CHIMNEY CAP LINK

Abstract

The “Chimney Cap Link”, a device that when used will conserve heat in a dwelling. Installed between the stove pipe and the wall connection, it serves to enable one to, in only seconds, install or remove an insulated double wall cap. To be done regularly, without any leakage when wood stove or similar appliance is in use, and done cleanly with ease. Having a sliding lock seal, the prototype is framed using one half (½) inch steel rod and nuts. Rivets and sealant is used to join the one third (⅓) length parallel walls to the two primary pipes. Welding may be a better option or one piece pipe parts. The sliding seal reveals an open gap in the pipe, in order to insert or remove the insulated cap. Therefore, when used, the cap stops heat from escaping out the hole in the wall and prevents cold air from entering the dwelling. Also during the hot summer months, when air conditioners are in use, the insulated cap performs the opposite function, it caps the heat out and prevents the inner cool air from escaping out the hole. When regularly used the “Chimney Cap Link” performs its duty 24 hours a day, and saves on energy 24 hours per day.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a wood or combustion stove or furnace installation, and more particularly, to a frame mounted slidable pipe link assembly and its utility in providing quick access to an open flue, and by means by which the flue may be rapidly coupled to a stove or other combustion device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Combustion heating units, such as furnaces or stoves, whether utilizing wood or other forms of fuel to generate heat, all require a smoke evacuation conduit, a flue pipe leading to a chimney, is common place.

It is such that these are popular devices for heating in residential and commercial buildings.

When such a unit is not in use, however, the opening within the unit, connected to a flue leading outside forms a passage, through which heated air or cooled air can escape from the interior of the building.

A frame mounted slidable pipe link assembly, providing instant access to a flue, when it is not in use, said assembly when installed preferably at the exterior wall hole, at the bottom of the chimney, inside the building, would provide simple access to open a flue line at the wall in order to install a cap directly over and into the wall hole opening, at the wall or to clean out the inner chimney bottom or to simply inspect the inside of the flue at this important location in the flue. In there lies the usefulness and utility of a chimney cap link. Or a frame mounted slidable pipe link assembly. The multi-purpose utility of the said device is evident.

Few innovations for quick and easy access to a flue have been previously put forth in prior art. For example, EP Pat. No 2149751A2 to Thomas, Pierre, Druette and Coirier discloses a “device of preparing for a conduit ensuring connection between a heating appliance (standard stove or cooker) and a flue of smoke leading to a chimney, it still relates to the process of setting opens some of such a device of preparing.” Note the single purpose and utility of this device is to introduce to an already standard flue pipe an additional outer sliding shield cover, encasing the standard flue pipe concentrically sliding one into the other and introducing a collar spacer ring at one extremity of both pipe lengths so as to allow for, when one pipe length is slid into the other, pipe lengths are interlocked and slid up and down. This newly attached sliding shield cover allows for an air chamber space within the two interlocked pipe lengths and two openings or vents are present and situated at one extremity of each sliding pipe. One for the top end and one for the bottom end. When installed the sliding pipe lengths serve to adjust the vent hole openings permitting increased or decreased circulation of colder air entering the air chamber, between the parallel walls of the main flue and the additional two cylindrical interlocking sliding cover parts, then air rising up to the top opening vent, venting out the hot air accumulating in the upper chamber area. Thus creating an air insulated barrier of a double wall nature, with the outer cover surface cool enough to touch and thus creating a safer characteristic of said device permitting by law the flue pipe device to be located closer to interior walls of the building. However, it does not open or provide any access inside the flue itself, which presents again another major difference. In addition there is no seal as compared to the frame mounted slidable pipe link assembly. Another difference is stated, the device is made to be installed in a vertical position. Quote from paragraph [0012] of description of stated EU prior art, “the invention is adapted to equip a vertical conduit which connect a heating appliance and a flue of smoke whose lower end extends projecting from a few centimetres under the ceiling of the part equipped and whose higher end leads of a chimney.” End quote.

Note the framed slidable pipe link assembly is constructed to be installed at all angles or slope, either vertical or horizontal or yet again at a slope of any angle. This fact constitutes a major difference with its enhanced versatility and wider or broader applications such as a wall connection, as compared to the previously stated EU patented prior art.
The two spacer rings in the EU patented device are similar to the two spacer rings used in the frame mounted slidable pipe link assembly device. However there utility, purpose and function are different, in such that, yes the EU spacers serve as an abutment in between the sliding cylinders in order for them to snugly fit within one another and slide easily and also they serve to create an open air space between said parallel walls. Note this is where their resemblance ends. The spacer rings within the frame mounted slidable pipe link assembly actually do more. They are present in order to provide a concentric frame platform around the pipe ends in which allows for the attachment of the shorter interior seal walls within the sliding seal. Also they constitute the parts or location within the seal which stops any leakage emanating from within a flue pipe by being the abutment part inner surface within the seal, where and when the sleeve is pulled and slid tight, the shorter inner walls abut squarely against the spacers tightly and block any leakage of the conduit or flue. Thus constituting a two inner point of contact sliding seal, which can be applied to many conduits of smoke and also liquids, such as water, pulp, steam, oil and more.

Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need still exists in the art to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect the present invention relates to a stove or combustion unit flue coupling device, permitting an opening and access inside the flue. In one embodiment, the stove smoke flues new framed slidable pipe link assembly, includes two, 2 pipes of a set length and same diameter, three frame rods of solid heat resistance material, bent to a 90° angle, in from each end. Attached to the two said pipes, by welding or other means, parallel to the pipe exterior walls which are lined up, end to end, and linking the two flue pipe lengths, while also leaving a gap or empty open space in between the two pipe ends. The frame rods are to be attached in a triangular fashion. Another pipe for the sliding sleeve seal, of a longer length but larger diameter is also present, serving as the body of the moving part, the sliding sleeve seal being of greater diameter than the two initial pipe lengths, it can be slid left and right over the pipe (2) of the link and covering or revealing the open gap in the stove pipe line. At the output end of the sleeve, a reducing concentric pipe piece is attached to reduce the diameter of the head of the sleeve down in order to fit over and connect to the pipe end, at the output end of the link assembly. The open output pipe (4) length that is within the link assembly.

In one embodiment the frame mounted slidable pipe link assembly, entails a seal feature which serves to seal the slit that exist inside, between the sliding sleeve wall of one diameter and

the link pipe wall of standard diameter. This interior slit or crack, that is present, is the open slit of air in between the sliding sleeve wall and the pipe (2) wall in which the sleeve (1) slides over when slid one within the other.

By adding and attaching by way of welding or rivets, one new shorter semi-length of flue pipe (9) of a different smaller diameter, being shorter in the the length of the sliding sleeve, by way of inserting it within the sleeve at its intake end, and sliding it in flush, then inserting a metal spacer (22) ring in between the pipe walls at the intake end, then affixing them together to create the bottom double wall section of the sliding seal sleeve (1). The said spacer (22) is providing a gap in between the pipe walls, this gap enabling shorter pipe walls to slide into one another and thus constituting one half portion of the sliding pipe seal.
The other half of the seal is present at the output end of the number 2 pipe part, in the link. Again another shorter pipe (9), of this time, a larger diameter than the standard diameter number 2 pipe, but again being shorter than the length of the sleeve (1). This new shorter length pipe (9) is slid down and over the number 2 pipe in the link, down again. Flush with the pipe end, then another metal spacer (22) is inserted within the now parallel pipe walls, encircling the pipe wall within and creating another small gap in between and allowing the other shorter wall to also slide in and out.
By sliding the head of the sleeve up over the number 2 pipe, then pulled together tightly, the new shorter walls that were added, interlock then abut squarely with the spacers (22) creating a four wall seal chamber with two points of contact barriers contained within.
The inner slit present in the seal wall, is protected against the leakage of creosote and such by a protective inner cylindrical type shield (5), which protrudes down within and overlapping and bypassing the slit.

In one embodiment, the chimney cap link device further includes, an insulated flue cap, to be left hanging, when not in used, on the units frame by way of a hooked metal handle that is incorporated onto the cap which also embodies an inner concentric metal wall cavity containing two and one half (2½) inches of insulation, capped with a concentric cover plate. However although, spoken of here the insulated double wall cap is not and does not form part of this claim.

In one embodiment, the frame mounted slidable pipe link assembly further includes two metal flexible leaf snap in locks (8). Measuring four inches by one inch in width with one sixteenth of an inch in thickness. Attached to the lower area of the frame (25), they rise up in a slope leading under the protruding bottom of the sliding sleeve (1) when it is locked in place. Bent outward at the top ends one inch, then upward one inch, in which providing small handles to grip, and pull out or push and snap in against the pipe wall.

In one embodiment the pipes, the frame rods, the hooked handle and all material utilized in the construction of the framed slidable pipe link assembly, all consist of high temperature endurance metals. These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modification therein may be affected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Whenever possible the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment, and where in:

FIG. 1 Depicts a view of a complete frame mounted slidable pipe link assembly device, connected to wall, according to one embodiment of the present invention, with its support structure frame, sliding sleeve seal and cap hanging on the unit frame.

FIG. 2 Shows another view of a frame (25) mounted slidable pipe link assembly in the open position with the hooked insulated cap, shown in place hanging in the open gap within the link and at the ready to be pushed into place covering the exterior wall hole.

FIG. 2 is also a partial cross-section according to 4-4 of FIG. 5;
Also depicted by the longer intermittent lines located inside the sliding sleeve (1) is the inner concentric over lapping shield, protecting the inner seal wall slit and attached at the top inside wall of the sliding sleeve (1). The flexible leaf locks (8) are also shown. The two inner seal short semi walls (9), serving the seal are shown by the shorter smaller intermittent lines. Also shown are the two circular inner spacers (22), where they are located and attached. Serving as a seat surface to receive the square abutment end of the inner sliding sleeve wall when tightly locked in place. The spacers (22) also serve as a frame to attach semi walls (9) and to provide a space in between the parallel walls.

FIG. 3 Shows another view of the frame mounted sliding pipe link assembly, with enhanced depiction of the inner sliding seal and how the inner semi walls (9) interact when in an open or closed position. Also depicted is the positioning of the flexible leaf locks (8), when engaged the link is closed and the seal is locked in place and when the link is opened, the flexible leafs locks (8), rest gently and abut the outer sliding sleeve wall. Thus permitting the sliding sleeve to easily slide either way, left or right, and all the while serving as locks and guides preventing any lateral play in the sliding sleeve.

FIG. 4 Depicts a close up view of how the inner seal walls (9), interlock when slid one inside another and when pulled tightly together, create a two contact (10), four walled flue seal, or also being useful for hydraulic systems.

FIG. 5 Illustrated in FIG. 5 drawing, is a partial sight, crosses from there according to 6-6 of FIG. 5. It is a sight of end of the units illustrated on FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 Depicts another illustration of the outer semi wall (9), the superior spacer (22) and the lower link pipe (2), that when assembled forms a partially doubled walled pipe, now becoming a half portion of the sliding sleeve seal, being within the flue wall itself. The sliding sleeve to slide down and over the lower pipe (2).

FIG. 7 Depicts illustrations of the sliding sleeves (1) top header part (23) being a reducing pipe length, reducing from the diameter of the outer sleeve wall down to accept the standard

crimped end of the upper link pipe length (4). Also the interior shield (5) of the device is depicted, showing how it fits into the sleeve and attached at the top (top to top) with the header reduction part (23), brought to be attached over and at the upper sleeve (1) end. Therefore the shield 5 being attached within the sliding sleeve (1), slides left and right or up and down with the sliding sleeve (1). Also a sight of end depiction of the spacer, two wall relationship.

FIG. 8 Depicts a detailed representation of the double walled insulated cap (3), with the hooked metal handle (12) comprising;

• • No. 18 metal cap serving as the body of the cap unit.
  • No. 12 hooked style handle for hanging on walls.
  • No. 13 nuts to fasten unit together.
  • No. 14 concentric cover plate to cover insulation and be a double end wall.
  • No. 15 fire retardant fiber insulation.
  • No. 16 concentric, inner wall part forming the side inner wall.
  • No. 17 rivets used to attach shields, reduction sleeve end part (23)
  • No. 21 3/16 metal bolt running through the center of the cap at its axis.

FIG. 9 Simply shows the side view of a double wall insulated cap, hanging on a wall and another frontal depiction of it in place, covering and insulating a wall or ceiling flue opening. Seen and referenced is the complete cap assembly (3) with the hooked handle as referenced as number twelve (12).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended as illustrative only. Since numerous modifications and variations there in will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various embodiments of the invention are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claim that follows. The meaning of “a”, “an”, and “the”, includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also as used in the description herein and throughout the claim that follows, the meaning of “in”, includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, in the construction of the invention, all parts are attached by way of either welding and rivets and threaded nuts that attach the frame parts.

The description shall be made as to the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in FIGS. 1-9. In accordance with the purposes of this invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, this invention, in one aspect relates to a combustion stove or furnace flue opening link assembly device. It includes a rigid metal frame (25), of three solid metal rods (24), threaded at the ends and bent uniformly at a 90° angle, one and one half inch 1½ in from the ends. This frame (25) then attached in a triangular pattern, parallel to the two pipes contained within the link (2), (4), with angled ends inward connecting and attached to the outer pipe walls of the two pipe parts of the link, (2) and (4), when they are aligned end to end, leaving an open space in between. Thus the frame (25) permanently linking these two aligned pipe parts in a fashion that permits a sliding sleeve to slide back and forth over said two pipe parts, (2) and (4).

This sliding sleeve (1) is of slightly greater diameter than the two previous standard sized pipes (2) and (4) and is slid over back and forth on the 2 pipe parts of the link. Being part of an inner sliding seal, the sleeve slides easily left or right thus opening and revealing the open space that exist between both pipe ends. Or when slid up tightly and closed, creates an inner four wall, two point of contact chamber seal that surrounds the pipe wall and seals the existing inner wall slit from the sliding sleeve. The framed sliding pipe link assembly is intended for use in all regular standard flue pipe diameters. The device is intended and most effective when installed at the exterior outer wall or ceiling flue hole, which leads out of the structure into the chimney outside, where it's cold. Thus the link provides, access inside the flue, exactly at this key location within the structure, where an insulated, double wall chimney cap can be inserted directly into the cold exterior wall and block the cold out, and also being the key location to clean out the chimney without dismantling anything and also for internal inspection of the flue or conduit.

Referring to FIG. 1-9, the framed mounted slidable pipe link assembly device, FIG. 1, includes a sliding sleeve (1), made of standard flue pipe, but of a slightly larger diameter. The sleeve (1) also has attached at its bottom end, a new shorter length pipe (9), of slightly smaller diameter, and being of shorter length than the sleeve (1). When (9) is inserted into the bottom end of the sleeve (1) a metal spacer (22) is also inserted in a concentric manner, where the spacer is now situated in between the now parallel pipe walls and flush with the pipe ends which are also flush. When, attached we have two walls on the lower end of the sleeve (1). Then a second semi length pipe (9), being the same length as the first, but of larger diameter, is fitted down and over pipe part (2) until the ends are flush, then again a concentric spacer (22) is attached in between the pipe walls flush with ends. Please refer to FIG. 6.

Like illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the device of preparing being the frame mounted slidable pipe link assembly understands: a cylindrical sleeve (1), made up of more than just an inner double wall (9) on its lower end but also contains other parts. Illustrated in FIG. 7 is the inner shield (5) this being a cylindrical and slightly cone shaped metal tube (5) that when slid down into the top of the sliding sleeve (1) until flush and attached around the top, it, this shield (5) protrudes down within the sleeve (1) and by-passes the inner wall slit that is present within the sliding link wall, thus overlapping the wall slit inside and protecting the inner seal from any creosote leakage and the likes. Being attached to the sliding sleeve (1), the shield (5) also travels left or right along with the sleeve.
Also depicted in FIG. 7 is the reducing upper end part (23) pipe piece of the sleeve (1), whereas when attached concentrically over the sleeve (1), it (23) serves to reduce down to the standard diameter to connect to the crimped top end pipe (4) of the link.

Depicted in FIG. 1 is one of two metal handles (26) of a flat surface grip style, attached. Also depicted are two metal flexible spring leaf locks (8), made of thin flat metal and bent at the top outward horizontally for an inch, then bent up vertical for one inch to form a flat pull grip, when firmly attached to the lower inner frame (25) and at a slope in which they abut slightly to the sleeve wall they can be manipulated to snap into locking position or be pulled out to unlock the seal.

illustrated in FIG. 8 is a detailed part by part depiction of a double wall, hooked handle, insulated, chimney flue cap (3). By utilizing a regular standard metal chimney flue cap (18) a hooked metal handle (12), is attached within the cap (18), at the center, then bending outward at the center of the cap facing, a threaded bolt (21), is inserted through the center facing and leading directly through the unit and protruding out the other end. Then an inner concentric metal cylinder (16) is fitted within the cap (18), being of smaller diameter than the standard cap (18), it is the new inner lining wall attached down in the cap (18) to the inner facing wall. Thus providing for the double wall nature of the cap (3) creating an inner core for insulation (15) to be inserted. A flat concentric metal cover plate (14) is then fitted over the exposed insulation present, at a center hole accepting the bolt ending and tightened by a lock nut (13). Note because of the double wall (16) feature of the cap (3), it connects to both, either, a regular crimped male flue pipe end or any standard sized opening.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and their practical application so as to enable others skilled embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope. Accordingly the scope of the present invention is defined by the intended claim rather than the forgoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claim.

Claims

1. A frame mounted slidable pipe link assembly, creating an opening and access inside of a chimney flue pipe for either visual inspection of the flue interior, or clean out access of the chimney, when installed at the chimney base location, inside an exterior wall of a building, or also for access enabling the insertion of an insulated flue cap (3) directly into the exterior wall hole at the base of the chimney, comprising:

(a) a rigid frame (25), made of three metal rods (24), bent in from the ends, and attached to and linking two standard diameter, pipe lengths (2), (4) in which the ends are facing one another and lined up end to end, leaving an open space or gap in between, furthermore a frame (25) mounted slidable pipe link assembly comprising a sliding sleeve (1) slid over a flue pipe part (2) of standard size, this part (1) also having attached a double shorter wall (9) on its sleeve end (1) to be slid left or right opening or closing an open gap that exist within the link assembly in between both pipe ends (2), (4), said link assembly device being of a pre-determined size, said link device having pipe lengths of pre-determined lengths and diameters to conform and link to standard flue sizes, made to slide, revealing or covering a chosen pre-determined size gap or entry way into a flue pipe or conduit, link assembly device performs perfectly when installed at any slope, horizontal, vertical or other;

(b) a sliding sleeve (1) seal contained within the link assembly comprising of an additional two twin standard flue pipe lengths (9), being shorter in length than pipe (2) and having different diameters, such that one fits down and over a standard flue pipe (2) size and the other of smaller diameter fits up and inside of a sliding sleeve (1), leaving a space in between the now parallel walls (9), this gap in between these walls is possible because of the insertion of a metal spacer (22) serving two functions, the first being to enable the gap for the seal chamber, and also to serve as a concentric abutment surface, within the seal, where the shorter pipe length walls (9) interlock and abut the surface of the spacer (22) inside of the seal chamber, when the seal is pulled tightly together, these new shorter length pipes (9) are attached, firstly, the one of greater diameter is slid down and over the lower pipe part (2) of the link assembly, flush to the top end, becoming the first double wall section of the seal, the other of smaller diameter is slid up and in to the bottom end of a cylindrical metal sleeve (1) slid in flush to the bottom end, thus becoming the second half double wall section of the sliding sleeve seal, these two parts, when slid one into the other in the manner in which these new shorter walls (9) interlock, using a predetermined distance measure, when pulled tightly together square to the spacers, these two parts joined, form a four wall chamber with an inner two points of contact seal, where the shorter wall (9) ends abut squarely against the spacers (22) and effectively create the four wall chamber seal, thus sealing the inner concentric slit that exist in the flue pipe of the link assembly caused by having a sliding sleeve (1), and this unique seal with this simultaneous interlocking feature, using predetermined lengths and distance is what allows the link to exist, the size of the open gap desired will determine the length of the link, logically the bigger the gap the longer the seal;

(c) a inner shield (5) a cylindrical slightly conical metal tube (5) attached concentrically to the inner top end of the sleeve (1) when slid down inside the sleeve (1) flush to the top where the spacer (22) is located;

(d) a short reducing diameter pipe part (23) attached also to the top end of the sleeve (1) where the shield (5) is attached but attached to the outer top sleeve (1) wall, to serve to step down from the oversized sleeve (1) diameter down to the standard diameter;

(e) a two thin metal leaf type flexible snap in locks (8) attached to and within the lower frame area, sloped inward and slightly abutting the outer sleeve (1) wall or abutting directly under the sleeve (1) wall overhang when seal is locked into place;

(f) two flat thin metal handles (26) attached to outer sleeve (1) wall for grip.