Improved Test Barrier for Air Distribution System

Abstract

A test barrier, a system incorporating the test barrier, and a method for using the same is disclosed herein. The test barrier is intended for use in testing that may be conducted on sections of an air distribution, HVAC, and other similar systems. The test barrier is comprised of a temporary test barrier portion and a gasket connection portion. The test barrier may be advantageously connected to a rip cord that enables easy removal of the test barrier upon completion of any testing.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A test barrier comprising:
 two faces, the two faces comprising a first face and a second face;   wherein the two faces comprise a temporary test barrier portion defining a first perimeter;   a gasket connection portion defining a second perimeter connected to the temporary test barrier portion;   wherein the second perimeter is wider than the first perimeter, and the temporary test barrier portion is contained within the second perimeter; and   at least one attachment location located on at least one of the first face or the second face.   
     
     
         2 . The test barrier of  claim 1 , further comprising an embedded rip cord located between the first face and the second face of the test barrier. 
     
     
         3 . The test barrier of  claim 2 , wherein the embedded rip cord is within the gasket connection portion of the test barrier. 
     
     
         4 . The test barrier of  claim 2 , wherein the embedded rip cord is within the temporary test barrier portion of the test barrier. 
     
     
         5 . The test barrier of  claim 2  wherein the embedded rip cord comprises one continuous strand of material. 
     
     
         6 . The test barrier of  claim 2  wherein the embedded rip cord encompasses at least one of the first perimeter or the second perimeter. 
     
     
         7 . The test barrier of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of attachment locations located on at least one of the first face or the second face. 
     
     
         8 . The test barrier of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one attachment location comprises at least one ring. 
     
     
         9 . The test barrier of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one attachment location comprises at least one circular grommet. 
     
     
         10 . A method of using a test barrier, the test barrier comprising:
 two faces, the two faces comprising a first face and a second face;   wherein the two faces comprise a temporary test barrier portion defining a first perimeter;   a gasket connection portion defining a second perimeter connected to the temporary test barrier portion; and   wherein the second perimeter is wider than the first perimeter, and the temporary test barrier portion is contained within the second perimeter;   
       the method comprising the steps of:
 applying a test gasket to the gasket connection portion of the test barrier; 
 attaching the test gasket to a test duct section having a plurality of interior faces and a plurality of exterior faces; 
 applying a non-test gasket to a gasket connection portion of a second test barrier; and 
 attaching the non-test gasket to a non-test duct section. 
 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the test barrier further comprises at least one attachment location for attaching a rip cord located on at least one of the first face or the second face. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the test barrier further comprises an embedded rip cord located entirely between the first face and the second face of the test barrier. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising the step of conducting a pressure test within the test duct section. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the non-test duct section further comprises a plurality of interior faces and a plurality of exterior faces. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising the step of attaching a first portion of the rip cord to the at least one attachment location. 
     
     
         16 . A system incorporating the test barrier of  claim 1  comprising a test duct section forming a duct connection with a non-test duct section. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the duct connection comprises the test barrier, and wherein the at least one attachment location of the test barrier is attached to a first portion of a rip cord. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein a second portion of the rip cord is attached to a rip cord fastener, the rip cord fastener comprising hook and loop material. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18  further comprising a removal hole and the rip cord fastener attached to an exterior face of the test duct section or the non-test duct section. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19  wherein the second portion of the rip cord extends through a grommet covering the removal hole and attaches to the rip cord fastener.