U.S. patent application number 11/293027 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-07 for vent cap assembly.
Invention is credited to Bailey Jean JR. Black, John Robert Boyer, Joel Bradley Hazelett, YingYing Zhou.
Application Number | 20070125361 11/293027 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38117495 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070125361 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Black; Bailey Jean JR. ; et
al. |
June 7, 2007 |
Vent cap assembly
Abstract
A vent assembly that includes an intake member having an open
end, an exhaust member, and a deflector. The exhaust member has an
open end and extends coaxially with the intake member. The
deflector is positioned along an interior surface of the intake
member. The deflector defines a surface that slopes towards the
open end of the intake member. The deflector is configured to
direct liquid in the intake member towards the open end of the
intake duct.
Inventors: |
Black; Bailey Jean JR.;
(US) ; Hazelett; Joel Bradley; (US) ; Zhou;
YingYing; (Coralville, IA) ; Boyer; John Robert;
(US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FAEGRE & BENSON, LLP;PATENT DOCKETING
90 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET
2200 WELLS FARGO CENTER
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
38117495 |
Appl. No.: |
11/293027 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/85B |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/085.00B |
International
Class: |
F24C 3/00 20060101
F24C003/00; F24C 15/00 20060101 F24C015/00 |
Claims
1. A vent assembly, comprising: an intake member having an open
end; an exhaust member having an open end, the exhaust member
extending coaxially with the intake member; and a first deflector
positioned along an interior surface of the intake member, the
first deflector defining a surface that slopes towards the open end
of the intake member, the first deflector configured to direct
liquid in the intake member towards the open end of the intake
duct.
2. The vent assembly of claim 1, wherein the open end of the
exhaust member extends distally beyond the open end of the intake
member, the vent assembly further comprising a divider positioned
between the open ends of the intake and exhaust members.
3. The vent assembly of claim 2, further comprising a shield member
positioned distally of the divider and vertically above the open
end of the exhaust member.
4. The vent assembly of claim 2, further comprising a base defining
an opening sized to receive the intake member, wherein the open end
of the intake member is positioned adjacent to the base.
5. The vent assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second
deflector positioned along the interior surface of the intake
member and extending distally from the open end of the intake
member, the second deflector configured to shield liquids from
entering into the open end of the intake member.
6. The vent assembly of claim 2, wherein the divider includes an
extension that protrudes towards the open end of the intake
member.
7. The vent assembly of claim 4, wherein the base includes a shield
member that protrudes towards the open end of the exhaust member,
the base shield being positioned vertically above the divider.
8. The vent assembly of claim 2, further comprising at least one
side shield positioned in a space defined between the divider and
the open end of the intake member, the at least one side shield
extending in a generally vertical direction.
9. The vent assembly of claim 1, wherein the exhaust member is
arranged with the open end facing in a generally horizontal
direction.
10. The vent assembly of claim 2, further comprising a vent cover
extending around at least a portion of the open end of the exhaust
member.
11. The vent assembly of claim 10, wherein the cover is
semi-cylindrical shaped, and opposing ends of the cover are coupled
to the divider.
12. A vent assembly, comprising: an intake member defining an
intake aperture; an exhaust member defining an exhaust aperture,
the exhaust member extending coaxially with the intake member and
arranged to position the exhaust aperture distally of the intake
aperture, the intake and exhaust member arranged in a generally
horizontal plane; a divider positioned between the exhaust aperture
and the intake aperture and extending in a direction generally
perpendicular to the vent member; a cover member configured to
cover at least a portion of the exhaust aperture; a first deflector
positioned along a bottom interior surface of the intake member,
the first deflector sloping towards the open end; and a second
deflector positioned adjacent to a top interior surface of the
intake member; wherein the first and second deflectors direct
liquid away from an interior of the intake member.
13. The vent assembly of claim 12, further comprising a shield
member positioned distally of the divider and vertically above the
open end of the exhaust member, the shield member configured to
direct fluids away from an interior of the exhaust member.
14. The vent assembly of claim 12, further comprising a base
defining an opening sized to receive the intake member, wherein the
base includes a base shield extending distally from the intake
aperture, the base shield configured to direct liquids away from
the intake opening.
15. The vent assembly of claim 12, wherein the divider includes an
extension that protrudes towards the intake member, the extension
extending vertically above the intake member.
16. The vent assembly of claim 12, further comprising at least one
side shield positioned in a space defined between the divider and
the intake member, the side shield extending in a generally
vertical direction.
17. The vent assembly of claim 12, wherein the cover is
semi-cylindrical shaped, and opposing ends of the cover are coupled
to the divider.
18. The vent assembly of claim 12, wherein the first diverter is
sloped at an angle of about 5.degree. to about 45.degree. relative
to a center axis of the intake member.
19. The vent assembly of claim 12, wherein second deflector extends
distally from the open end of the intake member.
20. A vent assembly for use with a vent that includes an intake
member defining an intake aperture and an exhaust member defining
an exhaust aperture, the assembly comprising: a first deflector
positioned at least partially within the intake member along an
interior surface of the intake member, the first deflector being
sloped relative to the interior surface in a direction toward the
intake aperture; a divider positioned between the exhaust aperture
and the intake aperture and configured to minimize fluid flow
between the exhaust aperture and the intake aperture; and a first
fluid shield extending at least partially between the intake
aperture and the divider and arranged vertically above the intake
and exhaust members.
21. The assembly of claim 20, further comprising a second fluid
shield extending distally from the exhaust aperture and positioned
vertically above the exhaust aperture to reduce liquid flow into
the exhaust aperture.
22. The assembly of claim 20, further comprising a second deflector
positioned at least partially within the intake member, wherein the
first and second deflectors are connected together and defining a
cylindrical member having a generally circular cross-section.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to components of a
vent system for a heating appliance, and more particularly relates
to a vent system having an exhaust vent opening and intake vent
opening.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] Exterior intake and/or exhaust venting systems are generally
known for use in buildings and other such structures. Such vents
can be used for a variety of venting purposes, for example, to vent
fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, boilers, dryers, exhaust fans,
and a many other such appliances and devices. Some such vents are
primarily exhaust vents while others are primarily intake vents,
and still others include structure that allows them to function as
both intake and exhaust vents.
[0005] In one example, chimneyless gas fireplaces often include
intake/exhaust venting units that are mounted on the outside of an
exterior wall that provide a through-the-wall connection to a
double walled collinear ducting of the gas fireplace. The double
walled collinear ducting includes an inner duct that serves as an
outtake port for exhaust fumes, and an outer duct that serves as an
intake port for ambient combustion air. The venting units generally
include an inner and an outer duct. Further, the double-walled
ducting is connected to a series of bases that have deflectors and
heat shields. The venting unit has a series of venting apertures
with a vent cap attached thereto. The vent cap is utilized to cover
both the air intake and the combustion product exhaust.
[0006] Regardless of the specific structure or use of the vent,
most venting systems generally include a functional vent cap that
covers the intake and exhaust portions of the vent. However, many
of the existing vent caps are not aesthetically pleasing, may get
hot due to high temperature exhaust gases, and are exposed to
weather conditions and therefore may be damaged. An example venting
unit that includes a functional vent cap and vent covers is shown
and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,712.
[0007] One disadvantage of many venting units is that they do not
adequately compensate for weather conditions. Some common weather
conditions that can affect performance of the related heating
appliance that is coupled to the venting unit include wind, rain
and snow. Wind can create backdraft of exhaust gases into the
heating appliance through the exhaust vent, which may result in
extinguishing of a combustion flame in the heating appliance. Rain
and snow can enter the heating appliance and related ducting
through the exhaust and intake vent portions of the venting unit,
and potentially cause water damage. A venting unit that compensates
for weather conditions while providing desired venting functions
would be an advance in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to vent assemblies that
includes intake and exhaust apertures and a vent cap or vent cover.
The example vent assemblies are configured to reduce the flow of
unwanted liquids into the intake and exhaust apertures. The example
vent assemblies can also provide improved fluid flow into and out
of the respective intake and exhaust apertures, minimize the
reverse flow of fluids exhausted from the exhaust aperture into the
intake aperture, improve the flow of intake air into the intake
aperture, and prevent weather conditions from generating adverse
effects on the vent assembly performance.
[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a vent assembly that
includes an intake member having an open end, an exhaust member,
and a first deflector. The exhaust member has an open end and
extends coaxially with the intake member. The first deflector is
positioned along an interior surface of the intake member. The
first deflector defines a surface that slopes towards the open end
of the intake member. The first deflector is configured to direct
liquid in the intake member towards the open end of the intake
duct.
[0010] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vent assembly
that includes an intake member, an exhaust member, a divider, a
cover member, a first deflector, and a second deflector. The intake
member defines an intake aperture. The exhaust member defines an
exhaust aperture and extends coaxially with the intake member. The
exhaust member is arranged to position the exhaust aperture
distally of the intake aperture, and the intake and exhaust member
are arranged in a generally horizontal plane. The divider is
positioned between the exhaust aperture and the intake aperture and
extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the vent member.
The cover member is configured to cover at least a portion of the
exhaust aperture. The first deflector is positioned along a bottom
interior surface of the intake member and slopes towards the open
end. The second deflector is positioned adjacent to a top interior
surface of the intake member. The first and second deflectors
direct liquid away from an interior of the intake member.
[0011] A further aspect of the invention relates to a vent assembly
for use with a vent, the vent including an intake member defining
an intake aperture and an exhaust member defining an exhaust
aperture. The assembly includes a first deflector, a divider, and a
first fluid shield. The first deflector is positioned at least
partially within the intake member along an interior surface of the
intake member. The first deflector is sloped relative to the
interior surface in a direction toward the intake aperture. The
divider is positioned between the exhaust aperture and the intake
aperture and is configured to minimize fluid flow between the
exhaust aperture and the intake aperture. The first fluid shield
extends at least partially between the intake aperture and the
divider and is arranged vertically above the intake and exhaust
members.
[0012] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of
the present invention. In particular, the example embodiments
described below in relation to the Figures are the application of
the present invention to a horizontal vent for a decorative heating
appliance such as a fireplace, whereas many other fields may be
applicable to fulfill the purposes and intents of the present
invention. Figures in the detailed description that follow more
particularly exemplify certain embodiments of the invention. While
certain embodiments will be illustrated and describe embodiments of
the invention, the invention is not limited to use in such
embodiments.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The invention may be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of various
embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front bottom perspective view of an example vent
assembly according to the invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front top perspective view of the vent assembly
shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the vent assembly
shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front view of the vent assembly shown in FIG.
1;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the vent assembly shown in FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top view of the vent assembly shown in FIG.
1;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vent assembly shown
in FIG. 4 taken along cross-section indicators 7-7;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the vent assembly shown
in FIG. 4 taken along cross-section indicators 8-8; and
[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the vent assembly shown
in FIG. 4 taken along cross-section indicators 9-9.
[0023] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternate forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example and the drawings, and will be described in detail. It
should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit
the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] The present invention generally relates to vents, vent
covers, vent caps, and vent assemblies. Example embodiments
described herein are directed to vent systems and structures that
provide improved performance in various weather conditions. The
example systems include an exhaust member configured to deliver
exhaust fluids from a heating appliance, and an intake member
configured to deliver intake air to the heating appliance. The
exhaust and intake members are preferably coaxially oriented with
the exhaust member extending within the intake member. This coaxial
arrangement (sometimes referred to as a B-vent arrangement) may
provide cooling of the exhaust gases in the exhaust member by
cooling the exhaust member with the intake fluids flowing through
the intake member. Other embodiments may include other arrangements
of the exhaust and intake members relative to each other.
[0025] One aspect of the invention relates to a vent assembly that
includes an intake duct having an open end, an exhaust duct
oriented coaxially within the intake duct, and at least one liquid
deflector positioned within the intake duct adjacent to the open
end of the intake duct. The intake duct is oriented generally
horizontally and the liquid deflector is positioned along the
bottom interior surface of the intake duct to define a fluid
surface that slopes vertically downward towards the open end of the
intake duct. The liquid deflector is configured to direct fluids
entering into the intake duct through the open end in a direction
toward the open end of the intake duct so that the liquids move out
of the intake duct. The vent assembly may include a second liquid
deflector that is positioned along a top interior surface of the
intake duct adjacent to the open end of the intake duct. The second
liquid deflector can also slope vertically downward from within the
intake duct toward the open end of the intake duct. Preferably, at
least a portion of the second liquid deflector extends axially
beyond the open end of the intake duct so as to provide shielding
of liquids that would otherwise enter the intake duct and direct
those liquids away from the open end of the intake duct.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-9 of the application, an example vent
assembly including first and second liquid deflectors is shown and
described. The vent assembly 10 includes an exhaust member 12, an
intake member 14, a base 16, first and second fluid shields or
deflectors 18, 20 and first and second dividers 22, 28. The
assembly 10 also includes first and second side shields 30, 32, a
top shield 34, and a cover 36. When assembled, the exposed features
of the vent assembly 10 include the base 16, portions of the first
divider 22, the side shields 30, 32, the cover 36, and the top and
bottom screens 24, 26 (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 4). The first and second
fluid shields 18, 20 (see FIG. 3) are mounted to an interior
surface of the intake member 14 (see FIGS. 5 and 7-9).
[0027] The exhaust and intake members 12, 14 each include an open
end 30, 32, respectively. The base 16 includes a drip plate 34 and
an intake member opening 36. The intake member 14 is mounted to the
base 16 within the intake member opening 36. The exhaust member 12
extends coaxially within the intake member and extends through the
open end 32 of the intake member distally beyond the base 16.
[0028] The first fluid shield 18 includes front and rear edges 38,
40. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the front edge 38 of the shield 18
is positioned adjacent to the open end 32 of the intake member 14.
The shield 18 is arranged at an elevated angle .beta. relative to a
bottom interior surface of the intake member 14. The shield 18
slopes from the rear edge 40 towards the front edge 38 at an angle
.beta. of about 1 degree to about 45 degrees, more preferably at an
angle of about 5 degrees to about 20 degrees, and most preferably
about 15 degrees.
[0029] The second fluid shield 20 includes front and rear edges 42,
44, and connecting arms 46 (see FIGS. 3, 5, 7 and 9). The rear edge
44 is positioned inside of the intake member 14, and the front edge
42 extends distally beyond the open end 32 of the intake member 14.
Although not shown, the second fluid shield 20 may be arranged with
a sloped configuration relative to a top interior surface of the
intake member 14. In such an arrangement, the shield 20 would be
sloped from the rear edge 44 towards the front edge 42 at an angle,
for example, similar to the range of angle described above for
.beta.. The connecting arms 46 extend circumferentially from the
second shield 20 towards the first shield 18 (see FIG. 3) so that
the first and second shields 18, 20 are coupled together as a
single unit. In some embodiments, the shields 18, 20 may be mounted
separately within the intake member 14. In still other embodiments,
the shields 18, 20 may be formed as a single integral piece rather
than two separate pieces that are coupled together. In still
further embodiments, there is only one of the first or second fluid
shields for a given intake member.
[0030] The first divider 22 includes a base 50, side openings 52,
an extension 54, and an intake member opening 56. The first divider
22 is mounted to the base (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and is further
mounted to the intake member 14, which extends within the intake
member opening 56 (see FIGS. 7-9). The base 50 of first divider 22
is spaced outward from the base 16. The extension 54 extends both
upward and outward away from the base 16 so as to provide shielding
of liquids (e.g., rain, snow, etc.) and undesired air flows (e.g.,
winds) from entering into the vent assembly 10. The drip plate 34
extends towards the first divider 22 and helps to shield water from
entering into the space defined between the base 50 and the base 16
(see FIG. 9).
[0031] A second divider 28 includes first and second top deflectors
58, 59, first and second bottom deflectors 60, 62, a first set of
mounting members 64, a second set of mounting members 66, mounting
flanges 68, and an exhaust member opening 69 (see FIG. 3). The
second divider 28 is mounted to the exhaust member 12, which
extends through the exhaust member opening 69. The first and second
top deflectors 58, 59 extend away from the base 16 and towards the
base 16, respectively (see FIG. 9). The first bottom deflector 60
extends in a direction away from the base 16, and the second bottom
deflector 62 extends towards the base 16. The deflectors 58, 59,
60, 62 along with the top shield 34 help to direct exhaust fluids
leaving the exhaust member 12 in a direction away from the open end
32 of the intake member 14, and help direct intake air into the
open end 32. The mounting members 64, 66 and the mounting flanges
68 are used for mounting the side shields 30, 32 and the cover
36.
[0032] The use of a single piece divider 28 that is formed with a
variety of features can have advantages over using multiple
different divider pieces. The divider 28 is bent or stamped to
include deflectors extending in several different directions. The
same divider member 28 is also formed with a plurality of mounting
members and flanges. The use of a single piece of material to
provide all of these features can provide advantages such as, for
example, a reduction in cost, improved parts handling, and easier
assembly.
[0033] The first and second side shields each include airflow
openings 70, and mounting flanges 72. The side shields 30, 32
extend vertically above and below the open ends 30, 32 of the
exhaust member 12, 14, and also extend axially in a direction from
the first divider 22 towards the cover 36. The side shields 30, 32
provide shielding along sides of the vent assembly 10 in a space
defined between the first and second dividers 22, 28 and distally
beyond the second divider 28 towards the cover 36. The airflow
openings 70 are provided along a vertically oriented edge adjacent
to the first divider 22. In other embodiments, the additional
airflow openings may be provided at different locations on the side
shields to provide desired amounts of fluid flow into the intake
member 14. In still further embodiments, no airflow openings may be
provided, thus restricting airflow into the intake member to come
from either the top or bottom open ends of the vent assembly
10.
[0034] The top shield 34 extends from the open end 30 of the
exhaust member 12 into a space defined between the second divider
28 and the cover 36. As noted above, the top shield 34 helps to
direct exhaust gases exiting the open end 30 in a direction away
from the open end 32 of the intake member 14. The top shield 34
also shields the open end 30 from liquids that come into the vent
assembly 10 through the open top (through the top screen 24) that
would otherwise enter into the open end 30. The top shield 34 also
serves as a wind shield to reduce the effects of wind entering in
through the top or bottom screens 24, 26 that would cause pressure
changes in the exhaust member 12.
[0035] The cover 36 has a semi-cylindrical shape that extends at
least partially around the open ends 30, 32 of the exhaust and
intake members 12, 14. While the cover 34 is shown as a single
piece, other embodiments may include multiple semi-cylindrical
shaped members that extend laterally across the open ends 30, 32.
An example cover configuration that includes multiple
semi-cylindrical members is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,484,712, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0036] The cover 36 is mounted directly to the second divider 28
and does not extend to the first divider 22 or to the base 16. In
other embodiments, the cover 36 may integrate the side shields 30,
32 into a single piece that is supported solely by the second
divider 28, solely by the first divider 22, solely by the base 16,
or mounted to a combination of any of the first and second dividers
22, 28 and the base 16. The use of multiple members (i.e., the
fluid shields 18, 20 and cover 36) to laterally extend around the
open ends 30, 32 of the members 12, 14 can have certain advantages
over using a single piece member. For example, the use of a
separate cover and side shields can provide easier replacement of
parts that require maintenance (e.g., the cover may have a shorter
useful life because it is in a direct line of heated exhaust
gases), and the ability to interchange parts to provide
customization (e.g., replacing the side shields with other shield
members having more or fewer airflow openings).
[0037] The use of fluid shields within the intake member 14 to help
control the flow of unwanted fluids into the intake member can have
certain advantages as compared to the use of shield, deflectors or
the like which are positioned completely outside of the intake
member. For example, rain, condensation, or other liquid can
collect on an exterior of the exhaust member 12. The liquid would
typically collect on a bottom surface of the exhaust member 12 and
then drip downward. If the dripping occurs at some point within the
open end of the intake member 14, those liquids can pool and run
inward into the take member where the liquid could cause damage. In
another example, rain, snow, or other types of liquids may be blown
into the intake member despite the many shields and deflectors
positioned exterior of the intake member 14 (e.g., extension 54,
side shields 30, 32, and deflectors 58, 59, 60, 62) and the liquids
collect near the open end of the intake member.
[0038] The use of the bottom oriented fluid shield 18 that is
oriented with a sloped configuration relative to a bottom floor of
the intake member provides for directing of fluid collected near
the open end 32 in a direction out of the intake member 14. The
fluid shield 18 has a width between front and rear edges 38, 34
such that the shield 18 extends axially into the intake member a
distance sufficient to collect a majority of undesired liquids that
may have entered into the open end 32. The fluid shield 18 is
provided at an angle .beta. sufficient to provide a natural flow
for liquid while also imposing a minimum restriction to desired
intake airflow into the intake member 14.
[0039] The top oriented second fluid shield 20 is positioned
adjacent to an outer surface of the exhaust member 12 and further
extends axially beyond the open end 32 of the intake member. The
fluid shield 20 can influence the amount of liquid that impinges
upon an outer surface of the exhaust member 12, which can collect
at a bottom outer surface of the exhaust member as described above
and possibly drip inside of the intake member. The second fluid
shield 20 is also structured and positioned such that it shields
the open end 32 from liquids and other undesired fluids and/or
substances that may be passing in through the open top of the vent
assembly 10.
[0040] The vent assembly 10 may include additional fluid shields
positioned at, for example, side edges of the intake member 14
between the top and bottom oriented first and second fluid shields
18, 20. In still further embodiments, the fluid shields may be
mounted to an exterior surface of the intake member 14. In other
embodiments, the fluid shields or portions of the fluid shields may
be integrally formed with the intake member rather than mounted as
a separate piece. In yet further embodiments, fluid shields may be
provided on an interior surface of the exhaust member 12 with the
same or similar purpose of deflecting fluids from entering the open
end of the exhaust member and directing any fluids that have
entered the open end of the exhaust member in a direction out of
the exhaust.
[0041] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of
assembling a vent assembly that includes fluid shields. The method
may include positioning an exhaust member within an intake member,
mounting the intake member to a base, mounting a divider to an end
of the exhaust member that extends distally beyond an open end of
the intake member, and mounting a cover to the base or the divider.
The method also includes positioning at least one fluid shield
within the intake member, wherein the fluid shield is arranged and
configured to direct fluids out the intake member. The method may
also include mounting first and second fluid shields within the
intake member wherein one fluid shield is positioned along a top
interior surface of a horizontally oriented intake member, and
mounting a second fluid shield along a bottom interior surface of
the intake member. The method may further include orienting a fluid
shield within the intake member at an angle relative to an interior
surface of the intake member, wherein the angled orientation
defines a sloped surface that slopes from within the intake member
towards an open end of the intake member.
[0042] While one particular embodiment has been described, it
should be understood that the invention is not limited to the
particular structure described. It is contemplated that vent
assembly 10 described is typically used with a horizontal direct
vent gas heating appliance such as a fireplace. However, the vent
system 10 can be used to cover other types of horizontally or
vertically arranged vents for other heating appliances such as
stoves, fireplace inserts, furnaces, water heaters, boilers,
dryers, exhaust fans, and a broad variety of other such heating
appliances and devices.
[0043] The present invention should not be considered limited to
the particular examples or materials described above, but rather
should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as
fairly set out in the attached claims. Various modifications,
equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the
present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to
those of skill in the art to which the present invention is
directed upon review of the instant specification.
* * * * *