PASS-THROUGH DEVICE FOR A CHIMNEY

Abstract

A pass-through device for a chimney, and a chimney support system having pass-through device for a chimney, are provided. The pass-through device includes a pass-through tube and a chimney support disposed within the pass-through tube. The chimney support is supported by the pass-through tube from within the pass-through tube.

Claims

1. A pass-through device for a chimney, the pass-through device comprising: a pass-through tube; and a chimney support disposed within the pass-through tube, wherein the chimney support is supported by the pass-through tube from within the pass-through tube.

2. The pass-through device of claim 1, wherein the chimney support is supported entirely from within the pass-through tube.

3. The pass-through device of claim 1, wherein the pass-through tube comprises an inward interference bead projecting radially inward from an interior surface of the pass-through tube, wherein the chimney support comprises a chimney support plate, and wherein the chimney support plate is supported by the inward interference bead of the pass-through tube.

4. The pass-through device of claim 3, wherein the inward interference bead projects radially inward from the interior surface of the pass-through tube by a predetermined depth such that the chimney support plate interfaces with the inward interference bead of the pass-through tube and restricts movement of the chimney support within the pass-through tube.

5. The pass-through device of claim 3, wherein the chimney support is supported by the chimney support plate bearing on the inward interference bead of the pass-through tube owing to gravity.

6. The pass-through device of claim 3, wherein the chimney support is entirely supported by interference between the chimney support plate and the inward interference bead of the pass-through tube.

7. The pass-through device of claim 3, wherein an outer diameter of the chimney support plate substantially corresponds to an interior diameter of the pass-through tube.

8. The pass-through device of claim 3, wherein the inward interference bead defines a clearance distance at a predetermined location along a length of the pass-through tube, the clearance distance being less than an interior diameter of the pass-through tube in other regions, and wherein an outer diameter of the chimney support plate is greater than the clearance distance.

9. The pass-through device of claim 3, wherein the inward interference bead defines an opening within the pass-through tube, and wherein an outer diameter of the chimney support plate is greater than an inner diameter of the opening defined by the inward interference bead.

10. The pass-through device of claim 3, wherein the inward interference bead projects radially inward from the interior surface of the pass-through tube continuously around a circumference of the interior surface of the pass-through tube.

11. The pass-through device of claim 3, wherein the inward interference bead includes a plurality of bead sections projecting radially inward from the interior surface of the pass-through tube around a circumference of the interior surface of the pass-through tube.

12. The pass-through device of claim 3, wherein the inward interference bead includes a plurality of bead sections projecting radially inward from the interior surface of the pass-through tube intermittently around a circumference of the interior surface of the pass-through tube.

13. The pass-through device of claim 3, wherein the inward interference bead projects radially inward from the interior surface of the pass-through tube without extending continuously around a circumference of the interior surface of the pass-through tube.

14. The pass-through device of claim 3, wherein the inward interference bead is disposed in a middle portion along a length of the pass-through tube.

15. The pass-through device of claim 3, wherein the inward interference bead is spaced a predetermined distance from an end of the pass-through tube.

16. The pass-through device of claim 15, wherein the predetermined distance is equal to or less than about ? of a length of the pass-through tube.

17. The pass-through device of claim 4, wherein the predetermined depth is less than or equal to about 2 inches.

18. The pass-through device of claim 4, wherein the predetermined depth is equal to or greater than about 0.25 inches and less than or equal to about 2 inches.

19. The pass-through device of claim 4, wherein a diameter of the pass-through tube is less than or equal to about 18 inches, and wherein the predetermined depth is equal to or greater than about 0.25 inches and less than or equal to about 2 inches.

20. The pass-through device of claim 3, further comprising: a connector pipe adapter coupled to an end of the chimney support, wherein an end portion of the connector pipe adapter extends outward from an end of the pass-through tube, and wherein a location of the inward interference bead along a length of the pass-through tube determines a distance that the end portion of the connector pipe adapter extends from the end of the pass-through tube.

21. The pass-through device of claim 3, further comprising: a pass-through end cap disposed on an end of the pass-through tube, wherein the pass-through end cap is non-load bearing.

22. The pass-through device of claim 5, further comprising: a connector pipe adapter coupled to an end of the chimney support; and a pass-through end cap disposed on an end of the pass-through tube, wherein a portion of the connector pipe adapter extends through an opening in the pass-through end cap, and wherein the pass-through end cap does not bear a load from the chimney support and does not bear a load from the connector pipe adapter.

23. A chimney support system comprising: a pass-through tube having at least a portion configured to penetrate through a building structure; a chimney support disposed within the pass-through tube and supported by the pass-through tube from within the pass-through tube, the chimney support having a first end configured to be coupled to one of an end of a chimney pipe and an end of a chimney pipe component.

24. The chimney support system of claim 23, wherein the pass-through tube comprises an inward interference bead projecting radially inward from an interior surface of the pass-through tube, wherein the chimney support comprises a chimney support plate, and wherein the chimney support plate is supported by the inward interference bead of the pass-through tube.

25. The chimney support system of claim 24, further comprising: a connector pipe adapter including: a first end coupled to a second end of the chimney support within the pass-through tube; and a second end extending outward from an end of the pass-through tube and configured to be disposed on an opposite side of the building structure from the chimney pipe, wherein a location of the inward interference bead along a length of the pass-through tube determines a distance that the second end of the connector pipe adapter extends from the end of the pass-through tube.

26. The chimney support system of claim 25, further comprising: a pass-through end cap disposed on an end of the pass-through tube, the pass-through end cap configured to be disposed on the opposite side of the building structure from the chimney pipe, wherein the pass-through end cap is non-load bearing.

27. The chimney support system of claim 25, further comprising: a pass-through end cap disposed on an end of the pass-through tube, the pass-through end cap configured to be disposed on the opposite side of the building structure from the chimney pipe, wherein the pass-through end cap does not bear a load from the chimney support and does not bear a load from the connector pipe adapter.

28. The chimney support system of claim 25, further comprising: a mount bracket configured to secure a position of the pass-through tube with respect to the building structure.

29. A pass-through device for a chimney, the pass-through device comprising: a pass-through tube having at least a portion configured to penetrate through a building structure; a chimney support configured to be coupled to one of an end of a chimney pipe and an end of a chimney pipe component; and means for supporting the chimney support within the pass-through tube.

30. A package comprising: a chimney support system wherein the support is arranged in a nested fashion, wherein the chimney support system comprises: a pass-through tube having at least a portion configured to penetrate through a building structure; a chimney support; a mount bracket; and means for supporting the chimney support within the pass-through tube.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] These and other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will be understood by the skilled artisan after a reading of the following detailed description, together with the attached drawings, wherein:

[0031] FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a pass-through device for a chimney, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 1B is partially assembled perspective view of a pass-through device for a chimney, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 1C is another partially assembled perspective view of a pass-through device for a chimney, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a pass-through device for a chimney, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 2B is an enlarged cutaway view of FIG. 2A, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a chimney having a chimney support system, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0037] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an assembly process of a vertical pass-through chimney having a chimney support system, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a horizontal pass-through chimney having a chimney support system, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 6 is an assembled perspective view of a horizontal pass-through chimney having a chimney support system, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 7(i)-7(iii) illustrate nested packaging configurations of a chimney support system, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 8 is an end view of a pass-through tube for a chimney with an inward interference bead projecting radially inward from an interior surface of the pass-through tube continuously around a circumference of the interior surface of the pass-through tube, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 9 is an end view of a pass-through tube for a chimney with an inward interference bead projecting radially inward from an interior surface of the pass-through tube non-continuously around a circumference of the interior surface of the pass-through tube, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 10 is an end view of a pass-through tube for a chimney with a plurality of interference bead sections projecting radially inward from an interior surface of the pass-through tube around a circumference of the interior surface of the pass-through tube, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a side view of a pass-through tube for a chimney, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a partial section view of the pass-through tube of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Embodiments of the disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments disclosed herein may encompass many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0047] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-12 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a pass-through device for a chimney, and a chimney support system having pass-through device for a chimney.

[0048] With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, examples of a pass-through device for a chimney will first be described. The pass-through device can include a pass-through tube 60 and a chimney support 30 disposed within the pass-through tube. The chimney support 30 can be supported by the pass-through tube 60 from within the pass-through tube 60 and may be supported entirely from within the pass-through tube 60.

[0049] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1A-1C, the pass-through tube 60 can include an inward interference bead 62 projecting radially inward from an interior surface of the pass-through tube 60. The chimney support 30 can include a chimney support plate 32. The chimney support plate 32 is supported, for example, by the inward interference bead 62 of the pass-through tube 60. The pass-through device can optionally include a non-load bearing pass-through end cap 100 disposed on an end of the pass-through tube 60. That is, the pass-through end cap 100 does not bear a load from the chimney support 30 nor a load from the connector pipe adapter 40.

[0050] With reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, the inward interference bead 62 can project radially inward from the interior surface of the pass-through tube 60 by a predetermined depth such that the chimney support plate 32 interfaces with the inward interference bead 62 of the pass-through tube 60 and restricts movement of the chimney support 30 within the pass-through tube 60. In a vertical installation configuration, as shown for example in FIGS. 1A-2B, the chimney support 30 can be supported by the chimney support plate 32 bearing on the inward interference bead 62 of the pass-through tube 60 owing at least in part to gravity or owing entirely to gravity. In a horizontal installation configuration, as will be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 5-6, the chimney support 30 can be at least partially supported by interference between the chimney support plate 32 and the inward interference bead 62 of the pass-through tube 60, or entirely supported by interference between the chimney support plate 32 and the inward interference bead 62 of the pass-through tube 60.

[0051] With reference again to FIGS. 2A-2B, an outer diameter of the chimney support plate 32 can substantially correspond to an interior diameter of the pass-through tube 60. In other examples, an outer diameter of the chimney support plate 32 can be less than an interior diameter of the pass-through tube 60 provided the support plate 62 can be supported by the inward interference bead 62.

[0052] The inward interference bead 62 can define a clearance distance at a predetermined location along a length of the pass-through tube 60. The clearance distance can be less than an interior diameter of the pass-through tube 60 in other regions. The outer diameter of the chimney support plate 32 can be greater than the clearance distance. In other examples, the inward interference bead 62 can define an opening within the pass-through tube 60. The outer diameter of the chimney support plate 32 can be greater than an inner diameter of the opening defined by the inward interference bead 62.

[0053] With reference to FIG. 8, the inward interference bead 62 can project radially inward from the interior surface of the pass-through tube 60 continuously around a circumference of the interior surface of the pass-through tube 60. In other instances, and as shown in FIG. 9, the inward interference bead 62 can project radially inward from the interior surface of the pass-through tube 60 without extending continuously around a circumference of the interior surface of the pass-through tube 60. In other instances, and as shown in FIG. 10, the inward interference bead 62 can include a plurality of bead sections projecting radially inward from the interior surface of the pass-through tube 60 around a circumference of the interior surface of the pass-through tube 60. In still other examples, the inward interference bead 62 can include a plurality of bead sections projecting radially inward from the interior surface of the pass-through tube 60 intermittently around a circumference of the interior surface of the pass-through tube 60.

[0054] With reference again to FIGS. 1A-2B, the inward interference bead 62 can be disposed in a middle portion along a length of the pass-through tube 60. The inward interference bead 62 can be spaced a predetermined distance from an end of the pass-through tube 60. In an example, the predetermined distance can be equal to or less than about ? of a length of the pass-through tube 60.

[0055] Referring to a particular example illustrated in FIGS. 11-12, a predetermined depth of the inward interference bead 62 can be less than or equal to about 2 inches. In another example, a predetermined depth of the inward interference bead 62 can be equal to or greater than about 0.25 inches and less than or equal to about 2 inches. In a particular example, a diameter of the pass-through tube 60 can be less than or equal to about 18 inches, and a predetermined depth of the inward interference bead 62 can be equal to or greater than about 0.25 inches and less than or equal to about 2 inches.

[0056] Other configurations are possible within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, a chimney support plate 32 can be integrally formed on or coupled to the chimney support 30. The inward interference bead 62 can be integrally formed with the pass-through tube 60, for example, by stamping, pressing, crimping, rolling, etc. a part of the wall of the pass-through tube 60. In other examples, the inward interference bead 62 can be separately formed and coupled to the pass-through tube 60. In another example, another part of the chimney support 30 can be supported by bearing on the inward interference bead 62 of the pass-through tube 60.

[0057] With reference to FIG. 3, an example of a vertical configuration of a chimney having an exemplary chimney support system, will now be described.

[0058] The illustrated vertical configuration can include, for example, an attic insulation shield collar 10, a chimney pipe 20, a chimney support 30 having chimney support plate, a connector pipe adapter 40, a pass-through mount bracket 50, a pass-through tube 60 having inward interference bead 62. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a building structure 70, such as existing structure having joists, insulation, etc. Other building structures and applications are contemplated, and would readily be envisaged by those skilled in the art. The illustrated vertical configuration can further include, for example, one or more of a pass-through tube trim plate 80, a pass-through tube insulation 90, and a pass-through tube end cap (non-load bearing) 100. Other vertical configurations and combinations of these and/or other elements are possible.

[0059] With reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, an example of an assembly process for assembling the example arrangement of FIG. 3 will now be described.

[0060] FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of the example arrangement of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4B, the connector pipe adapter 40 can be coupled to one end (i.e., an upstream end) of the chimney support 30. The chimney pipe 20 can be coupled to the other end (i.e., the downstream end) of the chimney support 30.

[0061] An end of the pass-through tube 60 can be inserted through (e.g., penetrate through) an opening in the building structure 70. The mount bracket 50 can be used to secure the pass-through tube 60 to the building structure 70 at an appropriate position of a particular arrangement, configuration, and/or application. As shown in FIG. 4C, after assembly onto the building structure, an end portion of the connector pipe adapter 40 can extend outward from an end of the pass-through tube 60. A location of the inward interference bead 62 along a length of the pass-through tube 60 can determine a distance that the end portion of the connector pipe adapter 40 extends from the end of the pass-through tube 60.

[0062] On the other side (e.g., interior side or upstream side) of the building structure, one or more of the pass-through tube trim plate 80, pass-through tube insulation 90, and pass-through tube end cap (non-load bearing) 100 can be assembled onto the building structure 70 and/or the end of the pass-through tube 60.

[0063] The assembly of the chimney support 30, the connector pipe adapter 40, and the chimney pipe 20 can then be inserted into the pass-through tube 60 such that the chimney support 30, along with the other components coupled thereto, is supported by the pass-through tube 60 from within the pass-through tube 60. In the illustrated example, the pass-through tube 60 can include an inward interference bead 62 projecting radially inward from an interior surface of the pass-through tube 60. The chimney support 30 can include a chimney support plate 32, and wherein the chimney support plate 32 is supported (e.g., entirely supported) by the inward interference bead 62 of the pass-through tube 60 owing to gravity and/or interference between the bead 62 and the plate 32. The order of the assembly process is not limited to the illustrated example, and can be modified depending on the particular application, installation, etc.

[0064] With reference to FIGS. 5-6, an example of a horizontal configuration of a chimney having an exemplary chimney support system, will now be described.

[0065] The illustrated horizontal configuration can include, for example (from right to left), a tee 130 for a chimney (e.g., including a chimney support therein, such as a chimney support similar to the example illustrated in FIGS. 1A-2B to support a chimney pipe, which is not shown in FIGS. 5-6), a tee support bracket 120, a firestop plate 110, a chimney support 30 having a chimney support plate 32 and a separate or integral connector pipe adapter 40, a mount bracket 50, and a pass-through tube 60 having an inward interference bead 62. The mount bracket 50 can be separately formed from, or integrally formed with, the pass-through tube 60.

[0066] FIGS. 5-6 illustrate an example of a building structure 70, such as an existing wall structure. Other building structures and applications are contemplated and would readily be envisaged by those skilled in the art. The illustrated horizontal configuration can further include, for example, one or more of a pass-through tube trim plate 80, a pass-through tube insulation 90, and a pass-through tube end cap (non-load bearing) 100. Other vertical configurations and combinations of these and/or other elements are possible. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an assembled horizontal configuration having the exemplary elements shown in FIG. 5.

[0067] FIG. 7(i)-(iii) illustrate nested packaging configurations of examples of chimney support systems, according to embodiments described herein. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide the ability to efficiently and with less wasted space package embodiments of the invention thereby allowing for improved packing and supply chain management, which can allow for lower shipping costs and other efficiencies. Further, as shown in FIG. 7(i)-(iii), embodiments described herein permit a nested configuration that allows for packaging of all components of a chimney support system in a single box.

[0068] According to embodiments described herein, a pass-through device can include a pass-through tube (e.g., 60) and a chimney support (e.g., 30) disposed within the pass-through tube. The chimney support (e.g., 30) can be supported by the pass-through tube (e.g., 60) and may be supported entirely from within the pass-through tube (e.g., 60).

[0069] According to another exemplary embodiments of the invention, a chimney support system can include a pass-through tube (e.g., 60) having at least a portion configured to penetrate through a building structure (e.g., 70), a chimney support (e.g., 30) disposed within the pass-through tube (e.g., 60) and supported by the pass-through tube (e.g., 60) from within the pass-through tube, the chimney support (e.g., 30) having a first end configured to be coupled to one of an end of a chimney pipe (e.g., 20) and an end of a chimney pipe component (e.g., adapter 40).

[0070] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention can include a pass-through device for a chimney, the pass-through device comprising a pass-through tube (e.g., 60) having at least a portion configured to penetrate through a building structure (e.g., 70), a chimney support (e.g., 30) configured to be coupled to one of an end of a chimney pipe (e.g., 20) and an end of a chimney pipe component (e.g., 40), and means (e.g., 62 or 32 and 62) for supporting the chimney support (e.g., 30) within the pass-through tube (e.g., 60).

[0071] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, are possible from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.