Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for joining flanged, abutting duct ends or for reinforcing ducts comprises an elongated coupling member including a V-shaped portion made up of two slanting walls approaching an apex and having lower portions spaced apart a given distance. It also includes inwardly turned edges on the slanting walls spaced from the apex, extensions of the slanting walls diverging from one another as the slanting walls approach the apex extending from the slanting walls a distance about equal to the given distance, and a joining portion extending from the extensions doubling back over the apex. The extensions and the joining portions have substantial parallel segments with a curved connection between the parallel segments. The edges, slanting walls, extensions and joining portion being integrally formed of sheet metal. The inwardly turned edges may be urged onto straddling relationship with flanged duct ends to hold the ends together and the V-shaped portion, extensions and joining portion provide a strong, reinforced duct joint. Or the coupling member may be affixed to a sidewall of a duct to reinforce the duct.

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First Claim