Abstract:
A duct hose coupling device for attaching a hose to a ductwork structure. The device selectively attaches and detaches the hose without use of fastening hardware. Attachment of a hose via the duct hose coupling device allows air to be efficiently forced into or withdrawn from the ductwork structure. The device retains its high efficiency over prolonged periods of usage by isolating critical moving components from exposure to contaminants and unwanted debris.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to duct cleaning apparatus, and more particularly to a duct hose coupling device that provides quick and easy attachment and dismantling of predetermined hose structures to selected ductwork. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Various types of standardized and/or prefabricated air duct cleaning components and apparatus are known in the art especially constructed for cleaning selected portions of heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems. While many forms of related coupling devices and components have been provided, the assembly and use of such devices and components have required considerable time and skill, particularly for those devices and components intended for or most suited to establishing a temporary structure having reliable structural integrity during assembly and usage. Generally, the aforesaid structures are inherently temporary or semi-permanent in nature following assembly and require undesirable use of miscellaneous hardware and materials, e.g. screws, nuts, bolts, duct tape, etc., and tools, e.g. screwdrivers, drills, pliers, etc. It is therefore desirable to provide a structural coupling device that will allow not only fast construction, but also quick disassembly of certain predetermined structures when so desired, without sacrificing structural integrity, and without requiring use of any additional hardware, materials, and/or tools that can become lost, come loose, etc. 
     Air duct cleaning apparatus and components known in the art that are used to couple flexible hose to selected portions of predetermined ductwork generally have required that one end of the flexible hose be inserted into the selected portion of the ductwork a predetermined distance. This procedure is known by those skilled in the art to disrupt the smooth flow of air flowing within the ductwork and the flexible hose, thereby allowing contaminants and unwanted debris to become trapped around the aforesaid inserted portions of the flexible hose. The contaminants and unwanted debris have the undesirable effect of reducing cleaning process efficiency. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,789, issued Dec. 24, 1996, to Bently, entitled Quick Connector For Joining Large Diameter Vacuum Hose To Ductwork, discloses a quick connector assembly for temporarily connecting large diameter vacuum hose to heating, ventilating and air conditioning ductwork for establishing a vacuum within ductwork to aid in cleaning unwanted debris and materials from the ductwork. The invention of Bently is limited to use with and is intended for use with flat surfaces, making the resulting structure substantially unsuitable for use with curved surfaces. Further, the assembly disclosed and claimed by Bently requires use of compression springs that can inadvertently collect and trap dust and unwanted debris within the pivoting assembly that may result in reduced spring efficiency and therefor a reduction in the ability of the assembly to accommodate a wide variety of ductwork sheet metal gauges with prolonged use. 
     Other U.S. patents disclose various types of clamping devices, locking devices, adapters and attachment devices that allow coupling of hoses and/or tubular structures to specific apparatus. These devices and adapters are generally cumbersome and time consuming to use, often very complex in design, or are otherwise unsuitable for uses other than that for which the device or adapter is specifically designed. U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,859, issued Jul. 4, 1989, to Coussau; U.S. Pat. No. 4,504,085, issued Mar. 12, 1985, to Sachleben; U.S. Pat. No. 2,495,754, issued Jan. 31, 1950, to Nance; U.S. Pat. No. 1,657,013, issued Jan. 24, 1928, to Kettle; and U.S. Pat. No. 998,352, issued Jul. 18, 1911, to Kublin disclose exemplary clamping devices, locking devices, attachment devices and adapters known to those skilled in the art. 
     In view of the above, it is highly desirable to provide a duct hose coupling device that will allow a desired ductwork cleaning structure to be reliably constructed and dismantled swiftly and easily when so desired. The coupling device should also be constructed such that debris and unwanted contaminants cannot interfere with the device reliability, efficiency and flexibility with prolonged usage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The limitations of the background art discussed herein above are overcome by the present invention which includes a duct hose coupling device that enables swift and easy construction and disassembly of high efficiency, high reliability air duct cleaning structures. The present coupling device addresses many of the problems associated with known structural apparatus that are susceptible to loss of operating efficiency due to accumulated contamination from undesirable debris with prolonged usage. The present inventive duct hose coupling device also will provide for improved ease in attachment of selected flexible hose components to a desired ductwork. In contrast with known apparatus, the present duct hose coupling device is designed to assist the builder of a particular ductwork cleaning structure in efficiently dismantling the particular structure to accommodate storage, relocation to a different ductwork site, permanent cleaning structure removal, and the like. These aforesaid ductwork structures may include, but are not limited to heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, or any other ductwork structures that may require temporary erection of a duct hose coupling device to accommodate a cleaning process. 
     The duct hose coupling device includes a substantially cylindrical housing having a selected sealing flange attached to the periphery of the housing around one of its openings. The sealing flange is adapted to mate flush with a desired ductwork surface, e.g. flat, curved, etc. Selected surface portions of the cylindrical housing inner wall have structural support members attached thereto. Each structural support member has at least one bushing attached therein. A pivot rod is rotationally disposed within each bushing. One end of each rotational pivot rod has an arcuate locking tab attached thereto. 
     Cleaning of a selected ductwork structure commences by centering the flange end of the cylindrical housing over a substantially round orifice protruding through a selected portion of the ductwork until the flange is flush with the outer surface of the selected ductwork structure. Once correctly positioned, the aforesaid arcuate locking tabs can then be rotated via the pivot rods until predetermined portions of the selected ductwork structure are forced between the sealing flange and each respective arcuate locking tab. Each pivot rod has a longitudinal actuator arm attached thereto such that arcuate movement of any actuator arm rotates a respective arcuate locking tab. A friction fit is established between a particular locking tab, ductwork and sealing flange, via one or more elastic cushions adapted to seal the pivot rod from exposure to contaminants and unwanted debris. 
     The present inventive duct hose coupling device therefore provides a vast improvement over ductwork cleaning components and devices known in the art which result in structures susceptible to contamination that reduce the operating efficiency of the components and/or devices with prolonged use. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, the construction and arrangement is employed wherein a duct hose coupling device allows a selected hose to be swiftly attached and detached from predetermined ductwork structures without requiring any additional attachment hardware. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, the construction and arrangement is employed wherein a desired duct hose coupling device can swiftly and easily be dismantled for relocation, storage, and the like. 
     Still another aspect of the present invention employs a construction and arrangement wherein a duct hose coupling device allows attachment of a selected hose to a predetermined ductwork structure such that contamination of exterior hose surfaces with prolonged usage is eliminated. 
     Another aspect of the present invention employs a construction and arrangement wherein a duct hose coupling device is relatively strong and light weight. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention employs a construction and arrangement wherein a duct hose coupling device is easy to align during installation and has no sharp edges to catch or pinch. 
     Another aspect of the present invention employs a construction and arrangement wherein a duct hose coupling device eliminates the need for fastening hardware or other external fastening devices which can come loose, require nuisance maintenance, or which can cause instability. 
     Another aspect of the present invention employs a construction and arrangement where a duct hose coupling device is provided with replaceable elastic cushion members adapted to protect internal rotational members from exposure to contaminants and unwanted debris. 
     Still another aspect of the present invention employs a construction and arrangement wherein a duct hose coupling device is provided with replaceable elastic cushion members adapted allow attachment of the duct hose coupling device to a wide range of ductwork materials and thicknesses. 
     A feature of the present invention is the provision of a construction material coupling system that is maintenance free since all necessary assembly components are fastened, bound or joined continuously into a single body. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other features of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a duct hose coupling device in accordance with one preferred embodiment for the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating the duct hose coupling device as depicted in FIG. 1 having a plurality of locking tabs in a fully disengaged position; 
     FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating the duct hose coupling device as depicted in FIG. 1 having a plurality of locking tabs in a fully locked position; 
     FIG. 4A is a side elevation view illustrating one preferred embodiment of a rotational swivel rod assembly sealed with an elastic cushion and suitable for use with the duct hose coupling device shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIGS. 4B, 4C and 4D illustrate additional swivel rod assemblies in accordance with alternative preferred embodiments of the rotational swivel rod assemblies that are suitable for use with the duct hose coupling device shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a duct hose coupled to a ductwork structure utilizing the hose coupling device depicted in FIG. 1; and 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a duct hose coupling device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     While the above-identified drawing figures set forth alternative embodiments, other embodiments of the present invention are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents illustrated embodiments of the present invention by way or representation and not limitation. Numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of this invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred embodiments described as follows, address the long felt need by those in the ductwork cleaning industry to provide a hose coupling device that provides swift attachment and detachment of a duct hose to a selected portion of a ductwork structure, affords structural integrity without use of fastening hardware, and that retains optimum operational efficiency with prolonged usage. Looking now at FIG. 1, a simplified perspective view illustrates a duct hose coupling device 100 in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention. The duct hose coupling device 100 has a cylindrical shell type housing 1 that is adapted to removably receive a predetermined size of duct hose such that a friction fit is formed between a portion of the cylindrical housing 1 and the duct hose. It will readily be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the exact shape and relative sizes between individual members of the duct hose coupling device 100 depicted in FIG. 1. With continued reference to FIG. 1, the duct hose coupling device 100 includes a sealing flange 2 attached to one end of the cylindrical housing 1. The sealing flange 2 is selectively shaped to mate flush with any ductwork surface having a predetermined specific shape, e.g. flat, curved, and the like. Most preferably, a lip seal 8 is attached to the outer periphery of the sealing flange 2 such that a positive seal is created between the sealing flange 2 and the ductwork structure to which the duct hose coupling device 100 is attached. The cylindrical housing 1 has a plurality of rotational swivel rod assemblies 20 attached to selected portions of its inner surface. Each swivel rod assembly 20 comprises a swivel rod shroud 5 that is adapted to provide a mounting structure for the swivel rod 7 and related working components and to also provide a protective shield against inadvertent structural damage. An arcuate locking tab 3 is rotationally attached to one end of each swivel rod 7 such that rotation of any swivel rod 7 will likewise rotate a respective locking tab 3. Rotation of a particular swivel rod 7 is accomplished via a longitudinal swing lever 6 attached to the swivel rod 7 such that arcuate movement of the swing lever 6 produces rotational movement of the swivel rod 7 and its associated locking tab 3. Each swing lever 6 protrudes through a cylindrical housing 1 orifice 9 adapted to allow arcuate movement of the swing lever 6. 
     FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating the duct hose coupling device 100 as depicted in FIG. 1 having a plurality of locking tabs 3 in a fully disengaged position. One or more carrying handles 4 are most preferably attached to the coupling device 100 such that the device 100 can be easily transported and positioned as required during use. It will readily be appreciated that many styles of carrying handles 4 can be used without impairing the device 100 functionality. The coupling device 100 can also be effectively used without carrying handles 4, although transporting and positioning the coupling device 100 during usage will be somewhat more cumbersome. Installation of the duct hose coupling device 100 is accomplished by first positioning the device 100 over a selected opening in the ductwork structure with the locking tabs 3 in the aforesaid described disengaged position. It shall readily be understood that the particular opening must be correctly sized to accept the present inventive coupling device 100. A correctly sized opening can be cut into the ductwork structure or an existing opening can be altered accordingly to accept the duct hose coupling device 100. Upon urging and centering the coupling device 100 over the opening, each swing lever 6 can then be moved within the orifice 9 to rotate its respective locking tab 3 into a fully engaged or locking position as illustrated in FIG. 3. Once locked, each fully engaged locking tab 3 captures a portion of the ductwork structure between the convex portion of its arcuate surface (enumerated as numeral 27 in FIG. 4) and the sealing flange 2 including its associated lip seal 3 to create a high integrity friction fit that couples the duct hose coupling device 100 to the ductwork structure. 
     FIG. 4A is a side elevation view illustrating one preferred embodiment of a rotational swivel rod assembly 20 sealed with one or more replaceable elastic cushions 14 suitable for use with the duct hose coupling device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. The swivel rod assembly 20 is depicted as having a plurality of swivel rod bushings 10, 11. It shall be understood that the present invention does not require a plurality of swivel rod bushings to yield its desired rotational functionality however. A single bushing can just as easily be adapted to yield the desired functionality. The swivel rod assembly 20 can optionally include replaceable seals 22 adapted to be swiftly and easily be removed, thereby allowing access to the replaceable elastic cushion(s) 14. As stated herein before, it may be desirable or necessary to replace worn or defective elastic cushions 14, or to alter the compressive force established between a respective locking tab 3 and the sealing flange 2 in the fully engaged locking tab 3 position described above. 
     FIG. 4B illustrates another embodiment of a rotational swivel rod assembly 20 suitable for use with the duct hose coupling device 100 shown in FIG. 1. The elastic cushion 14 has a continuous slot 24 there through extending between its open ends such that removal or replacement of elastic cushion 14 can be swiftly and easily accomplished. The slot 24 easily expands to allow for removal or replacement of an elastic cushion 14. Due to the elasticity of the elastic cushion 14, the slot 24 returns to its original closed position upon attachment to a respective swivel rod 7. 
     FIG. 4C illustrates yet another embodiment of a rotational swivel rod assembly 20 suitable for use with the duct hose coupling device shown in FIG. 1. The swivel rod 7 has a threaded portion 45 proximal the bottom end allowing for selective attachment of threaded fastening hardware 47, e.g. nuts, wing nuts, threaded washers, and the like. The selected fastening hardware 47 can easily be adjusted to selectively control the compressive force exerted by the elastic cushion 14 to prevent longitudinal movement of the swivel rod 7. 
     FIG. 4D illustrates still another embodiment of a rotational swivel rod assembly 20 suitable for use with the duct hose coupling device 100 shown in FIG. 1. The swivel rod 7 has an orifice extending there through proximal the bottom end allowing for selective attachment and removal of a retainer device 44, e.g. cotter pin, and the like. Attachment and removal of the retainer device 44 allows respective attachment and removal of a selected elastic cushion 14. 
     Looking now at FIG. 5, there is illustrated a duct hose 12 coupled to a ductwork structure 15 utilizing the duct hose coupling device 100 depicted in FIG. 1. It can be seen that the duct hose coupling device 100 has its locking tabs 3 rotated to their fully engaged or locking positions such that the coupling device 100 is securely and removably attached over the opening 50 in the ductwork structure 15. Reciprocal movement of any swing lever 6 rotates a respective locking tab 3 in and out of the locking position as discussed herein before. As the convex portion 27 of the locking tab 3 is urged against the ductwork structure 15, a portion of the ductwork structure 15 is forced between the respective locking tab 3 and the sealing flange 2 including its lip seal 8. The force created between the locking tab 3 and the aforesaid portion of the ductwork structure causes the elastic cushion 14 to compress, thereby creating a friction fit between the locking tab 3, the ductwork structure 15, and the combination sealing flange 2 and lip seal 8. The duct hose coupling device 100 can be removed from the ductwork structure simply by reversing the above described attachment process. 
     As stated herein above, ductwork structures come in many sizes, shapes, and material thicknesses. The present coupling device 100 can easily accommodate a wide variety of material thicknesses simply by removing and replacing an existing elastic cushion 14 with another elastic cushion 14 having more or less resistance to compression as desired. The present coupling device 100 can also accommodate a wide variety of material thicknesses simply by removing and replacing an existing swivel rod 7 and associated locking tab 3 assembly with an assembly having a longer or shorter swivel rod 7 such as the one illustrated in FIG. 6. Replacement of this swivel rod 7 can be accomplished swiftly and easily simply by removing the elastic cushion 14 retainer device 44, 47 and elastic cushion 14 respectively. It will readily be appreciated that the elastic cushion retainer device 44, 47 can be comprised of a threaded bushing, nut, e.g. wing nut 47 or like mechanism, or can simply consist of a cotter pin 44 or like device well known to those skilled in the art. 
     This invention has been described herein in considerable detail in order to provide those skilled in the art with the information needed to apply the novel principles and to construct and use such specialized components as are required. In view of the foregoing descriptions, it should be apparent that the present invention represents a significant departure from the prior art in construction and operation. Further it provides for a more desirable approach to ductwork cleaning processes by eliminating or significantly reducing usage of fastening hardware, enhancing versatility of cleaning devices and associated components, and prolonging reliability, usability and functionality of those ductwork cleaning devices and associated components. However, while particular embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and substitutions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined in the claims which follow.