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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A duct flashing panel configured for use with a single wall duct, the flashing panel comprising:
 a panel body having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a panel opening extending through the panel body between the first and second surfaces;   a resilient collar coupled to the panel body and extending radially inward into the panel opening, the collar defining a collar opening aligned with the panel opening, the collar being sized and configured to be extendable and engageable with an exterior surface of a single wall duct and to exert a compressive force thereon; and   an annular bead coupled to the collar to enhance the compressive force applied to the duct.   
     
     
         2 . The duct flashing panel recited in  claim 1 , wherein the panel body is generally rigid and generally planar. 
     
     
         3 . The duct flashing panel recited in  claim 1 , wherein the collar is formed from an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         4 . The duct flashing panel recited in  claim 1 , wherein the collar is formed from a polymer material. 
     
     
         5 . The duct flashing panel recited in  claim 1 , wherein the collar is formed from a water resistant material. 
     
     
         6 . The duct flashing panel recited in  claim 1 , wherein the collar opening defines a diameter of approximately 5.5 inches. 
     
     
         7 . The duct flashing panel recited in  claim 1 , wherein the collar opening is substantially circular. 
     
     
         8 . The duct flashing panel recited in  claim 1 , wherein the collar includes an annular attachment element engaged with the panel body. 
     
     
         9 . The duct flashing panel recited in  claim 8 , wherein the annular attachment element includes:
 a first flange extending along a portion of the first surface of the panel body; and   a second flange extending along a portion of the second surface of the panel body;   the first and second flanges defining an attachment cavity therebetween, the panel body being received within the attachment cavity.   
     
     
         10 . The flashing panel recited in  claim 1 , wherein the annular bead is integrally formed with the collar. 
     
     
         11 . The flashing panel recited in  claim 1 , wherein the collar extends inwardly from the panel body and terminates at an inner peripheral region, the annular bead being formed within the inner peripheral region. 
     
     
         12 . The flashing panel recited in  claim 1 , wherein the annular bead extends completely about the collar opening. 
     
     
         13 . The flashing panel recited in  claim 1 , wherein the annular bed defines a cross sectional of approximately ⅛-¼ inches. 
     
     
         14 . A flashing kit for use with single wall ducts, the flashing kit comprising:
 a flashing panel having:
 a panel body having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a panel opening extending through the panel body between the first and second surfaces; 
 a resilient collar coupled to the panel body and extending radially inward into the panel opening, the collar defining a collar opening aligned with the panel opening, the collar being sized and configured to be engageable with a duct and to exert a compressive force thereon; and 
 an annular bead coupled to the collar to enhance the compressive force applied to the duct; 
   a first sheet having a first opening extending therethrough, the first sheet being placeable adjacent the first surface of the panel body; and   a second sheet having a second opening extending therethrough, the second sheet being placeable adjacent the second surface of the panel body.   
     
     
         15 . The flashing kit recited in  claim 14 , wherein the first sheet includes a slit extending from the first opening to the outer periphery thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The flashing kit recited in  claim 14 , wherein the first and second sheets are formed from a paper material. 
     
     
         17 . The flashing kit recited in  claim 14 , wherein the collar includes an annular attachment element comprising:
 a first flange extending along a portion of the first surface of the panel body; and   a second flange extending along a portion of the second surface of the panel body;   the first and second flanges defining an attachment cavity therebetween, the panel body being received within the attachment cavity.   
     
     
         18 . The flashing panel recited in  claim 14 , wherein the annular bead is integrally formed with the collar. 
     
     
         19 . A method of installing a flashing panel over a duct, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a flashing panel comprising:
 a panel body having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a panel opening extending through the panel body between the first and second surfaces; 
 a resilient collar coupled to the panel body and extending radially inward into the panel opening, the collar defining a collar opening aligned with the panel opening, the collar being sized and configured to be engageable with a duct and to exert a compressive force thereon; and 
 an annular bead coupled to the collar to enhance the compressive force applied to the duct; and 
   advancing the flashing panel over the duct, with the duct extending through the collar opening and the collar exerting a compressive force on the duct.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising the steps of:
 providing first and second sheets each having respective openings formed therein;   placing the first sheet over the duct, with the duct extending through the opening formed in the first sheet, the first sheet being disposed adjacent the first surface of the panel body; and   placing the second sheet over the duct, with the duct extending through the opening formed in the second sheet, the second sheet being disposed adjacent the second surface of the panel body.