Patent ID: 6402203
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
An expansion joint for flexibly connecting first and second duct ends, the expansion joint having a longitudinal axis and a periphery, the expansion joint comprising:a first frame member, operably connected to, and circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the first duct end, the first frame member further extending outwardly from the first duct end; the first frame member including a first attachment web disposed adjacent the first duct end, a flange extending substantially away from the first duct end, and a second attachment web disposed at a position removed from the first duct end, the flange joining the first and second attachment webs; a second frame member, operably connected to, and circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the second duct end, the second frame member further extending outwardly from the second duct end; the second frame member including a first attachment web disposed adjacent the second duct end, a flange extending substantially away from the second duct end, and a second attachment web disposed at a position removed from the second duct end, the flange joining the first and second attachment webs, a flexible sealing cover peripherally circumferentially surrounding the gap between the first and second duct ends, and affixed to the second attachment webs of the first and second frame members, substantially sealingly connecting the first duct end to the second duct end, at least one of the flanges of at least one of the first and second frame members being provided with at least one convolution therein, for accommodating stresses and strains induced in the respective at least one of the first and second frame members, and permit flexing of said respective at least one of the first and second frame members.