Integrated ventilation register filter

A ventilation register, comprising:

• a panel having a flange and a plurality of first apertures adapted to allow airflow through the panel, with each first aperture having a diameter or dimensions sufficient to allow movement of an object or entity through that first aperture;
• a single filter integrated into the ventilation register and having a back panel, side panels and end panels, each side panel having upper and lower side panels and each end panel having upper and lower end panels, with each upper side panel and each upper end panel being inwardly angled to facilitate disposition of the ventilation register in a register boot, wherein the filter defines an internal cavity and includes a plurality of second apertures with each second aperture having a diameter of at least 1.5 millimeters, the filter being adapted to allow airflow through the filter while inhibiting a movement of the object or entity through the filter when the object or entity has a cross-sectional area that is larger than an average cross-sectional area of the plurality of second apertures;
• a plurality of longitudinal rotatable slats disposed within the internal cavity of the filter, the slats being configured to rotate about longitudinal axes supported at opposite ends by the end panels, with adjacent slats configured to define a plurality of adjustable apertures through which airflow is selectively permitted based on the rotational position of the slats, each of the longitudinal rotatable slats remains fully contained within the cavity defined by the filter when rotated to a fully open position and the airflow through the ventilation register is adjustable solely by rotation of the slats within the filter cavity and without obstructing the second apertures, with each of the first apertures and each of the adjustable apertures having a cross-sectional area that is at least ten times greater than the cross-sectional area of each of the second apertures;
• a plurality of rigid side support bars extending between the upper and lower side panels and a plurality of rigid end support bars extending between the upper and lower end panels, the side support bars and end support bars providing structural reinforcement to the filter and mechanically supporting the longitudinal rotatable slats during rotation;
• a housing with at least a portion of the housing disposed between the panel and the filter, the housing having side walls that form a hollow enclosure with front and back openings;
• wherein the upper side panels and upper end panels of the filter are solid and form at least a portion of the housing side walls such that the upper side panels and upper end panels are structurally integrated with the housing and are effectively the same component as the housing side walls;
• wherein the back panel, lower side panels, and lower end panels of the filter are coupled directly to the housing side walls without substantial overlapping;
• wherein the flange is positioned about a periphery of at least a portion of the side walls and defines at least a portion of the front opening;
• and
• wherein the ventilation register is adapted to be disposed in the register boot so that the ventilation register is operable to allow a flow of air through the ventilation register while inhibiting a movement of the object or entity between the ventilation register and the register boot.