Apparatus for supporting and retaining low density webs

Claim 1

A duct connector for joining together in end to end abutting relation fiberglass duct sections of large cross sectional size and of the type used in heating an air conditioning systems, comprising a metal sleeve dimensioned and shaped for telescopic insertion in snug fitting relation within abutting duct sections, a plurality of similar clip assemblies integral with said sleeve and being spaced apart from each other circumferentially of the duct, each clip assembly including a pair of elongate side-byside clips defined by a elongate cuts extending in the same direction from a common transverse plane longitudinally of the sleeve, one of the elongate cuts defining the adjacent longitudinal edges of the pair of clips of a clip assembly, each clip including a flange portion extending from the sleeve and having opposite surfaces thereof positioned directly against the edges of the duct section, each clip including a support portion extending at substantially right angles to the flange portion, the support portion of one clip of each clip assembly engaging the exterior surface of one duct section and the support portion of the other clip of each clip assembly engaging the exterior surface of the other duct section, each clip including a pointed duct engaging portion bent at substantially right angles to the support portion and penetrating a duct section each said elongate cut between each pair of clips of each clip assembly extending from the flange engaging portion to the duct engaging portions of said assembly.