EXTERNALLY TENSIONED PLIABLE AIR DUCTS

摘要

Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.

主权项

1. An air duct assembly comprising:
an air duct having an inflated state and a deflated state, the air duct comprising a sidewall that is pliable, the sidewall defining an interior of the air duct and an external area outside the air duct; a first overhead support member in the external area outside the air duct; a second overhead support member in the external area outside the air duct, the first overhead support member and the second overhead support member defining a separation distance therebetween; a hoop disposed within the interior of the air duct, the hoop providing the sidewall with support in a radial direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; a loop disposed within the interior of the air duct and fastening the hoop with respect to the sidewall; a first hanger coupling at least one of the sidewall, the loop, or the hoop to the first overhead support member, the first hanger transmitting a first pulling force that subjects the sidewall to tension in the longitudinal direction when the air duct is in the deflated state; and a second hanger coupling at least one of the sidewall, the loop, or the hoop to the second overhead support member, the second hanger transmitting a second pulling force that subjects the sidewall to tension in the longitudinal direction when the air duct is in the deflated state, the first hanger and the second hanger being spaced apart from each other by virtue of the separation distance between the first overhead support member and the second overhead support member.