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US 12,339,029 B2Granted
Expandable plenum flange and method of use
OwnerChristopher Henry Benoitinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An expandable plenum flange for a heating ventilating and air conditioning system is provided. The flange includes a toggle mechanism positioned on its exterior surface. The toggle mechanism provides a multi-jointed closure having an open position and a closed position. The open position contracts the diameter and circumference of the flange. The closed position expands the circumference and diameter of the flange thereby sealing it in a plenum hole.
Claims6
A method of installing an expandable plenum flange in a plenum hole comprising:
- providing a cylindrical housing, having an interior surface and an exterior surface;
- providing the cylindrical housing with a variable diameter;
- providing a first shackle, fixed to the exterior surface;
- providing a closed link, constrained by the first shackle;
- providing a toggle lever, having an open position and a closed position, pivotally connected to the closed link,
- providing a second shackle, fixed to the exterior surface, pivotally connected to the toggle lever;
- moving the toggle lever to the open position whereby the variable diameter is decreased;
- aligning the expandable plenum flange with the plenum hole;
- inserting the expandable plenum flange in the plenum hole;
- moving the toggle lever to the closed position whereby the variable diameter is increased and the expandable plenum flange is fixed in the plenum hole;
- moving the toggle lever back to the open position;
- realigning the expandable plenum flange with the plenum hole;
- reinserting the expandable plenum flange in the plenum hole;
- moving the toggle lever back to the closed position;
- providing the cylindrical housing with a first edge and a second edge separated by a longitudinal partition;
- wherein the first edge is in sealed contact with the second edge in the closed position;
- providing the first shackle with a ridged arch, adjacent the exterior surface, forming a first longitudinal cavity;
- providing the closed link with a first pin and a second pin;
- connecting the first pin and the second pin by a first semicircular bar and a second semicircular bar;
- and
- providing a first joint by placing the first pin in the first longitudinal cavity.
18 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.