configured to provide structural support to the textile diffuser,wherein the internal frame comprises a plurality of interconnected curved frame members and a plurality of support rings, wherein a respective one of the plurality of support rings is disposed around a perimeter of an outlet end of each of the air outlets, wherein the plurality of frame members comprises a plurality of upper frame members and a plurality of lower frame members, wherein each of the upper frame members is connected to an adjacent upper frame member to form a continuous upper member around a perimeter of the diffuser, and wherein each of the upper frame members is connected to a pair of adjacent support rings of the plurality of support rings at an upper end of each of the pair of support rings, and wherein each of the lower frame members has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to a respective one of the plurality of support rings at a lower end of the support ring, and wherein the second end is connected to an adjacent support ring at a lower end of the adjacent support ring. The diffuser of claim 17, wherein the internal frame is not rigidly connected to the mounting frame. The diffuser of claim 17, wherein the textile diffuser comprises four air outlets disposed on four sides of the diffuser, wherein the plurality of frame members comprises four upper frame members and four lower frame members. The diffuser of claim 17, wherein the textile diffuser comprises a bottom wall, wherein the sidewall is attached to the bottom wall around a perimeter of thebottom wall, and wherein the bottom wall has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the mounting frame

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1.) A textile air diffuser comprising: a mounting frame having a central opening that defines an air inlet; a textile diffuser coupled to the mounting frame around a perimeter of the mounting frame, wherein the textile diffuser extends downwardly from the mounting frame and defines an air chamber configured to receive air through the air inlet, wherein the textile diffuser has a plurality of air outlets disposed around a perimeter of the diffuser to discharge air from the air chamber into a space in which the diffuser is installed, and wherein the textile diffuser is suspended from the mounting frame, wherein the textile diffuser comprises a sidewall and a bottom wall, wherein each of the air outlets is disposed within the sidewall, wherein each of the air outlets comprises a piece of fabric that extends outward from the sidewall; a bottom support structure attached to the bottom wall and configured to provide support for the bottom wall; and a plurality of air outlet support structures, wherein a respective one of the air outlet support structures is attached to each of the air outlets, wherein each air outlet support structure is configured to provide support to a respective one of the air outlets to retain the shape of the air outlet when positive air pressure is removed from the diffuser.2.) The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each air outlet support structure comprises a helical compression spring.3.) The diffuser of claim 2, wherein the compression spring has a truncated conical shape.4.) The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each air outlet support structure comprises a conical member having a truncated conical shape, wherein each conical member is open at two opposing ends.5.) The diffuser of claim 4, wherein the conical member has a continuous surface between each of the two opposing ends.6.) The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each air outlet support structure comprises a first ring and a second ring, wherein the first ring and the second ring are rigidly connected to each other by a plurality of support rods, wherein the first ring is disposed in a first plane and the second ring is disposed in a second plane that is generally parallel to the first plane.7.) The diffuser of claim 6, wherein the first ring has a circular shape having a first diameter, wherein the second ring has a circular shape having a second diameter, wherein the second ring defines an open end of a respective one of the air outlets, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter.8.) The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each air outlet has a generally truncated conical shape with a base end that is attached to a respective one of the sidewalls, wherein the base end has a larger diameter than a circular opening at an open end of the air outlet opposite the base end.The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of air outlet support structures is not rigidly connected to any other air outlet support structures of the plurality of air outlet support structures. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of air outlet support structures is not rigidly connected to the mounting frame. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of air outlet support structures is not rigidly connected to the bottom support structure. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein each air outlet comprises two layers of material forming a pocket therebetween, wherein the pocket of each air outlet is sized to receive a respective one of the air outlet support structures within the pocket. The diffuser of claim 12, wherein each air outlet further comprises a zipper configured to open and close the pocket to provide access to insert a respective one of the air outlet support structures into the pocket. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein the bottom support structure comprises a support ring disposed around a perimeter of the bottom wall, wherein the support ring comprises a continuous ring structure, wherein the support ring is configured to retain the bottom wall in a taut condition. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein the sidewall comprises four panels attached to each other along seams to form a continuous sidewall around a perimeter of the textile diffuser, wherein each of the four panels is attached to the bottom wall, wherein the textile diffuser comprises four air outlets, wherein a respective one of the four air outlets is attached to each of the four panels.16.) The textile air diffuser of claim 15, wherein the bottom wall has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the mounting frame, wherein each of the four panels is angled inwardly in a direction toward a center of the bottom wall as each panel extends from the mounting frame toward the bottom wall.17.) A textile air diffuser comprising: a mounting frame having a central opening that defines an air inlet; a textile diffuser coupled to the mounting frame around a perimeter of the mounting frame, wherein the textile diffuser extends downwardly from the mounting frame and defines an air chamber configured to receive air through the air inlet, wherein the textile diffuser has a plurality of air outlets disposed around a perimeter of the diffuser to discharge air from the air chamber into a space in which the diffuser is installed, wherein the textile diffuser is suspended from the mounting frame, wherein the textile diffuser comprises a sidewall, wherein each of the air outlets is disposed within the sidewall; an internal frame configured to provide structural support to the textile diffuser, wherein the internal frame comprises a plurality of interconnected curved frame members and a plurality of support rings, wherein a respective one of the plurality of support rings is disposed around a perimeter of an outlet end of each of the air outlets, wherein the plurality of frame members comprises a plurality of upper frame members and a plurality of lower frame members, wherein each of the upper frame members is connected to an adjacent upper frame member to form acontinuous upper member around a perimeter of the diffuser, and wherein each of the upper frame members is connected to a pair of adjacent support rings of the plurality of support rings at an upper end of each of the pair of support rings, and wherein each of the lower frame members has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to a respective one of the plurality of support rings at a lower end of the support ring, and wherein the second end is connected to an adjacent support ring at a lower end of the adjacent support ring.18.) The diffuser of claim 17, wherein the internal frame is not rigidly connected to the mounting frame.19.) The diffuser of claim 17, wherein the textile diffuser comprises four air outlets disposed on four sides of the diffuser, wherein the plurality of frame members comprises four upper frame members and four lower frame members. 0.) The diffuser of claim 17, wherein the textile diffuser comprises a bottom wall, wherein the sidewall is attached to the bottom wall around a perimeter of the bottom wall, and wherein the bottom wall has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the mounting frame.

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