US 5,195,789 AGranted

Slip lock connector assembly for joining sheet metal ducts

OwnerTimothy E. Walsh, Thomas Howardinventors

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Abstract

A slip lock connector assembly for joining end-to-end first and second flat-sided ducts made of sheet metal, has a framelike structure defined by a plurality of similar connecting members arranged in coplanar array. Each connecting member is made of pliable sheet metal bent, rolled, and molded to proper form. Each member has a flat main wall with first and second walls at opposite sides defining first and second channels. Both channels are filled with sealant material. The flat end of a side of the first duct in slipped into the first channel and secured by auxilary fastening elements, whereby the sealant in the first channel seals the connector to the flat end of the first duct. The flat end of a side of the second duct is slipped into the second channel and sealed by the sealant therein. In addition the wall of the second channel is formed with a rolled ledge which engages with lock projections on a side of the second duct to secure the second duct to the second channel. The second channel may have a laterally extending flange to stiffen the structure of the connecting member.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A slip lock connector assembly for joining end-to-end first and second flat-sided ducts made of sheet metal, comprising:

a plurality of connector members disposed in a framelike coplanar array, each of said members being made of molded, rolled and bent sheet metal, each of said members having a main flat wall and integral first flat wall radially spaced from one side of said main wall to define a laterally open first channel therebetween for receiving a free end of one flat side of said first duct;
a first filling of highly viscous adhesive sealant compound in said first channel for adhering to and sealing said one side of said first duct in said first channel;
a second flat wall integral with, and radially spaced from the other side of said main wall and parallel to said main wall to define therewith a second channel open laterally for receiving a free end of one flat side of said second duct;
and
a second filling of highly viscous adhesive sealant compound in said second channel for adhering to and sealing one side of said second duct in said second channel;
said second wall of said connector member having a ledge formed along its length and extending into said second channel for engaging and locking projections on said one side of said second duct to cooperate with said second filling of sealant for sealing said one side of said second duct in said second channel, so that said first and second ducts can be secured in end-to-end alignment by said connector members.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 07/829,426Filed 3 Feb 1992
Granted: 23 Mar 1993
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification8 codes

F24F 13/0209
Ducting arrangements: characterised by their connecting means, e.g. flanges
F16L 13/002
Non-disconnectable pipe joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive, or caulked joints: for pipes having a rectangular cross-section
F16L 25/0009
Construction or details of pipe joints not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F16L13/00 - F16L23/00: joints for pipes with a…
F16L 37/084
In which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members: combined with automatic locking