US3885593A - Stretchable reinforced wrapper for insulated flexible duct - Google Patents

Stretchable reinforced wrapper for insulated flexible duct Download PDF

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Publication number
US3885593A
US3885593A US316023A US31602372A US3885593A US 3885593 A US3885593 A US 3885593A US 316023 A US316023 A US 316023A US 31602372 A US31602372 A US 31602372A US 3885593 A US3885593 A US 3885593A
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United States
Prior art keywords
duct
yarns
reinforcing
vapor barrier
axial
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Expired - Lifetime
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US316023A
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English (en)
Inventor
Marvin A Koerber
Charles G Richitelli
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Automation Industries Inc
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Automation Industries Inc
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Application filed by Automation Industries Inc filed Critical Automation Industries Inc
Priority to US316023A priority Critical patent/US3885593A/en
Priority to GB4814973A priority patent/GB1449036A/en
Priority to BE137455A priority patent/BE806973A/xx
Priority to IT70266/73A priority patent/IT996917B/it
Priority to ES420626A priority patent/ES420626A1/es
Priority to FR7341542A priority patent/FR2210740A1/fr
Priority to CA186,885A priority patent/CA991102A/en
Priority to CH1697873A priority patent/CH567221A5/xx
Priority to DE2360640A priority patent/DE2360640A1/de
Priority to AU63759/73A priority patent/AU473470B2/en
Priority to BR9901/73A priority patent/BR7309901D0/pt
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3885593A publication Critical patent/US3885593A/en
Assigned to BT COMMERCIAL CORPORATION reassignment BT COMMERCIAL CORPORATION SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AUTOMATION INDUSTRIES, INC.
Assigned to AUTOMATION INDUSTRIES, INC., 523 W. 6TH STREET, STE. 524, LOS ANGELES, CA. 90014, A CORP. OF reassignment AUTOMATION INDUSTRIES, INC., 523 W. 6TH STREET, STE. 524, LOS ANGELES, CA. 90014, A CORP. OF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: AUTOMATION INDUSTRIES, INC., A CORP OF CA, HYDROTHERM, INC., A CORP. OF DE.
Assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION reassignment GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AUTOMATION INDUSTRIES, INC., A CORP. OF DE
Assigned to AUTOMATION INDUSTRIES, INC. reassignment AUTOMATION INDUSTRIES, INC. RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, A NY CORP.
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L59/00—Thermal insulation in general
    • F16L59/02—Shape or form of insulating materials, with or without coverings integral with the insulating materials
    • F16L59/021—Shape or form of insulating materials, with or without coverings integral with the insulating materials comprising a single piece or sleeve, e.g. split sleeve, two half sleeves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B1/00—Layered products having a non-planar shape
    • B32B1/08—Tubular products
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/12—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L59/00—Thermal insulation in general
    • F16L59/14—Arrangements for the insulation of pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L59/153—Arrangements for the insulation of pipes or pipe systems for flexible pipes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
    • F24F13/0218—Flexible soft ducts, e.g. ducts made of permeable textiles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
    • F24F13/0263—Insulation for air ducts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2305/00—Condition, form or state of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2305/08—Reinforcements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/30—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular thermal properties
    • B32B2307/304—Insulating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/50—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
    • B32B2307/514—Oriented
    • B32B2307/52—Oriented multi-axially
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/724—Permeability to gases, adsorption
    • B32B2307/7242—Non-permeable
    • B32B2307/7246—Water vapor barrier
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/726—Permeability to liquids, absorption
    • B32B2307/7265—Non-permeable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2597/00—Tubular articles, e.g. hoses, pipes

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A stretchable but reinforced wrapper or moisture and air barrier is used in the fabrication of insulated flexible duct for air conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems.
  • the wrapper is a laminate of one or more films having an inherent stretch or elongation characteristic in both axial and bi-axial directions, and a reinforcing material of fabric or fiber for reinforcing the film layer or layers while still allowing bi-axial stretch or elongation of the wrapper and duct,
  • Ducts of this nature normally have an inner supporting structure or core.
  • the core may include a flexible spring or similar member.
  • An insulating material such as a blanket or mat of fiberglass surrounds the core and is supported thereby.
  • An outer wrapper or a vapor barrier surrounds this insulating blanket.
  • the machine disclosed in the above mentioned patent has solved or eliminated many of the problems associated with the production ofinsulated, flexible ducting whereby the use of such ducting is becoming more wide spread.
  • a rigid sheet metal duct such as one from the plenum chamber and/or on the outlet fitting such as a distribution box.
  • the outer vapor barrier of the flexible duct has been a non reinforced sheet of film of a plastic such as Mylar, PVC or CPE.
  • a vapor barrier possesses a certain amount of stretch whereby it can be circumferentially expanded to fit over the sheet metal duct or fitting. This greatly facilitates installation and/or servicing.
  • the vapor barrier is not reinforced, it tends to rip and tear readily. If the barrier is punctured, the resultant hole will grow into a tear which eventually results in a useless duct.
  • a vapor barrier which has greater durability, strength, puncture-resistance, and tear-resistance. This has normally been accomplished by using a vapor barrier which has one or more plastic films or sheets laminated or bonded onto some form of fabric.
  • the fabric has included a set of threads which extend longitudinally of the plastic sheet and a second set of threads which extend transversely of the plastic sheet. When this sheet is wrapped around the duct, the threads in the resultant vapor barrier extend circumferentially and axially of the duct. These threads have been effective to reinforce the vapor barrier and thereby increase the durability, puncture and tear-resistance of the barrier.
  • the present invention provides means for overcoming the foregoing limitations and difficulties. More particularly, the present invention provides a stretchable reinforced protective wrapper or vapor barrier for insulated flexible ducts used in air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems and the like.
  • a flexible insulated duct which has a stretchable reinforced protective vapor barrier.
  • the barrier includes at least one moisture and air impervious film barrier having in hand an elongation or stretch in both the axial and circumferential directions.
  • the barrier also includes reinforcement means having reinforcing material laminated to the film layer for reinforcing the film layer while still allowing axially and circumferential elongation of the vapor barrier.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of a type installation of insulated flexible duct having a stretchable reinforced or vapor barrier constructed in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the insulated flexible duct of FIG. 1 with an end stretched over a standard rigid end fitting;
  • FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a section of the vapor barrier on the duct, said vapor barrier reinforced in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but of a section of vapor barrier having a reinforcement in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 is a view of a section of a vapor barrier having another form of reinforcement
  • FIG. 6 is a sequence of view of parts of several vapor barriers having several different types of reinforcement.
  • FIG. 7 is a view of a section of a vapor barrier using a still further form of reinforcement.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a length of insulated flexible duct 11 constructed with a stretchable reinforced outer wrapper or vapor barrier in accordance with the present invention.
  • One end of the duct is connected to a runout fitting in the side of a conventional distribution duct or plenum chamber 13 of a central airconditioning system. A portion of the air in the plenum chamber 13 flows into the duct to be carried thereby.
  • the outlet end 14 of the duct 11 is connected to a standard end fitting 15 of a conventional diffuser outlet 16 in a false ceiling 17.
  • the diffuser directs the air through the ceiling 17 into the room below.
  • the plenum chamber 13 may be suspended from a runner 19 in the overhead structure 20.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 An embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • a flexible and easily bent duct 11 is shown to have a central flexible reinforcing core 41.
  • the core includes helical spring 43 of a semi-rigid steel wire.
  • the spring 43 is an essentially self-supporting structure having sufficient strength (particularly in its radial direction) to insure the duct 11 being maintained in its normally cylindrical shape.
  • the shape of the duct is optional, and the spring 43 is normally of a rigidity to allow the finished product to be bent and distorted as may be required for installation.
  • a bare or synthetic (vinyl) coated wire spring may be used along for the core 41, in the present instance a so-called scrim cloth 45 is wrapped around the Wire spring 43 and attached thereto by any suitable bonding means.
  • a cloth of this type is a lightweight, coarse, loosely-woven material. For example, it may have on the order of 10 to threads or strands per inch with a corresponding number of openings per inch.
  • This scrim cloth 45 will, to some degree, limit the extent to which the spring 46 can be axially expanded but will not materially affect the bending or axial compression of the core4l. Another advantage of the scrim cloth is that the helical spring cannot escape or unravel when the duct is cut to lengths by an installer.
  • the duct 11 also includes one or more layers 47 of thermal insulation.
  • the insulation may be of any desired material. Normally the insulating layer 47 is formed of a flexible material, such as a blanket of fiberglass. This blanket is normally of sufficient thickness to insure a minimum amount of heat being transferred be tween the outside and inside of the duct 11 particularly when cold air is flowing there through.
  • the insulation may be on the order of about 7% inch to about 2 inches or more in thickness.
  • the duct 11, as seen in FIG. 1, is covered by an outer wrapper or vapor barrier 27.
  • the outer cover or vapor barrier 27 should be a tough material which is durable, strong, not easily torn, punctured, etc.
  • the vapor barrier 27 is also intended to prevent the air inside of the duct 11 escaping outwardly through the insulating material and to keep moisture, etc., which may condense on the exterior of the duct, from being absorbed in the insulating material and/or entering radially into the interior of the duct.
  • the end portion 14 of the duct 11 is stretched circumferentially to fit over the end of the standard fitting such as a sheet metal tube 15 on the diffuser 16 or the run-out fitting in the side of the plenum chamber 13.
  • the vapor barrier 27 shown in FIG. 2 and more clearly in FIG. 3, encloses and protects all of the various parts of the duct 11 including particularly the insulating material such as fiberglass.
  • the vapor barrier 27 should also be effective to prevent the loss of air by its flowing radially out through the insulating material and to prevent any moisture which condenses on the outside of the duct 11 working its way into the insulation.
  • plastic sheets or films which are readily commercially available that are well suited for this purpose.
  • thin films of materials such as PVC, Mylar, (Mylar is a registered trademark of DuPont), and CPE, etc., are well suited for this purpose.
  • films have inherent stretch or elongation in all random directions. Films of this nature are impervious to air and moisture and can be readily stretched in any random direction. However, they can be easily punctured by any sharp object. They can also be easily ripped or torn, particularly once there is an initial opening, such as a puncture. As a consequence, any hole will rapidly grow to a very large size.
  • the vapor barrier 27 is reinforced.
  • the reinforcement does not impair the ability of the vapor barrier 27 to stretch so as to accommodate the installation of the duct.
  • the reinforcement includes members such as one or more sets of threads.
  • the film 55 and the reinforcing are bonded or laminated together by any suitable process.
  • the reinforcing material 57 is arranged in such a manner that it does not restrict the inherent stretching or elongation qualities of the film 55, at least these qualities are not effected in a way which will materially or adversely alter the circumferential and axial stretching of the finished duct 11 or the parts thereof such as required for installing the duct 11.
  • the reinforcing material 57 includes two separate sets of threads. All of the threads 65A in one set are parallel to each other while all of the threads 658 in the other set are parallel to themselves. Moreover, all of the threads 65A in the first set are orthogonal to all of the threads 65B in the other set. However, all of the threads 65A and 658 in both of the sets are oblique to the edges of the original strip of plastic. Normally the threads 65A and 65B are set at approximately 45 to the edges of the strip of plastic substantially as shown in FIG. 3. In other words, all of the threads are at approximately 45 to both the length and width of the strip. Conversely there are no threads which extend either longitudinally or transversely of the strip.
  • the strip of reinforced plastic is positioned to extend the length of the duct 11.
  • the strip is then wrapped around the outside of the insulation and the two edges are brought together.
  • the edges are then folded over each other and bonded together to form the stand-up seam. Following this a series of grommets may be punched into the seam 25.
  • the threads 65A and 65B extend diagonally across the plastic strip, when the strip is cylindrically wrapped around the layer of insulation to form the vapor barrier 27 the threads 65A and 658 form two sets of helical reinforcements. In other words, the threads 65A and 65B extend helically or spirally around the duct 11 in two opposite directions.
  • the duct 11 In order to install the duct 11 in an air conditioning system (i.e., to extend from the plenum chamber 13 to the diffuser outlet 16) the duct 11 is cut to a length corresponding to the distance between chamber 13 and the outlet 16. This should be cut as accurately as reasonably practical. If the duct 11 is cut too long it will have trends or undulatives which reduce the air fiow. Next the duct 11 is suspended from the overhead structure by means of the suspension hooks or hangers 21 extending from the runner 19 and the grommets 23.
  • the opposite ends of the duct 11 are attached to the run out fitting in the side of the plenum chamber 13 and to the fitting on the diffuser outlet 16.
  • the end 14 of the duct 11 is circumferentially stretched so as to expand it enough to fit over and encompass the fitting 15.
  • the end portion of the cover or vapor barrier 27 In order to attach the end of the duct to the fitting the end portion of the cover or vapor barrier 27 is normally folded back on itself for a distance of several inches. This forms a cuff in the end of the vapor barrier 27 and exposes the end portion of insulating layer and the core structure. It can be appreciated that in order to fold the vapor barrier 27 back on itself, it is essential that it have a considerable amount of circumferential stretch. Without the stretch it is extremely difficult to fold the barrier 27 back upon itself without tearing it.
  • the core structure is worked onto fitting 15. In order to do this it may be necessary or at least desirable to fold or work the insulation back so as to expose the core strucure. After the end of the core structure is properly seated upon the fitting, the insulating material is worked back around the core structure. It is also worked around the exposed portion of the fitting 15. This is effective to provide insulation for the fitting.
  • the vapor barrier 27 Once the vapor barrier 27 is unfolded it may be pulled axially to extend over and even slightly beyond the insulating material. This will permit the vapor barrier 27 to be disposed on the fitting.
  • the vapor barrier 27 can be stretched axially to a limited extent. Accordingly an adequate amount of the barrier 27 can normally be worked onto the fitting to facilitate covering the fitting 15 and/or securing the duct 11 thereto.
  • the fitting 15 may belong with a substantial area exposed. In this event it is usually desirable to insulate the fitting 15 and/or to provide a vapor barrier.
  • To accomplish the end of the vapor barrier 27 may be folded back on itself for a distance in excess of the length of the fitting 15. The exposed end ofthe duct (i.e., the insulating layer and core structure) is then cut-off. When the vapor barrier 27 is again pulled forward, it will extend beyond the end of the duct. Accordingly, it can be used to cover up at least a portion of the duct.
  • the reinforcing threads are all disposed in helical or spiral arrays they will not materially interfere with this stretching of the vapor barrier 27.
  • the vapor barrier 27 can be stretched circumferentially essentially according to the stretching characteristics of the plastic film prior to its being reinforced by the threads 65A and 658.
  • the terminal end 14 of the duct 11 After the terminal end 14 of the duct 11 is stretched over and around the fitting 15, it may be secured thereto by suitable fastening means such as a clamp, tape, etc.
  • the reinforcing threads do not materially or adversely effect the stretching of the vapor barrier 27 and/or the duct 11 in either the circumferential and/or axial directions.
  • the reinforcing threads 65A and 65B are effective to prevent or at least severly limit any ripping, tearing, puncturing of the vapor barrier.
  • the installer may rip or tear the vapor barrier 27 adjacent the end 14 while trying to stretch it over the fitting 15. Also, he may puncture the vapor barrier 27 by snagging it on a sharp object while handling the duct. It is also possible to snag and rip the barrier 27 after the duct 11 has been installed, while installing other equipment next to the duct 11.
  • the resultant opening will notpropogate beyond the first reinforcing thread or two.
  • the puncture, rip, or tear, etc. will normally not extend beyond a size of about one or two inches.
  • An opening of even this limited size is not a desirable feature.
  • the losses resulting therefrom are relatively nominal and not large enough to totally destroy the effectiveness of the duct.
  • the opening will be retained within relatively narrow dimensions, it can be readily repaired with a patch.
  • the foregoing embodiment is reinforced so as to prevent it ripping, tearing etc., without materially restricting circumferential and/or longitudinal stretching of the duct 11.
  • FIG. 4 in order to control the axial stretch, the embodiment of FIG. 4 may be employed.
  • a tri-directional reinforcement 57B is bonded or laminated onto the film 55. This is effective to limit the elongation or stretch of the vapor barrier 27 in the axial or warp direction. However since there are no transverse reinforcing threads it still allows an elongation or stretch in the fill direction.
  • This type of reinforcement utilizes three separate sets of threads.
  • the threads in each set may be parallel monifiliment or twisted yarns 71A, B and C placed in three different directions.
  • One set 71A of axial or warp threads is placed to limit longitudinal stretch or elongation of the laminate.
  • the other two sets 71B and 71C of threads are disposed oblique to the axial or warp yarn set 71A. By Way of example an angle of 45 may be used.
  • the threads in the axial set 71A may be totally inelastic whereby the vapor barrier 27 cannot be stretched. However, these threads may also have a small amount of stretch whereby the barrier 27 may stretch slightly, i.e., within the stretch limits of the core structure and the insulating layer.
  • FIG. may be used.
  • This embodiment of the invention controls or essentially eliminates axial stretch or elongation of the vapor barrier 27 and the duct 11.
  • the film 55 is laminated to a reinforcement 57C.
  • the reinforcement 57C includes a plurality of parallel monifiliment or twisted yarns 73 disposed in the axial direction only. This pattern or array of reinforcements limits the stretch of the duct 1 1 in its longitudinal direction. However, it still allows stretch or elongation of the vapor barrier 27 (due to inherent film stretch) in the circumferential direction.
  • FIG. 6 may be used.
  • a fabric having transverse and longitudinal threads is laminated to the plastic sheet or film.
  • Each of the versions includes a laminate using special square-woven or special square nonwoven fabric.
  • the reinforcements in the fabric limit elongation in the axial (Warp) direction and allows elongation or stretch in the circumferential (fill) direction.
  • FIG. 6A shows a crimped or taslan type yarn set 77 disposed in the fill direction.
  • FIG. 6B shows a sinusoidal type placement of a fill yarn set 79.
  • a yarn set 81 of high-twist yarns (greater than six turns per inch) in an S or Z direction is illustrated in FIG. 6C.
  • FIG. 6D a yarn set 83 is shown wherein the plurality of yarns are twisted in only one direction, S or Z for example, to yield an unbalanced construction of highelongation in the fill direction.
  • FIG. 6E shows a version wherein a conventional yarn set 85 having an inherent elongated characteristic of approximately 15% is woven or disposed in the fill direction.
  • the wrapper 27 takes the form of a film or films 87, similar to film 55, laminated to a spunbonded non-woven reinforcement 89 of such material as polyester, polypropylene or polyolefin, which has inherent stretch qualities similar to that of the film 87.
  • the invention constitutes a significant advancement over the art in that by selection of any of the above-described laminate wrapper constructions, a moisture and air barrier can be produced which has the advantage of durability, strength, and puncture and tear-resistance without the loss of bi-axially elongation or stretch and subsequent loss of circumferential stretch to the finished duct.
  • An insulated flexible duct for being interconnected with a rigid cylindrical fitting in an air-conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems, said duct including the combination of:
  • a hollow central reinforcing core said core including an elongated, helical, semi-rigid wire spring, forming a cylindrical passage for air to flowtherethrough;
  • a layer of insulating material disposed about said cylindrical core to limit the radial flow of heat through said duct;
  • a thin film of plastic wrapped about the layer of insulating material to form a vapor barrier on the exterior of said duct, said film being impervious to the flow of moisture and air and stretchable in random directions;
  • a second set of reinforcing threads in said vapor barrier extending helically around said duct in a second direction, said first and second directions being at substantially right angles to each other 9 y whereby said vapor barrier may be circumferentially stretched.
  • An insulated flexible duct for use in: airconditioning. heating, and ventilating systemsf said duct including the combination of:
  • a central flexible core structure for reinforcing the duct, said core structure having a resilient spring forming a cylindrical passage for the flow of air therethrough;
  • said vapor barrier including at least one film impervious to moisture and air, and,
  • reinforcing means in said film said reinforcing means including a plurality of inelastic threads said threads being constructed and arranged in said film to prevent ripping and tearing of the vapor barrier but not effect the axial and circumferential stretching of the duct.
  • An insulated flexible duct comprising:
  • a vapor barrier disposed about said insulating material
  • reinforcing means in said vapor barrier, said reinforcing means being constructed and arranged to protect said vapor barrier against rips and tears while still allowing circumferential stretching of said vapor barrier,
  • said vapor barrier including at least one moisture and air impervious film with inherent elongation in both axial and circumferential directions, and
  • said reinforcement means includes reinforcement material arranged to increase the durability, strength and puncture and tear-resistance of said vapor barrier without the loss of axial elongation thereof.
  • said reinforcement material is disposed as a bi-directional array having two sets of spaced parallel reinforcing yarns, said sets intersecting each other and being at an angle less than 90 to said axial direction.
  • said reinforcing material is essentially a bi-directional array having an axial set of spaced parallel reinforcing yarns and a bi-axial set of spaced and essentially parallel reinforcing yarns, said axial set preventing axial elongation of said vapor barrier while said bi-axial set being configured to allow biaxial elongation thereof.
  • lnsulated flexible duct for use in air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems and the like, the duct including the combination of:
  • said wrapper including at least one moisture and air impervious film layer having inherent elongation in both axial and circumferential directions, reinforcement means including reinforcement material laminated to said film layer for reinforcing said film layer while still allowing axial elongation of said wrapper.
  • an outer protective vapor barrier enclosing said layer of insulation, said vapor barrier having at least one moisture and air impervious film with inherent elongation in both axial and circumferential directions, and

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Duct Arrangements (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Thermal Insulation (AREA)
US316023A 1972-12-18 1972-12-18 Stretchable reinforced wrapper for insulated flexible duct Expired - Lifetime US3885593A (en)

Priority Applications (11)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US316023A US3885593A (en) 1972-12-18 1972-12-18 Stretchable reinforced wrapper for insulated flexible duct
GB4814973A GB1449036A (en) 1972-12-18 1973-10-16 Stretchable reinforced wrapper for insulated flexible duct
BE137455A BE806973A (fr) 1972-12-18 1973-11-06 Ruban d'enveloppement renforce etirable pour conduit flexible isole
IT70266/73A IT996917B (it) 1972-12-18 1973-11-07 Condotto flessibile isolato per sistemi di condizionamento ri scaldamento e ventilazione
ES420626A ES420626A1 (es) 1972-12-18 1973-11-17 N dispositivo de conducto flexible aislado.
FR7341542A FR2210740A1 (ko) 1972-12-18 1973-11-22
CA186,885A CA991102A (en) 1972-12-18 1973-11-28 Stretchable reinforced wrapper for insulated flexible duct
CH1697873A CH567221A5 (ko) 1972-12-18 1973-12-04
DE2360640A DE2360640A1 (de) 1972-12-18 1973-12-05 Isolierte flexible leitung
AU63759/73A AU473470B2 (en) 1972-12-18 1973-12-18 Stretchable reinforced wrapper for insulated flexible duct
BR9901/73A BR7309901D0 (pt) 1972-12-18 1973-12-18 Duto isolante flexivel para ser interligado a uma guarnicao cilindrica rigida

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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US316023A US3885593A (en) 1972-12-18 1972-12-18 Stretchable reinforced wrapper for insulated flexible duct

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US3885593A true US3885593A (en) 1975-05-27

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US316023A Expired - Lifetime US3885593A (en) 1972-12-18 1972-12-18 Stretchable reinforced wrapper for insulated flexible duct

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US (1) US3885593A (ko)
AU (1) AU473470B2 (ko)
BE (1) BE806973A (ko)
BR (1) BR7309901D0 (ko)
CA (1) CA991102A (ko)
CH (1) CH567221A5 (ko)
DE (1) DE2360640A1 (ko)
ES (1) ES420626A1 (ko)
FR (1) FR2210740A1 (ko)
GB (1) GB1449036A (ko)
IT (1) IT996917B (ko)

Cited By (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4181157A (en) * 1978-01-03 1980-01-01 Flexfab, Inc. Fire sleeving
US5137057A (en) * 1989-05-26 1992-08-11 Hummert Iii August H Flexible duct and method of suspending a duct
US5575312A (en) * 1994-06-30 1996-11-19 Casco Manufacturing Fire retarding heating and cooling duct
US5664607A (en) * 1994-02-05 1997-09-09 Bentley-Harris S.A. Textile braids
US5785091A (en) * 1995-12-11 1998-07-28 Tele-Flow, Inc. Flexible air duct with diamond interlock scrim
US5795634A (en) * 1995-09-22 1998-08-18 Totaku Industries, Inc. Heat insulating noise reducing duct
US6000437A (en) * 1998-01-16 1999-12-14 Certain Teed Corporation Coated liner for curved ducts
US6425417B1 (en) * 2000-11-02 2002-07-30 Rite-Hite Holding Corporation Fabric air duct held in tension
US20020146521A1 (en) * 2001-02-20 2002-10-10 Toas Murray S. Moisture repellent air duct products
FR2832487A1 (fr) * 2001-11-21 2003-05-23 Fed Mogul Systems Prot Group Gaine de protection pour tube de circulation de fluide
US20040137181A1 (en) * 2003-01-14 2004-07-15 Ruid John O. Duct board with water repellant mat
US6769455B2 (en) 2001-02-20 2004-08-03 Certainteed Corporation Moisture repellent air duct products
US6830075B1 (en) * 2003-05-09 2004-12-14 Dana Corporation Hose assembly with integrally molded brake hose bracket
US20050098255A1 (en) * 2003-11-06 2005-05-12 Lembo Michael J. Insulation product having nonwoven facing and process for making same
US20050112966A1 (en) * 2003-11-20 2005-05-26 Toas Murray S. Faced mineral fiber insulation board with integral glass fabric layer
US20050221061A1 (en) * 2004-04-02 2005-10-06 Toas Murray S Method and apparatus for forming shiplap edge in air duct board using molding and machining
US20050218655A1 (en) * 2004-04-02 2005-10-06 Certain Teed Corporation Duct board with adhesive coated shiplap tab
US20060019568A1 (en) * 2004-07-26 2006-01-26 Toas Murray S Insulation board with air/rain barrier covering and water-repellent covering
US20060078699A1 (en) * 2004-10-12 2006-04-13 Mankell Kurt O Insulation board with weather and puncture resistant facing and method of manufacturing the same
US20060083889A1 (en) * 2004-10-19 2006-04-20 Schuckers Douglass S Laminated duct board
US7279438B1 (en) 1999-02-02 2007-10-09 Certainteed Corporation Coated insulation board or batt
US20080006432A1 (en) * 2006-04-10 2008-01-10 Hiroki Yamaguchi Non-woven self-wrapping acoustic sleeve and method of construction thereof
US20080135119A1 (en) * 2006-12-07 2008-06-12 Takashi Tonooka Protective sleeve assembly having a support member and method of construction
US20110078965A1 (en) * 2009-08-18 2011-04-07 Terry Umlor Continuous heat welded flexible pvc membrane with an interlocking vapor barrier system
US20140261701A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Mark Deutsch Collapsible Air Duct with Inflatable Insulative Sleeve
US20160312925A1 (en) * 2015-04-24 2016-10-27 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US20160312926A1 (en) * 2015-04-24 2016-10-27 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US10000035B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2018-06-19 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US10132435B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2018-11-20 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US10458576B2 (en) 2016-10-13 2019-10-29 Teknor Apex Company Hose assembly with modified thermoplastic inner tube
US10458574B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2019-10-29 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US20220307702A1 (en) * 2020-03-10 2022-09-29 Gd Midea Air-Conditioning Equipment Co., Ltd. Air intake and exhaust assembly and packaged air conditioner

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4343333A (en) * 1979-08-27 1982-08-10 Eaton Corporation Fatigue resistant high pressure hose
ES8107346A1 (es) * 1979-12-15 1981-10-01 Akzo Nv Procedimiento para fabricar un material compuesto a base de una estructura plana flexible no textil y al menos una es- tructura plana textil

Citations (4)

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US2012108A (en) * 1932-05-12 1935-08-20 Du Pont Resistant material
US2213290A (en) * 1937-01-25 1940-09-03 Paper Service Co Process of making stretchable materials and articles
US2467559A (en) * 1949-04-19 Ventilating tubing
US3527258A (en) * 1969-04-28 1970-09-08 Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp Flexible tubing

Patent Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2467559A (en) * 1949-04-19 Ventilating tubing
US2012108A (en) * 1932-05-12 1935-08-20 Du Pont Resistant material
US2213290A (en) * 1937-01-25 1940-09-03 Paper Service Co Process of making stretchable materials and articles
US3527258A (en) * 1969-04-28 1970-09-08 Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp Flexible tubing

Cited By (50)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4181157A (en) * 1978-01-03 1980-01-01 Flexfab, Inc. Fire sleeving
US5137057A (en) * 1989-05-26 1992-08-11 Hummert Iii August H Flexible duct and method of suspending a duct
US5664607A (en) * 1994-02-05 1997-09-09 Bentley-Harris S.A. Textile braids
US5575312A (en) * 1994-06-30 1996-11-19 Casco Manufacturing Fire retarding heating and cooling duct
US5795634A (en) * 1995-09-22 1998-08-18 Totaku Industries, Inc. Heat insulating noise reducing duct
US5785091A (en) * 1995-12-11 1998-07-28 Tele-Flow, Inc. Flexible air duct with diamond interlock scrim
US6000437A (en) * 1998-01-16 1999-12-14 Certain Teed Corporation Coated liner for curved ducts
US7279438B1 (en) 1999-02-02 2007-10-09 Certainteed Corporation Coated insulation board or batt
US6425417B1 (en) * 2000-11-02 2002-07-30 Rite-Hite Holding Corporation Fabric air duct held in tension
US6769455B2 (en) 2001-02-20 2004-08-03 Certainteed Corporation Moisture repellent air duct products
US20020146521A1 (en) * 2001-02-20 2002-10-10 Toas Murray S. Moisture repellent air duct products
US7220470B2 (en) 2001-02-20 2007-05-22 Certainteed Corporation Moisture repellent air duct products
US20050011569A1 (en) * 2001-11-21 2005-01-20 Lucia Della Putta Protective sleeve for fluid circulation tube
FR2832487A1 (fr) * 2001-11-21 2003-05-23 Fed Mogul Systems Prot Group Gaine de protection pour tube de circulation de fluide
US6953061B2 (en) 2001-11-21 2005-10-11 Federal Mogul Systems Protection Group Protective sleeve for fluid circulation tube
WO2003044420A1 (fr) * 2001-11-21 2003-05-30 Federal Mogul Systems Protection Group Gaine de protection pour tube de circulation de fluide
US20040137181A1 (en) * 2003-01-14 2004-07-15 Ruid John O. Duct board with water repellant mat
US20050031819A1 (en) * 2003-01-14 2005-02-10 Mankell Kurt O. Duct board with low weight water repellant mat
US7223455B2 (en) 2003-01-14 2007-05-29 Certainteed Corporation Duct board with water repellant mat
US6830075B1 (en) * 2003-05-09 2004-12-14 Dana Corporation Hose assembly with integrally molded brake hose bracket
US20050098255A1 (en) * 2003-11-06 2005-05-12 Lembo Michael J. Insulation product having nonwoven facing and process for making same
US20050112966A1 (en) * 2003-11-20 2005-05-26 Toas Murray S. Faced mineral fiber insulation board with integral glass fabric layer
US6986367B2 (en) 2003-11-20 2006-01-17 Certainteed Corporation Faced mineral fiber insulation board with integral glass fabric layer
US20050218655A1 (en) * 2004-04-02 2005-10-06 Certain Teed Corporation Duct board with adhesive coated shiplap tab
US20050221061A1 (en) * 2004-04-02 2005-10-06 Toas Murray S Method and apparatus for forming shiplap edge in air duct board using molding and machining
US8215083B2 (en) 2004-07-26 2012-07-10 Certainteed Corporation Insulation board with air/rain barrier covering and water-repellent covering
US20060019568A1 (en) * 2004-07-26 2006-01-26 Toas Murray S Insulation board with air/rain barrier covering and water-repellent covering
US20090266025A1 (en) * 2004-07-26 2009-10-29 Certainteed Corporation Insulation board with air/rain barrier covering and water-repellent covering
US20060078699A1 (en) * 2004-10-12 2006-04-13 Mankell Kurt O Insulation board with weather and puncture resistant facing and method of manufacturing the same
US20060083889A1 (en) * 2004-10-19 2006-04-20 Schuckers Douglass S Laminated duct board
US7523532B2 (en) * 2006-04-10 2009-04-28 Federal Mogul World Wide, Inc. Non-woven self-wrapping acoustic sleeve and method of construction thereof
US20090181198A1 (en) * 2006-04-10 2009-07-16 Hiroki Yamaguchi Non-woven self-wrapping acoustic sleeve and method of construction thereof
US20080006432A1 (en) * 2006-04-10 2008-01-10 Hiroki Yamaguchi Non-woven self-wrapping acoustic sleeve and method of construction thereof
US7754301B2 (en) 2006-04-10 2010-07-13 Federal Mogul World Wide, Inc. Non-woven self-wrapping acoustic sleeve and method of construction thereof
US20080135119A1 (en) * 2006-12-07 2008-06-12 Takashi Tonooka Protective sleeve assembly having a support member and method of construction
US20110078965A1 (en) * 2009-08-18 2011-04-07 Terry Umlor Continuous heat welded flexible pvc membrane with an interlocking vapor barrier system
US8156700B2 (en) 2009-08-18 2012-04-17 Terry Umlor Continuous heat welded flexible PVC membrane with an interlocking vapor barrier system
WO2011043865A1 (en) * 2009-10-05 2011-04-14 Terry Umlor Continuous heat welded flexible pvc membrane with an interlocking vapor barrier system
US20140261701A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Mark Deutsch Collapsible Air Duct with Inflatable Insulative Sleeve
US20160312925A1 (en) * 2015-04-24 2016-10-27 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US20160312926A1 (en) * 2015-04-24 2016-10-27 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US9810357B2 (en) * 2015-04-24 2017-11-07 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US9815254B2 (en) * 2015-04-24 2017-11-14 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US10000035B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2018-06-19 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US10132435B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2018-11-20 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US10344899B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2019-07-09 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US10458574B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2019-10-29 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US10458576B2 (en) 2016-10-13 2019-10-29 Teknor Apex Company Hose assembly with modified thermoplastic inner tube
US20220307702A1 (en) * 2020-03-10 2022-09-29 Gd Midea Air-Conditioning Equipment Co., Ltd. Air intake and exhaust assembly and packaged air conditioner
US12111063B2 (en) * 2020-03-10 2024-10-08 Gd Midea Air-Conditioning Equipment Co., Ltd. Air intake and exhaust assembly and packaged air conditioner

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BE806973A (fr) 1974-03-01
GB1449036A (en) 1976-09-08
DE2360640A1 (de) 1974-06-20
CH567221A5 (ko) 1975-09-30
IT996917B (it) 1975-12-10
CA991102A (en) 1976-06-15
AU473470B2 (en) 1976-06-24
ES420626A1 (es) 1976-10-16
AU6375973A (en) 1975-07-17
FR2210740A1 (ko) 1974-07-12
BR7309901D0 (pt) 1974-08-29

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