Support frame for duct

Abstract

A support frame is used to hold the position of a vertically-disposed air duct within a wall between wall studs. The support frame defines an opening that receives the air duct. The support frame has a flange extending around the opening that engages the air duct. The support frame may include notched ends that receive the opposed wall studs to position the support frame with respect to the duct opening formed in the floor boards.

1 . A support frame that supports an air duct in a vertical configuration between spaced wall studs; the air duct having an outer perimeter; the support frame comprising: 
 a body defining a central opening adapted to receive the air duct;    the central opening having a perimeter larger than the outer perimeter of the air duct; and    a flange extending up from the body adjacent the central opening; the flange being angled inwardly toward the central opening and adapted to engage the air duct.    
     
     
         2 . The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein the flange pivots with respect to the body.  
     
     
         3 . The support frame of  claim 2 , wherein the central opening is rectangular; the flange including four flange sections with one flange section disposed along each side of the central opening.  
     
     
         4 . The support frame of  claim 3 , wherein opposed flange sections are angled toward each other.  
     
     
         5 . The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein the body defines a plurality of connector openings that surround the central opening.  
     
     
         6 . The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein the flange defines a plurality of connector openings that surround the central opening.  
     
     
         7 . The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein the body includes a pair of opposed ends; each of the ends defining a notch adapted to receive a wall stud.  
     
     
         8 . The support frame of  claim 7 , wherein the central opening of the body is centered between the notches.  
     
     
         9 . The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein the body is in the form of a thin metal plate.  
     
     
         10 . The support frame of  claim 1 , wherein the flange is continuous and extends entirely about the central opening.  
     
     
         11 . The support frame of  claim 10 , wherein the perimeter of the flange is oval and the flange is frusto-conical in shape.  
     
     
         12 . The support frame of  claim 11 , wherein the flange has an upper edge and a pair of tabs extend from the upper edge of the flange.  
     
     
         13 . The support flange of  claim 12 , wherein each of the tabs defines at least one connector opening.  
     
     
         14 . The support frame of  claim 13 , wherein the tabs are angled toward each other.  
     
     
         15 . A vertical air duct and wall assembly comprising: 
 a horizontal floor board;    a pair of spaced wall studs extending in a vertical direction with respect to the floor board;    the floor board defining a duct opening between the spaced wall studs;    a duct disposed in the duct opening and extending vertically between the wall studs;    a support frame connected to the floor board and the duct;    the support frame holding the duct in position with respect to the wall studs and the floor board;    the support frame having a body defining a central opening that receives the air duct;    the central opening having a perimeter larger than the outer perimeter of the air duct; and    a flange extending up from the body adjacent the central opening; the flange being angled inwardly toward the central opening and engaging the air duct.    
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the central opening is rectangular; the flange including four flange sections with one flange section disposed along each side of the central opening.  
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the body includes a pair of opposed ends; each of the ends defining a notch with one of the wall studs disposed in each of the notches.  
     
     
         18 . The assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the central opening of the body is centered between the notches.  
     
     
         19 . The assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the flange is continuous and extends entirely about the central opening.  
     
     
         20 . The assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the flange has an upper edge and a pair of tabs extend from the upper edge of the flange; the tabs engaging the air duct.