AU2010200172A1 - Ducting component connection system - Google Patents

Description

P/00/0011 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: DUCTING COMPONENT CONNECTION SYSTEM Applicant: POLYAIRE PTY LTD The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it, known to me: -2 DUCTING COMPONENT CONNECTION SYSTEM This application claims priority from Australian provisional patent application 2009900357 filed on 2 February 2009, the contents of which are to be taken as 5 incorporated herein by this reference Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the connection of ducting components in air 10 conditioning and ventilation systems, and particularly to a system for connecting a flexible duct to either another flexible duct, or to a fitting such as a junction fitting, with a substantially air-tight seal. Background of the Invention 15 The cost associated with the installation of air conditioning and ventilation systems is a major part of the total cost of those systems. Therefore, efforts are regularly made to improve the efficiency of installation. 20 Typically, the ducting utilized in, for example, a domestic air conditioning installation, requires a customized arrangement of multiple ducts connected to various types of fittings and equipment in the ceiling space of the domestic dwelling. A broad and robust form of adhesive tape (usually referred to generically as "duct tape") is commonly used by an installer to connect the 25 various ducts and fittings, the connection thus being attended to within the confines of the roof space. This is difficult and time-consuming work and, due to the use of the duct tape, generates connections that are permanent (in that the connection needs to be destroyed if disconnection is required). 30 Additionally, it has been found that the adhesive capacity of the duct tape tends to reduce over time (particularly in the somewhat harsh environments found in -3 most ceiling spaces), leading to the eventual failure of the connection in a time frame that is generally regarded as unacceptable. One attempt to provide a mechanical connection between ducts is described in 5 US patent 7,029,037 to Mark E Poole. The Poole connection relies on the presence of an intermediate connector providing each duct with a radially directed annular flange, the flanges able to be abutted so that a mechanical fastener can be inserted through both to join them. The Poole connection thus requires the use of multiple fasteners in order to connect two ducts, with the 10 obvious difficulty during installation. Another attempt is described in US patent 6,279,967 to John P Proctor and Robert C deKieffer. The Proctor connection utilizes a simple male/female configuration on the respective ends of abutting ducts, with an arrangement that 15 permits the location of a gasket therebetween. However, the Proctor connection then requires the use of a separate band clamp in order to secure the connection, with the band clamp being located about the connection and then manipulated to tighten the connection. 20 While other attempts have been made at providing a connection between ducts, between ducts and other fittings, and between various fittings, there remains a need for a ducting component connection system that is reasonably quick and easy to use, that provides for easy disconnection and reconnection if required, and that still provides a substantially air-tight seal. In this respect, it will be 25 appreciated by a skilled addressee that connections of this type do not need to be perfectly air-tight, and that some slight degree of leakage is acceptable. While leakage of up to 5% of the airflow through a connection may be acceptable in some circumstances, it is envisaged that most connections would be required to keep that leakage to a figure that is likely to be less than 2% and 30 more preferably less than 1 %.

-4 Before turning to a summary of the present invention, it must be appreciated that the above description of the prior art has been provided merely as background to explain the context of the invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published or known, or was a 5 part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere. Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a system for connecting a first ducting 10 component to a second ducting component, the first component having a free end for connection to a free end of the second component, wherein: - one free-end is a female free-end and the other free-end is a male free-end; - the male free-end includes a sealing portion and a radially 15 outwardly directed annular flange, the sealing portion being sized to be snugly receivable within the female free-end; and - the female free-end includes a radially outwardly directed annular flange configured such that the female free-end flange abuts against the male free-end flange when the first and second 20 components are connected; and wherein the system includes at least two manually releasable clips, each clip being part of one free end and being able to engage the flange of the other free-end when the flanges are in abutting relationship, such engagement of the clips with a flange releasably fastening the first component to the second component with a 25 substantially air-tight seal. Before turning to a general description of the present invention, it will be understood by a skilled addressee that either of the first and second components can be configured to provide the male and female free ends of the 30 connection system, and similarly that the releasable clips can each be readily provided on either of the male or female free ends, with there being little consequential effect on the functionality or benefits provided by the connection -5 system of the present invention. In a preferred form, the at last two manually releasable clips will both be provided in association with the same free end, such as with the flange of the male free-end, and preferably integrally with that flange. 5 It will also be understood that the reference to a "ducting component" is to include any component that may be required to be included in a typical air conditioning ducting system, such as flexible duct, a damper body, a reducer, a duct joiner or a neck adapter. Indeed, in most situations, it is envisaged that the 10 connection system of the present invention will be for use in connecting flexible duct to a fitting, such as a damper body, a reducer, a duct joiner or a neck adapter, or for use in connecting one portion of flexible duct directly to another portion of flexible duct. 15 Also, it is expected that the flexible duct will generally always have a circular cross-section, as is traditional in the industry, which means that the majority of the components relevant to this invention will also be based upon connection to a flexible duct with a circular cross-section. However, duct of other cross section is envisaged for use with the present invention, with the necessary 20 consequential modifications. In a preferred form of the present invention, both of the flanges are continuous about the periphery of the respective first and second components, so as to make continuous contact with each other about the entire periphery when in 25 abutting relationship. This assists with the provision of the substantially air-tight seal. However, it will be appreciated that it may be possible for an acceptable seal to be created by either one or both of the flanges being only semi continuous, such that a plurality of annular flange segments are provided about each periphery. In such a form, ideally the respective flange segments would 30 be provided on the first and second components so as to be capable of alignment, such that the releasable clips can be provided in association with a -6 flange segment on one component so as to engage with a corresponding flange segment on the other component. Of course, the use of such flange segments is least preferred given the obvious 5 extra difficulties that would ensue during installation, due to the need to exhibit greater care to align the two components appropriately. Additionally, by the flanges being provided as continuous flanges about, the full peripheral extent of the respective components, it becomes possible to include 10 an additional sealing member configured so as to assist with the seal provided between the abutting flanges. In this respect, it is envisaged that one flange may be provided with an o-ring seal about its abutting surface, configured so as to contact and seal with the abutting surface of the other flange when the flanges are in abutting relationship. In a preferred form, such an o-ring seal will 15 be provided in the abutting surface of the component having the male free-end. The manually releasable clips are preferably of a type that does not require tools or skilled trades in order to be operated. Thus, it is preferred that a normally trained installer will be able to operate the clips with his/her hand in 20 order to secure and release the connection. The manually releasable clips are provided as part of a free end of a component, and preferably are provided as part of a flange of a free end. In one form, the clips may be provided at least partially integrally with a flange, in 25 the preferred form integrally with the flange on the male free-end. In this respect, the reference to "at least partially integrally" is to include a configuration where the clip is itself made up of two or more components connected together but not all components are integral with the flange. For example, a configuration is envisaged where the clip includes a fixed base component and 30 a movable securing component, where the base component is formed integrally with the flange on a free end while the securing component is operatively secured to the base component but is not integral with the flange. .

-7 At least two of the clips should be provided, ideally generally opposed to each other about the periphery of the component. However, it will be appreciated that three or four or more such clips may be utilized, ideally being spaced symmetrically about the periphery of the component so as to provide a 5 uniformly strong connection about the periphery. Indeed, it is also envisaged that such releasable clips may be provided on both components, perhaps staggered from each other about the respective peripheries. For example, in one form, the first component may include two releasable clips, 10 while the second component includes another two releasable clips, each pair of clips being opposed to each other about the periphery of the respective components, with the first component's clips being off-set by 90* from the second component's clips, when the first and second components are connected. 15 The releasable clips may take many forms. However, one particular form of manually releasable clip that has been found to be particularly advantageous will now be described. 20 In a preferred form, the releasable clip includes a movable securing component in the form of a latch pivotable about one side thereof via a hinged connection with a fixed base component in the form of dual latch support posts provided integrally with one flange (in the preferred form, the flange on the male free end). Along the other side thereof, the latch preferably includes a locking lip 25 capable of engaging with the rear of the other flange (in this form, the flange on the female free-end) to provide the fastening of one component to the other. The latch is thus preferably sized so that the locking lip engages with the rear of the other flange with a friction-fit when the two flanges are in their abutting relationship. 30 The latch is preferably retained in its engagement position by resilient flexible locking lugs provided on the support posts. In this form, the locking lugs are -8 preferably located and configured such that the latch is required to be manually forced past the locking lugs during the engagement motion, during which the locking lugs are urged away from their normal position against their natural resilient bias. 5 Once the latch has been forced passed the locking lugs (and is in its engagement position), the locking lugs then return to their normal position due to their resilient bias. In this position, the latch is then secured behind the locking lugs. In this form, the releasable clip is configured such that an installer 10 can simply depress a latch with one hand to lock the components together. The latch can be released from its engagement position by manually urging the locking lugs away from their normal position (against their resilient bias), and then by manually releasing the locking lip of the latch from the flange and 15 moving the latch beyond the locking lugs. The locking lugs can then be released to return to their normal position. In a preferred form, the locking lugs are located outwardly of their respective support posts, such that the support posts are required to move towards each 20 other to generate the required movement of the locking lugs away from their respective normal positions. In this form, the releasable clip is thus configured such that an installer can use the thumb and index finger on one hand to squeeze the support posts together (and thus the locking lugs away from their normal positions), while the other hand can be used to release the locking lip of 25 the latch. Thus, this preferred form of manually releasable clip provides reasonably quick and easy operation to connect one component to another. 30 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection system includes an intermediate element, being an element located between the first and second components so as to connect the first and second components.

-9 In one form, the intermediate element is annular and itself includes two free ends, both of which assume the role of a male free-end or a female free-end as described above. In this form, the intermediate element thus provides releasable connection in the manner described above between the free end of 5 the first component and one free end of the intermediate element, and also provides releasable connection in the manner described above between the other free end of the intermediate element and the free end of the second component. 10 In this form, each of the free ends of the intermediate element will include a respective radially outwardly directed annular flange, and one or both of the free ends may include the sealing portion of the male free-end. Each free end may of course also include the at least two manually releasable clips described above. In a preferred form, both of the free ends of the intermediate element 15 will be male free-ends, thus both including a sealing portion, and both of the free ends will also include at least two manually releasable clips. In another form, the intermediate element includes only one free end, with its other end being either permanently connected to, or integral with, a first 20 component. When provided integral with the first component, the intermediate element will of course not necessarily be discernible as being a separate element to the first component, but will be formed as a part of an end of the first component. In this form, the free end of the intermediate element assumes the role of either a male free-end or a female free-end as described above, and 25 thus provides releasable connection in the manner described above between the free end of the second component and the sole free end of the intermediate element (thus connecting the first component to the second component). By use of this intermediate element with ducting components configured to have 30 one of either the male or female free ends described above, and by providing an installer with a variety of intermediate elements of the above two forms, an extremely useful and functional kit of parts can be provided to the installer to -10 provide flexibility and ease of use during installation. Releasable connections between a variety of components can be customized to suit any particular installation, and the connections can be changed and modified as necessary, either in situ or prior to installation. 5 Indeed, the present invention thus provides a kit of parts for a system for connecting a first ducting component to a second ducting component, the kit including one or more of the first component and one or more of the second component, the first component having a free end for connection to a free end 10 of the second component, wherein: - one free-end is a female free-end and the other free-end is a male free-end; - the male free-end includes a sealing portion and a radially outwardly directed annular flange, the sealing portion being sized 15 to be snugly receivable within the female free-end; and - the female free-end includes a radially outwardly directed annular flange configured such that the female free-end flange abuts against the male free-end flange when the first and second components are connected; and wherein 20 the system includes at least two manually releasable clips, each clip being part of one free end and being able to engage the flange of the other free-end when the flanges are in abutting relationship, such engagement of the clips with a flange releasably fastening the first component to the second component with a substantially air-tight seal. 25 In a preferred form, the kit also includes one or more of the intermediate elements referred to above, the intermediate elements being elements locatable between the first and second components so as to connect the first and second components. 30 Furthermore, the present invention also in one form provides a ducting component modified for use in a system for connecting the ducting component - 11 to a second ducting component, the first component having a male free-end for connection to the second component having a female free-end, wherein the male free-end includes a sealing portion sized to be snugly receivable within the female free-end, a radially outwardly directed annular flange, and at least two 5 manually releasable clips able to engage a radially outwardly directed annular flange on the female free-end when the first component and the second component are connected and the flanges are in abutting relationship, the engagement of the clips with the female free-end flange being capable of releasably fastening the first component to the second component with a 10 substantially air-tight seal. Further still, and in the alternative form where the manually releasable clips are provided on an intermediate element rather than on the ducting component, the present invention also provides an intermediate element for use in a system for 15 connecting a first component to a second component, the first and second components each having a female free-end with a radially outwardly directed annular flange for connection to the intermediate element, each of the free ends of the intermediate element being male free-ends and including a respective radially outwardly directed annular flange, a sealing portion sized to be snugly 20 receivable within the female free-end, and at least two manually releasable clips able to engage the corresponding flange on a free-end of the either the first component or the second component when the first and second components are connected to the intermediate element and the flanges are in abutting relationship, such that engagement of the clips with a flange are capable of 25 releasably fastening the first component to intermediate element and the intermediate element to the second component with a substantially air-tight seal. Finally, and in the alternative form where at least some of the manually 30 releasable clips are provided on an intermediate element rather than on the ducting component, the present invention also provides an intermediate element for use in a system for connecting a first component to a second -12 component, the first component having a female free-end with a radially outwardly directed annular flange for connection to the intermediate element, one of the free ends of the intermediate element being a male free-end and including a respective radially outwardly directed annular flange, a sealing 5 portion sized to be snugly receivable within the female free-end, and at least two manually releasable clips able to engage the flange on the free-end of the first component when the first component is connected to the intermediate element and the flanges are in abutting relationship, such that engagement of the clips with the flange are capable of releasably fastening the first component 10 to intermediate element with a substantially air-tight seal. Brief Description of the Drawings Having briefly described the general concepts involved with the present 15 invention, a preferred embodiment will now be described that is in accordance with the present invention. However, it is to be understood that the following description is not to limit the generality of the above description. In the drawings: 20 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a ducting component connection system in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the parts thereof prior to assembly; 25 Figures 2a and 2b are partial views of elements of a preferred form of manually releasable clip for use with the preferred embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1 after partial assembly and in association with other parts; and 30 Figure 4 is a plan view of a ducting component connection system in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

- 13 Description of Preferred Embodiments Illustrated in Figure 1 is a preferred embodiment of a ducting component connection system 10 in accordance with the present invention. The system 10 5 includes a first ducting component in the form of flexible air duct 12 for use with a domestic air conditioning system (not shown). The system 10 also includes an intermediate element in the form of a spigot 14 able to be secured to the duct 12, the spigot 14 being for connection to a second ducting component in the form of a fitting 16. In this embodiment, the fitting 16 is shown as a known 10 type of air damper that will act as an automatically responsive valve in response to a suitable control system as part of the domestic air conditioning system. In this embodiment, the spigot 14 has a male free-end A that includes a sealing portion 18 and a radially outwardly directed annular flange 20, while the fitting 15 16 includes a female free-end B that also includes a radially outwardly directed annular flange 22. As can be seen, the sealing portion 18 of the spigot 14 is sized to be snugly receivable within the fitting female free-end B, and the respective flanges 20 and 22 are configured so as to abut against each other when the spigot 14 and the fitting 16 are connected (and when the sealing 20 portion 18 is received within the fitting female free-end B). In this embodiment, the spigot free-end A also includes at least two manually releasable clips X (three such clips X being evident in Figure 1) able to engage the flange 22 of the fitting female free-end B when the flanges 20 and 22 are in 25 abutting relationship, the engagement of the clips X with the flange 22 releasably fastening the spigot 14 to the fitting 16 (and thus the flexible duct 12 to the fitting 16) with a substantially air-tight seal. In this respect, the flexible duct 12 is able to be secured to the spigot 14 in any known manner, but is preferably secured thereto by way of a tie clip (not shown). The tie clip is a 30 known form of device for securing flexible duct 12 to such a spigot 14, and generally includes an elongate strap with a one-way ratcheting securing mechanism at one end, the strap able to be tightened about the end 30 of the - 14 flexible duct 12 when that end 30 is placed over the retaining flange 32 of the spigot 14, to clamp against the clamping area 34 of the spigot 14 whilst retained behind that retaining flange 32. 5 In this embodiment, the spigot 14 includes the male free-end and the fitting 16 includes the female free-end. However, and as mentioned above, it will be understood by a skilled addressee that either of the spigot or the fitting can be configured to provide the male and female free-ends of the connection system. Also in this embodiment, it is the spigot 14 that includes the manually releasable 10 clips X, although again the clips X can be readily provided on either of the male or female free-ends, with there being little consequential effect on the functionality or benefits provided by the connection system of the present invention. 15 The manually releasable clips X shown in Figure 1 are provided partially integrally with the flange 20 on the spigot 14. In this embodiment, four of the clips X are provided (although only three are evident in Figure 1) as two pairs of two clips X generally opposed to each other about the periphery of the spigot 14. As a result, the clips X are spaced symmetrically about the periphery of the 20 spigot 14 so as to provide a uniformly strong connection about the periphery. The manually releasable clips X are better illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b, which will now be described. 25 Each manually releasable clip X includes a movable securing component in the form of a latch 40 pivotable about one side thereof via a hinged connection between dual axles Y, together with a fixed base component in the form of dual latch support posts 42. The latch support posts 42 are shown as being formed integrally with the flange 20. 30 Along the other side of the latch 40, the latch 40 preferably includes a locking lip 44 capable of engaging with the rear of the other flange 22 to provide the -15 fastening of the spigot 14 to the fitting 16. The latch 40 is thus sized so that the locking lip 44 engages with the rear of the flange 22 with a friction-fit when the two flanges 20 and 22 are in their abutting relationship (as is shown in Figure 2b). 5 The latch 40 is retained in its engagement position (Figure 2b) by resilient flexible locking lugs 46 provided on the respective support posts 42. The locking lugs 46 are located and configured such that the latch 40 is required to be manually forced past the locking lugs 46 during the engagement motion, 10 during which the locking lugs 46 are urged away from their normal position against their natural resilient bias. Once the latch 40 has been forced past the locking lugs 46 (and is in its engagement position, as shown in Figure 2b), the locking lugs 46 then return to their normal position due to their resilient bias. In this position, the latch 40 is then secured below the locking lugs 46. 15 The latch 40 can then be released from its engagement position by manually urging the locking lugs 46 away from their normal position (against their resilient bias), and then by manually releasing the locking lip 44 of the latch 40 from the flange 22 and rotating the latch 40 beyond the locking lugs 46, to return to the 20 unlocked position shown generally in Figure 1. The locking lugs 46 can then be released to return to their normal position. In this embodiment, the locking lugs 46 are required to move towards each other to generate the required movement away from their respective normal 25 positions. The manually releasable clip X is thus configured such that an installer can use the thumb and index finger on one hand to squeeze the locking lugs 46 towards one another (and thus the locking lugs 46 away from their normal positions), while the other hand can be used to release the locking lip 44 of the latch 40. 30 It can therefore be seen that the ducting component connection system of the present invention is reasonably quick and easy to use, and provides for easy - 16 disconnection and reconnection if required, while still providing a substantially air-tight seal. The system allows an installer to at least partly construct the required components of an air conditioning system outside a dwelling if necessary, while easily making any remaining connections in a roof-space with 5 minimal installation time. In particular, an installer will for example be able to connect flexible duct 12 to spigots 14 outside a dwelling, leaving only the final connections of he duct to dampers and joiners and the like in the roof-space. If connections are made incorrectly, or require alteration after already having been installed, this can be easily attended to in situ. Additionally, if 10 maintenance is required to a part of an air conditioning system that utilizes this connection system, it is possible to easily remove only that part rather than large amounts of unaffected parts. With reference now to Figure 3, it will also be understood that although Figures 15 1, 2a and 2b illustrate a "flexible duct" connecting to a "fitting" via an intermediate element (the spigot 14), the "flexible duct" and the "fitting" of those illustrations could be a ducting component of any type, such as a damper body, a reducer, a joiner or a neck adapter. Indeed, Figure 3 illustrates three different possibilities with which the connection system of the present invention can find 20 use, as will now be explained. Illustrated in Figure 3 is the ducting component connection system 10 described above in relation to Figures 1, 2a and 2b, the system 10 including a flexible duct 12 having a spigot 14, together with a fitting 16 in the form of an air damper. 25 However, Figure 3 also shows a system 110 that includes a fitting of a different type, being a Y-connector 116 used for splitting air-flow as necessary, again connected to a flexible duct 12 having a spigot 14. 30 Further, Figure 3 also shows a system 210 that utilises the same inventive principles generally described above, but includes an intermediate element in the form of a spigot 216 for use in connecting a first ducting component (the -17 fitting 16, being an air damper) to a second ducting component (the fitting 116, being a Y-connector). In this respect, it can be seen (albeit without the use of reference numerals) that this other form of the connection system of the present invention utilizes an intermediate element with two male free-ends, each having 5 a sealing portion, a radially outwardly directed annular flange, and multiple releasable clips able to engage (in the same general manner as outlined above) with corresponding flanges on the fitting 16 and the fitting 116. Finally, and with reference to Figure 4, a further minor modification is illustrated 10 which is envisaged to assist further with installation. As can be seen, Figure 4 shows a system 110a that includes (amongst other things) a Y-connector 116a used for splitting air-flow as necessary, again for connection to a flexible duct (not shown) having a spigot 14a. In this form, the system 11 0a utilises the same inventive principles generally described above, and utilizes a spigot 14a 15 with a male free-end and a Y-connector 116a with a female free-end, each having a sealing portion, a radially outwardly directed annular flange, and multiple releasable clips able to engage (in the same general manner as outlined above) with corresponding flanges on the other element. 20 The minor modification of this second embodiment lies in the use of a plurality of alignment tabs 50 arranged about the male free-end of the spigot 14a. These alignment tabs 50 engage with a friction or snap fit with correspondingly located lugs on the interior of the female free-end of the Y-connector 116a, for the purpose of aiding the quick engagement of the spigot 14a with the Y 25 connector 116a during installation and shortly prior to operation of the releasable clips to firmly secure those elements together. In conclusion, it must be appreciated that there may be other variations and modifications to the configurations described herein which are also within the 30 scope of the present invention.

Claims (28)

1. A system for connecting a first ducting component to a second ducting component, the first component having a free-end for connection to a 5 free-end of the second component, wherein: - one free end is a female free-end and the other free end is a male free-end; - the male free-end includes a sealing portion and a radially outwardly directed annular flange, the sealing portion being 10 sized to be snugly receivable within the female free-end; and - the female free-end includes a radially outwardly directed annular flange configured such that the female free-end flange abuts against the male free-end flange when the first 15 and second components are connected; and wherein the system includes at least two manually releasable clips, each clip being part of one free end and being able to engage the flange of the other free-end when the flanges are in abutting relationship, such engagement of the clips with a flange releasably fastening the first 20 component to the second component with a substantially air-tight seal.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein either or both free ends include at least two manually releasable clips. 25

3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each flange is continuous about the entire periphery of its free-end.

4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each manually releasable clip is provided at least partially integrally with a flange. 30

5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each manually releasable clip includes a movable securing component in the form of a - 19 latch pivotable about one side thereof via a hinged connection with a fixed base component in the form of dual latch support posts provided integrally with one flange. 5

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein, along the other side thereof, the latch includes a locking lip capable of engaging with the other flange, the latch being sized so that the locking lip engages with the rear of the other flange with a friction-fit when the two flanges are in their abutting relationship. 10

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the latch is retained in an engagement position by resilient flexible locking lugs provided on the support posts. 15

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the locking lugs are located and configured such that the latch is required to be manually forced past the locking lugs during engagement, during which the locking lugs are urged away from their normal position against their natural resilient bias. 20

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the locking lugs extend outwardly of their respective support posts, such that the support posts are required to move towards each other to generate the required movement of the locking lugs away from their respective normal positions. 25

10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, including an intermediate element, being an element located between the first and second components so as to connect the first and second components.

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the intermediate element is 30 annular and includes two free ends such that the intermediate element provides releasable connection between the free end of the first component and one free end of the intermediate element, and also -20 provides releasable connection between the other free end of the intermediate element and the free end of the second component.

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein both of the free ends of the 5 intermediate element include a respective radially outwardly directed annular flange, and one or both of the free ends includes the sealing portion of the male free-end.

13. A system according to claim 12, wherein both of the free ends of the 10 intermediate element include at least two manually releasable clips.

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein both of the free ends of the intermediate element are male free-ends including a sealing portion, and both of the free ends also include at least two manually releasable clips. 15

15. A system according to claim 10, wherein the intermediate element includes only one free end, with its other end being either permanently connected to, or integral with, a first component. 20

16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the free end of the intermediate element is either a male free-end or a female free-end and provides releasable connection between the free end of the second component and the intermediate element and thus connects the first component to the second component. 25

17. A system according to claim 16, wherein the free end of the intermediate element includes a radially outwardly directed annular flange and the sealing portion of the male free-end. 30

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the free end of the intermediate element includes at least two manually releasable clips. -21

19. A system according to claim 1 substantially as herein described in relation to the accompanying drawings.

20. A ducting component modified for use in a system for connecting the 5 ducting component to a second ducting component, the first component having a male free-end for connection to the second component having a female free-end, wherein the male free-end includes a sealing portion sized to be snugly receivable within the female free-end, a radially outwardly directed annular flange, and at least two manually releasable 10 clips able to engage a radially outwardly directed annular flange on the female free-end when the first component and the second component are connected and the flanges are in abutting relationship, the engagement of the clips with the female free-end flange being capable of releasably fastening the first component to the second component with a 15 substantially air-tight seal.

21. A ducting component according to claim 20 substantially as herein described in relation to the accompanying drawings. 20

22. An intermediate element for use in a system for connecting a first component to a second component, the first and second components each having a female free-end with a radially outwardly directed annular flange for connection to the intermediate element, each of the free ends of the intermediate element being male free-ends and including a 25 respective radially outwardly directed annular flange, a sealing portion sized to be snugly receivable within the female free-end, and at least two manually releasable clips able to engage the corresponding flange on a free-end of the either the first component or the second component when the first and second components are connected to the intermediate 30 element and the flanges are in abutting relationship, such that engagement of the clips with a flange are capable of releasably fastening -22 the first component to intermediate element and the intermediate element to the second component with a substantially air-tight seal.

23. An intermediate element according to claim 22 substantially as herein 5 described in relation to the accompanying drawings.

24. An intermediate element for use in a system for connecting a first component to a second component, the first component having a female free-end with a radially outwardly directed annular flange for connection 10 to the intermediate element, one of the free ends of the intermediate element being a male free-end and including a respective radially outwardly directed annular flange, a sealing portion sized to be snugly receivable within the female free-end, and at least two manually releasable clips able to engage the flange on the free-end of the first 15 component when the first component is connected to the intermediate element and the flanges are in abutting relationship, such that engagement of the clips with the flange are capable of releasably fastening the first component to intermediate element with a substantially air-tight seal. 20

25. An intermediate element according to claim 24 substantially as herein described in relation to the accompanying drawings.

26. A kit of parts for a system for connecting a first ducting component to a 25 second ducting component, the kit including one or more of the first component and one or more of the second component, the first component having a free-end for connection to a free end of the second component, wherein: - one free end is a female free-end and the other free end is 30 a male free-end; - the male free-end includes a sealing portion and a radially outwardly directed annular flange, the sealing portion being - 23 sized to be snugly receivable within the female free-end; and - the female free-end includes a radially outwardly directed annular flange configured such that the female free-end 5 flange abuts against the male free-end flange when the first and second components are connected; and wherein the system includes at least two manually releasable clips, each clip being part of one free end and being able to engage the flange of the other free-end when the flanges are in abutting relationship, such 10 engagement of the clips with a flange releasably fastening the first component to the second component with a substantially air-tight seal.

27. A kit according to claim 26, wherein the kit includes one or more intermediate elements, being an element locatable between the first and 15 second components so as to connect the first and second components.

28. A kit according to claim 26 substantially as herein described in relation to the accompanying drawings.