FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and method for adapting a first chimney portion to a second chimney portion. Specifically, for an adapter that allows a first type of chimney portion having a first diameter and/or mounting interface to be coupled with a second type of chimney having a second diameter and/or mounting interface.
BACKGROUND
Chimneys or flue gas vents are required in many structures to allow for the proper flow of gasses from a chimney or gas vent. Certain chimneys have a double wall construction and are required to be able to withstand a specific amount of heat for a specified period of time in order to comply with residential or commercial codes. Double wall chimneys may be assembled in sections and typically have some type of mounting interface that allows each section to be connected to another section. A specific model or brand of chimney may have a specific diameter, exterior dimension, and/or mounting interface which may not be cross-compatible with other specific models or brands of chimneys having different diameters, exterior dimensions, or coupling interfaces. The current disclosure seeks to solve the aforementioned deficiencies of the present technology by providing an adapter that allows a first type of chimney is typically incompatible with a second type of chimney to be properly connected.
SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the DETAILED DESCRIPTION. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure an adapter configured to connect a female end of a first chimney portion to a male end of a second chimney portion is disclosed. The adapter may include a first radial adapter portion with a first inner surface and a first outer surface extending along a first axis and wherein the first inner surface and the first outer surface are coaxial. The adapter may further include a first locking interface protruding outward from the first outer surface and configured to engage with a first locking interface of the first chimney portion. The adapter may further include a second radial adapter portion with a second inner surface and a second outer surface extending along the first axis, wherein the second inner surface and the second outer surface are coaxial and a second locking interface protruding inward from the second inner surface and configured to engage with a second interlocking interface of the second chimney portion. The first outer surface may be configured to be received within the female end of the first chimney portion and the second inner surface may be configured to receive the male end of the second chimney portion.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an adapter system configured to connect a female end of a first chimney portion to a male end of a second chimney portion is disclosed. The adapter system may include an adapter having a first radial adapter portion with a first inner surface and a first outer surface extending along a first axis. The first inner surface and the first outer surface may be substantially coaxial. The adapter may further include a first locking interface protruding outward from the first outer surface and configured to engage with a first locking interface of the first chimney portion. The adapter may further include a second radial adapter portion with a second inner surface and a second outer surface extending along the first axis, wherein the second inner surface and the second outer surface are coaxial and a second locking interface protruding inward from the second inner surface and configured to engage with a second interlocking interface of the second chimney portion. The first outer surface may be configured to be received within the female end of the first chimney portion and the second inner surface may be configured to receive the male end of the second chimney portion. The adapter system may further include an inner sleeve configured to fit within the adapter, the first chimney portion, and the second chimney portion; and a clamping ring configured to interface with and couple a first chimney portion flange of the first chimney portion and a second chimney portion flange of the second chimney portion.
Additional advantages and novel features of these aspects will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The novel features believed to be characteristic of aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative aspects of the disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example adapter and sections of a chimney in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure;
FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the example adapter and sections of the chimney of FIG. 1 in a connected state in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure;
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the assembled example adapter and sections of the chimney of FIGS. 1 and 2 along section X-G in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure;
FIG. 3B is a close-up cross-sectional view of the assembled example adapter and sections of the chimney of FIG. 3A in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the example adapter of FIGS. 1-3B in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure; and
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the example adapter of FIGS. 1-4 in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Further, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
Throughout the disclosure the term substantially may be used as a modifier for a geometric relationship between elements or for the shape of an element or component. While the term substantially is not limited to a specific variation and may cover any variation that is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to be an acceptable variation, some examples are provided as follows. In one example, the term substantially may include a variation of less than 10% of the dimension of the object or component. In another example, the term substantially may include a variation of less than 5% of the object or component. If substantially is used to define the angular relationship of one element to another element, one non-limiting example of the term substantially may include a variation of 5 degrees or less. These examples are not intended to be limiting and may be increased or decreased based on the understanding of acceptable limits to one of ordinary skill in the art.
For purposes of the disclosure, directional terms are expressed generally with relation to a standard frame of reference when the chimney or gas vent pipe and adapter are installed and in an in-use orientation.
Throughout the disclosure the terms flue or gas vent pipe, chimney, or gas flue may be used interchangeably. A flue or gas vent pipe may include any pipe that allows for fluid flow. Some examples may include exhaust pipes for the exhaust of fumes from a fireplace, furnace, heater, boiler, oven, cooktop or other cooking device; a dryer vent; a natural gas, propane stove, or heater vent, to name a few non-limiting examples. The flue or gas vent pipe may be have a circular, oval, square, rectangular, or any enclosed geometric shape. In some examples, chimney, flue, or gas vent pipe may be single walled or double walled.
The present disclosure is related an adapter system configured to join two or more sections of a chimney which may be chimneys from different manufacturers and/or models having different inner and/or outer diameters, dimensions or geometries at the terminal ends of the chimney sections. Likewise, an adapter in accordance with the current disclosure may allow for the proper interface of two or more chimneys or chimney sections that are typically incompatible with one another to be cross-compatible. For example, the mounting interfaces of each of the chimney sections may have different connection interfaces and/or may have differing geometry which would result in gaps at the interface of the two or more chimneys. Amongst other advantages, the adapter may allow for a decrease in the brands and/or types of chimneys that must be inventoried and/or improved efficiency when the chimney or chimney sections are installed on site by technicians. The adapter may further provide a leak resistant and high-temperature resistant seal between the two chimneys and/or sections of chimneys, to name a few additional example advantages.
FIGS. 1 and 2 show a respective exploded view and an assembled view of two sections of chimney joined via an example adapter system or adapter in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. It is noted that all of or some of the components 200 described in detail below may be interchangeably referred to as an adapter or as an adapter system throughout the disclosure. The following description of FIGS. 1 and 2 serve as a broad overview of an example adapter system and adapter and functionality of the example adapter system and adapter in accordance with the current disclosure. Further details of the features referenced in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described in further detail below. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the adapter system 200 may be configured to join a first section or portion of first chimney portion 100 with a second section or portion of the second chimney portion 300, which may be connected to form a chimney or part of a chimney. In one example, the first portion of chimney may, for example, be a first brand and/or model of chimney having a first chimney portion male interface 101b and a first chimney portion female interface 105a. In one non-limiting example, the first chimney section 100 may be a Ultra-Temp® and/or Galva-Temp® chimney section by Selkirk Corp., of Grand Rapids, Mich. The second chimney portion 300 may, for example, be a second brand and/or model of chimney having a second male interface 309b and a second female interface 305a. For example, the second chimney portion 300 may, for example, be a SuperVent U.S.A.® brand chimney section by Selkirk Corp., of Richardson, Tex. In one example, the first chimney portion female interface 105a may not be directly compatible or capable of being properly joined with the second male interface 309b due to differences in the dimensions and/or mounting interface features. The example adapter system 200 described herein is configured to couple the first chimney portion 100 to the second chimney portion 300 despite the aforementioned differences between the mounting interfaces between the two chimney portions. Further, a first radial adapter portion 202a may fit within the first chimney portion female interface 105a of the first chimney portion 100 and a second radial adapter portion 202b may be capable of receiving a second male interface 309b of the second chimney portion 300. The fitment of the first radial adapter portion 202a within the first chimney portion female interface 105a of the first chimney portion 100 and the fitment of the male interface 309b of the second chimney portion 300 within the second radial adapter portion 202b may result in a minimal increase in the overall assembly height (e.g., the height of the assembled chimney sections in the Z-direction) of the chimney portions 100 and 300 by only a thickness of the adapter or portion of the adapter assembly or system 200.
In the examples shown in FIGS. 1-3A, the first chimney portion and/or chimney section may be a double walled first chimney portion 100 having a radial outer surface 102. The first chimney portion 100 may be configured to twist-and-lock with a similar chimney portion or other section of chimney (not shown) via the first chimney portion male interface 101b, which may include a series of locking features 103b as a series of protrusions that are configured to interact with a series of locking protrusions that may be similar or identical to locking protrusion(s) 129a that are described in further detail below. The first chimney portion 100 may further comprise a first chimney portion female interface 105a with a flange 109, which may be configured to twist-and-lock with another section of chimney or another chimney (not shown) that has a male end similar or identical to the first chimney portion male interface 101b of the first chimney portion 100. Thus, when a series of first chimney portions 100 are used to form a chimney or part of a chimney, each individual chimney portion can twist-and-lock together with one another to form a single chimney or part of a chimney. Further details of the example mounting features of the first chimney portion 100 at the first chimney portion female mounting interface 105a will be described in further detail below.
The examples in FIGS. 1-3A also show a second chimney portion 300. The second chimney portion 300, may, for example, also employ a double walled construction and may have a radial outer surface 302. The second chimney portion 300 may further include a include the second chimney portion male interface 309b, which may include a series of locking features 302b, which are described in further detail below. The second chimney portion 300 may further comprise a second female interface 305a, which may be configured to twist-and-lock with another section of chimney (not shown) that has a male end similar or identical to the second chimney portion male interface 309b of the second chimney portion 300. Further details of the example mounting features of the second chimney portion 300 will be described in further detail below. As mentioned above, the first chimney portion female interface 105a may have an inner dimension that is not large enough to receive and/or may not be compatible with the male interface 309b of the second chimney portion 300, the locking features of the first chimney portion 100 and the second chimney portion 300 are not directly compatible and/or capable of properly interlocking with one another. Further, attempting to directly connect the first chimney portion female interface 105a of the first chimney portion 100 with the second male interface 309b of the second chimney portion 300 may result in gaps or openings that may not be acceptable for proper function of the chimney and/or to comply with regulations or codes. As described below, the adapter system 200 may allow for a proper coupling of the first chimney portion 100 with the second chimney portion 300 despite any incompatibility between the first chimney portion female interface 105a and the second chimney portion male interface 309b.
The adapter system 200 may, for example, include an inner sleeve 201, which may function to prevent buildup of material (e.g., creosote or soot) at the interface between the inner surfaces of the first chimney portion 100 and the second chimney portion 300. The adapter system 200 may further include an adapter having a first radial adapter portion 202a and a second radial adapter portion 202b. The first radial adapter portion 202a may include an inner side surface, which may hereinafter be interchangeably referred to as a first inner surface and an outer side surface, which may hereinafter be interchangeably referred to as a first outer surface that extends along and is substantially symmetrical with relation to a first axis 12 (FIGS. 1, 4, and 5). The inner side and outer side surface may form an inner side circumferential surface and an outer side circumferential surface having a first radial adapter inner radius and outer radius respectively. The first radial adapter portion 202a may further include a top portion 211a that may be connected to and form a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the inner side surface and outer side surface of the first adapter portion 202a. In addition, the first radial adapter portion 202a may include a series of first locking interfaces 207 (best shown in FIG. 3B). The first locking interfaces 207 may be formed as protrusions that extend outward from the outer surface of the first radial adapter portion 202a. In one example, the first locking interfaces 207 may each form a portion of an opening or cut 255 in radial adapter portion 202a. For example, each opening or cut 255 may be formed when the protrusion of each of the locking interfaces 207 is formed. As described in further detail below, the first locking interfaces 207 may interact with corresponding first chimney locking protrusions(s) 129a of the first chimney portion 100 and allow for connection of the first chimney portion with the second chimney portion via the adapter system 200.
The second radial adapter portion 202b may include an inner side surface, which may hereinafter interchangeably be referred to as an second inner surface, and an outer side surface, which may hereinafter be interchangeably referred to as a second outer surface that extends along and is substantially symmetrical with relation to a first axis 12 (FIGS. 1, 4, and 5). The inner side and outer side surface form an inner side circumferential surface and an outer side circumferential surface having a second radial adapter inner radius and outer radius respectively. As shown in FIG. 3B, in one example the second radial adapter inner radius and outer radius may be greater than the first radial adapter inner radius and outer radius respectively. The second radial adapter portion 202b may further include a top portion 211b that may be connected to and form a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the inner side surface and outer side surface of the first adapter portion 202a. The second radial adapter portion 202b may include a series of second locking interfaces 229 (best shown in FIG. 3B). The second locking interfaces 229 may, for example, be formed as protrusions that extend in a radially inward direction from the inner surface of the second radial adapter portion 202b. As described in further detail below, the second locking interfaces 229 may interact with corresponding second chimney locking protrusions(s) 302b of the second chimney portion 300 and allow for connection of the first chimney portion with the second chimney portion via the adapter system 200.
It is noted that while only a single locking interface of both the first locking interface 207 and the second locking interface 229 are labeled in FIGS. 1-5 for simplicity purposes, the first radial adapter portion 202a and second radial adapter portion 202b may include a plurality of each of the aforementioned interfaces as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5. For example, the first radial adapter portion 202a may include eight of the first locking interfaces 207. In the aforementioned example, the eight first locking interfaces 207 may be evenly spaced around the circumference of the first radial adapter portion 202a. Further, the second radial adapter portion 202b may include eight of the second locking interfaces 229, for example. The aforementioned eight second locking interfaces 229 may be evenly spaced around the circumference of the second radial adapter portion 202b.
The adapter system 200 may further include a series of tabs 203 for connecting the first radial adapter portion 202a to the second radial adapter portion 202b. Each of the plurality of tabs 203 may be fastened to the first radial adapter portion and the second radial adapter portion using any suitable method. In one example, each of the plurality of tabs 203 may be inserted into respective receiving slots (not shown) of the first radial adapter portion 202a and the second radial adapter portion 202b. For example, the tabs may be connected to the first radial adapter portion 202a and the second radial adapter portion 202b via welding, or may be fastened using an adhesive or fasteners such as rivets, screws and/or bolts to name a few examples.
The adapter system 200 may further include an insulation member 206. As shown in FIG. 1, the insulation member 206 may be formed as a ring. In one example, the insulation member may be formed of a ceramic material comprising any one or a composite comprising kaolinite (Al2Si2Si2O5(OH)4), (hafnium diboride (HfB2) and zirconium diboride (ZrB2); hafnium nitride (HfN), zirconium nitride (ZrN), titanium carbide (TiC), titanium nitride (TiN), thorium dioxide (ThO2), or tantalum carbide (TaC), to name a few examples. As shown in FIG. 3B, the insulating member 206 may be configured to fit within the first radial adapter portion 202a at a location proximal to the first inner side surface of the first radial adapter portion. Thus, when the adapter system is installed at the interface between the first chimney portion 100 and the second chimney portion 300, the insulating member 206 may prevent excessive heat from transferring out of the assembled chimney from the interface between the first chimney portion 100 and the second chimney portion 300.
FIG. 3B shows a detailed close-up cross-section view about section X-G (FIGS. 2 and 3A) of the interface between the adapter system 200 and the first chimney portion 100 and second chimney portion 300. As shown in FIG. 3B, the first radial adapter portion 202a may be configured to fit within the first chimney portion female interface 105a of the first chimney portion 100. In one example, the first chimney portion female interface 105a of the first chimney portion 100 may include a horizontal radial inner surface 125a, a vertical radial inner surface 126a, and a spacing protrusion 127a. It is noted that while only a single spacing protrusion 127a is shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B, a plurality of spacing protrusions may be provided at the first chimney portion female interface 105a of the first chimney portion 100 to decrease heat transfer between the sections of chimney. The first chimney portion female interface 105a of the first chimney portion 100 may further include a first chimney locking protrusion 129a. It is noted that while only one first chimney locking protrusion is shown in FIG. 3B, the vertical radial inner surface 126a of the first chimney portion 100 may include a plurality of first chimney locking protrusions similar or identical to the first chimney locking protrusion 129a. In one example, the first chimney portion female interface 105a of the first chimney portion 100 may include a series of eight first chimney locking protrusions 129a, which may be evenly spaced or substantially evenly spaced along the inner circumference of the vertical radial inner surface 126a. Each one of the first chimney locking protrusions 129a may be formed as may be formed as a protrusion facing radially inward and may include a cut or opening as shown in FIG. 3B. In another example, the first chimney locking protrusion(s) 129a may be indents or an elongated protrusion which may curve and/or be angled with relation to the vertical radial inner surface 126a. In one example, the aforementioned curve and/or angle of the first chimney locking protrusion 129a may allow the first chimney portion 100 to twist-and-lock or rotate-and-lock to the first radial adapter portion 202a of the adapter system 200 via engagement with the first locking interface or interfaces 207 of the first radial adapter portion 202a.
The second radial adapter portion 202b may be configured to receive a second male interface 309b of the second chimney portion 300. In one example, the second male interface 309b of the second chimney portion 300 may include a horizontal radial surface 301b, a vertical radial inner surface 303b, and a flange 331. The second male interface 309b of the second chimney portion 300 may further include a second chimney portion locking protrusion 302b. In one example, the second chimney locking protrusion 302b. It is noted that while only one second chimney locking protrusion 302b is shown in FIG. 3B, the vertical radial inner surface 303b of the second chimney portion 300 may include a plurality of second chimney locking protrusions similar or identical to the second chimney locking protrusion 302b. In one example, the second male interface 309b of the second chimney portion 300 may include a series of eight second chimney locking protrusions 302b which may be evenly spaced or substantially evenly spaced along the inner circumference of the vertical radial inner surface 303b. Each one of the second chimney locking protrusions 302b may be formed as a protrusion facing radially inward and may be formed as an elongated protrusion which may curve and/or be angled with relation to the vertical radial inner surface 303b of the second male interface 209b. In one example, the aforementioned curve and/or angle of the second chimney locking protrusion 302b may allow the second chimney portion 300 to twist-and-lock or rotate-and-lock to the second radial adapter portion 202b of the adapter system 200 via engagement with the second locking interface or interfaces 229 of the second radial adapter portion 202b.
The adapter system 200 may further include a clamping ring 204. The clamping ring 204 may include a curved surface with a first flange 223 and a second flange 225 which may be configured to interface with and connect a subsequent flange 131 of the first chimney portion 100 and a flange 331 of the second chimney portion 300 once the first radial adapter portion 202a, second radial adapter portion 202b and inner sleeve 201 is installed as described below. In one example, the clamping ring 204 may have a split and a tightening portion (not shown), the tightening portion may include any known method including a tightening apparatus used in a hose clamp, for example, and/or a screw or bolt to name a few non-limiting examples.
The adapter system 200 may further include an inner sleeve 201. The inner sleeve may include a first portion 215 configured to mate with top portion 211a of first radial adapter portion 202a. The inner sleeve 201 may further include an inner portion 217 that forms a radial surface that extends along first axis 12. As best shown in FIG. 3B, the inner portion 217 of the inner sleeve 201 may block or seal off a gap that is between the first chimney portion 100 and the second chimney portion 300 once the adapter is installed to connect the two chimney portions 100 and 300 to form a single chimney or chimney section. The adapter may prevent the buildup of creosote and/or soot at the interface between the first chimney portion 100 and the second chimney portion 300.
It is noted that while the adapter and/or adapter system 200 shown in FIGS. 1-5 are shown as separate components, in one example first radial adapter portion 202a, inner sleeve 201, second radial adapter portion 202b may be joined permanently to form a single component. In one example the first radial adapter portion 202a and the second radial adapter portion may be joined via aforementioned tabs 203. Further, the inner sleeve 201, first radial adapter portion 202a and second radial adapter portion 202b may be formed as a single component or may be joined using any suitable method. For example, first radial adapter portion 202a and/or second radial adapter portion 202b and inner sleeve may be welded or fastened together using adhesive or fasteners such as rivets, screws and/or bolts to name a few examples. Further, the insulation member 206 may be contained between the first radial adapter portion 202a, the second radial adapter portion 202b and/or the inner sleeve 201 when the adapter assembly is assembled. Further, the insulation member 206 may, for example, be adhered and/or connected to one of the first radial adapter portion 202a, the second radial adapter portion 202b and/or the inner sleeve 201 via and adhesive or fasteners such as rivets, screws and/or bolts to name a few examples.
In one example use of the adapter system 200, the first radial adapter portion 202a may already be connected to the second radial adapter portion 202b via tabs 203, which may be connected to the first radial adapter portion 202a and second radial adapter portion 202b via an adhesive, welding, or using any of the fastening methods given as examples throughout the disclosure or as known in the art. Further, the insulating member 206 may be contained between the first radial adapter portion 202a and the second radial adapter portion 202b as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and the inner sleeve 201 may be connected to any one or a combination of the first radial adapter portion 202a, the second radial adapter portion 202b and/or the insulating member 206 via any of the fastening methods mentioned above. The first radial adapter portion 202a, second radial adapter portion 202b, inner sleeve 201, and insulating member 206 may be placed onto the second male interface 309b of the second chimney portion 300 as shown in the cross-sectional views in FIGS. 3A and 3B, so that the top portion 211a of the second radial adapter portion 202b contacts the horizontal radial surface 301b of the second male interface 309b. Once the second radial adapter portion 202b and the inner sleeve 201 are placed onto the second male interface 309b of the second chimney portion 300, the first chimney portion female interface 105a of the first chimney portion 100 may be aligned with and placed onto the second male interface 309b of the second chimney portion 300 as shown in the cross-sectional views in FIGS. 3A-4B. Once the first radial adapter portion 202a is within the first chimney portion female interface 105a of the first chimney portion and the top portion 211a of the first radial adapter portion 202a contacts the spacing protrusions 127a of the first female interface, the first chimney portion 100 may be rotated in a first direction 13a (FIG. 2) and/or the second chimney portion 300 may be rotated in a second direction 13b, opposite the first direction, causing engagement between the second chimney locking protrusion(s) 302b and the second locking interface(s) 229 of the second radial adapter portion 202b. Further, the aforementioned relative rotation may cause the first chimney locking protrusions 129a to engage with the first locking interface or interfaces 207 of the first radial adapter portion 202a. Thus, the relative rotation of the first chimney portion 100 and the second chimney portion 300 with the first radial adapter portion 202a and second radial adapter portion 202b placed therewithin allows the first chimney 100 to properly connect to the second chimney portion 300. Once the first chimney portion 100 and the second chimney portion 300 are connected via the aforementioned twist-and-lock procedure, the clamping ring 204 may be placed around the flange 131 of the first chimney portion and the flange 331 of the second chimney. The clamping ring 204 may be subsequently tightened thus locking and preventing rotation between the first chimney portion 100 and the second chimney portion 300.
The foregoing description of various aspects and examples have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the disclosure to the forms described. The embodiment(s) illustrated in the figures can, in some instances, be understood to be shown to scale for illustrative purposes. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings, including a combination of the abovementioned aspects. Some of those modifications have been discussed and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The various aspects were chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the present disclosure and various aspects as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The scope of the present disclosure is, of course, not limited to the examples or aspects set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather, it is hereby intended the scope be defined by the claims appended hereto.
Patent Application
20200378598
