Flue Attachment
A flue connection system for an appliance provides a flue connection member. The flue connection member defines an aperture and includes an extending member. The flue connection member is configured to be coupled to a flue duct and an appliance, including a fireplace. An appliance connection member may also be provided for attachment to the appliance. The flue connection member and the appliance connection member are configured to be coupled to one another with the flue connection member positioned in contact with the appliance connection member.
The present invention relates to a flue connection system. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for attaching a flue duct to an appliance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONAppliances, in general, especially fireplaces are often attached to ducts to facilitate the exchange of gases and air to and from the unit. For example, a common design of a gas-fired and wood burning fireplace includes a combustion chamber that is vented through a flue duct. An example of this design is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,708, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Some gas-fired fireplaces also include a duct for drawing intake air into the combustion chamber. The fireplace is connected up to the flue duct or intake air duct during installation.
Factory-built fireplace assemblies have long been available as both free-standing and wall recessed units. Traditionally, when a fireplace insert is installed into a home or other structure, the flue ducts are already in place. Therefore, the flue ducts are lined up with the fireplace assembly and attached to the fireplace assembly by, for example, a flue collar that is integrated into the fireplace insert construction.
A disadvantage of present fireplace systems is that it can be particularly difficult to align and attach the flue ducts to the fireplace assembly. This is especially true with fireplaces that are manufactured in a slant-back manner. Thus, it can be a very labor-intensive job to simply attach the flue duct to the fireplace during installation.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an appliance system, including fireplace systems, with an improved way to attach the flue duct to the appliance during installation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONGenerally, the present invention relates to an appliance assembly. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for attaching a flue duct to an appliance assembly.
In one aspect, a flue connection system for an appliance is provided. A flue connection member defines a first aperture and includes an extending member configured to be coupled to a flue duct. An appliance connection member defines a second aperture, and the appliance connection member is configured to be attached to the appliance. The flue connection member and the appliance connection member are configured to be coupled to provide fluid communication between the appliance and the flue duct.
In another aspect the invention relates to an appliance comprising a combustion chamber, a combustible source that produces exhaust gases, a vent system for venting exhaust gases from the combustion chamber to outside of the appliance, and a flue connection member. The vent system includes a vent opening in the appliance. The flue connection member defines an aperture and includes an extending member. The flue connection member is configured to be coupled to a flue duct and to be coupled to the appliance to substantially align the aperture of the flue connection member with the vent opening of the vent system.
In another aspect, a flue connection system for an appliance is provided. The flue connection system comprises a flue connection member. The flue connection member defines an aperture and includes an extending member. The flue connection member is configured to be coupled to a flue duct and to be coupled to the appliance to substantially align the aperture of the flue connection member with a vent opening in the appliance.
The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. Figures in the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify embodiments of the invention. While certain embodiments will be illustrated and describing embodiments of the invention, the invention is not limited to use in such embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternate forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example and the drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSThe invention is applicable to fireplace assemblies. In particular, the invention relates to a system for attaching a flue duct and/or an intake duct to a fireplace assembly.
While the present invention is not so limited, an appreciation of the various aspects of the invention will be gained through a discussion of the examples provided below.
Embodiments of the present invention may be used in conjunction with any system or apparatus that burns any kind of combustible source or fuel (solid, gas, etc.) and includes flue ducts to vent gases or take in fresh air. A non-exhaustive list of such devices may include fireplaces, grills, furnaces, stoves, appliances, etc. Any application that requires venting for the passage of air, gas, or waste products, or any application that requires the attachment of a device to ducts may benefit from the present invention. While the example embodiments of the present invention provided below are described in conjunction with an example fireplace, the present invention is equally applicable to other systems or apparatuses as discussed above.
If the present invention is used in conjunction with a fireplace, the fireplace can be any type of gas or wood-burning fireplace. For example, the present invention may be applicable to any prefabricated gas fireplace such as a direct vent, a universal vent, a B-vent, a horizontal/vertical-vent, a dual direct vent, a multisided unit, or other gas fireplace or insert. The present invention may also be applicable to other fuel burning systems other than a fireplace, as noted above.
As used herein, the term “coupled” means any structure or method that may be used to provide connectivity between two or more elements, which may or may not include a direct physical connection between the elements. The term “flue” is used herein to mean an exhaust duct system that includes an exhaust duct. This system may include, however, an intake air duct coaxial to or co-lineal with the exhaust duct.
Referring now to
The fireplace 100 shown in
Referring to
As shown in
The extensions 160, 170 also define openings or apertures in the flue plate 155. As discussed in more detail below, these openings create the necessary pathway in the flue connection member 150 to allow the exhaust or intake air to pass from the fireplace 100 to the flue ducts 130, 140.
The flue plate 155 may also have notches (or slits) 175 for aligning and connecting the flue plate 155 to the fireplace 100. The fireplace 100 can be preformed with matching extensions or tabs that would engage notches 175 and aid as guiding members, as well as provide a means of attachment, when coupling the flue plate 155 to the fireplace 100. The notches 175 shown in
The flue plate 155 has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the flue plate 155 faces flue ducts 130, 140. The bottom surface faces the fireplace 100. As shown in
Referring now to
After the flue connection member 150 is coupled to the ducts 130, 140, the flue connection member 150 can then be coupled to the fireplace 100. By this arrangement, the flue connection member 150 can be secured to flue ducts 130, 140 before the fireplace 100 is placed into a fireplace insert area. This simplifies connection of the flue ducts 130, 140 to the fireplace 100. Instead of having to attach both flue ducts 130, 140 to the fireplace while the fireplace is in the fireplace insert area, the person installing the fireplace need only attach the flue connection member 150 to the fireplace 100.
The use of guiding members can simplify this task even further. For example, by providing the flue plate 155 with lower extending portions 162, 172 and by designing the fireplace 100 with a seat that matches up with those portions, the flue plate 155 can be easily guided into position. Alternatively, or in addition, the notches 175 and matching tabs in the fireplace 100 can also assist this task. Once the flue plate 155 is in position on the fireplace 100, the flue plate 155 can be coupled to the fireplace 100 by any number of mechanical means. For example, the flue plate 155 can be screwed or bolted into place. Alternatively, a variety of latching mechanisms can be used (as described in more detail in later).
The above embodiment is intended to be used with a fireplace or other appliance, that has a preformed means for coupling the flue plate to the fireplace or other appliance. It is also envisioned that a fireplace or other appliance could be very simply modified to receive a flue plate such as that described in the embodiment above. For example, holes could be drilled into a fireplace unit or other appliance to receive screws or bolts which provide the necessary attachment means for coupling the flue plate to the fireplace or other appliance.
In another embodiment, a flue connection member 250 can be used with a fireplace connection member (appliance connection member) 220 that is attached to a fireplace. Fireplace connection member 220 and a flue connection member 250 of this embodiment are shown in
Flue connection member 250 includes a flue plate 255 and fireplace connection member 220 includes a fireplace plate 225. Although the flue connection member 250 and the fireplace connection member 220 preferably include plate portions 255, 225 as shown in
As described in the previous embodiment, the flue connection member 250 is coupled to ducts (an outlet duct, or an inlet and outlet duct). In this embodiment fireplace plate 225 is coupled to a fireplace. The flue plate 255 is then seated on top of the fireplace plate 225 and coupled to the fireplace via the fireplace plate 225.
The flue plate 255 shown in
The flue connection member 250 is preferably coupled to ducts by sliding the ducts over the cylindrical extensions 260, 270 and coupling the ducts to the cylindrical extensions 260, 270 by mechanical attachment, such as a collar with a screw-tightening member. The flue plate 255 may also have notches (or slits) 275 for aligning and connecting the flue plate 255 to the fireplace 100.
The flue plate 255 has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the flue plate 255 faces flue ducts 130, 140. The bottom surface faces the fireplace 100. As shown in
Referring again to
The fireplace plate 225 has two openings 235, 245. These openings 235, 245 match up with an outlet area and an inlet area of the fireplace (such as those shown in
When attaching the flue plate 255 to the fireplace plate 225, the flue plate 255 can be easily guided into the proper position by using the tabs 290 and notches 275, and by using the seats 275, 285 and the lower extending portions 262, 272.
The fireplace plate 225 also has two latches 291 that pivot about a pivot member 292. The latches have a slot 293, and within the slot 293 is a bolt 294. The pivot member 292, slot 293, and bolt 294 define a curved path of travel for the latches 291.
As shown in
It is also intended that the present invention could be used in a gas fireplace with co-axial ducts (or pipes). In particular, some fireplaces are vented by a concentric duct arrangement in which flue gases are exhausted through a central duct while intake air is drawn into the combustion chamber through an annular space defined by an outer larger diameter duct. Such fireplace construction has become popular because the cooling effect on the central exhaust duct by the intake air allows the fireplace to be vented without costly masonry chimney construction.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for attaching the flue ducts in a co-axial fireplace assembly is shown.
Referring now to
As shown in
Fireplace connection member 420 is similar in structure to that of the fireplace plate of the second embodiment. However, certain differences are necessary because of the co-axial nature of the ducts 330, 340. For example, there is a single opening or aperture 470 in the fireplace plate 425, and there is a single seat 485 that surrounds the opening 470.
The rest of the elements shown in
As shown in
The remaining elements and the method of operation of the flue connection system of the third embodiment are the same as that described above with respect to the second embodiment.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a system for attaching a single flue duct to an appliance is shown. In some circumstances it may be desired to couple only a single duct, for example, a single exhaust or inlet duct, to an appliance.
This embodiment is similar to the other embodiments described above, but has only a single duct and single extending member of the flue connection member.
Referring to
As shown in
The extension 560 also defines an opening or aperture in the flue plate 555. As discussed in more detail below, these openings create the necessary pathway in the flue connection member 550 to allow the exhaust or intake air to pass from an appliance, such as a fireplace, to the flue ducts 530.
The flue plate 555 may also have notches (or slits) 575 for aligning and connecting the flue plate 555 to the fireplace or other appliance. The fireplace or other appliance can be preformed with matching extensions or tabs that would engage notches 575 and aid as guiding members, as well as provide a means of attachment, when coupling the flue plate 555 to the appliance. The notches 575 shown in
The flue plate 555 has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the flue plate 555 faces flue duct 530. The bottom surface faces the appliance. As shown in
Referring now to
After the flue connection member 550 is coupled to the duct 530, the flue connection member 550 can then be coupled to the fireplace or other appliance as described above in the other embodiments. For example, the flue connection member 550 can be attached directly to the fireplace or other appliance, or it can be attached to an appliance or fireplace connection member which is attached to the appliance or fireplace directly.
The remaining elements and the method of operation of the flue connection system of the fourth embodiment are the same as that described above with respect to the previous embodiments.
The present invention should not be considered limited to the particular examples or materials described above, but rather should be understood to cover all aspect of the invention as fairly set out in the attached claims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the present invention is directed upon review of the instant specification.
Claims
1. A flue connection system for an appliance, the flue connection system comprising:
- a flue connection member including a plate portion having a top surface and a bottom surface and defining a first aperture, and including an extending member configured to be coupled to a flue duct and extending beyond the top and bottom surfaces of the plate member;
- an appliance connection member, the appliance connection member defining a second aperture, and the appliance connection member being configured to be attached to the appliance,
- wherein the flue connection member and the appliance connection member are configured to be coupled to provide fluid communication between the appliance and the flue duct.
2. The flue connection system of claim 1, wherein the extending member defines the first aperture.
3. (canceled)
4. The flue connection system of claim 1, wherein the appliance connection member has a plate portion.
5. (canceled)
6. The flue connection system of claim 1, the appliance connection member comprising a seating member, wherein the seating member is positioned such that when the flue connection member is positioned on top of the appliance connection member, the portion of the extending member that extends beyond the bottom surface of the plate portion of the flue connection member extends into the seating member.
7. The flue connection system of claim 1, the plate portion of the flue connection member comprising an opening, the appliance connection member comprising a tab that extends beyond a top surface of a plate portion of the appliance connection member, wherein the opening and the tab are positioned so that when the flue connection member is positioned on top of the appliance connection member, the tab extends into the opening.
8. The flue connection system of claim 1, wherein the appliance connection member comprises at least one latching member that is movably mounted, wherein the latching member is positioned so that when the flue connection member is positioned on top of the appliance connection member, the latching member can be moved so that it extends over a top surface of the flue connection member to couple the flue connection member to the appliance connection member.
9. The flue connection system of claim 1, wherein the appliance is a fireplace.
10. The flue connection system of claim 9, wherein the fireplace is a slant back type fireplace insert.
11. An appliance, the appliance comprising:
- a combustion chamber;
- a combustible source that produces exhaust gases;
- a vent system for venting exhaust gases from the combustion chamber to outside of the appliance, the vent system including a vent opening in the appliance; and
- a flue connection member, the flue connection member including a plate portion having top and bottom surfaces and defining an aperture formed in the plate portion, and including an extending member configured to be coupled to a flue duct and extending beyond the top and bottom surfaces of the plate member,
- wherein the flue connection member is further configured to be coupled to the appliance to substantially align the aperture of the flue connection member with the vent opening of the vent system.
12. The flue connection system of claim 11 wherein the extending member defines the aperture.
13-14. (canceled)
15. The flue connection system of claim 11, the appliance comprising a seating member, wherein the seating member is positioned such that when the flue connection member is positioned in contact with the appliance, the portion of the extending member that extends beyond the bottom surface of the plate portion of the flue connection member extends into the seating member.
16. The flue connection system of claim 11, the plate portion of the flue connection member comprising an opening, the appliance comprising a tab that extending outward from the appliance, wherein the opening and the tab are positioned such that when the flue connection member is positioned in contact with the appliance, the tab extends into the opening.
17. The flue connection system of claim 11, wherein the appliance comprises at least one latching member that is movably mounted to the appliance, wherein the latching member is positioned such that when the flue connection member is positioned on top of the appliance, the latching member can be moved so that it extends over a top surface of the flue connection member to couple the flue connection member to the appliance.
18. The flue connection system of claim 11, wherein the appliance is a fireplace.
19. The flue connection system of claim 18, wherein the fireplace is a slant back type fireplace insert.
20. A flue connection system for an appliance, the flue connection system comprising:
- a flue connection member, the flue connection member defining an aperture and including an extending member, and the flue connection member being configured to be coupled to a flue duct,
- wherein the flue connection member is further configured to be coupled to the appliance to substantially align the aperture of the flue connection member with a vent opening in the appliance.
21. The flue connection system of claim 20 wherein the extending member defines the aperture.
22. The flue connection system of claim 20 wherein the flue connection member has a plate portion.
23. The flue connection system of claim 22 wherein the plate portion of the flue connection member has a top surface and a bottom surface, and the extending member extends beyond the top surface and the bottom surface of the plate portion,
- wherein the extending member that extends beyond the top surface is configured to be coupled to a flue duct and the extending member that extends beyond the bottom surface is configured to be coupled to an appliance.
24. The flue connection system of claim 20, wherein the appliance is a fireplace.
25. The flue connection system of claim 24, wherein the fireplace is a slant back type fireplace insert.
26. A method of coupling a vent system to an appliance using a flue connection member, the appliance including a vent panel having a primary surface and defining a vent aperture, and the flue connection member defining a first aperture and including an extending member aligned with the first aperture, the method comprising the steps of:
- coupling the vent system to the extending member;
- moving the flue connection member in a direction non-parallel to the vent panel primary surface to align the first aperture with the vent aperture; and
- coupling the flue connection member to the appliance.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the appliance further includes an appliance connection member defining a second aperture, the method further comprising aligning the second aperture with the vent aperture and the first aperture, and coupling the appliance connection member between the appliance and the flue connection member.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein the flue connection member includes a plate portion having top and bottom surfaces, and the extending member extends beyond the top and bottom surfaces of the plate member, and coupling the flue connection member to the appliance includes inserting a portion of the extending member into the vent aperture.
29. The method of claim 26, wherein the vent panel further defines an inlet aperture and the flue connection member further defines a third aperture, and the moving step includes moving the flue connection member to align the third aperture with the inlet aperture.
30. The method of claim 27, wherein the vent panel further defines an inlet aperture, the flue connection member further includes a third aperture, and the appliance connection member defining a fourth aperture, the moving step further including moving the flue connection member to align the third aperture with the inlet aperture, and the aligning step further including aligning the fourth aperture with the inlet aperture and the third aperture.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 2, 2003
Publication Date: Jan 6, 2005
Inventors: Daniel Holt (Kettle Falls, WA), Jack Wells (Rice, WA), Gordon Taylor (Laurier, WA)
Application Number: 10/612,115