Vent assembly for a ceiling register

Abstract

A vent assembly for use with an existing ceiling vent register, comprising: a housing for removably fitting with the existing ceiling vent register; an airflow passage extending through the housing and the passage having a central axis; a louvre arrangement positioned in the airflow passage, the louvre arrangement comprising a frame rotatably mounted with respect to the housing and permitting rotation of the louvre arrangement about the central axis of the passage; a plurality of louvres pivotably mounted to the frame and movable between a closed position for selectively closing the airflow passage and an open position permitting airflow through the airflow passage and directing the airflow out of the vent assembly in an outlet direction; wherein the pivotal mounting of the louvres with respect to the frame provides a first mode of outlet direction adjustment and the rotatable mounting of the frame with respect to the housing provides a second mode of outlet direction adjustment.

Description

Title of InventionVent Assembly for a Ceiling RegisterThis application claims priority from Australian Provisional application 2024903894, filed on 26 / 11 / 2024, contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference.Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vent assembly for a ceiling register. In particular, the present invention relates to a vent assembly for a ceiling register of a HVAC system and, for example, an evaporative cooling system or a reverse cycle system.Background of Invention

[0002] The discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any aspect of the discussion was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Air conditioning systems are commonly used in commercial and residential applications. One such type of system is an evaporative cooling system. Evaporative cooling systems typically comprise an evaporative cooler mounted on the exterior of the building. Connected to the cooler are usually a series of ducts which route air from the cooler to the different rooms in the building. Air from the cooler exits the ducts through an air diffuser typically referred to as a 'register' which may be mounted in a wall or ceiling and, when ceilingmounted, are typically referred to as a 'ceiling register' or 'ceiling vent register'.

[0004] Ceiling registers typically receive (or register) a plurality (often four) separate vent assemblies removably received in the register and which are sometimes referred to as 'cores' or 'vent cores'. Ceiling registers of the prior art comprise louvre-based vent assemblies. These are typically mounted in a set of four in a register. The louvres can be pivoted so that the user can adjust the angle of the airflow through the diffuser.Summary of Invention

[0005] It is desirable to provide a novel vent assembly for use with wall-mounted registers or ceiling-mounted registers which provides an improvement on the prior art and / or which provides an alternative choice for consumers.

[0006] According to a first form of the present invention, there is provided a vent assembly for use with an existing ceiling vent register, comprising a housing for removably fitting with the existing ceiling vent register; an airflow passage extending through the housing and the passage having a central axis; a louvre arrangement positioned in the airflow passage, the louvre arrangement comprising a frame rotatably mounted with respect to the housing and permitting rotation of the louvre arrangement about the central axis of the passage; a plurality of louvres pivotably mounted to the frame and movable between a closed position for selectively closing the airflow passage and an open position permitting airflow through the airflow passage and directing the airflow out of the vent assembly in an outlet direction; wherein the pivotal mounting of the louvres with respect to the frame provides a first mode of outlet direction adjustment and the rotatable mounting of the frame with respect to the housing provides a second mode of outlet direction adjustment.

[0007] The present invention advantageously provides a vent assembly capable of two modes of outlet direction adjustment and thereby providing improved and more precise flow adjustment. In particular, the rotatable mounting of the frame with respect to the housing provides significantly improved flow direction adjustability because the flow direction is not restricted by the position of the vent assembly frame within the ceiling register.

[0008] A drawback with the louvres of existing ceiling registers is that while louvre position can be pivotally adjusted, it can be adjusted through only one plane which is determined by the pivoting axis of the louvres which is determined by the orientation of the vent assembly within the ceiling register. Re-orientation of louvre pivot axis requires a user to remove the vent assembly from the ceiling register and reorientation the whole vent assembly frame within the register. This is not typically recommended for end users such as home-owners asit is inconvenient. Furthermore, careless removal can potentially damage the register or vent assemblies. The present invention advantageously mitigates or eliminates this issue by allowing the louvre pivot axis to be adjusted without removing the vent assembly from the ceiling register.

[0009] The present invention is also advantageous in that the louvres of each vent assembly in a ceiling register can be rotated to point in the same direction. For example, four vent assemblies of the present invention could be rotated to direct cooling airflow toward an airflow target such as couch in a family room or a kitchen with warm appliances or a user's desk. Conventional vent assemblies can be re-orientated about the central axis only 90-degree increments, which lessens the chance of the airflow target being directly in the airflow path.

[0010] The rotatable adjustment of the outlet direction may permit 360-degree rotational adjustment about the central axis. This configuration advantageously allows for improved airflow adjustment direction and enabling louvre adjustment specifically toward an airflow target.

[0011] In a form of the invention, the outlet direction may be non-parallel with the central axis. For example, the louvres in a vent assembly fitted with a ceiling register could be pointed directly downward to achieve an airflow direction parallel with the central axis, or could be angled with respect to the central axis to achieve non-parallel airflow direction.

[0012] The frame of the louvre arrangement may be circular and rotatably mounted within a corresponding circular opening in the housing. In a particular embodiment, a seal may be provided between the frame and the housing. For example, the vent assembly may further comprise an elastomeric seal extending around a perimeter of the airflow passage. In an embodiment, the vent assembly may comprise a seal positioned between the circular opening of the housing and the circular frame.

[0013] The vent assembly may further comprise a link arm rotatably connected with each of the louvres to allow the plurality of louvres to pivot in unison with respect to the frame. The link arm may be rotatably mounted to a protrusion on an upstream side of each of the louvres.

[0014] In a particular embodiment, the link arm may be positioned approximately centrally with respect to the airflow passage. In a particular embodiment, the louvrearrangement may be provided by a single link arm which is positioned approximately centrally with respect to the airflow passage. The providing of a single link arm is distinct from conventional vent assemblies which typically comprise a pair of link arms at opposite sides of the louvre arrangement. The provision of a single link arm advantageously simplifies manufacture and can increase reliability insofar as the number of moving parts in each vent assembly is reduced.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, each louvre may be pivotally mounted to the frame about a pivot axis that is approximately perpendicular to the central axis. The frame may comprise inwardly extending mounting protrusions to which the louvres are pivotally mounted. In some embodiments, the louvre arrangement may comprise no more than three louvres. In some embodiments, the louvre arrangement may comprise no more than four louvres. In a particular embodiment, when in the closed position, the plurality of louvres may lie generally flat across the airflow passage, to block airflow through the airflow passage.

[0016] As noted in the foregoing, vent assemblies are sometimes referred to as 'cores' or 'diffuser cores' or 'vent cores' or 'registers cores'. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the vent assembly of the present invention may comprise a removable core suitable for fitting with a multi-core ceiling register. However, it should be appreciated that while the vent assembly is suitable for use with a multi-core vent assembly, it could also be used as a standalone diffuser and not necessarily part of a register comprising a plurality of vent assemblies. For example, a single vent assembly of the present invention could be located at the outlet of a HVAC duct and in which case all of the airflow through said duct would pass through the single vent assembly and which would allow for two modes of airflow direction adjustment of said airflow.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, each louvre has a generally planar configuration. For example, each louvre could have a plate-like or flat configuration.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, each louvre has at least one non-linear edge corresponding with a non-linear portion of the vent assembly frame. In a particular embodiment the vent assembly frame is curved and each louvre in the vent assembly has a curved edge which locates alongside the curved frame when in the closed position. In a particular embodiment, two or more of the louvres comprise a pair of opposite ends pivotally mounted to the frame and a pair of opposite sides extending between the pair of oppositeends and wherein the opposite ends have a non-linear or curved configuration. The opposite ends and opposite sides may comprise edges of the louvre. Therefore, each louvre may comprise a pair of opposite end edges extending between a pair of opposite side edges. In a particular embodiment, both of the opposite ends and both of the opposite sides have a nonlinear configuration. In a particular embodiment, the opposite ends of two or more of the louvres are curved to correspond with curvature of the frame of the vent assembly. In a particular embodiment, one of the louvres has a crescent-shaped configuration.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, each louvre comprises a curved edge corresponding in curvature to a curved portion of the frame and wherein in the closed position the curved edge of the louvre extends along the curved portion of the frame.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, in the closed position, the louvre arrangement may comprise a push region configured to facilitate movement of the plurality of louvres from the closed position to the open position via manual pushing at the push region by a user. The push region may comprise a side portion of one of the louvres.

[0021] The plurality of louvres may be in a side-by-side arrangement comprising a pair of outer louvres adjacent to the frame and one or more inner louvres positioned between the pair of outer louvres and wherein the push region comprises a side portion of one of the outer louvres.

[0022] The louvre arrangement may comprise a visual indicator of the push region location. The visual indicator may comprise one or more protrusions extending from the frame and positionally associated with the push region. The visual indicator may comprise a pair of protrusions located at opposite sides of the push region.

[0023] According to a second form of the present invention, there is provided a ceiling vent register comprising a plurality of vent assemblies according to the first form of the present invention.

[0024] According to a third form of the present invention, there is provided a ceiling register for fitting at the outlet of a HVAC duct, comprising a vent assembly according to the first form of the present invention. The ceiling register of the third form of the invention may comprise a plurality of vent assemblies according to the first form of the invention.

[0025] According to a fourth form of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable vent system comprising a vent assembly for a ceiling vent register, the vent assembly comprising a housing for removably fitting with an existing ceiling vent register; an airflow passage extending through the housing and the passage having a central axis; a louvre arrangement positioned in the airflow passage, the louvre arrangement comprising a frame rotatably mounted with respect to the housing and permitting rotation of the louvre arrangement about the central axis; a plurality of louvres pivotably mounted to the frame and movable between a closed position for selectively closing the airflow passage and an open position permitting airflow through the airflow passage and directing the airflow out of the vent assembly in an outlet direction; wherein the pivotal mounting of the louvres with respect to the frame provides a first mode of outlet direction adjustment and the rotatable mounting of the louvre arrangement frame with respect to the housing provides a second mode of outlet direction adjustment, and the system further comprising an adjustment pole comprising an engagement end configured for engagement with a side edge of one of the louvres to facilitate rotation of the louvre arrangement with respect to the housing.

[0026] The fourth form of the present invention advantageously allows for a user to adjust the outlet direction via the adjustment pole. In a residential setting, this eliminates the need for a user to stand on an elevated surface such as a chair or stool which can create a falling hazard. As well as a reduction in danger, the adjustment pole may advantageously provide for quick and convenient re-adjustment of the ceiling register's airflow direction. For example, in a typical register having four vent assemblies, all four vent assemblies can quickly be rotated to face the same direction such as toward a dining table and then, after dinner, all four vent assemblies could be readjusted to fact the living room or tv area.

[0027] This provides a marked improvement in HVAC optimisation insofar as the entirety of the cooling airflow through the duct can be directed toward the same area. In contrast, existing ceiling registers typically have all four vent assemblies pointing in different directions. Even if all four vent assemblies were removed from the register and reinstalled in the same direction (which would incur the aforementioned problems of potential damage and fall hazards) it would still be unlikely that the airflow could be directed precisely to the target because the airflow direction in previous ceiling registers is limited to increments of 90-degree adjustment about the central axis.

[0028] The engagement end of the adjustment pole may comprise a recess for receiving the side edge of one of the louvres. This may advantageously improve engagement consistency and reliability with the louvres. The engagement end may be provided at a fitting on the end of the pole. The fitting may comprise a pole-engagement side and a louvre-engagement side. The pole-engagement side may be received, attached, connected (permanently or removably) with the pole. The louvre-engagement side may comprise the recess. The recess may comprise a channel extending the length of the fitting. The recess may have a width larger than a thickness of a louvre in the louvre arrangement so as to conveniently receive and engage with an edge of the louvre in order to permit rotatable adjustment of the louvre.

[0029] The adjustment pole may permit rotation of the louvre arrangement with respect to the housing via twisting motion of the pole when engaged with a louvre in the louvre arrangement. Additionally, the adjustment pole may permit pivot adjustment of the louvre arrangement by way of side-to-side or angular movement of the pole when engaged with a louvre in the louvre arrangement.

[0030] According to a fifth form of the present invention, there is provided a ceiling vent register comprising at least one a vent assembly, the vent assembly comprising a housing; an airflow passage extending through the housing and the passage having a central axis; a louvre arrangement positioned in the airflow passage, the louvre arrangement comprising a frame rotatably mounted with respect to the housing and permitting rotation of the louvre arrangement about the central axis of the passage; a plurality of louvres pivotably mounted to the frame and movable between a closed position for selectively closing the airflow passage and an open position permitting airflow through the airflow passage and out of the vent assembly in an outlet direction; wherein the pivotal mounting of the louvres with respect to the frame provides a first mode of outlet direction adjustment and the rotatable mounting of the louvre arrangement frame with respect to the housing provides a second mode of outlet direction adjustment.

[0031] According to a further form of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable vent system comprising a ceiling vent register according to the fifth form of the present invention and an adjustment pole comprising an engagement end configured for engagement with an edge of one of the louvres to facilitate rotation of the louvre arrangementwith respect to the housing. The engagement end may comprise a recess for receiving the side edge of one of the louvres.Brief Description of Drawings

[0032] The invention will now be described in further detail by reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the particularity of the drawings does not supersede the generality of the preceding description of the invention.

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a vent assembly in accordance with the present invention with the louvres in an open position;

[0034] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment, with the louvres in a closed position;

[0035] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the upstream side of the first embodiment, with the louvres in a closed position;

[0036] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable vent system in accordance with the present invention, showing an adjustment pole adjusting the louvres;

[0037] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 4, showing the engagement end engaging a side edge of one of the louvres;

[0038] Figure 6 is a perspective view of ceiling vent register comprising a plurality of vent assemblies in accordance with the present invention, showing a vent assembly being installed in the ceiling vent register.Detailed Description

[0039] Referring firstly to figure 1, there is shown generally a perspective view of one embodiment of a vent assembly 10 for use with a ceiling register such as the existing ceiling register 30 which is illustrated in Figure 6. It will be appreciated that in this context the term 'existing' refers to a preexisting ceiling register which may have originally been fitted with different vent assemblies. The vent assembly 10 is therefore retrofittable into an existing ceiling register, once the original vent assemblies have been removed.

[0040] Returning to Figure 1, the vent assembly 10 comprises a housing 11 for removably fitting with the existing ceiling vent register 30; an airflow passage 12 extending through the housing 11 and the passage having a central axis A. A louvre arrangement 13 is positioned in the airflow passage 12, the louvre arrangement 13 comprising a frame 14 rotatably mounted with respect to the housing 11 and permitting rotation of the louvre arrangement 13 about the central axis A of the passage 12. A plurality of louvres 15 are pivotably mounted to the frame 14 and movable between an open position shown in figure 1 and a closed position shown in figure 2.

[0041] The user can selectively open and close the louvres 15 to either block airflow through the airflow passage 12 (as shown in Figure 2) or permit airflow through the airflow passage 12 and direct the airflow out of the vent assembly 10 in an outlet direction 26. The outlet direction 26 refers to the direction of airflow exiting the vent assembly 10, which can be adjust by rotation of the frame 14 and / or by pivoting the louvres 15.

[0042] The louvres 15 are pivotally mounted with respect to the frame 14 to provide a first mode of outlet direction 26 adjustment. The rotatable mounting of the frame 14 with respect to the housing 11 provides a second mode of outlet direction 26 adjustment.

[0043] Figure 3 shows generally a perspective view of the upstream side of the vent assembly 10 of figures 1 and 2. The frame 14 is secured to the housing 11 by retainer clips 19. The frame 14 is rotatably mounted in the housing 11. In some embodiments, the housing 11 permits 360-degree rotational adjustment of the of the frame 14 and the louvres 15 about the central axis A. To facilitate this 360-degree rotation, the frame 14 is circular in the illustrated embodiment and mounted within a corresponding circular opening in the housing 11. In alternative embodiments, other suitable mounting arrangements may be used.

[0044] The outlet direction 26 of the vent assembly 10 may be changed by adjustment of the frame 14 about the central axis A, and / or by pivoting the louvres 15. By having the outlet direction 26 adjustable about two axes, the outlet direction 26 can be adjusted to a wide range of positions. In some embodiments, the outlet direction 26 may be adjusted to be non-parallel with the central axis A.

[0045] In some embodiments, each of the louvres 15 are rotatably connected to a link arm 16, shown in figure 3. The link arm 16 allows each of the louvres 15 to pivot in unison with respect to the frame 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the link arm is rotatably connected to a protruding mounting point 17 an upstream side of each of the louvres 15, when the louvres 15 are in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the link arm 16 is connected to the louvres 15 on the upstream side of the louvres 15., as shown in figure 3. This allows the link arm 16 and the mounting points 17 to be hidden from view when the vent assembly 10 is installed in a register 30, and the vent assembly 10 is only viewable from the downstream side. In the illustrated embodiment, the link arm 16 is positioned centrally with respect to the airflow passage 12. However, the link arm 16 could be positioned anywhere across the span of the louvres 15.

[0046] In some embodiments, the frame 14 comprises inwardly extending mounting protrusions 18 to which the louvres 15 are pivotally mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot axis of each louvre 15 in the mounting protrusions 18 is perpendicular to the central axis A.

[0047] In particular embodiments, the vent assembly 10 comprises three or four louvres 15. In alternative embodiments, the vent assembly 10 could comprise one louvre. The vent assembly 10 could also be scaled up and comprise any number of louvres 15.

[0048] In some embodiments, the louvres 15 lie flat across the airflow passage 12, when the louvres 15 are in the closed position. This allows the louvres 15 to block airflow through the air flow passage 12. This reduces draft through vent register which can improve the comfort for a user and reduce heating requirements which may result in reduced costs for the user. Each of the louvres 15 has a generally planar configuration. This may advantageously help the louvres 15 lie flat across the airflow passage 12 when the louvres 15 are in the closed position.

[0049] In a particular embodiment shown in figure 6, the vent assembly 10 may be installed in groups of four in a multi-core ceiling register 30. A vent assembly 10 is sometimes commonly referred to as a core. In such arrangements each vent assembly 10 may be removably mounted into the ceiling register 30. To install a vent assembly 10 in the ceiling register 30, a user can insert the vent assembly 10 from the downstream side, at an anglewherein the vent assembly 10 can pass completely through one of the mounting holes 31 in the ceiling register 30. With the vent assembly 10 now on the upstream side of the ceiling register 30, the vent assembly 10 can be lowered into the mounting position in one of the mounting holes 31.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, the vent assembly 10 may comprise a flange 20 to support the vent assembly 10 when mounted in the ceiling register 30. To remove the vent assembly 10, the user can simply push on the vent assembly 10 to dismount the vent assembly 10 from the ceiling register 30, and position the vent assembly 10 so it may pass completely through the mounting hole 31. In alternative embodiments, the ceiling register may comprise only two mounting holes 31 for vent assemblies 10, or up to six mounting holes 31.

[0051] In some embodiments, each louvre 15 comprises a pair of opposite ends comprising end edges 27 pivotally mounted to the frame 14 and a pair of opposite sides comprising side edges 23 extending between the end edges 27. In the illustrated embodiment, the opposite ends have a non-linear or curved configuration. In alternative embodiments, the opposite ends of each louvre may be linear.

[0052] In some embodiments, the louvre arrangement 13 comprises a push region P configured to facilitate movement of the louvres 15 from the closed position to the open position by the user pushing the push region P. In the illustrated embodiment, the push region P is located on a side portion of one of the louvres 15, as shown in figure 2.

[0053] In some embodiments, the plurality of louvres 15 are in a side-by-side arrangement. The arrangement 13 comprises a pair of outer louvres 15 adjacent to the frame 14 and one or more inner louvres positioned between the pair of outer louvres 15. In such illustrated embodiments, the push region P is located on a side portion of one of the outer louvres 15.

[0054] In some embodiments, the louvre arrangement 13 comprises a visual indicator 25 of the push region P location. In the illustrated embodiment, the visual indicators 25 may comprise protrusions 25, as shown in figure 2. In the illustrated embodiment, louvre arrangement 13 comprises one or more protrusions 25 that extend partially across airflowpassage, adjacent to the louvre 15 comprising the push region P. The protrusions 25 may thereby act as a visual indicator to direct the user toward the ideal push region P.

[0055] In some embodiments, the vent assembly 10 comprises a seal that extends around a perimeter of the airflow passage 12. In a particular embodiment, the seal is an elastomeric seal. The seal helps to create an airtight seal across the airflow passage when the louvres 15 are in the closed position.

[0056] In some embodiments, a ceiling vent register comprises a plurality of vent assemblies 10, as shown in figure 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the vent assembly 10 fits into ceiling vent register with a two-by-two grid of vent mounts for receiving vent assemblies 10. Such ceiling vent registers 30 generally form an outlet of an HVAC duct and are common in residential applications, particularly with evaporative cooling systems and reverse cycle systems. This allows the vent assembly 10 to be easily retrofitted into existing systems.

[0057] Referring now to figures 4 and 5, there is shown an adjustable vent system including a vent assembly 10 for a ceiling vent register 30. The vent assembly 10 comprises a housing 11 for removably fitting with an existing ceiling vent register 30. An airflow passage 12 extend through the housing 11 and the passage has a central axis A. A louvre arrangement 13 is positioned in the airflow passage 12, the louvre arrangement 13 including a frame 14 rotatably mounted with respect to the housing 11 and permitting rotation of the louvre arrangement 13 about the central axis A. A plurality of louvres 15 are pivotably mounted to the frame 14 and are movable between a closed position and an open position. This allows a user to selectively open and close the airflow passage and direct the airflow out of the vent assembly 10 in a chosen outlet direction 26. The pivotal mounting of the louvres 15 with respect to the frame 14 provides a first mode of outlet direction 26 adjustment and the rotatable mounting of the louvre arrangement 13 with respect to the housing 11 provides a second mode out outlet direction 26 adjustment. The system also comprises an adjustment pole 21 comprising an engagement end 22. The engagement end 22 is configured for engagement with the side edge 23 of one of the louvres to facilitate rotation of the louvre arrangement 13 with respect to the housing 11. The adjustment pole 21 allows a user to easily adjust the airflow direction and open and close the louvres from the ground. This provides a much safer solution as a chair or step ladder is not required to adjust the vent system.

[0058] In some embodiments, the engagement end 22 of the adjustment pole 21 comprises a recess 24 for receiving the side edge 23 of one of the louvres 15. In alternative embodiments, other engagement means may be used, such as a hook and a corresponding loop.

[0059] As discussed in the foregoing, the vent assembly 10 comprises flange 20. The flange 20 extends at least partially around an upper edge 28 of the housing 11. The flange 20 supports the vent assembly 10 when it is installed in a ceiling vent register 30. The flange 20 rests or seats upon a ledge 32 of the ceiling vent register 30 extending around the periphery of the opening 31 as illustrated in Figure 6. A lower surface of the housing 11 lies generally flush with a lower surface of the ceiling vent register 30. This creates a flush surface on the ceiling when viewed from below and provides an aesthetically pleasing finish.

[0060] . Turning to Figure 2, the vent assembly 10 comprises a housing 11 and an airflow passage 12 extending through the housing 11. The airflow passage 12 has a central axis A. The airflow passage may be provided by a circular opening 33 in the housing 11. A louvre arrangement 13 is positioned in the circular opening 33 and therefore in the airflow passage 12. The louvre arrangement 11 is sized to occupy the entirety of the circular opening 33. The louvre arrangement 13 comprises a circular frame 14 rotatably mounted within the corresponding circular opening 33 of the housing 11.

[0061] The louvre arrangement 13 comprises the circular frame 14 rotatably mounted with respect to the housing 11. The rotatably mounted frame 14 permits rotation of the louvre arrangement 13 about the central axis A of the airflow passage 12. For example, the frame 14 may be rotated in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, as indicated by arrow 29 in Figure 3. The frame 14 may be conveniently rotated by manually gripping the link arm 16 and rotating about the central axis A with respect to the housing 14.

[0062] The louvre arrangement 13 further comprises a plurality of louvres 15 pivotally mounted to the frame 14. The louvres 15 are movable between a closed position and an open position for selectively opening and closing the airflow passage. The pivotal mounting of the louvres 15 provides a first mode of outlet direction 26 adjustment. The rotatable mounting of the louvre arrangement 13 with respect to the housing 11 provides a second mode of outlet direction 26 adjustment.

[0063] Turning to Figures 4 and 5, the system may further comprise an adjustment pole 21 with an engagement end 22. The engagement end 22 is configured for engagement with a side edge 23 of one of the louvres 15. This engagement facilitates rotation of the louvre arrangement 13 with respect to the housing 11. The engagement end 22 of the adjustment pole 21 may further comprise a recess 24 for receiving the side edge 23 of one of the louvres. The adjustment pole allows a user to open and close the louvres 15 or adjust the outlet direction 26 from the ground.

[0064] As illustrated in Figure 6 a ceiling vent register 30 may comprise at least one vent assembly 10. In particular embodiments, the ceiling vent register 30 may comprise four vent assemblies 10.

[0065] Whilst the invention has been described in conjunction with a limited number of embodiments, it would be appreciated by those in the art that many alternative modifications and variations in light of the forgoing description are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed.

[0066] Where any or all of the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A vent assembly for use with an existing ceiling vent register, comprising:• a housing for removably fitting with the existing ceiling vent register;• an airflow passage extending through the housing and the passage having a central axis;• a louvre arrangement positioned in the airflow passage, the louvre arrangement comprising o a frame rotatably mounted with respect to the housing and permitting rotation of the louvre arrangement about the central axis of the passage; o a plurality of louvres pivotably mounted to the frame and movable between a closed position for selectively closing the airflow passage and an open position permitting airflow through the airflow passage and directing the airflow out of the vent assembly in an outlet direction; wherein the pivotal mounting of the louvres with respect to the frame provides a first mode of outlet direction adjustment and the rotatable mounting of the frame with respect to the housing provides a second mode of outlet direction adjustment.

2. The vent assembly of claim 1, wherein the rotatable adjustment of the outlet direction permits 360-degree rotational adjustment about the central axis.

3. The vent assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet direction is non-parallel with the central axis.

4. The vent assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame of the louvre arrangement is circular and is rotatably mounted within a corresponding circular opening in the housing.

5. The vent assembly of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a link arm rotatably connected with each of the louvres to allow the plurality of louvres to pivot in unison with respect to the frame.

6. The vent assembly of claim 5, wherein the link arm is rotatably mounted to a protruding mounting point on an upstream side of each of the louvres.

7. The vent assembly of claim 5 or 6, wherein the link arm is positioned approximately centrally with respect to the airflow passage.

8. The vent assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each louvre is pivotally mounted to the frame about a pivot axis that is approximately perpendicular to the central axis.

9. The vent assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises inwardly extending mounting protrusions to which the louvres are pivotally mounted.

10. The vent assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the louvre arrangement comprises no more than four louvres.

11. The vent assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the closed position, the plurality of louvres lie generally flat across the airflow passage, to block airflow through the airflow passage.

12. The vent assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vent assembly comprises a removable core suitable for fitting with a multi-core ceiling register.

13. The vent assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each louvre has a generally planar configuration.

14. The vent assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, each louvre having a curved edge corresponding in curvature to a curved portion of the frame and wherein in the closed position the curved edge of the louvre extends along the curved portion of the frame.

15. The vent assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, each louvre comprising a pair of opposite ends pivotally mounted to the frame and a pair of opposite sides extending between the pair of opposite ends and wherein the opposite ends have a non-linear or curved configuration.

16. The vent assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the closed position the louvre arrangement comprises a push region configured to facilitate movement of the plurality of louvres from the closed position to the open position via manual pushing at the push region by a user.

17. The vent assembly according to claim 16, the push region comprising a side portion of one of the louvres.

18. The vent assembly according to claim 17, the plurality of louvres being in a side-by-side arrangement comprising a pair of outer louvres adjacent to the frame and one or more inner louvres positioned between the pair of outer louvres and wherein the push region comprises a side portion of one of the outer louvres.

19. The vent assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the louvre arrangement comprises a visual indicator of the push region location.

20. The vent assembly according to claim 19, wherein the visual indicator comprises one or more protrusions extending from the frame and positionally associated with the push region.

21. The vent assembly according to claim 19, wherein the visual indicator comprises a pair of protrusions located at opposite sides of the push region.

22. The vent assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an elastomeric seal extending around a perimeter of the airflow passage.

23. A ceiling vent register comprising a plurality of vent assemblies according to any one of the preceding claims.

24. A ceiling vent register for fitting at the outlet of a HVAC duct or a reverse cycle system, comprising a vent assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

25. An adjustable vent system comprising:• a vent assembly for a ceiling vent register, the vent assembly comprising: o a housing for removably fitting with an existing ceiling vent register; o an airflow passage extending through the housing and the passage having a central axis; o a louvre arrangement positioned in the airflow passage, the louvre arrangement comprising:■ a frame rotatably mounted with respect to the housing and permitting rotation of the louvre arrangement about the central axis;■ a plurality of louvres pivotably mounted to the frame and movable between a closed position for selectively closing the airflow passage and an open position permitting airflow through the airflow passage and directing the airflow out of the vent assembly in an outlet direction; wherein the pivotal mounting of the louvres with respect to the frame provides a first mode of outlet direction adjustment and the rotatable mounting of the louvre arrangement frame with respect to the housing provides a second mode of outlet direction adjustment, and the system further comprising:• an adjustment pole comprising an engagement end configured for engagement with a side edge of one of the louvres to facilitate rotation of the louvre arrangement with respect to the housing.

26. An adjustable vent system according to claim 24, the engagement end comprising a recess for receiving the side edge of one of the louvres.

1. A ceiling vent register comprising at least one vent assembly, the vent assembly comprising:• a housing;• an airflow passage extending through the housing and the passage having a central axis;• a louvre arrangement positioned in the airflow passage, the louvre arrangement comprising o a frame rotatably mounted with respect to the housing and permitting rotation of the louvre arrangement about the central axis of the passage; o a plurality of louvres pivotably mounted to the frame and movable between a closed position for selectively closing the airflow passage and an open position permitting airflow through the airflow passage and out of the vent assembly in an outlet direction; wherein the pivotal mounting of the louvres with respect to the frame provides a first mode of outlet direction adjustment and the rotatable mounting of the louvre arrangement frame with respect to the housing provides a second mode of outlet direction adjustment.

28. An adjustable vent system comprising a ceiling vent register according to claim 26 and an adjustment pole comprising an engagement end configured for engagement with an edge of one of the louvres to facilitate rotation of the louvre arrangement with respect to the housing.

29. An adjustable vent system according to claim 27, the engagement end comprising a recess for receiving the side edge of one of the louvres.

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