US 12,313,282 B2
Non-continuously rotatable and removable ferrule for duct fitting
Robert Beach, Pittsburgh, PA (US); Andrew Poerschke, Pittsburgh, PA (US); and Nigel Watts, Bradford Woods, PA (US)
Assigned to RHEIA, LLC, Phoenix, AZ (US)
Filed by RHEIA, LLC, Phoenix, AZ (US)
Filed on Nov. 17, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/512,127.
Application 18/512,127 is a continuation of application No. 16/817,065, filed on Mar. 12, 2020, granted, now 11,821,646.
Prior Publication US 2024/0085054 A1, Mar. 14, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. F24F 13/02 (2006.01); F16L 15/00 (2006.01)
CPC F24F 13/0209 (2013.01) [F16L 15/001 (2013.01); F24F 13/0218 (2013.01)] 11 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A fitting assembly for connection to a flexible duct, the fitting assembly comprising:
a ferrule configured for insertion into an open end of the flexible duct, the ferrule comprising:
a sidewall defining a minor diameter and a major diameter spaced apart from the minor diameter;
a ferrule thread extending radially outward from the sidewall;
a discontinuous portion having a break extending from a crest of the ferrule thread to the sidewall of the ferrule in which the break is configured to bite into the flexible duct to prevent unthreading of the flexible duct from the ferrule thread; and
a circumferential depression for receiving a terminal end of the flexible duct, the circumferential depression being formed in the sidewall of the ferrule above the ferrule thread;
a fitting removably connected to the ferrule,
wherein the minor diameter is less than or equal to an inner diameter of the flexible duct with the flexible duct in an untensioned state,
wherein the major diameter is greater than the inner diameter of the flexible duct with the flexible duct fully elongated,
wherein one of the fitting and the ferrule defines a recess,
wherein another of the fitting and the ferrule comprises a tab configured to extend into the recess,
wherein one of the recess and the tab comprises an edge,
wherein another of the recess and the tab comprises a ramped surface extending in a circumferential direction of the ferrule, such that rotation of the ferrule relative to the fitting causes the ramped surface to engage the edge, thereby radially deflecting the tab and disengaging the tab from the recess, and
wherein a first end of the discontinuous portion of the ferrule thread comprises a break extending from the crest of the ferrule thread to the sidewall and a second end of the discontinuous portion comprises a ramped surface extending at an angle from the sidewall to the crest of the ferrule thread.