US20080087233A1

US20080087233A1 - Water heater igniter bracket and bracket assembly

Info

Publication number: US20080087233A1
Application number: US11/581,564
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeremy Waller; Jim Robertson; D. Scott Essenburgh
Original assignee: Bradford White Corp
Current assignee: Bradford White Corp
Priority date: 2006-10-16
Filing date: 2006-10-16
Publication date: 2008-04-17
Also published as: CA2606741A1

Abstract

An igniter bracket is provided for use with a water heater to mount an igniter to the water heater. The igniter bracket includes a base portion occupying a base plane and at least one mounting portion extending from the base portion, wherein an edge of the at least one igniter mounting portion occupies an edge plane that is not perpendicular to the base plane.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to water heaters having an igniter, igniter bracket and gas valve assembly. In particular, the invention relates to providing an improved bracket for mounting an igniter to a gas valve.
Recently, gas water heaters have incorporated electronic ignition devices and sealed burners, which eliminate the need for manual lighting of a pilot light with a match or other flame. Such water heaters may provide a manually activated device for electrically igniting the pilot. For example, a push-button piezo igniter, which is widely known in the art, allows a user to remotely activate or ignite a flame from a location outside the water heater.
It has been found to be ergonomically advantageous to mount an igniter to a gas valve so the user may press the igniter, creating a spark to the gas supply to provide for a pilot light. Though brackets have been employed to mount the igniter to the gas valve, a continuing need exists for an improved bracket for mounting the igniter to the gas valve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, an igniter bracket is provided for use with a water heater to mount an igniter to the water heater. According to one exemplary embodiment, the igniter bracket includes a base portion occupying a base plane and at least one igniter mounting portion extending from the base portion, wherein an edge of the at least one mounting portion occupies an edge plane that is not perpendicular to the base plane.
According to another aspect of the invention, an igniter, igniter bracket and gas valve assembly is provided for use with a water heater. According to one exemplary embodiment, the assembly includes a gas valve. The assembly also includes an igniter bracket that is coupled to the gas valve. The igniter bracket includes a base portion positioned adjacent a facing surface of the gas valve and at least one mounting portion extending from the base portion. An edge of the at least one mounting portion occupies an edge plane that is not perpendicular to the facing surface of the gas valve. The assembly also includes an igniter mounted to the at least one mounting portion.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a water heater is provided. The water heater, according to one exemplary embodiment, includes a water storage tank. The water heater also includes a gas valve coupled to the water storage tank, the gas valve including a surface opposing the water storage tank and a facing surface extending from the opposing surface. The water heater also includes an igniter bracket coupled to the gas valve, the igniter bracket including a base portion adjacent the facing surface of the gas valve and at least one mounting portion extending from the base portion, wherein an edge of the at least one mounting portion occupies an edge plane that is not parallel to the opposing surface of the gas valve. The water heater also includes an igniter mounted to the at least one mounting portion of the igniter bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. Included in the drawings are the following figures:

FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary igniter, igniter bracket and gas valve assembly according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an exemplary igniter and igniter bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an exemplary assembled igniter, igniter bracket and gas valve according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2A through 2C are perspective views of an exemplary igniter bracket according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A through 3E are detailed views of the exemplary igniter bracket shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an exemplary water heater, together with exemplary packaging and exemplary truck clamps, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of a prior art igniter bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.
The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which shows exemplary embodiments of the invention selected for illustrative purposes. The invention will be illustrated with reference to the figures. Such figures are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting and are included herewith to facilitate the explanation of the present invention.
FIG. 5A illustrates a conversational igniter bracket used for mounting an igniter to a gas valve. As shown in FIG. 5A, the igniter bracket includes a first mounting surface 1000 and a second mounting surface 1002. The igniter bracket also includes a base surface 1004. FIG. 5B is a top view of the prior art igniter bracket shown in FIG. 5A. As shown in FIG. 5B, the first mounting surface 1000 includes an edge 1006 and the second mounting surface 1002 includes an edge 1008. A vertical plane (not shown) along each of the edges 1006 and 1008 are perpendicular to the base surface.
The benefits associated with the bracket of the present invention, which will be described in detail, include a substantial decrease in the risk of damage to the igniter bracket during its lifetime.
Generally, and according to one embodiment of the invention, an igniter bracket is provided for use with a water heater to mount an igniter to the water heater. The igniter bracket includes a base portion occupying a base plane and at least one mounting portion extending from the base portion, wherein an edge of the at least one mounting portion occupies an edge plane that is not perpendicular to the base plane.
The base portion optionally has a base surface occupying a first plane, and the at least one mounting portion optionally has a mounting surface extending from the base surface, wherein a vertical plane along an edge of the at least one mounting surface is angled less than ninety degrees from the first plane. The at least one mounting portion optionally includes a first mounting portion and at least a second mounting portion spaced from the first mounting portion.
The at least one mounting portion defines an opening configured for receiving the igniter. A center of the opening is spaced in a range of from about ¼ inch to about 1¼ inch from a surface of the base portion. The center of the opening is also spaced in a range of from about ¾ inch to about 1⅜ inch from an end of the surface of the base portion. The opening includes a wall portion extending from an edge of the opening. The opening also includes at least one groove extending from an edge of the opening and configured for receiving a mating portion disposed on the igniter.
The igniter bracket further includes at least one attachment portion extending from the base portion. The base portion of the igniter bracket includes an opening proximal to an edge of the base portion. The igniter bracket also includes at least one attachment hook extending from an edge of the base portion.
According to another embodiment of the invention, an igniter, igniter bracket and gas valve assembly is provided for use with a water heater. According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a water heater is provided.
Referring generally to the figures, one embodiment of this invention provides an igniter bracket 108, 200, 300, 410 for use with a water heater 400. The igniter bracket 108, 200, 300, 410 includes a base surface 128, 206, 306 occupying a first plane. The igniter bracket 108, 200, 300, 410 further includes at least one mounting surface 102, 107, 202, 204, 302, 304 extending from the base surface 128, 206, 306. A vertical plane, along an edge 208, 210, 308, 310 of the at least one mounting surface 102, 107, 202, 204, 302, 304, is angled less than ninety degrees from the base surface 128, 206, 306.
The at least one mounting surface 102, 107, 202, 204, 302, 304 has a base edge 212, 214, 312 and a facing edge 208, 210, 308, 310 extending from the base edge 212, 214, 312. The base edge 212, 214, 312 and the facing edge 208, 210, 308, 310 together define an angle θ less than ninety degrees.
According to another embodiment, the present invention further provides an igniter, igniter bracket and gas valve assembly 101, 404 for use with a water heater 400. The assembly 101, 404 includes a gas valve 112, which, in turn includes a side surface 110. The assembly 101, 404 also includes an igniter bracket 108, 200, 300, 410 coupled to the gas valve 112. The igniter bracket 108, 200, 300, 410 includes a base surface 128, 206, 306 occupying a first plane, wherein the base surface 128, 206, 306 is adjoining and substantially parallel with the side surface 110 of the gas valve 112. The igniter bracket 108, 200, 300, 410 also includes at least one mounting surface 102, 107, 202, 204, 302, 304 extending from the base surface 128, 206, 306. A vertical plane, along an edge 208, 210, 308, 310 of the at least one mounting surface 102, 107, 202, 204, 302, 304, is angled less than ninety degrees from the first plane. The assembly 101, 404 further includes an igniter 100 mounted to the at least one mounting surface 102, 107, 202, 204, 302, 304.
According to yet another embodiment, the present invention further provides a water heater 400. The water heater 400 includes a tank 402 and an igniter, igniter bracket 108, 200, 300, 410 and gas valve assembly. The assembly 101, 404 includes a gas valve 112 coupled to the tank 402. The gas valve 112 includes a rear surface 407 opposing the tank 402 and a side surface 110 substantially perpendicular to the rear surface 407 and extending from the rear surface 407. The assembly 101, 404 also includes an igniter bracket 108, 200, 300, 410 coupled to the gas valve 112. The igniter bracket 108, 200, 300, 410 includes a base surface 128, 206, 306 occupying a first plane. The base surface 128, 206, 306 is adjoining and substantially parallel with the side surface 110 of the gas valve 112. The igniter bracket 108, 200, 300, 410 also includes at least one mounting surface 102, 107, 202, 204, 302, 304 extending from the base surface 128, 206, 306. A vertical plane, along an edge 208, 210, 308, 310 of the at least one mounting surface 102, 107, 202, 204, 302, 304, is angled less than ninety degrees from the first plane. The assembly 101, 404 further includes an igniter 100 mounted to the at least one mounting surface 102, 107, 202, 204, 302, 304 of the igniter bracket 108, 200, 300, 410.
FIG. 1A shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary igniter, igniter bracket and gas valve assembly 101 according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1A, an exemplary igniter 100 may be mounted to an exemplary igniter bracket 108. The igniter 100 may be mounted to the igniter bracket 108 through opening 104 of a first mounting surface 102 and opening 106 of a second mounting surface 107. The igniter bracket 108 may be coupled to a side surface 110 of an exemplary gas valve 112.
The exemplary gas valve 112 may also include a front surface 114 and a top surface 116. The front surface 114 may include an exemplary temperature setting dial 118 for setting the temperature of the water in a water heater tank (not shown). The top surface 116 may include a pilot ignition gas release button 120 which may release a flow of gas into the water heater when the user pushes the gas release button 120. When the user pushes the igniter button 122, a spark may be created inside the tank in the area where the gas is released into the tank released. This process may be used to light the pilot (not shown) in the water heater tank.
The gas valve 112 may also include an operations dial 124. The operations dial 124 may include settings which allow a user to operate in pilot-setting mode, main mode or off mode. In the pilot setting mode, the user may light the pilot for example, according to the process described above. After the pilot is standing, the user may switch the operation setting to main mode. The gas valve 112 may further include a temperature probe 126 for setting the temperature of the water in the tank responsive to the selected temperature of the temperature setting dial 118. According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a coupling element (not shown) may extend from a rear surface (not shown) of the gas valve 112 to the water heater tank (not shown) for coupling the gas valve 112 to the water heater tank. It is contemplated that the coupling element may surround or partially surround the temperature probe 126.
It is contemplated that exemplary gas valves may include other components for assisting with the operation of a water heater. It is also contemplated that exemplary igniter brackets may include only one mounting surface or more than the two mounting surfaces shown in FIG. 1A. It is further contemplated that exemplary igniter brackets may include openings or other structures configured for mounting igniters which are shaped and sized differently corresponding to the igniter to be mounted. The precise location of the components described above and shown in FIG. 1A is merely illustrative and is not limiting.
FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of an exemplary igniter mounted to an exemplary igniter bracket according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1B, the igniter 100 is mounted to the igniter bracket 108 through openings (not shown) of the first mounting surface 102 and the second mounting surface 107. It is contemplated that exemplary igniters may be shaped and sized differently. The precise location of the igniter 100 shown in FIG. 1B is merely illustrative and is not limiting.
FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of an exemplary assembled igniter, igniter bracket and gas valve according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1C, the igniter bracket 108 is coupled to gas valve 112. The igniter bracket 108 may be configured to include a base surface 128, a first attachment surface 130 extending from the base surface 128 and a second attachment surface 132 extending from the base surface 128. As shown in FIG. 1C, when the igniter bracket 108 is coupled to the gas valve 112, the base surface 128 of the igniter bracket 108 may be adjoining and substantially parallel with the side surface 110 of the gas valve 112. The first attachment surface 130 may be adjoining and substantially parallel with the front surface 114 of the gas valve 112. The second attachment surface 132 may be adjoining and substantially parallel with the top surface 116 of the gas valve 112. The precise location of the components shown in FIG. 1C is merely illustrative and is not limiting.
FIGS. 2A through 2C show perspective views of an exemplary igniter bracket according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2A is a bottom-front perspective view of an exemplary igniter bracket according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, igniter bracket 200 may include a base surface 206 occupying a first plane, a first mounting surface 202 and a second mounting surface 204 spaced from the first mounting surface. As described above, it is contemplated that exemplary igniter brackets may include only one mounting surface or more than the two mounting surfaces 202 and 204 shown in FIG. 2A.
According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the igniter bracket 200 may be configured so that the vertical plane along a facing edge 208 of the first mounting surface 202 is angled less than ninety degrees from the first plane, occupied by the base surface 206. In turn, the igniter bracket 200 may be configured so that the vertical plane along a facing edge 210 of the second mounting surface 204 is angled less than ninety degrees from the first plane, occupied by the base surface 206. It is contemplated that the igniter bracket 200 may be configured so that the angles described above with respect to the first mounting surface 202 and the second mounting surface 204 are equal to each other. It is also contemplated that the igniter bracket 200 may be configured so that the angles described above with respect to the first mounting surface 202 and the second mounting surface 204 are not equal to each other. This configuration will be described in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 3C.
According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first mounting surface 202 of the igniter bracket 200 may include a base edge 212. The facing edge 208 may extend from the base edge 212. The igniter bracket 200 may be configured so that the base edge 212 and the facing edge 208 together define an angle less than ninety degrees. In turn, the second mounting surface 204 of the igniter bracket 200 may include a base edge 214. The facing edge 210 may extend from the base edge 214. The igniter bracket 200 may be configured so that the base edge 214 and the facing edge 210 together define an angle less than ninety degrees. It is contemplated that the igniter bracket 200 may be configured so that the angles described above with respect to the first mounting surface 202 and the second mounting surface 204 are equal to each other. It is also contemplated that the igniter bracket 200 may be configured so that the angles described above with respect to the first mounting surface 202 and the second mounting surface 204 are not equal to each other. This configuration will be described in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 3A.
FIG. 2B is a top-front perspective view of an exemplary igniter bracket according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2B, igniter bracket 200 may also include a first attachment surface 216 substantially perpendicular to the base surface 206 and extending from the base surface 206. It is also contemplated that an exemplary first attachment surface may not be perpendicular to the base surface 206. As described above, the first attachment surface 216 may be configured to be adjoining and substantially parallel with a front surface of an exemplary gas valve (not shown) as described with reference to FIG. 1C.
As shown in FIG. 2B, igniter bracket 200 may also include a second attachment surface 218 substantially perpendicular to the base surface 206 and extending from the base surface 206 in a direction substantially opposite than the direction from which mounting surfaces 202 and 204 extend from the base surface 206. It is also contemplated that an exemplary second attachment surface may not be perpendicular to the base surface 206. As described above, the second attachment surface 218 may be configured to be adjoining and substantially parallel with a top surface of an exemplary gas valve (not shown). It is contemplated that exemplary igniter brackets may include more than the two attachment surfaces shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C. It is also contemplated that exemplary igniter brackets may include an attachment surface configured to be adjoining and substantially parallel with any surface of an exemplary gas valve.
FIG. 2C is a top-back perspective view of an exemplary igniter bracket according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2C, igniter bracket 200 may also include attachment hooks 220 extending from base surface 206. The exemplary attachment hooks may be configured so that the hooks 220 curve back toward the first attachment surface 216. It may be desirable to configure an exemplary attachment hook to curve back toward a surface of an exemplary gas valve. It is contemplated that an exemplary attachment hook may be configured in other shapes which may help to secure an exemplary igniter bracket to an exemplary gas valve.
According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, an attachment surface may include a circular opening 222 configured to receive and secure an exemplary igniter (not shown) to be mounted to igniter bracket 200. According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an attachment surface may include a square opening 224 configured to receive and secure an exemplary igniter (not shown) to be mounted to igniter bracket 200. It is contemplated that an exemplary attachment surface may include an opening of any shape or size to receive and secure an exemplary igniter to be mounted to an exemplary igniter bracket. The configuration of openings will be described in greater below with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3C.
According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the opening 222, which may be configured for receiving an exemplary igniter (not shown), may include a wall 226 extending from an edge of the opening 222. The exemplary wall 226 may be configured for securing the igniter when the igniter is mounted to igniter bracket 200. The exemplary wall 226 is also shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3D. The precise location of the components shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C is merely illustrative and is not limiting.
FIGS. 3A through 3E are detailed views of the exemplary igniter bracket shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C. FIG. 3A is a top view of an exemplary igniter bracket according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, igniter bracket 300 may include mounting surface 302. The mounting surface 302 of the igniter bracket 300 may include a base edge 312. The facing edge 308 may extend from the base edge 312. The igniter bracket 300 may be configured so that the base edge 312 and the facing edge 308 together define an angle a optionally oriented greater than ninety degrees. Preferably, angle θ is in the range of about 110 degrees to about 140 degrees, more preferably in the range of about 120 degrees to about 130 degrees, and most preferably about 122 degrees.
According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, mounting surface 302 may include a circular opening 322 configured to receive and secure an exemplary igniter (not shown) to be mounted to igniter bracket 300. As shown in FIG. 3A, the opening 322 configured for mounting an exemplary igniter may include a center axis 326 substantially parallel to the base surface 306 and optionally spaced from the base surface 306 at a distance d1 suitable for holding or securing an exemplary igniter. For example, the distance d1 may be about 0.6 to about 0.7 inches. However, it is contemplated that the distance d1 may include other values. As shown in FIG. 3A, the opening 322 configured for mounting an exemplary igniter may also include a second axis 328 perpendicular to the center axis 326 and optionally spaced from an end 325 of the base surface 306 at a distance d2 suitable for holding or securing an exemplary igniter. For example, the distance d2 may be about 1.2 inches. However, it is contemplated that the distance d2 may include other values. As described above, it is contemplated that an exemplary attachment surface may include an opening of any shape or size to receive and secure an exemplary igniter to be mounted to an exemplary igniter bracket.
FIG. 3B is a more detailed view of the mounting surface of the exemplary igniter bracket shown in FIG. 3A according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3B, opening 322 of mounting surface 302 may include a diameter d, which may be any value suitable to hold or secure an exemplary igniter. For example, the diameter d may be about 0.6 to about 0.7 inches. However, it is contemplated that the diameter may include other values. Opening 322 of mounting surface 302 may also include female grooves 330 extending from an edge of the opening 322 and configured for receiving male mating blocks (not shown) disposed on an exemplary igniter (not shown) to secure the igniter. It is contemplated that the grooves may oppose each other, as shown in FIG. 3B. It is also contemplated that an exemplary mounting surface may include any number of grooves configured for receiving male mating blocks disposed on an exemplary igniter to secure the igniter. The precise location of the female grooves shown in FIG. 3C is merely illustrative and is not limiting.
FIG. 3C is a bottom view of an exemplary igniter bracket according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3C, igniter bracket 300 may include a base surface 306 occupying a first plane. Igniter bracket 300 may also include a mounting surface 304 extending from the base surface 306. A vertical plane along an edge 310 of mounting surface 304 may be optionally oriented at an angle β greater than ninety degrees with respect to the base surface 306. Preferably, angle β is in the range of about 110 degrees to about 140 degrees, more preferably about 120 to 130 degrees, and most preferably about 122 degrees.
According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, mounting surface 302 may include a square opening 324 configured to receive and secure an exemplary igniter (not shown) to be mounted to igniter bracket 300. As described above, it is contemplated that an exemplary attachment surface may include an opening of any shape or size to receive and secure an exemplary igniter to be mounted to an exemplary igniter bracket.
FIG. 3D is a right side view of an exemplary igniter bracket according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3D, the igniter bracket may include an attachment surface 202. The attachment surface may include an opening (not shown) which, in turn, may include a wall 326 extending from an edge of the opening configured for securing an igniter (not shown) when the igniter is mounted to igniter bracket 300. FIG. 3D also shows a side of the attachment hooks 320 extending from base surface 306. As described above, the attachment hooks may be used to help secure an exemplary igniter bracket to an exemplary gas valve. The precise location of the wall 326 and the attachment hooks 320 shown in FIG. 3D is merely illustrative and is not limiting.
FIG. 3E is a front view of an exemplary igniter bracket according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3E, the igniter bracket 300 may include attachment surfaces 302 and 304 which may be configured to be substantially perpendicular to the base surface 306. As described above, it is also contemplated an exemplary attachment surface may be configured to not be perpendicular to the base surface 306. Attachment surfaces 302 and 304 may be optionally spaced from each other in the range of about 1 inch to about 1½ inches. Preferably, attachment surfaces 302 and 304 may be spaced from each other in the range of about 1¼ inches to about 1½ inches, and most preferably about 1 3/10 to about 1 4/10 inches, as shown in FIG. 3E. As described above, an exemplary igniter bracket may include more than two attachment surfaces. It is contemplated that exemplary attachment surfaces may be spaced from each other in ranges different from the ranges described above. The precise location of the components shown in FIG. 3E is merely illustrative and is not limiting.
FIG. 4 is a top view of an exemplary water heater, exemplary packaging and exemplary truck clamps according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the exemplary water heater 400 may include an exemplary igniter, igniter bracket and gas valve assembly 404 coupled to the water heater tank 402. The assembly 404 may be coupled to the water heater tank 402 by a coupling element 406. The coupling element 406 may extend from the rear surface 407 of the gas valve to the water heater tank 408. As described above, it is contemplated that the coupling element may surround or partially surround a temperature probe (not shown). It is also contemplated that an exemplary assembly may be coupled directly to an exemplary water heater tank. It is further contemplated that more than one coupling element may be used to couple an exemplary assembly to an exemplary water heater tank.
As shown in FIG. 4, the igniter bracket 410 may be angled toward the tank. The angle may be determined according to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above. Packaging 412 may be used for a variety of reasons, including moving, storing and shipping the water heater 400. It is contemplated that exemplary packaging may be formed of a variety of materials which are known in the art for packaging of water heaters. It is also contemplated that exemplary packing may vary in thickness, shape and size.
Truck clamps 414 or other lift or engagement mechanisms may be used for securing the water heater 400 so that the water heater 400 may be moved to a desired location. It is also contemplated that other means may be used for securing an exemplary water heater. The truck clamps 414 may move toward the packaging 412 and may exert a force onto the packaging 412 to the extent that the packaging 412 gives way. As a result, the clamps 414 may move to an area in the vicinity of the water heater 400, which may cause damage to components coupled to the water heater tank 402, including the igniter bracket 410. Potential damage to the igniter bracket may be decreased by angling the igniter bracket toward the water heater tank 402, as shown in FIG. 4. The precise location of the components shown in FIG. 4 is merely illustrative and is not limiting.
By configuring the igniter bracket so that the mounting axis of the igniter is moved away from the outermost surface of the gas valve (and toward the center of the water heater), the igniter and the bracket mounting portions are moved to a position of reduced incidence of damage. This orientation reduces the risk of damage to the water heater during shipment, storage, packaging, assembly, installation and use.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.

Claims

1. An igniter bracket for use with a water heater to mount an igniter to the water heater, the igniter bracket comprising:

a base portion occupying a base plane; and

at least one igniter mounting portion extending from the base portion, wherein an edge of the at least one mounting portion occupies an edge plane that is not perpendicular to the base plane.

2. An igniter bracket for use with a water heater according to claim 1, wherein the base portion has a base surface occupying a first plane and the at least one mounting portion has a mounting surface extending from the base surface, wherein a vertical plane along an edge of the at least one mounting surface is angled less than ninety degrees from the first plane.

3. An igniter bracket for use with a water heater according to claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting portion includes:

a first mounting portion; and

at least a second mounting portion spaced from the first mounting portion.

4. An igniter bracket for use with a water heater according to claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting portion defines an opening configured for receiving the igniter.

5. An igniter bracket for use with a water heater according to claim 4, wherein a center of the opening configured for receiving the igniter is spaced in a range of from about ¼ inch to about 1¼ inch from a surface of the base portion.

6. An igniter bracket for use with a water heater according to claim 5, wherein the center of the opening configured for receiving the igniter is spaced in a range of from about ¾ inch to about 1⅜ inch from an end of the surface of the base portion.

7. An igniter bracket for use with a water heater according to claim 4, wherein the opening configured for receiving the igniter includes a wall portion extending from an edge of the opening.

8. An igniter bracket for use with a water heater according to claim 4, wherein the opening configured for receiving the igniter includes at least one groove extending from an edge of the opening and configured for receiving a mating portion disposed on the igniter.

9. An igniter bracket for use with a water heater according to claim 1, wherein the igniter bracket further includes at least one attachment portion extending from the base portion.

10. An igniter bracket for use with a water heater according to claim 1, wherein the base portion defines an opening proximal to an edge of the base portion.

11. An igniter bracket for use with a water heater according to claim 1, wherein the igniter bracket includes at least one attachment hook extending from an edge of the base portion.

12. An igniter, igniter bracket and gas valve assembly for use with a water heater, the assembly comprising:

a gas valve;

an igniter bracket coupled to the gas valve, wherein the igniter bracket includes a base portion positioned adjacent a facing surface of the gas valve and at least one mounting portion extending from the base portion, wherein an edge of the at least one mounting portion occupies an edge plane that is not perpendicular to the facing surface of the gas valve; and

an igniter mounted to the at least one mounting portion.

13. An igniter, bracket and gas valve assembly for use with a water heater according to claim 12, wherein the igniter is mounted in an opening defined in the at least one mounting portion.

14. An igniter, bracket and gas valve assembly for use with a water heater according to claim 13, wherein a center of the opening defined in the at least one mounting portion is spaced in a range of from about 1 inch to about 1½ inch from the base portion.

15. An igniter, bracket and gas valve assembly for use with a water heater according to claim 14, wherein the center of the opening defined in the at least one mounting portion is spaced in a range of from about ¼ inch to about ¾ inch from an end of the facing surface of the gas valve.

16. A water heater comprising;

a water storage tank;

a gas valve coupled to the water storage tank, the gas valve including a surface opposing the water storage tank and a facing surface extending from the opposing surface;

an igniter bracket coupled to the gas valve, the igniter bracket including a base portion adjacent the facing surface of the gas valve and at least one mounting portion extending from the base portion, wherein an edge of the at least one mounting portion occupies an edge plane that is not parallel to the opposing surface of the gas valve; and

an igniter mounted to the at least one mounting portion of the igniter bracket.

17. A water heater according to claim 16, wherein the igniter is mounted in an opening defined in the at least one mounting portion of the igniter bracket.

18. A water heater according to claim 17, wherein a center of the opening defined in the at least one mounting portion is spaced in a range of from about ¾ inch to about 1⅜ inch from the base portion of the igniter bracket.

19. A water heater according to claim 17, wherein a center of the opening defined in the at least one mounting portion is spaced in a range of from about ¾ inch to about 1⅜ inch from an end of the facing surface of the gas valve proximal the opposing surface of the gas valve.

20. A water heater according to claim 17, wherein a center of the opening defined in the at least one mounting portion is spaced in a range of from about ¼ inch to about ¾ inch from the base portion of the igniter bracket and spaced in a range of from about ¾ inch to about 1⅜ inch from an end of the facing surface of the gas valve proximal the opposing surface of the gas valve.