AU2007100194A4 - Ducting flange - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Applicant: AIRCON FLANGE LIMITED Invention Title: DUCTING FLANGE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: -2 O Ducting Flange STechnical Field 00 The present invention relates to a flange for joining adjacent sections of ducting, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a flange which can be used with both insulated and non-insulated air conditioning ducting.

Background to the Invention Ducting for air conditioning and/or ventilation is often provided in the form of c1 steel sections having a rectangular or square profile. The sections are connected together by means of ducting flanges.

Ducting may be insulated or non-insulated depending on the application.

Where ducting is insulated, the insulation must be held in position by some form of cap at the end of each section of ducting.

It would be advantageous if at least a preferred embodiment of the present invention provided a ducting flange which will overcome or ameliorate problems with such flanges at present, or at least one which will provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a ducting flange having a profile which includes a first formation having a first surface, a second surface extending substantially orthogonal to the first surface, a third surface opposing the second surface such that the second and third surfaces define a first channel for receiving an engagement portion of an insulation capping member, the flange further including a 0 3 fourth surface and a fifth surface opposing the fourth surface such that the fourth and fifth surfaces define a second channel for receiving a wall of a ducting member, wherein the 00 first formation is connectable by connection means to a corresponding formation of a second said ducting flange, to thereby connect two adjacent ducting members which are engaged with the respective ducting flanges when in use.

Preferably the second and third surfaces are substantially parallel, and the fourth Sand fifth surfaces are substantially parallel.

(N 10 Preferably the first formation defines a channel adapted to engage the connection means.

Preferably the first channel opens in the opposite direction to the second channel.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a ducting flange substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent from the following description given by way of example of possible embodiments of the invention.

Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 Is an end view of a ducting flange according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the ducting flange of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an end view of the ducting flange of Figure 1 in use and engaged with an insulation capping member and a ducting section.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a pair of connected ducting flanges, each engaged with an insulation capping member and an insulating panel.

4 Figure 5 is an end view of the pair of connected ducting flanges of Figure 4, with the Sinsulating panels omitted for clarity.

00 Figure 6 is a front view of a joining element connecting two ducting flanges, with the ducting flanges shown in outline for clarity.

Brief Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention SReferring first to Figures 1 to 3, a ducting flange according to one preferred S 10 embodiment of the present invention is generally referenced by arrow 100.

The ducting flange 100 has a first formation, generally referenced 1, having a first surface 2. A second surface 3 extends substantially orthogonal to the first surface 2. A third surface 4 opposes the second surface 3 and forms a first channel 5 with the second surface 3. The channel 5 is preferably substantially the same width as a flange engagement portion 6 of an insulation capping member, generally referenced by arrow 200, which may be used with the ducting flange 100 if insulation of the ducting is required.

In a preferred embodiment the second and third surfaces are substantially parallel.

The ducting flange 100 is further provided with a fourth surface 7 and an opposed fifth surface 8. The fourth and fifth surfaces 7, 8 form a second channel 9 which is substantially the same width as a wall thickness of a wall of a ducting member 10 which is to be engaged with the flange 100. The first channel 5 preferably has an opening 11 which faces in the opposite direction to an opening 12 to the second channel 9. The fourth surface 7 may extend substantially parallel to the third surface 4. The fourth surface 7 is preferably substantially parallel to the fifth surface 8. A seal is created between the ducting member 10 and the side of the second channel 9, preferably through the use of a bead of suitable sealant S.

Referring next to Figures 4 and 5, in use two ducting flanges 100 are brought together so that the first surfaces 2 are adjacent or touching. If the ducting is to be insulated then an insulation capping member 200 is engaged with each ducting flange 100. If no insulation is required then the insulation capping members 200 are simply omitted.

The adjacent ducting flanges 100 are connected by connection means engaged G with the first formations 1. In some embodiments (not shown) the first formation 1 may be 00 a simple substantially planar ridge through which one or more apertures can be created to allow the adjacent flanges 100 to be secured together by suitable connection means such as bolts or other similar fasteners.

SIn the more preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the connection means includes a joining element 14 which connects two ducting flanges 100, each in use Sconnected to the same section of ducting, in a substantially orthogonal relationship. In S 10 this embodiment the apertures 15 for the fasteners which connect the adjacent flanges are preferably provided in the joining elements 13. The first formation 1 defines a further channel 13 adapted to engage the joining element 14.

The ducting flange 100 is preferably integrally formed by folding a single piece of sheet steel.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention provides a ducting flange which can be used with insulated or non-insulated ducting with no modification to the flange.

Where in the foregoing description, reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims (3)

1. 2. The ducting flange of claim 1 wherein the second and third surfaces are substantially parallel, and the fourth and fifth surfaces are substantially parallel.
2. 3. The ducting flange of claim 1 or 2 wherein the first formation defines a channel adapted to engage the connection means.
3. 4. The ducting flange of any one of the preceding claims wherein the first channel opens in the opposite direction to the second channel. A ducting flange substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.