AU2011200982A1

AU2011200982A1 - Modular Component

Info

Publication number: AU2011200982A1
Application number: AU2011200982A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Russel Amiguet
Original assignee: METALFLEX Pty Ltd
Current assignee: METALFLEX Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-03-26
Filing date: 2011-03-07
Publication date: 2011-10-13
Anticipated expiration: 2031-03-07
Also published as: AU2011200982B2

Abstract

Abstract A modular component is provided comprising a body having: a portion of a primary port; at least one secondary port; and an assembly edge located distal from the at least one secondary port and defining a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the primary port, wherein the assembly edge is of a suitable configuration to mate with the assembly edge of at least one other modular component to render the primary port whole. The modular component optionally further includes a thermally insulated sleeve. Figure 1 100 Figure 2 600

Description

METALFLEX PTY LTD AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED "MODULAR COMPONENT" This invention is described in the following statement:- Modular Component Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a modular component. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular component for assembling a ducting connector for use in an air-conditioning system. Background to the Invention Ducting connectors for use in air-conditioning systems known in the art are generally cylindrical in shape and made from plastic mouldings. Ducting connectors are usually made by a single plastic blow-moulding process. One advantage of making such ducting connectors from a single mould is the ability to maintain the structural integrity of the body of the connector. However, this advantage comes with certain disadvantages. A ducting connector made from a single mould has a large volume, but carries little weight. When such a connector has to be stored, its large volume occupies a significant amount of space, resulting in only a small number of connectors being stored relative to the large volume of space required. This wastage in storage space also translates through to inefficiencies in the transport of such connectors to the assembly site, thereby increasing transportation costs. Accordingly, ducting connectors made from a single plastic moulding can add significantly to storage and transportation costs for the manufacturer, and the manufacturer is further disadvantaged by having to rely on immediate sales to off-set storage limitations. 5 The present invention seeks to overcome or alleviate at least one of the problems associated with the prior art. Summary of the Invention 0 According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a modular component comprising a body having: a portion of a primary port; at least one secondary port; and an assembly edge located distal from the at least one secondary port and defining a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the primary port, wherein the assembly edge is of a suitable configuration to mate with the assembly edge of at least one other modular component to render the primary port whole. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a ducting connector comprising a body being assembled from at least two modular components mated via each respective assembly edge, wherein the body comprises a passage therethrough extending between a primary port and at least one secondary port and wherein the mated assembly edges do not interrupt the integrity of any secondary port. One advantage offered by the present invention is the ability for a plurality of modular components to be substantially nestable one within another, such that the modular components may be more readily packaged, transported and/or stored and then later be assembled to form a ducting connector. In this way, the modular components take up significantly less space compared with the space occupied by the assembled ducting connector. Because of this nesting ability, significant reduction in costs can be achieved on the packaging, transport and/or storage of the ducting connectors. In one preferred embodiment, the modular components are substantially identical to one another. This embodiment requires the use of only one moulding die for moulding all components of the ducting connector. In addition, assembly of the ducting connector on site is further simplified for the user because there are no longer different parts, such as a left side and a right side, or a female part and a male part, required for assembly. Accordingly, assembly and installation speed of ducting connectors is substantially reduced. 5 In another preferred embodiment, a first modular component comprises a generally semi cylindrical body capable of connecting to a second modular component having a semi cylindrical body to form a ducting connector having a generally cylindrical body. However, it would be understood by those skilled in the art that the modular component 0 may take the form of any suitable shape, each component capable of connecting to another of substantially identical shape to form a unique body shape resulting from the cumulative effect of each modular component. For example, to assemble a ducting connector having one primary port and two secondary ports, a pair of modular components, each defining one half (1/2) of the primary port and having one secondary port, may be joined together.

14 Similarly, for a ducting connector having one primary port and three secondary ports, three modular components, each defining one third (1/3) of the primary port and having one secondary port, may be joined together. In another example, to assemble a ducting connector having one primary port and four secondary ports, a pair of modular components, each defining one half (1/2) of the primary port and having two secondary ports, may be joined together. Further arrangements and combinations will be apparent to the skilled addressee on the basis of the above. The body of the modular component comprises a portion of the primary port which is substantially semi-circular in cross-section and when assembled with at least one substantially identical modular component renders the primary port whole having a diameter suitable for connection to other ducting components. In certain preferred embodiments, the primary port has a diameter selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, 400, 350, 300, 250, 200, 150, 100 and 50 mm. In certain preferred embodiments, each secondary port is substantially circular in cross-section and has a diameter independently selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, 400, 350, 300, 250, 200, 150, 100 and 50 mm. Generally, the primary port as a whole and each secondary port is/are substantially circular in cross-section, but may independently take the form of other shapes, such as rectangular, square, triangular, hexagonal and other novelty shapes. The skilled addressee would recognise that substantially non-circular embodiments should have a general cross-sectional size similar to those described above. In one further preferred embodiment, the modular components described herein may be assembled to form a ducting connector. The ducting connector so formed comprises a body 5 defining a passage therethrough for providing a conduit for fluids, such as gases or liquids, to flow from the primary port to the at least one secondary port. Alternatively, the passage may be arranged to provide a conduit for fluids, such as gases or liquids, to flow from the at least one of the secondary port to the primary port and to an at least one other secondary port/s. Accordingly, the passage provides a pathway for the flow of fluids from a primary 0 port to one or more secondary port/s, or from one or more secondary port/s to the primary port. As described above, the ducting connector is most preferably assembled from two modular components each body of which comprises an assembly edge whereby the two modular components are joined together, wherein the combined assembly edge is located transversely and centrally of the ducting connector. In other words, in the most preferred embodiment, the combined assembly edge substantially transversely bisects the ducting connector into two equal halves. At least one mating arrangement is preferably associated with the assembly edge; however, the mating arrangement may comprise any mating arrangement known in the art. The mating arrangement further preferably forms a seal. In one preferred embodiment, the mating arrangement may comprise an asymmetrically configured 'tongue and groove'-type arrangement, such that substantially half of the assembly edge may comprise a 'tongue' portion and the opposite half of the assembly edge comprises the 'groove' portion. In this arrangement, when the assembly edges of the two modular components are brought together, the tongue portion of one modular component is received within the groove portion of the other modular component, and vice versa, thereby connecting the two modular components together in a substantially air-tight manner. In one preferred embodiment, the mating arrangement may comprise an asymmetrically configured 'tongue and groove'-type arrangement, with the 'tongue' portion and 'groove' portion distributed in an alternating manner. In this preferred embodiment, in order to connect the modular components together, the alternating 'tongue' and 'groove' portions are positioned such that at the half-way position, where the longitudinal axis of the modular component is bisected, the tongue portion ends and the groove portion starts. The asymmetric or non mirror image arrangement viewed with reference to the longitudinal axis ensures that any combination of modular components can be joined together. 5 In one preferred embodiment, the mating arrangement may include at least one frictional connector, preferably snap-fit, or any other mating arrangements known in the art. The frictional connector is preferably a male/female snap-fit connection type. The snap-fit arrangement associated with each assembly edge is preferably located substantially centrally of the ducting connector, whereby the ducting connector is bisected into two 0 substantially identical modular components. This embodiment simplifies the assembly of the modular components to form the ducting connector, because the two components can be simply snap-fitted together without the need for additional connectors. The connection of the two components is such that it dispenses with the requirement to apply duct tape or other sealants, which are usually required in conventional ducting systems.

0 In a preferred embodiment, the modular component is configured to be substantially nestable within a substantially similar modular component. It is to be understood that the term "within" used in this context is not limited to being wholly within, and also encompasses the component being partially nestable within, to achieve the desired nestability. The modular component is preferably formed by an injection moulding process from identical moulds. In its most preferred form, the modular components are substantially nestable within one another to minimize storage requirements and/or to provide improved transportation efficiency. The at least one secondary port of the modular component is configured for connecting to other ducting connections. In a preferred embodiment, each secondary port extends outwardly from the body of the modular component without compromising the substantial nestability of the modular component. Each secondary port may extend outwardly from the body at any angle, preferably between 10 and 90 degrees, more preferably between 30 and 60 degrees. The most preferred angle is 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the modular component. The cross-sectional shape of the primary and secondary ports will be dictated by other components of the ducting system. Generally however, the port/s is/are substantially circular in cross-section, but may take the form of other shapes, such as rectangular, square, triangular, hexagonal and other novelty shapes. The disadvantage found in the prior art is that the structural integrity and strength of each secondary port of the modular component can be compromised, if the circumference of the port is segmented into a number of mating components, even though nesting can still be 5 achieved. The present invention provides a way to ameliorate this disadvantage by still providing nestability of the modular components, while ensuring the structural integrity and strength of each secondary port is maintained. It would also be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that by using substantially identical modular components having substantially identical secondary ports, the assembly of a ducting connector having mirror 0 image secondary ports extending from opposite sides can be achieved. Alternatively, a modular component comprising a secondary port may be joined to a modular component without a secondary port, to provide a ducting connector with a single secondary port. Alternatively, a modular component comprising a secondary port may be joined to a modular component having two secondary ports to form a ducting connector comprising three secondary ports. Accordingly, many more arrangements and combinations will be apparent to the skilled addressee to provide customised, configurational variations for a ducting system to suit each unique system layout and requirement. The above-described ducting connector configuration in which a single secondary port is provided should not cause any significant difficulties in assembly on-site, because the modular components in this instance are clearly visually different, but are still connectable to each other. The difficulty previously described above relates to situations in which the modular components may be visually similar, but yet are not functionally connectable to each other. In a further preferred embodiment, a ducting connector can be assembled from two modular components each comprising a portion of a primary port; at least one secondary port; a portion of a tertiary port; and an assembly edge located distal from the at least one secondary port and defining a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the primary port and the tertiary port, wherein the assembly edge is of a suitable configuration to mate with the assembly edge of at least one other modular component to render the primary and the tertiary ports whole. In this embodiment, the ducting connector may be connectable to a variety of other ducting components via the third port. The modular component of the present invention may preferably be formed from a single mould that includes at least one secondary port. Alternatively, a modular component may be formed without a secondary port using the same mould. In order to provide these configurational variations, that portion of the mould that is not required may be blocked off 5 by use of a mould insert. Accordingly, inserting or removing the necessary number of mould inserts can provide any desired number of secondary ports on the modular component to allow assembly of a ducting connector to suit each unique system layout. In a further preferred embodiment, each secondary port is a multi-sized port. The multi 0 sized port provides variable diameter-sized options for connecting to other ducting connections, and preferably includes at least one stepped secondary port configured in a stepped manner to allow the size of each secondary port to be adjusted according to the need of the user. In this configuration, each secondary port is stepped with a plurality of pre-determined sizes selected from a combination of, but not limited to, 50, 100, 150, 200, 6 250, 300, 350, 400 mm diameters. Preferably, the stepped port may have a first/outermost diameter of 50 mm and be adjustable to 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 or 400 mm in diameter, thereby allowing an adjustable port of sequentially increasing size. In one preferred embodiment, the stepped secondary port includes at least one tear strip thereon, which when torn off exposes a differently sized secondary port. For example, each secondary port may have a first/outermost diameter of 100 mm and when the first/outermost tear strip is used, the diameter is adjusted to 150 mm. Alternatively, each secondary port may have a first/outermost diameter of 100 mm and by by-passing several tear strips, and removal of the desired tear strip will expose or reveal the desired secondary port diameter. For example, a 100 mm diameter may be adjusted directly to a diameter of 300 mm, without sequentially revealing each stepped secondary port. The newly exposed secondary port provides a clean edged opening without having to employ external hardware, such as a cutting tool. According to this preferred embodiment, extra cutting tools are not required. This type of tear strip arrangement is convenient in situations where each secondary port is not disrupted by a join. In particular, some prior art modular components include joins which cut through all the primary and secondary ports. It would be difficult to provide a single tear strip on each secondary port on such configured ducting components, because the assembly edge joining the modular components might impede the tearing path of the tear strip. Each secondary port further preferably includes at least one locking connector. The locking connector can provide means for securing each secondary port to other ducting components, such as flexible duct work. The locking connector is configured in a mating 5 arrangement, preferably a male-female arrangement, and more preferably a snap-fit arrangement. The modular component further preferably includes provisions to accommodate a locking clip. The locking clip provides means for securing the ducting connector to various other 0 ducting connections. Preferably, the locking clip is formed of metal but may be formed of other suitable materials, such as plastic. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the locking clip is formed of metal and includes a plurality of raised teeth to assist with the locking together of various components of a ducting system.

The modular component most preferably includes at least one hanger member, preferably two and more preferably, three hanger members. Each hanger member is associated with an assembly edge, and is preferably located at, on or near the assembly edge. The hanger member conveniently provides means for hanging the modular component, and alternatively acts to secure the ducting connector, for example, by suspending the ducting connector from a support, such as a roof truss or rafter. In a further preferred embodiment, the modular component includes means for supporting a baffle, wherein the supporting means preferably comprises one or more apertures. The baffle or damper provides means to regulate and condition the flow of fluids, for example, air in a manner which may be dictated by the user. In another preferred embodiment, the modular component further comprises insulation means. The insulation means is applied externally to the modular component, and may include any form of insulation materials known in the art. Whereas externally applied insulation means are already known in the art, such means include insulation materials which are presently sprayed onto the external surface of blow-moulded ducting components which are commonly in use. The present invention is also directed to insulation means which comprise moulded insulation means, which may be removably applied to the ducting components of the present invention. The insulation means is preferably formed of a thermoplastic insulation material, selected from a polyurethane or a polyurethane/polyisocyanurate mixture. The insulation material more preferably comprises a polyurethane. The insulation material may 5 further include additives to provide beneficial characteristics to the insulation means. For example, the insulation material may further comprise a fire retardant, an acoustic dampening means, a waterproofing means, or any other additive that will not adversely affect the insulating properties or characteristics of the material. 0 In certain embodiments of the present invention, the insulation means substantially comprises polyurethane and is formed by an injection-moulding process, wherein the shape of the insulation means is substantially in the form of a sleeve that may be applied to an external surface of a modular component, such as the modular component of the present IU invention. The insulation means may be applied to the or each modular component on-site or prior to the or each modular component arriving on site. It is envisaged that the or each modular component of the ducting connector includes an insulation means whereby, when the modular components are joined together, the insulation means substantially abut each other and form a tight junction, thereby forming a substantially continuous layer of insulation material over the ducting component. The insulation means may be a single layer or a combination of layers, for example, polypropylene and foam rubber, and may also be formed from one or more portions to form the insulation means. It should be noted that the modular component of the present invention advantageously provides means to apply the sleeve without the need for adhesives or other methods of application. A further advantage is that once fitted to each modular component, the insulation means substantially fills any space existing between a first modular component and a second modular component in the nesting process. In other words, the insulation means can be transported to the installation or storage site free of charge when pre-installed on the modular components. In some embodiments of the present invention, the insulation means further includes an additional portion that may be rolled over a joint between two ducting components, such as a joint between flexible ducting and another ducting component. This "rolled over" portion may allow the insulation to be more continuous along the ducting system and may also assist in substantially ensuring that joints in a ducting system are preferably more securely 5 connected. It is also envisaged that a collar of insulating material may be used in some situations, to cover and thereby thermally insulate the joint between two ducting components and/or flexible ducting. The assembled ducting connector further preferably includes an in-line booster fan and/or 0 damper. Preferably, the in-line booster fan and/or damper is installed within the ducting connector, although in other embodiments, may be installed outside the ducting connector. In a most preferred embodiment, the damper is a motorised damper.

11 One of the major advantages offered by the present invention is the ease of installation of a heating or cooling system utilising the modular component and the ducting connector in a confined space. The scope of the present invention also extends to a heating or cooling ducting system utilising the modular component and the ducting connector as described herein. One example of such a ducting system is where the primary port is connected to the air supply and the at least one secondary port/s is/are connected to flexible ducting either directly or via one or more ducting components through which the flow of air is directed to one or more outlets. It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a modular component having improved packaging, transport and/or storage characteristics. It is another aspect of the invention to provide a ducting connector which can be relatively easily assembled from modular components. It is another aspect of the invention to provide a ducting system which is designed for use in confined areas, where assembly of the ducting components is restricted. For a better understanding of the invention, one embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to non-limiting examples and the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a modular component according to the present invention, showing a view inside (A) the component as well as from the outside (B). 5 Figure 2 is an isometric view of a ducting connector constructed from modular components according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates the nestability of modular components according to an embodiment of 0 the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates how modular components, according to embodiments of the present invention, may be joined to form a ducting connector, showing a tongue-and-groove seal (B) and a snap-fit connection (C).

I4 Figure 5 show detail of a tear strip according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Panels B, C and D show the sequential removal of the tear strip. Figure 6 shows a ducting connector according to an embodiment of the present invention and a method for joining it to other ducting components. Figure 7 shows a method by which a ducting connector according to an embodiment of the present invention may be suspended from a rafter. Figure 8 shows (A) a modular component according to an embodiment of the present invention further comprising an insulation means, and (B) an assembled ducting connector according to an embodiment of the present invention further comprising an insulation means. Detailed Description of the Invention Referring to all the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. The following description refers to the specific, illustrated embodiment of the present invention and is in way intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the specific, illustrated embodiment. According to one embodiment of the present invention, there may be provided a modular component 100 comprising a body having: a portion of a primary port 110; at least one secondary port 120; and an assembly edge 130 located distal from the at least one 5 secondary port 120 and defining a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the primary port 110, wherein the assembly edge 130 is of a suitable configuration to mate with the assembly edge 130 of at least one other modular component 100 to render the primary port 110 whole. 0 The modular components described herein may be assembled to form a ducting connector 200. Generally, the ducting connector 200 so formed comprises a body defining a passage 600 therethrough providing a conduit for fluids, such as gases or liquids, to flow from the primary port 110 to the at least one secondary port 120.

1I The portion of the primary port 110 defined by the illustrated embodiment is approximately a half (1/2, 1800, 50%). Accordingly, two substantially identical modular components 100 may be mated via their respective assembly edges 130 to form a ducting connector 200 and a complete or whole primary port 115, as shown in Figure 2. The ducting connector 200 comprises a body 210, wherein the body 210 forms the passage 600 extending between the primary port 115 and at least one secondary port 120. The modular components 100 of the present invention are substantially nestable one within another as illustrated in Figure 3. Such nestability allows the modular components 100 to be more readily packaged, transported and/or stored. In this way, the modular components 100 take up significantly less space compared with the space occupied by the assembled ducting connector 200. As noted above, the illustrated embodiment of the modular component 100 defines one half (1/2) of the primary port 115 and has one secondary port 120 (Figure 1). Two such components may be joined to assemble a ducting connector 200 having one primary port 115 and two secondary ports 120 (Figure 2), via their respective assembly edges 130. Various other non-illustrated embodiments and arrangements will be apparent to the skilled addressee on the basis of the description of the present invention. For example, to assemble a ducting connector having one primary port and three secondary ports, three modular components, each defining one third (1/3) of the primary port and having one secondary port, may be joined together. In another example, to assemble a ducting connector having one primary port and four secondary ports, a pair of modular 5 components, each defining one half (1/2) of the primary port and each having two secondary ports, may be joined together. The assembly edge 130 comprises a mating arrangement through which the modular components 100 may be joined. In order to join the modular components 100 in a 0 substantially air-tight manner, the mating arrangement may comprise a 'tongue and groove'-type arrangement (see Figure 4B). Since it is preferred that substantially identical modular components 100 are mated together, it is necessary for any tongue 131 and groove 132 portions of the assembly edge 130 to be asymmetrically configured such that substantially half of the assembly edge 130 may comprise a tongue portion 131 and the 114 opposite half of the assembly edge 130 comprises the groove portion 132. In this arrangement, when the assembly edges 130 of two modular components 100 are brought together, the tongue portion 131 of one modular component 100 is received within the groove portion 132 of the other modular component 100, thereby connecting two modular components 100 together in a substantially air-tight manner. The mating arrangement may further include at least one frictional connector 133, preferably snap-fit, or of any other mating arrangement known in the art. The frictional connector is preferably of a male/female snap-fit connection type 133. In the illustrated embodiment, each secondary port 120 is a multi-sized port. The multi-sized port provides variable diameter sized options for connecting to other ducting connections. As described above, the stepped secondary port includes at least one tear strip 121 thereon for exposing a differently sized secondary port 120. The illustrated type of tear strip 121 includes a tab portion 122 for grasping and by which the tear strip 121 may be removed. The tear strip 121 is formed integral with the body 210 of the modular component 100, but is bounded by regions of reduced thickness 123 to assist with removal of the tear strip 121. The modular component 100 further preferably includes provisions or protrusions 124 to accommodate a locking clip 125. The locking clip 125 provides means for securing the ducting connector 200 to various other ducting components 300. Preferably, the locking clip 125 is formed of metal, and includes a plurality of raised teeth 126 to assist with the locking together of various components 300 of a ducting system. 5 The illustrated embodiment of the modular component 100 and ducting connector 200 further includes at least one hanger member 140. Each hanger member 140 is associated with, and is preferably located at, on or near the assembly edge 130. The hanger member 140 conveniently provides means for hanging the ducting connector 200, for example, by 0 suspending the ducting connector 200 from a support, such as a roof truss or rafter 400. In a variation on the illustrated embodiment, a modular component 100 includes means for supporting a baffle (not shown), wherein the supporting means preferably comprises one or more apertures 160. The apertures 160 allow an operating shaft (not shown) for a baffle (not shown) to pass through into the interior of the ducting component 200. In a further variation on the illustrated embodiment, the ducting connector 200 includes insulation means 500 to assist in reducing losses of heat or cooling to the atmosphere. The insulation means 500 may be applied externally over each modular component prior to assembly (Figure 8A), or over the assembled ducting connector (Figure 8B), for example, in the form of a sleeve 500 made from materials having thermal insulating properties. The sleeve 500 is preferably manufactured by a moulding process, whereby the sleeve 500 is specifically moulded to substantially cover each individual modular component 100 of a ducting component assembled from a plurality of modular components 100. The thermal insulation material is manufactured substantially from polyurethane. The scope of the present invention extends to a sleeve 500 having thermal insulating properties, wherein the sleeve, which is manufactured substantially from polyurethane, is moulded to substantially cover and closely fit an external surface of a modular component 100. The scope of the present invention also extends to a thermally insulated ducting system comprising a plurality of modular components 100 according to the present invention, wherein the or each modular component 100 further comprises a sleeve according to the present invention. Where the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification, they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components referred to, but not to preclude the presence or addition of 5 one or more other feature, integer, step, component or group thereof. Further, any prior art reference or statement provided in the specification is not to be taken as an admission that such art constitutes, or is to be understood as constituting, part of the common general knowledge. 0

Claims

1. A modular component comprising a body having: a portion of a primary port; at least one secondary port; and an assembly edge located distal from the at least one secondary port and defining a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the primary port, wherein the assembly edge is of a suitable configuration to mate with the assembly edge of at least one other modular component to render the primary port whole.

2. The modular component of claim 1, wherein a first modular component is substantially nestable within a second substantially identical modular component for transport and/or storage.

3. The modular component of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the assembly edge includes at least one frictional connector.

4. The modular component of claim 3, wherein the frictional connector is asymmetrically arranged on the assembly edge.

5. The modular component of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the secondary port includes at least one stepped secondary port.

6. The modular component of claim 5, wherein the stepped secondary port includes at 5 least one tear strip for exposing a differently sized secondary port.

7. The modular component of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the assembly edge includes at least one hanger member. 0

8. The modular component of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the secondary port is cylindrical.

9. The modular component of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising insulation means applied either internally or externally or both thereto. 1 /

10. A ducting connector assembled from at least two modular components according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least two modular components are mated via each respective assembly edge, wherein the connector comprises a passage therethrough extending between a primary port and at least one secondary port and wherein the mated assembly edges do not interrupt the integrity of any secondary port.

11. A ducting connector according to claim 10, wherein a first modular component is substantially nestable within a second substantially identical modular component for transport and/or storage.

12. A ducting connector according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the secondary port includes at least one stepped secondary port.

13. A ducting connector according to claim 12, wherein the stepped secondary port includes at least one tear strip for exposing a differently sized secondary port.

14. A ducting connector according to any one of claims 10 tol3, wherein the or each modular component further includes insulation means applied either internally or externally or both thereto.

15. A ducting connector according to claim 14, wherein the insulation means is applied externally to the or each modular component. 5

16. A ducting connector according to claim 15, wherein the insulation means comprises a sleeve moulded to substantially cover each modular component thereof, wherein the sleeve is manufactured substantially from polyurethane. 0

17. A sleeve having thermal insulating properties, wherein the sleeve which is manufactured substantially from polyurethane is moulded to substantially cover and closely fit an external surface of a modular component. 15

18. A thermally insulated ducting system comprising a plurality of modular components according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the or each modular component/s further comprises a sleeve according to claim 17.

19. A ducting connector according to any one of claims 1 to 16, substantially an hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the Figures.