The present invention relates to a fireplace flue, and particularly to a connector for use in a fireplace flue. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lock system and methods by which two piping portions of a fireplace flue may be releasably connected securely and efficiently.
Fireplace flues (or vents) are typically constructed of sheet metal that has been formed in the shape of a pipe. The pipe may be any shape, but it is common to use cylindrical pipes so that connecting pipes and elbows can be rotated and positioned in a greater range of possible configurations. For example, the fireplace flue may be configured to extend upwardly away from the fireplace, and then bend 45 or 90 degrees (or any other type of bend) to meet an exit hole in the roof or side wall. Such configurations are facilitated with the use of cylindrical pipes and interlocking pieces that can rotate relative to each other during installation.
The interlocking pieces (pipes) have typically been secured using methods known in the art. One such known method uses a series of pipes, ends of which have male-female relationships to each other such that one end of a pipe may be received in an appropriately sized opening of another. A variety of devices and techniques are known through the use of which the pipes remain connected to each other. For example, pipes are known that include an aperture that opens from one end of a pipe into an L-shape. The L-shaped aperture is sized and shaped to receive snugly a bead that rises from the outer surface of a second pipe generally adjacent to the second pipe's end. The connection of the first pipe to the second pipe is accomplished by inserting the second pipe into the first pipe such that the bead of the second pipe is received in the portion of the L-shaped aperture that opens from the end of the first pipe. With further insertion of the second pipe into the first pipe, the bead can travel along a first length of the L-shaped aperture. Locking connection of the first pipe and second pipe is completed by the rotation of the second pipe so that the bead—after it has traveled completely along the first length of the L-shaped aperture—travels completely along a second length of the L-shaped aperture, the axis of the second length of the L-shaped aperture being generally perpendicular to the axis of the first length of the L-shaped aperture.
The present invention is directed to a locking system for piping that may be used, for example, to form fireplace flues (or vents). The locking system of the present invention includes a locking bead that rises from an inner surface of a first pipe generally adjacent to the end of the first pipe. The first pipe includes an opening that is sized and shaped to receive a second pipe therein. The second pipe includes a T-shaped aperture that opens from the end of the second pipe. The T-shaped aperture is sized and shaped to receive snugly the locking bead that rises from the inner surface of the first pipe. In comparison to the L-shaped aperture of known piping connectors, the T-shaped channel of the second pipe advantageously permits locking connection between the first pipe and the second pipe to be accomplished by inserting the locking bead of the first pipe into the receiving length of the T-shaped channel of the second pipe so that the locking bead travels completely along the receiving length, and when fully inserted, rotating the pipes either way relative to each other until the locking bead is captured in the locking length of the T-shaped channel. To permit long lengths of piping to be formed, such as through the use of three or more individual pipes, each of the pipes may include what will be termed for purposes of this application a male end having the T-shaped aperture and at the end of the same pipe opposite to the male end, a female end from the inner surface of which the locking bead rises. Other channel configurations are possible—including a channel that circumscribes the pipe.
The constructions discussed herein permit a greater range of pipe installation options, and permit material cost savings because fewer types of connecting materials are needed. Finally, installation costs may be saved due to easier installation of the parts.
Additional features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:
A pipe 20 including a locking system 21 according to the present invention and comprising a male end 22 and a female end 24 is shown in
The embodiment of the locking bead 32P2 shown in
T-shaped channel 34 (shown in
In the present disclosure, T-shaped channel 34 is formed such that locking bead 32 can pass inside the inner circumference of channel 34 when male end 22 is mated with the female end 24P2 of a second pipe 20. As shown in
T-shaped channel 34 comprises a receiving length 38 and two locking lengths, i.e., first and second transverse lengths 40, 42, which may also be referred to as first and second arms, positioned substantially orthogonal to length 38. In the locking position shown in
It should be understood that first and second arms 40, 42 may also be formed at something other than 90-degree angles (not shown) to receiving length 38. For example, it may be desirable to have pipes 20 and 20P2 pull closer to each other when locking bead 32 is moved into the locked position. Thus, first and second arms 40 and 42 may be formed at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to receiving length 38. In the alternative, it may be desirable to have pipes 20 and 20P2 pull slightly away from each other in the locked position. In such a configuration, first and second arms 40, 42 would be formed at less than a 90-degree angle relative to receiving length 38. This configuration may be desirable when pipes 20, 20P2 are subject to forces pulling them apart in a longitudinal direction. Such longitudinal pulling forces would further secure pipes 20, 20P2 in the locked position.
Additional T-shaped channels may be formed in female end 24P2. Such additional T-shaped channels may provide additional positions at which a male end 22 (and locking bead 32) may engage with female end 24′. In the alternative, additional locking beads 32 may be provided on male end 22, further reinforcing the engagement of pipes 20, 20P2.
In an alternative embodiment, shown in dashed lines in
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have herein been described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
There is a plurality of advantages of the present invention arising from the various features of the vent lock described herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the vent lock of the present invention may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of such a vent lock that incorporate one or more of the features of the present invention and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/700,396, filed Jul. 19, 2005.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60700396 | Jul 2005 | US |