GB2520756A

GB2520756A - Manifold

Info

Publication number: GB2520756A
Application number: GB1321138.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Marius Cical
Original assignee: Polypipe Ltd
Current assignee: Polypipe Ltd
Priority date: 2013-11-29
Filing date: 2013-11-29
Publication date: 2015-06-03
Anticipated expiration: 2033-11-29
Also published as: GB2520756B; GB201321138D0

Abstract

A manifold 10 for use with a ventilation system, the manifold comprises a housing and one or more distribution ports 36 provided in the housing. The ports suitable for supplying to / exhaust from a location. The housing is formed from a plurality walls 12, 14, 16, 18 each comprising a formation (56, 58 figure 5c) adapted to engage a complementary formation on an adjacent wall such that the walls are attachable to and detachable from each other. The walls may comprise a plurality of wall panels (26, 28, fig 2a) adapted to clamp one or more pipes 24 therebetween. Adjacent walls may be attachable or detachable from each other. The housing may comprise of four interlocking and/or interchangeable walls defining a rectangular, square or other shape. The walls may be pliable and / or compressible, manufactured from expanded polypropylene, provided with one or more cut-outs (30, 32) defining the ports that may be circular or rectangular (52) and may frictionally engage with fluid distribution members. The cut-outs may define one or more integral corrugations, ribs, indentation(s) or screw thread. A metal lid 20 and base 22 may be attached and have a spigot (64, fig 7).

Description

Manifold

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a manifold for a ventilation system and in particular, but not exclusively, to a radial manilold for a ventilation system.

Background to the Invention

Ventilation systems for buildings are required to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings, e.g. to avoid the presence of moist air, which would otherwise lead to a build-up of condensation and mould, in turn leading to structural damage to the building and/or an adverse effect on the health of the occupants.

Mechanical extract ventilation (MEV) systems provide continuous extraction of polluted or damp air from wet rooms', e.g. kitchen, bathroom, utility room etc., in a dwelling or building. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units provide fresh air ventilatjon, for example into rooms of a building, and removal of warm damp air from said rooms.

Typically the ventilation unit is located in a roof space or utility room of a building, with fresh air inlet(s)/outlet(s) as required for the particular installation. A manifold may be connected to the ventilation unit, this providing a centralised distribution system for supplying air to a room or exhausting foul air from a room. The manifold typically comprises several distribution points allowing supply to/exhaust from a number of rooms in a building.

Figure 0 illustrates a known ventilation system. A known radial manifold 1 comprises a large, bulky housing, a supply inlet/exhaust outlet 2 and multiple, for example but not exclusively twelve distribution points 3 for supplying/extracting air to/from rooms of a building. The housing is a simple, box-like construction comprising multiple, for example but not exclusively twelve apertures evenly distributed therearound. Each aperture is identical and sized to receive a connector that is attachable via semi-rigid ducting 5 that is, at its other end, connected to an outlet plenum 4 in a room of a building. The inlet/outlet 2 is connected to a ventilation unit 6. The ventilation unit 6 is connected to a root outlet vent 7a or wall termination vent 7b via an insulated duct 8.

In this known arrangement, the manifold apertures 3 are each provided with a manifold outlet 9 for coupling to the ducting 5. The connectors 9 comprise multiple components, including a connector part insertable into the aperture 3 in the manifold housing, for receiving the ducting 5, a seal provided between the connector part and the ducting, components provided on the inside of the manifold housing for coupling to the exterior connector, to secure it in place. The large number of components not only provides for a somewhat complicated arrangement, but also leads to the possibility of incorrect assembly and problems may be encountered if a component part is lost or misplaced.

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been devised with the foregoing in mind, and aim to improve upon existing manifolds used in/wth ventilation units and systems.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a manifold configured for use in a ventilation system, the manifold comprising a housing and one or more distribution ports provided in the housing, the distribution ports providing for supply to/exhaust from a location (e.g. a room in a building). The housing is preferably formed from a plurality of walls that each wall comprise a formation adapted to engage a complementary formation on an adjacent wall. This enables the walls to be attachable to and detachable from each other. Preterably, when connected, the walls form a continuous boundary defining the housing.

Preferably, one or more walls of the housing comprises a plurality of wall panels adapted to form said one or more fluid distribution ports therebetween and clamp a fluid distribution member (such as a pipe, ducting or the like) therebetween.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a manifold for use in a ventilation system, the manifold comprising a housing and one or more distribution ports provided in the housing, the distribution ports providing for supply to/exhaust from a location (e.g. a room in a building). One or more walls of the housing may comprise a plurality of wall panels adapted to clamp a fluid distribution member (such as a pipe, ducting or the like) therebetween.

The housing may be formed from a plurality of walls, each comprising a formation adapted to engage a complementary formation on an adjacent wall such that the walls are attachable to and detachable from each other. Preferably, when connected, the walls form a continuous boundary defining the housing.

Various embodiments and advantages of the first and second aspects of the invention will now be described.

The walls of the manifold housing are thus interchangeable. The walls may also comprise, or be provided with, means for securing them together and, as such,the walls may also be interlockable.

Walls comprising a particular number and/or arrangement of distribution ports can be connected to form a manifold housing. This advantageously enables the manifold to be easily constructed and tailored for a particular installation as required, and maintenance/repair is also simple and convenient.

Advantageously, the manifold may directly clamp and seal ducting or pipes in place, without the need to use additional components (e.g. separate connectors, sealing rings etc.), thus simplifying manufacture and construction, and keeping costs to a minimum.

A key feature here is that the wall panels clamp a component therebetween, rather than the particular nature of the compcnent that is being clamped between the wall panels. Thus, although additional connectors are not needed, the manifold could also be used to clamp a connector or an adaptor in place, if required.

The manifold is designed for use with a fluid distribution system, e.g. a ventilation system. Thus, preferably, in use, air flows through said manifold(s).

The manifold may conveniently comprise four walls, and be substantially square or rectangular in shape.

One or more of the walls may comprise a pair of wall panels. Preferably, the wall panels are correspondingly sized and shaped such that, when placed together, they form a unified, uniform wall that appears to be of unitary construction. Each wall panel may be elongate. Each panel may have a length substantially larger than its height (and thickness). When two panels are fitted together to form a wall, preferably the wall is substantially rectangular in shape. The pair of wall panels may each be of substantially the same size and shape.

Each of the pair of wall panels may be provided with one or more cut-outs or openings.

Each of the wall panels may be provided with substantially identical openings. The openings may then define an aperture when the wall panels are fitted together (with the cut-outs adjacent each other). The aperture is preferably configured (in terms of its size and shape) for receiving a fluid distribution member such as a pipe or ducting (or other connector or suchlike). The wall panels are thus adapted to secure or clamp the pipes or ducting therebetween. It is an advantage that the wall panels can secure the pipes/ducting directly therebetween. The cut-outs may define an opening that is any required or desired shape but, for example, may be circular, ova, square or rectangular, and may be sized to accommodate a variety of pipes, ducting and the like.

For example, if a circular aperture is required, each of the wall panels may be provided with a semi-circular cut-out such that, when placed adjacent each other, a circular opening is formed. For a rectangular aperture, each wall panel may be provided with an elongate or rectangular cut-out which, when placed adjacent each other, form a larger rectangular aperture.

One or more apertures may be provided in each wall. One large aperture, occupying the majority of the wall, may be provided. Here, in a preferred embodiment, one rectangular opening is provided in a wall. Alternatively, two smaller apertures may be provided in a wall. In a preferred embodiment, three apertures may be provided in a wall. Preferably three circular apertures are provided. Alternatively, four or more apertures could be provided. The apertures can be provided in any combination of number and shape as required for a particular application/installation. Each wall may be provided with the same number and configuration of aperture(s), which advantageously simplifies manufacture and reduces the costs associated therewith.

Where a pipe or ducting is not required in a particular installation, a blanking plug or member may be provided, securable within an aperture in the same manner as described above. The blanking plug preferably comprises a body receivable within said openings and may comprise a head that sits flush with respect to and overlies the surface of the wall.

Each opening may be configured to engage and/or seal a pipe, ducting or blanking plug that is receivable therein. Each opening may be configured to frictionally engage the pipe, ducting or blanking plug. Preferably, the cut-outs in the wall panels further comprise formations for frictionally engaging said pipe, ducting or blanking plug.

Preferably, each opening is profiled with formations such as corrugations, ribs, indentations or a screw thread. The formations are preferably integrally formed in or with the wall panel. In an alternative embodiment, separate formations could be provided on/in the cut-outs. In a preferred embodiment, the profile of the opening is complementary to the exterior of the pipe, ducting or blanking plug so as to provide good engagement therebetween. This advantageously also provides a seal, to ensure no fluid (e.g. air) escapes from the manifold.

In an embodiment, the cut-out comprises a formation or lip configured to prevent a fluid distribution member from being removed from said distribution port.

Preferably the walls are formed of a material that is compressible, deformable and/or pliable. Most preferably, the walls are formed of a material that can deform or "give" such that, when clamped together, the wall panels effectively secure a component therebetween. In a most preferred embodiment, the walls are formed of expanded polypropylene (EPP). This material is slightly pliable which, advantageously, helps to provide an airtight seal. This avoids the need for separate sealing mechanisms.

Preferably, the manifold further comprises a lid and a base. The lid may be attachable to the base via securing members enabling said wall panels to be secured together. In a preferred embodiment, the manifold comprises four walls, a lid and a base which, when assembled together, provide a substantially square or rectangular housing. The lid and base may be formed of a rigid material. Preferably, the lid and base may be formed of but not limited to a metal such as steel.

The walls may comprise securing members enabling said walls to be secured together.

In a preferred embodiment, each wall comprises an engagement or interlocking member configured to engage with a complementary engagement or interlocking member of an adjacent wall. In an embodiment, a first one of said walls comprises a male securing member engageable within a corresponding female securing member provided in said second adjacent wall. Preferably, a first one of said walls comprises (a) a male securing member engageable within a corresponding female securing member provided in said second adjacent wall and (b) a female securing member engageable within a corresponding mae securing member provided in said second adjacent wall.

More preferably, each wall comprises a first panel and a second panel which, when placed or fitted together form the wall. A first wall panel may be provided with a male/female connector that is connectable/engageable with a corresponding female/male connector of an adjacent first wall panel. Similarly, a second wall panel may be provided with a male/female connector that is connectable/engageable with a corresponding female/male connector of an adjacent second wall paneL In a most preferred embodiment, a first wall panel may be provided with a male/female connector that is connectable/engageable with a corresponding female/male connector of an adjacent first wall panel, and a second wall panel may be provided with a female/male connector that is connectable/engageable with a corresponding male/female connector of an adjacent second wall panel. As such, each wall comprises a wall panel comprising a male connector and a wall panel comprising a female connector.

Substantially identical walls can be used, with adjacent walls being rotated 1800 with respect to each other to enable the male/female connectors of one wall to engage with corresponding female/male connectors of another wall. The male and female wall panels can also be substantially identical, apart from the provision of the male/female connectors.

In an alternative embodiment, each wall panel is substantially identical and is provided with a male connector on one edge and a female connector on another, opposite edge.

A wall may comprise a first wall panel and a second wall panel oriented at 1800 thereto, such that each edge of the wall comprises a male and a female connector. Each wall can then be connected to an adjacent wall, the male/female connectors along one edge being engageable with the female/male connectors of an opposite edge of an adjacent wall.

The male and female connectors are preferably correspondingly but complementally shaped to enable them to mate together. In an embodiment, the male connector is a cylindrical rod receivable within a corresponding female connector that comprises an opening that is part-circular (e.g. semi-circular) in cross section.

The male connector may be provided with an aperture or bore extending longitudinally therethrough along the central axis of the male connector. A securing member may be provided, receivable within the bore. The securing member may be in the form of a rod or tie-bar. The tie-bar may be engageable with a fastener provided externally of the male connectors. The fastener may be a screw engageable within an internal screw-thread provided in the tie-bar (or at least at each end thereof). Alternatively, a stud, screw or bolt may be used instead of the tie-bar, securable in place with a fastener such as a nut.

The manifold may further comprise an inlet spigot connectable to a ventilation unit provided in said lid or base. The inlet spigot is conveniently a circular aperture, but may be of any shape.

Preferably, manifolds of aspects and embodiments of the present invention are connectable to one another. One or more of said walls may be adapted for attachment to a second manifold. This may be achieved via one or more of the apertures provided within the wall(s). Advantageously, therefore, this provides for a modular manifold system capable of providing air distribution to/from a large number of locations (e.g. rooms in a building).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for a manifold of the first or second aspect of the present invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a manifold system comprising a plurality of manifolds according to the first and/or second aspect of the present invention. The plurality of manifolds may be secured together via a connector secured within a wall of the manifold and the second manifold.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ventilation system comprising a manifold according to the first and/or second aspect of the present invention and a ventilation module in the form of a mechanical extract ventilaton unit and/or a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery unit.

Features of the various embodiments and aspects described above may be used in any combination.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodments of aspects of the present nvention will now be described with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded isometric view of a manifold according to an aspect of the present invention; Figure 2a is an exploded isometric view of a clamp of the manifold of Figure 1; Figure 2b is an enlarged, rear perspective view of the blanking plug of Figure 2a; Figure 2c is an exploded isometric view of a wall of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure Sa shows a plan view of the clamp of Figure 2; Figure 3b shows a cross sectional view of the clamp of Figure 3 with radial pipes; Figure 4 is an exploded isometric view of another clamp of the manifold of Figure 1; Figure 5a is an exploded partial view of the manifold of Figure 1; Figure 5b is an isometric view of a wall panel according to an alternative embodiment; Figure 5c is an exploded isometric view of a manifold according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5d is an isometric view of the manifold of Figure 5c in near complete assembled form, with an enlarged view of a portion thereof; Figure 6 is an isometric view of the manifold of Figure 1 as assembled; Figure 7 is an isometric view of an assembled manifold according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 8 is an isometric view of two manifolds of embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed DescriDtion of Embodiments Figure 1 shows component parts of a radial manifold 10. The manifold 10 comprises four walls 12, 14, 16, 18. The manifold 10 further comprises a lid 20 and a base 22.

The lid 20 and base 22 are preferably formed of a rigid material, such as steel. The manifold may often be oriented as shown in Figure 1, with the lid uppermost, but may also be provided in other orientations. The terms "lid" and "base" are therefore not intended to be limited to being in the postions as shown in Figure 1.

The manifold 10 is configured to receive a plurality of pipes 24 within wals 12, 14, 16.

In the embodiment shown, three pipes 24 are secured within each of walls 12, 16. The pipes 24 may be radial semi-rigid/flexible plastic ducts of approximately 75mm outside diameter. Three blanking plugs 38 are secured within another wall 14, and further discussion on the plugs 38 is provided below. The fourth wall 18 is configured to accommodate a larger duct element (not shown in this Figure). The duct element may e.g. be a 220mm x 90mm rectangular duct. Alternatively, one or more walls 12, 14, 16, 18 could be blank plates, without any apertures provided therein, not used to secure pipework or ducting. It will be appreciated that the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 can be configured for particular installations, and used in any combination. Furthermore, the walls could be adapted to accommodate any number of pipes 24 or ducts e.g. one, two, three, four or more. It should be noted that other fluid-carrying/distributing members may be used, e.g. hoses and other rigid or flexible members, and so reference to "pipes", "ducts" and "ducting" is not limited to the components shown in the Figures.

Referring now to Figure 2a, the construction of a wall 12 (or 14 or 16) is shown in greater detail. The wall 12 comprises a first (or upper) panel 26 and a second (or lower) panel 28. Again, references to "upper" and "lower" are not to be construed in a limiting way. The first panel 26 is an elongate member, the height and thickness of which are significantly less than the length thereof. The panel 26 comprises an opening or cut-out 30. The cut-out 30 extends substantially uniformly through the thickness of the first panel 26. Similarly, the second panel 28 is an elongate member having the same general shape and dimensions as the first panel 26. The second panel 28 comprises an opening or cut-cut 32, again extending substantially uniformly through the thickness of the panel 28. The openings 30, 32 are semi-circular in shape and, when the two wall panels 26,28 are aligned adjacent one another, rotated 180° in the plane of the panels with respect to each other, such that the cut-outs are aligned and opposite each other, they form a circular aperture 36 in the wall 12 (see e.g. Figure 3).

In Figure 2a, three cut-outs 30, 32 are provided in each of the wall panels 26, 28 respectively. When assembled together to form wall 12, the wall panels 26, 28 thus define three circular openings 36 therein. Alternatively, the wall 12 could be provided with fewer or more openings 36 as is required for a particular application. For example, each wall may have a single opening, two, three, four or more openings. The provision of a plurality of apertures advantageousy offers flexibility of use, especially given that one or more blanking plugs 38 may be placed in an/the aperture(s) as required.

Providing the same number of apertures 36 in each wall also provides for ease of manufacture.

In the example shown, two openings 36 are used to secure pipes 24. The third is not required, and so a blanking plug 38 is provided in the aperture 36 instead. As also shown in Figure 2b, the blanking plug 38 is a unitary member comprising a body 40 receivable within the opening 36. The blanking plug 38 further comprises a head portion 42 that can either sit flush with the wall (in a shallow recess provided therein) or overlies/sit proud of the wall 12 when fully inserted. In another alternative embodiment, the head 42 could be omitted from the blanking plug 38 such that the body 40 thereof sits completely within the opening 36 and the top thereof produces, with the wall 12, a continuous surface. Instead of being a single component, the blanking plug 38 could also be formed of separate head and body parts coupled e.g. screwed or otherwise fastened together.

Figure 2c illustrates one way in which the wall panels 26, 28 can be secured together.

A slot, recess or channel 57 may be provided in the externally facing long side/edge of the wall panels 26, 28. A tie-strap or load-spreader 57a can be placed within the channel 57. One or more apertures 57b are provided within the wall panels 26, 28, extending transversely therethrough with respect to the longitudinal plane of the wall panel. The apertures 57b are each sized to receive a tie-bar 57c in the form of a hollow rod or tube, the apertures 57b extending the height of the wall panel to provide a bore therein. A screw or other fastener 57d is insertable into an aperture 57g provided in the load-spreader 57a, also receivable in the aperture 57b of the wall panel 26, 28.

Preferably, the ends of the tie-bars 57c comprise a female, internal screw-thread that is configured to engage the thread of the male screw 57d. When fully assembled such that the screws 57d are engaged with the screwthread of the tie-bars 57c, the wall panels 26, 28 are secured together with the load-spreaders 57a, which provide a bearing surface for the screws 57d and spread the load imparted by the screws 57d across the wall panels. A complete wall 12, 14, 16 is thus formed. Any ppes, ducting, blanking plugs etc. to be secured within the wall must be positioned between the wall panels 26, 28 prior to finally securing them together.

Importantly, the load-spreader 57a is an elongate element, formed for example of a steel plate or sheet. The load-spreader 57a comprises a flat plate member 57e. The edges 57t of the load-spreader 57a are each angled at approximately 900 to the flat plate section 57e. This provides a load-spreader 57a in the form of a shallow u-shaped channel. The load-spreader 57a is insertable into the channel 57 such that the flat plate portion 57e sits flat therein, the edges 57f thereof sitting adjacent the edges of the channel 57. The lipped edges 57f assist in locating the walls square to each other when the wall 12, 14, 16 is fully assembled.

The tie-bars 57c and associated fixings thus provide a way of securing the wall panels 26, 28 together, prior to assembly of the manifold 10. In an alternative embodiment, the surfaces of the wall panels 26, 28 adjacent the cut-outs 30, 32, i.e. the edges that meet when the wall is formed, could each be provided with integral features to secure them together and/or to engage them with the lid 20 and/or base 22. For example, complementary formations, e.g. in the form of a protrusion on one wall panel 26 and a complementary indentation/notch on the adjacent wall panel 28 could be provided -to assist in joining and aligning the wall panels 26, 28. Similar features could also be provided on the external' edges of the wall panels that will contact the lid 20 or base 22, to assist in alignment therewith.

Figure 3a shows the wall panels 26, 28 assembled as wall 12. Figure 3b is a sectional view along the line A-A depicted in Figure 3a, and shows the pipe 24 in cross section, illustratng that the exterior surface thereof is corrugated. To ensure good engagement with the pipe 24, the cut-outs 30, 32 of the wall panels 26, 28 have a complementary profile. E.g. the cut-outs may be provided with corresponding, complementary corrugations, ribs, indentations or a screw-thread, depending upon the configuration of the exterior of the pipe 24. The body 40 of the blanking plug 38 also has a profile that is complementary to the configuration of the formations of the cut-outs 20, 30 (again, e.g. corrugations, ribs, indentations or a screw-thread).

The complementary fit between the apertures 36 in the walls and the pipe 24 or blanking plug 38 provides an airtight seal. The integral clamping' achieved by providing the apertures 36 in the walls can be enhanced by using a compressible, pliable material. This advantageously means that no separate sealing ring, fitted to the pipe as is required in the prior art, is necessary. The walls 12, 14, 16, 18 of the manifold housing 10 are thus preferaby manufactured in a material that is slightly pliable, such as expanded polypropylene (EPP). This assists in providing sealing of the manifold, and especially when the lid and base are secured together (as will be described below) around the walls, providing slight compression thereto.

The manifold 10 is versatile in that it is able to accommodate connectors of varying types and sizes. Figure 4 shows an alternative arrangement for securing a duct or duct connector of rectangular cross section within wall 18. As above, the wall 18 comprises a first (upper) panel 44 and a second (lower) panel 46. The first panel 44 is provided with an opening or cut-out 48. The second panel 46 is provided with a similar, and opposite, opening/cut-out 50 such that, when assembled together they define a rectangular opening 52 (see Figure 1). A duct connector 54, of the same rectangular shape as the opening 54, and of substantially the same size or slightly smaller than the opening 54 is receivable within the opening 52, connectable to ducting (not shown).

The openings 48, 50 are provided, around each external edge thereof, with a lip or rim 51a, Sib that projects slightly outward from the rest of the surface of the opening 48, 50, away from the wall panel and into the opening 48, 50. As such, a wall or ridge 51a, Sib is created around each of the outer edges of the openings 48, 50. The duct or duct connector is receivable, and securable, between the two walls 51a, Sib. When the two wall panels are located adjacent each other, not only is the duct/duct connector secured therebetween, but it is also secured laterally between the two walls Sia, Sib.

Each of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 is provided with one or more formations that enable it to be connected or inter-locked with an adjacent wall. Preferably, each of the first wall panels is provided with a male/female connector that is connectable/engageable with a corresponding female/male connector of an adjacent first wall panel. SimUarly, each of the second wall panels is provided with a female/male connector that is connectable/engageable with a corresponding male/female connector of an adjacent second wall panel. In this way, all four first wall panels are can be interconnected, as can all four second wall panels, to form the rectangular housing of the manifold 10.

In the embodiment shown, e.g. as can clearly be seen in Figures 2c and 4, each wall panel is either provided with a male connector 56 on opposite edges thereof, or a female connector 58 on opposite edges thereof. The male and female connectors 56, 58 are correspondingly and complementally shaped such that they can mate together.

In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the male connector 56 is a cylindrical rod receivable within a corresponding opening 58 that is part-circular (e.g. semi-circular) in cross section. Preferably, the male and female connectors 56, 58 are integrally formed (e.g. moulded) with the wall panel, although separate male/female connectors could be attached to the wall panels instead.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5a, at each corner of the manifold 10, a first upper wall panel 26a comprises a first male connector 56 receivable within a corresponding second female connector 58 of an adjacent second upper wall panel 2Gb. A first lower wall panel 28a comprises a first female connector 58 that can receive a second male connector 56 of an adjacent second lower wall panel 28b. A first wall 14', formed from the first upper and lower wall panels 26a, 26b is thus connectable to a second, adjacent wall 16', formed from the second lower and upper wall panels 28a, 28b. Each wall/wall panel is chamfered along its height at approximately 45C such that adjacent walls/wall panels can be joined perpendicularly such that four walls can be connected to form a housing that is square or rectangular in cross-section. Should a housing of other shape be required or desired, the corners of the walls/wall panels could be chamfered at a different angle.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in Figure Sb, each wall panel (e.g. panel 28) is provided with one male connector 56 or one edge thereof, and one female connector 58 on the opposite edge thereof. Again, the male and female connectors 56, 58 can be correspondingly and complementally shaped such that they mate together. In this embodiment, therefore, each wall panel 26, 28 is substantially identical. A wall panel 28 such as that shown in Figure 5a can be combined with a further wall panel 28, rotated about 180° in the plane of the wall panel 28, to produce a wall 12, 14, 16 as previously described -i.e. one end of the wall has an upper male connector 56 and a lower female connector 58 and the other end of the wall has an upper female connector 58 and a lower male connector 56. In this embodiment, however, the identical nature of the two wall panels 26, 28 that form a wall is advantageous for ease of manufacture and construction.

Referring again to Figures 2c, 5a and Sc, the male connectors 56 are provided with an aperture or bore 60 that extends longitudinally therethrough along the central axis of the male connector 56. As can be most clearly seen in Figure 5a, a tie-bar 62 (e.g. of steel) is insertable through the apertures of the male connectors 56. The tie-bars 62 preferably comprise an internal female screw-thread (at least at each end thereof) that can engage a male screw 63. The screw 63 is insertable into the exterior of the lid 20 or base 22. The screw is receivable within a recess 65 such that it does not project from the surface of the lid 20 or base 22. The screw 63 can be screwed into the end of a tie-bar 62 that has been inserted into the male connectors 56 that are provided along one edge of a wall. Thus, screwing a screw 63 in to the lid 20 and base 22 secures adjacent walls therebetween at approximately 90° to each other as discussed above.

Repeating this for the other corners secures all of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 together to form the housing.

In an alternative embodiment, the double-ended tie-bar 62 could be replaced with a screw, stud or bolt (e.g. of steel), insertable into an aperture in the lid 20/base 22, through the male connectors of adjacent wall panels. A nut or other fastener could be provided to engage the other end of the screw on the base 22/lid 20, to secure the walls, lid 20 and base 22 together.

Figures Sa and Sc also illustrate how the manifold 10 can be assembled. Generally speaking, the manifold is constructed from the base 22 up (although, again, reference here to the base is not to be taken as restricted to the part labelled 22 being the lowermost part during use/installation). The screws 63 are insertable into the recesses and screwed into the tie-bars 62. Two opposite walls 12, 16 (preferably previously constructed from two wall panels 26, 28 as previously described) can be added by lowering them into place, locating the tie-bars 62 within the apertures 60 of the male connectors 56 and urging them down until they contact the internal surface of the base 22. The other two walls 14 and 18 (not shown in Figure 5) can then be added, as indicated by the arrows, with the male connectors 56 engaging the tie-bars 62 and engaging within the female connectors 58, to complete the perimeter wall. The lid 20 can then be added, the further screws 63 being screwed into the opposite ends of the tie-bars 62 through the apertures 65 in the lid 20.

Figure Sd shows the manifold 10 just prior to the lid 20 being secured n place. An enlarged view of a corner of the manifold 10 is also provided, which shows that the lid 20, whilst generally being in the form of a flat plate, also comprises edges angled to form a lip 21 such that the lid 20 has the form of a shallow tray. The lip 21 is substantially perpendicular to the major, flat surface of the lid 20, and the lid 20 is sized such that the lip 21 is locatable around the perimeter wall 12, 14, 16, 18. This provides a further aid for locating and constraining the various component parts together. The base 22 can be constructed in the same way. Figure 6 shows the manifold 10 fully assembled.

Figure 7 shows a manifold 10 according to an alternative embodiment, wherein the lid 20 comprises an inlet spigot 64. The spigot 64 is provided for connection to a ventilaton unit (not shown), e.g. an MEV (mechanical extract ventilation) or MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) unit, in a ventilation system. In a system including an MVHR, two manifolds would be required -one for supplying air to a room, and one to extract air therefrom. Only a single manifold is required in a system employing an MEV unit. The spigot 64 may be connected to the ventilation unit e.g. via insulated ducting (not shown). In this embodiment, each of the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18 of the manifold housing 10 is configured to secure three radial pipes 24, i.e. a total of twelve. The spigot 64 may be substantially 150mm in diameter.

In Figure 8, a first manifold 10 according to the first embodiment is shown on the left, and a second manifold 10' is shown on the right. The first and second manifolds 10, 10' each comprise a rectangular opening 52, and these openings 52 are located opposite each other enabling the adjacent manifolds 10, 10' to be connected to one another via ducting 66. The first manfold 10 comprises apertures accommodating three radial pipes 24 on each of its other three sides. The second manifold comprises apertures accommodating three radial pipes on two, opposite sides thereof. The fourth side comprises a further rectangular opening, to which further ducting 68 is connected (e.g. leading to a ventilation unit or venting).

The modular' nature of the manifolds 10 provides a lot of scope and flexibility for a wide variety of ventilation applications, including the ability to provide ventilation to/from a large number of rooms via one, central manifold, to a greater extent than has previously been possible.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A manifold configured for use in a ventilation system, the manifold comprising a housing and one or more distribution ports provided in the housing, the distribution ports providing for supply to/exhaust from a location; wherein the housing is formed from a plurality of walls that each comprise a formation adapted to engage a complementary formation on an adjacent wall such that the walls are attachable to and detachable from each other.
2. The manifold of claim 1, wherein a wall of the housing comprises a plurality of wall panels adapted to form said one or more distribution ports therebetween and clamp a fluid distribution member therein.
3. A manifold configured for use in a ventilation system, the manifold comprising a housing and one or more distribution ports provided in the housing, the distribution ports providing for supply to/exhaust from a location; wherein the housing comprises a plurality of walls and one or more of said walls comprises a plurality of wall panels adapted to clamp one or more fluid distribution members therebetween.
4. The manifold of claim 3, wherein the housing is formed from a plurality of walls each comprising a formation adapted to engage a complementary formation on an adjacent wall such that the walls are attachable to and detachable from each other.
5. The manifold of any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises four walls and is substantially square or rectangular in shape.
6. The manifold of any preceding claim, wherein the walls are interlockable and/or interchangeable.
7. The manifold of any preceding claim, wherein the a wall of the housing comprises a pair of wall panels that are each provided with one or more cut-outs, and when the cut-outs of the wall panels are placed adjacent each other they define said one or more distribution ports.
8. The manifold of claim 7, wherein a wall comprises a pair of wall panels having a plurality of cut-outs that are identical to one another.
9. The manifold of any preceding claim, wherein said one or more flud distribution ports are configured to engage and/or seal a fluid distribution member when received therein.
10. The manifold of claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein said one or more cut-outs are configured to frictionally engage a said fluid distribution member.
11. The manifold of claim 10, wherein said cut-outs comprise one or more formations for frictionally engaging a said fluid distribution member.
12. The manifold of claim 11, wherein the formations of said cut-outs are in the form of one or more of corrugations, ribs, indentation(s) or a screw thread formed integrally with or in said cut-outs or provided on or in said cut-outs.
13. The manifold of any of claims 7 to 12, wherein said cut-out comprises a formation or lip configured to prevent a said fluid distribution member from being removed from said distribution port.
14. The manifold of any preceding claim, wherein a first wall comprises a formation in the form of a male securing member engageable within a formation in the form of a corresponding femae securing member provided n a second adjacent wall.
15. The manifold of claim 14, wherein a first wall comprises (a) a male securing member engageable within a corresponding female securing member provided in a second adjacent wall, and (b) a female securing member engageable within a corresponding male securing member provided in said second adjacent wall.
16. The manifold of claim 14 or 15, wherein a first wall panel is provided with a male/female connector that is connectable/engageable with a corresponding female/male connector of an adjacent first wall panel and a second wall panel is provided with a male/female connector that is connectable/engageable with a corresponding female/male connector of an adjacent second wall panel.
17. The manifold of claim 14, 15, or 16, wherein a first wall panel is provided with a male/female connector that is connectable/engageable with a corresponding female/male connector of an adjacent first wall panel, and a second wall panel is provided with a female/male connector that is connectable/engageable with a corresponding male/female connector of an adjacent second wall panel.
18. The manifold of any of preceding claim, further comprising a lid and a base.
19. The manifold of claim 18, further comprising an inlet spigot connectable to a ventilation unit provided in said lid or base.
20. The manifold of claim 18 or 19, wherein said lid is attachable to said base via one or more securing members securing said walls therebetween.
21. The manifold of any preceding claim, wherein said walls are manufactured from a pliable and/or compressible material.
22. The manifold of claim 21, wherein said walls are manufactured from expanded polypropylene (EPP).
23. The manifold of any preceding claim, comprising four walls, a lid and a base which, when assembled together, provide a housing that is substantially square or rectangular in cross-section.
24. The manifold of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of said walls is adapted for attachment to a second manifold.
25. A kit of parts for a manifold comprising a lid, a base and a plurality of walls, according to any preceding claim.
26. A manifold system comprising a plurality of manifolds as defined in any of claims 1 to 24, said plurality of manifolds being securable together via a connector securable within a wall of a first manifold and a said second or subsequent manifold.
27. A ventilation system comprising a manifold as defined in any preceding claim and an MEV or MVHR ventilation unit.
28. A manifold substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to any one or more of Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.
29. A manifold system substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings.