Air diffuser

Abstract

An improved air diffuser for shooting ranges and the like is both inexpensive, easy to transport, and easy to maintain. Flexible plastic is utilized for the diffuser plates providing easier manufacture and shipment of an unassembled diffuser.

1 . An air diffuser configured for use in a ballistic environment comprising: 
 a back;    a first side disposed at a first end of the back and a second side disposed at a second end of the back;    an air inlet; and    an air diffuser plate, the diffuser plate being formed from plastic and being attached to the diffuser such that air exiting the diffuser flows through the plate.    
     
     
         2 . The diffuser of  claim 1 , wherein the diffuser plate has a plurality of air exit holes formed therein.  
     
     
         3 . The diffuser of  claim 1 , wherein the diffuser plate is bent into a curved shape.  
     
     
         4 . The diffuser of  claim 1 , further comprising a releasable top hinge and a releasable bottom hinge, the hinges configured such that the bottom hinge may be released to pivot the diffuser plate upwardly and such that the top hinge may be released to pivot the diffuser plate downwardly.  
     
     
         5 . The diffuser of  claim 1 , wherein the diffuser comprises two diffuser plates.  
     
     
         6 . A method for purifying air in a ballistic environment comprising: 
 selecting a diffuser, the diffuser having a cavity, a first opening, and a second opening;    placing a diffuser plate over the first opening, the diffuser plate being formed of non-electrically conductive plastic and having a plurality of air exit holes formed therein;    connecting the second opening to an air source; and    operating the air source such that air is moved into the cavity and through the air exit holes and such that a static charge is formed on the diffuser plate.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the static charge attracts dust particles to the diffuser plate.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the diffuser plate is curved when mounted to the diffuser.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the method further comprises opening the diffuser for cleaning by rotating the diffuser plate, the diffuser plate being releasably attached to the diffuser such that the diffuser plate may be pivoted upwardly relative to the diffuser, pivot downwardly relative to the diffuser, or removed from the diffuser.  
     
     
         10 . A method for forming a diffuser plate, the method comprising: 
 selecting a first end piece and a second end piece, each end piece having an arcuate surface;    bending a resilient diffuser plate having a plurality of holes formed therein over the arcuate surfaces; and attaching the resilient diffuser plate to the arcuate surfaces.    
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the method comprises attaching the resilient diffuser plate to the arcuate surfaces with rivets.  
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the resilient diffuser plate is formed from plastic.  
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the method comprises attaching a second resilient diffuser plate to the diffuser such that the second resilient diffuser plate is generally parallel to the first resilient diffuser plate.