Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02484734 2004-11-15
WO 03/098121 PCT/CA03/00688
CONNECTION ADAPTER FOR CONDUITS AND VENTILATION UNITS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to the field of.conduit adapters and more
specifically to
an adapter for conduits and ventilation units that enables repeated connection
and
disconnection.
BACKGROUND
Various types of connection coupling assemblies are known and disclosed in the
art,
such as connecting flexible tubes utilized in the bio-medical applications,
instrument
connection, fluid dispensing assembly, etc.
Different type of exhaust hoses, tubing, ducts and the like are conventionally
used to
transfer substantial quantities of air from conventional ventilation units to
corresponding exhaust ports that lead to an external location. A vent is also
sometimes provided by removing a window pane for installation of the latter.
Regardless of the type of room exhaust port, a suitable hose or tubing is
typically
installed to interconnect the ventilation unit to the room outlet port for
evacuating air
from within a building to an outside volume of ambient air.
To prevent several types of unfortunate situations, care must be brought in
installing
the exhaust tubing and in sealing both ends of the latter. Indeed, if both
ends of the
exhaust tubing are not properly sealed respectively to the ventilation unit
and the wall
outlet port, moist air and/or associated residual lint may escape resulting in
mildew,
dust and the like with the associated potential health risks and/or structural
damages.
Kinking, bending or otherwise altering the shape of the exhaust conduit, not
only
potentially creates the hereinabove mentioned drawbacks but also potentially
greatly
decreases the efficiency of ventilation units. Hence, in spite of the initial
efficiency of
the ventilation unit as manufactured; and the theoretical connection to a
freely flowing
exhaust, in practice ventilation units may well not achieve this type of
efficiency and
moreover, the ventilation unit and/or the vent duct are susceptible to
overheating
because of inadequate air flow through the vent system, and collection of
combustible
1
CA 02484734 2004-11-15
WO 03/098121 PCT/CA03/00688
lint. This type of problem presents itself not only during installation but
also when
maintenance or replacement of the ventilation unit is required.
There exists a plurality of situations wherein inlet or outlet tubes, ducts,
hoses and the
like need to be releasably connected to corresponding inlet or outlet ports.
One
common example is found in the field of conventional household laundry dryers.
Several structures have been proposed in the prior art relating to the field
of
convential laundry dryers. Several structures have been proposed in the prior
art
attempting to circumvent the hereinabove mentioned problems. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,334,461 issued Jun. 15, 1982 discloses a portable window vent
screen that
includes an aperture extending therethrough. A ventilator is positioned
adjacent the
outer surface of the vent screen bolted to an adapter on its inner surface. A
flexible
hose from a dryer is detachably attachable to the adapter whenever the dryer
is used.
The dryer vent disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,334,461 however suffers from being
destined to be used only through window screens or the like. It is not adapted
for use
with conventional wall outlet ports typically located adjacent the
intersection between
the rear and bottom walls part of the dryer housing.
Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,468 1993 discloses a dryer air outlet hose
coupling.
The coupling includes a first coupler having a cylindrical flue releasably
anchored to
the drying machine back wall, while a second coupler includes a cylindrical
flue
anchored to the laundry room floor. In one embodiment, the flues are both
horizontal
while in a second embodiment the flues are vertical. In a third embodiment,
one hose
coupler is slidable along a ground rail integral to the second hose coupler,
the latter
being fixed to the ground. An operative position is defined, where the
cylindrical flues
of the two hose couplers become coaxial to one another. In all cases, by
displacing the
dryer towards the second coupler, the latter will engage edgewisely the first
coupler to-
become coaxial therewith. A first flexible hose interconnects the first flue
to the
machine air outlet port, while a second flexible hose interconnects the second
flue to
the outside.
The field of ventilation unit uses various types of coupling assemblies or
conduit
adapters enabling conduits to be fitted on units. Known adapters with male and
female components may be used, however, the use of such adapters require a
securing
device to assure a proper fit of both components.
2
CA 02484734 2004-11-15
WO 03/098121 PCT/CA03/00688
Given these examples, there is a need for a quick-connect/disconnect adapter
which
will enable conduits to be easily positioned on ventilation units or other
appliances
which require the exhaust or intake of a gaseous fluid. There is need for an
adapter
that enables the installation of various conduits through the use of single
component
of the adaptor of the present invention.
This background information is provided for the purpose of making known
information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the
present
invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that
any of
the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a connection adapter. In
accordance
with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection
adapter for use
with a flexible or rigid conduit that fluidingly interconnects with an intake
or exhaust
port of a ventilation unit and a conduit, the adapter comprises a unit coupler
having a
central portion with an aperture and an elongated sleeve extending from the
central
portion and aligning with the aperture. The adapter also comprises a conduit
coupler
having a central portion with an aperture and an inner elongated sleeve
extending
from the central portion and aligning with the aperture of the conduit
coupler. The
conduit coupler has an outer elongated'sleeve extending from the central
portion in
the same direction as the inner sleeve. The adapter further comprises
interconnecting
means on the unit coupler and the conduit coupler which mate thereby enabling
interconnection. The adapter further comprises a securing mechanism for
securing the
unit coupler to the conduit coupler wherein the conduit coupler is easily
connected or
disconnected to the unit coupler once the securing mechanism is removed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2a is a first perspective view of the unit coupler of the present-
invention;
Figure 2b is a plan view of the unit coupler of the present invention;
Figure 2c is a second perspective view of the unit coupler of the present
invention;
Figure 2d is an elevation view of the unit coupler of the present invention;
Figure 3a is a first perspective view of the conduit coupler of the present
invention;
3
CA 02484734 2004-11-15
WO 03/098121 PCT/CA03/00688
Figure 3b is a plan view of the conduit coupler of the present invention;
Figure 3c is a second perspective view of the conduit coupler of the present
invention;
Figure 3d is an elevation view of the conduit coupler of the present
invention;
Figure 4 is a first perspective view of one embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 5a is a plan view of a balance flap under one embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 5b is a perspective view of a balance flap under one embodiment of the
present
invention; Figure 5c is an elevation view of a balance flap under one
embodiment of
the present invention;
Figure 6a is plan view of a control flap under one embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 6b is a perspective view of a control flap under one embodiment of the
present
invention; Figure 6c is an elevation view of a control flap under one
embodiment of
the present invention;
Figure 7a is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7b is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7c is an elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8a is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8b is'a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9a is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9b is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions
The term "ventilation unit" is used to define any unit or system that is
commonly used
in the field of ventilation, heating or air conditioning, wherein movement of
air is
provided by this unit.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have
the same
meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this
invention belongs.
4
CA 02484734 2004-11-15
WO 03/098121 PCT/CA03/00688
The present invention provides a connection adapter that may be used with
ventilation
units or dryers or like devices wherein the movement of air is provided. For
simplicity, the reference is made to ventilation units however this device may
readily
be varied as would be known to a worker skilled in the art.
The adapter comprises a unit coupler which is secured to an intake or exhaust
of a
ventilation unit and a conduit coupler which is secured to a flexible or rigid
conduit,
wherein the unit coupler and the conduit coupler releasably mate, thereby
connecting
the conduit to the ventilation unit. The unit coupler comprises a, central
portion
having an aperture therein and a hollow elongated sleeve aligned with this
aperture.
The conduit coupler comprises a central portion having an aperture and inner
and
outer elongated sleeves extending therefrom, wherein the inner elongated
sleeve is
aligned with the aperture and can be connected to a conduit. The outer
elongated
sleeve of the conduit coupler can provide an attachment location for an
additional
sheath if required. Interconnecting means releasably connect the unit coupler
and
conduit coupler in a mating manner thereby creating the adapter of the present
invention. Securing means are additionally associated with the adapter in
order to
maintain the interconnection of the conduit coupler and the unit coupler
during
operation of the ventilation unit, for example. This adapter enables easy
disconnection and reconnection of a conduit from or to a ventilation unit
thereby
providing ease of access to a ventilation unit during maintenance, for
example.
Connection Adapter Components
In one embodiment of the invention and with reference to Figure 1, the
connection
adapter comprises two independent coupling members defined as the unit coupler
10
and conduit coupler 20. The unit coupler is secured on a ventilation unit and
the
conduit coupler is secured to a conduit, wherein the interconnection of the
two
couplers enables the attachment of a conduit to a ventilation unit. The design
of the
connection coupler enables one to connect and disconnect the conduit coupler
from
the unit coupler in an easy and rapid manner. The connection adapter may
optionally
include a control flap 30 or a balance flap 40 which can be installed in the
connection
adapter using a rod 50, for example. The movement of these flaps may enable
the
modification of air flow within a conduit.
Unit Coupler
Referring to Figure 2a, the unit coupler 10 comprises a central portion 60 in
which an
aperture 70 is formed having a cross sectional area similar to the cross
sectional area
5
CA 02484734 2010-11-03
WO 03/098121 PCT/CA,03/00688
of an intake or exhaust port commonly used in ventilation units- The size and
cross
sectional shape of the aperture may be of any size or shape, depending on the
application of the connection adapter.
In one embodiment, the unit coupler 10 further comprises, a hollow elongated
sleeve
80, also shown in Figure 2d, which extends from the aperture 70 formed within
the
central portion 60 of the unit coupler. The elongated sleeve 80 may be
positioned
within an intake or exhaust port of a ventilation unit when the unit coupler
10 is
secured to the unit and may provide support to the unit coupler upon
insertion.
In one embodiment, a gasket or other sealing means may be placed around the
aperture in contact with the central portion of the unit coupler. This gasket
may
provide a sealed interconnection between the unit coupler and the ventilation
unit
upon the securing of the unit coupler onto the ventilation unit. In this
manner air loss
at the attachment point of the unit coupler may be minimised.
In one embodiment, the unit coupler 1.0 may be secured to a ventilation unit
with
screws, bolts or any other fastening means as would be known by a worker
skilled in
the relevant art. Referring to Figure 2b, predetermined fastening locations 90
may be
fabricated in the unit coupler 10 for the insertion of screws to secure the
unit coupler
10 to a ventilation unit, wherein the ventilation unit may have corresponding
fastening
locations fabricated therein.
Conduit Coupler
Referring to Figure 3a, the conduit coupler 20 comprises a central portion 100
in which
an aperture 110 is formed having a cross sectional area similar to the cross
sectional
area of an intake or exhaust port commonly used in ventilation units or a
conduit
which can be attached to this port. The size and cross sectional shape of the
aperture
may be of any size or shape, depending on the application of the connection
adapter,
Referring to Figure 3c, the conduit coupler 20 has an inner hollow elongated
sleeve
120 and an outer hollow elongated sleeve 160 extending from the central
portion 100
of the conduit coupler 20. The inner elongated sleeve 120 is aligned with the
aperture
110 in the central portion 100 and may have a cross sectional area and/or
shape which
may be uniform or vary over its length. In one embodiment of the invention,
the inner
elongated sleeve is formed in the shape of a funnel, wherein its cross section
is
greatest at a point adjacent the central portion of the conduit coupler, This
funnel
6
CA 02484734 2004-11-15
WO 03/098121 PCT/CA03/00688
shaped inner elongated sleeve may facilitate easier installation of a conduit
onto this
sleeve, for example. In another embodiment, the inner elongated sleeve may
have a
rippled surface in order to facilitate the installation of a conduit onto the
sleeve rather
than a smooth or uniform surface.
Referring to Figure 3d, in one embodiment, a number of protrusions 150 are
formed
on the exterior of the inner elongated sleeve 120 which may assist the
securing of a
conduit onto the inner elongated sleeve 120 such that the conduit may be
restrained
from slipping off the conduit coupler 20. As would be known to a worker
skilled in
the art, a flexible conduit may comprise helical shaped wire that provides the
conduit
with its shape and flexibility. In one embodiment, this wire can be restrained
by these
protrusions thereby preventing the conduit from slipping off of the inner
elongated
sleeve.
In one embodiment, further securing devices may be provided on the exterior of
the
inner elongated sleeve for the restraining of the conduit thereon. As
illustrated in
Figure 3a these securing devices may be in the form of triangular protrusions
170
located near the central portion 100. of the conduit coupler 20. These
triangular
protrusions may restrain a wire within the conduit, for example.
Referring to Figure 3c, the outer elongated sleeve 160 extends from the
central portion
100 of the conduit coupler 20 having a cross section greater that the inner
elongated
sleeve 120 and projects in the same direction from the central portion 100 as
the inner
elongated sleeve 120. The outer elongated sleeve 160 may be used to secure a
further
conduit, sheath or membrane to the conduit coupler 20. Additionally, the outer
sleeve
160 may also have a funnel shape or a constant cross sectional area along its
length as
defined for the inner elongated sleeve 120.
In one embodiment, the void which is defined by the space between the inner
elongated sleeve and the outer elongated sleeve may be filled with a
protective or
insulating material over the length of the conduit for example. In this
manner, a
conduit incorporating this additional sheath or membrane with an insulating
property
may be readily connected to the conduit coupler. For example, this type of
conduit
may be used in an attic of a house for transferring heated or cooled air to
rooms on the
top floor. As would be known to a worker skilled in the art, an attic is
typically hot in
the summer and cold in the winter and therefore would adversely affect the air
being
transferred if the conduit was not insulated.
7
CA 02484734 2004-11-15
WO 03/098121 PCT/CA03/00688
In one embodiment, the inner and outer elongated sleeves project from the
central
portion of the conduit coupler in a direction perpendicular to the central
portion. In an
alternate embodiment, these elongated sleeves project at an angle less than 90
degrees
(perpendicular) to the plane of the central portion. For example, as would be
known
to a worker skilled in the art typical angles may be 22.5, 30, 45 or 60
degrees.
Variations in the angle of the elongated sleeves associated with the conduit
coupler
can provide for the connection of a conduit in locations that are more
restrictive or for
directing the conduit in the desired direction, for example.
Interconnecting means
Interconnecting means for enabling the mating of the conduit coupler to the
unit
coupler are operatively associated with the central portion of the unit
coupler. The
interconnecting means is a system that enables the easy attachment and removal
of the
conduit coupler to the unit coupler. As would be known to a worker skilled in
the art,
this type of connection is provided by sliding type connection and not a
rotation type
connection. If for example, the connection of the unit coupler and the conduit
coupler
necessitated the rotation of the conduit coupler with a conduit connected
thereto, the
rotation of the conduit coupler may inadvertently restrict the air flow
provided by the
conduit.
In one embodiment and with reference to Referring to Figure 2c, a number of
flanges
180 are provided around the perimeter region of the central portion 60 of the
unit
coupler 10 that enable interconnection of the conduit coupler 20 and the unit
coupler
10. These flanges can be formed in an "L" shape, wherein the top of the flange
projects towards the aperture within the central portion of the unit coupler,
for
receiving the perimeter of the central portion of the conduit coupler.
In another embodiment, the securing means can be comprised of inwardly
inclined
flanges within the interconnection means. For example, the flanges are not "L"
shaped but rather have an acute angle, i.e. less than 90 degrees. Such acute
flanges
may act as securing means by pinching the perimeter of the conduit coupler.
The use
of such a securing mechanism would require additional force to be applied to
the
conduit coupler in order to force the perimeter of the conduit coupler within
the acute
flanges of the unit coupler.
8
CA 02484734 2004-11-15
WO 03/098121 PCT/CA03/00688
Interconnection means, which mate with the unit coupler, are provided on the
central
portion of the conduit coupler. For example the conduit coupler is aligned
with the
unit coupler and subsequently slid into a position at which the apertures of
the unit
coupler and the conduit coupler are essentially aligned and the couplers are
connected.
In one embodiment and with reference to Figure 3b, the interconnecting means
associated with the conduit coupler 20 is a lip 190 fabricated along the
perimeter
region of the central portion 100 of the conduit coupler 20. This lip 190
mates with
the flanges 180 provided on the unit coupler 10, thereby interconnecting these
two
components.
Securing means
In one embodiment, securing means fixedly and releasably connect the unit
coupler
and conduit coupler in a fixed or secure position. Referring to Figure 4,
bolts 200
may be used to restrict the movement of the couplers relative to one another
upon
their interconnection. However, any other securing means may be used, as would
be
known by a worker skilled in the relevant art, for example, screws or clips.
In one embodiment, the securing means are positioned in predetermined
locations
thereby providing assistance during the alignment of the conduit coupler with
the unit
coupler. When the securing means are bolts, these predetermined locations may
comprise threaded bores for receiving the bolts.
The components of the connection adapter may be fabricated from a variety of
different materials such as plastic, fiberglass, metal or alloys. The choice
of
fabrication material may be influenced by material cost, manufacturing cost,
strength,
heat resistance and durability, for example. A worker skilled in the art would
understand what material would be best suited for the connection adapter. For
example, sheet metal may be used to construct the connection adapter, since it
is thin
and easily bent, stamped or crimped in order to fabricate the various
components of
the adapter. As would be known to a worker skilled in the art sheet metal is
typically
used for the fabrication of elements used in heating, ventilation and air
conditioning
(HVAC) systems. Alternatively, the components can be fabricated from PVC, ABS
or other synthetic materials.
In one embodiment and with reference to Figures 5a through 5c, a balance flap
210
may be incorporated in the unit coupler. The addition of a balance flap may
enable an
9
CA 02484734 2004-11-15
WO 03/098121 PCT/CA03/00688
improved control of fluid flow to and from the ventilation unit. This balance
flap may
not fully restrict the flow to and from the ventilation unit since the cross
section of the
balance flap is smaller that that of the aperture within the unit coupler.
In another embodiment and with reference to Figures 6a through 6c, a control
flap 220
may be incorporated in a unit coupler. The addition of a control flap may
provide
improved control of fluid flow to and from the ventilation unit. A control
flap may
provide a means for almost fully restricting the flow to and from the
ventilation unit.
In one embodiment, Figures 7a through 7c illustrate a balance flap 210 which
has
been positioned within a unit coupler 10 which has been interconnected and
secured
to a conduit coupler 20.
In one embodiment, Figure 8a through 8c illustrate a control flap 220 which
has been
positioned within a unit coupler 10.
In one embodiment and with reference to Figure 9a, a unit coupler 10 is
secured to a
first port 230 of a ventilation unit 240. In addition, a conduit coupler 20 is
interconnected and secured to a unit coupler 10 positioned on a second port
250 of the
ventilation unit 240.
With reference to Figure 9b, connection adapters 260 are secured to both ports
of a
ventilation unit 270.
In one embodiment and with reference to Figure 10, a conduit 300 is attached
to the
inner elongated sleeve 120 of a conduit coupler 20. Insulation 310 is then
placed
around the conduit 300 attached to the conduit coupler 20. Once the insulation
310 is
positioned around the conduit 300, a covering membrane 320 or sheath may be
attached to the outer sleeve 160 of the conduit coupler 20 to shield and
possibly
protect the insulation 310 positioned around the conduit.
To gain a better understanding of the invention described herein, the
following
example is set forth. It should be understood that this examples is for
illustrative
purposes only. Therefore, it should not limit the scope of this invention in
any way.
CA 02484734 2004-11-15
WO 03/098121 PCT/CA03/00688
EXAMPLE 1:
Referring to Figure 11, the unit coupler 10 is secured to a ventilation unit
330 by
placing the unit coupler's elongated sleeve 120 into the intake port of the
ventilation
unit, such that the interconnecting means, for example flanges 180 is
positioned on the
outside surface of the ventilation unit.
The conduit coupler 20 may then be secured to the unit coupler 10 through the
interconnecting means by placing the couplers in contact and sliding the
conduit
coupler 20 relative to the ventilation unit coupler 10 thereby mating the lip
190 of the
conduit coupler 20 with the flanges 180 of the unit coupler 10. Once the
conduit
coupler 20 is completely aligned with the unit coupler 10, thereby enabling
fluid
transfer there between, commonly known securing means, for example bolts or
screws
200, may be used to secure the couplers in a fixed position. If the securing
means are
removed, the conduit coupler 20 can be removed from the unit coupler 10 by
sliding it
in the reverse direction of its installation thereby enabling maintenance to
be
performed on the unit 330, for example.
The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be
varied in
many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the
spirit and
scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one
skilled
in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following
claims.
11
