Bracket for heat exchange ventilation device

Abstract

A heat exchanger device includes an air duct, a thermal transfer unit disposed within the air duct, and at least one bracket fixed to the exterior of the air duct for mounting fluid lines coupled to the thermal transfer unit to the outside of the duct. The bracket includes a base and a plurality of arms. The arms extend obliquely from the base, and each of the plurality of arms has an aperture for receiving a fluid line. A method for mounting a plurality of fluid supply lines to a duct is also disclosed, and includes the steps of providing a bracket with a base and a plurality of arms, fixing the base of the bracket to the exterior of the duct, and engaging each of the fluid supply lines in a receiving portion of one of the plurality of arms of the bracket.

Description

RELATED APPLICATONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/008,226 entitled “BRACKET FOR HEAT EXCHANGE VENTILATION DEVICE,” which was filed Nov. 6, 2001 by the same inventor, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to ventilation ducts, and more particularly to a novel bracket and method for mounting a fluid supply line to a ventilation duct.

[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0005] Many buildings have complicated Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems that must service many areas of the building. These HVAC systems typically include Variable Air Volume (VAV) boxes that are responsible for controlling the temperature in each of the HVAC system's service areas. VAV boxes generally encase at least one heat exchanger in one of its air ducts in order to heat the air passing through the VAV box. The heat exchanger is supplied with a hot fluid (e.g. hot water, steam, etc.) via a fluid supply line, the hot fluid heats the heat exchanger (e.g., a radiator), and the cooled fluid is returned to the source through a fluid return line to be reheated. The fluid supply and return lines are routed to the heat exchanger along the outside wall of the air duct.

[0006] Supply and return pipes are mounted to a VAV box as follows. The mounting process begins by mounting a piece of channel (e.g., UNISTRUT) to the air duct transversely to each fluid line. The fluid lines that service the heat exchanger are typically insulated, and run through valves and strainers that are also secured to the outside of the air duct. Thus, the fluid lines must be mounted a spaced distance from the air duct. In some cases, multiple pieces of channel must be bolted together in order to provide the necessary space between the fluid lines and the air duct. Each fluid line is then fixed to the channel using a compression clamp. An insulating insert (e.g., a calcium insert) is placed around each fluid line where the line is to be secured to the channel, to insulate the pipe from the channel and/or the clamp.

[0007] The above-described process of mounting the fluid lines to the heat exchanger is very time consuming and requires many mounting components, and is therefore expensive. Using the current process, a worker is able to route piping to only an estimated 1-6 heat exchangers per day. Furthermore, the parts needed for coupling both fluid lines to a single VAV box (e.g., channel, insulating inserts, clamps, etc.) are estimated to cost between $13 and $26 per heat exchanger.

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a cutaway view of a portion of a Variable Air Volume (VAV) box 100, and illustrates the current method of mounting fluid supply lines to a VAV box in greater detail. VAV box 100 includes an air duct 102, a heat exchanger 104, a fluid supply line 106, a fluid return line 108, and a plurality of support members 110(1-6). Support members 110(1-6) hold heat exchanger 104 in position within air duct 102, and insulates heat exchanger 104 from air duct 102. Heat exchanger 104 is also partially supported by fluid supply line 106 and fluid return line 108, and includes a large number of heat transfer fins 112 that are thermally coupled to pipe coils (not shown) that are in fluid communication with supply line 106 and return line 108.

[0009] Fluid supply line 106 delivers a heated or chilled fluid (e.g. water, glycol solution, steam, etc.) to heat exchanger 104. The heated liquid travels through the heating coils and transfers heat, via fins 112, to air flowing through air duct 102. The cooled liquid exits heat exchanger 104 and passes out of air duct 102 via fluid return line 108. Both fluid supply line 106 and fluid return line 108 make a 90 degree turn (into the plane of the page) outside duct 102, and are secured along the side of air duct 102.

[0010] VAV box 100 further includes a plurality of channels 114(1-2), a plurality of extension bolts 116(1-3) (including a plate, a washer, and a nut), a plurality of vent screws 118(1-2), and a plurality of compression clamps 120(1-2). Each of compression clamps 120(1-2) include an upper arm 122, a lower arm 124, a two-piece insulating member 126, and a clamping bolt 128. Each of channels 114(1-2) includes an engaging structure 130(1-2) (shown more clearly in FIG. 2) that extends the length of channels 114(1-2). First channel 114(1) is secured to air duct 102 by vent screws 118(1-2). Extension bolts 116(1-3) secure second channel 114(2) to first channel 114(1) by engaging both the base of channel 114(2) and engaging structure 130(1) of channel 114(1).

[0011] Fluid supply line 106 is coupled to channel 114(2) by compression clamp 120(1). Upper arm 122 and lower arm 124 of clamp 120(1) encircle fluid supply line 106 and hook into channel 114(2) at engaging structure 130(2). A two-piece insulating member 126 between fluid supply line 106 and compression clamp 120(1) prevents the rubbing and rattling of fluid supply line 106 against compression clamp 120(1), and also provides thermal insulation. Tightening clamping bolt 128 securely fastens compression clamp 120(1) around fluid supply line 106, as well as, shifts upper arm 122 and lower arm 124 into a retained position in engaging structure 130(2). Fluid return line 108 is coupled to channel 114(2) in the same fashion.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a top view of VAV box 100 that more clearly shows a portion of compression clamp 120(1) and channels 114(1) and 114(2). Upper arm 122(1) and lower arm 124(1) (not visible in this view) include a pair of hooks 202 that engage engaging structure 130(2) when clamping bolt 128 is tightened. When fluid line 106 is mounted, fluid line 106 is disposed a distance “X” 204 from the outside wall of air duct 102. This offset compensates for inline fluid control devices (e.g. valves, strainers, etc.) and pipe insulation (not shown) that generally accompany fluid supply line 106. Furthermore, some offset 204 is always generated by pipe bend 206. Return line 108 is mounted the same way as supply line 106, but is hidden from view by supply line 106 in FIG. 2.

[0013] What is needed is a method and apparatus for coupling a fluid line to a heat exchanger in a ventilation duct that is quick and requires a reduced number of parts.

SUMMARY

[0014] The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art by providing an inexpensive bracket that quickly and efficiently couples a fluid supply/return lines of a thermal transfer unit within an air duct to the exterior of the air duct.

[0015] One embodiment of a heat exchange device includes at least a portion of an air duct and a thermal transfer unit disposed within the air duct. The thermal transfer unit (e.g., a radiator) has at least one fluid supply line passing through the wall of the air duct. The fluid supply line is mounted to the exterior of the duct with a bracket that includes a base and an arm. The base of the bracket is fixed to exterior of the air duct, and the arm of the bracket includes a receiving portion for accepting the fluid supply line. In a particular embodiment, the bracket is made of a single piece of sheet metal, having a bend formed therein to define the base and the arm, and the receiving portion is an aperture formed in the arm.

[0016] In an alternate embodiment, the receiving portion of the bracket can selectively engage or disengage the fluid supply line. Optionally, the receiving portion of the arm comprises a hinged aperture.

[0017] Optionally, a heat resistant grommet is disposed in the aperture to reduce thermal transfer between the fluid line and the bracket, and to isolate potentially dissimilar metals from one another. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of grommets, each having a different inner diameter, are provided to allow the bracket to be used with supply lines of different diameters.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, the base of the bracket lies in a first plane, and the arm of the bracket lies in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. In a more particular embodiment, the arm of the bracket extends in a direction oblique to the plane of the base. The arm of the bracket extends from the base a distance sufficient engage the fluid supply line a spaced distance from the duct, to accommodate the disposition of devices (e.g., valve portions, insulation, etc.) between the fluid line and the duct.

[0019] In another particular embodiment, the bracket includes a base lying in a first plane, and a plurality of arms lying in a second plane and extending from the base for mounting a plurality of supply lines to a duct. In a more particular embodiment, the bracket has a base, a first arm and a second arm, both arms extending obliquely in different directions from a lateral edge of the base. Optionally, the first arm extends obliquely from the base, and the second arm extends perpendicularly from the base.

[0020] A method for mounting a fluid supply line to a duct is also disclosed and includes the steps of providing a bracket having a base and an arm extending from the base, fixing the base of the bracket to the exterior of a duct, and engaging the fluid supply line within a receiving portion of the arm. In a particular method, the step of engaging the fluid supply line within the receiving portion includes fastening the fluid supply line to the receiving portion.

[0021] In one particular method, the receiving portion is an aperture and the step of engaging the fluid supply line within the aperture includes routing the fluid supply line through the aperture. In a more particular embodiment, the step providing a bracket further includes providing a heat resistant grommet in the aperture of the arm.

[0022] A particular method for mounting multiple supply lines to a duct using a single bracket includes the steps of providing a bracket having a base and a plurality of arms extending from the base, each arm having a receiving portion formed therein, fixing the base of the bracket to the exterior of the duct, and routing each of the plurality of supply lines within a receiving portion of an associated one of the plurality of arms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present invention is described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numbers denote substantially similar elements:

[0024] FIG. 1 is an end view of a variable air volume box employing a known assembly for mounting a fluid line of a heat exchanger to the exterior of an air duct;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a top plan view (omitting the top of the air duct) of the fluid line mounting assembly of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 3 is an end view of a variable air volume box employing a bracket of the present invention for mounting a fluid line of a heat exchanger to the exterior of an air duct;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a side view of the air duct of FIG. 3;

[0028] FIG. 5 is a side view of a bracket in accordance with the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of a bracket in accordance with the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 7 shows an alternate bracket in accordance with the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 8 is an end view of a variable air volume box employing an alternate embodiment of a bracket of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 9 is a side view of the air duct of FIG. 8;

[0033] FIG. 10 is a side view of the alternate bracket of FIG. 8;

[0034] FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of the alternate bracket of FIG. 8;

[0035] FIG. 12 is a side view of another alternate bracket in accordance with the present invention; and

[0036] FIG. 13 shows a bottom view of the alternate bracket of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art by providing an inexpensive bracket that efficiently couples a fluid line to an air duct. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth (e.g. fastener types, grommet types, etc.) in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced apart from these specific details. In other instances, details of well known ventilation practices (e.g. inline valving, pipe assembly, etc.) have been omitted, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 3 is an end view of a portion of a Variable Air Volume (VAV) box 300. VAV box 300 includes an air duct 302, a heat exchanger 304, a fluid supply line 306, a fluid return line 308, and a plurality of support members 310(1-6). Support members 310(1-6) hold heat exchanger 304 in position within air duct 302, and insulate heat exchanger 304 from air duct 302. Heat exchanger 304 is also partially supported by fluid supply line 306 and fluid return line 308, and includes a large number of heat transfer fins 112 that are thermally coupled to pipe coils (not shown) in fluid communication with supply line 106 and return line 108. Heat exchanger 304 is representative of any known (e.g. a radiator) or yet to be developed fluid based thermal transfer unit, including both heating and/or cooling devices.

[0039] Fluid supply line 306 delivers a heated fluid (e.g. hot water, glycol solution, steam, etc.) to heat exchanger 304. The heated liquid travels through the heating coils and transfers heat, via fins 312, to air flowing through air duct 302. The cooled liquid exits heat exchanger 304 and passes out of air duct 302 via fluid return line 308. Both fluid supply line 306 and fluid return line 308 make a 90 degree turn (into the plane of the page) outside duct 102, and are secured along the side of air duct 102, via brackets 314(1-2), respectively.

[0040] Each of brackets 314(1-2) includes a base 316(1-2) and an arm 318(1-2). Arm 318(1-2) has a receiving portion 320(1-2) formed therein. In this particular embodiment, receiving portions 320(1-2) are apertures formed in arms 318(1-2) for accepting fluid lines 306 and 308, respectively. Grommets 322(1-2) are disposed in apertures 318(1-2) to thermally and mechanically isolate lines 306 and 308 from brackets 314(1-2), respectively. Arms 318(1-2) are rounded at their distal ends for safety and aesthetics. Bases 316(1-2) each include a plurality of fastening apertures 324(1-2), and are mounted to duct 302 by a corresponding plurality of screws 326(1-2).

[0041] Grommets 322(1-2) protect fluid lines 306 and 308 from abrasion caused by rubbing against receiving portions 320(1-2), respectively, and prevent electrolysis of receiving portion 320(1-2) and/or fluid lines 306 and 308 caused by any dissimilarities in the metals of fluid lines 306 and 308 and brackets 314(1-2). Because fluid supply line 306 and fluid return line 308 carry heated liquid to and from heat exchanger 304, grommet 322(1) should be made of a heat resistant (e.g., temperatures in excess of 220 degrees Fahrenheit) material. The inventor has found that grommets available from McMaster-Carr, a distributor having a place of business in Los Angeles, Calif., as “Military Specification Buna-N Rubber Grommets”, having a temperture rating of −45°-+250° F., function satisfactory.

[0042] Arms 318(1-1) extends outward from the side of air duct 302 to engage fluid lines 306 and 308, respectively, a spaced distance from duct 302. This distance provides space between fluid line 306 and 308 and duct 302 to accommodate inline process control devices (e.g. valves, strainers, etc.), or to compensate for insulation (not shown) surrounding either the fluid lines 306 and 308, air duct 302, or both. In the embodiment shown in the figures, arms 318(1-2) have a fixed length. Therefore, the worker would simply choose a bracket 314 having the desired dimensions for a particular application. Optionally, arm 318(1) can be made adjustable, so that multiple distances can be accommodated with a single bracket.

[0043] Note that bracket 314(1) is identical to bracket 314(2) except that in the present view arm 318(2) extends obliquely in an opposite direction with respect the plane of base 316(2). For example, in the FIG. 3, arm 318(1) makes an angle of approximately −45 degrees with an axis passing perpendicularly through the center of base 316(1), whereas arm 318(2) makes an angle of approximately +45 degrees with an axis passing perpendicularly through the center of base 316(2).

[0044] Brackets 314 whose arms 318 extend obliquely in opposite directions (e.g., left-handed or right-handed) as shown, facilitate flexible positioning of brackets 314 by the assemblyman, as well as ensuring that one bracket does not interfere with the placement of another. For example, note that the base 316 of each bracket 314 is positioned either higher or lower than the fluid supply line to which it is mounted. This prevents the fluid lines from interfering with the mounting of base 316 to duct 302. Note also that brackets 314(1-2) can be mounted adjacent the top and bottom edges, respectively, of duct 302, where such ducts are typically more rigid due to the support of the adjacent wall of the duct. Further, brackets with angled arms allow fluid lines to be mounted slightly above and/or below a section of duct.

[0045] Further, VAV boxes such as VAV box 300 are sometimes assembled in the shop, where brackets 314 are mounted to duct 302 before any adjacent ducts are connected to duct 302. It is, therefore, sometimes necessary to mount brackets 314 near the open end of duct 302. It is therefore desirable for both of bases 316(1-2) to extend in the same direction (e.g., out of the page in FIG. 3). This prevents brackets 314 from extending past the open end of duct 302 and thereby interfering with the attachment of duct 302 to other duct work.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of air duct 302. Fluid supply line 306 and fluid return line 308 pass through receiving portions 320(1) and 320(2) of brackets 318(1) and 318(2) respectively, before making an orthogonal bend through air duct to connect with heat exchanger 304. Bases 316(1-2) are rectangular, and are fastened to the outside of air duct 302 by screws 326(1-2). In the present embodiment, screws 326(1-2) are self-tapping sheet metal screws. It should be noted that depending on the particular application, alternate methods (e.g. adhesive, welding, other fasteners, strapping, etc.) of securing bases 316(1-2) to air duct 302 could be employed.

[0047] Bracket 318(1) is installed as follows. First, the workman slides aperture 320(1), including grommet 322, over the stubbed end (not shown) of fluid supply line 306. Although grommets 322 are shown slightly spaced from the fluid lines 306 and 308 in the drawings for clarity, it should be understood that grommets 322 should fit as snuggly as is practical (considering e.g., thermal expansion, ease of mounting, etc.). After bracket 314(1) is slid into the desired position, base 316(1) is aligned flush with the outside of air duct 302. Base 316(1) is then secured to air duct 302 by driving screws 326(1) through fastening apertures 324(1) and into air duct 302. Note that the oblique disposition of arm 318(1) with respect to base 316(1) provides easy access to screws 326(1). Bracket 314(2) is mounted similarly. While each bracket 314 is mounted with two screws in FIG. 3, it should be understood that a greater or lesser number of screws 326 can be used, depending on the needs and parameters of a particular system.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of bracket 314(2). Base 316(2) lies in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the page, and arm 318(2) lies in the plane of the page. Arm 318(2) extends obliquely from base 316(2), and receiving portion 320(2) comprises an aperture formed in the distal end of arm 318(2). Grommet 320(2) fits in aperture 320(2). Although arm 318(2) extends obliquely to the left of base 316(2), it is noted again that brackets (e.g., bracket 314(1)) can be made with arm 318 extending obliquely to the right. Utilizing different brackets 314 having arms extending left or right help assemblymen make better use of tight spaces, and avoid obstructions.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of bracket 314. Base 316 is rectangular, and lies in the plane of the page. Arm 318 extends from the lateral (bottom in this view) edge of base 316. A plurality of unthreaded fastening apertures 324 are formed in base 316, to facilitate the passage of screws 326 (not shown) to fix bracket 314 to a duct.

[0050] Brackets 314 is manufactured from a single piece of sheet metal. First, bracket 314 is stamped from a flat sheet of metal. Next, fastening apertures 324 and receiving portion 320 are stamped and removed from bracket 318. Then, the flat metal piece is bent at a right angle to define base 316 and arm 318. Optionally, brackets 314(1-2) can be painted or powder coated for aesthetic and/or corrosion resistance purposes.

[0051] Bracket 314 is a particularly simple, and therefore valuable, embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that other embodiments of the invention are possible. For example, base 316 need not be perpendicular to arm 318. Rather, the angle between base 316 and arm 318 can be modified, and/or additional bends can be formed in arm 318, to vary the position of aperture 320 to accommodate any particular routing of a fluid line. Further, brackets can be formed from materials other than sheet metal (e.g., steel rod, plastic, ceramic, etc.). Additionally, providing a plurality of grommets, each having an outer diameter corresponding to the diameter of receiving portion 320, but having different inner diameters, permits bracket 314 to be used with fluid lines of many different diameters.

[0052] The advantages of bracket 314 should be readily apparent. First, the manufacture of bracket 314 is very simple and inexpensive, because it is simply stamped from sheet metal and bent into shape. Additionally, bracket 314 includes fewer parts, and is much easier for a worker to install, as compared to the accepted standard practice described in prior art FIGS. 1-2. This reduces installation time, and results in substantial labor cost savings.

[0053] FIG. 7 shows an alternate bracket 714 that can selectively engage or disengage fluid supply line 306. Bracket 714 includes a base 716, an arm 718 extending from base 716, and a two-piece grommet 722. Arm 718 includes a u-shaped receiving end 730, a u-shaped retaining member 732, a rivet 734, a fastening bolt 736, and bolt-receiving apertures 738. Retaining member 732 is coupled to the upper face of receiving end 730 by rivet 734, and is free to pivot about rivet 734. When retaining member 732 is in a closed position, fastening bolt 736 engages bolt-receiving aperture 738. Receiving end 730 and retaining member 732 define a receiving portion 740 that securely engages fluid supply line 306. A portion of grommet 722 is positioned in both receiving end 730 and retaining member 732 to permit fluid supply line 306 to be freely removed from bracket 714. This embodiment of the present invention is particularly useful in applications where the plumbing for a heat exchanger has already been installed, where bracket replacement is required, where additional brackets must be installed at a later time, or any other situation where it is impractical to slide a bracket aperture over the end of a pipe. Otherwise, it might be necessary to cut into the plumbing system in order to install a bracket.

[0054] FIG. 8 is an end view of a portion of VAV box 300 with an alternate bracket 814. Bracket 814 is adapted to secure both fluid supply line 306 and fluid return line 308 to the side of air duct 102 with a single bracket.

[0055] Bracket 814 includes a base 816 and a plurality of arms that, in this embodiment, includes a first arm 818 and a second arm 820. First arm 818 has a receiving portion 822 formed therein, and likewise, second arm 820 includes a receiving portion 824. In this particular embodiment, receiving portions 822 and 824 are apertures formed in first arm 818 and second arm 822 for accepting fluid lines 306 and 308, respectively. Grommets 826 and 828 are disposed in apertures 822 and 824, respectively, to thermally and mechanically isolate fluid lines 306 and 308 from bracket 814. Both first arm 818 and second arm 820 are rounded at their distal ends for safety and aesthetics. Finally, base 816 includes a plurality of fastening apertures 830(1-2), and is mounted to duct 302 by a corresponding plurality of screws 832(1-2).

[0056] Note that in the present view first arm 818 and second arm 820 extend obliquely in opposite directions with respect the plane of base 816. For example, in FIG. 8, first arm 818 makes an angle of approximately −50 degrees with an axis passing perpendicularly through the center of base 816, whereas second arm 820 makes an angle of approximately +50 degrees with respect to the same axis. It should be noted, however, that the angle (denoted &agr;) separating first arm 818 and second arm 820 can be increased or decreased, as particular applications require.

[0057] Also note that because bracket 814 is a single bracket designed to hold both fluid supply line 306 and fluid return line 308, it is simpler and quicker to install than two separate brackets adapted to hold only one fluid line (e.g. brackets 314(1-2)). Additionally, bracket 814 will conserve on stock material, by eliminating a second base (e.g. base 316(2) of bracket 314(2)).

[0058] FIG. 9 is a side plan view of air duct 302. Fluid supply line 306 and fluid return line 308 pass through receiving portions 822 and 824 of first arm 818 and second arm 820, respectively, before making an orthogonal bend through air duct 302 to connect with heat exchanger 304. Base 816 is rectangular, and is fastened to the outside of air duct 302 by screws 832(1-2). In the present embodiment, screws 832(1-2) are self-tapping sheet metal screws.

[0059] Bracket 818 is installed as follows. First, the workman slides aperture 822 and aperture 824, including grommets 826 and 828, over the stubbed ends (not shown) of fluid supply line 306 and fluid return line 308, respectively. After bracket 814 is slid into the desired position, base 816 is aligned flush with the outside of air duct 302. Base 816 is then secured to air duct 302 by driving screws 832(1-2) through fastening apertures 830(1-2) and into air duct 302. Note that the oblique dispositions of first arm 818 and second arm 820 with respect to base 816 provide easy access to screws 832(1-2). While bracket 814 is mounted with only two screws 832(1-2), it should be understood that a greater or lesser number of screws 326 could be used, depending on the requirements of a particular system.

[0060] FIG. 10 is a side plan view of bracket 814. Base 816 lies in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the page, while first arm 818 and second arm 820 both lie in the plane of the page. First arm 818 and second arm 820 extend obliquely, but in opposite directions, from base 816, and receiving portions 822 and 824 each comprise an aperture formed in the distal end of first arm 818 and second arm 820, respectively. Grommets 826 and 828 fit in respective apertures 822 and 824. It should also be noted that the width of base 816 can be increased or decreased depending on the application in order to vary the distance between first arm 818 and second arm 820.

[0061] Another advantage of the brackets described herein, is that the brackets can be bent in the field to accommodate different distances between fluid lines 306, 308 and duct 302. In particular, a worker can bend arms 818 and 820 along lines 830, and then form an approximately equal and opposite bend along a line 832 at or near the junction between base 816 and arms 818, 820. These bends maintain the angular orientation of receiving portions 822, 824 with respect to fluid lines 306, 308, while decreasing the distance between receiving portions 822, 824 and duct 302.

[0062] Optionally, arms 881, 820 can be selectviely weakened along the desired bend lines 830, 832 during the manufacturing process (e.g. by scribing, pressing, etc.) to facilitate straight easy bends in the field. Note also, that the bending aspect discribed with reference to FIG. 10 can also be implemented in any of the bracket embodiments described and/or claimed herein.

[0063] FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of bracket 814. Base 816 is rectangular, and lies in the plane of the page. First arm 818 and second arm 820 both extend from the lateral (bottom in this view) edge of base 816 and into the page. A plurality of unthreaded fastening apertures 830(1-2) are formed in base 816, to facilitate the passage of screws 832(1-2) (FIG. 8) to fix bracket 814 to a duct.

[0064] Bracket 814 is manufactured from a single piece of sheet metal. First, bracket 814 is stamped from a flat sheet of metal. Next, fastening apertures 830(1-2) and receiving portions 822 and 824 are stamped and removed from bracket 814. Then, a portion of the metal is bent at a right angle to define base 816 and both first arm 818 and second arm 820. As with brackets 314(1-2), bracket 814 can be painted or powder coated for aesthetic and/or corrosion resistance purposes.

[0065] FIG. 12 is a side plan view of an alternate bracket 1214. Bracket 1214 includes a base 1216 that lies in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the page, and includes a first arm 1218 and a second arm 1220, which both lie in the plane of the page. First arm 1218 extends obliquely from base 1216, while second arm 1220 extends perpendicularly from base 1216. First arm 1218 and second arm 1220 each include a receiving portion 1222 and 1224, respectively. Receiving portions 1222 and 1224 each comprise an aperture formed in a respective distal end of first arm 1218 and second arm 1220. Grommets 1226 and 1228 fit in respective apertures 1222 and 1224. Bracket 1214 can provide easier mounting in some restricted space (e.g., narrowly separated fluid lines, etc.) mounting situations.

[0066] FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of bracket 1214. Base 1216 is rectangular, and lies in the plane of the page. As in previous embodiments, first arm 1218 and second arm 1220 both extend from the bottom lateral (bottom in this view) edge of base 1216. Furthermore, a plurality of unthreaded fastening apertures 1230(1-2) are formed in base 1216, to facilitate the passage of screws 1232(1-2) (not shown) to fix bracket 1214 to a duct.

[0067] The description of particular embodiments of the present invention is now complete. Many of the described features may be substituted, altered or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, alternate grommets or insulating means (e.g., calcium inserts, ceramic inserts, etc.) can be substituted for the high temperature rubber grommets disclosed. As another example, the present invention can be used to mount electrical heaters inside air ducts, by mounting electrical conduit (housing power lines to the heater) to the exterior of duct, instead of fluid lines. These and other deviations from the particular embodiments shown will be apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly in view of the foregoing disclosure.

Claims

1. A heat exchange device, comprising:

at least a portion of an air duct;

a thermal transfer unit disposed within said air duct, said thermal transfer unit including a plurality of fluid supply lines passing through a wall of said air duct; and

at least one bracket including a base fixed to the exterior of said air duct, and a plurality of arms extending from said base, each of said plurality of arms including a receiving portion for accepting one of said plurality of fluid supply lines.

2. A heat exchange device according to claim 1, wherein said bracket consists essentially of a single piece of material.

3. A heat exchange device according to claim 2, wherein said receiving portion of each of said plurality of arms comprises an aperture formed in each of said plurality of arms.

4. A heat exchange device according to claim 3, wherein said bracket comprises a flat piece of metal having a bend formed therein to form said base and said plurality of arms.

5. A heat exchange device according to claim 1, wherein said receiving portion of each of said plurality of arms comprises an aperture formed in said each of said plurality of arms of said bracket.

6. A heat exchange device according to claim 5, further including a grommet disposed in said aperture of each of said plurality of arms of said bracket.

7. A heat exchange device according to claim 6, wherein said grommet is heat resistant.

8. A heat exchange device according to claim 6, further including a plurality of interchangeable grommets, said plurality of grommets having the same outer diameters and different inner diameters.

9. A heat exchange device according to claim 1, wherein:

said base of said bracket lies in a first plane; and

each of said plurality of arms lies in a second plane perpendicular to said first plane.

10. A heat exchange device according to claim 9, wherein at least one of said plurality of arms of said bracket extends in a direction oblique to said first plane.

11. A heat exchange device according to claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of arms of said bracket extend from said base a distance sufficient to engage one of said plurality of fluid supply lines a spaced distance from the exterior of said air duct.

12. A heat exchange device according to claim 1, wherein said receiving portion of each of said plurality of arms is adapted to selectively engage or disengage a respective one of said fluid supply lines.

13. A heat exchange device according to claim 12, wherein said receiving portion of at least one of said plurality of arms comprises a hinged aperture.

14. A heat exchange device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of arms of said bracket extend from a lateral edge of said base of said bracket.

15. A method for mounting a plurality of fluid supply lines to an air duct, said method comprising:

providing a bracket having a base and a plurality of arms extending from said base, each of said plurality of arms including a receiving portion;

fixing said base of said bracket to the exterior of said air duct; and

engaging each of said plurality of fluid supply lines in said receiving portion of a respective one of said plurality of arms.

16. A method for mounting a plurality of fluid supply lines to an air duct according to claim 15, wherein:

said receiving portion of each of said plurality of arms includes an aperture formed therein; and

said step of engaging each of said plurality of fluid supply lines in said receiving portion of a respective one of said plurality of arms includes routing said each of said fluid supply lines through said aperture of said respective one of said plurality of arms.

17. A method for mounting a plurality of fluid supply lines to an air duct according to claim 16, wherein:

said step of providing said bracket further includes providing a grommet in said aperture of each of said plurality of arms; and

step of routing each of said plurality of fluid supply lines through said aperture of said respective one of said plurality of arms further includes routing said fluid supply line through said grommet of said respective one of said plurality of arms.

18. A method for mounting a plurality of fluid supply lines to an air duct according to claim 17, wherein said step of providing a grommet in said aperture of each of said plurality of arms further includes selecting a grommet having an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of said one of said plurality of fluid supply lines.

19. A method for mounting a plurality of fluid supply lines to a duct according to claim 15, wherein:

said base of said bracket lies in a first plane; and

each of said plurality of arms of said bracket lies in a second plane perpendicular to said first plane.

20. A method for mounting a plurality of fluid supply lines to a duct according to claim 19, wherein at least one of said plurality of arms of said bracket extends in a direction oblique to said first plane.

21. A method for mounting a plurality of fluid supply lines to a duct according to claim 15, wherein said step of engaging each of said plurality of fluid supply lines in said receiving portion of said bracket, includes fastening at least one of said fluid supply lines to said receiving portion of a respective one of said plurality of arms.

22. A method for mounting a plurality of fluid supply lines to a duct according to claim 21, wherein:

said receiving portion of at least one of said plurality of arms of said bracket comprises a hinged aperture; and

said step of engaging said plurality of fluid supply lines in said receiving portion of respective ones of said plurality of arms further includes clamping at least one of said fluid supply lines in said hinged aperture of said respective one of said plurality of arms.

23. A bracket for mounting a plurality of fluid supply lines to the exterior of a duct, comprising:

a base for coupling said bracket to said duct; and

a plurality of arms each having a receiving portion formed therein for coupling a respective one of said plurality of fluid supply lines to said bracket.

24. A bracket according to claim 23, wherein said bracket consists essentially of a single piece of material.

25. A bracket according to claim 24, wherein said receiving portion of each of said plurality of arms comprises an aperture formed in each of said plurality of arms.

26. A bracket according to claim 25, wherein said bracket comprises a flat piece of metal having a bend formed therein defining said base and each of said plurality of arms.

27. A bracket according to claim 23, wherein said receiving portion of each of said plurality of arms comprises an aperture formed in each of said plurality of arms of said bracket.

28. A bracket according to claim 27, further comprising a grommet disposed in said aperture of each of said plurality of arms of said bracket.

29. A bracket according to claim 28, wherein said grommet is heat resistant.

30. A bracket according to claim 28, wherein at least one of said plurality of arms further includes a plurality of grommets, each of said grommets having the same outer diameter and a different inner diameter.

31. A bracket according to claim 23, wherein said base lies in a first plane, said plurality of arms lie in a second plane perpendicular to said first plane.

32. A bracket according to claim 31, wherein at least one of said plurality of arms extends in a direction oblique to said first plane.

33. A bracket according to claim 31, wherein each of said plurality of arms extends from said base a distance sufficient to engage one of said plurality of fluid supply lines a spaced distance from said duct.

34. A bracket according to claim 23, wherein each of said plurality of arms extends from a lateral edge of said base.

35. A heat exchange device, comprising:

at least a portion of an air duct;

a thermal transfer unit disposed within said air duct, said thermal transfer unit including a plurality of fluid supply lines passing through a wall of said air duct; and

a bracket for coupling said plurality of fluid supply lines to the exterior of said air duct, said bracket including securing means for securing said bracket to said air duct and a plurality of coupling means for coupling each of said fluid supply lines to said bracket a spaced distance from said securing means.

36. A heat exchanger box according to claim 35, wherein each of said plurality of coupling means further includes an insulating means for reducing thermal transfer between a respective one of said plurality of fluid supply lines and said bracket.

37. A heat exchanger box according to claim 35, wherein:

said securing means lies in a first plane; and

each of said coupling means lies in a second plane perpendicular to said first plane.

38. A heat exchanger box according to claim 37, wherein at least one of said coupling means extends in a direction oblique to said first plane.