Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PIPE COUPLING FOR A VENTING SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a ventilation system. More particularly,
the
present invention is directed to a pipe coupling for a pellet stove venting
system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Pellet stoves develop positive pressure inside the venting system. To prevent
flue
gases from escaping inside the building through the joint and pipe
construction, it
is absolutely critical that the pipe assembly be sealed. A number of solutions
have
been proposed, but none has been entirely satisfactory.
Prior art pipe assemblies have two major problems. The first problem is
related to
installation of the pipe assembly. Several pipe assemblies require sealant
application in the field to make the assemblies leak proof which complicates
their
installation and causes difficulties when cleaning up after installation. Very
often,
the installer has to return to the installation site to verify that the
sealant is still
successfully applied. These pipe assemblies are also difficult to paint over.
The second problem of prior art systems is related to maintenance of the pipe
assembly. Not only parts of the prior art systems are difficult to assemble,
but they
are equally difficult to disassemble when routine maintenance is required.
US 6,026,803 by Wawrla discloses a coupling for use in venting systems which
is
self sealing. The coupling comprises a mechanical locking device on a female
part
of the coupling to prevent disconnection of the male part therefrom. However,
the
coupling design does not stiffen the pipe in an efficient manner and does not
guarantee maintenance of the roundness of the pipe under load stresses. The
gasket is designed for low temperature exhaust gases applications and the
single
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wall pipe construction / coupling will not allow close clearances to
combustibles
materials.
Thus there is presently a need for a pipe coupling system for venting systems
that
is easy to install and offers good stiffness and thermal properties.
SUMMARY OF THE 1NVENT10N
An object of the present invention is to provide a pipe coupling for use in
venting
systems that addresses the above-mentioned needs.
More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a pipe
coupling
for components of a venting system comprising:
-a male pipe member on an end of a first one of the components, the male
pipe member comprising a flue pipe having an outer diameter at an outer end of
the flue pipe;
-a female pipe member on a corresponding end of a second one of the
components, the female pipe member receiving the male pipe member and
comprising:
-a flue sleeve having variable inner diameters expanding in a step-
like manner from an inner end to an outer end of the flue sleeve, a
first of the inner diameters at the inner end similarly sized with
respect to the outer diameter of the flue pipe, the flue sleeve having a
second of the inner diameters being sized larger than the outer
diameter of the flue pipe at the outer end;
-an enlargement located proximate the outer end of the flue sleeve;
and
-a compressible gasket held within the enlargement having an inner
diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the flue pipe;
wherein the flue pipe remains in circumferential contact with the compressible
gasket when the male pipe member is inserted into the female pipe member.
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Another object of the present invention is to provide a venting system
comprising
components that are coupled with the coupling defined above.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a component of a venting
system, the venting system having a flue pipe of a defined diameter, the
component comprising:
-a female pipe member on a first end of the component, the female pipe
member comprising:
-a flue sleeve having variable inner diameters expanding in a step-
like manner from an inner end to an outer end of the flue sleeve, a
first of the inner diameters at the inner end similarly sized with
respect to the defined diameter of the flue pipe, the flue sleeve
having a second of the inner diameters being sized larger than the
defined diameter of the flue pipe at the outer end;
-an enlargement located proximate the outer end of the flue sleeve;
and
-a compressible gasket held within the enlargement having an inner
diameter smaller than the defined diameter of the flue pipe.
The present system offers several advantages including a leak proof coupling
and
pipe construction, a strong and durable design, an esthetically pleasant
looking
pipe, a faster and easier installation, an increased efficiency of the system
and
safer installation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention and its advantages will be more easily understood after
reading the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments
thereof,
made with reference to the following drawings in which:
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Figure 1 is a side partially cut view of a pipe coupling according to a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a top view of a gasket according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
Figure 3 is a side view of the gasket shown in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the gasket shown in Figure
2;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a ventilation system linking a stove to an
exterior
of a building according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a ventilation system linking a stove to an
exterior
of a building according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a ventilation system linking a stove to an
exterior
of a building according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 8 is a side partially cut view of a length to be used in a ventilation
system
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a side partially cut view of an adjustable length to be used in a
ventilation system according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 10 is a side partially cut view of a tee to be used in a ventilation
system
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 11 is a side partially cut view of a tee cap to be used in a
ventilation system
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
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Figure 12 is a side partially cut view of a 45° elbow to be used in a
ventilation
system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 13 is a side partially cut view of a 90° elbow to be used in a
ventilation
5 system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 14 is a side partially cut view of an increaser to be used in a
ventilation
system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 15 is a side partially cut view of a stove adapter to be used in a
ventilation
system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 16 is a side partially cut view of a female flex adapter to be used in
a
ventilation system according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 17 is a perspective view of a square support radiation shield to be
used in a
ventilation system according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 18 is a top view of a ceiling support radiation shield to be used in a
ventilation system according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 19 is a side view of the ceiling support radiation shield shown in
Figure 18;
Figure 20 is a top view of a ceiling support fire stop to be used in a
ventilation
system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
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Figure 21 is a perspective view of a universal collar support to be used in a
ventilation system according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 22 is a perspective view of an adjustable wall support to be used in a
ventilation system according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 23 is a top view of a masonry adapter to be used in a ventilation
system
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 24 is a side view of a chimney adapter to be used in a ventilation
system
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 25 is a perspective exploded view of an adjustable wall thimble to be
used
in a ventilation system according to another preferred embodiment of the
present
invention;
Figure 26 is a side view of a vertical rain cap to be used in a ventilation
system
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 27 is a side view of an adjustable rotational jet cap to be used in a
ventilation system according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 28 is a side view of a horizontal cap to be used in a ventilation
system
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 29 is a top view of a flashing to be used in a ventilation system
according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
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Figure 30 is a side view of the flashing shown in Figure 29;
Figure 31 is a top view of a storm collar to be used in a ventilation system
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 32 is a side view of the storm collar shown in Figure 31 in a closed
configuration.
Figure 33 is a top view of a universal cap screen to be used in a ventilation
system
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 34 is a side view of the universal cap screen shown in Figure 33.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in Figure 1, the pipe coupling 10 according the present invention is
to be
used to join different components in various venting system applications. The
pipe
coupling 10 comprises a male pipe member 12 on an end of a first one of the
components, the male pipe member 12 comprising a flue pipe 14 having an outer
diameter at an outer end of the flue pipe 14. The coupling 10 further
comprises a
female pipe member 16 on a corresponding end of a second one of the
components. The female pipe member 16 receives the male pipe member 12 and
comprises a flue sleeve 18 having variable inner diameters expanding in a step-
like manner from an inner end 20 to an outer end 22 of the flue sleeve 18. A
first of
the inner diameters at the inner end 20 is similarly sized with respect to the
outer
diameter of the flue pipe 14. The flue sleeve 18 also has a second inner
diameter
sized larger than the outer diameter of the flue pipe 14 at the outer end 22.
The
coupling 10 further comprises an enlargement 24 located proximate the outer
end
22 of the flue sleeve 18. A compressible gasket 26 is held within the
enlargement
24 and has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the flue pipe
14.
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The flue pipe 14 remains in circumferential contact with the compressible
gasket
26 when the male pipe member 12 is inserted into the female pipe member 16.
Preferably, the pipe coupling further comprises a male outer casing 28
surrounding at least a part of the male pipe member 12 and having a first
outer
casing circumference and a female outer casing 30 surrounding at least a part
of
the female pipe member 16 and having a second outer casing circumference. The
first outer casing circumference is similar sized with respect to the second
outer
casing circumference.
Preferably, the end of the female outer casing 30 is sized smaller than the
male
outer casing 28 to facilitate the insertion of the male pipe member 12 into
the
female pipe member 16.
Preferably, the male outer casing 28 and the female outer casing 30 are sized
such that the male outer casing 28 remains in contact with the female outer
casing
30 when the male pipe member 12 is inserted into the female pipe member 16.
Preferably, the female pipe member 16 is attached to the flue sleeve 18 at the
point of contact with the enlargement 24.
Preferably, the gasket 26 is made of one of silicone or rubber.
Preferably, as shown in figures 2 to 4, the gasket 26 comprises an inwardly
extending projection 32.
Preferably, the dimensions of the coupling combined with the dimensions and
composition of the gasket will create enough pressure at contact points
between
the flue sleeve 18 and the flue pipe 14 to make a leak proof assembly.
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Returning to figure 1, at least one fastener 34 preferably joins the male pipe
member 12 to the female pipe member 16. According to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention, the anal section assembly is done by attaching each
section together with three'/4' long sheet metal screws.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an object
of
the present invention is also to provide a venting system 40 comprising
various
components that are coupled with the coupling described hereinabove. Figures 5
to 7 illustrate three different venting system 40 configurations linked to
pellet
stoves 42.
Preferably, the system 40 of the invention consists of a number of components
assembled together with the couplings 10 in a manner to vent flue gases to the
outside of the building 44. The different components include, but are not
restricted
to the following: standard and adjustable lengths 46, elbows 48, tees 50,
termination caps 52, floor, ceiling and wall shields 54, stove adapters 56,
and
supports 58, among others shown in Figures 5 to 7.
Different components to be used with the ventilation system are illustrated
individually in Figures 8 to 32 and described below.
As shown in Figure 8, the invention preferably provides Lengths 60 that are
preferably available in 48", 24", 18", 12" & 6" lengths.
As shown in Figure 9, the invention also preferably provides an adjustable
length
62. This unique part enables an installer to adjust the system to the exact
overall
length required for any installation. The most common applications for the
adjustable length 62 are:
- Between elbows so that any required centre-to-centre offset can be
achieved.
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- When it is necessary to balance the chimney height so that the caps line
up for functional or aesthetic reasons.
- When a specific horizontal offset is required.
The adjustable length 62 must be installed above a straight length. It will
not adjust
5 into an elbow or tee.
The flue pipe 14 diameter is smaller and the female outer casing 30 diameter
is
bigger than a regular coupling which enable the adjustable length to telescope
into
a regular straight length.
As shown in Figure 10, the invention also preferably provides a tee 64. The
tee
can be used on the interior or exterior of the building.
As shown in Figure 11, the invention also preferably provides a tee cap 66.
The
tee cap 66 incorporates the same silicone gasket 26 as the lengths as well as
a
handle 68 making it easy to remove for cleaning.
As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the invention also preferably provides
45° or 90°
elbows 70, 72. The small radius of the elbows makes installations in tight
spaces
easier.
As shown in Figure 14, the invention also preferably provides an increaser 74.
The
increaser 74 is designed to increase the diameter of a system to accommodate a
range of flue sizes, appliances and installations.
As shown in Figure 15, the invention also preferably provides a stove adapter
76.
The stove adapter 76 fits both large OD flue collars (e.g.: Harman) and small
OD
flue collars. The stove adapter fastens permanently to the stove but can be
easily
disconnected from the rest of the vent to simplify cleaning.
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In fact, the components illustrated in Figures 8 to 15 all incorporate
silicone
gaskets 26 making them easy to remove for cleaning.
As shown in Figure 16, the invention also preferably provides a female flex
adapter 78. The flex adapter provides a sealed connection where a flexible
liner is
installed above the venting system.
As shown in Figure 17, the invention also preferably provides a square
support/radiation shield 80. The square support/radiation shield 80 is rated
to
support up to 3T (3") or 30' (4") of venting where it passes through an
insulated or
un-insulated ceiling. It is particularly suitable for cathedral and drop
ceilings. It is
preferably supplied with a support collar.
As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the invention also preferably provides a
ceiling
support/radiation shield 82. The ceiling support/radiation shield 82 is rated
to
support up to 30' (3") or 25' (4") of venting where it passes through an
insulated
ceiling. It telescopes from 12" to 23" to keep insulation and debris away from
the
vent. It is preferably supplied with a support collar.
As shown in Figure 20, the invention also preferably provides a support/fire
stop
84. The support/fire stop 84 is rated to support up to 30' (3") or 25' (4") of
venting
where it passes through an un-insulated floor or ceiling. It is preferably
supplied
with a support collar.
As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the invention also preferably provides a
universal
support collar 86 and an adjustable wall support 88. The wall support is rated
to
support up to 21' (3") or 1T (4") of venting and fits 3" and 4" diameters. It
adjusts
easily to provide from 2" to 5" of clearance to the wall.
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As shown in Figure 23, the invention also preferably provides a masonry
adapter
90. The masonry adapter 90 provides a tight, positive transition to a masonry
chimney.
As shown in Figure 24, the invention also preferably provides a chimney
adapter
92. The chimney adapter 92 provides a positive sealed connection between the
venting system and Class A chimneys by connecting 3" or 4" pellet vents to 6",
T or 8" Class A chimneys.
As shown in Figure 25, the invention also preferably provides an adjustable
wall
thimble 94. The adjustable wall thimble 94 telescopes to accommodate wall
thicknesses from 5" to 10". It is fully insulated to maintain insulation
integrity and
fits tightly to prevent air flow. The 3" thimble requires a 6 1/2" X 6 1/2"
framed
opening; while the 4" thimble requires a 7 1/2" X 7 1/2" framed opening.
As shown in Figure 26, the invention also preferably provides a vertical rain
cap
96.
As shown in Figure 27, the invention also preferably provides an adjustable
jet cap
98. The jet cap 98 can be rotated to direct hot flue gasses away from bushes
or
other things in proximity to the exhaust. The conical shape of the jet cap
outlet will
promote an increase in flue gasses exit velocity. The air space between the
conical outlet and the base of the jet cap reduces the outlet back pressure
caused
by wind.
As shown in Figure 28, the invention also preferably provides a horizontal cap
100.
The horizontal cap 100 directs and accelerates flue gasses away from the house
or building reducing the possibility of "moustache effect" from smoke
accumulation.
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As shown in figures 29 and 30, the invention also preferably provides a
flashing
102. These flashings 102 are made from either galvalume steel, which is
considerably more corrosion resistant than galvanized, or from stainless steel
for
applications where maximum corrosion resistance is desired. They are made to
cover the entire range of roof pitches.
As shown in figures 29 and 30, the invention also preferably provides a storm
collar 104. When the chimney passes through a radiation shield into an
insulated
space a storm collar 104 must also be installed to prevent the entry of
insulation. A
strom collar is also installed above the flashing to prevent the entry of rain
water.
As shown in figures 33 and 34, the invention also preferably provides a
universal
cap screen 106 to prevent the entry of birds and small animals into the
venting
system .
Preferably, the venting system further comprises an attic shield surrounding
components of the venting system traversing a ceiling.
The leak proof coupling is accomplished by the combination of the spreading of
pipe's end and by the insertion of a silicone gasket over the female side of
each
pipe section. When the sections are put together, the gasket lip 32 is
deflected
downward to a predetermined amount established by the dimensions of the joint.
This deflection generates the compression required to seals the gap between
the
male and female sides of the coupling. Because of the choice of thickness of
the
gasket material in combination with the inside and outside diameter of the
gasket,
it is easy to assemble each piece of pipe together without using special tools
or
fixtu res.
The gasket dimensions also ensure minimum friction between the gasket and the
inner flue when the pipe expands and contracts with temperature. This design
feature will increase the durability and life of the gasket.
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The strong design is accomplished by the shape of the pipe's end. The inner
flue
is expanded in a multistep design that stiffens the pipe which keeps the
roundness
of the pipe under close tolerance even under load stress. This strength
ensures
that the gasket will almost always seal properly under every possible
operating
conditions. The outer casing is reduced in diameter at one end by 1 3/<" which
ensures a stable assembly. The anal section assembly is done by attaching each
section together with three'/" long sheet metal screws.
The outer casing design makes it possible to have a uniform and continuous
surface which makes the assembly aesthetically pleasant looking. This is an
important feature since the pipe can be apparent inside the building.
Because installers don't have to caulk each joint individually on site, the
installation
of a pellet venting system becomes faster with the present invention. Other
features that make the installation faster and easier are the smallest wall
opening
in the industry for our wall pass-through and the adjustable wall support, the
2"
clearance to combustibles compares with 3" from our competitors. The design of
the plate opening for the wall pass-through and for the masonry chimney
adapter
also make the installation easier by sealing around the outer casing of the
pipe
and by incorporating support tabs to stabilize the venting system. The joint
of the
present invention is also free to rotate which makes it simpler to install in
an offset
installation.
The increased efficiency is done by the sealed air space between the inner
flue
and outer casing of the pipe. This is why we have a lower casing temperature
and
a smaller clearance to combustible materials. The rotational jet cap and the
directional air flow of the horizontal cap make for a more efficient flue
gases
discharge. The flue gases are accelerated and directed away from the outside
wall
preventing staining.
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The design of a cylindrical attic shield to prevent blown cellulose insulation
from
touching the outer casing of the vent make the system safer. No other pellet
vent
manufacturer supplies such a part.
5 Although the present invention has been explained hereinabove by way of a
preferred embodiment thereof, it should be pointed out that any modifications
to
this preferred embodiment within the scope of the appended claims is not
deemed
to alter or change the nature and scope of the present invention.
