GB2494463A - Stove flue connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A stove flue connector for connecting between a fuel burning appliance outlet and a chimney flue, which may include a flue liner, is provided. The stove flue connector 10 comprises a connector main stem 11, a secondary stem 12 provided at a predetermined angle to the main stem, and a connector extension sleeve 20. The connector extension sleeve is moveable telescopically within the connector defining a minimum extension length and a maximum extension length. Preferably, the connector extension sleeve is telescopically moveable relative to the secondary stem of the connector. The predetermined angle may be selected from within the range 30° to 60° and is advantageously substantially 45°.

Description

AN IMPROVED STOVE FLUE CONNECTOR

The present invention relates to an improved stove flue connector.

The present invention relates to a connector used to connect a fuel burning appliance, such as a stove, to a chimney flue, and optionally of the type including a flue liner which may be a flexible flue liner. In particular, the invention relates to a connection for use with an insert stove, this is a stove which is inserted into an existing fireplace and in which only the front of the stove may be visible.

Such connectors generally comprise a longitudinal connector piping as shown in Figure 1 [prior art]. However, the arrangement represented in Figure 1 is the situation in which the outlet 51 of the fuel burning appliance 50 and the end 53 of the flue liner 52 are aligned longitudinally. This prior art connector is not satisfactory because this longitudinal alignment does not always arise with modern stoves in which the flue pipe exiting the stove is usually at an angle of approximately 45°. Using the longitudinal connector of the prior art also tends to be problematic to align the longitudinal connector between the flue liner outlet and the outlet of the fuel burning appliance e.g. stove flue outlet, especially in tight spaces as is frequently the case.

The present invention seeks to alleviate the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a stove flue connector for connecting between a fuel burning appliance outlet and a chimney flue, the stove flue connector comprising a connector main stem, a secondary stem provided at a predetermined angle to the main stem and a connector extension sleeve, the connector extension sleeve being moveable telescopically to any extended length between a minimum extension length and a maximum extension length.

Preferably, the connection extension sleeve is telescopically moveable relative to the secondary stem of the connector.

Preferably the angle between the main stem and the secondary stem is selected from within the range of 3Q0 to 60° and ideally is approximately 45°. The angled positioning of the secondary stem relative to the main stem of the connector is particularly advantageous to facilitate connecting a flue liner to one end of the connector of the present invention and connecting the outlet of a fuel burning appliance to the other end of the connector. This arrangement is particularly useful when the outlet of the fuel burning appliance extends at an angle of generally 45°.

Advantageously, the extension sleeve has a socket which is adapted to engage with the outlet of the fuel burning appliance.

The stove flue connector of the present invention has the significant advantage that it allows for easier installation of a flue liner into a chimney flue due to the ease of making a connection and particularly a sealable connection between the flue liner at one end of the connector and the outlet of the fuel burning appliance at the other end of the connector.

Advantageously, the stove flue connector comprises means for engaging with a flue liner.

Preferably said means comprise a neck adapted to engage with the flue linel and a collar adapted to overlap a portion of the flue liner when the neck of the connector is engaged in the flue liner.

The stove flue connector of the present invention is ideal for use with all types of solid fuel stoves, including stoves burning bio-mass fuels (woodchip, wood pellet etc.).

The flue liner used to line the flue is connectable to one end of the stove flue connector of the present invention and may be a flexible twin-skinned stainless steel flue lining with smooth inner wall. The use of the connector of the present invention together with the flue liner enables upgrading existing chimneys which have failed, or for use where the performance of an existing chimney is not adequate for modern conditions.

The flue liner is manufactured using a single strip of raw material, this is rolled, seamed and manipulated in such a way that it forms both the outer corrugated durable case and an extremely smooth inner bore. The product has two convolutions between each seam.

The stove flue connector of the present invention is suitable for condensing applications.

It is manufactured from the highest quality 316 grade stainless steel which offers excellent corrosive resistance properties. The connector ensures a direct unrestricted condensate flow back to the fuel burning appliance from the flue liner.

Alternatively, the stove flue connection comprises means for engaging with a clay pot flue.

The stove flue connector of the present invention will now be described more particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings in which are shown, by way of example only, a number of embodiments of the stove flue connector of the present invention.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a sectional view of a chimney flue including a liner which is connected to a fuel burning appliance using a connector of the prior art; Figure 1 is included for descriptive purposes and the connector shown in Figure 1 forms part of the prior art; Figure 2 is a side view of the stove flue connector of the present invention comprising a connector main stem, a secondary stem at an angle to the main stem and a connector extension sleeve, the connector extension being moveable telescopically over the main stem defining a minimum extension length and a maximum extension length; and Figure 2 shows the connector main stem and the connector extension shown separate from each other; Figure 3 are side views of the stove flue connector of the present invention; Figure 3a being a side view of the connector at minimum extension; and Figure 3b being a side view of the connector at maximum extension; Figures 4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment of the connector shown in Figures 2 to 3b; and Figures 6 and 7 show a further alternative embodiment of the connector; and Figure 8 is an exploded side view of a separate embodiment of the connector according to the invention for fitting directly to a clay pot flue.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to Figures 2 to 7, the improved stove flue connector of the present invention will now be described, but with initial reference to the

prior art as shown in Figure 1.

Referring initially to Figure 1 [including the prior art connector which is indicated by reference letter C], the manner in which the stove flue connector of the present invention is used will now be described.

The prior art connector is indicated by reference letter C. The connector C is used to connect between the outlet 51 of the fuel burning appliance 50 and an end 53 of the flue liner 52. The flue liner 52 is preferably a flexible flue liner which is inserted in the flue of the chimney 57. The chimney 57 is back filled with an insulation 56 in the form of a granular insulation, for example, vermiculate. There are also clay liners 54 clay included in the chimney 56.

In order to seal all joints, cement which is specified for use in high temperatures (known in the art as fire cement) is used.

Turning now to Figures 2 to 7, the stove fuel connector of the present invention will now be described and its advantages over prior art connector C will be highlighted.

Referring initially to Figures 2, and 3a and 3b, the connector of the present invention in one embodiment is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. The flue connector comprises a connector main stem 11 and a secondary stem 12. The secondary stem 12 is fixedly connected to the main stem 11 at a pre-determined angle of approximately 45°. The connector 10 of the present invention also comprises a connector extension sleeve 20 which is telescopically moveable about the secondary stem 12. When the extension sleeve 20 is fully retracted relative to the secondary stem, this retracted position defines the minimum extension, and when the extension sleeve 20 is fully extended outwardly from the secondary stem 12, this fully extended position defines the maximum extension distance of the extension sleeve 20. A stop means (not shown) may be provided to prevent the extension sleeve from being pulled entirely from the secondary stem 12.

The extension sleeve 20 has a socket 25 which is adapted to engage with the outlet 51 of the fuel burning appliance 50.

The main stem 11 includes an outlet 15, a neck 17 with a collar 16. The outlet 15 is adapted to engage with the flue liner 52 such that when the flue liner 52 is engaged with the main stem, the outlet 15 is inserted into the flue liner 52 and the collar 16 is positioned outside the flue liner 52 and overlapping a portion of the flue liner 52.

In order to use the connector 10 of the present invention in as many chimney applications as possible, different embodiments are provided which are useful for different fitting arrangements that may arise in practice, depending on the respective types of flue and fuel burning appliance being used and the relative locations of the outlet 51 of the fuel burning appliance 50 and the end 53 of the flue liner 52.

Figures 4 and 5 are side views ofan alternative embodiment in which the connection 110 of the invention is used to connect a flue outlet and a flue at 90° to one another.

The flue connector 110 comprise a main stem 111 and a second stem 112 fixed at an angle of approximately 45° to the main stem 111. A connector extension sleeve 120 is telescopically movable relative to the secondary stem 112. The connector extension sleeve 120 is provided with a third stem 122 fixed at an angle of approximately 45°.

Accordingly two angled connections of 45° result in a combined angle of 90° between the horizontally disposed third stem 122 and the vertically displaced first stem 111. In Figure 4 the extension sleeve 120 is at the maximum extension relative to the second stem 112, whereas in Figure 5, the extension sleeve is fully retracted relative to the second stem 112. A socket 125 is provided at the end of the third stem 122 and a collar 116 is provided with at the end of the first stem 111 to facilitate connection between the flue outlet of a stove and a flue liner.

Figures 6 and 7 are side views of a further alternative embodiment in which the connector 210 of the invention is used to convert a flue outlet and a flue which are parallel to one another but on different axes.

The flue connector 210 comprises a main stem 211 and a second stem 212 fixed at an angle of approximately 45° to the main stem 211. A connector extension sleeve 220 is telescopically movable relative to the secondary stem 212. The connector extension sleeve 220 is provided with a third stem 222 fixed at a reverse angle of approximately 45°.

Accordingly, the two angled connections of 45° result in a combined net angle of 0° resulting in an offset between the vertically disposed third stem 222 and the vertically disposed third stem 222 and the vertically disposed first stem 211. In Figure 6, the extension sleeve 220 is at the maximum extension relative to the second stem 212, whereas in Figure 7, the extension sleeve 220 is fully retracted relative to the second stem 212. A socket 225 is provided at the end of the third stem 222 and a collar 216 is provided at the end of the first stem 211 to facilitate connection between the flue outlet of a stove and a flue liner.

Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of connector 310 which is for use with a clay pot internal flue and not a flue liner. The flue connector 310 comprises a main stem 311 and a second stem 312 fixed at an angle of approximately 45° to the main stem 311. A connector extension sleeve 320 is telescopically movable relative to the second stem 312.

A third stem 322 is engagable at one end with the main stem 311. A collar 316 is provided at the other end of the third stem 322 to provide for engagement with a clay pot flue liner. The dimensions shown in the figure are purely for illustrative purposes and may be varied in any number of ways.

The use of the stove flue connector in any of the embodiments of the present invention shown in Figures 2 to 8 will now be described.

Good working practices and statutory health and safety considerations should be followed. Protective gloves, goggles and dust-masks, must be worn, particularly when handling insulation and dusty or sooty materials. There is a danger of cuts and abrasions from the flue liner and metal fittings.

The diameter of the flue liner should not be smaller than the diameter of the appliance outlet, unless the flue burning appliance manufacturer recommends otherwise, The chimney must be structurally sound, wind proof and watertight and the chimney should be cleaned using a brush and rods. Any terminals or cappings, which might affect installation of the flue liner must be removed. There are two methods of installation of the flue liner at the top of the stack: (1) where the pot is removed to secure the liner or (2) a pot hanger or pot hanging cowl is used therefore removal of the pot is not required -this is not recommended in an exposed area.

METHOD (1) -POT REMOVAL (a) A draw-cord is attached to the nose cone; the nose cone is secured to the end of the flue liner and the flue liner is lowered into the chimney from the top, if necessary gently pulling from below using the draw-cord. When the lower end position has been determined, the cone is removed.

(b) The chimney pot is removed and any cement and debris is cleared from the pot area.

(c) When the flue liner is inserted all the way through the flue, the base of the flue liner is pushed onto the neck 17 of the connector 10, with the collar 16 overlapping the inserted liner. The liner is secured to the connector 10 using stainless steel screws and the connection is sealed with fire cement.

(d) If the chimney is to be insulated, this is done at this stage.

(e) The flue liner is cut to the desired length leaving about 100mm for the clamp to be secured and a protection sleeve is inserted into the top of the liner.

(f) Place the top plate over the liner and secure the liner in place using the top clamp.

The clamp should secure both the liner and protection sleeve.

(g) The top plate and top clamp and surrounding area are flaunched with a suitable mortar and the chimney pot is re-fitted.

METHOD (2) -NOT REMOVING THE CHIMNEY POT (a) Attach the draw-cord to the nose cone. Use selftapping screws OR strong tape to secure the nose cone to the end of the liner. Lower it into the chimney from the top, if necessary gently pulling from below using the draw-cord. When the lower end position has been determined remove the cone.

(b) When the chimney liner is all the way through the flue, connect the base of the chimney liner to the appropriate adaptor using stainless steel screws and seal with fire cement.

(c) If the chimney is to be insulated, this is done now.

(d) Cut the liner to the desired length -this should be to the height of the chimney pot.

(e) Attach the Pot Hanger or Pot Hanging Cowl to the top of the liner -the bottom spigot is inserted into the top of the liner. The straps are then tightened around the liner to form a secure hold.

(f) The Pot Hanger or Pot Hanging Cowl should now fit flush with the top of the chimney pOI.

(g) If the Hanger has a strap on the outside, secure this to the pot.

LINING TO FUEL BURNING APPLIANCE CONNECTION USING THE INVENTION

At the bottom of the chimney, the flue liner is secured into the socket 25, 125, 225 of the extension sleeve 20, 120, 220 on the connector 10, 110, 210. Fire cement is used to achieve a seal so as to prevent escape of noxious gases. For open tires, a flue gather should be secured and sealed into the masonry gather above the fire opening. For other appliances a minimum 600mm length of flue pipe should be used before connecting to the connector 10, 110, 210. The flue liner should be at least the same diameter as the outlet from the flue burning appliance. The space between the liner and the inside wall of the chimney must be sealed using fire cement.

The angled position of the secondary stem relative to the main stem of the connector is particularly advantageous to facilitate connecting a flue liner to one end of the connector of the present invention and connecting the outlet of a fuel burning appliance to the other end of the connector. This is particularly so when the outlet of the fuel burning appliance is not longitudinally aligned with the chimney flue as is often the case in practice.

It is preferable that insulation or back filling be included in most chimneys although this is not required when the chimney is used for condensing applications. An insulated flue should ensure maximum performance and minimize condensation in the lining. To insulate the chimney, a loose fill granular insulating material such as vermiculite is used.

This should be mixed with one part ordinary Portland cement to six parts vermiculite.

At the stages where the fire liner must be cut, the flue liner is cut, preferably, using a hacksaw. The flue liner can have razor sharp edges so protective gloves must be worn.

Although, the description of the specific embodiment and the corresponding drawings all relate to a 45° angle structure, it should be apparent that the invention is not limited to that or any specific angle. The optimum range of angles available is from within the range 30° to 600.

It will also of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>CLAIMS: 1. A stove flue connector for connecting between a fuel burning appliance outlet and a chimney flue, the stove flue connector comprising a connector main stem, a secondary stem provided at a predetermined angle to the main stem and a connector extension sleeve, the connector extension sleeve being moveable telescopically to any extended length between a minimum extension length and a maximum extension length.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A stove flue connector as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the connection extension sleeve is telescopically moveable relative to the secondary stem of the connector.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A stove flue connector as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the predetermined angle selected from within the range 30° to 60° and preferably is approximately 45°.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A stove flue connector as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the extension sleeve has a socket which is adapted to engage with the outlet of the fuel burning appliance.</claim-text> <claim-text>5 A stove flue connector as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the stove flue connector comprises means for engaging with a flue liner.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A stove flue connector as claimed in Claim 5, in which the means for engaging with a flue liner comprises a neck adapted to engage with the flue liner and a collar adapted to overlap a portion of the flue liner when the neck of the connector is engaged in the flue liner.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A stove flue connector as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the stove flue connector comprises means for engaging with a clay pot flue.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A stove flue connector substantially as herein described in any of the embodiments, with reference to and as shown in Figures 2 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>