Insulated duct end system
AssigneeC-System Incorporated
InventorsCharles B. Anderson, C. Robert Kenrick
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The specification discloses a low-cost, simple, and efficient duct system for conveying heated and/or cooled air throughout a building. The system includes duct assemblies and transition components for interconnecting the duct assemblies. Each duct assembly includes an insulated duct having a rigid sleeve within at least one end. Each sleeve includes an abutment ring and orifices in the ring for permitting air to flow into the insulated layer to balloon the layer and improve its insulative effect. Each transition component includes a rigid external skeleton and a plurality of duct board panels fitted therein. After the sleeves are fitted within openings in the duct board panels, the tabs are deformed to retain the abutment rings in engagement with the panels.
Claims14
An insulated duct comprising:
- a special reinforced polymeric tube, a layer of thermal insulation surrounding said tube, and a jacket enveloping said insulation layer;
- a metallic sleeve inside an end of said polymeric tube and having a portion protruding therefrom, said sleeve having an annular exterior rib at the end of said tube and within said insulation layer and having a plurality of bendable tabs on said protruding portion;
- a polymeric ring having an L-shaped cross section around said protruding portion and abutting said rib, one leg of the L engaging the periphery of said sleeve and the other leg projecting radially outwardly from said sleeve;
- said ring having orifices in said other leg to allow air flow into said insulation layer;
- said jacket extending over the peripheral edge of said other leg;
- selected ones of said tabs being bent back about 180 degrees to retain said ring in place against said rib;
- a peripheral clamp around said insulation layer, said tube and said sleeve for clamping said insulation layer and tube onto said sleeve;
- and
- an annular collar around said jacket and said peripheral edge of said other leg.
An insulated duct assembly comprising:
- a duct including an inner flexible air impervious tube, a layer of thermal insulation surrounding said tube, and an outer flexible air impervious jacket enveloping said insulation layer;
- a sleeve inside of one end of said duct and having a portion protruding therefrom, said sleeve having an annular ring around said protruding portion and projecting radially outwardly therefrom, said jacket extending over said ring;
- securing means for securing said protruding portion within an orifice;
- and
- a collar around said jacket and ring for securing said duct to said sleeve by trapping said jacket between said collar and ring.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.