Coupling for direct venting system

Abstract

A pipe coupling for components of a venting system comprising a male pipe member on an end of a first component and a female pipe member on a corresponding end of a second component. The male pipe member comprises an inner flue pipe having a compressible gasket surrounding the inner flue pipe proximate an external end of the inner flue pipe, an external venting pipe surrounding the inner flue pipe and brackets linking the inner flue pipe to the external venting pipe. The female pipe member receives the male pipe member and comprises an inner flue sleeve being sized larger than the outer diameter of the flue pipe at an outer end of the sleeve. The inner flue sleeve remains in circumferential contact with the compressible gasket when the male pipe member is inserted into the female pipe member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention is directed to a venting system. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a coupling for a direct venting system for fireplaces and stoves. The present patent application claims priority of U.S. 60 / 780,062 filed Mar. 8, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Direct-vent gas fireplaces or stoves solve many of the problems associated with wood-burning forebears. Unlike traditional masonry fireplaces with foundations and chimneys, direct-vent units take advantage of technologies that allow small clearances. These systems are typically prefabricated from metal and designed to be installed in wood-frame constructions without a foundation or a chimney. As the direct-vent systems burn efficiently, combustion gases can be vented directly out a wall. These systems are much easier and less expensive to install than masonry units and allow much greater flexibility in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0035] A flexible double wall pipe section allowing more freedom in small offset installations.

[0036] The horizontal termination ensures better efficiency of the gas appliance under different wind conditions and directions. There is no poor flame and/or combustion effects under low and high wind conditions from any direction.

[0037] The invention also provides an insulated wall thimble with a rigid insulation pad inside the sleeves which eliminates cold air infiltration. This design also brings at the same time the following improvements: a decrease in the size of the hole to be cut in the wall and a reduction to zero of the clearance to the combustible framing. Also by designing a telescopic section part of the horizontal caps, the system can be adapted to different wall thicknesses.

[0038] The male-female joint attachment makes an installation v

Problems solved by technology

A number of venting systems have been proposed, but none has been entirely satisfactory due to different problems described below.

Because many installations are side vented, many of the field problems associated with direct venting are wind-related.

Wind direction is also responsible for the poor performance of appliances.

Another common problem in the field for horizontal installation systems is cold air infiltration (especially in northern areas).

The cold air infiltration decreases the overall efficiency of the sy

Images