US20020137454A1 - Chimney flue cap and wind diverter - Google Patents

Abstract

This chimney uses the shape of its exterior housing and internal baffles to improve the draw of fireplace and stove chimneys while providing protection against precipitation and foreign objects entering the chimney. It has no moving parts, but the baffle design and exterior shape causes wind from any direction to enter at the bottom and exit from the top enhancing the chimney's draw by creating a vinturi affect. The side baffles shape diverts precipitation from the chimney while the center baffle has a precipitation collection and diversion system. This design avoids down drafts and allows the chimney to function as intended even in high winds.

Description

This application claims the benefits under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to provisional application No. 60/253,262 filed Nov. 27, 2000. Chimney Flue Cap and Wind Diverter is the name of this invention.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• In many homes there may be multiple fireplaces with the chimney flues close together above the roof line. While one fireplace has a fire going the other has a tendency to draw the smoke down into the house, which is referred to as “Back Draft”. This flue cap was designed to prevent this effect. Of course, utilizing this particular flue cover in a single chimney home is ideal as well, given the specialized design attributes.[0001]
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
• This chimney cap uses the shape of its exterior housing and internal baffles to improve the draw of fireplace and stove chimneys while providing protection against precipitation and wind entering the chimney. It has no moving parts, but the baffle design and exterior shape causes wind from any direction to enter at the bottom and exit from the top enhancing the chimney's draw by creating a vinturi affect.[0002]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS;
• On page two of the drawings, figures two and three show part C and the inner portion of part F that are used for the collection and diversion of precipitation. Page three of the drawings show and label all the parts and how they fit together. Page four shows the front, top and side view when put together. Pages five through sixteen show the individual pieces and their dimensions.[0003]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• The side baffle shape diverts precipitation and wind from the chimney while the center baffle has a precipitation collection and diversion system. This design avoids back drafts and allows the chimney to function as intended, even in high winds. It has also been designed to prevent small animals foreign debree and birds from entering the chimney.[0004]
• Most chimney flue covers are just hat covers! Their sides are open for high winds to enter the chimney and create back draft problems. During these high winds, the rain and snow can also enter the chimney. My flue cap and wind diverter has solid aluminum sides that are angles do the wind, rain and snow will be deflected up an away from the flue itself. If the wind happens to enter from the bottom, the internal baffles are designed to increase the draw and divert the wind out through the top.[0005]
• Any metal/aluminum fabrication shop can cut and bend these parts to specification. The boxes for the end product can be obtained from any box manufacturer, given the specifics and dimensions. If the flue cover is built to order, then it can be boxed up along with installation directions and sold using many marketing avenues to various consumers. The product can also be boxed unassembled and sold for consumer assembly at home.[0006]
• My chimney cap is made of our 26 gage aluminum sheeting with specific dimensions and is held together by {fraction (3/16)}″ rivets. Once all the parts have been cut and bent to the correct angles, they can be connected with these rivets. All outer ½″ edges should be folded at a 90-degree angle unless specified. The following is a list of how the parts should be put together, in order.[0007]
• 1. A & B should be connected at the outer edges.[0008]
• 2. Connect parts J & I together.[0009]
• 3. Connect parts H then G on to the top of I.[0010]
• 4. Place part C along the center of G and connect.[0011]
• 5. Place parts A & B on top of C and along the center of G and connect.[0012]
• 6. Connect the interior of parts F to the outside edges of J.[0013]
• 7. Align parts D with parts F and H and connect.[0014]
• 8. Connect parts M & N to parts K & L; (See page[0015]15 of the drawings).
• 9. Connect parts K to A.[0016]
• 10. Connect parts L to F.[0017]
• 11. Connect parts E to parts K, D & L[0018]
• 12. Place on top of the chimney and let rest on the upper inner portions of J& I.[0019]
• 13. Fold back the lower portions of J & I if need be.[0020]
• 14. Place the tightening ban around the lower portion of J & I and secure.[0021]
• The sides of the flue cap are angled so that during winds, the airflow coming up through the flue will increase, instead of allowing smoke to travel back down the chimney. The center of the flue cap is set down approximately 1 ¼″ to prevent backdraft airflow down the flue.[0022]
• See FIGS. 2 & 3. These lips are designed to prevent rain from going down the flue. FIG. 2 shows a portion of part F running the length of the flue itself, 13 inches. If water happens to get inside the cover, this lip, part F, will divert the water to the outside of the flue. FIG. 3 shows part C attached to the lower portion of unit B. When water drips down the side of unit B, it is caught by part C and is diverted to drain through the hole in part H. Jan. 12, 2000[0023]
• The flue cover is designed to include protective screening on all the openings to prevent animals and birds from entering the chimney and causing blockage problems. See the drawings for parts K & L.[0024]
• As you can tell by the drawings, using this flue cover can modify a 12×12 flue opening at 144 Sq. inches to approximately 200 Sq. inches. The Flue cover can also be modified to fit a rectangular or cylindrical flue by modifying parts H, I & J.[0025]
• The flue must extend at least three inches above the chimney for attachment purposes. The upper, inner lip of parts I & J need to rest on top of the flue itself. A tightening band will be placed below the upper two inches of I & J and secured. If need be, the lower portions of parts I & J can be folded back below this band.[0026]

Claims (5)

1. What I claim as my invention is: The following claims are why this Chimney Flue Cap and Wind Diverter are better than any other on the market.

2. What I claim as my invention is: The internal baffle and exterior shape of the chimney flue cap will divert rain, snow and wind from entering the chimney.

3. What I claim as my invention is: The internal baffle and exterior shape of the chimney flue cap will enhance the draw of the chimney while eliminating the down draft.

4. What I claim as my invention is: The flue cap is designed to include protective screening on all openings to prevent animals from entering the chimney.

5. What I claim as my invention is: The flue cap can be made to fit a rectangular or cylindrical flue by modifying parts H, J and I.

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