Filter-grille devices and positioning devices therefor

Abstract

A filter-grille device comprises a housing fabricated from a non-magnetic material. A plurality of airflow holes are distributed through an airflow region of the housing such that a percentage of total empty space through the first housing portion. A filter is disposed proximate to the first housing portion and over the airflow region, creating a light-weight filter-grille device. A frame may be installed over an entrance of a duct that has slanted surfaces and magnets to facilitate installation of the filter-grille device. Positioning tools may also assist installation.

1 . A positioning device, comprising:
 a housing comprising
 a first housing portion comprising a port and guide features disposed alongside the port, and 
 a second housing portion comprising an interior; and 
   an elevator mechanism disposed in the interior and connected to the second housing portion and the first housing portion such that the elevator mechanism is configured to raise and lower the first housing portion.   
     
     
         2 . The positioning device of  claim 1 , in which a filter is disposed over the port and within the guide features. 
     
     
         3 . The positioning device of  claim 2 , in which the filter contacts the first housing portion and at least one of the guide features. 
     
     
         4 . The positioning device of  claim 2 , in which the filter comprises a component of a filter-grille device and the filter-grille device contacts the first housing portion and at least one of the guide features. 
     
     
         5 . The positioning device of  claim 1 , in which the elevator mechanism comprises cables. 
     
     
         6 . The positioning device of  claim 1 , in which the elevator mechanism comprises linkages. 
     
     
         7 . The positioning device of  claim 6 , in which the elevator mechanism comprises a track and a wheel disposed in the track. 
     
     
         8 . The positioning device of  claim 7 , in which the elevator mechanism comprises a cross bar having an end disposed in the track. 
     
     
         9 . The positioning device of  claim 8 , in which the elevator mechanism comprises a lead screw disposed through the cross bar. 
     
     
         10 . The positioning device of  claim 1 , in which the first housing portion comprises a post and the second housing portion comprises a hollow standoff that mates with the post. 
     
     
         11 . The positioning device of  claim 1 , in which the first housing portion comprises a retaining post and the second housing portion comprises a latch that is positioned to engage the retaining post. 
     
     
         12 . The positioning device of  claim 1 , in which a light is connected to the housing. 
     
     
         13 . The positioning device of  claim 12 , in which the light comprises a UV light. 
     
     
         14 . A positioning device, comprising:
 a housing comprising
 a first housing portion comprising a grille and guide features disposed alongside the grille, and 
 a second housing portion comprising an interior; and 
   an elevator mechanism disposed in the interior and connected to the second housing portion and the first housing portion such that the elevator mechanism is configured to raise and lower the first housing portion.   
     
     
         15 . The positioning device of  claim 14 , in which a filter is disposed over the grille and within the guide features. 
     
     
         16 . A method of replacing a filter positioned over a duct disposed through a ceiling, the method comprising:
 lowering a positioning device comprising a housing in which the filter is disposed to a level that is below the ceiling; and   replacing the filter while the positioning device is positioned at the level that is below the ceiling.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , in which the level that is below the ceiling is between about two feet to about five feet above a ground.