Single wall duct flashing panel

Abstract

A duct flashing panel configured to provide weatherproofing for single wall ducts extending through the walls of a structure and having a terminal end extending outside of the structure. The duct flashing panel includes a panel body and an elastomeric collar sized and configured to circumferentially engage the exterior surface of the duct to form a fluid-tight seal between the duct and the collar to prevent fluid migration along the exterior of the duct. The collar includes an annular bead which provides rigidity and strength to the collar to urge the collar into compressive engagement with the exterior surface of the duct.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 203,218, filed Mar. 10, 2014, which claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application No. 61 / 798,045, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002](Not Applicable)BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates generally to a moisture barrier, and more specifically to a moisture barrier flashing panel configured to mitigate moisture migration along the outside surface of a large diameter single wall duct, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) duct, to provide consistent weatherproofing of the duct.[0005]2. Description of the Related Art[0006]In the construction of homes, commercial buildings, and the like, various utility / plumbing pipes, such as water pipes, gas pipes, drain pipes and heat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a duct flashing panel configured to provide weatherproofing for large diameter single wall duct, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) duct, extending through the outside walls of a structure. The duct flashing panel includes a panel body and an elastomeric or plastic seal collar sized and configured to circumferentially engage the exterior surface of the duct to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the exterior surface of the duct and the collar to prevent fluid migration along the duct. The collar includes an annular bead which provides rigidity and strength to the collar to urge the collar into compressive engagement with the exterior surface of the single wall duct.

[0013]The duct flashing panel may be particularly suitable for single wall ducts defining a larger diameter, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts. The configuration of the collar, particularly the annular bead, easily creates and sustains a substantially fluid-tight engagement between the collar and the single wall duct when the duct is inserted through the collar.

Problems solved by technology

If such water enters through the exterior building wall, it can cause substantial damage to insulation, dry wall, wood moldings, flooring and / or carpeting on the interior of the building.

Over time, however, such caulking can eventually crack and break, and when this occurs, water can freely travel along the exterior surface of the pipe or duct and into the interior of the building structure.

Once again, although this approach can work initially, the caulking material may eventually give way or may not initially caulk properly, which may allow water to travel along the pipe or duct exterior and into the structure.

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