Patent ID: 6739632
Filing Date: 2004-05-25
Classification: F16L,F24F,Y10S

Abstract:
An HVAC duct coupling for connecting one or more HVAC ducts, said duct coupling comprising:a. at least one end; b. a raised bead extending around the duct coupling adjacent the end; c. a gasket seat formed on one side of the bead and including a circumferential indention formed in and extending around the duct coupling; d. a gasket disposed in the gasket seat and extending around the duct coupling, said gasket including an outer surface; e. the gasket normally assuming a wedge-shaped and an expanded configuration when the duct coupling assumes an uncoupled state, and assuming a compressed configuration when the duct coupling assumes a coupled state; f. wherein the gasket includes an inner surface that rests adjacent the gasket seat and wherein when the gasket assumes the expanded configuration the outer surface of the wedge-shaped gasket is inclined downwardly toward the adjacent end of the duct coupling, and projects past the inner surface such that an open area is defined below a portion of the outer surface; g. wherein when the duct coupling assumes a coupled state and is connected to at least one duct, the gasket lies between the duct coupling and the duct in the compressed configuration and forms a seal between the duct coupling and the duct; and h. wherein when in the compressed configuration the thickness of the gasket lying between the duct coupling and the duct is generally constant along the length of the inner surface.