Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A duct reinforcement comprising, in combination: two support washers placed on the outside of the duct, one of the support washers on each of two opposing sides of the duct so that the two support washers are substantially aligned with each other with the outer face of each support washer facing away from the duct; and a stiff wire extending through the sides of the duct and through both support washers; and wherein the improvement comprises two hooks, one hook protruding beyond each support washer on the outside of the duct and each hook having a bight and substantially parallel legs with one leg integrally joined to the wire and with the tip of the other leg substantially opposed to the outer face of the respective support washer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
A duct reinforcement comprising, in combination: two support washers placed on the outside of the duct, one of the support washers on each of two opposing sides of the duct so that the two support washers are substantially aligned with each other with the outer face of each support washer facing away from the duct; and a stiff wire extending through the sides of the duct and through both support washers; and wherein the improvement comprises two hooks, one hook protruding beyond each support washer on the outside of the duct and each hook having a bight and substantially parallel legs with one leg integrally joined to the wire and with the tip of the other leg substantially opposed to the outer face of the respective support washer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
A duct reinforcement according to claim 1 wherein each support washer forms a volcano-shaped contour surrounding the washer hole on the outer face, the distance between the edge of the washer hole and the crest of the volcano-shaped contour being sufficiently greater than the distance between the two legs of the hook that the volcano-shaped contour resists a bending outward of the hook.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
A duct reinforcement according to claim 2 further comprising two rubbery seals, one rubbery seal associated with each support washer between the support washer and the respective side of the duct wherein the wire pierces each seal, whereby each seal clings to the wire and the holes for the wire in the sides of the duct are sealed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
A duct reinforcement according to claim 1 further comprising two rubbery seals, one rubbery seal associated with each support washer between the support washer and the respective side of the duct wherein the wire pierces each seal, whereby each seal clings to the wire and the holes for the wire in the sides of the duct are sealed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
92 words
A termination for a duct tie rod reinforcing wire comprising a support washer placed on the outside of the duct over the tie rod reinforcing wire with the outer face of the support washer facing away from the duct, wherein the improvement comprises a hook protruding beyond the support washer on the outside of the duct having a bight and substantially parallel legs with one leg integrally joined to the tie rod reinforcing wire and with the tip of the other leg substantially opposed to the outer face of the support washer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
92 words
A termination for a duct tie rod reinforcing wire comprising a support washer placed on the outside of the duct over the tie rod reinforcing wire with the outer face of the support washer facing away from the duct, wherein the improvement comprises a hook protruding beyond the support washer on the outside of the duct having a bight and substantially parallel legs with one leg integrally joined to the tie rod reinforcing wire and with the tip of the other leg substantially opposed to the outer face of the support washer.