BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The background of the invention relates to a duct access door. Typically to clean or inspect a duct or a portion thereof, a technician cuts a portion of the duct out. After inspecting and/or cleaning the technician would place the cut out portion over the hole and tape it back in place. While this may be solve the current problem there a numerous disadvantages with this approach. First, the technician may not tape the portion back entirely, leaving gaps or spaces between the opening in the duct and the resealing thereof. Second, after a while the tape can begin pealing away from the duct exposure portion of the duct to dust and dirt. Third, in industrial and commercial businesses duct inspection and cleaning occurs more frequent then in residential arrears. To reopen the duct the technician has to cut away the tape and then re-seal, often leaving further issues and problems that are not visual to the technician but may occur afterwards. Forth, cutting away a portion of the duct often leaves sharp corners that can easily cut a technician arms and hands. Fifth, other products on the marks have loose parts such as nuts or bolts that can be easily lost or misplaced, often times left in the duct itself.
There is thus a need to provide an easy and simply solution that provides easy access to the duct, especially for future use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One or more of the embodiments provided in the present invention relates to an access panel for an opening in a duct system. The access panel includes a base plate having an exterior surface side and an interior surface side. The base plate when positioned in the opening of the duct system has the interior surface side facing the duct system and the exterior surface side facing away from the duct system. The access panel also includes a section positioned on the interior surface side that has a profile substantially corresponding to the opening in the duct system. In addition, a plurality of rotatable fasteners are positioned about the section. Each fastener has a locking clip configured to move to a locking position defined to extend over the profile of the section on the interior surface side. As such, when the access panel is positioned with the section on the interior surface against the opening in the duct system and the plurality of rotatable fasteners are moved to the locking position the locking clips rotate to extend over the profile and secure a portion of the duct system adjacent to the opening against the interior surface side of the access panel.
In additional aspect of this embodiment, the access panel may include a handle secured to the exterior side. To further help create a better seal between the duct an access panel, a gasket may be positioned on the interior surface side of the base plate, the gasket being further positioned between a terminus end of the interior surface side and the plurality of fasteners. In addition, the access panel may further include a rope seal positioned between the terminus end and outer side of the gasket.
The fasteners may be configured to include (i) a bottom plate secured to the interior surface side of the access panel, (ii) a rotatable cylinder having a front face positioned through the bottom plate and base plate of the access panel such that the front face is accessible from the exterior surface side of the access panel, (iii) a support flange extending from an edge of the bottom plate to a rear face portion defined on the cylinder, and (iv) a locking clip secured to the cylinder and rotatable therewith, the locking clip having a portion that is configured to move into engagement over a portion of the gasket when the cylinder rotates. As such, when the access panel is positioned with the section on the interior surface against the opening in the duct system and the plurality of rotatable fasteners are moved to the locking position the locking clips move into engagement against a portion of the duct system adjacent to the opening to secure the same against a portion of the gasket. The front face of each cylinder may include a key head or a knurl head.
Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an access panel used to secure against an opening in a duct system;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an interior side of the access panel from FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an interior side of an access panel in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a top view of a fastener used to secure the access panel against the duct system;
FIG. 5 is a top view of the fastener in the locking position;
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the fastener;
FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a fastener in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the access panel using knurl handles to lock the fastener;
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an access panel using a screw driver to lock the fastener;
FIG. 7C is a side view of an access panel with the fastener from FIG. 6B;
FIG. 7D is a top view of a fastener knurl handle in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 8 is a template sticker used in a method of installing an access panel;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the template being attached to a duct system;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the template being cut out of the duct system to create an access opening;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the access opening as the template and portion of the duct system under the template is removed;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an access panel being positioned over the opening;
FIG. 13 is a side view of the access panel being positioned towards the opening in the duct system;
FIG. 14 is a side view of the access panel secured against the duct system covering the opening therein;
FIG. 15 is a side view of an access panel secured against the duct system having extended bolts to secure insulation on the exterior of the panel;
FIG. 16 is an access panel in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention providing for a curved duct system;
FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of a fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18 is a second side sectional view of the fastener from FIG. 18A;
FIG. 19A is a side sectional view of a fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 19B is a second side sectional view of the fastener from FIG. 19A;
FIG. 19C is a side sectional view of the fastener from FIG. 19A installed with an access duct panel in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 20A is a side sectional view of a fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 20B is a side sectional view of the fastener from FIG. 20 installed with an access duct panel in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 21 is a side sectional view of a fastener installed with an access duct panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 22 is one embodiment of a threaded bolt used with a fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 23A and 23B is another embodiment of a threaded bolt used with a fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIGS. 24A and 24B is another embodiment of a threaded bolt used with a fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein, in detail, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention and/or the embodiments illustrated.
Referring now FIGS. 1 and 2 there is provided an access panel 100 for use with in a duct system found in any residential, commercial or industrial areas. The access panel 100 has a base plate with an exterior side 102 and an interior side 104. The interior side 104 would face the duct, while the exterior side 102 would in turn face away from the duct. A handle 106 could be positioned on the exterior side 102 to allow the technician easy means of holding the access panel 100 when installing or removing it from the duct. A plurality of fasteners 108 (or cam locks), explained in greater detail below, are also provided in the access panel 100 and provides a means for securing the access panel 100 to an edge portion of the opening in the duct.
The interior side 104 of the access panel 100 may include a gasket 110 positioned between a terminus end 112 of the interior side 104 and the plurality of fasteners 108. In various aspects of the present invention the gasket 110 may be made from neoprene and act as a dust gasket preventing dust, particles, or gas from inside the duct from escaping.
Referring now also to FIG. 3, in other aspects of the present invention a rope seal 114 may be positioned between the terminus end 112 of the interior side 104 and an edge 116 of the gasket. The rope seal 114 may be made from a fiberglass rope material and rated to withstand at a predetermined temperature, such as above 1400° F. to help contain a duct fire. Higher temperature ratings may be used, such as 2100° F., to increase the safety factor.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the access panel 100 can have a octagonal profile 118 helping to reduce sharp corners when cutting the duct opening.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 76, The fasteners 108 or cam locks each include a bottom plate 120 secured to the interior side 104 of the access panel. A cylinder 122 is positioned through the base plate 120 and through an aperture (not shown) in the access panel, such that a front face 124 of the cylinder 122 is accessible from the exterior side 102 of the access panel. An L shaped support flange 126 extends from an edge of the bottom plate 120 to a rear face portion 128 of the cylinder. The cylinder is rotatable with respect to the bottom plate 120 and support flange 126 and the cylinder includes a clip 130. The clip 130 has a first edge secured about the rear face portion 128 and a second edge secured about a portion of the cylinder adjacent the bottom plate 120, such that when the cylinder rotates, the clip rotates therewith. Lastly, the clip 130 includes a locking section 132 that when the cylinder is rotated, moves into engagement over the gasket such that when the access panel 100 is positioned over an opening 315 in the duct 150, the locking section 132 secures a portion 155 of the duct 150 adjacent the opening against the gasket 110. Similarly rotation of the cylinder is an opposite direction can disengage the clip.
While the front face 124 of the cylinder 122 may include a key head to permit rotation of the cylinder by a key, tool, wrench, screwdriver (FIG. 7B) or similar devices, the front face 124 may also include a knurl head 140 that allows a technician to engage and disengage each clip by simply turning the knurl head and thus rotating the cylinder (FIG. 6A). This aspect would provide a tool-less access panel.
Referring now also to FIG. 6B and FIGS. 7C and 7D in other embodiments of the present invention there is provided a plurality of fasteners 108B or cam locks; each include a bottom plate 120 secured to the interior side 104 of the access panel. A cylinder 122 is positioned through the base plate 120 and through an opening 103 in the access panel, such that a front face 124 of the cylinder 122 is accessible from the exterior side 102 of the access panel. An L shaped support flange 126 extends from an edge of the bottom plate 120 to a rear face portion 128 of the cylinder. The cylinder is rotatable with respect to the bottom plate 120 and support flange 126 and the cylinder includes a clip 130. The clip 130 has a first edge secured about the rear face portion 128 and a second edge secured about a portion of the cylinder adjacent the bottom plate 120, such that when the cylinder rotates, the clip rotates therewith. Lastly, the clip 130 includes a locking section 132 that when the cylinder is rotated, moves into engagement over the gasket such that when the access panel 100 is positioned over an opening 315 in the duct 150, the locking section 132 secures a portion 155 of the duct 150 adjacent the opening against the gasket 110. Similarly rotation of the cylinder is an opposite direction can disengage the clip. In addition, an O-ring 127 is positioned between the bottom plate 120 and the front face, preferably between the bottom plate 120 and the knurl head 140. The O-ring 127 positions in the opening of the accesses panel to provide a fluid seal between the outside and the inside of the duct. As shown the front face 124 of the knurl head 140 may include a key head 141 to permit rotation of the cylinder by a key, tool, wrench, screwdriver or similar devices.
Referring now to FIGS. 8 through 14, there is shown a method installing an access panel 100, similarly designed to one or more of the aforementioned embodiments. The method includes in a first step to apply a template outline 300 to a portion of the duct 150 that matches substantially to a profile outline 145 on the interior side 104 of the access panel 100 (FIG. 9). The template outline 300 may be a sticker 305 that can be pealed from a backing page 310 (FIG. 8) and then easily applied to a portion of the duct 150. Once affixed to the duct, the technician can cut around the sticker 305 to create an opening 315 matching or corresponding to the profile outline 145 (FIGS. 10 and 11). As noted, in one aspect, the template outline may have a polygonal shaped profile that is less inclined to have sharp corners such as an octagon or other similar shape. The technician can then position an access panel 100 over the opening 315 and position and lock the access panel against the opening 315 in the duct 150. By rotating the cylinders and thus engaging the clips against a portion of the duct adjacent the opening the access panel 100 will be locked in place.
Referring now to FIG. 15 there is provided in another embodiment of the present invention an access panel 400 having external stud bolts 405 to permit insulation or sound deadening material 410 to be secured to the outer face 102 of the access panel 400. This is especially important with the duct system includes outer insulation. As such any insulation or material removed to create the access panel can be replaced after the access panel is secured to the duct. The stud bolts 405 may include a bolt 402, wing nut 407 and a washer 409 to help secure the insulation in place.
As illustrated in FIG. 16, it is also possible to have a curved plate 502 in an access panel 500 designed to fit onto a curved duct system 550.
As mentioned above with reference to FIG. 15 there are times in which insulation or sound deadening material needs to be secured to the outer face of the access panel. In further embodiments of to aid in this aspect reference is also made to FIGS. 17 through 20B which illustrate alternative embodiments to the fasteners or cam locks. Referring first to FIGS. 18A and 18B the fastener 600 includes a base plate 620 secured to the interior side of the access panel 100. A cylinder 622 is positioned through the base plate 620 and through an opening 103 in the access panel, such that a front portion 624 of the cylinder 622 is accessible from the exterior side of the access panel. An L shaped support flange 626 extends from an edge of the base plate 620 to a rear face portion 628 of the cylinder. The cylinder is rotatable with respect to the base plate 620 and support flange 626. The cylinder also includes a clip 630. The clip 630 has a first edge secured about the rear face portion 628 and a second edge secured about a portion of the cylinder adjacent the base plate 620, such that when the cylinder rotates, the clip rotates therewith. Lastly, the clip 630 includes a locking section 632 that when the cylinder is rotated, moves into engagement over the gasket such that when the access panel 100 is positioned over an opening in the duct, the locking section 632 secures a portion of the duct adjacent the opening against the gasket. Similarly rotation of the cylinder is an opposite direction can disengage the clip. In addition, an O-ring 627 is positioned between the bottom plate 620 and the front face, preferably between the bottom plate 620 and the body of the knob 640. The O-ring 627 positions in the opening of the accesses panel to provide a fluid seal between the outside and the inside of the duct. As shown the front face 624 of the knob 640 includes a centered threaded section 650 to permit a screw 655 with an enlarged washer 660 to be threaded therein. In a similar embodiment, FIGS. 19A and 198, the washer 660 includes an annular downwardly extended end 665. When installed, FIG. 19C, the washer 660 (with or without the extended end 665), will be positioned against the outside insulation 410 to help maintain the insulation in place. The screws can be tightened into the body of the knob 640 until the washer 660 becomes flush or against the insulation.
Referring now to FIGS. 20A and 20B, in another embodiment, the screw 655 includes a washer 660 with an annular downwardly extended end 665 as described above and further includes a spring 670 biasing the washer 660 downwardly. The upper portion 672 of the spring 670 is positioned against the head 675 of the screw, while the lower portion 674 of the spring 670 is positioned against the washer 660.
Referring now to FIGS. 21 through 24B, in another embodiment, the fastener 700 is similarly configured to the above, and includes a base plate secured to the interior side of the access panel 100. A cylinder 710 is positioned through the base plate and through an opening in the access panel, such that a front portion of the cylinder is accessible from the exterior side of the access panel. An L shaped support flange 717 extends from an edge of the base plate to a rear face portion of the cylinder. The cylinder is rotatable with respect to the base plate and support flange. The cylinder also includes a clip 720. The clip has a first edge secured about the rear face portion and a second edge secured about a portion of the cylinder adjacent the base plate, such that when the cylinder rotates, the clip rotates therewith. Lastly, the clip includes a locking section that when the cylinder is rotated, moves into engagement over the gasket such that when the access panel is positioned over an opening in the duct, the locking section secures a portion of the duct adjacent the opening against the gasket. Similarly rotation of the cylinder is an opposite direction can disengage the clip. In addition, an O-ring 725 is positioned between the bottom plate and the front face, preferably between the bottom plate and the body of the knob. The O-ring positions in the opening of the accesses panel to provide a fluid seal between the outside and the inside of the duct. As shown the front face of the knob 740 includes a centered threaded section 745 to permit a threaded bolt 750 with an enlarged washer 752 to be threaded therein. When installed, the washer 752 will be positioned against the outside insulation 410 to help maintain the insulation in place. The threaded bolt can be tightened into the body of the knob 740 until the washer 752 becomes flush or against the insulation. A wing nut 760 can then be secured on the outside of the washer 752; with a cotter pin 760 being positioned through the threaded bolt (as discussed below) to keep the wing nut 760 in place.
As shown in FIGS. 23A-24B, various embodiments of a threaded bolt is shown. The threaded bolt 750 (referenced 750A, 750, 750C) is provided with alternating threaded sections 755 and unthreaded sections 760 between two threaded sections. As provided herein, once the threaded bolt is secured with the fastener, the end section distal to the fastener may be broken off at an unthreaded section such that the length of the threaded bolt more accurately measures the thickness of the insulation. This prevents excess material on the bolt hanging outside the insulation and ensures that a proper length of bolt is provided. The unthreaded sections 760 may also be narrower than the threaded sections to help assist in breaking off the excess aerial. These narrower sections may be tapered, concave, or scalloped 764, or spool shaped 762 with a first tapering section leading from a first threaded section towards a middle portion and then tapering back to a second threaded section, etc. A noted above, the threaded sections may further include bores 765 positioned to receive the cotter pin.
To assist in securing the threaded bolt onto the fastener, thread locking adhesive, well known in the industry, may be used. Once positioned and locked onto the fastener, the user may simply grip the end of the threaded bolt and rotate the cylinder, moving the clip, to lock and unlock the fastener.
From the foregoing and as mentioned above, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.
Patent Grant
9500387
