Plastic register boot
A register boot adapted for connection to ductwork and in a ducted heating or cooling system and has a unitary body of plastic. The unitary body has a substantially circular first opening for connecting to ductwork. The unitary body has a substantially rectangular second opening for connection to a register. The unitary body defines an air pathway between the first opening and the second opening. The unitary body preferably includes a first collar of a first diameter operatively connection to a second collar of a second diameter defining the first opening, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter. A fitting with the first and second collar is also disclosed. The fitting can be a register boot, flexible joint, or other type of fitting.
The present invention relates to heating and cooling. More particularly, but without limitation, the present invention relates to a register boot for connection between ductwork and a register.
One common problem in heating and cooling is efficiency. Increasing the efficiency of a heating and cooling system results in decreased costs of operating the heating and cooling system. One aspect of a heating and cooling system that can contribute to the efficiency or inefficiency is the ductwork and register boot being used.
Conventionally, ductwork and associated fittings are formed of sheet metal. Ducts or pipes as well as fittings such as elbows, angles, and boots are formed of riveted or welded sheet metal. Due to the nature in which these various parts are made there are often cracks in the ductwork and associated fittings that result in heating or cooling loss. When cracks appear in these components, including in the register boots, air flow can result in undesirable whistling sounds.
In more recent times, flex pipe is replacing sheet metal ducts. Flex pipe is generally associated with less heat loss and is easier to handle than conventional sheet metal ductwork.
Another problem relates to installation of ductwork. Metal ductwork can have sharp edges which result in injury.
A further problem relating to sheet metal ductwork is that is can easily becoming dirty which is problematic when the ductwork is exposed, such as in the basement of a residence.
Another problem relating to installation and repair is inventory. Ductwork can be of various sizes, including ducts being of 6 inch diameter or 7 inch diameter. Corresponding fittings come in 6 inch or 7 inch diameter, although reducers are available. The difference in diameters of ductwork requires that those who stock ductwork to carry inventory for both dimensions. This can be of particular concern to those who install or replace ductwork as they either need to maintain a full inventory of parts.
Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to improve upon the state of the art.
It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide for improving connections between ductwork and registers to improve the efficiency and reduce loss.
Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a plastic register boot that can be adapted to accommodate ductwork having different diameters.
A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a plastic register boot that reduces the amount of inventory needed.
A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to eliminate sharp metal edges which can result in injury.
Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a register boot suitable for use with flex pipe.
A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a register boot that is seamless and without cracks that leak air.
Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a register boot that is quiet and does not allow whistling.
Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a register boot with a flange or lip to stabilize the register boot during installation.
A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a register boot and/or a flexible joint that do not require an adapter to couple to different size of piping.
One or more of these and/or other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention become apparent from the specification and claims that follow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides for plastic register boots. According to one aspect of the present invention a register boot is adapted for connection to ductwork and in a ducted heating or cooling system. The register boot includes a unitary body of plastic. The unitary body has a substantially circular first opening for connecting to ductwork. The unitary body has a substantially rectangular second opening for a connection to a register. The unitary body defines an air pathway between the first opening and the second opening. The unitary body can be adapted for connection to either ductwork of a first diameter or ductwork of a second diameter. Preferably the register boot is made of a plastic material. The ductwork can include a flange extending outwardly from the second opening to support the register boot when it is installed through a floor.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a register boot for providing a tight connection between ductwork and a ducted heating or cooling system and a register to prevent loss of air through the register boot while providing for ease of installation is provided. The register boot includes a unitary body formed of plastic for preventing the loss of air. The unitary body has a first opening for receiving air from the ductwork. The unitary body has a second opening for passing air to the register. The second opening is of a substantially rectangular shape and adapted for connection to the register. Preferably the register boot is adapted to be configured to fit ductwork of either a first size or a second size.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a fitting for providing a tight connection to prevent loss of air from ductwork while providing for ease of installation is provided. The fitting includes a unitary body formed of plastic for preventing the loss of air. There is a first opening within the uniform body for receiving air from the ductwork. The unitary body includes a first collar of a first diameter operatively connection to a second collar of a second diameter defining the first opening. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The second collar is adapted to fit ductwork of the second diameter when the first collar is removed. The first collar can be removed through cutting. The first collar adapted to fit ductwork of the first diameter. There is also a second opening within the unitary body for passing air received through the first opening. The fitting can be a flexible joint or a register boot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention provides for convenient plastic register boots and flexible joints for use in heating and cooling.
The unitary body 26 has integrated collars 36 and 38 for fitting the plastic register boot 24 to different sizes of diameter flex pipe. For example, the collar 36 is preferably adapted to fit six inch diameter flex pipe while the collar 38 is preferably adapted to fit seven inch diameter flex pipe. Because the unitary body is of a plastic material, the second collar 36 can be cut away from the first collar 38 as needed. This is advantageous because only one plastic register boot needs to be stocked as opposed to two plastic register boots. This same type of connection can also be used in other types of fittings as well. The first collar 38 has a first rib 37 and the second collar 36 has a second rib 35. The ribs 37, 35, assist in holding ductwork, preferably flex ductwork, in place.
The unitary body 26 includes a central member 40 with a rectangular mouth 32 for connection to the register. The central member 40 shown provides a 90 degree angle between the register and the pipe. The present invention, however, contemplates that the central member 40 can be configured differently for other angles.
It should also be apparent that the flexible joint 70 can fit one size of flex pipe on one hand and a different size of flex pipe on the other end. Thus, a single flexible joint 70 replaces numerous types of connectors used with sheet metal. The flexible joint 70 includes a first rib 37 and a second rib 35 to assist in connection to ductwork, especially flex pipe. When connecting to flex pipe the first rib 37 or second rib 35 helps maintain a secure connection.
One skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that the present invention extends beyond the specific embodiments shown in. The present invention contemplates numerous variations in the particular type of plastic used, the manner in which the plastic if formed, the shape or configuration of the register boots, joints, or other fittings, the type of flex pipe or diameter of flex pipe that can be used, and other variations. These and other variations of the present invention are well within the spirit and scope of the invention. The present invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments shown herein.
Claims
1. A register boot adapted for connection to ductwork in a ducted heating or cooling system comprising:
- a unitary body of plastic without seams;
- the unitary body having a substantially circular first opening for connecting to the ductwork;
- the unitary body having a substantially rectangular second opening for connection to a register;
- the unitary body defining an air pathway between the first opening and the second opening.
2. The register boot of claim 1 wherein the unitary body further comprises a first collar of a first diameter operatively connected to and immediately adjacent a second collar of a second diameter defining the first opening, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter.
3. The register boot of claim 2 wherein the second collar is adapted to fit 6 inch diameter ductwork when the first collar is removed, the first collar is adapted to fit 7 inch diameter ductwork.
4. The register boot of claim 3 further comprising a first rib on the first collar and a second rib on the second collar for connecting the register boot to flex pipe.
5. The register boot of claim 1 wherein the first opening defines a first plane 90 degrees perpendicular to a second plane defined by the second opening.
6. The regular boot of claim 1 wherein the plastic is a thermoplastic.
7. The register boot of claim 1 wherein the unitary body is formed by injection molding.
8. The register boot of claim 1 further comprising a flange positioned at the second opening and extending outwardly from the second opening to support the register boot.
9. The register boot of claim 8 further comprising a plurality of tabs extending outwardly from the flange, and co-planar with the flange for assisting in installation of the register boot in a floor.
10. A register boot for providing a tight connection between ductwork in a ducted heating or cooling system and a register to prevent loss of air through the register boot while providing for ease of installation, comprising:
- a unitary body formed of plastic for preventing the loss of air, the unitary body of one-piece construction and without seams;
- a first opening within the uniform body for receiving air from the ductwork;
- a second opening within the unitary body for passing air to the register;
- the second opening of substantially rectangular shape and adapted for connection to the register.
11. The register boot of claim 10 wherein the unitary body is adapted to receive 7 inch ductwork.
12. The register boot of claim 10 wherein the unitary body is adapted to receive 6 inch ductwork.
13. The register boot of claim 10 wherein the unitary body is adapted to be configured to fit ductwork of either a first size or a second size.
14. A fitting for providing a tight connection to prevent loss of air from ductwork while providing for ease of installation, comprising:
- a unitary body formed of plastic for preventing the loss of air, the unitary body of one-piece construction and without seams;
- a first opening within the uniform body for receiving air from the ductwork;
- the unitary body comprising a first collar of a first diameter operatively connected to and immediately adjacent a second collar of a second diameter defining the first opening, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter;
- wherein the second collar is adapted to fit ductwork of the second diameter when the first collar is removed, the first collar adapted to fit ductwork of the first diameter;
- a second opening within the unitary body for passing air received through the first opening.
15. The fitting of claim 14 wherein the unitary body is flexible thereby forming a flexible joint.
16. The fitting of claim 14 wherein the fitting is a register boot and the second opening is substantially rectangular for connecting to a register.
17. The fitting of claim 14 further comprising a first rib operatively connected to the first collar and a second rib operatively connected to the second collar wherein the first rib and the second rib are configured to assist in providing tight connection between the fitting and flex pipe.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 8, 2005
Publication Date: Sep 7, 2006
Inventor: Keith Fettkether (Readlyn, IA)
Application Number: 11/053,087
International Classification: F24F 7/00 (20060101);