Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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INSULATED DUCTS AND INSULATED DUCTWORKS
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Generally, the present disclosure relates to heating, ventilation,
and air
conditioning (HVAC) ducts. More particularly, the present disclosure relates
to HVAC
duct insulation.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the present disclosure, where a document, an act and/or an item
of
knowledge is referred to and/or discussed, whether directly and/or indirectly,
then this
reference and/or discussion is not an admission that the document, the act
and/or the
item of knowledge and/or any combination thereof was at the priority date,
publicly
available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge and/or
otherwise
constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions and/or is
known to be
relevant to any attempt to solve any problem with which the present disclosure
is
concerned.
[0004] HVAC systems are generally used to control various aspects of
indoor
air environment. In order to conduct air within the HVAC system, a ductwork is
typically used. The ductwork usually includes a plurality of interconnected
sectioned
ducts. A common type of such duct is fabricated from a single-walled sheet
metal
formed into a plurality of conduits having rectangular or circular cross-
sections.
[0005] Many jurisdictions have legal codes, such as building codes,
regulating
construction and maintenance of buildings located within the jurisdictions. In
order to
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promote efficient energy use, some of such codes require the ductwork to be
insulated at least during building construction. Such insulation limits
thermal energy
transfer between the air within the ductwork and the air outside the ductwork.
[0006] A typical ductwork insulation process involves wrapping fiberglass
insulation jacket around many, if not all, ducts within the ductwork and
taping the
seams to seal. The HVAC system is then pressure tested to ensure absence of
air
leaks within the ductwork. Although such insulation method is relatively
effective, the
method can be time consuming and costly to implement. A more efficient
technology
for insulating ducts and ductworks is thus desired.
[0007] While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been
discussed
to facilitate the present disclosure, no technical aspects are disclaimed. The
claims
may encompass one and/or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed
herein.
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BRIEF SUMMARY
[0007a] Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an HVAC duct
comprising: an outer tube having a fully continuous external perimeter,
wherein said
outer tube comprises an inner corner; an inner tube capable of conveying
forced air,
wherein said inner tube extending within said outer tube longitudinally,
wherein said
inner tube comprises an outer corner, wherein said inner tube comprises a
first lateral
cross section; a plurality of support elements spanning between said outer
tube and
said inner tube, wherein each of said outer tube and said inner tube comprises
a first
end portion and a second end portion, wherein said elements span along said
outer
tube and said inner tube longitudinally between said first end portions and
said
second end portions, wherein said elements defining a plurality of channels
between
said outer tube and said inner tube, wherein each of said channels comprises a
second lateral cross section smaller in perimeter than said first lateral
cross section,
wherein a support element from said support elements spans between said inner
corner and said outer corner, wherein said outer tube, said inner tube, and
said
elements are fully unitary and comprised of same material.
[0007b] Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method comprising:
manufacturing a one-piece, HVAC duct, wherein said duct comprising an outer
tube
having a fully continuous external perimeter, wherein said outer tube
comprises an
inner corner, wherein said duct comprising an inner tube capable of conveying
forced
air, wherein said inner tube comprises an outer corner, wherein said inner
tube
comprises a first lateral cross section, wherein said duct comprising a
plurality of
support elements spanning between said outer tube and said inner tube, wherein
each of said outer tube and said inner tube comprises a first end portion and
a
second end portion, wherein said elements span along said outer tube and said
inner
tube longitudinally between said first end portions and said second end
portions,
wherein said elements defining a plurality of channels between said outer tube
and
said inner tube, wherein each of said channels comprises a second lateral
cross
3
section smaller in perimeter than said first lateral cross section, wherein a
support
element from said support elements spans between said inner corner and said
outer
corner.
[0007c] Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method comprising:
conducting forced air through an HVAC duct, wherein said duct comprising an
outer
tube having a fully continuous external perimeter, wherein said duct
comprising an
inner tube capable of conveying said forced air, wherein said duct comprising
a
plurality of support elements spanning between said outer tube and said inner
tube,
wherein each of said outer tube and said inner tube comprises a first end
portion and
a second end portion, wherein said elements span along said outer tube and
said
inner tube longitudinally between said first end portions and said second end
portions, wherein said elements defining a plurality of channels between said
outer
tube and said inner tube, wherein said outer tube, said inner tube, and said
elements
are fully unitary, wherein said channels containing a plurality of thermally
insulating
layers, wherein said outer tube, said inner tube, and at least one of said
layers
having a combined R-value between about 8 and about 12.
[0007d] Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a device comprising: an
HVAC duct comprising a polygonal outer tube with an inner corner, an inner
tube with
an outer corner and a first lateral cross section, and a wall spanning between
the
inner corner of the outer tube and the outer corner of the inner tube, wherein
the
inner tube includes conditioned forced air, wherein each of the outer tube and
the
inner tube comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the
wall
spans along the outer tube and the inner tube longitudinally between the first
end
portions and the second end portions such that a cavity between the outer tube
and
the inner tube is defined with a second lateral cross section smaller in
perimeter than
the first lateral cross section, wherein the outer tube, the inner tube, and
the wall are
a single-piece.
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[0007e] Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method of climate
control, the method comprising: accessing a duct comprising a first tube, a
second
tube, and a thermally insulating layer interposed therebetween in a closed
shape
along a lateral cross-section of the duct; conducting an air through the first
tube.
[0007f] Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method of climate
control, the method comprising: accessing a duct comprising a first tube, a
second
tube, and a wall spanning between the first tube and the second tube and
extending
along the first tube and the second tube such that a cavity is defined between
the first
tube and the second tube, wherein the duct comprises a thermally insulating
layer
disposed within the cavity, wherein the second tube extends in a closed shape
along
a lateral cross-section of the duct; conducting an air through the first tube.
[0008] The present disclosure addresses at least one of the problems
described in the background. However, the present disclosure may prove useful
in
addressing other problems and/or deficiencies in a number of technical areas.
Therefore, the claims, as recited below, should not be construed as
necessarily
limited to addressing any of the particular problems and/or deficiencies
discussed
herein.
[0009] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure an
HVAC duct is provided. The duct includes an outer tube having a fully
continuous
external perimeter. The duct further includes an inner tube capable of
conveying
forced air. The inner tube extends within the outer tube longitudinally. The
duct also
includes a plurality of support elements spanning between the outer tube and
the
inner tube. The elements extends along the outer tube and the inner tube
longitudinally. The elements define a plurality of channels between the outer
tube
and the inner tube. The outer tube, the inner tube, and the elements are fully
unitary.
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[0010] According to another example embodiment of the present disclosure a
method is provided. The method includes manufacturing an HVAC duct. The duct
comprising an outer tube having a fully continuous external perimeter. The
duct
comprising an inner tube capable of conveying forced air. The inner tube
extends
within the outer tube longitudinally. The duct comprising a plurality of
support
elements spanning between the outer tube and the inner tube. The elements
extend
along the outer tube and the inner tube longitudinally. The elements define a
plurality
of channels between the outer tube and the inner tube. The outer tube, the
inner
tube, and the elements are fully unitary.
[0011] According to yet another example embodiment of the present
disclosure a method is provided. The method includes maintaining an HVAC duct.
The duct comprising an outer tube having a fully continuous external
perimeter. The
duct comprising an inner tube capable of conveying forced air. The inner tube
extending within the outer tube longitudinally. The duct comprising a
plurality of
support elements spanning between the outer tube and the inner tube. The
elements
extending along the outer tube and the inner tube longitudinally. The elements
defining a plurality of channels between the outer tube and the inner tube.
The outer
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tube, the inner tube, and the elements are fully unitary. The channels
containing a
plurality of thermally insulating layers. The outer tube, the inner tube, and
at least
one of the layers having a combined R-value between about 8 and about 12. The
method also includes conducting the air through said inner tube.
[0012] Additional features and advantages are realized through the
techniques of
the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be embodied in the form
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact,
however,
that the drawings are illustrative. Variations are contemplated as being part
of the
disclosure, limited only by the scope of the claims.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate example embodiments of the
present disclosure. Such drawings are not to be construed as necessarily
limiting the
disclosure. Like numbers can refer to like elements throughout.
[0014] FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of an insulated duct according to
the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2 shows another example embodiment of an insulated duct
according
to the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 3 shows an example embodiment of an intermediate duct before
use
with a pair of insulated ducts according to the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 4 shows an example embodiment of a ductwork employing an
intermediate duct according to the present disclosure.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] The present disclosure will now be described more fully with
reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the present
disclosure are shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as necessarily being limited to
the
embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that
this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of
the
disclosure to those skilled in the art. Also, features described with respect
to certain
embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects
and
elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. The disclosed
embodiments may individually or collectively be components of a larger system.
[0019] Any verbs as used herein can imply direct or indirect, full or
partial, action
or inaction. For example, when an element is referred to as being "on,"
"connected"
or "coupled" to another element, then the element can be directly connected or
coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In
contrast,
when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly
coupled" to
another element, there are no intervening elements present.
[0020] Although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to
describe
various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be necessarily limited
by
these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component,
region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or
section.
Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below
could be
termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing
from the teachings of the present disclosure.
[0021] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular
embodiments only and is not intended to be necessarily limiting of the present
disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are
intended to
include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise. The
terms "comprises," "includes" and/or "comprising," "including" when used in
the
present disclosure, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
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operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence
and/or
addition of one and/or more other features, integers, steps, operations,
elements,
components, and/or groups thereof.
[0022] Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein
with
reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate
structures) of
the present disclosure. As such, variations from the shapes of the
illustrations as a
result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be
expected. Thus, the example embodiments of the present disclosure should not
be
construed as necessarily limited to the particular shapes of regions
illustrated herein,
but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from
manufacturing.
For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have
rough
and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are illustrated may be
rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature
and their
shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are
not
intended to necessarily limit the scope of the present claims. Any and/or all
components and/or materials can be formed from a same, structurally continuous
piece and/or be separately manufactured and/or connected.
[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific
terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. The terms,
such as
those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a
meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant
art and
will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless
expressly so
defined herein.
[0024] Furthermore, relative terms such as "below," "lower," "above," and
"upper"
may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element
as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Such relative terms are intended to
encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation
depicted
in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying
drawings is turned over, elements described as being on the "lower" side of
other
elements would then be oriented on "upper" sides of the other elements.
Similarly, if
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the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as "below"
or
"beneath" other elements would then be oriented "above" the other elements.
Therefore, the example terms "below" and "lower" can, therefore, encompass
both
an orientation of above and below.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of an insulated duct according to
the present disclosure.
[0026] A duct 10 is operative for use in an HVAC system in order to conduct
forced air. Duct 10 can be effectively insulated according to at least one
building
code. Such insulation minimizes air leaks. Any portion and/or component of
duct 10
can be formed from a same, structurally continuous piece or be separately
fabricated
and connected. Any portion and/or component of duct 10 can be 30 printed,
injection molded or formed via another manufacturing process. Any portion
and/or
component of duct 10 can include metal, plastic, wood, rubber or any other
material,
whether rigid or flexible.
[0027] Duct 10 includes an outer hollow plastic tube 11, which can be of
any size,
length, width, depth, volume or any cross-section, such as triangular,
circular, oval,
rectangular, square, trapezoid and/or any other geometric shape. Tube 11 can
be
non-plastic based as well, such as metallic. Tube 11 can be straight, curved,
wavy
and/or bent. Plastic can be biodegradable, flame-retardant and/or leak-proof.
Tube
11 can have an external surface 15 with a white reflective portion. However,
other
colors can be used as well, whether reflective or non-reflective can also be
used.
Tube 11 can also have at least one aperture for use with a fastener, such as a
screw. In one example embodiment, tube 11 is about 1/8 inch thick, about 4
feet
long and has an R-value measuring insulation of about 2. In another example
embodiment, tube 11 has a square cross-section with each side being 12.5
inches.
Tube 11 can be a pipe.
[0028] Duct 10 further includes an inner hollow plastic tube 12 inside tube
11.
Tube 12 is used for conducting forced air therethrough, such as through the
HVAC
system. Tube 12 can be of any size, length, width, depth, volume or any cross-
section, such as triangular, circular, oval, rectangular, square, trapezoid
and/or any
other geometric shape. Tube 12 can be non-plastic based as well, such as
metallic.
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Tube 12 can be can be straight, curved, wavy and/or bent. Plastic can be
biodegradable, flame-retardant and/or leak-proof. Tube 11 can be as thick as
tube
12 or differ in thickness from tube 12. Tube 11 and tube 12 can be identically
shaped, such as both being square, or differently shaped from each other, such
as
one is circular and one is square. Tube 12 can have an internal surface 16
with a
bacteria-resistant portion. Tube 11 can have the R-value equal to, less than
or
greater than tube 12. In one example embodiment, tube 12 is about 1/8 inch
thick,
about 4 feet long and has the R-value of about 0.5. In another example
embodiment,
tube 12 has a square cross-section with each side being 10 inches. Tube 12 can
be
a pipe. Tube 12 and tube 11 can be concentric with each other or non-
concentric
with each other. Open ends of tubes 11 and 12 can be parallel to each other or
non-
parallel to each other. For example, layer 13 can be slanted diagonally
between the
open ends of tubes 11 and 12 such that the open end of tube 11 projects out
further
than the open end of tube 12.
[0029] Duct 10 also includes an insulating foam layer 13 enveloping tube
12.
Such envelopment can be full or partial. Alternatively, layer 13 can be non-
foam
based. Tube 11 envelops layer 13. Such envelopment can be full or partial.
Layer
13 can have the R-value of at least about 7. However, the R-value of layer 13
can be
lower as well. Layer 13 can be a spray foam filler. Layer 13 can include
polyurethane
or any equivalent thereof. In one example embodiment, layer 13 is about 1.25
inch
thick, about 4 feet long and has the R-value of about 7.5. Layer 13 can be
covered
by a cover such that layer 13 is not visible when viewed from the front of
duct 10.
[0030] Tube 11, tube 12 and layer 13 have a combined insulation R-value of
at
least about 8. Some building codes in some jurisdictions require that all
ductwork be
insulated to such insulation rating. However, other insulation ratings are
possible as
well, such as the combined insulation R-value of at most 8.
[0031] Duct 10 can include a plurality of support elements 14 spanning
through
layer 13 between tube 12 and tube 11. Elements 14 can define a plurality of
distinct
channels or cavities between tube 11 and tube 12, which can be filled with
insulating
material, such as foam. The channels or the cavities can fully extend between
the
open ends to allow for fluid communication. The channels or the cavities can
be
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open or closed. Any and/or all of such channels and/or cavities can include
and/or
even contain identical and/or different insulating materials. Although
elements 14
can include plastic, which can be biodegradable, flame-retardant and/or leak-
proof,
elements 14 can also include other materials, such as metal, wood, rubber and
the
like. Elements 14 can extend, whether linearly, wavy, curly and/or in any
other way,
along tube 12 and/or tube 11. Elements 14 can be longer, shorter or identical
in
length to tube 11 and/or tube 12. On each side of duct 10, there can be one or
more
elements 14. For example, since duct 10 has a square cross-section, any and/or
all
sides can have at least one element 14 and another element 14 extending at the
corner from tube 12 to tube 11. Tube 11, tube 12 and/or elements 14 can be
unitary,
such as injected molded or 3D printed. For example, when a mold having tube 11
connected to tube 12 via elements 14 is molded, then the mold can be filled
with
layer 13 or other insulating materials.
[0032] Duct 10 can also include a plurality of rigid, such as plastic, L-
shaped
corner pieces installed onto one and/or more corners of duct 11 to support the
square shape of tube 11. Such pieces can extend along tube 11 or alternatively
a
plurality of such pieces can be installed onto one and/or more corner sides.
Alternatively, corner pieces can be C-shaped or U-shaped when tube is
elliptical.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows another example embodiment of an insulated duct
according
to the present disclosure. Some elements of this figure are described above.
Thus,
same reference characters identify same or like components described above and
any repetitive detailed description thereof will hereinafter be omitted or
simplified in
order to avoid complication.
[0034] A duct 20 is operative for use in an HVAC system. Duct 20 can be
curved
as illustrated. Although duct 20 can be structured similarly or identically to
duct 10,
duct 10 can be different from duct 10. Any portions and/or components of duct
20
can be formed from a same, structurally continuous piece or separately
fabricated
and connected. Any portion and/or component of duct 20 can be 3D printed,
injection molded or formed via another manufacturing process. Duct 20 can be
smoothly curved.
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[0035] Duct 20 can include a gasket comprising of a foam layer having an
adhesive on both sides for adhering to other foam layers from mating ducts.
The
gasket creates a flush seal, which fills the space between the mating ducts in
order
to effectively minimize air leakage from or into the joined ducts, while
conducting the
forced air. The gasket can be similar to a duct disclosed and described with
reference to FIG. 3. Duct 20 can conducts the forced air, while effectively
insulating
according to some building code and minimizing air leaks.
[0036] FIG. 3 shows an example embodiment of an intermediate duct before
use
with a pair of insulated ducts according to the present disclosure. Some
elements of
this figure are described above. Thus, same reference characters identify same
or
like components described above and any repetitive detailed description
thereof will
hereinafter be omitted or simplified in order to avoid complication.
[0037] A duct 30 is operative for use in an HVAC system. Any portions
and/or
components of duct 30 can be formed from a same, structurally continuous piece
or
separately fabricated and connected. Any portions and/or components of duct 30
can be 30 printed, injection molded or formed via another manufacturing
process.
Any portion and/or component of duct 30 can be of any size, length, width,
depth,
volume and/or any cross-section, such as triangular, circular, oval,
rectangular,
square, trapezoid and/or any other geometric shape. Any portion and/or
component
of duct 30 can include metal, wood, rubber, plastic and/or other materials.
When duct
30 includes plastic, then such plastic can be biodegradable, flame-retardant
and/or
leak-proof. Any portion and/or component of duct 30 can be similar or
identical to
duct 10 and/or duct 20 or be different from duct 10 and/or duct 20. Duct 30
can
function as a gasket to effectively minimize air leaks.
[0038] Duct 30 includes an outer hollow tube 31 having an interior surface
34,
which can fully or partially extend between two open ends of tube 31. Although
tube
31 can include plastic, tube 31 can include other materials, such as wood,
metal,
rubber and/or others. Surface 34 has a pair of side regions 35, 36 and a pair
of
middle regions 37 therebetween. Regions 35, 36 and/or regions 37 can fully
extend
along surface 34. However, regions 35, 36 and/or region 37 can also partially
extend
along surface 34. Tube 31 can have an external surface 43 with a white
reflective
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portion. Tube 31 can also have at least one aperture for use with a fastener,
such as
a screw.
[0039] Duct 30 further includes an inner hollow tube 32 having an exterior
surface
38, which can extend between two open ends of tube 32. Although tube 32 can
include plastic, tube 32 can include other materials, such as wood, metal,
rubber
and/or others. Surface 38 has a pair of side areas 39, 40 and a pair of middle
areas
41 therebetween. Areas 39, 40 and/or areas 41 can fully extend along surface
38.
However, areas 39, 40 and/or areas 41 can also partially extend along surface
38.
Tube 32 extends along inside tube 31. Region 37 opposes area 41 and regions
35,
36 oppose areas 39, 40.
[0040] Tube 32 is used for conducting forced air therethrough. Tube 32 can
have
an internal surface 44 with a bacteria-resistant portion. Regions 35, 36 and
areas 39,
40 can be adhesively coated for adhering to materials, such as plastic of
other ducts.
Tube 31 can have the R-value greater than tube 32. Alternatively, tube 31 can
have
the R-value lesser than tube 32.
[0041] Duct 30 also includes a foam layer 33 filled within space between
tubes 31
and 32. Layer 33 can partially fills such space. Layer 33 is recessed with
respect to
the open ends of tube 31 and/or tube 32. Alternatively, layer 33 can be
recessed
only on one end of tube 31 and/or tube 32. Such recessing can be present on
both
ends of duct 30 and/or can allow for acceptance of straight or curved ducts,
like
ducts 10 and/or duct 20. Such recessing can be linear or diagonal, whether
upwardly
or downwardly. Such recessing can also be smooth, wavy, zigzag or any other
pattern. Layer 33 partially envelops tube 32. Such partial envelopment can be
identical on both open ends of tube 32 or different on both open ends of tube
32.
Tube 31 fully envelops layer 33. Enveloping can include surrounding.
[0042] Layer 33 has portions 42 exposed to regions 35, 36, 37 and areas 39,
40,
41. Portions 42 are adhesively coated for adhering to another foam layer and
can
create a seal to effectively reduce air leaks of the forced air. Layer 33 can
include
polyurethane. Layer 33 can have the R-value of at least about 7.
Alternatively, layer
33 can have the R-value of at most of about 7. Tube 31, tube 32 and layer 33
can
have a combined R-value of at least about 8. Layer 33 can have at least one
12
element 14, such as duct 10 or duct 20. Alternatively, layer 33 can lack any
elements 14.
[0043] Duct 30 can include a plurality of support elements extending
through layer 33 from tube 32 to tube 31 , similarly to ducts 10 and/or 20.
The
elements can include plastic and extend along tube 32. Tube 31, tube 32, layer
33,
and the elements can be unitary. Duct 30 can conduct the forced air, while
effectively insulating according to some building code and minimizing air
leaks.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows an example embodiment of a ductwork employing an
intermediate duct according to the present disclosure. Some elements of this
figure are described above. Thus, same reference characters identify same or
like
components described above and any repetitive detailed description thereof
will
hereinafter be omitted or simplified in order to avoid complication.
[0045] A ductwork, as shown, includes ducts 10, 20 and 30 is operative
for
use in an HVAC system. Portions 42 are in adhesive contact with the first
layer
and the second layer 13 of ducts 10 and 20.
[0046] Tube 31 has a larger perimeter than tube 11 and of duct 10 tube 11
of duct 20 in order to fit over tube 11 of duct 10 and tube 11 of duct 20.
Tube 32
has a smaller perimeter than tube 12 of duct 10 and tube 12 of duct 20 in
order to
fit into tube 12 of duct 10 and tube 12 of duct 20. Tube 12 of duct 10 is in
fluid
communication with tube 12 of duct 20 via tube 32. Alternatively, tube 31
and/or
tube 32 has a smaller and/or larger perimeter than tubes 11 and/or 12 of ducts
10
and/or 20.
[0047] The description of the present disclosure has been presented for
purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be fully
exhaustive
and/or necessarily limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many
modifications and variations in techniques and structures will be apparent to
those
of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the
disclosure as set
forth in the claims that follow. Accordingly, such modifications and
variations are
contemplated as being a part of the present disclosure. The scope of the
present
disclosure is defined by the claims, which includes known equivalents and
unforeseeable equivalents at the time of filing of this application.
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