TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and method for adapting a rain cap or lid to a vent tube or flue. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an adapter that allows a single size rain cap or lid to mount to gas vents or flues having multiple diameters or dimensions.
BACKGROUND
Flue or gas vent rain caps are necessary for preventing ingress of rain and/or snow into chimney flues or gas vents that allows a proper flow of gasses from a chimney or gas vent. Gas vents or flues may have varying dimensions (e.g., varying diameters) based on the specific application or installation, which required a rain cap that is specifically designed for each size or type of gas vent or flue. Further, each brand of gas vent or flue and corresponding rain cap may require specific installation procedures. Field technicians may not be familiar with each specific installation procedure which decreases efficiency in installation out in the field and/or may result in incorrect installation. The current disclosure seeks to solve the aforementioned deficiencies of the present technology by providing a rain cap that is compatible with multiple brands and/or models of rain caps and/or gas flues. Further, the current disclosure seeks to improve efficiency and reduce the possibility of installation errors when the rain cap is installed.
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, a rain cap system is disclosed. The rain cap system may include a rain cap and an adapter configured to mount the rain cap to a gas flue. The adapter may include a first flange configured to mount to the rain cap and an adjustable mounting portion configured to mount to the gas flue. The adjustable mounting portion may include a first moveable link having a first surface having a first edge and a first interfacing portion. The adjustable mounting portion may further include a second link, which may include a second surface having a second edge and a second interfacing portion, wherein the first edge and second edge at least partially define an opening of the adapter. The adapter may further include an adjustment portion configured to move the first moveable link and the second moveable link towards one another causing a decrease in the size of the opening of the adapter, and wherein the adjustment portion is configured to move the first link and the second link away from one another causing an increase in the size of the opening of the adapter.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an adapter is disclosed, the adapter may include a first flange configured to mount to a first device and an adjustable mounting portion configured to mount to a second device. The adjustable mounting portion may include a first moveable link having a first surface having a first edge and a first interfacing portion and may include a second link having a second surface having a second edge and a second interfacing portion, wherein the first edge and second edge at least partially define an opening of the adapter. The adapter may further include an adjustment portion, wherein the adjustment portion is configured to move the first moveable link and the second moveable link towards one another causing a decrease in the size of the opening of the adapter, and wherein the adjustment portion is configured to move the first link and the second link to move away from one another causing an increase in the size of the opening of the adapter.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an adapter is disclosed, the adapter may include a first flange configured to mount to a first device and an adjustable mounting portion configured to mount to a second device. The adjustable mounting portion may include a first moveable link having a first surface with a first edge and a first interfacing portion and may include a second link having a second surface with a second edge and a second interfacing portion and a third link having a third surface with a second edge and a second interfacing portion, wherein the first edge, second edge, and third edge at least partially define an opening of the adapter. The adapter may further include an adjustment portion, wherein the adjustment portion is configured to move the first moveable link, second moveable link, and third moveable link towards one another causing a decrease in the size of the opening of the adapter, and wherein the adjustment portion is configured to move the first link, second link, and third link to move away from one another causing an increase in the size of the opening of the adapter.
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 top perspective view of an example rain cap and adapter in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the example rain cap and adapter in FIG. 1 and a gas flue in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the example adapter in FIGS. 1 and 2 in a first configuration in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the example adapter in FIGS. 1-3 in a second configuration in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure; and
FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the example adapter in 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.
For purposes of the disclosure, directional terms are expressed generally with relation to a standard frame of reference when the flue or gas vent pipe and adapter and rain cap is installed and in an in-use orientation.
Throughout the disclosure the terms flue or gas vent pipe 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 or 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, the flue or gas vent pipe may be single walled or double walled.
The present disclosure is related to an improved rain cap adapter for use with a rain cap and flue or gas vent pipe. Known flue pipes from different manufacturers and/or models of pipes from the same manufacturer may have different diameters, dimensions or geometries at the terminal end of the flue pipe. Likewise, specific rain caps must be provided for each manufacturer or model in order to properly interface with the terminal end of the flue pipe. Thus, rain caps and flue pipes may not be cross-compatible requiring the inventory or multiple types of rain caps. Further, each brand or model of flue pipe and/or rain cap may require a specific method of installation requiring specific instructions and/or training in order for technicians to properly install each specific type of rain cap. The current disclosure seeks to solve one or more of the aforementioned deficiencies by providing an adapter and/or rain cap with a built in adapter that allows a single type of rain cap to be useable with a number of different diameters and/or types of flue pipes. Providing a rain cap and/or adapter that is usable with multiple types of flue pipes allows for improved efficiency of maintaining inventory. Further, the current disclosure provides an efficient method of installation that is common to a number of different flue pipes to which the rain cap may be fastened. Accordingly, use of the disclosed rain cap and/or adapter decreases the possibility of inconsistent or incorrect installation by technicians in the field, thereby reducing the possibility of leakage, blockage of flow from the flue pipe, or other issues that may arise from improper installation.
With reference to FIG. 1, a rain cap 50 and adapter 100 is shown. It is noted that while throughout the disclosure the rain cap 50 and adapter 100 are shown and described as separate components, the current disclosure is also applicable to a rain cap 50 having an adapter 100 permanently connected thereto. A rain cap 50 may include a lid 52 for protecting a flue pipe from the ingress of rain, snow and/or other debris. The rain cap 50 may include a body 60 and a mounting portion 53 including a substantially flat rain cap interface surface 54 and a radial rain cap flange 56 which may provide a contact surface or configured to interface with a corresponding rain cap adapter mounting portion 153. The body 60 of rain cap 50 may be cylindrical and include a number of openings or perforations 58 for the venting of flue gas once the rain cap is installed onto a flue pipe.
The adapter 100 may include a rain cap adapter mounting portion 153 including a substantially flat adapter interface surface 154 and a radial adapter flange 156. The adapter interface surface 154 may be configured to mate with the rain cap interface surface 54, and the radial adapter flange 156 may be configured to mate with the radial rain cap flange 56 when the rain cap 50 is mounted to adapter 100. The rain cap 50 may be permanently connected to adapter 100 via spot welds or friction welds at an interface between any of the aforementioned mating surfaces. Further the rain cap 50 may be connected to the adapter 100 via an adhesive and/or via fasteners such as bolts, rivets, and/or screws to name a few examples. Accordingly, the rain cap 50 may be permanently or removably connected to the adapter 100 via any known method.
With further reference to FIG. 1, the adapter 100 may further include an inner flange 102 that is connected to or formed as a single unitary structure with the radial adapter flange 156 and adapter interface surface 154. The inner flange 102, for example, may provide further protection from the ingress of water or other debris by impeding the direct path though openings or perforations 58 of the rain cap to the opening of the adapter 100 (which would be in communication with a flue pipe when installed as shown in FIG. 2). The adapter 100 may further include a tightening mechanism 103, which may include a threaded rod or bolt 104 which may thread through a first threaded receiving portion 105 and a second threaded receiving portion 107 mounted to a respective adjustment bracket 106 and second bracket 108b, which are discussed in further detail below. In one aspect, the threaded rod or bolt 104 may thread through a first threaded receiving portion 105 and a second threaded receiving portion 105b, which be threaded towards one another to adjust the threaded rod or bolt 104 and/or to hold the threaded rod or bolt in a fixed position. The tightening mechanism 103, may herein throughout be interchangeably referred to as an adjustment portion. Further detail of the tightening mechanism 103 is described with reference to FIGS. 2-5 below.
In the example in FIG. 2, the adapter 100 is connected to rain cap 50. The adapter 100 may be configured to mate with a flue pipe 200 as described below. The flue pipe 200 may comprise a body 202 and may have a double walled construction. The outer wall 202 of the flue pipe 200 may include a groove 204 that is proximal to a terminal end of the flue pipe 200. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the adapter 100 may include a series of engagement portions 123a, 123b, and 123c, that are configured to engage with the groove 204 of the flue pipe 200. The adapter 100 may further include a series of links 131a, 131b, and 131c. The links 131a, 131b, and 131c may be formed as a substantially flat surface having corresponding inner edges 141a, 141b, and 141c that at least partially define the inner opening of the adapter as shown in FIGS. 1-5. The links 131a, 131b, and 131c may be interconnected via corresponding tracks 132a, 132b, and 132c, and corresponding connection portions 133a, 133b, and 133c. The links 131a, 131b, and 131c, may hereinafter interchangeably be referred to as a first link 131a, second link 131b, and third link 131c, respectively. The connection portions 133a, 133b, and 133c may for example be rivets that are configured to connect each link 131a, 131b, and 131c to one another via tracks 132a, 132b, and 132c while still allowing each rivet 133a, 133b, and 133c to slide along each corresponding track in a corresponding first 30a-c direction (FIGS. 3-4) and/or a corresponding second direction 31a-c (FIG. 4). While rivets are shown in FIGS. 1-5, any interface that allows for a slideable connection between each of links 131a, 131b, and 131c may be used. For example, the rivets 133a, 133b, and/or 133c may be connected using a nut and bolt and/or may be connected using a captive portion (e.g., 116a-c, 117a-c) and a track (e.g., 114a-c, 115a-c) as described below with respect to FIG. 5. The slideable connection via corresponding tracks 132a, 132b, and 132c, and corresponding connection portions 133a, 133b, and 133c in conjunction with the additional features discussed below may allow the links 131a, 131b, and 131c to move in inward directions 32a, 32b, and 32c (FIGS. 3 and 4), and outward directions 33a, 33b, and 33c (FIG. 4) thus causing a corresponding increase or decrease in the size of a center opening of the adapter 100.
As shown in FIGS. 1-5, each of the links 131a, 131b, and 131c may further include or may be connected to corresponding brackets 108a, 108b, and 108c. Each bracket 108a, 108b, and/or 108c may for example be connected to each respective link 131a, 131b, and 131c via rivets 125a, 125b, and 125c, for example. It is noted that while rivets are shown in FIGS. 2-4, any known method of fastening may be used. For example, each bracket 108a, 108b, and/or 108c may for example be connected to each respective link 131a, 131b, and 131c via a nut and bolt, an adhesive, and/or a spot weld or friction weld to name a few examples. In another aspect, each bracket 108a, 108b, and/or 108c may for example be formed as a single part or component with respective links 131a, 131b, and 131c. Each of the brackets 108a, 108b, and 108c may further have a respective engagement portion 123a, 123b, and 123c connected thereto. In one example, each engagement portion 123a, 123b, and 123c may be connected to each respective bracket 108a, 108b, and 108c via a spot weld for example. Further, it is noted that the aforementioned spot weld may be replaced by or used in conjunction with any known fastening method which may include any of the fastening methods described above with relation to brackets 108a, 108b, and 108c. Each of the mounting portions may further include a respective engagement portion 123a, 123b, and 123c. Each engagement portion 123a, 123b, and 123c may be angled and configured to be received within or at least partially match the profile of a mounting groove 204 (FIG. 2) that is proximal to a terminal end of a pipe or flue 200.
Each one of the brackets 108a, 108b, and 108c may be slideably connected to a surface 190 of the adapter 100. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, each bracket 108a, 108b, and 108c may have a respective first captive tab 116a, 116b, and 116c (hidden from view) and a respective second captive tab 117a, 117b, and 117c (hidden from view). The first captive tabs 116a, 116b, and 116c may be slideably connected to the surface 190 via respective first tracks 114a, 114b, and 114c that are formed as openings in the shape of elongated slots. Each of the first tracks 114a, 114b, and 114c may further include a respective receiving portion 112a, 112b, and 112c at one end of each respective track. The receiving portion 112a, 112b, and 112c may be formed as openings that correspond with and are dimensioned to receive a the respective first captive tab 116a, 116b, and 116c when the links 131a, 131b, and 131c are installed into the adapter 100. Once each respective first captive tab 116a, 116b, and 116c is installed via receiving portions 112a, 112b and 112c, the reduced dimension of elongated portion of each respective first track 114a, 114b, and 114c allows each link 131a, 131b, and 131c to slide along the corresponding track first track 114a, 114b, and 114c in an inward direction 81a, 81b, and 81c and an outward direction 80a, 80b, and 80c while preventing each link from separating from the adapter 100. Similarly, the second captive tabs 117a, 117b, and 117c may be slideably connected to the surface 190 via respective second tracks 115a, 115b, and 115c that are formed as openings in the shape of elongated slots. Each of the second tracks 115a, 115b, and 115c may further include a respective receiving portion 113a, 113b, and 113c at one end of each respective track. The receiving portion 113a, 113b, and 113c may be also be formed as openings that correspond with and are dimensioned to receive the respective second captive tabs 117a, 117b, and 117c when the links 131a, 131b, and 131c are installed into the adapter 100. Once each respective second captive tab 117a, 117b, and 117c is installed via receiving portions 113a, 113b and 113c, the reduced dimension of elongated portion of each respective second track 115a, 115b, and 115c further allows each link 131a, 131b, and 131c to slide along the track in an inward direction 81a, 81b, and 81c and an outward direction 80a, 80b, and 80c while providing lateral stability to each link and preventing each link from separating from the adapter 100.
The adapter 100 may further include an adjustment portion 103. The adjustment portion 103 may comprise an adjustment bracket 106 connected to the adapter via surface 190. The adjustment bracket 108 may be connected to the surface 190 of the adapter 100 via any known fastening method, which may include and is not limited to the examples of fastening methods listed herein throughout. The adjustment bracket 108 may have a hole or threaded portion for receiving a threaded adjuster 104. In one example the adjustment bracket may have a threaded receiving portion (e.g., a nut) welded or otherwise connected to the adjustment bracket. The second bracket 108b may be connected to the other end of the threaded receiving portion as shown in FIGS. 1-5. In one example, the threaded adjuster may be received by a receiving slot 108b of the second bracket 108b and may be held in place via a threaded nut or series of nuts 107. In another example the nut or series of nuts 107 may be welded or otherwise connected to the second bracket 108b. In yet another example, the receiving slot 108b may be replaced by a hole for receiving the threaded adjuster 104 and/or may be formed as a threaded receiving portion with threads corresponding to the threaded adjuster 104. The aforementioned features allow the distance between the adjustment bracket 108 and the second bracket 108b to be adjusted along an inward direction 34 (FIG. 3) for example by rotating the threaded adjuster 104 in a first rotational direction (e.g., as shown by arrow 46) or an outward direction 61 (FIG. 4) by rotating the threaded adjuster 104 in a second rotational direction (e.g., as shown by arrow 45).
In one example, the aforementioned features allow a single rain cap 50 to be used with multiple diameters and/or styles of gas flues or pipes. For example, if the ran cap 50 is to be installed on a gas flue having a first diameter, the threaded adjuster 104 is rotated in direction 46 (FIG. 3) or otherwise set so that a distance between the adjustment bracket 106 and the second bracket 108b is increased. The increase in distance between the adjustment bracket 106 and the second bracket 108b causes the second link 131b to move inward in direction 32b. Since the first link 131a and third link 131c are all slideably connected to the second link 131b, via the corresponding tracks 132a, 132b and 132c and corresponding connection portions 133a, 133b, and 133, and since each of the links 131a, 131b, and 131c are slideably connected to surface 190 via each respective bracket 108a, 108b, and 108c via respective captive tabs 116a and 117a, 116b and 117b, 116c and 117c, the inward movement of second link 131b causes the first link 131a and third link 131c to move inwards in directions 32a and 32c thus causing the inner edges 141a, 141b, and 141c to move inward causing a decrease in the inner dimension of the adapter. In one example, the decreased inner dimension of the adapter allows the top or terminal end (one example of which is shown as reference 108 in FIG. 2) of the gas flue or pipe to rest on or engage with the surfaces of links 131a, 131b, and 131c. Further, the inward movement of the links 131a, 131b, and 131c may cause a respective engagement portion 123a, 123b, and 123c of each respective bracket 108a, 108b, and 108c to move in inward directions 32a, 32b, and 32c, which may allow the mounting interfaces to engage with a corresponding groove and/or engaging surface (e.g., mounting groove 204 in FIG. 2) at a terminal end of a pipe or flue.
Likewise, if the rain cap 50 is to be used with a gas flue having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter, the threaded adjuster 104 is rotated in direction 45 (FIG. 4) or otherwise set so that a distance between the adjustment bracket 106 and the second bracket 108b is decreased. The decrease in distance between the adjustment bracket 106 and the second bracket 108b causes the second link 131b to move outward in direction 33b. Since the first link 131a and third link 131c are all slideably connected to the second link 131b, via the corresponding tracks 132a, 132b and 132c and corresponding connection portions 133a, 133b, and 133, and since each of the links 131a, 131b, and 131c are slideably connected to surface 190 via each respective bracket 108a, 108b, and 108c via respective captive tabs 116a and 117a, 116b and 117b, 116c and 117c, the outward movement of second link 131b causes the first link 131a and third link 131c to move outward in directions 33a and 33c thus causing the inner edges 141a, 141b, and 141c to move outward and causing an increase in the inner dimension of the adapter. In one example, the increased inner dimension of the adapter allows the top or terminal end (one example of which is shown as reference 108 in FIG. 2) of the gas flue or pipe to rest on or engage with the surfaces of links 131a, 131b, and 131c while not interfering meaningfully with the flow of any flue gas that may be traveling though the flue pipe. Further, the outward movement of the links 131a, 131b, and 131c may cause a respective engagement portion 123a, 123b, and 123c of each respective bracket 108a, 108b, and 108c to move in outward directions 33a, 33b, and 33c, which may allow the installer or technician to place the rain cap system over the larger diameter flue pipe and then increase the distance between second bracket and adjusting bracket (e.g., by turning threaded adjuster in direction 45) in order to move engagement portions 123a, 123b and 123c inward in directions 32a, 32b, and 32c so as to engage with a corresponding groove and/or engaging surface (e.g., mounting groove 204 in FIG. 2) at a terminal end of a pipe or flue. Thus, by providing the aforementioned features, and as will be appreciated by the aforementioned non-limiting example, the adapter 100 may allow a single rain cap 50 to be installed on multiple diameters and/or styles of gas flues or pipes using a simple installation procedure.
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
20210088212
