Abstract:
A method of assembling HVAC ductwork components is described. The method includes the step of coupling together first and second ductwork components. The method additionally includes the steps of wrapping a seal about a joint formed between the first and second ductwork components and positioning a ring clamp about the seal. In this regard, the ring clamp includes a band forming a first retention means on an exterior surface and a second retention means formed on an interior surface. The method further includes the step of repositionably retaining the ring clamp about the joint by coupling the first and second retention means together. The method ultimately includes the step of cinching the band about the joint.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to a ring clamp system for securing heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) ductwork components. More particularly, it relates to a ring clamp of the system having an adjustable band defining removably interlocking projections.  
         [0002]     Air handling systems, such as HVAC systems, include various ductwork components employed to direct heated, or cooled, and/or filtered air from a source to one or more locations, for example, a building or a room. The air handling systems can be employed in residential, commercial, and/or industrial buildings. Specifically, the air handling system can include a heating system (for example, a furnace and a blower), a cooling system (for example, an air conditioning unit), and/or a filtering system (for example, an air blower and one or more filter components). Regardless of the manner in which air is handled or treated, the ductwork components direct the treated air, in concert with an air movement system, to the location of interest. The air movement system can include one or more fans, or one or more blowers. The ductwork components can include one or more of a plenum (e.g., a hot air plenum, a cold air plenum, a straight plenum, a plenum with furnace take-off), hot air take-offs, ducts, pipes (straight or bent), boots, wall stacks, registers (e.g., wall or floor registers), tees, reducers, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as “ductwork components”). In this regard, ductwork components can generally be constructed of either pliant metals or rigid plastics. The pliant metal ductwork components are characterized by a level of flexibility that can be manipulated, for example by a metalworker, in joining the components together. To this end, pliant metal ductwork components are often attached with duct tape. In contrast, rigid plastic ductwork components are characterized as generally inflexible, thereby necessitating careful alignment and high-strength attachment.  
         [0003]     More recently, a unique ductwork component design has been devised whereby the ductwork components are foam-based and integrally formed. Although not limited to the assembly and attachment of rigid plastic ductwork components, the present invention is particularly useful in coupling integrally formed, foam-based components that provide structural strength and airflow handling capability without having a separate metal layer. Such ductwork components are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/252,032, which is incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0004]     Coupling of the integrally formed, foam-based ductwork components presents various obstacles. For example, each installation is different, thus necessitating that a variety of ductwork components be utilized. Therefore, for each installation, the ductwork components will likely be attached in varying sequences. Naturally, this complicates the installation, translating to more time spent on the job, which relates to a more costly installation. Additionally, as with any installation, an airtight seal between ductwork components is of primary importance.  
         [0005]     Regardless of the construction of the ductwork components, the prior art has approached these challenges by employing tapes and adhesive sealants, and/or a variety of clamps requiring the use of multiple tools. In this regard, the use of the tapes and adhesives is both time-consuming and costly, and for this reason, shortcuts are sometimes taken to the detriment of the quality of the seal at the junction. The clamps employed in the prior art are often metallic and require the use of a variety of tools. For example, a common clamp is a hose clamp style of device having a threaded bolt. Screwdrivers or wrenches are typically employed to turn the bolt. Movement of the threaded bolt draws the clamp together. In this regard, the clamp is only as strong as the threads on the bolt, and for this reason, clamps in the style of hose clamps can lack sufficient clamping force to secure the rigid ductwork components of the integrally formed, foam-based construction. To this end, the failure to achieve a high quality seal between ductwork components can lead to blow-by of the air forced through the air handling system, which in turn can introduce dust, mold, or bacteria into the local residential, commercial or industrial environment.  
         [0006]     Apart from the unique challenges inherent in coupling integrally formed, foam-based ductwork components, the prior art has struggled to achieve convenient and effective coupling between the common (galvanized and/or flexible) ductwork components. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,945 to Murphy describes a plastic self-insulating ductwork system employing a drawband secured to an annular groove formed in an adapter conduit. The drawband described in Murphy is difficult to manipulate due to its small size, and relies upon the annular groove in the adapter conduit to affect a seal. It is known in the art that such annular grooves occasionally fail to achieve a high quality seal between ductwork components. To this end, Murphy also describes adaptor conduits having slotted, spring-like teeth. In this regard, Murphy teaches the use of adhesives to seal the components together. Therefore, the prior art does not offer convenient and effective ductwork attachment mechanisms for common components, much less the more advanced integrally formed, foam-based ductwork components.  
         [0007]     HVAC air handling systems employing ductwork components are useful and popularly employed in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. In particular, HVAC systems employing integrally formed, foam-based ductwork components offer many advantages over conventional, metallic ducts. Unfortunately, the integrally formed, foam-based ductwork components present unique assembly challenges. Therefore, a need exists for a convenient and effective method of assembling integrally formed, foam-based HVAC ductwork components.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0008]     One aspect of the present invention is related to a method of assembling HVAC ductwork components. The method includes the step of coupling together first and second ductwork components. The method additionally includes the steps of wrapping a seal about a joint formed between the first and second ductwork components and positioning a ring clamp about the seal. In this regard, the ring clamp includes a band forming a first retention means on an exterior surface and a second retention means formed on an interior surface. The method further includes the step of repositionably retaining the ring clamp about the joint by coupling the first and second retention means together. The method ultimately includes the step of cinching the band about the joint.  
         [0009]     Another aspect of the present invention is related to a ring clamp system for securing HVAC ductwork components. The ring clamp system includes a seal adapted for wrapping about a joint formed between the ductwork components, and a discontinuous band. The discontinuous band defines a receptor end, a tab end, an interior surface and an exterior surface. In particular, the discontinuous band is pre-stressed to approximate a ring shape and includes at least one projection formed on the exterior surface adjacent the receptor end and at least one projection formed on the interior surface at the tab end. In this regard, the projections are configured to removably interlock to retain the band around the HVAC ductwork components.  
         [0010]     Yet another aspect of the present invention is related to an air handling system. The air handling system includes a first ductwork component, a second ductwork component, and a ring clamp. The first and second ductwork components are coupled together to define a joint. The ring clamp is secured about the joint. In this regard, the ring clamp includes a band defining a receptor end, a tab end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface; at least one projection formed on the exterior surface adjacent the receptor end; and at least one projection formed on the interior surface at the tab end. To this end, the projections interlock to maintain a position of the ring clamp about the joint.  
         [0011]     Yet another aspect of the present invention is related to a kit for securing a first ductwork component to a second adjacent ductwork component. The kit includes at least one ring clamp, a clamping device, and a seal. The ring clamp(s) include a discontinuous band defining a receptor end and a tab end, a first boss formed adjacent to the receptor end, and a second boss formed at the tab end. Specifically, the first and second bosses are formed on an exterior surface of the band. The clamping device is coupleable between the first and second bosses. A length of the seal is greater than a circumference of the first and second ductwork components. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     Embodiments of the invention are better understood with reference to the following drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an air handling system illustrating HVAC ductwork components and ring clamp systems according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a ring clamp system including a ring clamp and a seal according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of the ring clamp shown in  FIG. 2  illustrating removably interlocked projections and an open and unlocked clasp according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3B  is an enlarged side view of the removably interlocked projections shown in  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3C  is a side view illustrating a closed and locked clasp according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4A  is perspective view of two HVAC ductwork components coupled to form a joint;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the ring clamp system shown in  FIG. 2  disposed about the joint shown in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of the ring clamp system shown in  FIG. 2  tightly secured about the joint shown in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternate ring clamp according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the ring clamp shown in  FIG. 5  illustrating saw toothed-shaped teeth on a first mating field;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the ring clamp shown in  FIG. 5  having a tab end positioned between opposing guides according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the ring clamp shown in  FIG. 7  illustrating a second mating field interlocked with the first mating field;  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the ring clamp shown in  FIG. 8  illustrating a clamp tool employed to cinch the ring clamp together;  
         [0026]      FIG. 10A  is top view of a kit of parts including a ring clamp having an integral clasp, and a seal according to one embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0027]      FIG. 10B  is top view of an alternate kit of parts including a ring clamp, a clamp tool, and a seal according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0028]     One aspect of the present invention relates to a ring clamp system useful for connecting ductwork components of an air handling system. With this in mind, an exemplary air handling system  20  including ductwork components (referenced generally at  25 ) is shown in  FIG. 1 . In this regard, the air handling system  20  reflects but one of a multitude of possible configurations with which the present invention is useful. That is to say, air handling systems, such as the system  20 , are designed to satisfy the criteria of the particular residential, commercial, or industrial installation. Thus, depending upon the particular installation criteria, additional ductwork components  25  maybe included and/or others of the ductwork components  25  eliminated. In light of this, the ductwork components  25  of the present invention can be heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) components positioned in a variety of orientations, and as such, directional terminology is stated for purposes of illustration only and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized employing various ductwork components  25  without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. With this in mind, the exemplary air handling system  20  includes a furnace  22  including a blower (not shown); HVAC ductwork components  25  including a plenum  24 , takeoffs  26 , tees  28 , straight pipes  30 , elbows  32 , a reducer  34 , tee boots  36 , offset footer boots  38 , and saddle boots  40 ; and ring clamp systems  50 . As described in greater detail below, the ductwork components  25  are coupled to one another by various ones of the ring claim systems  50 .  
         [0029]     The HVAC ductwork components  25  encompass a wide variety of shapes selected to achieve a variety of functions. In general terms, the ductwork components  25  are rigid components as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/252,032, incorporated into this disclosure in its entirety by reference. Preferably, the ductwork components  25  comprise integrally formed, foam-based bodies that provide requisite structural strength and airflow handling capabilities without the having a separate metal layer, although other constructions are equally acceptable.  
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the ring clamp system  50  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The ring clamp system  50  includes a ring clamp  52  and a seal  54 .  
         [0031]     The ring clamp  52  is employed to interconnect various adjacent ductwork components  25 . With this in mind, the ring clamp  52  includes a band  70  defining a receptor end  72 , a tab end  74 , an interior surface  76 , an exterior surface  78 , a first retainer  80 , a second retainer  82 , and a clasp  83 .  
         [0032]     The band  70  is discontinuous such that the receptor end  72  is separate from the tab end  74 . In this regard, the band  70  is pre-stressed to approximate a ring shape such that the receptor end  72  is opposite from, and configured to receive and removably interlock with, the tab end  74  via the retainers  80 ,  82 .  
         [0033]     The first retainer  80  is formed on the exterior surface  78  adjacent to the receptor end  72 , and the second retainer  82  is formed on a portion of the interior surface  76  at the tab end  74 . The retainers  80 ,  82  are configured to couple together to repositionably engage the receptor end  72  with the tab end  74 . In this regard, in one embodiment the first retainer  80  is a projection projecting out from the exterior surface  78 , and the second retainer  82  is a projection projecting in from the interior surface  76 . In addition, opposing guides  84 a and  84 b are formed on the exterior surface  78  adjacent to the receptor end  72  and are configured to slidingly receive the tab end  74 . Specifically, the tab end  74  can be aligned over the receptor end  72  and maintained between the guides  84 a,  84 b such that the retainers  80 ,  82  removably interlock the band  70  in the ring shape. The band  70 , as described above, is repositionably retained in the ring shape when the projecting retainers  80 ,  82  are interlocked, such that the band  70  can encircle and be adjusted about the ductwork components  25 . When the band  70  is in a desired position, the ring clamp  52  can be tightly cinched, as described below.  
         [0034]     A first boss  86  is formed adjacent to the first retainer  80 , and a second boss  88  is formed at the tab end  74 , the bosses  86 ,  88  adapted for tightly cinching the ends  72 ,  74  of the band  70  together. In one embodiment, the clasp  83  is movably secured to the second boss  88  via a formed wire  89 . The wire  89  permits the clasp  83  to span over to the first boss  86 . To this end, the bosses  86 ,  88  are formed on the exterior surface  78 , and the first boss  86  provides a grasping area for the clasp  83  to engage with in cinching the ring-shaped band  70  tightly about the HVAC ductwork components  25 , as best described with reference to  FIGS. 3A-3B  below.  
         [0035]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of the ring clamp  52  showing the projecting retainers  80 ,  82  removably interlocked and the clasp  83  in an unlocked and open position. In this orientation, the ring clamp  52  is depicted as if coupled around the ductwork components  25  and the seal  54 , which are not shown for ease of illustration. The clasp  83  and the wire  89  extended over the first boss  86 . An engagement end  94  of the clasp  83  contacts the first boss  86  and a lever end  96  of the clasp  83  is available for applying a load by grasping, for example by grasping with a hand. In addition, the clasp  83  also defines a first slot  97  and a second slot  98 . The formed wire  89  is engaged in one of the slots  97 ,  98 . To this end, a selective engagement of the wire  89  in one of the slots  97 ,  98  adjusts a level of compression delivered to the ring clamp  52  by the clasp  83 . As illustrated, the wire  89  is coupled to the first slot  97  such that an intermediate level of compression is delivered to the band  70  by the clasp  83  when closed. Alternately, the wire  89  could be engaged with the slot  98  to achieve a higher level of compression in the closed ring clamp  52 . In one embodiment, the wire is frictionally engaged with the slots  97 ,  98 . With this in mind, the first boss  86  functions as a fulcrum and the clasp  83 /wire  89  function as a lever in tightly cinching the ends  72 ,  74  of the band  70  together.  
         [0036]      FIG. 3B  is an enlarged side view of the removably interlocked projecting retainers  80 ,  82 . The tab end  74  has been passed through the guides  84   a,    84   b  (guide  84   a  visible in the side view) and the second retainer  82  has been lifted over, and coupled to, the first retainer  80 . The retainers  80 ,  82  are configured to couple together to repositionably retain the ends  72 ,  74  of the ring clamp  52 . In this manner, the ring clamp  52  is semi-assembled and adapted for accurate positioning just prior to being securely fastened via movement of the clasp  83 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 3C  is a side view of the ring clamp  52  showing the clasp  83  in a down and locked position. The lever end  96  of the clasp  83  has been moved down to conform to the exterior  78  of the band  70 . In doing so, the engagement end  94  has been brought to bear against the first boss  86 , thus cinching the band  70  tightly together by moving the first boss  86  toward the second boss  88 . In particular, the formed wire  89  is coupled between the second boss  88  and the first slot  97  of the clasp  83 , such that a force applied by the clasp  83  is transferred through the second boss  88  to draw the second boss  88  toward the first boss  86 . In this manner, an inside diameter of the band  70  is reduced by the downward lever motion of the clasp  83 , and the band  70  is locked in the cinched state (i.e., the band  70  is tightened).  
         [0038]     The band  70  is generally durable and flexible. In one embodiment, the band  70  is formed of integrally formed, foam-based plastic. In an exemplary embodiment, the band  70  has a width of approximately 5 inches and a length (i.e., a circumference) selected such that the band  70  can couple about ductwork component  25  having an outside diameter of approximately 10 inches. In this regard, the band  70  is compatible with ten-inch ductwork components  25  having a circumference that is increased by the presence of the seal  54 . To this end, the band  70  is formed to a desired length and the bosses  86 ,  88  are positioned apart from the ends  72 ,  74  to facilitate an unimpeded cinching of the band  70 . In an alternate embodiment, the band  70  defines a length such that its circumference is suited for coupling about a ductwork component  25  having an outside diameter of approximately 6 inches. In another exemplary embodiment, the band  70  includes a pigment such that the ring clamp  52  has a visually contrasting color distinct from the ductwork components  25 .  
         [0039]     The seal  54  defines a duct surface  90  and a clamp surface  92 . In one embodiment, the duct surface  90  includes an adhesive layer (not shown) that is covered by a liner (not shown) prior to attachment to the ductwork components  25 . In a preferred embodiment, the seal  54  is flexible, formed of, for example, open cell foam and the clamp surface  92  is pliant. In this manner, the interior surface  76  of the ring clamp  52  compresses the seal  54  and tightly couples the two ductwork components  25  together.  
         [0040]     The installation of an air handling system, for example air handling system  20  ( FIG. 1 ), is designed to satisfy the criteria of a particular residential, commercial, or industrial installation. During the installation of the air handling system  20 , various ones of the ductwork components  25  are joined together. To this end,  FIG. 4A  illustrates a first straight pipe  100   a  positioned adjacent to a second straight pipe  100   b  forming a joint  102  there between. In this regard, the straight pipes  100   a,    100   b  are butted together and the joint  102  is free to move (i.e., unsecured).  
         [0041]     The ductwork components  25  can be assembled and secured through the use of the ring clamp system  50  ( FIG. 2 ). To this end,  FIG. 4B  illustrates the seal  54  disposed about the joint  102  and the ring clamp  52  positioned about the seal  54 . In this manner, the seal  54  covers the joint  102  and the straight pipes  100   a,    100   b  are positioned to be secured by tightening of the ring clamp  52 .  
         [0042]     In particular, the tab end  74  and the receptor end  72  are splayed apart such that the band  70  encircles the joint  102 . In this manner, tab end  74  is positioned for entrance into the receptor end  72  to permit the projecting second retainer  82  to couple with the projecting first retainer  80  in repositionably retaining the ring clamp  52  about the joint  102 . The clasp  83  is shown elevated above the second boss  88  such that the band  70  can be maneuvered relative to the seal  54  to achieve a desired, accurate positioning over the joint  102 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 4C  illustrates the ductwork components  25  secured together by the ring clamp  52  and the seal  54 . In this regard, and with additional reference to  FIG. 4B , the engagement end  94  of the clasp  83  has been engaged with the first boss  86  and the clasp  83  has been moved to the down, or locked, position such that the ring clamp  52  is tightly compressed about the seal  54  (not shown). When in the locked position, the ring clamp  52  should not rotate relative to the seal  54 . If the air handling system installer desires the ring clamp  52  to clamp more tightly about the ductwork components  25 , the clasp  83  can be moved to the unlocked position ( FIG. 4B ) and the wire  89  moved to the second slot  98 , whereupon movement of the clasp  83  back down to the locked position will more tightly cinch the ring clamp  52  about the ductwork components  25 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternate ring clamp  152  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The ring clamp  152  includes a band  170  defining a receptor end  172 , a tab end  174 , an interior surface  176 , an exterior surface  178 , a first mating field  180 , a second mating field  182 , opposing guides  184   a  and  184   b,  and a first boss  186  and a second boss  188 .  
         [0045]     The band  170  is discontinuous such that the receptor end  172  is separate from the tab end  174 . In addition, the band  170  is pre-stressed to approximate a ring shape such that the receptor end  172  is opposite from, and configured to receive, the tab end  174 .  
         [0046]     The first mating field  180  is formed on the exterior surface  178  adjacent to the receptor end  172 , and the second mating field  182  is formed on a portion of the interior surface  176  at the tab end  174 . The mating fields  180 ,  182  are configured to couple together to repositionably engage the receptor end  172  with the tab end  174 . In one embodiment, the mating fields  180 ,  182  define an ordered pattern of projections adapted to removably interlock the ring clamp  152  about the ductwork components  25  ( FIG. 1 ).  
         [0047]     The opposing guides  184   a,    184   b  are formed on the exterior surface  178  adjacent to the receptor end  172  and are configured to slidingly receive the tab end  174 . In this regard, the guides  184   a,    184   b  form a channel adapted to receive the tab end  174 , such that the tab end  174  can enter the guides  184   a,    184   b  and be aligned over the receptor end  172 . In this manner, the tab end  174  is maintained between the guides  184   a,    184   b  such that the mating fields  180 ,  182  are aligned one over the other to reproducibly interlock the band  170  in the ring shape.  
         [0048]     The first boss  186  is formed adjacent to the first mating field  180 , and the second boss  188  is formed at the tab end  174 . In addition, the bosses  186 ,  188  are formed on the exterior surface  178 . In this manner, the bosses  186 ,  188  occupy respective ends of the band  170  such that when the tab end  174  is coupled with the receptor end  172 , the bosses  186 ,  188  can be employed to draw the band  170  tightly together, as described below.  
         [0049]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the first mating field  180  shown in  FIG. 5 . The first mating field  180  comprises a plurality of projections  192  extending from the exterior surface  178  of the band  170 . In one embodiment, the first mating field  180  defines an ordered pattern of teeth  192  (or projections) that are complimentary to and suited for interlocking with the second mating field  182 . In this regard, each of the projections  192  defines a height H and is spaced a distance S apart from others of the projections  192 . For example, in one embodiment, the ordered pattern of projections  192  is circumferentially spaced 15 teeth-per-inch. In this regard, the spacing S is approximately 0.07 inches, although other spacings are acceptable. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing S is in the range of 0.04-0.2 inch; more preferably the spacing S is in the range of 0.05-0.1 inch.  
         [0050]     The height H relates to a penetration depth achieved by the intermeshing mating fields  180 ,  182 . In this regard, it is desired that the height H be of a sufficient dimension to accomplish a mutual interlocking between the mating fields  180 ,  182 . In one embodiment, the height H of the projections  192  is in the range of 0.02-0.2 inch; more preferably the height H is approximately 0.04 inch.  
         [0051]     In one embodiment, the projections  192  define a saw-tooth pattern. In this regard, the projections  192  each define a leading face  194  and a trailing face  196 . To clarify the relationship between the leading face  194  and the trailing face  196 , a line N 1  normal to the interior surface  176  of the band  170  is schematically depicted. In this manner, an extension of the leading face  194  of the tooth  192  defines a guide angle A. An extension of the trailing face  196  defines a rake angle B. The rake angle B represents an “undercut” such that the projection  192  is configured to grasp, or engage, with other complimentary projections  192 . The guide angle A and the rake angle B are preferably less than 180 degrees with respect to the normal line N 1 . In one embodiment, the guide angle A is in the range of 30 degrees-90 degrees, more preferably the guide angle A is in the range of 45 degrees-80 degrees. In one embodiment, the rake angle B is in the range of 0 degrees-30 degrees, more preferably, the rake angle B is in the range of 0 degree-15 degrees.  
         [0052]     In a complimentary manner, the second mating field  182  ( FIG. 2 ) likewise defines a plurality of projections that are substantially similar to the projections  192  of the first mating field  180 , thus enabling the second mating field  182  to interlock with the first mating field  180 . Specifically, the second mating field  182  includes projections having a spacing and a height equal to the spacing S, and the height H, of the projections  192 . In addition, the projections on the second mating field  182  are preferably raked at an angle equal to the angle B, but oriented to rake in an opposing direction to the projections  192  of the first mating field  180 .  
         [0053]     With this in mind, in one embodiment the saw-tooth pattern of projections  192  is continuous for the full width across the band  170 . That is to say, in one embodiment, the projections  192  define an ordered saw-tooth pattern in cross-section that is continuous across the width of the band  170 . In an alternate embodiment, the first mating field  180  and the second mating field  182  can define a complimentary ordered pattern of projections and recesses. For example, the first mating field  180  can define an ordered pattern of projections (for example, pins or posts) and the second mating field  182  can define an ordered pattern of recesses (for example, holes or cups) such that the projections of the first mating field  180  couple into the recesses of the second mating field  182 . In any regard, the second mating field  182  is configured to removably interlock (i.e., mesh) with the first mating field  180 .  
         [0054]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the ring clamp  152  having the tab end  174  introduced between the opposing guides  184   a,    184   b.  The opposing guides  184   a,    184   b  are formed as part of the receptor end  172  and are dimensioned to slidingly receive the tab end  174 . In addition, the bosses  186 ,  188  are integrally formed with the band  170 . To this end, the bosses  186 ,  188  are centrally located within a width of the band  170  and have a width selected to permit the second boss  188  to pass between the opposing guides  184   a,    184   b.  In one embodiment, the second boss  188  has a width of approximately 3.25 inches, although other configurations and dimensions permitting the second boss  188  to pass between the guides  184   a,    184   b  are equally acceptable.  
         [0055]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the ring clamp  152  shown in  FIG. 7 . The tab end  174  has been threaded between a channel  198  of the guide  184   b.  Each of the opposing guides  184   b  ( 184   a  not shown) are configured such that the channel  198  will slidingly receive the tab end  174 . The opposing guide  184   b  is preferably C-shaped such that the channel  198  has a height of approximately 0.25 inch (it being understood that guide  184   a  is substantially similar to guide  184   b ). In this manner, the opposing guides  184   a,    184   b  are configured to slidingly receive and minimize lateral movement of the tab end  174 .  
         [0056]     In one embodiment, the first boss  186  defines a height of approximately 0.3 inch and the second boss  188  defines a height of approximately 0.2 inch. In addition, each boss  186 ,  188  defines an engagement face  197 ,  199 , respectively. The engagement faces  197 ,  199  are angled with respect to a vertical orientation. Specifically, vertical line N 2  is depicted orthogonal to the band  170  such that the engagement face  197  defines an engagement angle C 1  relative to the vertical line N 2  A vertical line N 3  that is normal to the band  170  in the location of the second boss  188  forms a vertical reference line with regard to the engagement face  199 . In this way, the second boss  188  defines an engagement face  199  that forms an engagement angle C 2  with respect to the vertical line N 3 . In one embodiment, the engagement angle C 1  is equal to the engagement angle C 2 . The engagement angles C 1 , C 2  are preferably between zero and 45 degrees, more preferably the engagement angles C 1 , C 2  are between 10 degrees and 30 degrees. In this manner, the first and second bosses  186 ,  188  provide engagement faces  197 ,  199 , respectively, that are suited for grasping by a tool, as more fully described below.  
         [0057]     In one embodiment, a clamp tool  200  is employed to cinch the ring clamp  152  tightly together as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The clamp tool  200  includes a handle  202  terminating in a head  204  and a wire frame  206  extending from the head  204 . The wire frame  206  is configured to couple with one of the bosses  186 ,  188 . The head  204  is configured to couple with the other of the bosses  186 ,  188  such that the head  204 , in combination with the wire frame  206 , cinches the bosses  186 ,  188  into closer proximity with each other. In a ratcheting manner, the clamp tool  200  can be employed to draw the bosses  186 ,  188  tightly together in securing adjacent ductwork components  25  ( FIG. 1 ).  
         [0058]     The ring clamps  52  ( FIG. 2 ) and  152  ( FIG. 5 ) have been described and are particularly useful in the convenient and cost effective assembly of the HVAC ductwork components  25  ( FIG. 1 ). Through the sequential assembly of the appropriate ductwork components  25 , unique residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC air handling systems  20  ( FIG. 1 ) can be constructed. With this in mind, a kit of parts providing various clamping components is useful.  
         [0059]      FIG. 10A  illustrates a kit  220  of parts according to one embodiment of the present invention. The kit  220  includes the clamp  52  having the integral clasp  83 , and the seal  54  described above with reference to  FIG. 2 . An alternate kit  230  of parts according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 10B . The kit  230  includes the ring clamp  152 , the seal  54 , and the clamping tool  200 . While not shown, the kits  220 ,  230  can include various ductwork components  25  and/or multiple clamps  52 ,  152 , multiple seals  54 , and additional clamping tools  200 .  
         [0060]     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the above described ring clamps employed in assembling HVAC components of air handling systems. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.