Connector system for air transfer ducts

Claim 1

A conduit system for providing air flow; said conduit system comprising: (a) a substantially rigid first tubular member having: an inner surface defining an internal passageway; an outer surface; and, a connector end portion with an end face; (b) a substantially rigid second tubular member having a connector end portion with an internal surface and an outer end; said second tubular member connector end portion being sized for receipt of said first tubular member connector end portion therein, and through said outer end, during use; (i) said second tubular member connector end portion including an inner, annular shoulder therein; said shoulder having a face directed toward said substantially rigid second tubular member connector end portion outer end; (c) an elastomeric collar positionable between said first tubular member connector end portion and said second tubular member connector end portion; (i) said elastomeric collar having a longitudinal bore extending therethrough, sized for receipt of said first tubular member connector end portion therein, during use; (ii) said elastomeric collar including an annular shoulder thereon, constructed and arranged to receive said connector end portion end face abutted thereagainst during use; (iii) said elastomeric collar having an outer surface with annular ribs thereon, oriented for direction against said second tubular member connector end portion, during use; (iv) said elastomeric collar having an end portion constructed and arranged to abut said face of said second tubular member connector end portion inner, annular shoulder, during use; and (d) means for applying radial pressure against said second tubular member connector end portion, directed toward said elastomeric collar and said first tubular member outer surface, for generation of a seal therebetween.